Lincoln Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2009
PRESENT: Frederick Mansfield, M.D., Chairman
Arnold Weinberg, M.D.
Diane Haessler, R.N.
Elaine Carroll, Secretary
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The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The minutes from the Aug. 5, 2009 meeting were approved with 2 minor corrections. The next scheduled meeting will be October 7, 2009.
Septic System Review:
9 Grasshopper Lane – Bill Murphy of Pureground came before the members representing the owner, Mary Sheldon, to request one variance from the local regulations as follows:
(1) To construct a leaching facility which is not increased by 50% to provide for potential garbage grinder installation whether or not a garbage grinder is initially installed as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.203(2).
Bill Murphy said that this is a small leaching field on the side of the house in groundwater and would not pass Title 5. The variance is requested due to the lot configuration, high groundwater and desire to minimize grading changes and tree loss. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to grant the variance as requested providing that the owner files a deed restriction that prohibits the installation of a garbage grinder. The motion passed 3-0.
198 Concord Road – Tim Hawkey, owner, and Bill Murphy, Pureground, came before the members to request 6 variances/upgrades from the local regulations as follows:
To construct a leaching facility which is not increased by 50% to provide for potential garbage grinder installation whether or not a garbage grinder is initially installed as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.203(2).
Septic components within 100 ft. to a wetland – tank is 82’ and soil absorption system is 76’, as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.211.
Reduction in setback from SAS to lot line from 10 ft to 6 ft as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.405(1)(a).
Reduction in setback from SAS to slab foundation from 10 ft. to 5 ft. as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.405(1)(b).
Reduction in setback from SAS to full foundation from 20 ft. to 17 ft. as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.405(1)(b).
Cover material over components from 36” to 48” as required by local amendment to 310 CMR 15.405(1)(b).
Bill Murphy said that this house has a cesspool under the deck with an additional area. The wetlands have been flagged by a specialist and more variances would be needed in other areas. The abutter at 202 Concord Road has been notified by certified mail because the setback to the lot line is less than 10 feet. There are no increases in bedrooms. The Concord Health Division has reviewed all materials submitted and finds that the system construction is limited at the site due to wetlands, shallow depth to groundwater and topography near the northwestern edge of the property. Also the system, as designed, meets the definition of maximum feasible compliance in 310 CMR 15.404 and recommends approval with conditions. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the
requested variances/upgrades provided that the southern property line is staked in the field prior to the commencement of construction, a Massachusetts Registered Professional Land Survey shall certify the property line on the as-built plans and provided that the owner files a deed restriction that prohibits the installation of a garbage grinder. The motion passed 3-0.
Informal Discussion:
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update – Maureen Richichi, School Nurse, came before the members to update them and to discuss providing seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines at a flu clinic at the school. She has to register now for any additional seasonal flu and any H1N1 flu vaccines. The schools from the Towns of Lincoln and Sudbury and Lincoln Sudbury High School are trying to see how they could get together to see what the schools could do. She said part of the Town’s allotted seasonal flu vaccine was too cold and needed to be returned. She has since received the 200 doses and they are still viable. There will be an additional 90 doses coming from the State. DPH is looking for the schools to take on some of the burden of vaccinating students. Dr. Weinberg feels it isn’t a
good idea since 95% of the students have pediatricians and have a relationship with them and should go to their own doctor. The H1N1 vaccine may be only one dose instead of two but not sure when it will be ready. There will be a school open house next week and she will be doing a survey of who will go to their own doctor and who might come to a school clinic. The Federal Government is taking on any risk with the vaccine, which means that the towns will carry no liability. Maureen said she may hold a clinic for the students who need it and she would get the parents’ permission for the nasal mist for H1N1. Dr. Weinberg saw a potential problem with a live vaccine in nasal form. Maureen said the Board of Health in Sudbury has ordered the H1N1 nasal mist. Dr. Weinberg said he would check this out and get back to the members. Maureen said the Supt. feels that if they don’t offer it and there is an epidemic, they will be
criticized for not doing something. Brent Reagor said at the LEPC meeting that Lincoln has already received some money with additional money possible, which could be used to hire nurses for the clinic. Maureen said at the present time there is no plan to vaccinate Hanscom students because the military concentrates on active military first. Dr. Weinberg will check with MIT Lincoln Lab to see if they would be able to accommodate Hanscom students. Dr. Weinberg also said he is meeting with Chief Cotoni about writing an article for the paper and setting up a website. The H1N1 main target is 5 – 24 years of age and is relatively benign with 65 and older adults. After the discussion it was decided that Maureen would send out a letter saying that students should get vaccinated by their own doctor but the school is thinking of providing vaccine for those who have no other option. Anyone with underlying medical problems should go to their
own doctor. The members decided to keep the COA flu clinic on October 24. Maureen asked if she could immunize the Public Safety in early October for seasonal flu and the members said this would be okay. Maureen will keep the members informed. Dr. Mansfield received a letter from a concerned parent and he will respond by telling her the LEPC, School Board and Board of Health are working on this but basically the H1N1 flu is here now.
Donelan’s Market – The members reviewed a letter from Donelan’s to Stan Sosnicki addressing many health issues and going over the steps they are doing to correct them. Stan is on vacation this week but when he returns he will make another site visit to check on their progress.
Eliot Community Human Services – The members reviewed the latest report from Eliot. After a brief discussion, a motion was made and seconded to renew the contract for another year expiring on June 30, 2010 for $5,000. The motion passed 3-0. Dr. Mansfield signed the contract and it will be sent to Eliot for their signature.
Communicable Disease Reports – The members reviewed the latest reports from the State, including several for Lyme disease.
East Middlesex Mosquito Control – Dr. Weinberg said he should be able to attend the Oct. 13 meeting of EMMC. There have been reports of West Nile virus in Brookline, Waltham and Cambridge and New Hampshire and EEE has been detected in mosquitoes in NH and Sudbury.
Bills Paid – Three bills were paid: Town of Lexington - $491.51 for July Haz. Waste Day; $2,575.00 for East Middlesex Mosquito Control and Moore Medical for $103.27 for flu clinic supplies.
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There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine M. Carroll
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