Town of Hingham
Board of Health Meeting
MAY 28, 2009
A posted meeting of the Hingham Board of Health (the Board) was held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, in the South Hearing Room, 210 Central St. Hingham, Massachusetts.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Bickford at 6:04pm.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Peter Bickford, Chairman
Kirk Shilts, D.C., Member
Stephan White, Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Bruce Capman, R.S., Executive Health Officer
AGENDA:
Mr. Capman reviewed the draft agenda for the meeting.
Thereafter, the agenda for the meeting was accepted with additions.
TOWN OF HINGHAM, BOARD OF HEALTH:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Mr. Capman revisited with the Board the issue of selecting Green Environmental as the Board’s engineering consultant for the upcoming three-year term from 6/1/09 through 5/31/12.
The Board reviewed the following documents:
• BoH public meeting minutes 4/16/09 (draft copy)
• BoH public meeting minutes 4/23/09 (draft copy)
• Letter from Mr. Paul Brogna dated 4/26/09
• Copy of a letter from Mr. Capman to Ms. Turcotte dated 4/27/09
• Correspondence from Jennifer Turcotte of Green Environmental Inc. dated 5/12/09
The following issues were discussed:
• Allegation that Green Environmental submitted an proper (incomplete) application at last month’s RFP process. Specifically, the Exhibit D Subcontractor Identification Form within Green Environmental’s 4/13/09 application was not filled out relative to two independent subcontractors, Mr. John Hannon, PE of Mayflower Engineering and Mr. Jeffrey Youngquist, PLS who are retained by Green Environmental.
• Mr. Capman stated that the failure of Green Environmental to complete this form with their application was not a “fatal” flaw to accepting a RFP application. He said that failing to submit a RFP by an imposed deadline would be an example of a fatal error and legitimate reason to exclude that particular RFP from consideration. Mr. Capman added that Hingham town counsel verbally confirmed this understanding regarding these two types of errors within the RFP process.
• Mr. Capman said that it was reasonable to conclude that the Board obtained the pertinent information that the Exhibit D form addresses the during the Board’s questioning of Ms. Turcotte on May 16th and on May 23rd. Mr. Capman stated that it was within the Board’s prerogative to accept an RFP application within a format and content that the Board believes sufficient.
• Mr. White added that he specifically inquired about the W2 (employee) vs. 1099 (independent contractor) status of these employees and was comfortable with Ms. Turcotte’s answer.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. White and Seconded by Dr. Shilts and it was VOTED;
To affirm the selection of Green Environmental as consulting engineer for the Hingham BoH for a term from 6/1/09 through 5/31/12.
*members in favor: White & Bickford
*members opposed: Shilts
VARIANCE REQUEST:
THE MEADOWS CONDOMINIUM TRUST
1 Floret Circle
The Board received and reviewed a request from Bob Boyle, superintendent of The Meadows asking for a variance to the Town of Hingham and state regulations that require a lifeguard to be on duty when operating a public or semi-public swimming pool.
The Board reviewed the following documents:
• Correspondence from Mr. Boyle dated 5/1/09
• Copy of the Board’s disposition for a similar request from last year, dated 6/19/08
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. White and Seconded by Dr. Shilts and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To grant a Variance to the Town of Hingham Pool Regulations excusing the requirement, through the last day of 2009, that a lifeguard must be on duty for the Meadows Condominium Trust swimming pool and in-ground hot tub.
VARIANCE REQUEST:
BLACK ROCK COUNTRY CLUB
The Board received and reviewed a request from Ronald Schram of the Black Rock Country Club asking for a variance to the Town of Hingham and state regulations that require a lifeguard to be on duty when operating a public or semi-public swimming pool.
The Board reviewed the following document:
• Correspondence from Mr. Schram dated 4/20/09
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. White and Seconded by Dr. Shilts and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To grant a Variance to the Town of Hingham Pool Regulations excusing the requirement, through the last day of 2009, that a lifeguard must be on duty for the Black Rock Country Club “Adult Only Pool” swimming pool.
MINUTES:
The Board reviewed the minutes from the April 16, 2009 meeting.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. White and Seconded by Dr. Shilts and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To approve the public minutes of April 16, 2009.
The Board reviewed the minutes from the April 23, 2009 meeting.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. White and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To approve, as amended, the public minutes of April 23, 2009.
EXECUTIVE HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT:
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dept. of Public Health
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board a 5/26/09 letter from Ron O’Connor, the Southeast/MetroWest regional director concerning a request to meet with Mr. Capman regarding mutual concerns.
• Town of Hingham Emergency Preparedness Seminar
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board the town-wide seminar that will include all of the pertinent Hingham town services department heads is scheduled for 6/11/09 from 9am-2pm at the Central Hingham Fire Station. He mentioned that a tabletop exercise involving a mock influenza pandemic will also be discussed. Dr. Shilts will represent the elected BoH at this seminar.
• Hingham Farmer’s Market
Mr. Capman mentioned that Farmer’s Market food vender permits have nearly doubled comparative to last year, which he attributes to an effect of the declining economy.
• South Shore Boards of Health Collaborative, Tobacco Control Program
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board a 5/26/09 memorandum from Elizabeth Nee of the SSBoHC that of the twelve Hingham tobacco sales establishments checked for age compliance relative to chew tobacco, there were NO improper sales.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Mr. Bickford asked for nominations for Board chairman for the 2009/10 one-year term.
Thereafter, a MOTION was made by Mr. Bickford and Seconded by Mr. White and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To nominate Dr. Shilts as Board chairman for the upcoming year.
Where no additional nominations were presented, Dr. Shilts will serve as Board chairman for the 2009/10 term.
SCHEDULING:
The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 6pm.
ADJOURNMENT:
The May 28, 2009 meeting of the Hingham Board of Health adjourned at 7:14pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kirk Shilts, D.C.
Hingham Board of Health