Town of Hingham
Board of Health Meeting
A regular meeting of the Hingham Board of Health (the Board) was held in the South Central Hearing Room, 210 Central St. Hingham, Massachusetts.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. White at 7:05pm.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Stephan White, Chairman
Peter Bickford, Member
Kirk Shilts, D.C., Member
STAFF PRESENT
Bruce Capman, R.S., Executive Health Officer
AGENDA
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board the meeting’s posted agenda.
Thereafter, the agenda was accepted with additions.
SEPTIC SYSTEM VARIANCE REQUEST
2 LITTLE PINE TRAIL
The Board reviewed a homeowner request for variances from the Hingham Supplemental (septic) regulations relative to a proposed sewage disposal system expansion (new construction).
Homeowner: Jeffrey Mann
The Board reviewed the following documents:
- Report from Mr. Capman dated 10/5/10.
- Letter from Mr. Mann dated 10/24/10
The Board discussed the following issues:
- This application is a continuance from the October 20th 2010 meeting.
- The Board discussed with the homeowner where his proposal appears to create its own regulatory hardship.
- Mr. Mann stated that other than having an additional bedroom within his house for resale value, he had no intention to increase the footprint or square foot area of his house.
- Mr. Mann agreed to place a deed restriction on the property where any subsequent owner would need to come before the BoH should they (or he) wish to increase the size of this residence.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To grant two (2) Variances from the Hingham Supplemental (septic) Rules and Regulations sections VI.9, & VI.12(a); conditional on the six (6) conditions outlined in Mr. Capman’s 10/5/10 report; and conditional on the homeowner registering a deed restriction on the property requiring a BoH review for any future proposed expansion to the existing dwelling.
HINGHAM HEALTH DEPARTMENT
HEALTH AGENT INTERVIEWS
The Board prepared to interview three candidates for the open position of Hingham Health Agent.
The Board met with Ms. Susan Rowe.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED;
To enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to MGL c. 39, § 23B (8) at 7:28pm for a period of approximately fifteen (15) minutes, to hold an initial candidate screening for employment.
* members in favor: Bickford, Shilts & White
Open meeting resumed at 7:51pm
The Board met with Mr. Gary Russell
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED;
To enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to MGL c. 39, § 23B (8) at 7:52pm for a period of approximately fifteen (15) minutes, to hold an initial candidate screening for employment.
* members in favor: Bickford, Shilts & White
Open meeting resumed at 8:11pm
The Board met with Mr. Steven Nelson.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED;
To enter into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to MGL c. 39, § 23B (8) at 8:12pm for a period of approximately fifteen (15) minutes, to hold an initial candidate screening for employment.
* members in favor: Bickford, Shilts & White
Open meeting resumed at 8:28pm
DEFINITIVE SUBDIVISION APPLICATION
987 MAIN STREET, SPRAGUE COURT
The Board reviewed an application to establish a new definitive subdivision.
Applicant spokesperson: Gary James.
The Board reviewed the following documents:
- Report from Mr. Capman dated 11/9/10
- Letter from Mr. James dated 10/27/10
- Copy of MGL ch. 41 § 81U
The Board discussed the following issues:
- The proposal is a complete revision of a previous submission that was voted upon by the Board on 9/22/10.
- The current plan is for a two-lot subdivision, defining a new 38,158 sq. ft. rear lot and a new 30,264 sq. ft. front lot. The front lot includes an existing 4-bedroom residence.
- The plan appears to create its own regulatory hardship where the proposed new front lot would not be able to support the existing 4-bedroom residence, but only septic flows from a 2-bedroom residence.
- The proposed new rear lot would be able to support septic flows for up to a 3-bedroom residence.
- The applicant acknowledged the above-issues and suggested the Hingham Supplemental (septic) regulations section VI.8 could be better clarified relative to his understanding the regulation.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To approve the proposed ‘Sprague Court’ definitive subdivision at 987 Main St. based on plans dated 2/4/10, revised 10/24/10, and include a notice that the new ‘front lot’ as currently proposed, would only be able to accept septic flows of 220gpd or less.
IRRIGATION WELL VARIANCE
20 BAKER HILL DRIVE
The Board reviewed a homeowner request for variances from the Hingham Private Water Supply Regulations.
Applicant spokesperson: David Gooley
The Board reviewed the following documents:
- Report from Mr. Capman dated 11/16/10
- Letter from Mr. Dennis Ryan dated 11/15/10
The Board discussed the following issues:
- The proposal requests to reduce by 40%, the required set-back of a non-potable well from the property line.
- Mr. Gooley admitted that postal notification standards were not met regarding this application.
Thereafter, the Board took no action on this application deemed incomplete.
EXECUTIVE HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT:
- Hingham Board of Health, Town Comparables
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board various town comparables for certain (2010) permit fees and 2009 Health Dept. Expenditures.
- Hingham Board of Health, FY2012 Budget
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board the breakdown of compensation for each Health Dept. employee position, including the open Health Agent position which the Board previously decided to reduce from 35-hours to 30-hours per week.
Mr. Capman reviewed Hingham’s 2012 state funding allowance for Emergency Preparedness.
Mr. Capman discussed the unexpected vehicle fuel usage savings that coincided with and followed termination of the prior Health Agent.
Finally, Mr. Capman reviewed his 2012 budget report, which outlined a 2.5% reduction in expenditures compared to the previous year.
- Government Study Committee
Mr. Capman reviewed with the Board his 11-page reply to the Government Study Committee’s inquiry, which included recommendations for digitizing required Health Dept. files, establishing on-line application and fee payment services, creating an innovative on-line system for tracking various types of town permits and describing their step-by-step processes, and changing town government operations from the current 4 ½-day schedule to a slightly longer day, 4-day work week.
HINGHAM HEALTH DEPARTMENT
HEALTH AGENT POSITION
Mr. Capman discussed potential next steps for selecting a new Health Agent.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To hire Ms. Susan Rowe for the position of Hingham Health Agent.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of the 10/20/10 public meeting.
Thereafter, a Motion was made by Dr. Shilts and Seconded by Mr. Bickford and it was VOTED (unanimous);
To approve the minutes of October 20, 2010 as amended.
SCHEDULING
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 6:30pm
ADJOURNMENT
The November 17, 2010 meeting of the Hingham Board of Health adjourned at 10:34pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kirk Shilts, D.C.
Hingham Board of Health