Board of Health Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Ground Floor Conference Room
Senior Center, 27 Maple Street
5:15pm
Board Members in Attendance: Dr. Marie Walsh Condon, Mr. Gregory Leonardos and Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick (Chair)
Staff in Attendance: Christine Sharkey, Director of Health and Human Services, Natasha Thorne, Health Inspector, Joseph Carabello, Health Inspector, Mary Ann Jacobs, Secretary
March 4, 2009 meeting minutes accepted as written.
II. HEARING: Sweet Sue’s
The owner, Susan Watts, was present at the meeting to discuss an inspection report dated February 10, 2009, showing (9) critical violations of the Food Code. On September 10, 2008, this restaurant was placed on a one-year probation for critical and repeat violations of the 1999 Food Code. Therefore, starting immediately, re-inspections will be conducted and Sweet Sue’s will be required to pay the mandatory $100 re-inspection fee within fourteen (14) days of issue. The BOH expects the establishment to correct all violations on time. Failure to meet all the above will result in a hearing with the BOH to discuss suspension and/or revocation of their food permit.
PRESENTATION: Pam Callaway, Town Meeting Member, Article 12:
ZONING BY LAW AMENDMENT: KEEPING OF HENS
Present at the meeting: Kathleen Leavey, Veterinarian at City Cats, Arlington, Patsy Kramer, 85 Columbia Road, and David Levy, Town Meeting Member Precinct 21.
Ms. Callaway gave a presentation of the benefits of allowing chickens in Arlington. Ms. Calloway showed several pictures in surrounding towns and the success they have had in allowing residents to keep chickens. This issue will be on the Town Meeting agenda and includes a change in Zoning Laws, which requires the approval of 2/3’s of town meeting members present in order to pass. If a change in zoning law is approved, a vote on the proposed bylaw change put forth in Article 12: ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT/KEEPING OF HENS must then be taken.
The Board of Health has voted unanimously against supporting the article for several reasons, routine inspections (need to have more inspectors), concern for disease, odor issues, attracting rodents and other animals, and most importantly, the density of the population in Arlington is too great to sustain chicken areas and not create problems with neighbors.
UPDATE: Variance Request – Daniel Abramovich, 14 Rhinecliff Street
This variance was initially discussed at the March 4, 2009, Board Meeting concerning the installation of a new short-depth toilet which Mr. Abramovich would like to install in his home. This short-depth toilet is not permitted under state code and the Building Inspector was not in favor of the Board of Health providing a letter of support for a variance, therefore, the letter of support for the variance was turned down by the Board.
V. PRESENTATION: Swine Flu
The H1N1 (swine) flu has put the health community into action. The Mass Department of Public Health has held two conference calls with local boards of health and the schools. The Arlington Health Department hosted a presentation for all local emergency planning partners to review the local plans for response to local cases. All emergency medical preparation has been put into action now that the pandemic alert is 5. The State has also established a “211” telephone number and it is being staffed 24 hours per day to answer all questions and concerns people have. The local TV and radio stations have carried the message of prevention as the key to containing this H1N1 flu outbreak
UPDATE: Town Meeting
The Town Meeting will begin on April 29th and the Board of Health will have an article concerning regulations of mobile food vendors. There is growing concern regarding ice cream trucks stopping too close to schools and at the reservoir recreation area. The article calls for stricter guidelines and rigorous enforcement of the guidelines. The Department has also submitted a warrant article with the Police and Manager’s Office to establish a $300 fine for the public consumption of marijuana.
UPDATE: Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition
The Coalition is preparing to send surveys to high and middle school parents and, at the same time, working on a logo.
Restaurant Updates
Tsnuami Sushi is remodeling and will reopen as a Turkish restaurant with a new name and menu. It will be called Pasha and is located at the same address 669A Mass Ave. The Capitol Theater is remodeling and opening an ice cream parlor which will open in May.
The next Board of Health Meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2009 at 5:15 pm .
Adjourn
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