HomeMy Public PortalAboutMar 08 BOH MinutesBOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
March 19, 2008
Council Chambers, Administration Building
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Straus called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: Dr. Carl Brownsberger, Dr. John Straus, Steven Ward, Kristel Bennett, Mark
Waksmonski, and Michael Cabral Esq.
Minute Review: The Board of Health reviewed the minutes of February 20, 2008. Dr.
Brownsberger made a motion to accept the minutes of February 20, 2008. Dr. Straus
seconded the motion, and all were in favor.
100 Warren Street: Kristel Bennett informed the Board that this case had been
withdrawn due to compliance with the State Sanitary code. Mark Waksmonski went onto
outline the sanitary history at 100 Warren Street, and described the process which led to
the Administrative Hearing. Mr. Waksmonski presented information on the current
condition of the dwelling unit and stating the violations no longer exist.
266 Belmont Street, Unit #2, Administrative Hearing: Kristel Bennett updated the Board
on the status of the condemnation at 266 Belmont Street, Unit #2. Dr. Straus made a
motion to sustain the condemnation order of the Board's decision on January 14, 2008,
due to non-compliance with the order letter dated November 8, 2007. Dr. Brownsberger
seconded the motion, and all were in favor.
100 Dexter Avenue: Kristel Bennett informed the Board that this was an emergency
condemnation to vacate and secure the dwelling at 100 Dexter Avenue, Unit 1, 2, and 3.
Mark Waksmonski outlined the sanitary history at 100 Dexter Avenue and described the
outstanding sanitary code violations. Arthur and Joseph Papazian, represented the
owners of 100 Dexter Avenue, and updated the Board on the progress that has been made
to abate the sanitary violations. After some discussion, Dr. Brownsberger made a motion
to ratify the order of condemnation at 100 Dexter Avenue, Unit 1, 2 and 3. Dr. Straus
seconded the motion. All were in favor.
78 Main Street, Apartment 8: Mark Waksmonski outlined the sanitary code history at 78
Main Street, Unit 8 and described the outstanding sanitary code violations against Ms.
Darcelle Lavalley, the tenant of 78 Main Street, Unit 8. The tenant, Darcelle Lavalley,
was present for the condemnation hearing and presented information on the condition of
78 Main Street, Unit 8. After some discussion, Dr. Brownsberger made a motion to issue
a condemnation order to vacate and secure the dwelling unit within 14 days of the
hearing. Dr. Straus seconded the motion, and all were in favor.
Sushi 21: Kristel Bennett updated the Board on the status of the suspension of the permit
to operate a food establishment. After some discussion, Dr. Brownsberger made a
motion to sustain the decision of the November 14, 2007 hearing to continue the
suspension. of Sushi 21's Permit to Operate a Food Establishment for serious and
repeated violations of the State Sanitary code Chapter X 105 CMR 590.000. The
suspension shall remain in effect until all violations listed in the order letter dated
November 14, 2007 are corrected. The Boards noted that Sushi 21 is in the process of
selling the business to Super Fusion and the Watertown Health Department is currently in
the Plan Review process. Dr. Straus seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Arsenal Lobby Shop: Kristel Bennett presentedtheplan review documentation for
Arsenal Lobby Shop located at 311 Arsenal Street. Mrs. Bennett informed the Board that
Mr. Dadvik Raha was representing Arsenal Lobby Shop and requesting a Retail Food
Establishment Food Establishment Permit and Tobacco Sales and Location Permit. Mrs.
Bennett informed the board that the applicant is seeking a variance for a three bay sink
and grease since there is no food preparation, only sale of prepackaged food. Dr.
Brownsberger made a motion to approve the issuance of a 2008 Retail Food and Tobacco
Sales and Location permit to Arsenal Lobby Shop, and to grant a variance from the
requirements of a grease trap and 3 bay sink under Food Code 5-402.10. Food code 5-
402.133 states that food establishment drainage systems, including grease traps, that
convey sewage shall be designed and installed as specified under ¶ 5-202,11 (A) which
states a plumbing system shall be designed, constructed, and installed according to law.
The reasons for granting the variance are as follows: No food preparation, sale of
prepackages food only. The variance, as specified under 105 CMR 590.010 (11)(1)(2)
shall be null and void in the event of: a) change in ownership, b) menu change, and c)
renovation or remodeling. Dr. Straus seconded the motion. All were in favor.
160-162 Arsenal Street: Steven Ward presented the docinnentation submitted to the
Board of Health concerning the YRT Corp connection to the Town of Watertown's sewer
system. After much discussion, Dr. Brownsberger made a motion to table this matter
until the April 16, 2008 Board of health meeting. The Board also discussed plans
submitted are incomplete since they did not list the detail of the sewer connection to 160-
162 Arsenal Street including, but not limited to the following items: location of
bathroom, potable water (hot & cold) connection, and oil and water separator. The Board
also questioned the status of decommissioning the Clivus toilet. The Board requested the
approval of all involved department prior to the next Board of Health meeting on April
16, 2008. Dr. Straus seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Massage Regulations: Steven Ward updated the Board about the new state regulations
regarding massage therapy licensure. The Board discussed the option of not regulating
therapists and possibly rescinding the massage regulations. After further discussion, Dr.
Brownsberger made a motion to table the decision to rescind the massage regulations
until the next Board of Health meeting, so that the Health Department may be able to
research surrounding communities current massage regulations. Dr. Straus seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
Next Meeting Date: April 16, 2008
Adjourn: 10:30 PM
Minutes: Submitted by Steven J. Ward