Town of North Andover, MA - 12-18-08 BOH Minutes

Present: Thomas Trowbridge; Frank MacMillan, Anne Brennan; Larry Fixler; Joseph McCarthy; Susan Sawyer; Michele Grant; Debra Rillahan; Pamela DelleChiaie

Wood Burning Moratorium – The Outdoor Wood Burning Regulations will be published in the North Andover Citizen tomorrow, December 19, 2008. Effective upon publication, the Moratorium will be null and void, and replaced by the current regulations. Approved on unanimous vote of board.

Ms. Grant spoke in general regarding trash trucks. Mr. Thomson of Northside Carting spoke on his own behalf. He is applying for permits and placards. Northside Carting is the only waste hauler located in Town, and he has traditionally received a fee waiver. Mr. Thomson stated that he added more vehicles for municipal collection. Northside Carting currently has 44 placards, 20 all road, 14 Route 114 and 10 for Route 133.

A discussion ensued regarding the need for due dates to be met for the application to be in, which was November 24^th. There was also backup information required, such as all the routes taken, days trucks are in and out of Town, and how many. We need to take a close look at the trucks that go through the Town, and limit it, based on the route. Without the proper information for review, it is difficult to make a decision.

Mr. Thomson stated that he does not agree to giving out his customer records. He thinks this is confidential. Mr. Thomson was reminded that the Health Department issues all dumpster permits in Town, and keeps a record of the dumpster companies that provide service to each dumpster.

Dr. Trowbridge referred to last years’ situation when the Health Department did not have all the information from Northside Carting until the day before. Deadline submissions cannot be at the convenience of Northside Carting, or any other companies. There are established deadlines for a reason, and this must be respected for all who have deadlines.

Ms. Sawyer stated that there was one violation issued this year. Mr. Thomson stated that the violation was ultimately dismissed by the court.

Dr. MacMillan made a motion to approve the permitting of the number of trucks that Mr. Thomson needs. Mr. McCarthy seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Dr. MacMillan asked Mr. Thomson what he would request as a board action. Mr. Thomson requested that the NAPD be notified that there will be a delay in issuing permits to Northside Carting, until the Board of Health makes a decision at the January 2009 meeting.

Dr. Trowbridge stated that on February 12, 2008, the day before the February Board of Health meeting, Northside submitted a stack of information for application review.

Will there be a deferral to the January meeting? The Board agrees that Ms. Grant needs an opportunity to review the information. The Board will discuss numbers at the January meeting. Ms. Grant agreed that she could review the information by the January meeting.

Ms. Grant discussed the trash truck review process. There were 9 or 10 companies who have not responded by the required deadline to allow enough time to review applications. A multitude of phone calls went out reminding companies that backup information was needed, or to come and pick up their permits and placards.

In the coming year, outstanding tickets are going to be taken out of misdemeanors, and changed to a criminal record. Complete Waste Corp. on the South Shore did not respond. The driver was pulled over during the year, and was advised to get permitted. Sometimes companies sell out to another company through the year, so things change on the list. Some companies run their own facilities, and some contract out to larger companies. Ms. Grant also needs to know who the contractors are.

Empire Recycling showed up at the office at 5:30 this evening. They had two outstanding tickets. Ms. Grant called this company today and advised them that the tickets would go criminal if they did not respond by today. For 2009, the Health Department is not issuing permits or placards if the information is not submitted properly. Empire Recycling paid for two violations at Town Hall this evening before coming to the Health Department. They have now submitted their application, which now needs review. Sons of Kristoff will be ticketed, as nothing has been received. Everyone referred to Ms. Grant’s very detailed spreadsheet for up to date statistics on the permitting process.

Mr. Thomson revised his number of requested placards to 16 for all roads, 6 for Route 133, and 6 for Route 114 for a total of 28, down from 44 placards for 2008. This number will be valid until January 22^,2009.

Dr. MacMillan made a motion that Mr. Thomson of Northside Carting should indeed pay the full fee of $100.00 per placard, and no waiver should be allowed. Mr. Fixler seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Mr. MacMillan made a motion to allow the number of requested placards until the January 22^nd Board of Health Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. McCarthy. All were in favor.

Ms. Grant noted again that she needs to receive the application and fee, as well as all the backup information by Friday or Monday. This will need to be issued by the Town on Tuesday, as the first of the year begins the new permits and placards.

Dr. Trowbridge asked about what else the Health Department needs. Mr. Thomson asked about Integrated Paper. Ms. Grant will give them the option to request a waiver or pay in full. This is an issue of being equal among the applicants. It is not a punitive action to remove the fee reduction. This is stating that everyone pays the same. Ms. Grant has permits and placards for this company, and they are just waiting for a motion on the issue of Northside Carting. If Northside were to have a fee reduction, they would also likely request it. If not, they are willing to pay the full amount. They are just waiting to see what motion was determined for Northside Carting first.