Alvin Johnson’s first meeting in many years as a member of the Marion Board of Health coincided with long-awaited news of improvements at previously troublesome residences on Pitcher Street.
In reporting to the board on behalf of absent acting Health Agent Bob Ethier, Public Health Director Lori Desmarais told the board that the cars at 33 Pitcher Street are gone and the yard has been cleaned up. At 28 Pitcher Street, ongoing house and garage work was expected to be completed this week.
Happy to get 33 Pitcher Street “off the books,” Board of Health Chairman Dr. John Howard said that since the board had canceled a requested, in-person meeting with the property owner at 28 Pitcher Street, the board would give the owner some choices for next steps in correspondence with the town. Neighbors, Howard noted, are no longer complaining.
Desmarais’ news at 464 Front Street was also positive. After several visits, she reported, most issues have been resolved and work completed, including repairs from a tree that fell on the roof.
Finally, no violations were noted regarding the retention pond at Little Neck Village.
Septic updates were also disseminated by Desmarais.
In addressing the septic upgrade at 664 Mill Street, Desmarais said the matter was sent to Barnstable-based, contracted engineer George Heufelder for his review. She said she would also reach out to Rick Charon to clarify that the septic installation should be according to a residential facility.
Remembering the address during a prior case years ago, Johnson called the property a “very wet area” and recalled that a printing business had been on the location. “They never found any nitrogen in the groundwater,” he noted.
The residence at 278A Delano Road has met the board’s conditions, and the town has reviewed the as-built plans with a favorable outcome.
The application at East Avenue was also sent to Heufelder, and Desmarais said she reached out to Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering on the morning of the meeting. Desmarais was waiting on Grady to send a revised plan regarding the nitrogen.
Updating a Notice of Non-Compliance at 570 Front Street, the owners have been notified that they either have to connect to town sewer or maintain the existing septic system, but neither is happening, according to Desmarais’ report. Building Commissioner Bob Grillo reached out, and Desmarais left a message without response. The betterment for the sewer connection has been paid, and Department of Public Works Interim Director Becky Tilden indicated that the $10,000 septic-installation fee would be waived.
Eight food inspections need to be performed.
Marion’s attempt to hire a new part-time (19 hours per week) health agent had not achieved result by the October 20 meeting. Desmarais told the board she planned to consult with acting Town Administrator Judy Mooney regarding next steps.
In her Public Health Director Update, Desmarais reported 41 COVID-19 cases for September and 29 through October 20. She noted, however, that home testing does not register among reportable numbers.
COVID tests are available, she said, at the Cushing Community Center and other town locations.
Marion conducted seven vaccine clinics including flu shots and COVID boosters. On Monday, the town held a flu-vaccine clinic. Desmarais is also working with Stop & Shop to hold a Pfizer booster clinic at Little Neck Village. Marion has administered 350 flu shots and 55 COVID boosters.
Home visits and Community EMS efforts in Marion are focused on fall-risk assessment and taking stock of grab bars, floor surfaces, the condition of homes’ smoke detectors and lock boxes to avoid the potential need to break down front doors. They are also referring residents to Coastline Elderly Services.
In other action, the board voted to appoint Johnson as clerk.
Early in the meeting, Johnson was welcomed aboard by Howard, who noted Johnson’s vast experience and ability to help the board move forward. Board member Dr. Ed Hoffer attended the meeting via Zoom.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, at 4:00 pm.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo