City of Methuen - Methuen Board of Health Meeting

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 6:30 PM

Quinn Building-Sanborn Hall Agenda

Present:   Jeanine Lorenzo, Member, Dr. Sudarshan Chatterjee MD, Member, Brian J. LaGrasse, Public Health Director  

Call to Order:  Ms. Jeanine Lorenzo called the Board of Health meeting to order at 6:45 P.M.  

New Business: 

Scott’s Auto and Truck Service-Article 16 Application

Scott LaTulippe, 50 Sawyer Drive owner of Scott’s Auto and Truck Service, is looking for a variance for 8 Marshall Street.   Mr. Brian LaGrasse stated it is a pre-existing business and already has a permit for a noisome trade for the auto repair shop.   All Mr. LaTulippe is doing is transferring the business name from the old to the new.   Ms. Lorenzo stated you plan to keep the business, as it has been to date.  The reason being abutters have brought forth concerns regarding unregistered vehicles and junked cars parked on the grass.  Mr. LaTulippe said it is an auto repair and not an auto body shop and all the cars are to be removed and the area is to be cleaned up.  There is no painting or spray booth on site.   Mr. LaGrasse has no complaints about it on file.  Obviously, there has been complaints in the past but not voiced to the health department.  Zoning officer has no complaints too.  Ms. Lorenzo mentions the concerns about the abutter’s.  Mr. LaGrasse mentioned they completed the criteria according to the Health Department and Article 16.   

Scott LaTulippe’s Discussion

Mr. LaTulippe has run his business for fifteen years.  His vehicles are never unattended.  He will keep the lots clean.    Neighbors are stating they are leaving vehicles parked outside the premises.  He stated they don’t leave vehicles outside.  Mr. LaTulippe stated he has complied with all permits.   His business is opened Mondays thru Fridays from 8AM until 5PM and Saturdays from 8AM until 12PM.  Closed on Sundays.   Ms. Lorenzo mentioned the concerns of the abutters about towing cars and trucks.  She asks if he will have tow trucks bring vehicles to the facility.  He responded, yes.  They will use the lot across the street or put them inside the facility.  Mr. LaGrasse mentioned the junked vehicles should be parked in a lot or in the garage.  He continued saying the “for sale cars” are being parked out in the street.  Mr. LaTulippe will not sell vehicles at this moment.  Mr. LaGrasse concerned about the tire storage at the facility.  The owner responded they would be no tire storage.   Ms. Lorenzo asked who will be responsible for picking up the tires?  Mr. LaTulippe stated the previous owners.   Mr. LaTulippe will take care of the tires and the junk vehicles.   

Abutter’s Discussion

Ms. Connie Stella, 5 Waldo Street concerns were vehicles being parked on both sides of the street.  She can’t see because of numerous vehicles parked on the street.  Vehicles have trouble coming down the street.  It is too much traffic for the children coming out of school.   Mr. LaGrasse mentioned that if you have health concerns or issues please contact the health department.  Also, mentioned the owner will fix his business.  It will look much better.  He will work with the owner in solving the problem.   

Mr. Eric Bechard, 9 Marshall Street is concerned about how business is looking and too much traffic on the street.  He lives across from the repair shop.  Mr. Bechard mentioned when the previous owner bought the business it was opened two to three days a week.  Now, the business is opened for five days a week, which has doubled the amount of traffic on Marshall Street.   Mr. Bechard continued saying the place looks like a junkyard pile.  Mr. LaGrasse mentioned how many vehicles are there is up to the Zoning Department.  If vehicles are leaking contact the Health Department.  The police department handles traffic issues.  The health department does not enforce the traffic issues.  You need to contact the right people.   

Mr. Michael Beshara, 6 Reservoir Street remembers having the business opened in the 1940’s.  During that time, Methuen had no zoning laws.  The business stayed in the family.  It was fine. The business is leaving the family name.  He stated it is time to rescind the business property to revert to the residential property it was once intended for in the first place.    As the Board, Ms. Jeanine Lorenzo commented if anyone here or if you know of someone who has suffered any health problems due to the business being in the neighborhood.  No one mentioned anything.   Mr. LaGrasse asked Mr. LaTulippe about having a 21 E done on the property.  Mr. LaTulippe replied he has done the 21 E.  Mr. LaGrasse asked for a copy to quickly glance over it.  Mr. LaTulippe submitted a copy to Mr. LaGrasse.   Ms. Lorenzo mentioned the concern amount of the noise could cause issues.  One abutter spoke up and stated the trucks go up and down on the street all the time.  The noise isn’t the problem it is the lights and tires.  Basically, it is the nuisance on how the property owner has kept it up.    Ms. Lorenzo made a motion to grant the application.  The members seconded the motion.  Motion carried.   Ms. Lorenzo mentioned to owners keep to your promises to your new neighbors.  The owners thanked the board.  Everyone exited the room.     

Code Enforcement Officer-CDBG Grant Application

Mr. Brian LaGrasse started the discussion in saying they are in the process of working on the application for this coming July.   This is a grant position for Heidi Conlon, the code enforcement officer.  The grant money the city received is $600,000.  One part is for the code enforcement position.  This consists cleaning up the Arlington neighborhood and target area.  Mr. LaGrasse mentioned they are almost done with the grant.  It should be within this week.  He continued saying this is an update and just wanted to inform the board. 

Monthly Reports to the Board: December Departmental monthly reports 

Ms. Lorenzo made a motion to accept the December departmental monthly reports.  Dr. Chatterjee seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  It was a unanimous vote. 

Minutes: Approval of November 28, 2006 minutes Ms. Lorenzo made a motion to accept the November 28, 2006 minutes.  Dr. Chatterjee seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  It was a unanimous vote. 

Old Business: 

NIMS and ICS Trainings

Mr. Brian LaGrasse discussed these trainings with the board.  National Incident Management System and Incident Command System trainings are command structures during a disaster, pandemic flu or an outbreak.   Mr. LaGrasse continued saying the police and municipal government agencies are required to take these trainings.  Board members need to do it too.  Mr. LaGrasse asked Dr. Chatterjee if he heard of these trainings.  Dr. Chatterjee responded, no.  Mr. LaGrasse will email the link to him.  Dr. Chatterjee will look into it.   Mr. LaGrasse mentioned the online course to take if they have a chance to do so.  Once you take the exam and pass FEMA will send you the certificate online.   

Livestock Permit Application-328 Pelham Street

The Board looked at the revised permit application for 328 Pelham St. Livestock application.  The applicant reduced his numbers or chickens and dwarf goats.  Ms. Lorenzo stated that she thought the property was too small for what he wanted.  She stated the neighbors were too close and this would create nuisance conditions for the abutters.  Ms. Lorenzo made a motion to deny the application.  Seconded by Dr. Chatterjee. Unanimous vote.  

Adjourn: Ms. Lorenzo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M.  Dr. Chatterjee seconded the motion.  Motion carried.