ATHOL — There is a difference between rubbish and garbage, and now that the bulk of the food/restaurant inspections have been completed, the Board of Health says it will be cracking down on trash complaints.
Health Agent Deb Karan Vondal reported at the board’s monthly meeting that there are at least 10 ongoing cases that must be dealt with.
“Some will be more difficult to bring to court, but that’s where we’re heading,” said Vondal.
It was explained that rubbish is combustible — paper, rags, cartons, boxes, “stuff” that piles up.
“Peoples’ yards are just messy sometimes,” said Vondal.
When health and safety are concerns, that’s where agents get involved, she said.
“If you don’t have garbage, you won’t have rats,” she said. “There are some people who clean up right away, some get a second warning, and others we have to bring to court to get them to follow the health code.”
The board noted there has been a significant increase in trash complaints, and yet some people don’t think they have a problem.
“(People) get hostile, but we are there because somebody complained,” Vondal said. “Or, if we see it (in the course of conducting a food or housing inspection), we must address it.”
Garbage must be stored in covered containers. If trash bags piled high behind a dumpster have been ripped open, that’s a sign it’s garbage and vermin are getting into it, said Vondal.
“Some dumpsters are not emptied often enough,” she said. “They can’t overflow.”
During the review of the board’s monthly activity report, it was noted that follow-up is needed on a case where a complaint came in regarding asbestos removal at an apartment building. The health agent investigated and found pipes covered in suspected exposed asbestos in a dumpster from what appeared to be a renovation. The Department of Environmental Protection was contacted and asbestos was found.
The department’s 12-year-old Ford Escape hybrid was inspected once by the Department of Public Works and once at a local garage, and deemed the vehicle “not safe.” Health Department employees will no longer drive it on the highway. The vehicle has 50,000 miles on it and it was purchased at Mathieu Ford in Winchendon, which has conducted the oil changes and inspections.
Extensive rust throughout was discovered when it was on a lift. The vehicle also needs brakes, a U-joint replacement, there is a rear-end leak, the engine light goes on and it’s possible the battery needs to be replaced. It was believed the vehicle will not pass inspection, though Assistant Health Agent Jane O’Brien confirmed Thursday afternoon that it did. The vehicle is used to attend out-of-town meetings and when responding to complaints.
“It’s such low mileage to be in such rough shape,” Board Chairwoman Joan Hamlett commented.
Member Marty Miarecki asked whether the DPW could do the work, but it was noted the vehicle is taken to Mathieu Ford, because it is a hybrid and requires special tools to do the work. An estimate to repair the car was roughly $5,500.
The fiscal year is coming to an end June 30, and it was noted there is “no time to fight for another vehicle.” The town manager is aware of the problem. The possible lease of a vehicle was briefly discussed and the board will look into the possibility. The vehicle must be able to tow the emergency supply trailer. It was noted the vehicle might be eligible for repair by the Montachusett Regional Technical School auto body shop. Athol, a MRTS member, has never taken advantage of the program, which is open to municipal vehicles, but not private ones. The board agreed to contact the school to determine what the options are. The school year is coming to an end and it is not known if the program operates through the summer.
The town will also get a repair estimate from another auto shop. In the meantime, board members are concerned about using their own vehicles to respond to complaints.
“With everything we have to inspect and emergencies we have to report to (such as the recent fire on Pequoig Avenue),” mused Vondal, “do I want people to know what kind of vehicle I drive? Especially when we respond to trash and building violations?”
The other members agreed, noting it might be possible to borrow a vehicle from one of the other town departments for a day or when supplies are needed. The board will also check with the town accountant about lease options, but the type of vehicle must be considered as it is used to pick up supplies, which don’t usually fit in a car trunk.
It was noted perc (percolation) tests are picking up, with four having been conducted this month. No house can be built on a site without municipal sewage unless it passes a perc test, which measures the absorption rate of the soil where a proposed septic system will be installed.