7/15/1981 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes

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.� w JOINT. MEET-IN BOARD of SELECTMEN -6 BOARD of HEALTH Jul 15 1.9 81 This meeting was called to discuss recent problems at the Sanitary Landfill * Present were: Selectman Chairman Chester Garland, Selectman Jean Thbmas , Executive , Secretary Joseph F. Murphy, Town Counsel Joseph Reardon, and Hoard of Health Chairman Charles Lawrence and Board of Health member Charles Buckingham* The Town Counsel was in receipt of a letter which had been sent by the attorney for the new Sanitary Landfill Contractor, Newtown Con- Struction Company, Mr. Reardon expressed concern about the letter, stating he was fearful the contractor' s attorney might be attempting to set up a situation whereby the contractor could withdraw from the contract, or evidence a need to have the contract reopened. Town Counsel pointed out that ,in fact, the Town could not hold- the new con- tractor responsible for the conditions of the landfill_ area when he took over. He suggests a letter be sent to the contractor to that effect. It shou .d be made clear, though, that perhaps everything was not covered at the dump site completely for good reason; that it was left in this manner deliberately, for the time being. The Executive Secretary agreed that communication should be made with the contractor. The contractor should not be faulted for his com- plaints, as many of them are true. Mr. Bu-ckingham reported that the Town' s previous plan was not acceptable to the Dept. of Environmental Quality Engineering. He would ro ose having Holmes McGrath go in there and accurately, define the p p , g. ' ne we should et work area, giving the elevation that must be maintai g the most area that we can. we should not attempt to pinpoint any re- sponsibility until the survey is done. He pointed out that no member of the Board of Health can judge grades, -etc. -- as they are not engineers., Town Counsel asked if Lebel ' s bond has been released. Ir. Lawrence stated that nothing has been rel.easedo Town Counsel askod if the survey had begun, or when it would begin. Mr. Buckinginghan stated that the money for the survey had just been approved. It was concluded that the Executive Secretary would call -Holies & McGrath and ask them to survey the area. Then there will be a basis for determining if Mr. Lebel carried out his part of the operation. Have the elevation limes, etc. , clearly established. Mr. Bud in-gha n will work with the surveyor on this. Mr. Buckingham stated that we can't argue with the attorney s letter without some- facts to work with, Town Counsel stated he does not like the tenor of the letter. Mr. Lawrence ventured that it sounded "like a lighted fuse' . Mr. Buckingham stated that the new contractor has never been in the Office of - the Board of Health, The Executive Secretary responded that each time he, has come in, he has instructed hire to go down to the Board of Health office. Mr. Lawrence stated that he has a mote from Mrs , Ander- son stating he has never been denied an opportunity to meet with the Board of Health. Mr. Lawrence continued by saying he had learned that the on- tractor had notified the .E. ,E. Town Counsel said the sooner Holmes gets in there, the better. Sel. Thomas suggested they be given a verbal order to start work, to be followed by a letter,