The meeting commenced with the Board addressing public health concerns related to mosquito-borne diseases, specifically West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E). With nearby towns reporting outbreaks, the Board emphasized the need for public awareness. One member noted, “all of our fields are in an area that’s not highly mosquito infested compared to other regions,” sparking a debate on whether to impose recommendations or enforce orders regarding youth sports events, which often take place during dusk when mosquito activity peaks.

Concerns were raised about the safety of children participating in these activities, especially after reports of a horse testing positive for West Nile Virus and positive mosquito samples in Halifax. The Board discussed preventative measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. A motion was made and approved to draft an advisory to inform local youth sports organizations about the current mosquito situation.

The Board also discussed various disposal works permits, unanimously ratifying approvals for a property on Beachwood Road, 81 Beachwood Road, and Beachwood Road. However, the discussion for a property on Monponet Street and Plymouth Street, identified as the Starbucks property, was carried over to the next meeting pending revisions.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the septic system for a proposed development on Monponset Street. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the septic system, considering existing water flow and wetland conditions. An individual identified as Bob, a direct abutter to the property, voiced his apprehensions, highlighting that water from the new development would flow into his backyard each spring. He noted that the area has historically experienced significant water accumulation, stating that his property is “underwater all of April all of May,” and expressed concerns about exacerbating existing drainage issues due to the natural pitch of his land towards the planned construction site.

The Board members delved into the technical aspects of the septic system design, confirming that it is intended to mitigate any adverse impact on neighboring properties. It was mentioned that properly constructed and maintained septic systems typically drain vertically and should not contribute to lateral groundwater flow.

The discussion included references to previous variances granted for similar septic systems in the area. One board member noted, “we have already made similar variances for this type of system,” suggesting consistency in their decision-making. This was supported by mentions of a 2016 variance approval and another granted in early 2020 for a different location. The Board engaged with the engineering perspective on the project, discussing the engineering firm’s communication and the transparency of the development process.

As the meeting progressed, the Board’s attention focused on the voting procedure regarding the variances requested for the septic system. A board member framed the crucial question as whether “this septic system request for a variance is reasonable and safe for the health of the public.” The project would involve quarterly inspections to ensure compliance, with a deed restriction on the property to enforce reporting requirements with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Ultimately, a motion was made to approve the requested local upgrades and variances for a property on Monponset Street. The motion was unanimously approved. Following this decision, the meeting was adjourned.