The current local regulation dictates that percolation tests expire after five years, which is more restrictive than the state code that allows these tests to remain valid as long as site conditions remain unchanged. This discrepancy has led to debates on whether the local rule creates unnecessary delays or if it holds developers accountable. The board’s agent presented a case in which an expired percolation test was denied due to changes in the site’s conditions.

The board discussed the possibility of modifying the policy to grant the board agent authority to approve the use of older percolation tests when reviewing plans, thereby reducing delays in the approval process. Concerns were raised about the vagueness of current language, which allows for case-by-case interpretation and could lead to inconsistency. The members considered aligning Southwick’s policy with neighboring towns, many of which do not impose expiration on percolation tests, thereby justifying alterations to the current policy.

Furthermore, the board contemplated extending the review period for certain permits from five to eight years to allow for more individualized assessments. The idea was to prevent decisions driven solely by revenue considerations, despite concerns about liability should issues arise from permits that expired without follow-up. Before making any changes, the board expressed a desire to gather information from other towns, emphasizing a cautious approach to ensure thorough understanding and community alignment.

Another focus of the meeting was a detailed nursing report which highlighted initiatives such as “Stop the Bleed” training sessions, aimed at equipping individuals with skills to manage severe bleeding. This program has been rolled out across various local venues, including the Southwick Department of Public Works and local libraries, and has even involved collaboration with a state trooper for student training sessions. The training is considered vital not only for emergencies but also for everyday incidents.

The nursing report also covered a newly developed nutrition presentation in response to community survey interests. The presentation, which focuses on the health benefits of seasonal fruits and vegetables, received positive feedback and led to plans for additional sessions at the Southwick Senior Center. The report touched on infectious disease issues, specifically tick-borne illnesses and a few salmonella cases, while noting a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, complicated by the challenge of tracking due to prevalent home testing.

An ongoing compliance issue was discussed concerning Crepes Tea House, which constructed enclosed, powered structures referred to as “gazebos” during the COVID-19 pandemic. These structures have been the subject of zoning disputes, as they were built in a location not zoned for commercial use. Despite receiving consent from the conservation department, the planning department denied approval due to zoning conflicts. The owner of Crepes Tea House is exploring options for the structures, which have remained unused, and is working with various departments to resolve septic system challenges related to their significant capacity.

The board also addressed compliance checks for tobacco sales, particularly focusing on Sunny’s Convenience, which had recently incurred a fifth violation for selling tobacco products to minors. This marked a notable increase in violations compared to previous years, leading to a $1,000 fine and a three-day suspension from selling tobacco products. The board stressed the importance of maintaining fairness in enforcing these regulations, especially given the recent uptick in violations and the state law’s mandate for strict penalties.

In concluding the meeting, discussions on the status of a property with wetlands and an aging wastewater system were held. Concerns about the reliability of the old system were raised, particularly in light of potential expansions that could reclassify it as new construction, requiring updated assessments and contingency plans.