To demolish a home in Marion, one might soon have to get a rodent report before moving forward.
The Marion Board of Health on November 20 met with Zoning Commissioner Robert Grillo after a home was scheduled for demolition on Point Road. According to Point Road residents who appeared at the November 6 meeting, many Point Road homes were infested with rodents after the last home was demolished.
The Board of Health asked Grillo about whether the board could require residents to garner a rodent inspection before a house is razed. He said, per state law, homes need a lead and inspection report before demolished or before a home is occupied. Grillo said the state does not have a regulation about mandatory rodent inspections, but certain communities require one per local board regulations.
“I feel like whatever the board decides, it’s good to have it as part of the regulations rather than the policy because then you have teeth,” said Grillo, adding that he would be able to withhold a permit until an inspection is conducted.
Grillo and Board of Health members said that some residents are not even aware that their homes are infested with rodents. The board asked Public Health Director Lori Desmarais to look through the regulation so the board could add it to the sanitary code. Grillo also said local boards could also require an asbestos inspection prior to demolition, but Board of Health Chair Albin Johnson said it might be unnecessary given that the state requires it.
In other health board news, the board mentioned that the “Be Safe – Be Seen” program is going well.
The board purchased 400 reflective vests for walkers and joggers who walk or jog at night. Board member Dr. Edward Hoffer mentioned he nearly struck a pedestrian one night and said people should be walking with reflective gear.
Just two weeks later, health officials said only 75 vests were available, with only 25 adult-sized vests available. The board said they will wait and see before buying more.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, December 4.
Marion Board of Health
By Jeffrey D. Wagner