Director’s report
Petty reported that the Republic strike has entered its seventh week, with trash being collected but no recycling. No further meetings have been held on the strike. Recently, mayors from 14 affected cities wrote to Republic’s CEO asking for mediation, and the governor has become more involved.
With schools starting soon, Petty said his priority is ensuring trash pickup at schools, possibly before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. by one truck, while recycling would be collected separately. Community recycling pickup could move to an every-other-week schedule, possibly starting Monday, but the focus remains on curbside trash collection.
Looking ahead, Petty noted the current contract expires in September 2026. He is reviewing requests for proposals from other towns. Options include continuing the current system or adopting automated trucks for most of Marblehead, with traditional trucks in the historic district. This would require standard barrels, about 8,000 in total, financed over three to 10 years. Bulk purchasing could reduce costs. Recycling rules may also need to change to require covered containers. Community input would be sought before any decision.
McMahon said Salem’s every-other-week recycling works and suggested options such as weekly pickup in historic areas or using two 35-gallon barrels. Petty said he will research barrel contracts with lids, wheels and repair options.
Massaro stressed the importance of community input and suggested the mid-September meeting as a good opportunity, with McMahon chairing. Petty will gather contract details, RFPs and questions, noting that this is not a lowest-bid contract but one requiring qualified vendors.
The possibility of bringing trash and recycling “back in-house” has also been raised. That would require daily staff, two to three trucks, backup crews, a mechanic and designated drop-off sites.
Petty also reported that a valued employee is leaving for a new job at MMLD. A new administrative hire from the finance department has joined, and he thanked Nadine from the Council on Aging for her help during the strike.
Chair’s report
Massaro updated the board on the Creating a Healthier Marblehead survey. A group representing maternal health, seniors, pediatrics and schools reviewed 50 proposed questions, narrowing the list toward 40. Community presentation is planned after the strike, likely in mid-September. The survey would be distributed in October with results expected early next year.
On health literacy, Massaro hopes to present on the importance of public health, including where funding comes from and how it is used. He gave a pilot presentation to the Rotary and is considering venues such as the COA, emphasizing timing and the possibility of recording.
Vice chair for waste report
McMahon reported shorter lines and good service at the transfer station. He suggested a GoFundMe campaign to thank workers for their cheerful service.
Petty said bids for transfer station renovations, including the scale house, are due back in mid-September.
Vice chair for community health report
Ritvo raised concerns about water quality at Riverhead Beach, where programs such as kayaking and paddleboarding are offered. Petty said it is not a designated bathing beach, so it is not tested. To change this would require multiple steps and state approval. McMahon cautioned that the active paddleboard program already operates on a limited budget.
With school starting, Ritvo also raised questions about vaccine monitoring. She encouraged schools to exclude noncompliant students except those with exemptions. Students without vaccinations would need to stay home for 21 days during an outbreak. The board voted to support stronger collaboration with schools on vaccines. Ritvo will follow up with the school’s head nurse. Required vaccines include Tdap or DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and meningitis for students in seventh grade and older.
The next Board of Health meeting is Sept. 17.
Members present: Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Tom Massaro, Amanda Ritvo
This report was written by Tom Krueger.
