The Board of Health (BOH) met June 23 in a hybrid, recorded meeting with members Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Tom Massaro and Amanda Ritvo in attendance.
Reorganization
Petty chaired the meeting to begin the board’s reorganization. Massaro was nominated, seconded and unanimously elected as the new chair. He expressed gratitude and noted it would be an “interesting year” as the board transitions to a five-member structure.
Meeting Schedule
Members agreed to continue meeting on the second Thursday and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the June 3 meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Community Health/CAHM
Massaro reported the community health survey is “moving along,” with a formal contract signed with the UMass Boston group. Monthly meetings are taking place, with the next on June 24, to work on the mechanics and process for the survey. The survey will include 45 or more questions and will be sent to all residents age 17 and older, with a target response rate of 30-40% or higher. The challenge will be obtaining responses from younger residents and maintaining privacy. Survey questions should be finalized by Labor Day, with distribution planned for November. A presentation will be made to the Select Board to gain endorsement for legitimacy and to boost participation.
Massaro shared that the merger of Marblehead Cares (MHTF) and the Marblehead Counseling Center is progressing, with a five-person group meeting to facilitate the process. The board expressed interest in maintaining a role post-merger. Massaro introduced the concept of “public mental health,” noting the government’s role in advocating for mental health in the town.
Massaro met with Marblehead Pediatrics and Pediatric Associates of Greater Salem, asking what they would like from the BOH and Health Department. Marblehead Pediatrics requested updates on school health issues, while PAGS expressed interest in parenting classes. The board discussed past classes, private options, grant opportunities and possible regional efforts.
Massaro emphasized the BOH’s responsibility to clarify, explain and educate the public on health issues, distributing two Boston Globe articles about rising healthcare costs and system challenges. He noted the U.S. healthcare budget is much larger than the defense budget, stating that transparency alone is not enough and that greater public interaction is needed. He encouraged residents to email ideas and questions to the BOH.
Massaro proposed an orientation for Ritvo, including a tour of the transfer station and a presentation by the public health nurse. Petty will prepare a budget schedule.
Substance Abuse Awareness
McMahon reported challenges in finding speakers willing to publicly share their recovery stories, noting many are “afraid” of public speaking. He plans to use the MHD Cares domain to post written stories, following a model used by other towns.
Bills
McMahon read the monthly bills and noted that LPR cameras have been installed and await final connection. Sticker sales so far this year include 4,047 primary, 1,411 secondary and 342 no-fee veteran stickers.
Transfer Station Plaque
No plaque is planned at this time, but one may be considered after renovations are complete.
Transfer Station Settlement Explanation from Counsel
McMahon requested the board revisit obtaining an explanation about the transfer station settlement from town counsel, noting that while Petty gave an excellent presentation on the capping project, further clarity is needed on why litigation occurred and why the settlement was less than the original agreement. The request was moved, seconded and passed unanimously.
Counseling Center Assistance
The MCC could not secure an additional $60,000 from the Health Department due to budget constraints. McMahon suggested the MCC attend a future board meeting to discuss costs and timelines for addressing the waiting list, with the board aiming for January. With this information, McMahon plans to pursue a debt exclusion override for necessary funds.
Director’s Report
Petty reported on Japanese knotweed, noting it is invasive, resembles bamboo, and is disposed of in the compactor to prevent spreading. Summer health reminders included daily tick checks and mosquito prevention, noting that Marblehead participates in the Northeast Mosquito Control program, using only natural pesticides and conducting weekly sampling for arboviruses.
Petty listed grants supporting the Health Department, including the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant, Public Health Excellence Grant and Tobacco Control Grant.
Republic Services Update
Petty noted that Republic’s labor contract, which covers trash pickup, expires June 30 with no new agreement yet. If unresolved, trash pickup could be delayed by up to two days, with residents notified via Code Red and the town website. Residents may still bring trash directly to the transfer station.
Public Comment
A resident asked about the five-member board transition, which requires state legislative approval before a local election can be held. Another resident suggested Massaro write a regular newspaper column, which he expressed interest in pursuing.
This report was written by Tom Krueger.
