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Meeting Introduction and Agenda Adjustment (Link: 00:00:00 – 00:01:00)
The Board of Health meeting in Marblehead commenced with Chair Helaine Hazlett welcoming attendees and briefly mentioning her grandchild’s upcoming birthday. The meeting began with a deviation from the agenda as they awaited the arrival of additional participants. Hazlett and other members discussed the town meeting report. Hazlett requested Massaro to forward the latest draft of the town meeting report for review, as she had not yet seen the most recent version.
Discussion on Infectious Diseases and Reporting (Link: 00:01:00 – 00:05:00)
Tom Massaro shared insights from his work on the town report, particularly focusing on infectious diseases. He highlighted a concerning increase in pertussis cases, which he found more interesting than anticipated. Hazlett noted that the statistics are crucial for monitoring trends, especially since COVID-19 might have affected reporting rates. Massaro proposed including a table showing disease trends over three years in the town report, which Hazlett supported. The discussion also touched on the reporting of diseases like RSV, which are not included in the state’s communicable disease reporting system.
COVID-19 and Pertussis Trends (Link: 00:05:00 – 00:08:00)
The conversation shifted to COVID-19, with Massaro pointing out the decline in reported cases from 2022 to 2024. He emphasized the importance of communicating that COVID-19 remains present, albeit as an endemic rather than a pandemic. Andrew Petty, Director of Public Health, confirmed this status change and noted that pertussis outbreaks are not unique to Marblehead but are part of a broader trend. Petty mentioned factors like vaccine hesitancy and vaccine effectiveness as potential contributors to the pertussis increase.
Mission Statement Amendment (Link: 00:08:00 – 00:09:00)
The board discussed amending the mission statement in the town report. Massaro proposed replacing “the” with “all” to emphasize inclusivity for all residents of Marblehead. Hazlett seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. The board clarified that this amendment does not require multiple votes, as it is not a typical motion requiring repeated approval.
Review of Meeting Minutes (Link: 00:09:00 – 00:12:00)
The board reviewed the minutes from previous meetings. Hazlett expressed concerns about the minutes being too detailed and suggested they should be more concise. Massaro agreed, particularly regarding the November minutes, and offered to revise them. The board acknowledged the presence of minutes taken by the League of Women Voters, which are separate from their official records. Hazlett appreciated the League’s efforts as a public service and noted that their representative, Dr. Krueger, attends meetings voluntarily.
Tipping Floor Replacement Project (Link: 00:12:00 – 00:17:00)
Andrew Petty updated the board on the tipping floor replacement project. The board has been working with SL Chase Steel and a structural engineer to replace the tipping floor. Petty explained the process, including the need for verification of beam sizes and compliance with prevailing wage rates. The estimated cost for the project is $60,000 for materials and $60,000 for labor. Petty noted that the labor cost increased due to updated prevailing wage rates. Massaro expressed concern about the significant increase in labor costs and emphasized the board’s responsibility to ensure prudent purchasing. Petty assured the board that the increase was due to compliance with legal requirements and confirmed that he had communicated the updated rates to SL Chase Steel.
Contract Discussion for Tipping Floor Replacement (Link: 00:17:00 – 00:22:00)
The Board of Health continued its discussion on the tipping floor replacement project. A motion was made to enter into a contract with SL Chase Steel, but the board members sought further discussion before proceeding to a vote. Concerns were raised about the firm’s understanding of Massachusetts’ prevailing wage rates, as SL Chase Steel is based in New Hampshire and may not typically deal with Massachusetts municipalities. The board deliberated on whether sufficient due diligence had been conducted, considering the project’s estimated cost of $120,000. The potential impact of delaying the project to seek additional bids was also discussed, with the understanding that the facility is losing $4,500 per day without a functioning compactor.
Time and Material Contract Considerations (Link: 00:22:00 – 00:28:00)
The board explored the implications of entering into a time and material contract with SL Chase Steel. It was clarified that the $60,000 estimate for materials and $60,000 for labor were based on current assessments, but actual costs could vary depending on project developments. The board acknowledged that while costs could potentially decrease, they are more likely to increase if unforeseen issues arise during the project. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential for increased tariffs on steel, which could further inflate costs if the project is delayed.
Authorization for Director of Public Health (Link: 00:28:00 – 00:31:00)
Ultimately, the board decided to grant Andrew Petty, Director of Public Health, the authority to negotiate the best possible price with SL Chase Steel based on the previous estimate. This decision was made to expedite the process and mitigate further financial losses due to delays. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Additionally, the board discussed the installation of a new transaction hut at the transfer station, noting significant cost savings achieved through off-site construction and design adjustments. The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next meeting date on February 11 at 7:30 PM.
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