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The Board of Health voted unanimously Monday night to award a $1.59 million contract to DeIulis Brothers Construction of Lynn for the long-delayed Transfer Station renovation project, marking a significant step forward after years of setbacks and mounting costs.
The project includes upgrading the existing Transfer Station structure, replacing the compactor, improving site grading, relocating the scale to a permanent location, replacing the scale house with a new structure, replacing the swap shop and adding a personnel transaction shed at the residential drop-off area.
“This has been a long time coming,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty said at the meeting. “Once this phase is complete, we look at other phases.”
DeIulis Brothers was one of two bidders for the project. GVW, also of Lynn, submitted a bid of $1.71 million.
The project has faced numerous delays and cost increases. In April 2024, the Health Department put the project out to bid but received no general contracting bids. In September 2024, the board approved an additional $41,575 to redraft bid documents to make the project more attractive to contractors. Architects performed “redrafting” after the failed bidding process.
Construction will begin this fall, with some disruption expected at the facility. The concrete work for the lower area where the tractor trailer is parked will require closing the pit for multiple weeks, forcing commercial haulers and town trucks to transport waste directly to RESCO.
“Unfortunately, you have to break some eggs to make a cake,” Petty said.
Townwide wellness survey launched
The board reported that 16,739 postcards were mailed Sept. 29 to every voting resident over 18 in Marblehead, directing them to complete an online wellness survey developed with UMass Boston’s Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging.
Board of Health Chair Thomas Massaro said the survey aims to assess emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and occupational health across the community
“We are asking them, what do they think we should be doing?” Massaro said. “What can we do? Actually, I think that’s sincere.”
The survey will remain open for about three weeks, with a goal of receiving 5,000 to 6,000 responses. Officials plan multiple promotional pushes through social media, newspaper advertisements, presentations at community centers and partnerships with local organizations.
Massaro said the 18-to-29 age group presents a particular challenge because many are away at college. Officials plan to contact recent high school class leaders to help spread the word to their peers.
A banner promoting the survey will be displayed at Marblehead Electric Light Department property, and posters will be distributed to the YMCA, JCC, Senior Center and other community locations.
All responses are anonymous and the data is collected on password-protected platforms, Massaro said. The process has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at UMass Boston. Results are expected around Thanksgiving, with focus groups to follow in early 2026.
COVID-19, flu vaccine guidance updated
Board member Amanda Ritvo provided an update on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory season.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices shifted Sept. 20 from broad recommendations to an individual-based decision-making approach for COVID-19 vaccines, a change Ritvo called controversial.
However, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has taken clear steps, including a standing order allowing all pharmacists to vaccinate all eligible individuals without a prescription.
Massachusetts guidance recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all adults 18 and older, especially those over 65, those never previously vaccinated and those at higher risk.
For children six to 23 months, vaccination is recommended. For ages two to 18, a risk-based approach can be taken.
“It’s very important to take steps to protect ourselves and those around us,” Ritvo said.
ACIP also recommends influenza vaccines for everyone six months and older.
Teen driving safety programs discussed
Board member Tom McMahon reported he will present several teen driving safety initiatives at an Oct. 2 meeting of a committee that includes representatives from the Select Board, School Committee and Park and Recreation Commission.
The most promising option is the Arrive Alive tour, a program where students sit in a car equipped with virtual reality to simulate texting while driving, drunk driving and drug-impaired driving.
The program costs about $22,500 for all Marblehead High School students plus seventh and eighth graders over nine days. McMahon said Title IX funding may cover the cost, and insurance agencies have shown interest in sponsoring the program.
“It’s definitely high, but might be able to be something where, even if you parse it down,” McMahon said.
McMahon also discussed reviving a student-led sober driving program that existed years ago where students could page for rides home.
