Table of Contents
Hybrid meeting – recorded
LWVM observer: Tom Krueger
Members in attendance: Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Tom Massaro, Amanda Ritvo
CAHM update
Dr. Massaro gave an update about the responses to the health survey. So far there have been 1,500 responses, and it will need another “bump” to get a higher response. This means more ads in newspapers, a rolling backboard at football games and possibly table cards at restaurants.
The plan is to extend the time for responses to Nov. 11. The higher the response rate, the more value to the survey. More responses are needed from the 18-30 and 30-39 age groups. The stretch goal is about 3,000 responses.
MMHTF
The Marblehead Mental Health Task Force was begun in response to the mental health issues that arose during the pandemic. During its first years, it was very active, with an informative website and newspaper columns.
Since that time, it has become apparent that the task force would need an affiliation with the MCC, whose role is face-to-face work with clients. This new affiliation is now called “Marblehead Cares.” Much of the ensuing discussion focused on how to deactivate the MMTF website.
There was also discussion about how much traffic the site received, how the content would be directed to the MCC and whether the site could include more about substance abuse. Thatcher Kezer said he could take the website off the town’s site.
DMH grant RFA
Dr. Massaro brought to the board’s attention that the state is offering grants for “behavioral health promotion and prevention.” The program’s mission is to promote the same through innovative, evidence-based, data-driven approaches for preventing mental health conditions, including substance abuse.
Dr. Massaro presented a slide outlining the “objective for social impact,” which included reducing stigma and preventing suicide, violence and substance abuse, as well as promoting positive childhood and health experiences.
The funds dedicated to this initiative total $3 million, but competition for the grants will be fierce — 300 people were on the call, and there will likely be only 15 grants awarded.
Grant funding depends on whether programs are being developed, about to be implemented or already developed but needing to sustain and expand — three different tiers. If Marblehead were to apply, it would be at tier 1, a developing program.
With the board’s approval, Dr. Massaro would like to apply for one of these grants. The group discussed how funds could be used, including early intervention, a mini course for the community about public health, school social-emotional programs and police department outreach.
In conclusion, the board agreed to move forward. The application deadline is Nov. 17. The group discussed how and when to meet to gather input from each member within this timeline.
Waste management
Mr. McMahon told the group that a presentation on future waste management options will be held at the Council on Aging on Oct. 30 from 3 to 4 p.m.
He has received a lot of feedback already: there is not much support for every-other-week recycling pickup, but there has been no pushback about barrel sizes. Mr. Petty will bring the 65-, 35- and 96-gallon toters to the meeting.
Mr. Petty will give a presentation about the RFP for waste management. A question-and-answer session will follow, along with an open house. He noted there will be a limit for curbside recycling regardless. Additional recycling can always be brought to the transfer station.
He also said there is always a cost to the transfer station for this removal.
The license plate readers (LPRs) have been working well. Only a few people have been stopped. The sale of stickers has exceeded $600,000 this year.
Dr. Massaro was asked about the possibility of a limited license for those who use the transfer station infrequently. Mr. Petty said that one already exists — a person can use the commercial “weigh and pay.” The cost is $0.16 per pound.
Curbside leaf collection will run for seven weeks, and all leaves must be in paper bags.
Community health
Dr. Ritvo showed the board the sign that will be posted at Riverhead. The sign shows swimmer graphics within a red circle and horizontal slash. The wording reads, “Warning – Water Not Suitable for Swimming,” with “Bacterial Levels Are Not Monitored at This Location” below.
Transfer station project update
Mr. Petty said that all documentation and permits have been obtained and work will begin soon. He is awaiting a schedule from the contractor.
Commercial accounts, which number about 400, will be notified about the work and when closures will occur. The transfer station will remain open to residents, with occasional need to reroute traffic.
Public comment
One question was about Dr. Massaro’s idea of a mini course for residents in public health — whether it would be similar to the “police academy” run by the police department.
A second question concerned the large dumpster for metal. Mr. Petty said it is a mixed-metal container.
