Okay. Okay. This is the meeting of the gardener board of health on Monday, December 29th, 2025 and we are in the public conference room. It is 4:35. Um, any person may make a video or audio
recording of an open session of a meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number, placement, and operation of equipment used so as not to interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any
person intended to make such recording shall notify the chair or all documents referenced or used during the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the clerk of the board or committee. All documents shall become part of the official record of the meeting. This
meeting is being video recorded by the board of health. The minutes of this meeting will be recorded and made available to the public. Is there anyone present making audio or video recordings of these proceedings? No one present. So that would be a no. Um okay. So we're
going to call the meeting to order. We have three out of four members present. So that does um equate to a quorum. Um public comment on agenda items. There's no one from the public present. So we will move on to review the minutes from
September 22nd, 2025, November 24th, 2025, and November 19th, 2025, executive session. So I know that we have a few
sets here. First one is um July. >> September. Where's the July one? >> So I do have a July one that never got signed. >> Okay. That was approved, right? >> It was approved but never signed. Okay. So, I'm going to pass that one around
first then and we can sign it. [clears throat] Um, >> that wasn't sign, I guess. >> That's fine. And then this is September 22nd which I believe also was reviewed but not signed
because we didn't have the right forum here. Dr. Farmer was absent during the meeting. >> Right. Right. Right. >> So this one also needs to be signed. >> Okay. Next one will be the November 19th executive session. and I'll make a motion to accept the
minutes for the executive session. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Okay. All in favor? Hi. [clears throat] >> Okay. Okay. So, the next set of minutes is
from November 24th, 2025. I just Yeah, I guess I just had a little question about the very end about the setting of the next meeting and everything. I think when we I remember having that discussion at that meeting and saying, "Well, we need to adjourn
executive session and then um resume the regular session to set a date and to adjourn or did we just kind of do it while we were still in executive session?" >> We we did do it while we're in executive session. I'm not sure if that's
acceptable or not. um if we should have adjourned and then re >> normally you leave executive session resume >> the meeting and then set the date and adjourn at that point. So >> I had I had gone back and forth and had
both ways and I >> we we had forgotten to set the the meeting date and then we had made the motion and seconded it and agreed voted on to go into executive session and adjourn from there. And I think it was when we were in executive session
getting ready to close and that was the discussion was mainly on the um you know the final um interviews and um we realized we hadn't set the date. So I mean I don't
well that's what we did and um >> okay yeah I remember talking about it but I just don't remember if we actually did anything. We didn't adjourn and then go back into regular session and then adjourn. So I mean if that's a violation
of open meeting law um >> I don't know but that's how we did it just because we hadn't got the the meeting. So I suppose we'll um >> Would you like me to check with T? >> Yeah. I mean yeah. Um any other um does
anyone want to accept the m minutes or make a motion to accept the minutes? >> Uh are we going to potentially change those that after the fact or >> um that would be a possibility? So do you All right. So we'll hold off on a
proven use until check with T and see what she recommends. >> Okay. Yeah. I that was in our error and um and that's the way it was. So, okay, next item on the agenda is the health department updates and we'll hear from
Angela. All right. So, health department uh I'm going to start with staffing. Um we still have the director, administrative coordinator and transfer station supervisors position vacant. Um, on December 18th, the person who had
initially accepted the director's position notified human resources that he will not be accepting the position of director. Uh, as of today, the position is not posted. The other two positions are also not posted and the office continues to operate significantly understaffed. >> Okay. Yeah, I'm just going to add um to
the health director position update. So, um, yes, he was scheduled. So we he was offered the position um the next day after the executive you know session that must have been November 19th or something. He accepted it after a few
days. He accepted it and then was scheduled to come in to meet with HR and have his physical and on December 18th and he at that point um called well he didn't show up and he was um called and
he said he was withdrawing his acceptance for the position and um very disappointed it had gone that long. Um, so at as of this point today, I have no
other communication or input. I mean, it was offered to an a second candidate and as far as the last communication I did have was that that candidate was thinking about it. Um, but I have
nothing. I called today and HR's not the office isn't open so I know nothing. So, um, and Angela had no update. Um, most likely if if the second candidate did not accept it, then it was going to have
to be reposted and the whole process would go over again. And, um, at that point, um, I can share about the complaint. there was um a complaint filed by a
resident on a violation of the open meeting law of the way the interviews were conducted in executive session. Um, and I I I've it was um sent to the city
solicitor and the mayor's office for review and I have not heard anything back on feedback, but certainly before the next session of interviews, I would want to know what that feedback is. I
reviewed open meeting law again and it's very confusing to me on the fact that first of all there's 10 categories as to why you can go into executive session. Number eight is for um HR uh for
interviews and some personnel issues. I know that on the agenda um going into executive session, I didn't write that it was number eight um category, but it wrote that it was for interviews. So, I feel like that should have covered it,
but that technicality may not have. But then um because I think the complaint said something about um it shouldn't have been a quorum. So I'm confused because my understanding was that you can't have executive session unless you have qual and um but
there was some wording in the process of interviews that a committee is formed and it's not can't be a quorum of the board of health. So you can't have a
quorum meet under executive session for the sake of interviews. I am very confused by all that because it's kind of conflicting and and we have not gotten any received any um feedback from either office. So I don't know.
>> The thing is it's such a small board. It's not like we're talking about the city council here. And I don't it's always been three members. I don't remember ever there being some kind of a subcommittee in charge of hiring or anything like that. And I don't even know how you do
that because you'd only have you'd only have one person doing the interviews. I mean in the past it was always you know we you and I have been through a lot of quite a few of the interviews and um it
was always HR and and usually two or maybe three the three members but definitely you know a couple of us and um and then decisions were made with HR and right from that point on. So I'm I'm
really conf I mean I feel like it was done um properly under open media. I certainly tried hard to you know um make us so that I mean the challenge of getting us all together to have a forum.
So the whole thing about that wording in there about making a you know committee and you know maybe having someone from the public and being involved and I'm not really sure and I'll be honest when I called the first set of all the
candidates we had I think we had like eight or nine maybe um several said to me they were very concerned that their current employees did not know that they were looking for jobs, it
would have you know they would have it would have been detrimental for them. I mean and I think for most part people were looking for jobs sometimes. I mean very rarely do you always tell your employer that you're looking for a job and so >> so they were expressing like
the public or so it would definitely be confidential. I've never seen it not be that way. Um so anyway for future reference I just wanted to you know share that. Okay so for the transfer
station landfill and solid waste uh the lea pump replacement and groundwater monitoring is uh ongoing. Eric has been overseeing the transfer station since June and that now includes his snow removal. He oversees the lie pumpin
pumping pump thing. Um he calls company. He monitors the observation wells. When they start to look full, he gives them a call. He's been working uh to make sure that they don't overflow. Um they have been being pumped in about a bi-weekly basis, every 10 to 14 days. Um we did
get the funding approved for the pump repairs on December 1st. The repair started on December 3rd. They were really excited to get moving forward. Yay. >> They are currently excavating the undercover components. Uh Eric and I are meeting with the CEC and Fort Meadow
Builders who are the awarded contractor tomorrow morning to get a status update. Um that work is expected to take a few months weather permitting. >> That's for the erosion repair. >> That is for the pump repair. Pump repairs. Yeah.
>> So the erosion repair, we still have >> no money. Um but I do have information. So, uh, for the repair of the erosion to the landfill cap, uh, we don't have any funding set aside for the project. I did speak with the mayor about having Keller partners, uh, look for grant
opportunities and they are in the initial stages of looking into the municipal vulnerability preparedness program. >> The applications for that grant will become available in January. Okay, >> so hopefully that's going to maybe find
us some money. um septic system percolation tests. We actually had six systems in various states of construction. Um in December, we completed two plan reviews, one percolation test, one component inspection, and two final cover
inspections. It's a lot of people trying to get these covered before the snow came. Um I also had a letter of non-compliance issued to a failed system in the city. Um it was a under purchase and sales, it failed title 5. They have two years to to correct it. And this
just basically starts their time clock and the documentation of when the clock starts. >> Does the sale go through? >> Sale still goes through. Yep. They they bought the property as is. Um they paid cash so there was no contingency of financing. So they were able to make the transfer but now I've started the time
of clock on them to have the repairs and they're expecting to talk with engineers uh this winter, do the percolation test in the spring and hopefully have it installed by next fall. Uh we had one foodborne illness complaint. It came through Maven for
neurovirus. Um just to clarify, the affected person ate at a garden food establishment along with several other food establishments during in other towns during that incubation window. So we're not certain that it was connected to the gardener establishment. And
technically, um, according to Victoria, our epidemiologist who does the maven review, she said we were just barely outside of the window for the 12 to 24-hour, um, food consumption period. That typically indicates that the window of where you eat. Um, so we were
technically outside of it. I did call the establishment. They had no reports of anybody calling out yield for any stomach related issues. Um, they did have their logs on file. the only thing that somebody called out for was a missing ride in in that window of
period. So um so that is not um very concerning to me at this point. Um we have several food new food establishments that are still in progress. Uh the daycare on is still working through plan review. Uh Gabby's on Pearson Boulevard has undergone
extensive renovations. They're hoping to reopen in January, but uh that one started to come to a close. Um housing was really quiet in December. It was really nice. Um we had very few complaints. The complaints that we had were very um quickly handled and and
quickly closed and resolved. I do have a update on the bed bug infestation at his apartment complex that we've spoken about a few times. They have now had three pest control treatments. Um there's still light activity in a few of the units. The unit that was condemned
still needs to exch uh achieve extermination before they can set the repairs to the insect and insecticide damage to the carpets, walls, and ceilings because once their their work, people don't want to go in there until it's exterminated in the unit. Other than having bed bugs is also now unfit
for human habitation due to um this blood staining from the bed bugs on the walls and ceilings and the carpets have been sprayed with so much insecticide from the tenant plus the other um pest pesticide control company that the rugs
have become damaged and saturated. And the tenant that was living in there, it they were temporary housing if I remember correctly. They she is still at the gardener in >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So,
>> okay. So, that was uh hopefully we'll be able to resolve that one in the next month, I would hope. Um there's still the concern about how to go about um her cleaning her personal effects that they're bagged up, they're tied shut. You don't want to just rip open all the bags and start putting things away
without having a plan. Um we were trying to get the grandson or the nephew involved um in helping her sort through her items. So um I'll get Eric give me an update on that one right before we meet next time. Um prevention eel Harvey
delivered 20 bikes and helmets for distribution to the kids in the city uh just before Christmas and I want to thank Eel Harvey for their donation. >> Thank you Eel Harvey for sure. A lot of the kids I was I know some of them went to Alyssa's place and um their Christmas party and um they were raffled off and
the kids were so excited. I mean it was it was nice. >> It was nice. >> Several went to the CAC and I think we had a couple that were directly donated at the end where we had a few bikes left over >> um to somebody who somebody knew that needed a bicycle for their child. So who
was deserving. Um I also want to thank Veronica for coordinating that. She did all of the work behind the scenes on that one. Um, I have some old business, the medication disposal that we've been speaking about. Um, New England Medical Waste, um, is a company that Steve Curry
sent me a flyer on. Uh, $65 per box that includes the pickup through disposal. So, I'm going to, uh, in the absence of a director at this time, I think I'm going to ask if I can make that decision and con, uh, communicate that with the police station to get that started. Yeah, we had said, "Oh, let's do it
after the holidays when the new director starts." Now that we don't have that in place, I don't feel like we should continue to stall this. >> Yeah, cuz we haven't had um the medication disposal for at least >> 3 months >> uh in the summer cuz I was coming and
you know checking to try to >> I think probably six months maybe. So, >> and then the the sharps too has been >> I have an update on the sharps too. So, I'm going to I'm going to move forward with this. Um >> yeah, please. And then sharps disposal. Uh Steve from the MPHN also gave me
information about Trilogy Waste. They have a contract with the MPHN. $170 per bundle. I'm not certain on the frequency of that. I will ask that question to Steve and to uh Trilogy Waste and we can add Gardner to contract and then MHN
will just build gardener come out of our budget. >> Okay. >> Uh public health emergency preparedness. We are still working to finalize our updated all hazard public health response plan framework for the city. Um I've submitted most of the drill events
and the afteraction items. Now this is completing the contact information and our inventories list is where I'm at now and I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of different department heads to make sure I can get their um lists. I
did reach out to Pam Masters at PHP to ask her for anything that they have provided to us in the last 5 years just to make sure I am aware of what has been given with the change over two different health directors. I feel like I just want to see what we have and where and make sure I can locate it if we do have
it. Um, and she said she get back to me at the beginning of the year. Thank you for coordinating that and you know and Paul Tapowski and the chiefs and I mean it's something very important to have and um I'm glad that we're getting that
done. >> Yeah, I'm trying to do as comprehensive of a job as possible rather than um just getting it done passing it in half done. I want to get a really good plan because I did look at some of the previous plans and they didn't seem as complete as I would have thought they should have been. So,
>> and mostly in the past, I think um uh we've just done the um emergency dispensing site and not really embellished on all the other >> pieces and embraced it. So, I'm really happy that we've been able to do that. Um I think it's really important and you
know include every one that's needed in the city to be communicated to and what trainings need to be done and stuff. So, >> so we did have a emergency tabletop drill right after Lauren left
>> and before Michael started, but I feel like we just did a a more like getting ready to do a full drill. >> We just kind of walked the steps together. We didn't have any deliverables that I recall. Um,
>> no, I don't think so. I I feel like we just kind of met as a group for the public safety departments met as a group down at the PD and kind of walked and we all did it in the same room. We had the community education room and Gardner was here and Athal was there and Fitchburg was over there and Templeton was back there and we sat at our tables and we
had a couple of people from public health emergency preparedness kind of helping direct us. But I feel like we came up with our our scenario. We kind of went through the stages of what we would do, but we didn't have any deliverables. having Paul there and also we were lucky we were very fortunate to
have um representative from MIMA there and um he was assigned to go out to a few different they well him and there was a couple other MIMA reps I think that went out to different sites and we were so fortunate to have him was really
helpful do I think >> yeah um the next item I have on here is um for new business we had a DPH bish fish consumption advisory issued on December 18th related to the lead levels in Kendall Pond um in largemouth bass.
The pond has been posted as required. Um I spoke with the Lithuanian club and Eric spoke with the PACC leadership so that they're aware of why the postings are on their buildings and what that's about. Um because mainly it's the two club members that are mostly fishing
from there. Um there's not really the rest of the the rest of the area around the pond is private property. So I can only post in the public areas. Um I had sent an email to you and to the mayor and to I believe legal just asking if
they wanted me to send out a Butters notifications and I did not have a response. But if you feel like I should send out a butters notifications to the people around the pond, I can do that too. I think a butters should be notified. >> Don't you do you?
>> Yeah, I think it makes sense. Sure. >> Do we need to make a vote on that or >> No, I think it just advise you I mean because you know in the winter um what's the pond? I think some people do up there.
>> Yeah. Like I said, this came in right before Christmas, so I figured um >> I got the posted right away. >> People were posting it, you know, >> I posted on social media. I posted it on the city hall web page. I posted a public advisory on the health alerts on the
>> front page of city hall's web page. So, I felt like we did get a lot of information out there. Now, the ponds are starting to freeze. We're going to have colder weather in January, >> and I figured I could wait for some response notification. Um, I'll just send them out regular US mail, not
certified and resident of in each of the addresses just so they get out there. >> Um, I'll work on that this week. >> Sounds great. And, uh, the last thing I want to mention is, um, Sue has resigned her position as a member and chair of the board of health after how many
years? Since 2008. So, >> oh, really? >> Yeah. You're the longest. I was going to address that in new business, too. As you know, you know, it was a very hard decision for me to make. Um, I've just
been struggling with it for months, but I know that my priorities have shifted and I I need to do what's best for my family and myself. And um yeah, it's going to be hard because I mean I love public health and between my personal
life and my per professional life, it's just been all imshed in my life and very much a part of it. And I'm sure I'll continue to do a lot of things because I will stay in the recovery community. I'm active with Alyssa's Place and AED
Foundation and with a lot of advocacy. I'll be back in DC in um April, you know, for liver health. And I'm really trying harder to do some increased advocacy and awareness statewide on
liver health. And I mean, I love this community. I came back and after being gone for 25 years and yeah it's going to be hard but I had hoped that we would have had the health director position filled but I know we have a strong board
we have for a long time and now with Emma um it it's you know still strong without me um you know everybody's got such great strengths they all complement and balance each other and I think that's been one of the great things
about the health board and Angela and Eric really you guys have done such a great job. So, you know, in trying to above and beyond in trying to keep up with all the things um responsibilities
with the health department and I I will always be available, you know, if you have questions or, you know, whatever. I will be >> um as much as I can, you know, do you know I will, but it's just not having
the responsibility. I mean, it it's >> Well, I know I've told you Sue, but I've been on the board 35 plus years, I think, at this point. >> The longest >> I don't remember anybody in all that time a member of the board or a chair that gave so much of herself to the
board in this business. >> I appreciate that. I really do. I wanted to thank you for >> everything you've done. >> Thank you. It really it's hard you know but and you know I think there's certain personalities where we just do what we need to do but it is appreciative to
have thank you and which is why I've tried to also thank you and and Eric um too to keeping keeping everything up with that. So, usually in January, we elect new chairs.
Um, now this is kind of hard because Sher's not here, but I'm still active till the end of the month, couple days. So, I think we should elect a new chair today. Now, I was thinking about it, and there's two ways
of approaching it, my way. I was thinking we could elect a temporary chair, an interim chair for like maybe three months. Um and then once may hopefully um the mayor can appoint a
couple more people to the board and we have a health director on board and maybe someone will feel differently about being a full chair or we just go right now and it's it's really just the two of you here right now. So >> are we ultimately looking at five members for the board?
>> Yes. So, the mayor has um been trying to change all of the boards and commissions to five members. >> And yes, we are required to have a nurse, but we don't have a residency requirement. So, that makes things a little easier. >> Um, but I already know some people
nurses that >> and I have offered up that I have a couple suggestions to, but I have not heard anything from >> the executive [clears throat] office. So, I, you know, haven't shared those names, but Um, >> and as far as the chair goes, I mean, I
know we've we've always traditionally tried to have a doctor or somebody who's a medical professional, right? >> I think I was the first one I was the first female actually on the board. We were talking about that >> and the first non-f physician to be
chair. Um, so I think as long as it's um I mean >> I know Shel with her practice and everything it's it's hard. She time wise her demands on her time are crazy. So >> I know >> I don't know you know
>> right and I'm not so I'm just I think public health as long as we trying to remember how it's worded in the um statute. I don't think it says that the chair has to be
>> it doesn't we just have to have a physician and a nurse on board that the chair person can be. So I mean it's whoever's the chair with the public health you know it just has you know it's all the trainings that you go
through with I mean understand open meeting law and things like that we have a lot of resources between MAH I mean um MOA um you know for guidance and um so I
don't and the board itself is strong with you know, Jeff and Shelly and you. So either way, I mean, if you're not comfortable with electing a chair for the full year and you want to just do an interim for a few months, um either way,
I think that there should be some to keep some continuity, we should elect chair for tonight, tonight's meeting. So I'm open for suggestions, feedback. Well, I mean, in my case, I, you know, when we've had gaps, I've filled in as
interim chair a couple of times. It's not something uh long-term that I would be looking to fill that position just because >> a I don't have the expertise in the field and b with me trying to run my business and everything. There's been times when I've had a hard time just
getting to to meetings and everything. So, um you know, I I guess I don't know what your interest said. you're so new on the board and >> I mean you've been you I know it's just been a year and you've you've stepped into the um emergency preparedness
planning um and I know you have you know with different strengths with organization and administrative and you know within the medical field um I don't know though we don't want to
overwhelm you you know to take on you know that position at I mean, I would definitely be available and supportive. So, >> and I don't want to speak for Shelly either. I mean, it may be something she is interested in, too. So, >> so that since Shel's not here, um we
could just do an interim um for like 3 months and then you can revisit it. um January, February, March March meeting and that would get some continuity
and you know in case Angela needs um I mean the next especially if you're going to have to interview and it's going to get reposted and the position's going to you interview and then before doing any of that though I' definitely try to get
some clarification on what exactly the process if you know because if there was something that >> it did you know in era um certainly was not intentional but in meeting open
meeting mod um requirements um you know try really hard to do that so but whatever and and there's been no feedback yet so I don't know what the >> I would be open to doing it for the three months and seeing how it goes um
but I can't commit past that right now, but I'd be happy to help with like the hiring process and >> happy to nominate. >> I nomination. All in favor? >> I
>> I Emma I. >> Okay, I vote. >> And then, you know, we will have a chance for Shel to take part in this conversation as well. And if maybe it is, you know, I I know the physicians we've had in the past a lot of times
like Dr. Forte was he was still practicing but he was kind of slowing down. >> Same with Dr. Miller, Dr. M Queen had been retired. >> Yeah. So it was a little bit easier for them. And you know, >> and I seriously I I mean, you know, for
years, like I said, I mean, my personal and professional ways have been just, you know, doing all that. started with this, you know, school nursing and then, you know, trying to advance us
into a certified position and nationally and then substance use and recovery and cancer society and liver and all that stuff. But, you know, that wide years of networking contacts, I mean, if there's anything anything I questions and I
still I mean, I'm not going anywhere. I just I just can't keep them. Yeah. >> So, um >> but yeah, I think like the needs of right now over the next couple months are things I am very much comfortable with and then if there's anything that comes up, I would definitely talk to all
of you. >> Okay. >> And we can figure it out. >> Yeah. You've got my cell phone, so you know, >> may I make a suggestion? Yes. >> That we write another letter to the mayor encouraging him to recognize that you have retired and we are actively
looking for No, I know. >> No. >> Okay. >> I did speak with him. >> Okay. >> This week. So, >> all right. As long as it's on his radar. >> Yes. >> I mean, I wrote a letter and >> Mhm. >> Um, if there's anything else that, you
know, >> Well, it's just a unique time right now where we're looking for a director and I, you know, I think if there's going to be a couple new members coming on, it wouldn't be a bad idea to maybe have them be part of the process,
>> right? I mean, and he's got he I mean, he'd been looking I mean, well, I know that he knows that we had openings um at least one and you know, now too, but um is very disappointing that we didn't the
way it went with the um health director candidate. I mean, that was middle of November. extended out almost a month >> when then decided not to did give some feedback to HR but I mean I think that's
up to HR if they want to share >> [clears throat] >> um you know but uh you know one was I think the commute the salary um >> frustrating because those were all things that we did talk about
>> yeah very frustrating and very um disappointing because we did address those And so anyway, so we need to set Annette in. >> Good idea. >> And thank you for everything you've
done. I know. I'm just getting to know you better. >> I'm not going anywhere. >> I know. I'm very grateful for >> Thank you. It's been nice. And like I said, you know what? I don't know that. I mean, it's kind of like being a mom, you know, to to when I'm struggling with
where where can I let go of, what can I let go of? I mean, I think because knowing the board is so strong between, you know, the three you three um including Shelley and then the health department. Yeah, we don't have the health director, but Angela and Eric
have really been doing it. and >> Dan >> Dan >> Dwan I just I know I keep trying to I just met with her too downstairs and um thank she came in at a place time when you know it was pretty chaotic trying to
get her oriented and she's been doing well too. Well, I mean, I keep questioning too, like I said, I I I don't remember if it was 1990 or 89 maybe that I came on the board and, you know, so I keep wondering about, you
know, my longevity with the board at this point. Am I going to at some point, you know, let some younger blood? [laughter] >> You can stay for a while. >> Yeah, I'll stay for a while. >> I'm not going to leave. But it's been refreshing having not, [laughter]
you know, I mean, I'm older, but I'm a pretty active and, you know, functional older person. Um, but yeah, it's just, you know, I just my my priorities have shifted and I I have to do what's it's taken me 72 years to figure out that I have to do what's best for me and my
family. But, you know, >> so, but it's been nice and I I you know, anyway, we have to set a date. Um, so we're into January 2026. The 19th, I know, is Martin Luther King holiday. Um, so you're looking at the
26th probably if you all can do that. And we'll have to check with Shelly afterwards. What does that look like? I think that would work for me. available. And so you're Emma is going to be interim chair for or interim or
temporary um >> interim >> interim chair for three months >> and then at that point so January February March in March you'll have to um have another election in chair and see how you're
doing with it you know see how you feel about staying with it. >> Sounds good. Okay. Okay. So I will take a motion to adjurn. >> I will make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> And all in favor
is adjourned and it is 57.