A board member noted an upcoming firefighter memorial service on Sunday at 9:00 AM at Waterside. The board also noted a Juneteenth celebration on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Abbot Hall.

The annual MGH-based survey with approximately 75% response rate showed lifetime alcohol use at 32%, nicotine at 28%, and marijuana at 16%. Daily or near-daily nicotine use was approximately 4.5%. Substance use on school property declined from 27% to 10% over three years. Mental health data showed about 19% of students at clinical risk threshold for anxiety and 10% for depression, both trending slightly downward. About 60% of students texting while driving was flagged as a concern by the police chief. Sexually diverse students showed suicidal ideation rates of 44% compared to 8.8% for heterosexual students. The presentation was Gina Bartup’s final one before leaving the district.

A clinician on the board provided an overview of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome outbreak associated with the MV Hondas cruise ship, first reported to the WHO on May 2. As of the meeting date, there were 11 known cases and 3 deaths. The illness is caused by the Andes strain of hantavirus, endemic to South America, which unlike other hantavirus strains can spread through close respiratory contact rather than solely through rodent droppings.

The clinician noted the overall risk to the general public remains low: the virus is not airborne like influenza or COVID, there is no evidence of asymptomatic spread, and all known positive cases were aboard the ship. Passengers who disembarked early have been identified, quarantined, and are currently asymptomatic. Recommended information sources include the WHO, CIDRAP at University of Minnesota, and the podcast ‘This Week in Virology.’

The chair reported positive community feedback from a youth mental health forum featuring Paul Tucker, and noted that the Select Board and School Committee have begun meeting jointly at informal settings to address community questions collectively. The board discussed the NAN Project, a peer-to-peer mental health education program for teenagers, which had been reviewed by the board approximately 2.5 years earlier but not advanced. The chair noted the state attorney general and district attorney had recently highlighted the program, and suggested co-hosting a NAN Project event with the schools once the board reaches five members.

During open public comment, residents and board members posed questions to the panel:

• A board member asked DA Tucker to elaborate on warrantless entry; Tucker confirmed police can enter without a warrant when there is an immediate community caretaking concern, and that the immediacy requirement means action must be taken at the time — delayed calls are very difficult to act on.
• Chief King added that the analysis is always fact-specific and that officers must have credible, reliable, corroborative information in front of them.
• A resident asked about illicit drugs; Tucker noted that fentanyl is present in 90-plus percent of overdose deaths in Essex County, and that the same social host principles apply to drugs. Chief King and the Board Chair emphasized cannabis as a growing concern among teens, citing Colorado emergency-room data post-legalization.
• On the bylaw vs. state law question, Tucker recommended using MGL 138 for repeat offenders given its stronger deterrent; he said it is an either/or choice for officers.
• Chief King confirmed directly: below 31 officers (no override), the SRO would be pulled into patrol operations; at 31 officers (Tier 1 override), the SRO would likely be preserved.
• A clinical psychologist resident asked about psycho-education curriculum; Superintendent Robidoux described the range of counselors, adjustment counselors, and programs in place and acknowledged that funding constraints limit expansion.
• A resident raised summer safety concerns given the arts festival; Chief King said the messaging around underage drinking would continue through the summer.

Overnight parking ban approved for street sweeping: original April 20-24 dates moved to April 27 - May 1 (12:01 AM - 7:00 AM) after the board noted April 20-24 falls on school vacation week when many cars are left curbside. Sweeping must be done before Mother’s Day (Piper and Fluffy season starts).

Article 32 increases mooring fees by $2 per float and raises the 10A floating dock permit fee from $6.50 to $12, aligning with regional benchmarks. The Harbor and Waterfront Board chair presented a chart showing revenue and expense trends; without the increase, the harbor enterprise fund surplus would decline. Near-term capital needs include a potential $300,000 strand ski replacement; longer-term, sea wall repairs at Parker’s and Cliff Street are estimated at $14 million in 2023 dollars (town share approximately $2 million). The last mooring fee increase was in 2022.

The public health nurse presented a health news update:

• ACIP ruling: A federal judge in Massachusetts, in a lawsuit brought by the American Academy of Pediatrics against the HHS Secretary, temporarily reversed changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made since last summer, including the ending of universal Hepatitis B recommendations and a reduction of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. The judge noted that only 6 of 15 newly appointed members had meaningful vaccine expertise.
• Measles: Approximately 1,500 US cases so far in 2026; 94% from domestic exposure; three-quarters involve children and adolescents under 19. Current hotspots include Utah, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida.
• Meningitis: An outbreak at the University of Kent in England resulted in 29 confirmed cases and 2 deaths; 5,000 individuals received MenB vaccine in response.
• Polio: CDC has issued travel guidance for parts of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, the UK, Poland, and Germany; a one-time booster is recommended for travelers even if previously fully vaccinated.
• Respiratory illness: COVID-19 and influenza rates are declining; RSV remains high; norovirus is increasing.

Fire Department

The fire budget reflects one vacancy being defunded — the fourth such position cut in recent years. Fire Chief Jason described the operational impact:

• The department runs two pumps and a ladder, each staffed with three (below the NFPA standard of four).
• Two personnel are on military deployment (~$300,000 in costs), and six are out on injury, leaving the department effectively down a full shift.
• Manning is at the threshold where Franklin Street station may have to close, which would end mutual-aid capacity with neighboring communities.
• The chief is ordering personnel into 96-hour shifts, raising safety and morale concerns.

The board discussed whether to restore the vacant position and offset it by reducing the overtime line. The consensus was that the bottom-line budget number would remain unchanged but that the position could be restored internally with a corresponding reduction in overtime funding, preserving hiring flexibility.

Police Department

Police Chief Dennis reported the department is proposed to go from 31 to 30 sworn officers:

• The department covers 4 square miles and ~20,500 residents with an average shift of 3.5 patrol officers plus one supervisor.
• The chief stated 33 sworn is the ideal number; 32 is sustainable; 30 reaches minimum-manning constraints.
• Going to 30 means the School Resource Officer (SRO) position is eliminated. The chief noted every comparable community — Swampscott, Gloucester, Salem, Reading — maintains SROs.
• Crime has declined 22% and the department recently achieved reaccreditation.
• Mental health follow-ups have roughly doubled, with the department’s clinician (funded ~$134,000 by DMH Jail Diversion) handling approximately 600 cases last year.
• Fourth of July overtime alone costs ~$20,000; all town events combined cost ~$32,000 in police overtime.
• Dispatch: 8 full-time and 1 part-time dispatchers; all cross-trained in police, fire, and EMD — described as unique in the Commonwealth.

The board approved a motion delegating authority to the Town Administrator — in coordination with the DPW Director, Police Chief, and Fire Chief — to declare snow emergencies on an as-needed basis for the remainder of the 2025–26 winter season. The delegation automatically terminates at the end of the winter season unless rescinded.

Requirements under the delegation include: notification to the Conservation Commission, required reporting to MassDEP for snow disposal, and notice to the Select Board at the earliest practicable time.

Immediately following, at the request of a town official present (identified as Amy, likely DPW Director), the board also voted to formally declare a snow emergency starting at 11:00 PM February 11 and running through 7:00 AM Saturday, February 14, 2026. The parking ban notification had already been distributed via email and text; the crisis notification system voice calls were not used due to known issues.

Police Chief King presented the case for promoting Lieutenant Jonathan Lund to Captain. Lund had been serving as acting captain for approximately 11 months after the previous captain’s departure. The selection process included a statewide civil service exam and an oral interview conducted by the chief, with Lund finishing at the top of the list.

Chief King noted Lund has been with the department since 1998 and has served as a superior officer for 22 years. He highlighted Lund’s involvement with the NEMLEC SWAT team, management of the evidence room, and work as an internal affairs investigator.

The board unanimously approved the appointment. A brief photo ceremony was held with the board, and a formal swearing-in ceremony was announced for approximately one month later.

The Select Board convened an emergency virtual meeting on January 26, 2026 and voted unanimously to declare a snow emergency from that date through Friday, January 30 at 7:00 AM.

Reason for declaration: Accumulated snow has been deposited on sidewalks, narrowing streets and limiting sight lines, leaving no room for additional snowfall expected to bring another four to six inches. The DPW Director cited threats to public health and safety, including impaired emergency vehicle access.

Removal areas: Business district, historic district, school crosswalks, and the causeway sidewalk. Snow will be deposited only at the State Street landing and Riverhead Beach boat ramp.

Environmental considerations: The Director noted the snow has not accumulated long enough to collect trash, and no salt or de-icer has been applied during operations, minimizing environmental impact. The Conservation agent (Brendan Callahan, acting) has already notified MassDEP and the Conservation Commission chair; the Commission is expected to ratify the emergency action at its Thursday meeting.

Operations timeline: Minor crosswalk and small-area work to begin Tuesday; major overnight removal operations planned midnight to 7:00 AM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

Public advisories issued:

• Residents must keep snow on private property and not push it into the public way.
• Residents near catch basins are asked to clear them; fire hydrant clearing is also appreciated.
• Residents with a history of frozen pipes should keep a faucet dripping given extreme cold forecast; three frozen-pipe incidents had already occurred.

A board member reported that flu activity is at its highest level in Massachusetts since approximately 1997, with influenza-like illness comprising nearly 11% of outpatient visits for the week ending January 3. Approximately 15 million infections, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths have been recorded in the U.S. so far this season. The flu vaccine shows meaningful effectiveness — approximately 72–75% reduction in ED visits and hospitalizations in children and adolescents and 32–39% in adults — even with a strain mismatch. The national vaccination rate stands at approximately 43.5%.

The board member also reported that on January 5, the CDC overhauled its universal childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11, removing Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, COVID, and meningococcal vaccines from routine universal recommendation. This action came directly from HHS leadership rather than the standard ACIP committee process. Massachusetts announced it would not follow the new guidance and would continue using the American Academy of Pediatrics evidence-based schedule. The Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner was quoted calling the change “reckless and deeply dangerous.”

The chair reported meeting with Police Chief Dennis King for approximately two hours to discuss aligning public health and law enforcement efforts around youth substance use. Key topics included neuroscience research on the adolescent brain’s vulnerability to cannabis (particularly before age 14), and a document from a district attorney’s office summarizing Massachusetts social hosting laws and penalties for underage drinking and cannabis use. The chair noted the chief was familiar with that material and both parties agreed to continue dialogue on how to distribute factual information to parents and the community. No formal enforcement agreement was reached, and the parties acknowledged differing perspectives on enforcement.

A board member reported speaking with the Select Board chair regarding enforcement of social hosting and underage drinking laws. The conversation was described as cordial; the Select Board chair indicated he wants to consult the district attorney for clarification on the applicable laws, with that meeting expected later in the week or the following week.

The board member expressed the view that existing state laws are clear and that the priority should be ensuring police officers have explicit backing from the chief and the Select Board when enforcing those laws against parents who host underage drinking. The member emphasized that enforcement actions should target parents/social hosts, not minors, and supported diversion programs rather than permanent records for youth.

A column on the neuroscience of adolescent brain development and alcohol is scheduled to appear in the Friday Weekly News (Lynn Item), with a planned follow-up piece on recreational cannabis.

A board member read a detailed statement on underage drinking and social hosting enforcement in Marblehead. Key points included:

• Marblehead’s local bylaw (MGL Ch. 9 §4) imposes a $150 fine on any person in control of residential premises who allows a person under 18 to possess or consume alcohol. Funds collected must be reported to the Select Board and used for minor alcohol-use prevention.
• A check with the town clerk confirmed no fines have been issued under this bylaw since 2017.
• State law (MGL Ch. 138 §34) additionally provides for fines up to $2,000 and/or up to one year imprisonment for knowingly supplying alcohol to anyone under 21.
• The board member stated that police are regularly breaking up parties at the same repeat-offender addresses but are not issuing citations, attributing this to direction from the police chief rather than patrol officers.
• A social media post the board member made generated approximately 21,000 views and extensive community support.
• The school committee was credited with recent enthusiasm for keeping the conversation going and exploring requiring parents to attend social-hosting talks before their students can attend prom.

After discussion, the board chair proposed — and the board unanimously agreed — that the chair would extend a formal invitation to the police chief to come before the Board of Health to explain the enforcement data. The board director suggested an initial private meeting with the chief before any public session.

Committee member Jen described outreach to other town boards following a student death in summer 2025. She met with representatives from Recreation & Park (Chris Kennedy), Board of Health (McMahon), Select Board (Erin Nunan and Alexa Singer), and the District Attorney’s office.

Key findings shared:

• Town bylaws include fines (as low as $25) for serving alcohol to minors; these have not been updated in years.
• The town clerk reported five citations for underage serving between 2009–2016; no citations since 2017.
• Discussion centered on enforcement of bylaws, substance use education, and counseling resources.
• A previously held spring parent meeting (discontinued around COVID) that included the police chief or DA’s office on youth safety was discussed as a potential resumption.

The superintendent noted ongoing plans to share more detailed programming information and described meeting with a group of 16 high school students through the METCO director to discuss school culture. Committee members also referenced MIA (athletic association) rules as a model for consistent consequences across extracurricular activities.

The board unanimously accepted a $5,000 donation from William Lundrigan through the Qua Charitable Foundation, to be placed under the sole discretion of the Marblehead Fire Chief. A letter of appreciation was also approved.

Chief King and Lieutenant Dave Ovi (accreditation manager), joined by Officer Dan Gagnon (assistant accreditation manager), briefed the board on the department’s re-accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, voted on September 16, 2025.

Key facts:

• 258 police agencies are in the Commonwealth’s accreditation program; 112 are fully accredited.
• Marblehead has 32 sworn officers and 9 dispatchers.
• This is the department’s fourth overall assessment and second re-accreditation, with the designation valid through October 2028.
• The assessment was completed in two days (shorter than the planned three), with assessors from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mansfield, and Saugus.
• There are 274 mandatory standards and approximately 70 optional standards the department meets.
• The accreditation supports competitive grant applications and drives training and operational policies.
• The only noted gap was the backup generator being replaced during the assessment period, requiring a contingency plan.

Board members praised the department’s professionalism, noting the accreditation reflects work across patrol, training, hiring, and discipline practices.

The vice chair for community health presented proposed signage for Riverhead indicating that the water is not suitable for swimming and that bacteria levels are not monitored at that location. The waiver would be provided to equipment renters, with a focus on parents of young children. Adult canoeing and other rentals would not require the same waiver. The board voted unanimously to approve the signage and waiver.

The Select Board approved a hold-harmless agreement between the town and the Hingham Police Department, following the same model used with Salem, Swampscott, and other municipalities. The agreement allows Hingham officers to work police details in Marblehead to address coverage shortfalls. The police chief was unavailable to present in person. The board voted unanimously to approve and authorized the chair to sign on behalf of the board.

The chair described a SAMHSA webinar on cannabis and behavior, with slides expected to be shared within a few weeks. Discussion noted that because cannabis remains a Schedule I substance federally, there is limited pharmaceutical research and minimal CME training for physicians. The board discussed how the cannabis industry’s self-promotional strategies mirror those historically used by alcohol and tobacco industries. Emergency room visits and psychiatric episodes involving cannabis polypharmacy were noted as key data points from the webinar.

A board member outlined proposals to be discussed at an upcoming Wednesday meeting involving representatives from the school committee, select board, and Parks & Recreation.

Proposals discussed:

• A youth driving curfew concept, noting Massachusetts already has an under-18 driving curfew of 12:30–5:00 AM
• A student-run sober ride program modeled on a program that existed during the member’s high school years
• The Arrive Alive Tour: a mobile virtual-reality driving simulator program that visits schools. The program would cover grades 7–12, take approximately nine days, and was estimated at $22,500. Potential funding sources mentioned include Title IX, car insurance agency sponsorships, and possibly opioid settlement funds (to be confirmed). The program could potentially be scheduled for mid-April when the vendor is in the region.

The Town Administrator and police chief identified additional unforeseen costs to complete closure and sealing of an underground storage tank where a petroleum release was discovered. The $12,261 request will be presented to the Finance Committee as a reserve fund transfer under MGL Chapter 40, Section 6.

Dr. Caitlin Coyle presented details of the “Creating a Healthier Marblehead” (CALM) initiative in partnership with the Marblehead Board of Health and UMass Boston.

Survey logistics:

• Yellow postcards will be mailed to every resident 18 and older starting mid-next week.
• Three completion options: online (QR code/link), paper copies at the library, community center, and Abbott Hall, or by phone with UMass graduate students.
• Estimated completion time: 10 minutes; entirely voluntary.

Data security:

• No identifying information collected; all responses anonymous.
• Data held on password-protected UMass Boston servers; only the research team has access.
• No raw data provided to the town; only aggregated reports.
• Approved by the UMass Boston Institutional Review Board.

Deliverables: A full report with cross-tabulated survey data, thematic analysis of open-ended responses, a public presentation, and follow-up focus groups with underrepresented groups in 2026.

Funding provided by the Rotary Club of Marblehead, the Marblehead Female Humane Society, the Mariner, and the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor.

The board noted that a ceremony honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks would be held at Memorial Park the following morning at 10 AM, hosted by the Marblehead Fire and Police Departments and local leaders. The public was invited to attend.

The Town Administrator reported that the Marblehead Police Department received a grant of $121,300 to continue the work of mental health clinician Gina Rabbit. The funding source — a state program supporting mental health clinicians affiliated with police departments — had been cut in the state budget, but local legislators Representative Armenian and Senator Creighton secured restoration of the funds after the police chief contacted them.

A board member read a detailed personal statement reflecting on Marblehead’s well-known drinking culture, describing his own past experiences with alcohol and the decision to stop drinking for the sake of his young children. He argued the community tends to memorialize youth tragedies without acknowledging their connection to alcohol or substance use, and called for cultural change alongside policy measures.

Resident Cynthia (last name not stated) described flyers she created highlighting two Massachusetts laws enacted in 2018:

• Samaritan Law: Individuals under 21 can call 911 for a drug emergency without facing criminal charges
• Medical Amnesty Law: Same protections apply in alcohol-related emergencies

She also noted that Marblehead police accept anonymous reports of unsafe parties. She requested board assistance in distributing the flyers to beach bathrooms and other public locations; the board directed her to seek approval from Parks & Recreation and the Select Board for public postings. A local newspaper representative present offered to publish the flyer in the next edition.

A resident named Bronwyn Roberts was referenced as having compiled information on youth curfew laws in other towns. The board member noted Massachusetts already restricts drivers under 18 after 12:30 AM and suggested a local curfew meriting consideration.

A board member introduced a discussion of school vaccination surveillance, noting it was National Immunization Awareness Month and that school was weeks away. The member cited Massachusetts requirements for six vaccines (DTaP/Tdap, polio, MMR, Hep B, varicella, and meningitis for grade 7 and above) and expressed concern that Glover School had not submitted vaccination data to the state website for the most recent year, while Brown School submitted data showing 98% MMR vaccination.

The board discussed the importance of maintaining herd immunity above 95%, the current availability of medical and religious exemptions under Massachusetts law (noting two pending legislative bills that would eliminate the religious exemption), and the consequence that unvaccinated children without an exemption must be excluded from school for at least 21 days if an outbreak occurs.

The board unanimously passed a motion for the Board of Health to communicate with the school committee chair to establish a partnership aimed at ensuring Marblehead schools comply with state vaccination guidelines. The chair indicated he would email the school committee chair and suggested the school’s head nurse would be the operational point of contact.

Dr. Zaro reported that the UMass Boston Health Assessment contract has been fully executed. A five-person organizational team — including board members, a UMass Boston graduate student, and representatives from the Collins Center and Gerontological Center — will meet regularly through the summer to prepare for a community health survey shortly after Labor Day.

Key points:

• No public tax dollars are funding the study; fundraising has covered costs
• A UMass Boston graduate student will incorporate the project into her dissertation
• Professor Bennett plans a background research study as well
• The Marblehead Mental Health Task Force merger with the counseling center is ongoing; regular meetings expected to resume in September
• A brief introduction to the Select Board is planned for June 24, with a more detailed presentation to follow once summer planning is complete
• Challenge noted: integrating paper and digital survey formats for younger respondents while ensuring privacy

Staff reported meeting with the chair of OB-GYN at Salem Hospital as part of a maternal and child health landscape grant project. Discussions covered social determinants of health and referral pathways, including connecting the hospital to the Marblehead Counseling Center. Staff are also working to arrange meetings with pediatric associates in the greater Salem area and are beginning to map preschool-age resources in Marblehead.

Article 37 rescinded the town’s prior acceptance of MGL Chapter 31 §58A, which capped police officer applicants at age 31 as of the last date to apply for an exam. Chief King stated the restriction reduced his hiring pool at a time when interest in policing is at a decades-long low. He noted only seven Marblehead residents were on the civil service residency list and that recent hiring cycles had qualified candidates who narrowly exceeded the age limit. The article passed 375–14 with no opposition from the floor.

The board opened the public hearing on a proposed regulation prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of synthetic cannabinoids. The health department director explained that while the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture already regulates synthetic cannabinoids, the local regulation gives tobacco control enforcement agents authority to look for and remove the products during inspections of licensed tobacco retailers.

Board members noted Marblehead has approximately six tobacco retail locations and that having a local regulation aligns with the town’s history of proactive tobacco control, including being an early adopter of Tobacco 21. A board member with medical continuing education on the subject described synthetic cannabinoids as potentially dangerous and evolving rapidly, with manufacturers altering molecular structures to circumvent regulations.

No public comments were received. The board voted unanimously to approve the regulation.

Chief King explained that a captain’s retirement approximately one month prior created a chain of vacancies. John Lent was provisionally promoted to captain, opening a lieutenant slot; filling the lieutenant slot opens a sergeant position. Both Eric Statin (11 years as sergeant, cited for technology expertise and sound decision-making under pressure) and Andrew DeMar (9-year veteran, FTO, drone unit member) were at the top of the existing civil service list.

The board approved both promotions unanimously, effective May 4, 2025. The chief noted a formal promotion ceremony with swearing-in is planned for mid-to-late summer.

Megan Sweeney, founder of Power Up, presented on the organization’s work since October 2023 building community awareness around gender violence. She outlined steps taken including collaboration with the Marblehead Police Department, the Select Board, Board of Health, state legislators, and the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women. Sweeney highlighted existing district efforts including menstrual equity, YWCA consent programming, and the I AM Registration.

Sweeney recommended the committee consider:

• Expanding YWCA consent programming to earlier grades, noting that several high school survivors she spoke with had already experienced assault before the senior-year program.
• A student accountability pledge tabling event.
• Gender awareness professional development.
• Sponsoring a feminist or gender equity student organization.

The committee approved a proclamation declaring April 2025 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Marblehead Public Schools by a vote of 4–0. Committee members also discussed revisiting a past parent-focused professional development session on identifying victims of sexual violence.

The police chief outlined the town’s established criteria for handicapped parking spaces and confirmed that the gap in accessible parking between the Landing restaurant and the Barnacle at approximately 118 Front Street meets those criteria. The town engineer will determine the precise placement. The board approved the establishment of the space unanimously.

Board physician Dr. Mezaros opened with a presentation framing why the board would regularly update the public on H5N1 avian influenza, citing the five-year anniversary of the WHO COVID emergency declaration and lessons learned about communicating uncertainty.

Key points from the briefing:

• H5N1 is an influenza A virus known since at least 1996; the WHO has recorded roughly 100–600 human cases worldwide; human-to-human transmission remains relatively rare.
• The virus currently attaches more readily to conjunctival cells near the eye than to lung or skin cells, limiting human spread.
• A virologist quoted in the Boston Globe (Ashish Jha) noted the virus may be “a small number of mutations away from sustained human-to-human transmission.”
• Approximately 40 million birds have been culled in early 2025; egg prices have risen as a result.
• The public health nurse described the wastewater surveillance program (formerly using Biobot Analytics), noting trace H5N1 detections in wastewater but at levels not yet causing elevated concern.
• Ro numbers reviewed: original Wuhan COVID ~2.4–2.6; Delta ~5–8; Omicron ~12; measles ~18.
• Backyard flock permit holders in Marblehead are required to contact the state Department of Agriculture if birds appear ill; culling has occurred in Essex County.

The board committed to regular H5N1 updates, framing the goal as sharing what is known and unknown rather than projecting false certainty—a lesson drawn from COVID-19 criticism.

Chief King briefed the board on a dangerous-dog hearing request from the animal control officer. The dog, owned by a part-time resident, was involved in two incidents:

1. Fall 2024: bit a postal worker, tearing the jacket but not causing a puncture wound
2. February 2025: caused a significant puncture-wound bite to a person, resulting in a hospital stay

The board voted to appoint the Town Administrator as hearing officer to conduct the dangerous-dog hearing and report findings back to the board.

Chief King requested the appointment of Lieutenant Jonathan Lund as provisional (Civil Service terminology) captain, citing a recent unexpected retirement of the former captain who served as executive officer. The chief noted the position carries significant administrative duties including training oversight and sex offender registry board responsibilities.

Lund’s background per Chief King:

• Patrolman since 1997
• Detective 2005
• Sergeant 2006
• Lieutenant since 2007
• DT instructor, part of MLE SWAT team
• Numerous commendations including bank robbery response

The board approved unanimously (one member recused). The effective date coincides with St. Patrick’s Day.

A board member presented a multi-slide overview of the ‘Creating a Healthier Marblehead’ (CAHM) initiative in partnership with UMass Boston, and made the case for strengthening local public health investment.

Survey status: UMass Boston confirmed the original timeline remains on track. A new co-investigator, Megan Morgan Clark (PhD in public affairs, MPH, former Cape Cod health department director), has joined the project team. Marblehead intends to survey residents from age 18 through the full lifespan — broader than Salem and Swampscott, which stopped at approximately age 50. The board discussed using a hybrid paper/online format and a tiered survey design to reduce fatigue (targeting under 40 questions). A 50% response rate was cited as the goal.

Proposed governance structure: Three co-chairs — Director Petty, board member (presenter), and Joanne Miller — plus a town-government liaison layer and a stakeholder advisory group of 10–20 residents (business, healthcare, civic sectors). The board endorsed moving forward.

Public health funding context (slides presented):

International comparisons shown (Commonwealth Fund data):

• U.S. maternal mortality is among the highest of wealthy nations and increasing; Massachusetts is below the U.S. average but well above international leaders.
• U.S. life expectancy for both sexes is the lowest among OECD countries compared.
• ~27% of U.S. women 18+ take four or more prescription drugs regularly.
• ‘Avoidable deaths’ in the U.S. exceed peer nations; overdose and gun violence are leading drivers domestically.

The presenter noted that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is projected to lose approximately $400 million this year due to GLP-1 obesity drug costs. The board discussed presenting selected slides to the Select Board and at Town Meeting.

A board member and Director Petty introduced a recurring H5N1 avian influenza education agenda item, framing it as a commitment to communicate evolving science to the community. Key points included:

• The New England Journal of Medicine recently published three articles on H5N1 in one issue, with an editorial describing it as an ‘emerging threat to human health.’
• The U.S. had approximately 379 million laying hens; roughly 44 million were culled in December 2024 and January 2025 — approximately 10% of the laying flock — contributing to egg price increases.
• The U.S. produced approximately 110 billion eggs in 2023.
• Locally, the director noted that a residential backyard flock in Barnstable/Dukes County tested positive; a 10-kilometer buffer zone restricting movement of poultry and eggs was established.
• The board permits backyard flocks (chickens, ducks, pigeons) and has posted guidance on reporting dead seabirds.
• The CDC states that eating well-cooked eggs does not pose a risk.
• Future meetings will include brief H5N1 educational segments; a dedicated section on the new town website is planned.

Coming out of executive session, the board chair read a prepared statement announcing the decision not to pursue an appeal in the Officer Gallo disciplinary matter. The board expressed support for Police Chief Dennis King’s actions and stated that the civil service disciplinary process was fair and thorough. The board noted it may not agree with the arbitrator’s ruling but respects the process.

A resident (Albert Jordan, Roosevelt Avenue) then spoke during public comment, raising concerns about the roughly $500,000 cost of the proceeding and suggesting the town consider removing the police department from civil service, as Swampscott has reportedly done, and adding GPS tracking to patrol vehicles.

The board voted unanimously to proceed with a community substance-use perception survey developed in coordination with the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS). The survey is part of a four-community effort including Lynn, Salem, Swampscott, and Marblehead.

The health director explained the survey is designed to contrast adult perceptions of youth substance use with YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) data, which shows actual usage rates among high school students are approximately 3–5%, while perceived rates among peers run 70–80%. A BSAS grant manager will collate results.

Funding for the survey (approximately $45,000) has not yet been fully secured. The board expressed confidence funding would be obtained. Dr. Coyle of BSAS was noted to be supportive and willing to assist with question design.

Town Administrator Patrick Keer provided updates across two departments:

Police / Dispatch:

• Marblehead’s 911 dispatch center received approximately $50,000 in free ESRI GIS licensing for a custom emergency-response dashboard application developed in-house by dispatchers. The app won the People’s Choice Award at the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation Innovation Summit in 2023.
• Recruit Taylor Nolasco graduates the police academy February 28 and begins field training March 3.
• Recruit Brandon Aire enters the police academy March 3.
• The department has completed preparation for its reaccreditation assessment, scheduled for May.

DPW / Infrastructure:

• Active projects include sewer lining on Glendale, Pickwick, Brooks, Trager, and Roger/Shetland areas; Sergeant Street sewer main replacement; Maverick Street gas main replacement; and Rail Trail rehabilitation from Pleasant Street to Smith Street.
• Village Street bridge boring work is complete; the state accepted the culvert classification, reducing the estimated project cost from approximately $11 million to $2–3 million.
• Stormwater pipe work at 297 Ocean Ave is 95% complete.
• A neighborhood construction Zoom meeting is planned for the following week.

The board heard a joint presentation from DPW Director Amy (last name not captured), Police Chief Gill, and the Town Administrator explaining operational constraints of the fixed midnight-to-7 AM parking ban adopted at the 2020 Town Meeting.

Key arguments presented:

• An 8-inch storm takes approximately 14 hours to clear; the fixed window does not align with actual storm timing
• Marblehead’s narrow streets compound safety risks when snow cannot be pushed back fully
• DPW operates in-house crews rather than rotating contractors, raising fatigue concerns
• Code Red notifications now reach over 3,600 email subscribers, up from roughly 400 five years ago; alerts go via voice, text, email, social media, and the town website
• A blue-light system is planned as a future capital purchase to signal active bans

The board voted unanimously to suspend Traffic Regulation Article 5, Section 8 (the all-night parking ban) and replace it with a flexible snow-emergency response. Under the new policy, the DPW director, fire chief, and police chief — in coordination with the Town Administrator — set the start and end times of declared snow emergencies based on forecast or live conditions. Violations remain subject to ticketing and towing.

The director reported that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in poultry in Essex County. The town posted public health notices on the town website and sent direct notifications to all fowl permit holders advising them of risks and precautions. No local incidents have been reported. Board members noted the potential for dead birds on town beaches and confirmed a reporting mechanism is in place.

Police Chief King introduced Brandon Aire, who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University and currently works as a dispatcher in Beverly. Prior experience includes work as a paraprofessional in Salem schools and as staff at NFI, a juvenile residential facility.

The board voted unanimously to approve a conditional offer of permanent full-time employment, contingent on successful completion of the Commonwealth’s physical abilities test, a physical examination, and a psychological examination by physicians of the town’s choosing. The effective start date is January 6, 2025, or the first available police academy date.

Andrew Petty reported that the department operates Purple Air particle monitoring sensors at the transfer station and the Franklin Firehouse, updating every 10 minutes. During recent brush fire events in Massachusetts, the department provided guidance to schools on outdoor recess and sporting events based on real-time readings and weather forecasting tools including Radar Storm and Vent Sky. The department is working to add a sensor at the high school. Color-coded guidance documents for sensitive groups were distributed to schools.

Andrew Petty reported that a substance abuse awareness program is being planned for March in collaboration with Mark Labon. The event structure includes resource tables, opening statements, speakers covering stages of addiction and stigma, and an optional open-mic opportunity for students. Students would not be named or scheduled in advance. Petty noted he is still awaiting approval from the school superintendent’s office after being referred there from the high school principal.

A board member read a letter addressed to local Jewish community leaders and task force chair Elaine Hezlet expressing support in the context of the one-year anniversary of the conflict in Gaza and recent antisemitic graffiti at Seaside Park. The Police Chief reported that a mobile, solar-powered camera funded through a Department of Justice grant—applied for partly in response to antisemitic incidents—had been temporarily relocated to Community Road for the High Holidays, during which time the Seaside Park area was vandalized. The camera has been returned to Seaside Park; no suspects have been identified. The board also formally recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Police Chief King requested and the board unanimously approved a conditional offer of employment to Taylor Nolasco as a permanent full-time police officer. The offer is conditioned on successful completion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts physical abilities test, a complete physical exam, and a psychological exam. The effective date is September 9, 2024, or the first date of an eligible police academy.

Board members discussed a planned substance-abuse awareness event to be held in the high school auditorium, tentatively in November or early December. Two community members with lived experience of substance use disorders are prepared to speak. The board debated whether speakers needed to be formally vetted before the event; the director suggested establishing a program length and allowing speakers to share stories without additional approval hurdles. The board agreed to continue planning offline and provide a status report at a future meeting. This program is separate from the Drug Story Theater inquiry, which is also in development.

The Fire Chief explained that the department’s longstanding records management software (IMC) was being phased out, prompting a search for a replacement. First Due was selected as the preferred platform, used widely among fire departments. Capabilities include fire reporting, EMS patient care reports, training records, facility pre-planning tied to GIS, and a Community Connect feature for public-facing health and safety information sharing. Mutual aid departments using First Due will be able to access Marblehead’s pre-plans. Funding came from Article 6 of the prior May Town Meeting, appropriating up to approximately $33,000. The contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation was approved at $27,525.45.

McMahon reported that speakers he has been coordinating with are available in early-to-mid November. The board discussed using the Marblehead High School auditorium for an evening event, preferring it for its more intimate setting.

A theater group called ‘Drug Story Theater’ was also discussed — the organization performs with former teenage addicts and has presented at Lincoln-Sudbury and is scheduled for Swampscott. They would potentially co-present with the board at no cost pending state funding approval; if not funded, cost would be approximately a few thousand dollars, potentially payable from opioid settlement funds.

The board also noted a National Fentanyl Awareness Day in August (approximate date mentioned as August 21st) and discussed distributing outreach materials.

Resident Teresa Collins, founder of the Reese Across America program, presented two requests:

1. Purple Heart Town designation: Approval to post four DOT-approved signs reading ‘Marblehead Purple Heart Town’ at the four roadway entries to town: Atlantic Avenue, Pilgrim/Humphrey Street, Tedesco West, and Lafayette Street. Signs were purchased by Collins at her own expense. Marblehead will be added to the National Purple Heart Trail, joining neighboring communities Salem, Swampscott, Beverly, and Danvers. Among 351 Massachusetts cities and towns, 121 are on the trail.

2. Corporal William Ferry memorial sign: Approval to place a customized veteran square marker on the traffic island at the Pleasant/Lafayette/Humphrey intersection — the same location proposed by town voters in 1921 for a park in Ferry’s memory. Ferry served in Battery A, Fourth Battalion Field Artillery, and died of pneumonia in France on February 6, 1919. The sign and governor’s citation were purchased by Collins.

Collins also noted that the Reese Across America Marblehead Freedom Trail received a Marblehead Cultural Council grant, and the program received a national Chief Janine Roberts Public Safety Award. Both motions passed unanimously.

The police chief reported that the town had received an ADA accessibility grant for the police station. One project already completed under the grant was the installation of a filtered water station. The remaining project — a non-slip resilient floor coating for the male cell block area — required board approval and completion by June 30 to satisfy the grant deadline.

The board voted unanimously to award the contract to SOEP Painting Corporation in the amount of $23,365. The chair noted that staff member Becky led the grant work.

Two police department updates were reported:

1. The JCC (Jewish Community Center) is presenting the Marblehead Police Department with the Stall Community Service Award for efforts ensuring safety at JCC facilities and the Epstein Hillel school, recognized at the school’s year-end event.

2. A provisional police officer appointment made at the prior select board meeting has resulted in the candidate’s successful enrollment at the Lowell Police Academy. The board’s earlier action created the opening that allowed the chief to secure the academy slot.

MMLD General Manager Joseph Alek presented three infrastructure projects requiring temporary parking restrictions:

1. School Street Parking Lot (near-term, one Monday) Activation of new primary electrical lines serving 120 and 124 Pleasant Street. Requires four to five MMLD trucks from 4:00 AM to midday on one Monday. Restriction needed for worker safety and operational efficiency.

2. Commercial Street Extension (2–3 weeks starting imminently) Installation of a perimeter security fence around the 80 Commercial Street plant, improvements to Hammond Park access, and CZM-funded coastal resiliency work. Key elements:

• Precast concrete footings (approx. 12 pieces, 3–4 tons each) along the seawall
• Widening of park entrance; new sidewalk; handicapped-accessible crosswalk
• Removal of a utility pole and replacement of tripod guideline with a monopole (using existing MMLD inventory)
• Ledge removal to improve grade access to the pocket park
• Child-proof railings around Hammond Park
• All work must be complete by June 30 to meet CZM grant expiration

3. Village 13 Substation Upgrade ($8 million, later June) Replacement of aging primary transformers at the town’s only central substation (all electricity in Marblehead passes through this facility). Key facts:

• Two new transformers, each >120,000 lbs, on trailers approximately 120 feet long
• Delivery route from Virginia through multiple states, each requiring separate permits
• Connecticut/Massachusetts border presents timing complexity (Connecticut requires nighttime travel; Massachusetts does not)
• MMLD spent $150,000 on a land bridge over the town’s main sewer force main on Bessam Street to protect the pipe from heavy loads
• Entry route: Essex Street → Pleasant Street → left on Bessam Street → right of way to Village 13
• Crane contractor: Shaughnessy & Ahern (Boston)
• Up to 8 separate heavy equipment moves anticipated
• New substation capacity will be 50% larger than current; switchgear designed to accommodate future utility-scale battery storage and additional feeds

The board approved the request for parking restrictions on Commercial Street, Bessam Street, Heritage Way, Roundhouse Road, and the School Street parking lot, authorizing coordination with the police chief and DPW director for specific implementation.

Police Chief King described the Safe Routes to School grant, applied for over three years and finally awarded, which is now being implemented. MassDOT contractor ACOM conducted an engineering review and made recommendations.

Approved changes at Village School:

• Make the entire area on Village Street in front of the school a no parking zone (install R8-3a signs)
• Paint the word SCHOOL on pavement on Village Street on both approaches within the school zone
• Apply white hatching paint across the no-parking area
• Install yield/shark’s teeth pavement markings in both directions, 20–50 feet in advance of the crosswalk

Grant amount: approximately $10,000, all of which is expected to be used. The chief noted the changes were designed in coordination with school staff and are intended to improve pedestrian safety, visibility, and drop-off flow. Board members noted concerns about parent drop-off patterns and driveways, which the chief said would be addressed in coordination with the new school principal.

The Town Administrator explained the $16,000 request covers unexpected maintenance costs on the fire department’s ladder truck that exceed the current operating budget. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fire Chief Thatcher to appear before the Finance Committee to request the transfer from the Reserve Fund in accordance with MGL Chapter 40, Section 6.

The board also unanimously approved accepting a donated Sole stationary bicycle and placing it in the care and custody of the police department, with direction to send a thank-you note to the anonymous donor.

Andrew reported that Marblehead participates in the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetland Management District. Key points:

• Storm drains are currently being cleaned and will then be treated with BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring larvicide approved for use in Marblehead’s pesticide-free environment.
• Marblehead and neighboring coastal towns are generally at lower risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) than inland marsh communities such as Ipswich, Topsfield, and Essex, but vigilance is warranted, especially for nighttime fall activities.
• Two mild winters in a row make 2024 a projected high EEE year statewide.
• West Nile virus: approximately 80% of infected individuals show no symptoms; most develop lifelong immunity. Considered a lower concern than EEE locally.
• Rising temperatures may introduce new mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue over the longer term.
• Residents with backyard standing water are encouraged to eliminate breeding sites; Northeast Mosquito Control can inspect wetland areas on request.

Andrew described the bathing beach water quality program:

Designated bathing beaches (5): Devereaux Beach, Crocker Park, Gas House, Grace Oliver’s, and Raki. Village Pier and Sunset Pier are sampled every other week as non-designated areas.

Sampling protocol: Weekly Wednesday sampling near high tide; samples go to a lab with 24-hour turnaround. Results posted online via a state website link.

Closure thresholds: Devereaux, Crocker Park, Gas House, and Stransky require two consecutive failing tests. Grace Oliver’s is on a heightened tier requiring closure after a single failure due to its history of repeated failures.

Beach postings: Closures are posted at each beach, and the police department posts alerts on Facebook. Sawhorses are now placed at Gas House and Grace Oliver’s entrances for visibility.

Red’s Pond: Cyanobacteria (potentially toxic) recurs due to high nutrient loading from waterfowl and fish. Aeration is being explored in coordination with the drain department. Residents are advised to wash hands after fishing and to avoid contact with visible algae blooms.

Andrew presented a CDC update on H5N1 avian influenza (updated May 13, 2024):

Key local points:

• Massachusetts requires pasteurization of all commercially sold milk; no concern about pasteurized milk transmission.
• Letters sent to all backyard poultry permit holders in Marblehead with Massachusetts Department of Agriculture guidance.
• Two dead wild birds have been reported in town this season; they are bagged and disposed of (not tested), pending coordination between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Health on testing protocols.
• Residents should not approach dead birds and should contact the health department instead.

Tracy Owler introduced herself as Marblehead’s public health nurse since 2012 and outlined her primary responsibilities:

• Maven system: Tracks approximately 80 reportable communicable diseases; STDs are reported directly to the state for confidentiality.
• Flu vaccines: 240 doses ordered for the upcoming fall season; annual clinics held for town employees and seniors.
• Summer camps: Seven camps reviewed jointly with Health Inspector Bobby Cody covering medical and sanitation components.
• Narcan/naloxone: Kits available at the health department; lock boxes at several locations including soon the schools; fentanyl test strips also distributed and being picked up regularly.
• Beach sampling: Six beaches sampled weekly June 12 through September 11; Grace Oliver’s Beach is on a heightened closure tier due to repeated failures.
• Award: Owler received a lifetime achievement award from the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses, named in honor of former public health nurse Charlotte Stepanian.

The board also discussed bacteria sources at Grace Oliver’s Beach, noting that rainfall runoff, wildlife waste, water temperature, and tidal patterns all contribute to elevated counts, making it difficult to pinpoint a single cause.

The Town Administrator presented the Hazard Mitigation Plan, a roughly 300-page document prepared with stakeholder input. It identifies potential threats — coastal flooding, hurricane surge, extreme temperature days, and wildfire probability — and outlines preparedness steps. Adopting the plan fulfills a state reporting requirement. The board voted unanimously to adopt the plan and authorize the chair to sign the resolution.

The board approved a contract with Wireless CCTV for a mobile surveillance camera system in the amount of $42,887.33. The system is deployable and wireless, intended for large public events and special occasions. The full cost is covered by a grant with no impact on the town operating budget.

The fire department FY25 budget was presented with no additional position cuts after three were removed in FY24. The department operates on 24-hour shifts with a minimum staffing of 9 firefighters; normal complement is 10. All personnel are cross-trained as EMTs operating Class 5 non-transporting ambulances.

The chief stated that losing even one more position would require shutting down the Franklin Street station and eliminate the ability to give or receive mutual aid. The budget reflects contractual obligations and adjusted energy costs. The union contract expires next year.

The oldest active apparatus is a 2013 ladder truck; a new engine has been delivered. Diesel emission system issues (regen cycles) are causing maintenance concerns on older trucks. New Pierce apparatus carries a roughly four-year build time.

The Finance Committee approved a public safety budget that includes removal of one police officer position from the FY25 police budget. The department will have 29 officers on patrol, compared to a national average benchmark of approximately 40 officers (2 per 1,000 residents), putting the department at roughly 1.6–1.7 per 1,000 residents.

The police chief described the situation as operating “on the razor’s edge,” where any injury or extended sick leave forces overtime and strains morale. Overtime was increased by approximately $26,000 to offset the roughly $73,000 salary savings from the unfilled position, for a net savings. The department is tracking over $350,000 in grants for FY24.

The chief noted calls for service have increased 16–17% while staffing has remained flat or declined, and that it takes approximately one year from requisition to field-trained officer. He is attempting to get candidates into a police academy imminently.

The Police/Harbor Master Chief presented an unsolicited donation of approximately $15,321 from Marblehead resident Biff Micho for the purchase of a public safety drone and associated training and licensing.

Capabilities described include:

• Thermal/FLIR imaging for daytime and nighttime use
• Optical zoom for precision targeting
• Search and rescue applications on land and water
• Coastal documentation for FEMA/MEMA storm damage grant support

Operators will obtain FAA Part 107 licensing through an online interactive training program. The board accepted the donation unanimously and approved a letter of thanks to the donor.

The town administrator explained that the police chief had a retirement and needs to fill two positions using an assessment center. The budget did not include this cost because the timing was uncertain. The board voted unanimously to authorize the chief to appear before the Finance Committee to request a $12,520 transfer from the Reserve Fund under MGL Chapter 40, Section 6.

Superintendent McGinnis reported that a swastika drawing was found on a library wall at Marblehead Veterans Middle School, was immediately removed, and that police were notified. She read both her own district-wide letter and Principal Matthew Fox’s letter to the school community condemning the act, describing existing Holocaust education programming, and asking families to speak with their children.

The committee discussed the incident and Sarah Fox moved that the committee co-sign the superintendent’s letter. The motion passed 4-0.

The board unanimously approved indemnification of Officer Luke Peters for an injury sustained while on duty. Peters initially attempted to continue working but ultimately required medical attention. Under the applicable public safety statute (separate from standard workers’ compensation), the town covers medical costs for police and fire officers injured on duty.

The board approved a lease agreement with Republic First National for two Ford all-wheel drive police utility interceptors with upfitting. Equipment cost is approximately $108,038, with three annual payments of $39,597 for a total cost of $118,791. Hybrid vehicles were preferred but unavailable due to nationwide back-order; standard vehicles were substituted. The three-year lease cycle aligns with the typical useful service life of police cruisers.

Following the earlier unanimous vote on fentanyl test strips, the board discussed placement of Narcan and fentanyl test strip dispensing boxes. The fire station and police station both agreed to host boxes. Board members noted that the existing box at the health department building was difficult to locate, and the fire station’s central, easily recognized location was considered more practical. The police station was seen as a less likely destination for people seeking these materials. The school was discussed briefly; the board noted it lacks jurisdiction over schools but that school programs with Narcan and fentanyl strips are being developed separately.

Dr. Thomas Mauro, introduced with credentials including an MD from the University of Wisconsin, degrees from MIT, Cornell, UC Berkeley, Stanford GSB, and emeritus faculty status at the University of Virginia, presented a framework for expanding local public health capacity.

Key points from the presentation:

• Post-pandemic assessments show federal preparedness failures; local communities performed better
• The Commonwealth Fund’s 2022 recommendations for local jurisdictions: assess current capacity, bridge the gap between public health and the healthcare delivery system, and increase community engagement in public health priorities
• A pending Massachusetts legislative bill mirrors these recommendations and could provide funding
• Proposed priority areas: prevention, health inequalities/disparities, child and maternal health, mental health and substance abuse, violence, primary care collaboration, and climate change health effects
• Dr. Mauro noted the US life expectancy gap between men and women has grown to near-record levels

The board discussed forming an advisory subcommittee with broad community membership including economists, sociologists, and healthcare professionals. Formal recruitment was deferred until after the holiday season, with the next board meeting set for December 12th. Interested residents were asked to send materials to the health department office.

High school administrators and school counselor Gina presented the district’s multi-layered vaping prevention and response strategy.

Detection and Prevention

• Vape detectors installed in all gang bathrooms; alerts sent via text and email to administrators
• SmartPass electronic hall-pass system limits simultaneous passes to prevent coordinated meetups
• Cell phone collection in classrooms has reduced hallway movement and bathroom visits during class time

Student Data (Youth Risk Behavior Survey)

• Approximately 34% of students reported lifetime use of nicotine products
• Approximately 20% reported lifetime use of marijuana products
• Rates are described as comparable to state averages

I-Decide Diversion Program (MGH Partnership – Pilot Year)

• Tier 2 evidence-based intervention for students with substance use infractions
• Three to four sessions covering teen brain development, addiction, risk factors, mindfulness, and goal-setting
• Program is drug-agnostic (covers nicotine, marijuana, and other substances)
• Facilitated by a trained staff member; currently one certified facilitator in the district
• Students may decline, in which case progressive discipline (up to suspension) applies
• Parents notified in all cases
• Part of an MGH grant; approximately 100 Massachusetts schools are using the model
• Data collected at program start and end; committee requested follow-up reporting on effectiveness

Administrators noted that marijuana-related vaping incidents result in immediate parent contact and are handled through progressive discipline.

The director confirmed that an ADA-compliant mailbox containing fentanyl test strips has been installed outside the front door of the Mary Alley building, available 24 hours a day. Narcan is available inside the office when the public health nurse or director is present; brief on-the-spot training is provided.

A board member suggested the Narcan station would be more accessible at the fire station, noting that younger residents may not know where the Mary Alley building is. Narcan is also available over the counter at CVS at no charge, though the in-town CVS’s inventory was uncertain. The board noted that Narcan is also available in school buildings.

A board member reported on the Mental Health Task Force meeting, which heard from Gina Hart of Marblehead High School on the MGH-administered Youth Risk Survey:

• 97% of students report positive peer connections; 71.9% report engaging in physical activity
• 14.5% report getting eight or fewer hours of sleep
• Anxiety, depression, and psychotic experience are above the risk threshold
• Concerning data on self-injury and suicidality, though below state averages
• 45.2% of students struggle regularly with body image or negative self-perception
• Lifetime alcohol use remained stable at approximately 41% (2021–2022)
• Cannabis use decreased; nicotine use rose from 19% to 34% (likely vaping)

Programming in place at Marblehead High School includes Everyday Health Team Harmony, DEI programming, the I Decide substance use diversion program, and social-emotional learning curricula. On January 10th, Chris Herron will present a substance use prevention program; a community evening event will be co-funded by the PCO and Marblehead Female Humane Society. Psychologist Mark Labon was nominated as co-chair of the Mental Health Task Force. The next task force meeting is scheduled for November 13th at 7:00 PM.

A committee member reported on the superintendent safety advisory committee meeting. The committee reviewed crisis management protocols (the ‘Red Book’), mandatory drill schedules, and fire alarm procedures. A concern was raised that extreme weather evacuation drills, which were formerly in place, have not been conducted at several buildings. Given approximately six tornadoes in Massachusetts during the current year, the member asked administration to ensure schools complete extreme weather drills promptly.

Following a July vote creating designated parking spaces at the Marblehead Counseling Center, the board approved designating one of those spaces as an eight-foot-wide van-accessible handicap space with an adjacent eight-foot no-parking aisle at 66 Clifton Avenue, in compliance with ADA requirements.

• Resident flu clinic (high-dose, age 65+): September 26, 9–11 AM at the Council on Aging. Pre-registration required; call the COA or health department.
• Employee flu clinic: October 11, 3–6 PM in the Board of Health meeting room. Sign-up information to be distributed to town employees.

Andrew proposed placing a small black mailbox outside the Mary Alley (health department) building to provide anonymous, after-hours access to fentanyl test strips and potentially Narcan. The public health nurse will monitor and restock the mailbox.

A board member described the firehouse as an alternative location due to lower vandalism risk, but the board voted to place it at Mary Alley to keep it under public health department oversight.

A board member gave personal testimony about losing a friend to an opioid overdose and urged the community to take fentanyl risks seriously regardless of a person’s apparent health or social profile. Andrew noted that Narcan is also available through the health department and emphasized that fentanyl is increasingly found as an adulterant in other drugs.

Vote: unanimous in favor.

A committee member, who serves on the Marblehead Housing Authority board, described a tenant event held the previous weekend at which school supplies were distributed to students living in MHA housing. Police Chief Dennis King and Fire Chief Jason Gilland attended; both chiefs participated in a dunk tank. The committee noted that the organization Spur was unable to supply backpacks, so MHA procured supplies independently.

Traffic and Parking Enforcement: The Marblehead Police Department conducted 218 selective traffic enforcement efforts at specific locations, resulting in 758 traffic stops and 277 citations. Parking enforcement has generated approximately $28,000 in revenue from nearly 1,000 tickets issued so far in 2023. The department has received the Municipal Road Safety Grant for two consecutive years for texting-while-driving enforcement and expects an additional $40,000 grant. New officers have completed field training and are on patrol.

Swampscott Branch Rail Trail Grant: The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization approved $175,000 in design funding for the Swampscott Branch of the rail trail, expected to proceed by October 1.

Heat Wave Preparations: Fire Chief Gilland noted three days of temperatures above 90°F are forecast, with Friday expected to be the most severe. Vulnerable populations (young and elderly) were urged to stay hydrated and remain indoors. A cooling center at Brown School can be activated on short notice. The fire department plans to deploy a ladder truck for a public water shower at the Recreation and Parks camp on Thursday at 1:00 PM and at the Community Center on Friday at 3:00 PM.

The board approved appointing the police chief as a designated Records Access Officer (RAO) specifically for the Police Department. The town administrator explained the police department receives a significant and growing number of records requests (traffic reports, accident reports, etc.). Splitting the RAO designation from the town-wide RAO (Kyle Wiley) allows the police department to manage its own requests. The designation is reported to the state.

The health director reported that tobacco compliance checks conducted by Joyce Redford (state tobacco control) on March 16th and April 18th found a violation at Marblehead Village Market on the latter date. This constituted a third violation, resulting in:

• A $5,000 fine
• A 30-day suspension (sequential, with the business choosing the start date)

Additional items reported:

• Narcan rescue kits available at the Board of Health office through the public health nurse
• Diaper drive collected 1,753 diapers and 16 boxes of wipes for distribution to local food pantries and North Shore resources
• Beach water sampling to begin the first or second week of June through Labor Day
• Camp inspections underway as applications are reviewed
• COVID test kits available to the public; current supply expires in September
• Marblehead Counseling Center budget confirmed at $58,812 in FY24, with $1,188 from ARPA funds bridging the gap to $60,000; the $4,000 HAWK allocation was not reduced

Fire prevention Captain Blossom presented a contract with Brycer LLC, a third-party compliance engine used by neighboring communities including Beverly, Danvers, and Lynn. The platform manages notification schedules for annual and quarterly fire and building system inspections, hosts uploaded inspection reports in an online portal, and facilitates communication between building owners and third-party testing companies. The three-year contract carries no cost to the town. The board approved unanimously.

The board received notification of a $4,000 donation from the Clifton Improvement Association, caretakers of Beach Bluff Park at Preston Beach, to fund a solar-powered rapid-flashing beacon system for the crosswalk on Atlantic Avenue near Seaview. Installation will be performed by police and DPW on existing poles. No board vote was required; the item was informational.

The board voted to authorize the chair to sign participation in the national opioid settlement involving Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, which settled for approximately $20 billion (roughly $17 billion after fees). Marblehead has received $154,138.44 from prior opioid settlements. Proceeds are restricted to health and public safety programs addressing opioid epidemic impacts, administered through the police and health departments with required utilization reporting.

The board approved a memorandum of agreement with MassDOT for the donation and installation of three solar-powered speed feedback radar signs in municipal school zones. The town applied competitively and was one of roughly 50 awardees. MassDOT provides the equipment; the town’s DPW is responsible for installation within 90 days of delivery. No additional cost beyond installation was identified.

Under Massachusetts POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements, the appointing authority must attest to the fitness of the police chief. The Town Administrator reported reviewing the chief’s career and stated he far exceeds the required standards. The board unanimously authorized the chair to sign the attestation.

Town Administrator Thatcher presented findings from a dangerous dog hearing held on February 15 regarding Nala, a dog residing at 45 Pickwick Road. Two dog-on-dog attack incidents were reported. The dog owner was represented by an attorney at the hearing; animal control officer Betsy Krueger also testified.

Conditions imposed (MGL Ch. 140 §157c, items 1–5):

• Improved fencing with double gates and indoor/outdoor confinement
• When off premises: securely muzzled and restrained with a leash of minimum 300 lb tensile strength, not exceeding 3 feet
• Proof of liability insurance of at least $100,000 (certificate already received)
• Identification information (photos, microchip, vet records) provided to animal control

All conditions had been voluntarily met by the owner prior to the hearing. The board noted that Nala has shown aggression only to other dogs, not humans, and that the owner paid all medical bills related to the attacks. Behavioral training was recommended. A violation of the order would subject the dog to seizure by law enforcement or animal control.

Foster Architects (Ryan Foster and Eric Christiansen) presented findings from a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF)-funded building assessment of the Franklin Street Fire Station, an 1886 wood-frame structure described as one of the oldest continuously operated fire stations in Massachusetts.

Key existing conditions identified:

• Chimney masonry deterioration and missing vented cap allowing water infiltration
• Deteriorated exterior wood siding (non-original shingle siding over original clapboard)
• Failed gutter seals and roof flashings causing water infiltration
• Structural instability due to widening of the apparatus bay door over time
• Aging mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems recommended for full replacement
• Accessibility deficiencies that would be triggered once renovation costs exceed 30% of assessed building value ($371,900)

Cost estimate breakdown (June 2022 dollars, with 4.5% escalation):

The town planner noted a strategy similar to Fort Sewell — combining grant funding, community fundraising, and town appropriations. The fire chief noted that an AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) could offset sprinkler system costs. Creative fundraising ideas include auctioning decommissioned fire alarm boxes. A town meeting warrant article for Franklin Street Fire Station Renovations was subsequently sponsored by the board.

The board approved a motion directing the Town Administrator to investigate and hold a public hearing on a dangerous dog request brought by the police chief concerning a dog at 45 Pickwick Road. The owner must receive 10 days’ written notice. The Town Administrator indicated he would consult with the police chief regarding any interim restraint requirements for the dog and would work to schedule the hearing with all relevant parties.

Chief King returned to the agenda to request board approval of the lease contract for two police vehicles authorized under the prior year’s Town Meeting warrant articles. The board was advised that pricing on police interceptor vehicles is largely non-negotiable, but savings can be achieved through outfitting, where the department reuses equipment from vehicles being retired. Purchasing is done through a regional consortium that conducts competitive bidding on behalf of member municipalities.

Chief King confirmed both vehicles are Ford Interceptor hybrids, which he described as an environmentally beneficial and mechanically sound choice. One retiring patrol cruiser will be repurposed for the School Resource Officer; the disposition of the second will be determined and brought back to the board if a market sale is pursued.

The board voted unanimously to approve the lease and authorized the chair to sign on behalf of the board.

Police Chief King formally presented Lt. Sean Sweeney Sr. with the Medal of Commendation, the Marblehead Police Department’s highest meritorious recognition. The award recognized Sweeney’s actions on December 4, 2022 at approximately 3:06 PM, when he responded to a report of a distressed woman at Point of Rocks Lane.

According to the commendation letter read aloud by the Chief, Sweeney found a woman uncontrollably crying and unresponsive on slippery rocks along the ocean’s edge with waves crashing dangerously close. When the woman entered the water, Sweeney immediately jumped into approximately 49-degree water, held onto a shore rock with one arm, and seized an opportunity as the tidal surge returned her toward shore to grab her sweatshirt and pull her to safety. A second officer, Officer Bélisle, assisted in securing the woman until fire rescue arrived.

The Chief noted that Sweeney is nearing retirement after nearly 25 years of service and that both of his sons followed him into law enforcement. The Select Board also voted unanimously to issue a formal letter of appreciation on behalf of the full board.

The director reported approximately 30% increases across COVID, influenza, and RSV hospitalization rates, consistent with holiday gathering patterns. Wastewater surveillance is now the primary monitoring tool as PCR testing has declined. Weekly COVID reports to the public have been discontinued due to incomplete case data.

The town has approximately eight remaining cases of at-home COVID test kits to distribute; the kits expire at the end of January. The state has not confirmed whether expiration dates will be extended or whether additional kits will be distributed. Kits are being placed at churches (for holiday services), restaurants, the food pantry, and the tax office. Residents needing help finding booster or flu shot appointments were directed to call the health office or visit mass.gov.

The Town Administrator explained that newly installed pedestrian bump-outs at the Smith Street rail-trail crossing serve two purposes: shortening the pedestrian crossing distance and providing traffic calming by narrowing the travel lane. The board approved a no-parking restriction on Smith Street in the area of numbers 27 and 32, with the exact location to be determined by the town engineer.

A board member asked about signage and was told that flashing crosswalk lighting and appropriate signage would be installed upon project completion. The bump-outs are consistent with current traffic-management best practices.

The board voted unanimously to indemnify Lieutenant Lunt for injuries sustained while on duty in October 2022, pursuant to a request from the police chief.

The police chief requested and the board unanimously approved conditional offers of employment to two candidates:

Offers are conditioned on completion of a physical agility test, full medical and psychological examinations, and graduation from a police academy. An anticipated academy start date of December 5 was noted.

The chief also announced that the department received Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission re-accreditation (previously accredited in 2019), guided by 257 standards. Lieutenant Dave Austrovitz and Officer Dan Gagnon were credited as accreditation manager and assistant manager.

The Town Administrator reported that a suspect entered the Mary Alley Municipal Building, verbally confronted staff, and caused significant damage including broken doors, damaged rugs, and scattered files. The building was closed for one day while police processed the scene and staff worked remotely. The town’s property/liability insurer was on-site taking notes; most costs are expected to be covered by the insurance policy. A water main break was also quickly repaired; residents were advised to flush cold water before running hot water or doing laundry.

The Town Administrator explained that Catello Ambulance Services had been operating under an expired contract that was extended for one year, then continued month-to-month. A new contract was negotiated with the same pricing as before — no cost to the town — and updated language clarifying coverage types and crew skill sets. The contract is structured as a new agreement with a one-year renewal option and one additional year of extension, for a total potential term of three years. The board voted unanimously to approve and authorize the chair to sign.

The police chief presented two candidates for permanent full-time police officer positions:

• Abigail Blank — lifelong Marblehead resident, MHS Class of 2014, U.S. Navy veteran (2014–2019), B.S. from Salem State University Class of 2021.
• Michael Farwell — Marblehead resident, Lynn Vocational High School Class of 2011, background in private security including a current supervisory role protecting banks.

Federal background checks and interviews were completed on both candidates. The offers are conditional on passing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physical Abilities Test, a complete physical examination, and a psychological examination by physicians of the town’s choosing, plus completion of the Police Academy. The positions fill a June retirement and one previously open budgeted slot, bringing the department to 32 officers.

On the recommendation of the police chief, the board approved indemnification of Officer Morley for injuries sustained while on duty on July 4th. The action authorizes payment of related medical expenses under the town’s standard indemnification procedures.

The Director of Public Health reported 1,180 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Marblehead, with 66 cases over the preceding two weeks — averaging four to five per day. The state has extended expiration dates on home test kits to October. The town recently received at least 4,000 additional test kits from the state, being distributed to restaurants, yacht clubs, the Council on Aging, food banks, and churches. The director noted that charted data reports are being scaled back in line with state guidance. Board members discussed whether reported case counts underrepresent true infection rates due to home testing.

The board approved temporary street closures and traffic regulations for three July 4th events:

Horrible’s Parade (July 4, rain date July 10): Pleasant Street closed between Spring and Washington Streets South; Spring Street one-way from Pleasant to Fort Sewell; Essex Street closed during staging.

Fireworks Display (July 4, rain date July 5, beginning 7 PM): Front Street closed between Franklin Street and Fort Sewall; Franklin Street one-way from Front to Washington; Washington Street one-way from Franklin to State; post-fireworks traffic directed along Montford/Green/Westwood; MBTA route follows pre-designated snow route 6–11 PM.

Festival of Arts Street Festival (July 4, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM): Washington Street closed between Rockaway and Darling Streets; Cooper Street closed between Tucker and Washington; Mason Street closed between Thomas and Washington; no parking on Washington Street in that stretch.

A task force member reported that the May 5 Cinco de Mayo open house drew nearly 100 attendees and received positive feedback. Going forward, events will incorporate the ‘three Fs’ — free stuff, food, and fun — to draw larger crowds. A September open house at the high school is planned, focused on positive parenting across age groups. The Nan Project, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program connected to a North Shore family that experienced loss, will hold a program at the high school in the fall. Police Chief Dennis King updated the task force on recruitment of a mental health professional to serve 24 hours per week under a jail-diversion grant, with 40 hours of Mental Health First Aid training planned for officers. The task force’s Facebook page is ‘Marblehead Cares.’

A fire department representative (likely the fire chief) presented the history of the department’s primary pumper truck, which had been placed out of service after a DOT inspection revealed frame failure due to salt and calcium chloride corrosion. The truck was originally ordered as a new replacement and was expected to be delivered in September, but the new truck was delayed due to material shortages. The department has been using a borrowed 1994 truck from Minuteman.

The proposed solution is to send the existing body, motor, and pump — which are in good condition — back to Pierce (the original manufacturer) for installation on a new frame at a cost of $103,991. The board voted unanimously to approve the purchase agreement with Allegiance Fire and Rescue for this purpose and authorized the chair to sign.

The board received a COVID-19 data briefing. Total cases since the start of the pandemic stood at 4,046, with 64 active cases. There were 13 probable cases between May 27 and June 10. The 14-day average daily incidence rate per 100,000 was approximately 13.4 and the recent positivity rate was 8.84%, described as lower than the prior period. The town was characterized as being on the downside of the latest wave, which began trending upward around March 9 and peaked just after May 9.