Health department reports mosquito positives, schedules vaccine clinics; transfer station and staffing updates given

At its Sept. 22, 2025, meeting the Goddard Boyle Health Department gave a broad operations update covering mosquito surveillance, vaccine clinics, transfer station operations, food-plan approvals, a partial housing condemnation and staffing changes.

Mosquito surveillance and arboviruses: Staff said 23 mosquito samples recently tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in surrounding counties — Hampshire, Bristol and Plymouth were cited in the record — and that there were no human or animal cases reported at the time of the meeting. The department said Gardner’s local risk level remained “low” but noted adjacent towns had areas of elevated or moderate risk; staff reminded residents to use repellent and wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings.

Vaccine clinics: The department listed upcoming clinics: a clinic at the PACC “this week” described in the record as on “the 20 fourth” from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; a clinic at the Bridal House on Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and a clinic at City Hall/Imperial Auditorium on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Staff said flu vaccine supplies would be available at the clinics; COVID-19 vaccine availability for younger age groups remained uncertain in the record because of unclear reimbursement guidance from insurers and awaiting further direction from regional public health coordination (the transcript references conversations with state public health leadership and a regional public health network).

Transfer station and waste contracts: Staff reported safety and efficiency projects at the transfer station (new stairs and railings, drainage work by DPW, rodent control) and said the swap shop hours expanded to Fridays and Saturdays for pass holders with plans to expand if demand continues. The department also changed scrap-metal haulers to improve reliability and said curbside trash contract negotiations were ongoing: three vendors submitted proposals, and after rounds of renegotiation E. L. Harvey emerged as the lowest-cost proposer. Staff said proposed services would remain substantially the same and no new major fees were expected.

Food establishments and housing: Staff approved plans for a new food establishment at 22 Union Square (to be called Julien Market and Bakery) and reported one partial condemnation of a top story of an unoccupied house after the utility disconnect by National Grid; staff said no occupants were displaced and that the department will continue to work with the property owner (a bank) to bring the building into compliance.

Staffing: The department announced a forthcoming vacancy for an administrative assistant (Brandy is leaving) and noted an existing vacancy for an administrative coordinator since March; staff said recruitment postings were being issued.

The department said it will provide more detailed updates as clinics are finalized and as bids, contracts and staff recruitment progress.