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Gardner public health director to resign; department warns of staffing strain and landfill repairs needed
Summary
Health director submitted a resignation effective the week after Oct. 17; staff shortages are delaying inspections and the board of health approved private well testing to include PFAS starting Jan. 1, 2026. A single bid of $224,828 was received to repair the landfill leachate system against $115,000 available.
Gardner’s health director announced at the Oct. 17 council meeting that they have submitted a resignation with a final day "next Friday, the 20 fourth," and that Angela will serve as acting director. The director said the office has been stretched thin, with frequent phone calls and unfilled administrative positions, and warned that inspections are not being completed in a timely manner. "Inspections are not being performed. That is actually the public safety challenge that I speak of," the director said.
Angela, the assistant director, expanded on the staffing shortage and said an administrator position remained unfilled for months until it was posted this week. She said the candidate starting next Tuesday has administrative experience but limited municipal or public health experience, and stressed the need for training and support so the new hire does not quickly leave.
The health department reported a single bid of $224,828 to repair and replace the landfill’s leachate collection system; the department said about $115,000 is currently available for that work and that the system is at the end of its life. The department is pumping leachate via truck on a roughly biweekly basis and said the Department of Environmental Protection is aware and monitoring the situation.
On regulations, the Board of Health voted to change private well testing requirements to add PFAS to water quality testing; the health department said the new private well regulations will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The department also reported an estimated $200,000 need for erosion-control repairs to letdown channels on the landfill cap and an increase in bed bug cases, which staff said disproportionately affect seniors who have difficulty following treatment protocols.
The health director requested assistance from other city departments while staffing is short and said the department will continue recruiting for administrative help. The council offered support and requested follow-up on funded positions and budget details.
