Hubbardston Board of Health schedules Walgreens flu clinics, signs beaver permit and agrees to refund canceled-camp fee

The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health on Tuesday evening discussed plans for two community flu clinics to be run by Walgreens at the Hubbardston Senior Center, reviewed recent local water-sampling results and a dispute over condominium reporting, approved a permit to address beaver activity, and agreed to refund a $160 fee for a canceled camp.

Health agent remarks opened the health update, saying, “No COVID, but mostly tick,” as the board reviewed vector, water and sanitation items. The board heard that Walgreens proposed two vaccination clinics at the Senior Center: Thursday, Oct. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. for after-school and senior access, and Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. open to town residents. Board members directed staff to confirm the dates with Walgreens and to plan advertising. The board discussed having local volunteers help with intake and forms while Walgreens administers the shots.

The meeting included a review of multiple water-quality items. The health agent reported four water-sampling locations at the town center school showed no E. coli or total coliform detections and that manganese readings were within advisory levels after an initial misread was corrected. The board also reviewed a state Department of Conservation and Recreation sample for Comet Pond and a Fishman Pond result reported as an E. coli value of 8 (meeting discussion cited a sampling standard described in the meeting as “less than 235 per 100 milliliters”). The health agent characterized the pond results as “very good” even though attendees said zero is always preferred for recreational waters.

Silverleaf Hollow condominiums supplied an annual water-quality response during the meeting. The health agent read portions of a reply from the condominium manager saying monthly E. coli and coliform testing is performed at two system locations and that iron and manganese are sampled on a three‑year schedule because prior tests did not detect them. The manager’s response requested the Board of Health reconsider stricter reporting requirements; the board resolved to double-check its regulations and, consistent with routine practice for schools, to ask Silverleaf Hollow to send the board copies of any test certificates that show testing was performed and that results were non-detect.

On wildlife control, the board reviewed a beaver-permit request. A board member said the applicant plans to contract state-licensed trapper Rich Merchant to remove or relocate the animals; the board discussed legal limits on relocation and also noted ecological benefits of beaver ponds. After the applicant provided the requested information, a member indicated the permit would be signed; the board proceeded to sign the permit.

Members reported routine food- and retail-inspection activity (Pizza Palace, Vienna Ranch and a recent inspection at Featherdacre Farm) and discussed an upcoming public meeting on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hubbardston Senior Center where a local business will present plans to sell products from a storefront. Board members discussed whether to take a formal stance and noted permitting, inspection and fee processes are already in place should the business pursue sales.

The board approved a motion to refund a $160 fee paid by an event organizer who canceled far in advance; the motion was made and the refund was authorized during the meeting. The board also heard an update that the health agent appeared as a witness in Worcester housing court in an enforcement action involving an RV reportedly occupied on a residential property; the agent testified and the board will await the court’s outcome before taking further steps.

Administrative and records items included plans for an Aug. 9 community document-shredding event, ongoing file-scanning and a records thinning project with staff and volunteers. The health agent noted that administrative assistant Nancy is stepping back from multiple town roles but will remain available part time. The board received a $346 check from Templeton Salvage for mixed-metal recycling proceeds and agreed the standard accounting process will be followed for deposit and bookkeeping.

The board flagged a 60‑page guidance document from the National Environmental Health Association on integrating environmental and public health; members said they will circulate hard and electronic copies to board members. The meeting closed with procedural items and scheduling: the board set its next regular meeting for Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Slave Building and adjourned at about 8:05 p.m.