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Acting director named; landfill pump contract awarded, erosion repairs remain unfunded
Summary
The health department announced leadership changes and temporary staffing coverage, and said a contract for replacement of EHA leachate pumps and groundwater monitoring was executed; erosion repairs to the landfill cap currently lack funding and will require additional action.
The Gardner Board of Health received a personnel and operations update on Oct. 27. The acting public-health director said Micah Blondeau resigned as director and the director would serve in an acting capacity until the position is filled. An administrative-assistant vacancy was filled by DeJuan Alzone, who began work Oct. 22. Stan Doll Sawitz, the transfer-station supervisor, retired after an extended leave; the department said Eric will assist supervising the attendant until the role is filled and the administrative-coordinator position remains vacant.
The department reported that the EHA pump replacement and groundwater-monitoring contract for the landfill transfer station and solid-waste facility has been awarded and signatures were being completed. Staff said Wind River is manually pumping excess leachate about every other week until the new pumps are installed. The acting director said she hopes the pump-replacement project will be completed in November or December once contracts are fully executed.
The board was told the landfill-cap erosion problem is separate from the pump project and that no municipal funding has been identified to repair erosion to the landfill cap. Staff said they will speak with the mayor and city auditor to seek funding options. A state DEP order was referenced in the discussion; staff said erosion issues have persisted for years and require a funding solution to prevent future groundwater impacts.
Other operational items noted: annual food, tobacco and sanitation permit renewals are open through Nov. 30; the department investigated a consumer complaint of moldy bread at a prepared-food outlet; multiple new food establishments are in plan review or under construction; vaccine clinics and outreach events were summarized; and staff will attend regional training.
