The Town of Charlton Board of Health voted Dec. 9 to adopt an Environmental Preferable Products (EPP) policy that clarifies how the Charlton Beautification group may apply for, receive and use small grant awards with Board oversight.

The board reviewed a policy first adopted Sept. 8, 1998, amended in June 2017 and reviewed in January 2023. Unidentified Speaker 3 described the practical effect: the Beautification group can place grant proceeds into an account to buy supplies and run projects such as recycling and household hazardous waste events, but the group must seek board approval if spending is outside ordinary items. As an example, the speaker said, “Like the $3,000 this year, mister chairman, was used in Brookfield, for household hazardous waste day this year.”

Unidentified Speaker 3 moved to adopt the environmental preferable products (EPP) policy; Unidentified Speaker 1 seconded. The board voted in favor.

Board members emphasized volunteer contributions in Charlton: Unidentified Speaker 3 called out volunteer Deb Marquis by name, saying, “Deb Marquis, I think she does a great job,” and noted Andrea and other staff routinely assist volunteers. The policy was presented as routine guidance to allow the Beautification group to receive donations and pay for ordinary materials (trash bags, recycling bins, signage) while reserving board review for out-of-scope items.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve minutes of Oct. 28, 2025 (mover: Unidentified Speaker 2; second: Unidentified Speaker 3): approved.
- Motion to adopt Environmental Preferable Products (EPP) policy (mover: Unidentified Speaker 3; second: Unidentified Speaker 1): approved.
- Motion to adjourn (mover: Unidentified Speaker 3; second: Unidentified Speaker 2): approved.

The board did not alter the policy's schedule; Unidentified Speaker 1 said the document could remain in effect for another one- to two-year review cycle. The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.