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Applicant Jennifer Gaye interviews for Acushnet health agent amid staffing and quarry concerns
Summary
The Acushnet Board of Health interviewed Jennifer Gaye on June 9 for the health agent position; Gaye described experience as a Middleboro health inspector and interim director, Title 5 and food-safety credentials, staffing pressures in small towns, and prior involvement with noise and dust testing near a local quarry.
The Acushnet Board of Health interviewed Jennifer Gaye on June 9 as a candidate for the town’s health agent position. Gaye summarized her public‑health credentials and discussed how staffing, union rules and local environmental enforcement shape the job.
"My name is Jennifer. I've been a health inspector for the town of Middleboro for the last three years," Gaye told the board, adding that she has served as interim health director during leaves and previously worked about 15 years in environmental science focusing on groundwater and soil remediation. She said she holds a food protection manager credential and a Title 5 inspector license.
Board members asked about her experience witnessing soil evaluations and handling Title 5 inspections. Gaye said Middleboro requires the agent to be present for open‑hole and final inspections in certain circumstances and described a policy that shifts responsibility for bottom‑of‑tank certification onto engineers when department capacity is limited; engineers must provide photos and documentation to limit extra on‑site inspections.
On enforcement and nuisance issues, the discussion turned to a long-running dispute with a local quarry (referred to in the transcript as "PJ Keing"). Board members described prior litigation and enforcement actions for dust and odors and noted the operator has invested in mitigation — enclosures and wash‑down systems — and that hours and blasting remain subject to local oversight. Gaye said she has experience coordinating noise testing and returning to check mitigation work, including recommending walls or dampening materials and then retesting conditions.
Gaye also described being affected by budgetary cuts in her current town: "There was budgetary cuts in Middleboro and my job was one of them," she said, and explained she is currently performing multiple roles while staffing is in flux. Board members and Gaye discussed the appointment process; the board said it would contact the town administrator to confirm whether the select board intends to take up an appointment or pre‑screening at its next meeting. The transcript does not record a decision or appointment at this meeting.
The board indicated it will follow up with the town administrator and the select board to confirm scheduling; no vote was taken on the appointment during the session.
