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Wellesley health department reports rise in food‑service work, plans increased contractor use
Summary
Health Department Director Lenny Izzo told the Board of Health that inspections, follow-ups and plan reviews for new food‑service establishments have increased and the department expects to rely more on contractor Mojin Services under its NC‑8 shared services contract this spring; the board also heard staffing and contract‑funding concerns.
At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Town of Wellesley Board of Health heard that the Wellesley Health Department has seen a significant increase in food‑service work, including inspections, follow‑ups and plan reviews for new establishments.
"Mr. Izzo noted a significant increase in food service work including inspections, follow-ups and new food service establishments," Health Department Director Lenny Izzo said, and Senior Environmental Health Specialist Adam Di Persio added there has been a large number of plan reviews. Izzo told the board the department uses a food‑service contractor, Mojin Services, as part of the NC‑8 shared services contract and expects to use Mojin more heavily in the spring.
Chair Marcia Testa Simonson explained the coalition system created under the SAPHE Act that governs shared services. Simonson also said the amount delegated for contract services is lower than needed, an operational limit she flagged to the board. Izzo said NC‑8 has struggled to fill a regional nursing position, a staffing gap he identified as affecting regional capacity.
The board also heard a brief operational note that the town’s splash park at Longfellow will open this season; Izzo mentioned this in the context of seasonal work and inspections. The meeting record shows the department also maintains a separate contract for septic work but indicated the health department does not currently need to utilize those services.
Board members did not take formal action on contracts or staffing at the meeting; the discussion concluded with Izzo signalling that the department will increase contractor use in the short term and will continue to report back to the board on staffing and contract funding needs.
