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Ashland Board of Health hears routine updates on farmers market, mosquito spraying, tick kits and housing cases; tables award vote
Summary
Health Director Rajit Gupta briefed the Board on Farmers Market vendor permits, Central Mass mosquito-spraying dates, a full Stop the Bleed training, housing code enforcement cases, rodent complaints resolution, and purchase/distribution of 300 Tick Kits; the Board approved its consent agenda and tabled the Public Health Award vote and reorganization until a full Board can meet.
At its June 2 meeting the Ashland Board of Health heard several routine updates from Health Director Rajit Gupta and handled procedural items.
Mr. Gupta reported the Farmers Market will open June 6, 2026; the Board has permitted 30 vendors with three pending applications. He also noted Central Mass Mosquito Control Project spraying dates in June and directed residents who have concerns to contact CMMCP or visit its website; services are free to Ashland residents. A Stop the Bleed training on June 10 at Town Hall is full, Mr. Gupta said.
On housing enforcement, Gupta updated the Board on three ongoing cases: improvements at 20 Joanne Drive but access issues to adjacent units; a year-long matter at 99 Warren Road where an Order to Correct was issued and posting prompted a call to Ashland Police regarding the notice; and a complaint at 274 Union Street that reached compliance but highlighted limits of the Code. Mr. Gupta also reported that pest control had been retained at a problem site near a bus stop and that no further rodent activity has been observed.
The Health Department purchased 300 Tick Kits this year (tweezers, a magnifying glass and a container) using Department funds after the State did not provide funding; Mr. Gupta said the kits will be distributed at the Farmers Market. He added that Massachusetts is now reporting Alpha-Gal Syndrome as a reportable disease and that the department will review where cases have been recorded.
Procedurally, the Board approved the consent agenda (FY2026 YTD budget reports and May 5, 2026 minutes) by a 3-0 vote (motion by Byrnes, seconded by Burman). Members agreed to table the Mary Mortensen Public Health Award vote and the Board reorganization until all five members can participate. Vice Chair Byrnes asked members to review the red-lined Draft Kratom Regulations before the next meeting. The Board set its next meeting for June 16, 2026, and adjourned at 6:45 PM after a 3-0 vote to adjourn.
