Complication in Collaborative

An addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding of the South Coast Public Health Collaborative did not sit well with Marion Board of Health member Dr. Ed Hoffer, who articulated his concern during the board’s December 15 public meeting.

            Hoffer said the collaborative was meant to be based on a temporary, nonbenefitted position.

            “And here we are saying that Westport can, in fact, provide people, then all of their benefits are paid out of the grant. It really takes away money from the grant as originally proposed,” he explained.

            Health Director/Nurse Lori Desmarais said that she was told at a meeting the day before the Marion Board of Health met that the people getting hired for the collaborative were not receiving benefits and that the position was to be divided up among two part-time people.

            Dr. John Howard, the board chair, suggested Marion send written notice of opposition to the agreement, after which Desmarais would set up a meeting to discuss the matter.

            In providing the Health Agent update, Desmarais distributed information to the board members on septic testing on denitrification systems installed since Marion enacted its requirement for the technology on all septic upgrades. Desmarais told the board she will now be able to stay up to date on results.

            A December 2 visit to 464 Front Street brought back news that repairs have been completed.

            In her Health Director update, Desmarais told the board there have been 13 reported COVID-19 cases and 16 flu, most of the flu cases being children. The flu vaccine remains available to Marion residents at the Cushing Community Center.

            Howard called the state-proposed amendments to Title 5 septic regulations “a big deal.” MassDEP plans to identify nitrogen-sensitive areas in the state and intends to require septic upgrades to add denitrification technology.

            Marion added its own regulation earlier this year requiring all new installations and upgrades to include denitrification technology.

            Board member Albie Johnson said the state is using a “sue and settle” tactic reminiscent of the $13,000,000 he says Marion was unjustly charged in order to clean up the lagoon at the Wastewater Treatment Plant because, as he asserts, no nitrogen was found at the site.

            In referencing the many who walk their dogs along Point and Converse roads without sidewalks and in minimal lighting to dress brightly, Hoffer encouraged the public to “be seen and safe.”

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

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