The Marion Board of Health has updated its food-inspection fee schedule, and Marion Health Director/Nurse Lori Desmarais told the board at its April 4 meeting that Marion’s fees remain lower than area towns in some aspects.
The goal, according to Desmarais and Marion Health Agent Shallyn Rodriguez, was to sharpen up the fee structure to be more tailored to specific establishments, be it according to size, its status as a permanent versus seasonal establishment, or a specialty establishment.
Marion has added a Miscellaneous category to address food inspections more specifically, and Desmarais explained the need for an inspection for when new businesses come in and inquire with the town about properties of interest for prospective projects.
Seasonal restaurants are a new category, defined by being open for business less than six months of the year. Marion’s Temporary fee schedule is based on three days or less, while the state Department of Health uses 14 days as its definition of temporary.
Some food establishments are required to follow extra-stringent guidelines for preparation such as sushi.
There will also be a fee schedule for smaller establishments.
Board members Albin Johnson, Dr. John Howard and Chairman Dr. Ed Hoffer were all present to vote their approval.
In a septic update at 38 Rocky Knook Lane, Rodriguez reported on a meeting with the installer and engineer and was anticipating (by April 5) an analysis result. Desmarais received an email stating that the home remains unoccupied.
There are new businesses opening up for which Rodriguez is planning food inspections.
In the Health Director’s report, Desmarais told the board that MassDEP that Ansel’s Café is connecting to Marion’s Public Water system.
Board administrator Maureen Murphy is registering residents for a COVID-19 booster clinic to be held the week of April 15 (date and time TBA). The vaccine has been purchased by the town.
Desmarais is working with Marion Community EMS on a stroke-education-awareness grant application and working with Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory on a May 1 event at the Cushing Community Center.
The South Coast Public Health Collaborative has postponed an April 11, in-person meeting to May (TBD).
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health will be scheduled for Thursday, April 18, at 4:30 pm at the Town House Annex Building.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo