The board considered imposing a $500 one-time technical fee and an additional annual fee of $250 for a construction and demolition debris facility. This proposal aims to address the impact on the local transfer station and the town’s ongoing negotiations with the facility. The members recognized the necessity of a public hearing and document review to ensure due process and transparency. The board showed intent to expedite the process. The potential collaboration with the town’s Department of Public Works and the interest from town staff were also discussed.

Further into waste management, the board debated challenges surrounding wood recycling, specifically the monitoring of the wood dumpster to prevent misuse. The conversation expanded to the broader waste regulation framework, pondering the balance between reasonable fees that promote business and cover operational workload. The board contemplated the introduction of a draft application for annual waste disposal to streamline the process.

In the realm of public health, the board scrutinized the current tobacco sales regulations. The discussion covered the definition of a bonafide purchaser for value, the implications on permits and open licenses, and a potential waitlist for tobacco permits due to a reducing cap on tobacco business licenses. Comparing their fine structure with other towns in the Pioneer Valley tobacco control district, the board discussed potential changes to suspension periods. The debate also encompassed restrictions on oral nicotine pouches and flavored non-tobacco, non-nicotine wraps, considering the impact on the tobacco compliance program. The board considered consulting a specialist to address challenges in differentiating flavors and scents in tobacco-related products.

The board also reviewed minor wording changes in retail density and cap regulations. Acknowledging the need for a review of regulations, they noted recent violations that highlighted areas for improvement. The board then discussed setbacks in the recycling and trash program, particularly the delay of the Earth Day trash weigh-in due to blocked containers at the transfer station. Despite this, the board noted the success of the Earth Day event, which saw over 150 participants and the distribution of prizes.

Updates from the Health Department were discussed, including permit renewal dates and the difficulties in collecting fees from businesses. Attention turned to the upcoming mosquito season, with the town health nurse at the Council on Aging initiating preparations. The board mentioned a new Chief local public health nurse at the office of local and regional health and the progress in meeting state deliverables for public health nursing.

Addressing vector-borne diseases, the board discussed catch basin treatment for West Nile Virus and Triple E. They planned to add a third treatment in September, responding to positive mosquito samples from the previous year. The state entomologist’s assistance was mentioned for identifying additional treatment areas based on test results, though specific locations were not disclosed.

The meeting also covered respiratory illness guidance, reiterating recommendations to stay home when symptomatic, test, wear masks, and practice good hygiene. The variability of protocols across healthcare settings was acknowledged, with an emphasis on employees following their employers’ guidelines. Concerns were raised about the depletion of the last shipment of COVID tests and the uncertainty of future supplies from the state. The board remained hopeful that supplies would suffice and that the upcoming respiratory virus season would be less severe.

Finally, the board scheduled the next meeting for June 3rd, considering members’ availability and the requirement for proper meeting notice posting.