Landfill Oversight Committee Chosen

The Board of Health Tuesday night chose the committee they will charge with studying what the town can do about capping its contaminated landfill.

After the town rejected the board's proposal in May to spend $22 million on a new transfer station and to seal the landfill, the board decided to create a special committee of local residents to review all options for the troubled landfill.

Sixteen residents, some newcomers to Marblehead and other long-time residents who have served the town in various capacities, expressed an interest in serving on the committee.

"I am very impressed at the amount of applicants," Chair Helaine Hazlet said. "All had various expertise that could be helpful. I want to say a public thank you for their applying and interest."

Of the 16 who voiced an interest, the field was narrowed to 10 possible choices.

"Some had overlapping experience," Hazlet said. 

Prior to choosing its members, the board decided the committee would be a seven-member committee with two ex-officio members: Health Director Wayne Attridge and Rebecca Curran, the town planner.

Dr. Todd Belf-Becker will serve as one of the seven voting members representing the Board of Health. And Hazlet will be the alternate member.

"This is something I've had an interest in for a while," Dr. Belf-Becker said. "I look forward to representing the board."

The board vetted the names of each candidate interested in joining the committee, trying to choose a committee diverse enough to represent both the the town and provide expertise.

"It's a tough choice because all are uniquely qualified," board member Michelle Gottlieb said. "Unfortunately we have to narrow it down so it is a well-functioning committee."

The committee will be formally charged with their mission at the next Board of Health meeting on September 13.

The following members were appointed to the oversight committee:

Allen Waller, a professional engineer, who has 35 years of design and construction experience.

Jody Howard, who has experience in recycling committee.

Matthew Herring, who serves on the town's Finance Committee and is a liaison to the Board of Health.

Elizabeth Genovese, a certified public accountant and neighbor.

Brian Hitchcock, a retired police officer, who serves on the Selectmen's Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee.

Patrick Van Der Voorn, an attorney with experience in environmental law. 

Dr. Todd Belf-Becker, Board of Health member representing the board.

Other Business

• School cafeterias are ready to go for the start of school.
• There have been no local stores affected by the egg recall.
• No cases of West Nile or EEE have been found in Marblehead. Health Director Wayne Attridge said he will continue to monitor the situation as this is the season for it.
• Preparations are underway to schedule community flu clinics.
• The second phase of Stony Brook Road project has been completed. The Board of Health won't know the results of soil testing until next week.
• Marblehead water was unaffected by the rupture in Weston last week.