Government

The Marblehead Current is pleased to be supplementing its coverage of public meetings with Observer Reports provided by volunteers from the Marblehead League of Women Voters. To learn more about the League and its activities, see my.lwv.org/ massachusetts/marblehead.

Fair Housing Committee, Nov. 21

At the Oct. 17 meeting, Select Board Chairman Moses Grader made a presentation to the committee informing them that the Select Board (SB) would be reorganizing the Fair Housing Committee.

The purpose of the reorganization is to strengthen the FHC by having town officials serve on the board, broadening the committee mandate, empowering them to put initiatives into action, and enhancing communications and interactions with other town boards/ committees.

On Nov. 16, the Select Board voted to reorganize the Fair Housing Committee as follows:

The committee would be comprised of nine members

Representing the town would be Select Board member Erin Noonan, Marblehead Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, and Town Planner Becky Cutting, an individual representing the Marblehead Housing Authority (Teri McDonough), the Disabilities Commission (Katie Farrell) and the Task Force Against Discrimination (Deacon Joe Whipple). (All three are serving as current members of the FHC.)

Three continuing members of the FHC (Dirk Isbrandtsen, Debra Larkin, and Mimi Hollister)

Extended discussion revolved around which of the three current members would continue to serve as voting members of the FHC. The three members not continuing as regular members of the FHC would focus on advocacy and community outreach and would vote only in the absence of a regular member.

Kurt James and Bob Neuss both offered to serve as alternate members. Frank Evans was voted the third alternate member. (Kurt James serves on the Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee, along with FHC members Dirk Isbrandsten and Teri McDonough.)

Additional discussion focused on the roles of the FHC and the HPPIC going forward. Erin suggested that the HPPIC schedule a meeting for December to discuss where each committee might focus their efforts. The 25 strategies of the HPP to increase affordable housing should be reviewed and a determination made as to where each committee would direct their efforts. (The HPPIC has not met since October 2021).

Coordination and communication between the FHC, HPPIC, and the Planning Board (PB) is critical to successfully advance options for affordable housing in Marblehead.

Community outreach and education must be a focus to garner citizen support for affordable housing projects. ECCO (Essex County Community Organization),

Harborlight Community Partners and Cathy Hoog from the Salem Housing Authorities will all be valuable resources and community partners in furthering the efforts of these committees.

Discussion about the role of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund included the suggestion that it act as the “banker” for proposed affordable housing projects. Questions remain as to how the AHTF would grow their funds and how these monies would best be utilized.

Members weighed in on the Planning Board’s public meeting on Accessory Dwelling Units as a possible way to increase affordable housing units in Marblehead. Katie highlighted the need to bring accessibility of ADUs into the conversation while the Planning Boad is still in the process of developing a warrant article on the matter.

While the cost of making ADUs accessible may be prohibitive in many situations, Katie suggested that at the point of permitting, members of the Disabilities Commission could be brought in for recommendations as to how to enhance accessibility.

At the end of the meeting, Lou Meyi, a frequent attendee at FHC meetings and a self-described “adjunct contributor,” praised committee members and reminded them of the many accomplishments of the FHC over the years.

- BONNIE GRENIER

Marblehead Board of Health, Nov. 15

Ruth Ferguson (president of the board of the Marblehead Counseling Center), Ron Grenier (board member) and Terri McDonough (director of the MCC) came before the Board of Health asking for ARPA funds that the Select Board had awarded to the BOH for mental health services.

Ferguson introduced herself as living in the town for 40 years, has been an MCC board member for six years and became president on July 1. Grenier joined the board in July, too.

Before discussing the request for funds, they were asked to talk about the circumstances and experiences at the MCC over the past few years.

Foremost, the demand for services has way exceeded the capacity. The Hobbs Center needed many repairs and changes to meet its needs. These included many outdoor repairs, making the building ADA compliant (there are many clients who are older or disabled), reconfiguring the first floor so the entrance was there, and changing space on the first floor for clinical offices. These all cost about $80,000, money that was drawn from the MCC endowment.

Then COVID hit, which led to a shutdown of the building and even more people in need of services. Information technology had to be upgraded with further investment in telehealth capabilities and training.

Now the center is open, but the demand has continued to increase. The center is continuing to operate in a hybrid model (in office and remote). With the huge demand for trained clinicians and the competition stiff, it has been difficult to hire and retain staff.

The MCC has had to be creative about the issue: allowing greater flexibility in the work environment, moving to have more fee-for-service clinicians, etc.

Since operating expenses are almost twice revenue, the MCC has been looking at insurance providers who remit for services - each company has a different rate. (MassHealth is actually one of the higher ones, and the MCC has a lot of MassHealth patients.)

Fundraising campaigns have been successful in the past, but there is always concern about the long run.

A board member was concerned about other building repairs, specifically the boiler and the roof. It is unclear whose responsibility this is: The town owns the building, but the MCC has a “lease” that stipulates repairs to the building. (This will be investigated further.)

Another concern expressed: A waiting list for services. The number is approximately 200, with 70-80 percent Marblehead residents (the reimbursement from out-of-town clients helps the finances of the MCC), and all clients under 20 Marblehead residents. Previously, the list had been 300, but was reduced with more hires.

A third question concerned the building capacity. This varies depending on the continued use of the hybrid model. No one is discussing giving up the hybrid model. Clinicians can use telehealth from the center or elsewhere. The building does not seem to be a constraint. (Of note, there have even been some home visits, and thoughts about visits at the school.)

A fourth question was whether there was a psychiatrist at the MCC. Yes, so prescriptions can be written. (Also of note, the MCC has a person on-call 24 hours a day, who can identify urgency and level of care needed.)

Another question concerned what the wait periods are. All referrals are triaged with Marblehead residents taking priority, and it depends on the clinician’s schedule.

At this point, the discussion turned to the ARPA requests from the MCC. (ARPA funds have a number of constraints and criteria. One constraint is that the funds can’t be used for salaries.)

The request fell into three existing needs: 1. Insufficient and inadequate technology and related equipment and software, request $50,000; 2. Expansion of clinical office space and building repairs, request in total $55,000; 3. Highly competitive environment for hiring and retaining mental health professional, request $40,000 for a bonus pool.

The BOH was awarded $200,000 to be distributed for mental health services. (A fact that is not often recognized is that Marblehead town support for a mental health counseling center is unique, and the residents of Marblehead are very fortunate. Many other towns do not have this valuable resource.)

The BOH unanimously is supportive of the MCC. They will look at the request and also see if there are any other mental health services they might fund.

Grenier said that the MCC needs the funds soon, and has had for the past 18 months. The MCC has only gotten through this through donors.

Not related to the ARPA request, a brief discussion was held about the funds MCC does get from the town. The BOH gives the MCC $60,000 each year. Would they like more? Yes.

The MCC will return in January as the budget is being created with a detailed request.

-THOMAS KRUEGER

Marblehead Finance Committee, Nov. 14

The Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Schedule:

FinCom will send out a request to all town departments to submit their proposed FY24 budgets the week of Dec. 12.

Select Board will review the collected budgets in early January

State of the Town Meeting: Jan. 12

Fin Com liaison meetings: January – March 3

Full FinCom review and approval of all budgets in meetings scheduled for Feb. 13, Feb. 27, March 13 and March 27

Public hearing on the 2023 town warrant: April 3

Town Meeting: May 1

The Fiscal Year 2023 Town Meeting Article 44 (Open Meeting Law Compliance) Study Committee: Pat Franklin Fin Com/Article 44 liaison

The committee was formed to report on and calculate the costs of implementing the requirement that all Marblehead public meetings be hybrid ones.

It has identified six possible locations for use by groups subject to open meeting laws: Mary Alley building, Abbot Hall, the Jacobi Community Center, Abbot Public Library (including its interim location at the Eveleth School), Marblehead High School, and the Marblehead Municipal Light Department.

In the spirit of brainstorming for the committee’s liaison, Pat, FinCom members discussed possible costs including one-time infrastructure needs for each location, equipment/technology costs, periodic maintenance of equipment and software, training, identifying, and paying staff to facilitate/manage the technology at meetings, costs of video recordings and their storage, etc.

Just a few of the many reflections expressed by FinCom members included the possibility of having tech-savvy MHS students get involved in facilitation; of the need to consider folding costs into the FY24 budget process; of the concern that it would be problematical to expect to have July 1, 2023, as a starting date if the new warrant is approved at Town Meeting.

There was also considerable discussion about adopting requirements for open meetings, which might exceed Massachusetts law. What would the implications be? -KATHARINE REDMOND

DoNATIoNS SoUGHT Help needed to fulfill wish lists

The Merry Mixers have a toyand-supply drive underway this holiday season.

The organization recently received a wish list from Salem Hospital and the Behavioral Health Family Resource Center, and is now hoping local residents will help fulfill those wishes.

The wish list can be found at merrymixers.org or by scanning the QR code found here. Purchased items or gift cards can be dropped off at donation boxes at the following Marblehead locations: » JCC of the North Shore » Brown School » Seaside Nursery School » Ocean Breeze School » Pint Size & Up » Marblehead Parenting » Village Pharmacy » Compass Real Estate » Marblehead Police Department » Mud Puddle Toys » Dance Studio 21 » Children’s Workshop.

For over 70 years, the Merry Mixers have been raising funds to support and enhance care for children across the North Shore. In recent years, the organization has helped raise funds for the Pediatric Emergency Department, Pediatric Psychiatry Unit and Special Care Nursery at Salem Hospital, the North Shore’s largest health care provider.

The Merry Mixers also fully funded Salem Hospital’s Behavioral Health Family Resource Center and outdoor play space.

The rise in mental health patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic has strained hospital’s resources, the group notes.

“The Merry Mixers’ support and donations are imperative this year to the health of our local children,” the group says.

For more information, email merrymixers@gmail.com.

Baker signs election changes into law

BY BOB KATZEN

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: THERE WERE NO ROLL CALLS IN THE HOUSE OR SENATE LAST WEEK. THIS WEEK, BEACON HILL ROLL CALL PRESENTS A POST-ELECTION LOOK AT LEGISLATIVE ACTION FROM 2022 THAT CHANGED THE STATE’S ELECTION LAWS. HERE ARE THE FIVE KEY IMPORTANT 2022 VOTES ON ELECTION LAWS.

ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924)

House 126-29, approved and Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out a compromise version which did not include the controversial section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one.

The measure requires the secretary of state to send out mail-in ballot applications, with return postage guaranteed, to registered voters before each presidential primary, state primary and biennial state election. It also allows registered voters to request a mail-in ballot for all elections in a single calendar year.

Other provisions include reducing the registration blackout period from 20 days prior to an election to 10 days; electronic voting options for voters with disabilities and military service members; allowing a voter with disabilities to request accommodations including an accessible electronic ballot application, ballot and voter affidavit that can be submitted electronically; ensuring that non-felons who are incarcerated and are currently eligible to vote are provided with voting information and materials to exercise their right to vote; and requiring the secretary of state to conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign to publicize the new voting and registration options. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich had already resigned from the House before this roll call took place

REPLACE SAME DAY REGISTRATION PROPOSAL WITH A STUDY (H 4359)

House 93-64, approved an amendment to a measure that would implement same day registration (SDR) that allows people to register to vote at the polls on Election Day and on any of the early voting days prior to the election. The amendment would replace SDR with a requirement that Secretary of State Bill Galvin complete a study that would analyze the cost of the proposed policy to the state, cities and towns and what it would take for local city and town clerks to implement SDR. Under House rules, the approval of the study amendment prohibits a roll call vote on the straightforward establishment of SDR.

Supporters of SDR said that the study is simply a tactic by SDR opponents to delay the implementation of SDR and also avoid a direct vote on SDR itself.

Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton), the sponsor of SDR, said it is an important tool that Massachusetts can use to increase voter access to the polls. “In 2021, we had one day of overlap when voters could vote early and register. There was not a flood of applications; just a few more people across the state who were able to exercise their civic duty. That small data point shows that this can work and [this roll call] vote shows that support for same day registration, already popular with voters, is growing amongst legislators as well.”

Some supporters of the amendment to replace SDR with the study by the secretary of state said the House should not implement SDR without having sufficient facts on its effects. Others expressed concerns about the ability of cities and towns to implement SDR rules without disruption.

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich was still a member of the House but did not vote on this roll call

PROOF OF VACCINATION (H 4359)

House 31-127, rejected an amendment that would prohibit any city or town from requiring that a voter show proof of vaccination as a condition of entering a polling place to vote or to register to vote.

“If any voting location required a vaccination, then a sizable portion of the population would be prevented from entering the facility to exercise their constitutional right,” said sponsor Rep. Peter Durant (R-Spencer). “Since statistically the majority of people not vaccinated are minorities, a major constituency this bill sought to protect, any vaccine requirement would not only be unconstitutional, but would also be seen as an effort to suppress the minority vote.”

Amendment opponents said this is a solution in search of a problem. They noted that voters are not being asked to show proof of vaccination. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment banning cities and towns from requiring voters to provide proof of vaccination. A “No” vote is against the ban.)

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich was still a member of the House but did not vote on this roll call

REQUIRE VOTER ID (H 4359)

House 32-126, rejected an amendment that would require voters to show a federal or Massachusetts picture identification at their polling places in order to be allowed to vote. The state would also be required to establish a waiver of the fee for obtaining the ID for indigent persons.

Supporters said it is illogical that all voters are not required to show identification prior to voting and noted that 24 other states have laws requiring IDs. They argued that people cannot cash a check, rent a car, fly on a plane or even enter some government buildings without showing an ID.

Opponents of the amendment said it would disenfranchise thousands of voters including people who do not have a current address because they are in a homeless shelter or domestic violence facility. Other opponents said there have been no widespread reports of voter fraud in Massachusetts. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring a voter ID to vote. A “No” vote is against requiring it.)

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich was still a member of the House but did not vote on this roll call

RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD (H 4359)

House 32-126, rejected an amendment to a current law that imposes up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to a 5-year prison sentence on anyone who knowingly engages in any type of voting fraud including illegally registering to vote; illegally voting or attempting to vote; voting more than once; and aiding and abetting a person who is illegally voting. The amendment would raise the fine to up to $20,000.

“Maintaining the integrity of our elections is of paramount importance and is not a partisan issue,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading), the sponsor of the amendment. “Expanding the existing financial penalties for those individuals who knowingly attempt to engage in voting fraud will provide a strong deterrent to help prevent this type of illegal activity.”

“We’re in agreement,” said Rep. Dan Ryan (D-Charlestown), the House chair of the Elections Laws Committee. “Of course we all want safe and secure elections. That’s why we are here … there are safeguards already in place, in Massachusetts General Law, to prevent such fraud and abuse of our electoral system. And study after study has also shown that election fraud is not as prevalent as some might think it is, or as folks purport it to be. So therefore $10,000 seems like an appropriate deterrent to election fraud. So I ask for a ‘No’ vote on the amendment, as what is in place is currently working.”

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich was still a member of the House but did not vote on this roll call

Former Rep. Lori Ehrlich was still a member of the House but did not vote

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

ALLOW PHARMACISTS TO GIVE INSULIN IN AN EMERGENCY (S 691) – Shipped off to a study committee was a bill that would permit pharmacists to issue insulin to patients in emergency situations, which is described as an event in which authorization for the dispensing of insulin may not be readily obtained from a doctor or other practitioner. The pharmacist would be limited to providing the insulin every six months per individual.

“In Massachusetts, it is unconscionable to think any person living with diabetes could lose their life because they are rationing insulin or unable to access this life-saving medication,” said sponsor Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “I look forward to refiling this legislation. Data shows that diabetes is on the rise in our communities. The time to take action is now.” Gobi also noted that many states currently have similar laws.

PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 5195) – The House and Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Baker legislation that would repeal current state laws which create professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under existing law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or cancelled if the borrower is in default on an education loan.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Governor-elect Healey and I are thrilled with the engagement we’re seeing from people across the state who want to contribute to our administration and help us move Massachusetts forward. We are carefully reviewing every application and idea submitted to us, and we strongly encourage people to keep them coming. We also continue to do outreach to local, state and federal officials, business groups, advocacy organizations and other key stakeholders to make sure we are reaching the best talent.” —-Lieutenant Governor-elect and

Transition Chair Kim Driscoll on the hundreds of people applying for jobs in the new administration. (Those who are interested in joining the Healey-Driscoll administration should apply at www.HealeyDriscollTransition. com Those who would like to submit their ideas for the new administration can also do so there).

“These awards will help equip Massachusetts sheriffs with the resources they need to treat substance abuse among inmates. Our ability to address the opioid crisis relies on the availability of services to those struggling with addiction, and we see high need among those who are incarcerated.” —- Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on the administration’s awarding $243,000 in federal funding that will be distributed to Massachusetts sheriffs, allowing them to deliver substance use treatment to incarcerated individuals across the state as part of continuing efforts to address the harm of substance use disorder while ensuring safety in cities and towns.

NeWS IN brIeF

Holiday closures

Municipal offices and buildings will be closed in observance of the following holidays: » Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve » Sunday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day » Monday, Dec. 26 » Monday, Jan. 2: New Year’s Day

Household, hazardous waste-collection day

The towns of Marblehead and Swampscott, in collaboration with ACV Enviro will be hosting an alternative program for residential pick up of household hazardous waste on Dec. 7 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead of coming to a drop-off site, the waste collection is coming to you. To sign up for a pickup, fill out this form: bit.ly/3AENzlc For questions or classification on pick-up service, contact: mobilehhw@acvenviro.com

Acceptable items:

» Oil paint, paint thinner, lacquers and wood stianers » Latex paint » Oils » Gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene and other fuels » Antifreeze » Lead acid (automotive) batteries » Pool chemicals » Cleaning products » Unacceptable items » Lightbulbs » Ammunition, explosives and road flares » Friable asbestos (ex. insulation) » Syringes

Got volunteerism?

The following is a list of vacancies on appointed town boards, commissions and committees. Anyone interested in serving on one of these boards or committees should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. or email to wileyk@ marblehead.org. Please call Select Board’s office, 781-631-0000 for more information. » Two, one-year vacancies,

Marblehead Old Burial Hill Oversight

Committee » One-year vacancy, Marblehead

Affordable Housing Trust Fund » Three-year vacancy, Marblehead

Design Review » One-year term, Marblehead MBTA

Advisory Board » One-year term, Marblehead Advisory

Board » Five three-year, staggard terms Marblehead Cultural Council » One-year vacancy, Marblehead Forever Committee » One-year term, Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination

Animal shelter accepting volunteers

Volunteers are always needed to help with the feeding and caring of abandoned animals housed at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village St. Friends of Marblehead Abandoned Animals (FOMAA), a nonprofit organization, was formed for this purpose. To volunteer, call 781.631.8664.

Marblehead employment opportunities

Application deadline: Until filled

» Finance director, the Marblehead

Finance Department » Senior clerk, the Marblehead

Assessors Office » Local inspector, Marblehead Building

Department » Special laborer 1, Marblehad Water

Deparmtent » Mechanic, Marblehead Department of Public Works » Special laborer 1, Marblehead

Department of Public Works » Heavy equipment operator,

Marblehead Public Health Department » Treasurer, tax collector, Marblehead

Finance Department » Assistant harbormaster, Marblehead

Harbormaster Office » Application deadline: Thursday, Dec. 1 » Children’s library assistant, Abbot

Public Library » Library page, Abbot Public Library, » Two volunteer positions at,

Marblehead Historical Commission

For an employment application, visit: bit.ly/3i9ct6j. Return the completed form to the department with the job opening or per instructions on the job description. To read job descriptions, visit: bit.ly/3EukHxr

Volunteer at the Public Health Dept.

Residents may volunteer to serve on the Marblehead Recycling Committee, which is appointed by the Board of Health. The committee promotes recycling through articles in local media. The Swap Shed is another place where volunteers can help. Volunteers are also needed to sell facility stickers and to check cars for up-to-date stickers as they enter the transfer station.