Transfer Station project receives zero general contractor bids

The Transfer Station renovation did not receive a single bid from general contractors, delaying the $1.6 million project once again.

“Obviously, this is a disappointment,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty said at a Board of Health meeting April 9.

A handful of bids came in for roofing, painting, electrical and more, but there is no general contractor interested in coordinating the project.

Board of Health member Joanne Miller asked why.

“There’s a lot of work out there,” Petty answered. “This isn’t a big money job. We do live in Marblehead. It’s hard to get to. It’s hard to get everything here. That all factors in.”

After consulting with attorneys, Petty said he would reach out to some general contractors in town, including Groom Construction and GVW Construction, to ask why they did not bid and if they might consider taking on the Transfer Station project.

“The best thing to do is to speak with these (general contractors) and see what’s going on as quickly as possible and depending on what they have to say get this back out on the street as quickly as possible to hopefully have a successful bid,” Petty said.

During public comment, local engineer Allen Waller criticized the bid process.

“To receive zero bids on a general contractor is remarkable,” Waller said. “You can’t do that unless you have a seriously flawed solicitation. And you, the board, is responsible for this. This failure is to you.”

Waller continued, “I keep watching incompetence. It’s time for this Board of Health to stand up and do what’s right. This is your job to make this happen.”

Petty’s biggest concern about the delay is the functionality of the current compactor.

“The brand new compactor is on site, so if something happens, we can bring someone in to install that, but it’s not in the order we want,” he said.

Petty and Board of Health member Tom McMahon plan to give an update on the Transfer Station project at Town Meeting on May 6.

Substance abuse education

The Board of Health discussed several programs to address mental health and substance abuse issues in town.

Petty planned to reach out to the nonprofit Learn to Cope to see if it might hold meetings in Marblehead. The group provides support for parents and loved ones of people suffering from substance abuse disorder. 

Petty and Board of Health Chair Helaine Hazlett also discussed partnering with the Marblehead Counseling Center for substance abuse education and support programs. 

Miller encouraged McMahon, who hopes to hold speaker events with Marblehead residents who have struggled with addiction, to work with the Mental Health Task Force.

“There is a very supportive group that can offer resources and a professional perspective,” she said. “We do have a Mental Health Task Force that is rich with professional expertise to help support your program.”

McMahon said he was amenable to having mental health professionals on hand, or out in the hall, at speaker events as a resource.

Miller also said the Task Force would be meeting with Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira to talk about bringing the NAN Project to Marblehead High School. The NAN Project works to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs for young people using a peer-to-peer model.

The Task Force also plans to explore bringing the Red Watch Band program back to the high school. The student-led initiative teaches students to identify dangerous levels of intoxication and to ask for help if their friends have had too much to drink.

At the beginning of the meeting, Hazlett read a statement emphasizing the board’s commitment to the substance abuse issue.

“The Board of Health is committed to working with the community to try to alleviate and prevent the agony many Marbleheaders are experiencing,” Hazlett said. “We look forward to collaborating with the Counseling Center, the public schools and our citizens.

She added, “I sincerely hope that this statement has alleviated much confusion and discussion from members of our community, and know that your Board of Health is and has been doing everything possible to stem the tide of substance use in our town.”

Motor oil mess

Petty also announced that two months ago the company that removes used motor oil from a 500-gallon, double-walled tank at the Transfer Station discovered a “chlorine hit,” meaning someone illegally dumped chlorine in the container.

“So now we’re going to have to pay $4,000 to get it pumped out and cleaned and get rid of the material,” Petty said.

The tank will now remain locked. If anyone wants to access it, they will need to speak with an attendant.

Hazardous Waste Day 

The board also discussed the upcoming Hazardous Waste Disposal Day at the Transfer Station on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-noon. Residents are permitted to bring items including oil-based paint, antifreeze, weed killers, propane tanks and more.

For a complete list, visit Marblehead.org or call the Health Department at 781-631-0212.

The cost for gallons or pounds:

— 0-3, $30.

— 3-10, $40.

— 10-25, $60.

Additional amounts will be priced accordingly.

Wellness event

The Board of Health discussed hosting a wellness event in early January 2025. The community would be invited to meet leaders from local fitness centers and other health-focused businesses. The event will likely be held at the Community Center.

Diaper drive

The Health Department is collecting diapers and wipes for families in need. 

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, half of all families in America struggle to afford diapers. New and unopened diaper packages for all sizes, along with wipes, can be dropped off at the Health Department, 7 Widger Road, during regular business hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.