At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Board of Health revisited the social hosting controversy that has dominated recent discussions about youth substance use, with member Tom McMahon urging a clear public declaration that police officers have full backing from town leadership when enforcing the laws against parents who allow underage drinking in their homes.
McMahon told the board he recently spoke with Select Board Chair Dan Fox, describing the conversation as “very cordial.” While the two disagree on enforcement approaches, McMahon said they share the same goals and want the best outcome. Fox plans to consult the district attorney on legal questions surrounding the law, which McMahon said he does not believe is necessary but has no objection to.
“My hope,” he said, “is that regardless of what was done in the past … we move forward where we enforce the laws that are on the books.”
He said officers often face resistance from a few “entitled” parents and need explicit assurance that “we have their back as a town” when they issue citations or summonses.
He also pushed back on claims that he wants harsher penalties for teenagers.
“Absolutely not,” he said, emphasizing that diversion and education programs are effective and that he does not support permanent records for youth. “My statements are directed at the parents.”
Meanwhile, Town Clerk Robin Michaud released new details Dec. 9 about citations written to parents of minors allegedly caught drinking at house parties in Marblehead. From 2009 to 2017, Michaud said there were 160 citations written to parents whose kids were drinking. Here is that list:
2009 – 23
2010- 25
2011 – 25
2012 – 4
2013 – 4
2014 – 0
2015 – 25
2016 – 26
2017 – 28
Compare that to the list of $125 citations for adults who allowed underage drinking in their homes:
2009 – 5
2010 – 5
2011 – 1
2012 – 1
2014 – 2
2015 – 1
2016 – 1
2017 – 3
There have been no citations issued at all since 2017.
The board agreed to delay next year’s Wellness Fair to February, citing a crowded agenda and ongoing work on the trash contract and substance use initiatives.
Mini-MPH program proposal preview
Earlier in the meeting, Massaro delivered a “preview” of a public mini-MPH program the board may offer. He said the goal would be to help residents “understand the health system environment better,” noting the declining trust in public health institutions since the pandemic.
He walked through a comparative tour of international health systems, outlining models from national health services to social and regulated private insurance, and contrasted them with the U.S. health care sector and the growing influence of private equity.
He discussed how countries organize power, manage costs and balance prevention with treatment, emphasizing that every system is shaped by culture and politics as much as economics.
Massaro described the kinds of questions he believes residents struggle with, such as why insurance is expensive, why primary care is difficult to access and why prices vary so widely. To understand issues like that, he said, “you really have to go into the weeds,” which he framed as a key reason for offering the course.
“We’re here,” Massaro told the room. “We’re willing to do whatever we can,” adding that a certificate program through Salem State could be possible if the town wants it.
Community Wellness survey update
Massaro said UMass Boston has begun reviewing the town’s Community Wellness survey responses and that the open-ended answers were far more detailed than the research team typically sees. A brief report may be available before the end of the year, but the board expects a full report in early 2026. Demographic patterns showed the highest participation among residents aged 40 to 70 and lower response rates among 18- to 30-year-olds.
Transfer Station project and budget pressures
Public Health Director Andrew Petty outlined early fiscal 2027 budgets for the Health and Waste Departments, saying the town’s request for level-funded budgets is not feasible on the waste side due to expected increases tied to the new trash and recycling contracts.
The waste revolving account is expected to absorb some major one-time expenses, including the purchase of curbside barrels if the new contract shifts to automated collection.
For the Health Department, Petty highlighted long-standing underfunding and reviewed routine public health expenses, including water testing, medical supplies and the town’s contribution to a regional domestic violence service.
Petty also reported steady progress on the Transfer Station reconstruction. The scale house foundation is complete and work on plumbing and wing walls is underway. The scale is scheduled to be moved into its new pit on Dec. 19.
Once that move occurs, residents will be rerouted to exit via Green Street and that temporary pattern will likely remain in place through the new year. Petty said the goal is to reopen the pit access shortly after the new year.
The board’s next meeting will be held in January.
