At the recent meeting of the Dudley Board of Health, chair Roberta Johnson, introduced the new Board of Health agent, Justin Lapham. Lapham assumed his position in mid-December 2025. “I’m looking forward to getting some things back on track and getting caught up. It’s been good. I’m trying to get items caught up, the stuff that comes in, right out,” said Lapham.

The board also discussed inspection results for Paula’s Nail Designs & Spa located at 210 West Main Street. It was noted that Lorri Ducharme, owner of Prestige Salon in Webster, was the inspector of Paula’s Nail Designs and performed an inspection of part of the salon’s services but that an inspection of the nail salon had not been done. 

Discussion of Title 5 requests (installation of septic systems) was then focused on with health agent Lapham stating that soil testing was all caught up and that food and housing inspections were ongoing. It was stated that Title 5 inspections may or may not have been done and that some inspections may have been missed. “I’ve been phoning the engineers as they come up,” said Lapham, “and speaking with them directly. I would recommend an approved plan. It’s better for the public. We should add a permitting step in the approval process so that a price comparison can separate costs.” He asked the board “How do you feel about a partial release on a septic system that’s installed that might not have loam and seed installed as those parts tend to wash away in the winter.” The board appeared open to his suggestion. 

The board then discussed an open meeting complaint with chairman Johnson stating “an email [complaint] doesn’t count and it must be done on a state form.” The board then discussed that the town Animal Inspector stipend increased by $3,000. It was mentioned that the inspector was hired at $6,000 and there wasn’t enough money in the budget to pay him and this is why the amount has to increase for next year. A motion was made to accept the requested 2027 budget for the Dudley Department of Public Health and the motion passed.

Nuisance complaints were then addressed for 7 New Boston Road and it was noted that a photo of the property showed junk metal scraps. A smell and noise complaint for 54 Old Southbridge Road was also discussed and the board noted that this type of complaint would come under the jurisdiction of the town Zoning Board. Chair Johnson stated “If people don’t give their name and contact information, we cannot follow-up properly.”  A complaint was also discussed about 12 Sunnyside Road regarding rat poison being sprayed or placed near to the road. 

The Board then voted to accept a $100 gift certificate from Big Al’s Pizza of Dudley which was to be donated to the Dudley Senior Center attendees.