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Date: 5/10/2021
SOUTH HADLEY – On May 4, the South Hadley Selectboard began their virtual meeting with COVID-19 updates. South Hadley Health Director Sharon Hart was unable to be a part of the meeting, and instead, Town Administrator Mike Sullivan stepped in and showed the latest numbers to the board through a slideshow presentation.
“We had a slight increase of 10 confirmed cases over the last week. It was 21 cases over the past two weeks which is a progress from where we were before,” Sullivan stated.
“One of the concerns is contacts which has risen by 47 cases. Most of that is attributed to some contact tracing at the one of the schools and we seem to have that under control. As far as the tracing goes, we’re hoping it doesn’t evolve into what we’ve seen before,” he continued. “Schools have looked at the situation and are making some adjustments so they can bring that learned knowledge to other situations to make it safer in schools as well.”
Public Building Reopening Plans
Gov. Charlie Baker recently announced new guidelines for libraries to reopen to the public. Previously, residents had to schedule visits to the library, and at the time of the meeting, the capacity of the South Hadley Public Library on Canal Street was planned to be 132 people excluding staff. The Gaylord Memorial Library would be able to host 24 people and will be monitored on an hourly basis, effective May 6.
Face masks will be required to enter the building and those unable to wear a face covering will be offered curbside or outdoor delivery. Six-feet social distancing will also be enforced and acrylic barriers will be installed.
For the South Hadley Senior Center, guests must preregister for programs and class sizes are limited to eight individuals. Additionally, class times will be spaced out to ensure one hour cleaning/disinfecting and masks are mandatory.
Update on Town Administrator Search
After an ongoing discussion, the board decided to go back out for a search for town administrator candidates starting May 5. Chair Jeff Cyr said the finalist from the previous search is automatically a finalist for interview following the current search. The estimated time is four to five weeks for advertising and the same search committee will be engaged. One member of the search committee, however, dropped out so the board is currently advertising for a new community representative to serve on the committee.
“I encourage people to apply. It is absolutely a wonderful community and I’m lucky to have been able to work here,” said Sullivan. “I think people have to realize that and the more that gets out I think the better candidate you’re going to get.”
At the end of the meeting, the board nominated member Andrea Miles to be a veteran service district representative and member Sara Etelman to remain as the Mount Holyoke liaison.
“I’m familiar with the workings of our district,” Miles replied. “My husband is a veteran and I’ve had conversations personal time and personal dealings with the veterans’ agent past and present in our town so this is something I’m definitely interested in and feel comfortable transitioning into.”