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Date: 5/26/2021
SOUTH HADLEY – Health Director Sharon Hart reiterated Gov. Charlie Baker's recent announcement at the Selecboard’s May 18 meeting. Starting May 29, business restrictions related to COVID-19 will be rescinded and as of June 15 the State of Emergency will be over.
As far as the COVID-19 updates in town Hart stated, “Our numbers are up a little bit. We had eight confirmed cases and 28 contacts.”
She continued, “I just like to say we do have an employee whose sibling has COVID and is going to say goodbye to them tonight after being in the hospital for 18 days on a ventilator. I do want to acknowledge that even though masks are going away, COVID is still here and COVID is staying.” In the midst of the sad news, Chair Jeff Cyr sent his thoughts and prayers to that family.
Status on Town Restrictions
With recent news of the less restrictions, Cyr asked Hart if there’s anything going to be different in the town of South Hadley outside of what the governor has said. Mike Sullivan answered by saying the town has expanded the in-person services at the Council on Aging and a number of different activities, even a temporary facility at St. Theresa’s. There are exercise classes and other activities being done with safe protocols.
“The library opened a week ago without much trouble. There haven’t been any real issues; things have gone very smoothly and people are very cooperative,” said Town Administrator Mike Sullivan “We’re expanding the recreational offerings. We’re trying to coordinate the safety protocols with the Board of Health.”
Town Administrator Search Committee Update
The board then interviewed applicants during the meeting and voted to appoint Renee Sweeney to the Town Administrator Search Committee and that committee will be faced with screening candidates to recommend to the Selectboard for consideration. “Congratulations to Renee,” said Cyr. “We look forward to having your expertise in serving on this committee and hopefully it turns out very positive.”
Senior Center Update
Cyr let the board know that senior center project is “limping along” due to many factors. They were granted an 88-day extension after they failed to meet the Feb.2 deadline. He noted that the project still remains a quality project from a construction perspective. However, Cyr said he is hopeful to have the project completed by mid-June in order to open up for their “well-deserved seniors.”
Toward the end of the meeting, the Selectboard made a motion to accept the town moderator’s request to hold the Town Meeting on June 9 at 6 p.m. at St Theresa’s Church, located at 4 East Parkview in South Hadley in a drive-in style using hand-held tabulators.