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Date: 1/12/2022
WILBRAHAM – Finn McCool, health director for Eastern Hampden Shared Health Services (EHSHS), told the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen there were 400 known active cases of COVID-19 in Wilbraham as on Jan. 10.
Of these cases, 101 people were fully vaccinated and had received a booster shot if eligible, 160 were completely unvaccinated and the rest were partially vaccinated or had received their last shot over 6 months ago. These case numbers did not include positive at-home tests and McCool urged residents to call the Health Department with any positive at-home numbers so they can get a better understanding of the situation.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) extended the mask mandate for school buildings through Feb. 28. EHSHS successfully contacted all homebound residents who want to receive booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. McCool and Public Health Nurse Ashley Boudreau will be running another vaccination clinic, though a date has not yet been determined.
McCool urged residents to wear a mask in public whether they are vaccinated or not and follow all CDC-recommended precautions, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and staying home if unwell. Town Administrator Nick Breault reminded people that a mask was required to enter all town buildings.
Board of Selectmen Chair Bob Boilard asked about the percentage of people who were hospitalized because of COVID-19, but Finn said hospitals are not reporting that information to the towns.
The Wilbraham Police Department had 10 of its 27 personnel out of work at the same time, eight of whom were out due to the virus. Police Chief Robert Zollo said this is the first time since the pandemic began that the police force had been affected so dramatically. Both Fire Chief Michael Andrews and Dispatch Director Anthony Gentile said there has been a sharp uptick in pandemic-related emergency calls.
During the public comment period, resident Dave Sanders asked the board for an update on installing municipal fiber optic connections in town. Breault explained the town was working on how to create a municipal light plant (MLP) that is separate from the Board of Selectmen. A MLP is required by state law before a municipality can offer utilities to its residents.
Resident John Broderick asked that meeting minutes be regularly updated on the town’s website, https://www.wilbraham-ma.gov. While he admitted it was optional, as minutes are available at the town hall upon request, he characterized it as a basic function of town boards and committees.
Gina Kahn, director of the Safe and Healthy Students Program at Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District (HWRSD) received approval to place signs on town-owned property. The signs encourage participation in the strategic plan community survey, which allows all residents from Wilbraham and Hampden to give their opinions on what they would like to see included in the HWRSD’s strategic plan, a document that will guide the district for the next five to seven years.
The survey can be taken online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HWRSDCommunitySurvey, or people can pick up a physical copy at either town’s senior center or the school district offices. The original deadline was Dec. 12, but the district has extended it to allow for wider participation.
The date for the Annual Town Meeting was set for May 16 at 7 p.m. Citizen petition articles are due by March 10.
Zollo gave the board notice of his retirement, effective June 25. The town will begin a new police chief search later this year.