Halifax Town Administrator Charlie Seelig held a meeting on Tuesday, June 2 with the Board of Selectmen, department heads, and other town employees to discuss reopening.

Per a vote at the previous selectmen meeting, the Halifax COVID leave policy will end starting with the pay period beginning Sunday, June 7. As of that date, town employees will only be paid for hours worked. An exception will be made for departments that don’t have enough hours to fulfill an employees’ usual workload. In those cases, employees can compensate for additional hours with either personal, sick, or vacation time. Seelig opened the floor for questions on the ending of the policy but none were asked.

Seelig said that he had been reviewing the processes other communities were putting into place in order to have their employees return to work safely. Chief among them is the policy that those who are not well remain home. Each day employees would need to self-certify that they don’t currently have any symptoms of COVID-19. They would also have to certify that they have not been in close contact with someone who has COVID nor have they been told by a medical professional that they have a probable case of COVID even in the absence of a test. Library Director Jean Gallant inquired if the self-certification would run on the honor system or if actual documentation would be expected to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen. Seelig said that documentation would likely not need to be provided to the selectmen. Formal decisions regarding the policies for reopening will need to be made by the Board during their meeting on June 9.

Currently the state has guidance in place that requests that Massachusetts residents that travel out of state for non-work-related reasons, self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to the state. Seelig said that the Board will need to decide whether to include this stipulation as part of the self-certification. As pointed out during the meeting, while it is considered best practice and recommended, there is no legal requirement to self-quarantine following out-of-state travel. Fire Chief Jason Viveiros said that the policy didn’t seem to make much sense since Massachusetts has higher rates of COVID-19 than most other states. Seelig agreed, pointing out that New York is likely the only border state with a higher rate than Massachusetts.

Seelig also addressed the need for supplies as well as physical changes to the town buildings. He said that decisions will have to be made regarding what procedures should be implemented for employees that share rooms as well as for those that cannot always maintain six feet of distance between themselves and other employees. Seelig pointed out that based on research, even if maintaining proper social distancing, sharing the same enclosed space for extended time periods can increase the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission. Things to consider include whether masks will be required, if barriers will need to be inserted between desks, and if furniture or rooms will need to be rearranged. If masks are required, the Board of Selectmen will have to decide how to handle situations where an employee has a medical condition that prevents that from wearing one.

Seelig said that hygiene practices will have to be reviewed and reinforced as well. Hand sanitizer will likely need to be supplied to areas where common surfaces such as copier machines are found. Signage will likely need to be provided to remind people of best practices including sneezing into your elbow and not having others clean up after you. It had been previously suggested that hand dryers be installed rather than paper towel dispensers but there is some concern over having air circulated in such a way in a small, enclosed room. Seelig said the town may need to look at installing touchless paper towel dispensers instead. A cleaning log will also need to be kept indicating when rooms were cleaned.

Other ideas that were floated during Tuesday’s meeting included the need for a method for contact tracing. Seelig also suggested the possibility of having employees work split shifts in order to reduce shared spaces. Other considerations such as what equipment may be needed for different departments were also discussed.

Seelig said that the Board will also need to decide to what extent remote working will continue. The state currently recommends that those that can efficiently work from home continue to do just that. Also to be decided will be what kind of documentation will be required by departments in order to work remotely. Seelig said that employees will likely have to punch-in, punch-out, and provide a synopsis of time spent. Gallant said that she felt strongly that people should be allowed to continue to work from home wherever feasible.

Finally, Seelig addressed the steps that would be needed to open town buildings to the public. He said that one option would be to reopen by appointment only initially to avoid large clusters coming into buildings such as town hall at once. Another option would be to open but for limited hours. This option could either be done from the get-go or following a period of appointment only availability. Seelig said that limited hours worked well for the soft opening of the recycling center.

He emphasized that were the town to go this route with other town buildings, the hours would have to advertised extensively to avoid confusion or anger on behalf of residents. He told the department heads that he would like their input before the June 9 meeting as to whether they would prefer a slower start or going full throttle from the beginning.

Seelig also said that a plan would need to be in place before reopening to address any residents or other building guests that refuse to comply with policies including wearing a face covering and social distancing.

Seelig told department heads that the decision to reopen the buildings could end up being a temporary one should there be another large spread or outbreak of the virus. He said that the town may want to consider spending money to bolster services should buildings close again.

Seelig asked those present to send any questions or suggestions to him in the next few days as he hopes to have the Board finalize as much of the reopening policy as possible at their June 9 meeting.

It all began when she heard how busy and overwhelmed the medical staffs at local hospitals were with Covid 19 patients.

Chris Tompkins- also known as Chrissy- a resident of Halifax since 1994, knew she wanted to do something to help.

She learned of the mask shortages that were affecting medical staff and the need to wear masks in public for citizens so she borrowed a sewing machine in March and started sewing masks and hanging them in baggies on her front tree, she said.

Tompkins has two nieces who have young children all under age 7, both are emergency room nurses at the Signature Brockton Hospital. She heard of the daily struggles many were experiencing.

The tree has been thriving ever since. Items do change daily and are also spread out on a table now as well, with the efforts of others providing items not going unnoticed.

She calls her sewing circle a tribe of local woman who are each inspiring in their own ways lending one another sewing supplies, fabric and adding to the donations for Halifax residents.

Marie Cody, a staff member at the Halifax Library, loaned me the sewing machine and materials. She did so much … I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her help at the start, said Tompkins.

She also worked on a project with Ruth Mc Grath each completing and taking half of their 100 handmade facemasks and dropping them off at the Veteran’s Hospital in Brockton.

Both women play cribbage with a resident there once a week. She misses the interaction and knows that the elderly are a group at risk of depression during isolation due to quarantine restrictions and separation.

She serves dozens of the Halifax elderly as she is also a longtime van driver for the Halifax Council on Aging on Mondays and Fridays.

Keeping in contact with her regulars who have become her friends is important to her as well.

Her passion for giving back came when she said she was at her lowest, losing her home in the real estate crash, raising three children after working night shifts for 14 years with the Brockton Postal Services, and often sleeping only two hours a night. She realized taking care of her youngest who was diagnosed with Autism was the deciding factor to her leaving her full time job.  She lost her home.

“I was at my lowest.   Elaine Dolan’s words were

“Go volunteer and you will realize you don’t have it so bad.”   Dolan was head of the housing agency in Halifax, now retired, and remains a friend.

“It was the best advice I ever had been given.”

She also keeps in mind the famous adage, “What goes around comes around”.

“People laugh when I say ‘What comes around goes around’…  She knows may sound as if she is saying it backwards, but in her philosophy she believes if you have something (it comes to you first) you should send it back – by paying it forward, she said.

She recently connected with a Halifax resident Jessica Erwin who started her own giving tree, said Tompkins.

She called the efforts of others inspirational and encouraging. It is extremely important showing so many residents are pitching in and all helping one another.

“It is restoring faith. People are trying to reach others and I believe 100 million percent the community of Halifax is creating community involvement. It becomes full circle.”

A new addition to the Halifax Local Face book page is a Feel Good Friday’s nomination or shout outs.

If someone reaches out via direct message they can nominate another resident for their act of thoughtfulness. It is important that their gesture did not go unnoticed, she said.

If someone is struggling they can also private message Tompkins through the page and receive confidential pick up of items they may need.

   As a site manager for Brockton Council on Aging Meals on Wheels for more than ten years she is used to prepping meals for 40 plus people on community lunch days two days a week.   Now that those gatherings are on hold she decided to continue cooking and feeds about five families a week in town from her own kitchen.

With a private message and confirmed serving details she can help someone who is in need. This past week she had chili and a vegetarian soup.

The meals are a non-contact pick up – for more details contact her directly through the Halifax Local page.

To drop off donations of canned goods or items of necessity to the Giving Tree she is located at 37 Chestnut Road Halifax off route 36.  Tompkins gently reminds if you drop off carefully check any products for expiration dates.  She can always be reached on the Halifax Local page.

This field of flags was placed by volunteers with the Halifax VFW Post 6258 in memory of the veterans who lost their lives in service to our country.  This year’s Memorial Day parade was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus so the flags represent the town’s appreciation for the sacrifices our servicepersons have made.     More photos on page 7

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely on Wednesday, May 6. Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy told the selectmen that she is working with staff to figure out the best way to safely reopen.

They are paying particular attention to any structural changes that may need to be implemented. Dennehy and Selectman John Traynor met with Library Director Debbie Batson to discuss possible changes such as droplet barriers. Dennehy also said that Amazon sells large sneeze guards that might be useful for a temporary change to townhouse offices with large counters.

For those offices without counters, work has already begun to trim the doors and alter them into a Dutch style door where the top can remain open.

This alteration would allow business to be conducted through the door. Dennehy said they are also looking into what kind of face coverings will be required for the employees.

The Plympton Highway Department has resumed normal business hours but are still following social distancing protocols. One of those protocols is limiting vehicles to just one person. The department has begun their regular seasonal mowing.

Memorial Day activities postponed

The selectmen also discussed postponing the usual Memorial Day events in town. They had previously discussed moving the events to Veteran’s Day as other local communities have elected to do. Selectman Mark Russo said that he absolutely agreed that the events needed to be postponed but suggested making Veteran’s Day a tentative date with a firm one to come later. He said that if possible to hold the events sooner than Veteran’s Day, it might be a good opportunity to celebrate getting past the adversity that has been posed by the pandemic.

Tree loss on Green

The selectmen also voted to remove the tree that is down at the town green. Dennehy said she would find out if grinding the stump is a possibility. Russo said, “It is not infrequent when a tree comes down anywhere in town, but particularly the town green, that there are one or two citizens that get pretty upset.” He continued, “ That’s the reason we waited a week and got it on the agenda, moreover, any of us that have seen this tree it’s amazing it didn’t come down in the last week… this isn’t a debatable one and there’s no way that we could be held in any way but the highest judgement to get rid of that tree.”

Town Barn roof replacement

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy made a motion to open the town warrant to insert an emergency article to replace the roof and insulation at the town barn. The selectmen voted to do so before making a motion to close the town warrant immediately.

Free and reduced lunch program continues

Chair of the Plympton School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen was in attendance and gave an update on the schools. Wilhelmsen said that the chairs of the various school committees met with the administrators to discuss the ongoing free and reduced lunch program which has continued despite the school closures. The food service director requested that the program be opened to anyone who needs the assistance right now rather than limiting it to just those that had previously qualified.

Wilhelmsen also said that he had requested that the school budget be amended to adjust for items that are being put into the special town meeting as well as the actual numbers from the new bus contract.

Raises for town employees

The Selectmen and Dennehy were joined by Chair of the Finance Committee Nathaniel Sides and Committee member Marilyn Browne to discuss the FY21 budget. Dennehy said they were considering a 1.6 percent cost of living adjustment across the board for town employees. Dennehy said that she felt that it was a “defensible” number even after going over all the numbers with the town accountant. She said that it was actually a net decrease due to the rising cost of insurance. “From my perspective, it is also about building up some goodwill with the employees,” Dennehy explained. Russo noted, “Even the 1.6 percent cost of living increase is going to ruffle feathers a little.”

Sides said that it has been an extremely challenging time for the Finance Committee. After wrapping up the budget previously, they were looking at about a 3.8 percent increase. Sides said, “There were some asks from some various departments that we were supportive of and still would be in a perfect world.” He continued saying that it would be difficult to stand in front of residents, many of whom are without jobs, and propose a budget that was arrived at through normal means. “I think our committee realizes we need to take another look at everything and come back to the townsfolk with a revised budget,” he finished.

All were in agreement that fiscal year 2022 is going to be the more challenging year. “I think the bigger problem is going to be next year and kind of managing people’s expectations,” Dennehy said. Speaking of 2022, Traynor said, “I’m very pessimistic about it.” Dennehy said that they would likely have to continue the freeze for non-essential items through next year especially given the possibility of another wave of the virus. Dennehy did say that some items, such as vacation overages, should be reimbursable but noted that reimbursement can sometimes take up to two years. She said the town has been maintaining records for those items.

Russo asked if the town had any indication how much of the $90 million received by Plymouth County under the federal CARES Act might go to Plympton. Dennehy said, “We don’t unfortunately, and I just hope that whatever the process is, it’s transparent and its nonpolitical and every community gets what they rightly deserve.” The Plymouth County Commissioners have elected to distribute the $90 million themselves rather than letting the state distribute the money to municipalities as most other counties have done. The Halifax selectmen and town administrator expressed their frustration with the commissioners’ decision during one of their meetings.

New Normal committee eyed

Traynor said that it would probably be a good idea to form a committee to address how the town should plan for the “new normal.” Joy said that the Old Colony Planning Council had sent out a survey to help in coming up with a plan for maximizing resources, serving the town, and establishing a new normal.

Dennehy said that many surrounding towns have been moving their town meetings outdoors with alternate rain dates available. They have also been moving them earlier in the day in order to take advantage of daylight. The town moderator had concerns about moving the start time to 5pm, however, as it could impede on some residents’ ability to attend. Traynor suggested the possibility of holding it on a Saturday. Russo said he was going to take the minority position saying, “I think the less variables we have the better… I could make the case we said the seventeenth and we just make that happen.” Joy said she would like more time to think it over before deciding.  If a town meeting doesn’t occur before June 30, the town will have to go to a 1/12 budgeting scenario.

Halifax Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor has been getting the town ready for the first election in the past hundred years to be held during a global pandemic.  But she’s up to the challenge.

The election is Saturday, June 20, and the last day to register to vote is June 10.  “I will encourage online voter registration,” Gaynor said.  The link to register to vote is on the town’s website – Halifax-ma.org /Town Clerk.

The polls will be open the regular hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and as of now, “we are still planning on the polling place being the gym at Halifax Elementary School.”   She encourages early voting/absentee voting for this election.

Selectmen are meeting virtually this morning, Friday, May 8, at 9 a.m. to discuss the warrant for the annual town meeting scheduled to be held Monday, June 15.  “Town meeting … is still a work in progress.  There are bills before the Senate and House dealing with town meetings so I think that is part of the town delay.   I take direction from the Board of Selectmen as to the when and how,” Gaynor said.

The ballot is finalized and shows only two contests, Michael J. Schlieff is opposing incumbent R. Steven Hayward for Highway Surveyor, and Alan J Dias and Ashley DiSesa are both seeking the single five-year term on the Planning Board.

The rest of the ballot looks like this:

• Board of Assessors, 3-year term, vote for one, John J.R. Shiavone (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Health, 3-year term, vote for one, Steven MacFaun

• Housing Authority, 3-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Housing Authority, 4-year term, vote for one, Patricia McCarthy (candidate for re-election)

• Housing Authority, 5-year term, vote for one, Richard Clark, (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Library Trustees, 3-year term, vote for one, Diane Ruxton

• Park Commissioner, 1-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Park Commissioner, 3-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Planning Board, 5-year term, vote for one, no candidate

• Halifax Elementary School Committee, 3-year term, vote for two, Robert Johnson and Alison J. Vance (both candidates for re-election)

• Silver Lake Regional School Committee, 3-year term, vote for one, Edward Desharnais, Jr. (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Selectmen, 3-year term, vote for one, Troy E. Garron (candidate for re-election)

• Board of Water Commissioners, 3-year term, vote for one, Richard Clark, (candidate for re-election)

There is one ballot question.

“Shall the town vote to accept the provisions of section thirteen of chapter two hundred and fifty-eight of the General Laws which provides that the town shall indemnify and save harmless municipal officers, elected or appointed, from personal financial loss and expense including reasonable legal fees and costs, if any in an amount not to exceed one million dollars, arising out of any claim, demand, suit or judgement by reason of any act or omission except an intentional violation of civil rights of any person under any law, if the official at the time of such act or omission was acting with the scope of this official’s duties and employment?”

Plympton resident Scott Materna, who works as the Facilities Manager for the Town of Halifax, put his skills to good use recently as he disinfected the new police station in a mutual aid endeavor.  The disinfecting was not due to any specific risk, just something that needs to be done from time to time, according to Plympton Police Sgt. Stephen Teri.

First responders from throughout the area came together at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Plymouth, last Thursday afternoon to form a parade around the building, showing their support and thanks to the healthcare workers who put their lives on the line every day they come to work.

Plympton’s Fire Chief Stephen Silva’s daughter is an ER nurse there and tells her dad of the difficult situations they face.  Many who could come outside applauded the parade – and first responders could see the gratitude on their faces.

Church bells rang out, horns sounded, and doors opened to let out clapping, singing, and music-making Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five minutes at 7 p.m., all to pay homage to our first responders and healthcare workers who have put their own lives on the line in service to others, especially now, during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Selectman Mark Russo put the program into action, inspired by what neighborhoods throughout New York City, and others across the continents are doing to show their appreciation.

Colleen Thompson and Susan Vetterlein rang the bell at the First Congregational Church in Plympton Village, a bell that was cast by George Holbrook, an apprentice under Paul Revere, in 1830!  It cost a princely sum of $386 at that time.   The First Congregational Church was the first church in town to have a steeple and a bell.  The bell weighs 1,100 pounds and it takes strong arms to pull the ropes to ring it.

Russo invites all of Plympton to continue to open their doors each night at 7 p.m. to make a joyful noise – or just listen, “listen deeply to what is possible.”

Fire Chief Stephen Silva had his department take available trucks to the bottom of the driveway and flash their lights.

Police Chief Matt Clancy’s department also took part to show their appreciation.  Fire and police opted not to sound their sirens out of respect to their neighbors.

Lean out the door, windows, sound a horn, sing a song, bang on a pot, and continue at 7 p.m. each evening at least until Tuesday, or until the virus is contained.

The Plympton Board of Selectmen, town administrator Elizabeth Dennehy, and chair of the Board of Health Arthur Morin have been holding weekly meetings via phone conference during the coronavirus pandemic. Their Thursday, April 2 meeting was the first since Governor Baker extended the state-wide stay-at-home advisory to at least May 4.

One of the first orders of business was to appoint Cathy Ferguson and Arthur Morin to the Emergency Management Team. The Board also voted to appoint Nathan Cristofori as a special police officer through June 30.

Dennehy gave an update on the number of cases in town and said that coronavirus related information will be kept up to date on the town website. As of press time, there are two confirmed cases in Plympton. Morin said that the Department of Public Health notifies the Board of Health directly when there is a confirmed case. According to Morin the Cape Cod Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) assigns a nurse to each patient and it is the responsibility of the nurse to conduct the patient interview and trace contacts. Selectmen vice chair Mark Russo asked Morin who was responsible for reaching out to those that had contact with the infected person. Morin said that task fell under the jurisdiction of the VNA per an order from the Department of Public Health. “They are nurses; they are medical professionals and they know how to do this,” Morin explained. Chair Christine Joy asked Morin if an update on patients’ conditions is given to the Board of Health but was told that would violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The Board of Health notifies the fire and police departments of the address of the infected person though no names are given. This action enables the departments to take necessary precautions as needed. Once the pandemic is over, the addresses will be destroyed.

Dennehy said that the A1 ambulance in Plympton has been designated the COVID ambulance and is outfitted in plastic for easy decontamination. Dispatch will determine when to use this ambulance based on a series of questions in the initial call. Dennehy said that the Army National Guard had dropped off some supplies with the town’s fire department. Additionally, Morin said that the town also has a very small supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a few different types of gloves, some goggles and N95 masks, and six full PPE suits. Of the suits, Morin added, “There’s only six so when those are gone, they’re gone.”

Dennehy also gave an update on the disinfection of various municipal buildings and vehicles. The fire and police departments as well as the town house have already been done. A determination for when to disinfect the library was being discussed as it has been empty for some time now and holding off a bit could help to eliminate any remaining virus. Russo agreed saying, “At some point, even if there was virus, it’s lost all of its virulence.” According to Dennehy both ambulances have been fogged and there is capacity to do the police cruisers as well. Selectman John Traynor asked about the old town house but Dennehy said that they were hesitant to disinfect the building as they were concerned about damaging old artifacts. The possibility of just disinfecting contact surfaces rather than fogging the air was discussed.

Dennehy also told those on the call that they have been doing their best to minimize the number of employees deemed essential to the functioning of the town and therefore physically in the building. Most town house employees have been working remotely. Dennehy said, “We’ve had a lot of cooperation overall and things seem to be going relatively smoothly at least for now.”

Plympton is receiving a $4,000 grant from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) to be used toward anything related to the COVID-19 emergency including increased staffing, VNA charges, PPE, etc.

Dennehy said that she had been waiting for the state legislation enabling towns to postpone their town elections and town meetings to pass prior to rescheduling those events. Town moderator Barry DeCristofano and town clerk Patricia Detterman will attend the next Board of Selectmen meeting to further the discussion.

Joy ended the meeting with a “rave” as is tradition during regular Board of Selectmen meetings. She said, “My rave is the emergency management team – what a wonderful job you guys are doing. I feel like we’re in such good hands and it’s very reassuring in a very uncertain and troubling time.” Both Russo and Traynor concurred.

Charmian Evans
Special to The Express

This is a big “Hi” from Plympton – not in Mass but across the pond from Devon, England.

There are about seven Plymptons in the world – the Devon one being the oldest, and no doubt where your town got its name from.

Plympton St Maurice, to give it its full name goes back to 900 ad and today has one of the finest examples of town planning of that time. Strip gardens run down to a stream and animals would have been kept on the far side. Come the 12th century, Plympton St Maurice was busier than nearby Plymouth and was a tin assaying town, complete with castle.  As a result of the wealth, lots of lovely old buildings grew up, and over time we can boast that it truly is the birthplace of British art, with a host of well-known artists born in the village, not least Sir Joshua Reynolds. John Sparke explored the Spanish main and from that voyage became the first person to describe potatoes and tobacco. World famous clock makers, scientists, physicians and politicians all trod the pavements of this small village.

And folks, we’re still going! Now we are deemed a conservation area and many of our fine houses are listed for preservation. Our main road, Fore Street, was built about 1136! We’re situated about 4 miles from Plymouth and the coast, and about the same to Dartmoor, a 400 square mile  gorgeous national park complete with the special breed of “Dartmoor ponies”, thatched cottages and views that are beyond gorgeous.

We have a terrific community. In our Guildhall, built in the 1600’s, we have a pop up cinema and lots of fun events. Two pubs run a variety of entertainments as well as fine local ales.  A What’s App group keep us all informed and able to offer help if needed. Every summer we have a Midsummer Festival on the Castle Green, which includes a day long lamb feast, open gardens and a music festival. The whole village gets stuck in to help and it is a lot of fun.

And like you, we need it at the moment. Our beautiful conservation area is coming under threat.  A new town is being built not far away and our politicians and councils seem unable to divert traffic away from our area. Already our church has cracked windows, the original 16th century glass in some of the houses can’t cope with vibrations and the very safety of pedestrians is threatened because of excess traffic.

But never mind hey! Plymouth City council would rather spend millions on putting up a good front to celebrate the Mayflower 2020 anniversary than save the village that many of your ancestors may have come from.   It’s a sad tale and I’m sure you have these battles yourself. We’re in negotiations – have been for 12 years actually – but are now getting to the point when we need to get noticed. And we might just need the good people of Plympton Massachusetts to help us – so watch this space!

Progress on our village conservation is held up because of the dreaded “V” word. We’re all in lock down – only allowed out for absolute essentials and steering clear of anyone within  feet.  So far we have no cases and I hope, as I write this, that you have none either.  Of course it brings out the gardener in us, and seeds are being propagated in greenhouses and if it goes on much longer I reckon people will be building a still for some bootleg! Of course our seasons are a bit ahead of yours. The gardens are filled with spring blossom and there’s the cheery prospect of summer ahead.

This is the first, of what I hope may be more missives from England. We’d love to form links with you, love to hear any history you know of that the two towns might share. And we’d be tickled pink if any of you made it across here when times are easier. We would be delighted to host you. Meanwhile, keep well and if you’re interested, look us up on our website: https://www.plymptonstmaurice.com.