The Plympton Board of Selectmen continued with their virtual weekly meetings on Thursday, April 23 to cover any COVID-19 related updates as well as some regular town business.
Chairman of the Board of Health Arthur Morin reported to Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy that all COVID-19 cases in Plympton were reported to be recovered resulting in no active cases they were aware of as of April 23. Selectmen Chair Christine Joy exclaimed, “Hallelujah, that is great news.” Selectmen Mark Russo and John Traynor agreed. Morin said, “I was tickled yesterday when I got the news that they are out of quarantine and everything is good.” Since the meeting, however, the town’s website has been updated to report one active case in town.
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy told the Board that they had to decide whether to conduct an appraisal of the property at 61 Upland Road. There is currently a notice of intent to convert under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 61A. The Board decided they would take a vote at a later meeting as they felt that they needed more time and more discussion to make the correct decision.
Dennehy provided an update on the town’s measures to combat the Coronavirus pandemic locally. Weekly calls with townhouse employees, the library, and the Council on Aging are continuing. Additionally, an Emergency Management meeting was held this week to discuss what it will look like when the town reopens as well as best approaches for reopening. Dennehy said that the town will need to be in compliance with both the state and federal government’s guidance. Extenuating circumstances will also have to be taken into consideration including, but not limited to, childcare issues or caretaking for ill family members. “Everything seems to be running smoothly,” Dennehy said.
Dennehy also said that Meals on Wheels has been moved out of the Fire Department and is now being operated out of the Halifax Council on Aging. Dennehy said that Council on Aging Director Joy Marble gave her an update on the Brown Bag program that delivers a bag of essential groceries to residents who qualify. Those wishing to inquire about eligibility for either Meals on Wheels or the Brown Bag program should reach out to Marble (contact information can be found on the town website).
Dennehy said that if people need to visit the Townhouse they must check in with either herself or the Chair of the Plympton Board of Health Arthur Morin. “We seem to have a pretty good schedule going right now,” Dennehy said.
Regarding the town budget, Dennehy said that despite being under certain time constraints, it would be premature to make any decisions currently about what will or will not be happening.
Chair of the Plympton School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen was also in attendance to provide an update on the schools. Wilhelmsen said it was a challenge to keep everything equal. He added, “We’ll do things as we always do in Plympton which is collaboratively.”