Print
Share page with AddThis

Emergency Management Response Team Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, June 2, 2020

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSE TEAM (EMRT)

MEETING MINUTES 6/2/2020

 

Attendees:  Chief Rick McQuade, Chief David Hall, DEMD Karen Day, Chief Brian Giammarino & (Henry), EMD Martin, Health Officer Borden, DEMD Diane Boilard, GFA Coordinator Chris Borden.

Guest:  Rev. Dan Osgood

Meeting opened at 12:30

Last Meeting Minutes were accepted as amended and approved.

  1. DMD Dave Martin’s report.  Mr. Marshall stated at the last Select Board meeting that he did indeed plan to implement our suggestions in the future reopening although the meeting minutes do not reflect the acceptance of our recommendations.  The Select Board has decided that our EMRT meeting minutes should be posted for the public which Aaron Patt will do in the future.  Mr. Marshall has stated that we should accept the email from Mrs. Heck as constructive criticism.  As a consensus of the team, we do not find that it was constructive but destructive in intent.
  2. Rev. Dan gave us a handout on how the church will be moving forward in their reopening.  Well written, with information on how they will remain safe in their gatherings.  When asked if there was an increase in demand for food assistance, he said “not at this time”.  He did note that there was “an amazing amount of donations” being given during this crisis.  The COVID-19 crisis seems to be affecting how people are responding differently such as their donations and, per the news, a 39% increase in their savings.
  3. An Alarm sounded at 1:02 with all emergency personnel responding.  Meeting reconvened at 2:05.
  4. DMD Martin said that he would recommend to the Select Board to purchase “noncontact” thermometers for upcoming reopening phases of the town government.  When asked why Todd was not attending our meeting, we were told that Todd was warned by Aaron Patt that attending our meeting was high risk.  Dave continues to put in requests from the State for supplies for our town as they become available.
  5. A discussion on disinfecting equipment found that UV-C radiation was quite dangerous to humans and of limited effectiveness as it works only on the surfaces it was directed at.  Objects would need to be rotated so all sides would be effectively made safe of virus.  Far-UV was safer but is a newer development and was not widely available yet.  We discussed using Ozone devices, a much more expensive technology, but which is believed to be much safer to use.  Dave will do more research on this but believes that it is the best option at this time.  A motion was made and passed that he recommend to the Select Board that the town purchase 3 units. one for the Fire Station, one for the Library and one for the town offices.
  6. Conference Call    Health Officer Mike Borden reported on many items including that vacation cabins can now be opened using the normal safety guidelines.  Bands (concerts) are okay but band members must be 8 feet apart (big bandstands needed) with the 10 people limit for gatherings still in force.  Restaurants can open outside but social distancing is required. The State beaches can be opened but only as a walking space. The Greenfield State Park was full to its allotted capacity.  Churches can reopen but only at 40% capacity. Recycling centers, dog parks, pools and town beaches are left up to the discretion of the municipalities to decide on reopening and management.
  7. Assistance in reopening the Stephenson Memorial Library.   B & G manager Rick McQuade will be meeting with David Bridgewater on several issues including the installation of shielding for the circulation desk.  Lexan was suggested rather than plexiglass as a more functional and durable material.  Dave Martin will supply the needed sanitation supplies, face masks and gloves.
  8. The recycling center continues to be a concern both for CJ’s welfare and for residents who use the Recycling center.  The “Throw and Go” order from the Select Board has not been instituted and the grounds of the Recycling Center are beginning to reflect this.  Dave Martin will stop in to help work out some protocols to help manage some of the issues.  He will also give CJ more PPE’s and hand sanitizer.
  9. Rick McQuade to order signage for Oak Park soon

We continue to appreciate the lunch made by the Hungry Goat Eatery and paid for by Ray Cilley on our behalf.Thank you.

Meeting ended at 3:40

Respectfully submitted by DEMD Diane Boilard