ATHOL – During last week’s meeting of the Selectboard, Town Manager Shaun Suhoski took a moment to emphasize that “with town buildings closed to the public, we are still open for business.”
Suhoski said residents who need to do business with the town should access athol-ma.gov, the town’s website, to discern the best office and person to contact to assist them. He also said a meeting had been held Monday to explore the best way for the town to move forward.
“Yesterday,” said Suhoski, “the chairwoman and the leaders of our health and safety departments met to discuss the operational status and next steps for the town to take, given the predicted surge in (COVID-19) cases over the next couple of weeks. As a result of that meeting, I want to announce that, effective immediately and until May 4, or until further notice, a directive will be issued to all general government departments and staff to work remotely whenever possible. There will be implementation of further limitations on staff access to Town Hall, as well. We want to limit the number of contact hours.”
Suhoski added that “improved safety guidelines” have been implemented at the town’s transfer station.
“That’s to protect both the customers and the staff,” he said. “That includes that for a period of time, effective immediately, no mattresses or upholstered furniture will be accepted. We’re going to temporarily cease the recycling program, and waste must be disposed of using the town-approved bags.
“So, the station will remain open to the public during its regular hours. They will practice better social distancing. They’re marking the pavement just to ensure there’s an orderly process at the transfer station.”
The town manager then added: “Finally, we are enhancing measures to dissuade gatherings of more than 10 persons. And I hate to say this to the public, to dissuade the use of play equipment in our parks, places where individuals can be in close proximity.”
Suhoski said this final step was taken because the town doesn’t have the means to ensure proper sanitation of playground and park equipment, as well as proper social distancing.
Suhoski then added that ongoing infrastructure improvement projects, including ongoing bridge work and the reconstruction of Church Street, can continue while still maintaining social distancing guidelines.