COVID-19 UPDATES
June 17, 2020 - Reopening Plans for Town Hall/Buildings and Services
The Town of Cheshire is highly committed to the health and well-being of all of our residents and employees. As the Governor’s Reopening Advisory Board noted, until a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 is available, life will not return to normal. We each have a collective responsibility to ensure that reopening proceeds smoothly and safely. Everyone must follow public health directives and use com
mon sense to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth. For more information, please see www.mass.gov/reopening. As research and data on this novel coronavirus continue to develop, this plan can and will be updated to reflect the latest science and data.
CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://www.cheshire-ma.net/home/pages/reopening-cheshire
June 9, 2020 - From the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Office of Fishing and Boating Access
Use of ramps for organized fishing tournaments, derbies or any other types of gathering are prohibited through June 29, 2020, unless such tournament or derby is remote/virtual and follows the guidance contained in the June 5, 2020 Memorandum from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (https://www.mass.gov/doc/boating-various-other-marine-and-inland-waterway-related-activities-phase-ii/download).
The maximum number of virtual/remote tournament/derby participants at any Office of Fishing and Boating Access facility shall not exceed 10.
May 6, 2020 - Face Covering or Mask Required in Public Places
Starting today, the Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on May 6th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use.
This order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are currently open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.
A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health care masks should not be used and should be preserved for health care workers and first responders. Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of two, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Instructions on how to make a cloth mask are available from the CDC.
Stay safe and stay healthy! We will see the end of this!
April 27, 2020 Meeting of the Planning Board Postponed
From the Cheshire Planning Board: The Cheshire Planning Board will be postponing the April 27, 2020 meeting due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic, meeting restrictions, and concerns regarding logistics of a remote meeting. We will be monitoring the situation closely and when able will address this matter further. We apologize for the inconvenience but the health and safety of our board members, as well as our community in general is our prime concern.
April 2, 2020 - Annual Town Elections are Postponed
At the March 31, 2020 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Town Clerk and Town Administrator, voted to postpone the Annual Town Election from Monday, May 4, 2020 until June 1, 2020. An FAQ sheet has been posted on the Town Clerk's page. If the election has to be rescheduled, the Clerk's office will work to get the new information out to the public and what alternatives voters have if they choose not to vote in person.
March 31, 2020 - Planning Board to Continue April 1 Hearing
March 26, 2020 - Board of Selectmen to meet on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 via remote participation
In an abundance of caution to comply with the Open Meeting Law, portions of which seemingly remain unchanged, the Board of Selectmen will continue their meeting from March 25 meeting. The below message scheduling the meeting on March 26 is CANCELLED.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Remote participation instructions will be sent out shortly.
Thank you and stay healthy!
March 25, 2020 - Board of Selectmen to meet on March 26 as a continuation of the March 25 meeting
The Board of Selectmen met via remote participation to open and view bids concerning the purchase of a used road grader and a paving project on Maple Drive. Due to the COVID-19 situation and the Governor's orders of March 12 and March 15, and subsequent orders and advisories, the Board suspended their meeting in order to review the bid documents and to reconvene on March 26, 2020 at 6 pm. The meeting instructions are as follows:
Continuation of March 25, 2020 Selectboard Meeting
Thu, Mar 26, 2020 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/238395949
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 238-395-949
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
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March 24, 2020 - Updates from the Town Clerk
The April 1 deadline for dog licenses will be extended to May 1. Licence forms and check or money order may be sent by mail or left at the secure drop box located at the Town Hall. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of licenses and tags. Two stamps are required for return postage. The dog renewal form was included with the Town census.
The last day to register to vote in the Town Annual Election is April 14 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Town Clerk's office. This may be subject to change if the Governor's advisories remain in effect. You may also go to the www.mass.gov website Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections icon. A printable voter registration form is on the site. Mail to PO Box S, Cheshire, MA 01225.
Thank you.
March 24, 2020 - General Updates and Governor's Orders
Good morning,
Based on yesterday’s advisory from the Governor, the Town continues to operate as it has since March 17, 2020. All essential services continue to remain in place. While many Town facilities are closed to the public, Town staff continues to serve you.
Unfortunately, and in line with other communities, we have made the decision to also close off the playground at the former elementary school until further notice.
While there have been no known cases of the COVID-19 virus in Town, it is absolutely essential that we all do our part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this disease.
If you have any questions about the Governor’s orders and advisories, please click on this link.
Thank you and stay healthy!
March 23, 2020 - Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing to be held remotely
Due to the current state of affairs, the Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing on a request for a variance for 82 Lakeshore Drive for Friday, March 27, 2020 will be held remotely, via internet/telephone access. You are invited to attend remotely and can do so either on-line by downloading the GoToMeeting app, or alternatively by calling the telephone number listed below and joining the meeting by phone, from the safety of your own home.
ZBA Public Hearing - Variance Application re: 82 Lakeshore Drive
Fri, Mar 27, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/606555557
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412
Access Code: 606-555-557
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/606555557
March 20, 2020 - Statement from the Board of Selectmen and scheduling of Telemeeting for Bid Openings
All of that said, the Board will meet, via telephone conference, to open bids for the Maple Drive reconstruction project and proposals to purchase a used Road Grader. The agenda may be found at https://www.cheshire-ma.net/board-selectmen/agenda/board-selectmen-meeting-3252020.
The instructions for joining this meeting are as follows:
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Wed, Mar 25, 2020 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/880589085
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 880-589-085
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/880589085
Thank you all.
March 20, 2020 - Planning Board Meeting Postponed
Due to the continued concerns and restrictions surrounding the COVID-19, the scheduled meeting on March 23, 2020 for the continuation of Special Permit Hearing for Stafford Green, Inc. for a proposed state-licensed marijuana cultivator outdoor marijuana cultivation site located at 80 Stafford Hill will be postponed until April 27, 2020.
Thank you for your understanding.
Cheshire Planning Board
March 20, 2020 - Meals Update
Cheshire Council on Aging Meals on Wheels curb side pickup will be available Mondays-Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Cheshire Senior/Community Center STARTING Monday, March 23, 2020 at 11:30AM.
Reservations are needed in advance.
$2.00 donation
Please call Carole’s Cell
@ 413-329-2212 or the Center at 743-9719
March 19, 2020 - from the Council on Aging
Dear Friends,
Due to present health concerns, regarding Corona Virus 19, the Cheshire Senior/Community Center will be closed until further notice.
I am at the Center Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm; Thursdays from 9am to 1pm. Should you have a need for prescription pickups we have town volunteers willing to pickup and will deliver.
The Cheshire Pantry is available for emergency food.
The Berkshire Health System hotline number is: 855-762-5465.
Should you need assistance in completing the Census, please call me at 743-9719.
Presently I am taking reservations for Meals on Wheels which Elder Services will deliver to the Center. I will hand the meals over to you as you pull up to the center in your car. Call the Center to make reservations and to review the times for pickup.
Today, a robo call was sent to all seniors that have submitted their telephone number for entry into My Senior Center computer software with updated information.
Please check on your family, neighbors, and friends. Let me know if the COA can be of assistance. I will continue to make wellness calls every other day. My cell is 329-2212.
Stay safe.
Carole A. Hilderbrand
Cheshire Council of Aging Activity Coordinator
Center: 743-9719
Cell: 329-2212
March 19, 2020 - Public of use of remote participation and “virtual” meetings
1. All or any of the members of the public body may choose to participate in a public meeting via remote access. Meetings may be virtual, in their entirety.
2. The public will not be allowed into a Board/Committee meeting, even where there are any members of the public body and/or Town staff or official(s) physically present at the meeting location during the meeting. “Public comment” portions of meetings may be temporarily suspended.
3. However, the public will be provided with alternative access through which they can watch or listen to meetings “in real time,” and meeting notices will specify the manner in which members of the public may access audio or video of the meeting as it is occurring.
4. If, despite our best efforts, our technological capabilities do not adequately support public access to virtual or remote meetings, the Town will ensure that an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of the proceedings at the meeting is posted on theTown's website as soon as possible after the meeting.
5. Notices for public hearings will contain additional information about how the public may participate via electronic/technological means.
6. For executive session meetings, public access to the meeting will be limited to the open session portion(s) of the meeting only. Public access to any audio, video, internet or web-based broadcast of the meeting will be discontinued when the public body enters executive session.
7. Where individuals have a right, or are required, to attend a public meeting or hearing, including executive session meetings, they will be provided with information about how to participate in the meeting/hearing remotely.
8. Meeting notices will still be posted at least 48 hours in advance (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays), unless it is an emergency meeting as defined under the Open Meeting Law (in which event, the meeting notice will be posted with as much advanced notice as is possible in the circumstances). Minutes will still be taken.
March 17, 2020 General Update
Thank you for your patience through this. We understand that it does not make things easy, but Town Hall is working to accommodate public access to meetings.
If you need to make payments, please consider going online to https://www.mytaxbill.org/inet/bill/home.do?town=cheshirema to make tax payments. We have also set up a drop box toward the front of Town Hall to accept payments. We will not be able to accept cash at this time.
Thank you and stay healthy!
Good afternoon everyone,
With the recent updates of the COVID-19 situation, it is prudent that the Town take certain actions to protect its employees and in light of the ever-evolving situation here in the Commonwealth, the difficult decision has been made to close town buildings to the public, effective tomorrow morning, March 17, 2020, until further notice. All town activities/programs are cancelled, as well. This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to attempt to limit in-person contact while also continuing to provide basic services to residents and business owners. The Town has also begun to take the necessary steps to cancel non-essential government meetings. This unfortunately includes meetings of all public bodies until appropriate accommodations can be made for public access.
Due to the physical configuration of our offices and buildings, it is not possible for our employees to maintain proper social barrier distances. We also operate with a very minimal staff and each position is absolutely essential to the efficient operation of the Town. In order to protect our employees, we are asking that all public interactions be strictly limited. If a meeting is absolutely necessary, we ask that appointments be made ahead of time and that you keep a log of who you have interacted with. Town Hall will remain locked and the public will be encouraged to communicate with Town staff via telephone or the internet. As we all know, this is also a critical time for local revenue. However, because staff health must take priority, we will arrange to encourage and promote online payments to all practical extent and provide a locked drop box for residents to drop off payments.
While we certainly understand this situation is not ideal, we are proceeding with the well-being of our citizens and staff in mind. We encourage everyone to closely follow information from the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH), our Board of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and exercise good judgement and caution.
Below are a few updates regarding the closure and supports for families.
Today we were able to serve close to 80 meals to students thanks to the efforts of Nutrition professionals here in the district. We are very grateful to these individuals. Our grab-and-go meals will continue to be available at Hoosac Valley Elementary School, M-F from 9:00-11:00am during the closure.
There have been inquiries about a meal site in Cheshire. Currently, our only approved site for meal disbursement is Hoosac Valley Elementary School. Federal and state guidelines prohibit us from disbursing meals at unapproved sites. We are currently working on getting a Cheshire option approved. Until such time, the only option for meal pick-up is Hoosac Valley Elementary School. We will keep folks updated on progress.
Other than meal pick-up at the elementary school, all buildings are closed to the public until April 7th. Any activities previously scheduled at the buildings during this timeframe are cancelled.
For various reasons, we are not equipped to provide “equitable” distance learning experiences for our students. However, all students in K-8 will have Lexia and Symphony Math available to them during their time away. In addition, several teachers have begun sharing ideas for activities and links with families. None of these activities will be mandatory, rather they are meant to give families options for keeping their childrens’ minds fresh.
There have been questions regarding MCAS. Currently, there is no solid decision on this from the state. I don’t anticipate anything coming our way in terms of a final decision prior to our target return of April 7th.
There have also been questions about AP/SAT testing. Currently, the department of elementary and secondary education is working with the college board to determine what is going to occur with these tests. Again, I don’t expect to hear much prior to our target return of April 7th.
If you have any pressing questions or need assistance, feel free to call the superintendent’s office at 743-2939. We will remain open during the closure.
Click here to view our COVID-19 Useful Links to help families handle COVID-19 related stress during very stressful times. Additionally, there are some ideas about how to actually keep "social distance" in today's world. We thank you for your patience during extraordinary times.
March 15, 2020 - Planning Board to Meet Remotely
Due to the current state of affairs, the Planning Board Meeting for Monday, March 16, 2020 will be held remotely, via internet/telephone access. This is a regular planning board meeting for the purpose of discussing bylaw changes and will not have a public comment period per the posted agenda. You are invited to attend remotely and can do so either on-line by downloading the GoToMeeting app, or alternatively by calling the telephone number listed below and joining the meeting by phone, from the safety of your own home. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, however, safety is our first priority.
Thank you,
Cheshire Planning Board
Planning Board - March 16
Mon, Mar 16, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/764367773
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3112
Access Code: 764-367-773
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
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March 13, 2020 - Hoosac Valley Regional School District, McCann closed
From Superintendent Aaron Dean:
The Hoosac Valley Regional School District will be closed for the next two weeks, as will all Berkshire County schools, in an abundance of caution to help mitigate the potential spread of the coronavirus within our community. School will resume on Monday, March 30th. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has provided relief from the 180 day school year requirement and has amended it so that schools are not to go beyond their “185th” day. Consequently, our school year will now end on June 23rd, our 185th day as noted on our district calendar.
Please be assured that we have NOT received any notification that there is a positive Covid-19 diagnosis among our school students or staff at this time and we are not conducting this closure as a reaction to a diagnosis but rather as a proactive measure to help keep our students, faculty, and community as healthy and safe as we can. We realize this is a disruptive measure to take and has implications that will ripple through the community but also recognize the gravity of the situation with all the other districts around us closed and feel we are acting in the best interest of all parties involved. We look forward to seeing our students return on March 30th and wish you all good health.
March 13, 2020
As surrounding communities are dealing with the potential spread of COVID-19, we are taking certain precautions to do our part to help stop that spread. As a Town, we are very much committed to continuing on as business as usual, just with some modifications to do our part in stopping this spread. To that end, we are pausing the lunch program and other group programs at the COA just for 3 days next week. The van service will continue, but if participants have symptoms of the flu or other respiratory illnesses, they are encouraged to contact their physicians before setting up a van ride.
We are using this opportunity next week to do a deep cleaning of Town buildings starting on Monday. As Town Hall is normally closed on Mondays, we will use this opportunity so that there is as little a disruption in normal services as possible.
Much of the cancellations or rescheduling of events circle around the potential of crowds gathering. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Public Health (DPH) is all aimed at stopping the spread of this disease and that is what all of these actions are aimed at doing. We certainly understand that this may provide a disruption, but we are making every effort at lessening any disruption of services.
These actions are only precautionary as there have been no reported cases of the disease in Town or that have affected Town services.
We will provide further updates as to meeting schedules and any changes if they happen.
March 12, 2020 - Hoosac Valley Regional School District
Below is information from the CDC – please visit their website for more detailed information on any of these topics.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Right now it’s thought that COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person contact, between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet).
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and include fever, shortness of breath and cough.
What do I do if I think I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you believe that you might have COVID-19 - where you have been traveling recently, you may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 - we ask that you contact your primary care physician to get guidance on next steps. Please isolate yourself from friends and family members until told otherwise.
What are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, and if you are sick you should stay home if at all possible. Avoid touching your face, and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly. Facemasks are not needed if you are not sick.
How many cases of COVID-19 are there in the United States?
The CDC is regularly updating this page with information about how many cases have been confirmed. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is updating their website with information about confirmed cases in Massachusetts.
March 12, 2020
As you have undoubtedly heard from various outlets, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 or “Coronavirus” has spread to Berkshire County. Recently, the Town of Clarksburg received information that caused it, in an abundance of caution, decided to close municipal functions for the week. Further, the Town of Adams, again in an abundance of caution mainly due to the recent increased traffic from the Thunderfest festivities, closed the Visitor’s Center and Council on Aging. After these events, members of the Town's Emergency Management Planning Team had a meeting, as well as a meeting with the Adams Town Administrator and Hoosac Valley Regional School District Superintendent to discuss how all of this affects our local community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing daily updates and recommendations. You can stay updated by utilizing the following link, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of our communication, you will notice a similarity with other outreach efforts by agencies such as the Hoosac Valley Regional School District.
While this is a public health concern, the CDC continues to report that the immediate risk to the general public remains low at this time. Yet, in today’s connected world, with a large number of district families traveling during school vacation weeks, the potential for infectious disease is always of concern. As with seasonal flu and strep infections, there are general precautions we can all take to remain as healthy as possible:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. You can also cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, dishes, towels or other items. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
- Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an evolving situation that we are following closely and we will continue to update you as information is shared with us. Please rest assured that we are monitoring student health concerns. We are in close communication with the Schools, local Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health/School Health Unit, as well as pediatric health care providers in the community. Our departments will also continue to vigilantly sanitize our spaces as we typically do during the cold and flu season. We are following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.
First responders are also meeting to review this situation. However, if an incident is deemed to be suspect of COVID-19, it may be reasonable to limit the number of responders entering the residence and approaching the patient. It may also be reasonable to limit the number of providers in the patient care areas of the ambulance and limiting the staging areas. As always, patient needs will dictate these decisions and appropriate PPE can be used to minimize risk. If any responder DOES NOT have the proper PPE, THEY SHOULD NOT enter a COVID-19 risk situation and should wait for the oncoming transport EMS providers. For more information regarding health care provider personal protective equipment, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html.
Most importantly, the Town remains vigilant as we continue to monitor this situation and seek guidance from the appropriate agencies. We urge everyone to practice the above habits and exercise good judgment when going outside. We will provide more updates as they become available.