Face Coverings Will Be Required, Social Distancing Regulations Will Be in Place
SWANSEA — Acting Town Administrator James Purcell, Town Moderator Paul Burke and Town Clerk Diane Pelland announce that the Town of Swansea will be holding a Special Town Meeting next week, with special regulations in place so that residents and town officials can practice proper social distancing and recommended hygiene measures.
The Special Town Meeting will take place Monday, June 1, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Venus de Milo restaurant, 75 GAR Highway.
The following safety measures will be in place for the meeting:
- Residents who are not registered voters will NOT be allowed to attend.
- Voters must have been registered prior to March 13, 2020.
- Check-in will begin at 5:45 p.m., and residents are urged to arrive early.
- The use of the front building entrance will be prohibited.
- Residents whose last names begin with the letters A-L are asked to enter through the West entrance of the building.
- Residents whose last names begin with the letters M-Z are asked to enter through the East entrance of the building.
- Temperature screenings will be conducted, along with verbal health screenings, for all attendees prior to entry.
- In accordance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s orders, face coverings will be required for entry. A limited number of masks will be available, but residents are urged to bring their own.
- A separate seating area will be designated for those individuals unable to wear a mask due to health issues or other circumstances.
- Movement within the meeting room will be limited to ensure appropriate social distancing.
- Socially distanced seating will be provided.
The Special Town Meeting was originally scheduled for March 23, and had been recessed and continued to April 13, and again until May 4.
The decision to hold the meeting on June 1 was made in consultation with the Swansea Board of Selectmen and Board of Health, in accordance with Governor Baker’s orders.
Though municipal legislative bodies are exempt from orders prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, numerous precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and health of residents attending the meeting.
“It is imperative that residents who attend Monday’s Special Town Meeting follow the measures in place and adhere to strict social distancing guidelines,” Acting Town Administrator Purcell said. “This is an unprecedented way to hold such a meeting, and we ask that all residents be patient and respectful during the process.”
Any resident with questions about the June 1 Special Town Meeting should contact the Swansea Town Clerk’s office at 508-678-9389.
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