A sign at the entrance of the Southwick Transfer Station on March 20, 2020. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Select Board Chair Russ Fox signed a declaration of limited emergency March 19.
The declaration was made at the recommendation of Emergency Management Director Charles Dunlap who determined that the COVID-19 pandemic warranted the limited state of emergency because the coronavirus “poses reasonable imminent danger to public health, safety or general welfare or residents.”
The declaration allows Dunlap to utilize and coordinate the service, equipment, supplies and facilities of existing departments, offices and agencies of the town.
“This means we are able to get state and federal help,” said Fox, adding that it also give the town “financial considerations for the cost of the community addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Fox said the community needs to continue to come together.
“The most important thing is, we’re going to get through this,” said Fox. “We need to stay calm, work together and follow guidelines.”
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart announced Wednesday that Town Hall was closed to the public, with the exception of the north side lobby at the Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector windows for transactions. A phone and town department listing in the lobby is available for residents to contact other departments for business.
The Council on Aging is providing its Meals on Wheels delivery and drive-thru meal pick-up. Call 413-569-5998 for information. For assistance with non-emergency needs, such as grocery shopping or medication pick-up, call the Senior Center or email [email protected].
The Southwick Public Library is also closed and has limited lending services available by calling (413)-569-1221 or emailing [email protected].
Tax Bills will remain on their normal schedule. The real estate & personal property bills will be mailed by the end of next week with a due date of May 1st. If you’re uncomfortable coming into Town Hall, your other options are to drop payment in the green mailbox on the left as you drive into the Town Hall parking lot or visit www.southwickma.org and make payment online.
At press time the Special State Election was still scheduled for March 31, however, the Senate could vote March 23 to postpone the election.
The Department of Public Works Garage is closed for public access. Call (413) 569-3040 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for services. The Transfer Station has instituted social distancing measures at the facility for users and staff to space themselves accordingly.
“Everyone be patient and follow the CDC guidelines for washing hands and other protective measures,” stated a written update from Stinehart.
