March 14, 2020

“Mr. Flynn then stated and moved the following motion regarding a request for special legislation: | The Board's vote to request that the Governor file the special legislation may be similar to the following: Moved that, whereas the rapidly-evolving public health issues associated with coronavirus Covid-19, including the swift spread of the disease, present lack of containment, and the risk to the most vulnerable populations inherent in public gatherings; whereas various public and private entities, including professional sports leagues, universities, school districts, cultural institutions and events, and more, have been cancelled, closed, or temporarily suspended; whereas the World Health Organization has identified the current crisis as a pandemic; and whereas the Governor has declared a State of Emergency in the Commonwealth, the Town is taking action consistent with recommendations from federal and state agencies and officials to limit the spread of this disease amongst the residents and voters of the Town, its officials and employees, and visitors, including, closing or limiting the use of schools and public buildings, suspending in-person meetings and other gatherings in Town office buildings, and encouraging residents to communicate with Town staff by e-mail and telephone to the extent possible. For all of these reasons, the Board of Selectmen votes to immediately request the Governor to file emergency legislation on behalf of the Town, a so-called "Governor's bill", seeking authorization to delay and reschedule the Annual Town Election to a date to be determined by the Selectmen in consultation with the Town Clerk, Board of Health, and other public safety personnel, and authorizing early voting by mail in connection with such postponed election, provided, further, that all nominations, ballot preparation, absentee voting and the like be ratified, validated and confirmed as though it was undertaken consistent with the date of the postponed election; and, further, if such legislation is not passed prior to the date of scheduled Annual Town Election, to ratify, validate and confirm the Board's vote to postpone the 2020 Annual Town Election; finally, the Board calls upon its legislative delegation to support the filing of this special legislation, and also wishes to provide direction to such delegation that it supports the filing of generally applicable legislation allowing for the postponement of municipal elections this fiscal year. Seconded by Mr. Madigan. Vote: 2:0:0.” (Motion: Flynn, second: Madigan)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)