March 17, 2020

“MOTION: Mr. Houston moved that in light of the rapidly evolving instances of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth and the burdens it will place on local government, that the Select Board vote to adopt the following declaration of emergency: Declaration of Emergency - COVID-19 WHEREAS, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal respiratory disease, the prevalence of which is increasing rapidly throughout the world, inclusive of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization designated the COVID-19 outbreak a Pandemic Health Emergency; and WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued a Declaration of a State of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States announced a national declaration of emergency; and WHEREAS, on March 15, 2020, Governor Baker announced emergency actions to respond to the evolving COVID-19 public health emergency impacting the Commonwealth, including prohibitions on public gatherings of twenty-five or more people and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants from March 17, 2020 until April 6, 2020, as well as suspension of elementary and secondary school educational operations from March 17, 2020 until April 6, 2020; and WHEREAS, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health, following consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has determined that COVID-19 presents a major disaster which poses an immediate threat to public health, safety, and general welfare of people residing both within and outside of the Town of Weston; and WHEREAS, the Weston Select Board and its Board of Health have determined that immediate public action is needed in order to prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 by and among the people of Weston; and WHEREAS, it is critical to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of the people of Weston; and WHEREAS, declaring a state of emergency will facilitate and expedite the use of resources to protect persons from the impacts of COVID-19, including but not limited to emergency expenditures pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 31 and limitations on operating hours and access to public buildings; and WHEREAS, the Select Board and Board of Health recommended that a state of emergency be declared in the town of Weston. NOW THEREFORE, we, the Select Board and the Board of Health of the Town of Weston, Massachusetts, hereby declare that as of today, March 18, 2020, a state of emergency exists in the Town of Weston. This declaration of emergency shall remain in effect until further notice is given, pursuant to our judgment that the conditions leading to this declaration no longer exist. 2nd by Ms. Bent. Roll call vote: Mr. Boshart, Ms. Bent and Mr. Houston voted in the affirmative. Approved unanimously.” (Motion: Houston, second: Bent)

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

“MOTION: Mr. Houston moved to rescind the vote from February 27, 2020 to call a Special Town Meeting for April 6, 2020. 2nd by Mr. Boshart Roll call vote: Ms. Bent, Mr. Boshart and Mr. Houston voted in the affirmative. Approved unanimously.” (Motion: Houston, second: Boshart)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)