Updated: 10/14/2021

During the October 13, 2021 Town Council meeting, the council voted to extend the Order Declaring Limited Emergency until December 31st.

During a Special Meeting on Monday, August 30, 2021, the Town Council voted 5-0* in favor of adopting a Remote Participation Policy.  The adopted policy provides the Town Council, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals with the option to hold regular and special meetings remotely or with a hybrid approach once the technology is available.  While the expectation will be to conduct meetings in person, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases as a result of the Delta variant in Cumberland County intimates a likely need to conduct remote or hybrid meetings in the near future.  When it is not practicable to be physically present due to an emergency or urgent issue; or the illness or temporary absence of a member, the chair and town manager will consult to determine if remote methods are necessary.   

With the policy approved, the Town Council voted 5-0* in favor of approving an Order Declaring Limited Emergency.  The Order legitimizes the potential option for boards and committees to meet remotely or via a hybrid approach if circumstances require.  As stated in the policy, the intention is to hold as many meetings in public as possible.  Should COVID-19 levels continue to rise and social distancing practices are unable to be followed, the Order permits boards and committees to conduct remote or hybrid meetings as needed.  Decisions as to whether or not a meeting needs to switch to a remote platform will be made no later than one week prior to the meeting date.  The Order is set to expire on October 15, 2021, but may be extended beyond that date should the Town Council determine it necessary.

* This is a correction from the 09/02/2021 post which incorrectly listed the vote as 6-0; councilors Valerie Deveraux and Caitlin Jordan were not in attendance for the Special Meeting.