SMITHFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

SMITHFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE

JOINT WORK SESSION

SMITHFIELD SENIOR CENTER

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

AT 5:00 P.M.

Present: Town Council President Suzanna L. Alba

Town Council Vice-President T. Michael Lawton (excused)

Town Council Member Dina T. Cerra

Town Council Member Sean M. Kilduff

Town Council Member Maxine A. Cavanagh

Town Manager Randy R. Rossi

Town Clerk Carol A. Aquilante, MMC

School Committee Members:

Chair Rose Marie Cipriano

Vice Chair Richard B. Iannitelli

Member Kellie-Ann Heenan (excused)

Member Cheryl A. Hodgins (excused)

Secretary Virginia Harnois

Superintendent Judith Paolucci

Also Present: Deputy Police Chief Eric Dolan

Captain Kenneth Brown

Fire Chief Robert Seltzer

1. Town Council President Alba calls the Monday, March 9, 2020 Smithfield Town Council Work Session to order at 6:00 P.M.

2. Emergency evacuation and health notification is made by Town Manager Randy Rossi

3. State Legislative Representatives and Town and School Officials briefing and discussion concerning the Coronavirus.

Todd Manni, Director of Emergency Management, reviews the following topics of the Corona Virus (COVID-19).

· Conditions and Situations

· First identified in Hubei Province, China in December, 2019 (please visit the John Hopkins website for further information).

· Transmission of COVID – 19 – can last on surfaces for up to nine (9) days.

· Attacking the older community more than young children.

· Once showing symptoms of COVID-19 (two (2) to fourteen (14) day quarantine period).

· Smithfield’s COVID-19 actions is to develop strategies regarding environmental measures.

· Consider community migration.

· Pro-active effort forward to prevent and manage the corona virus.

Council President Alba explains that we need to use similar precautions as we use for the flu, although the symptoms are similar the Coronavirus is deadlier. The role of elected officials for COVID 19 is preparedness and response.

Director Manni states that eventually there will be central texting centers throughout the State and you should use a mask only if you are not feeling well.

*see supporting documentation attached.

Council President Alba states that there are some schools using online learning instead of class room attendance, as well as cancelling school events.

Superintendent Paolucci states that at this time the School Department has not be approved for online learning and there are many factors to consider before implementing online learning.

Council President Alba feels that the community should be given some kind of peace of mind, knowing that Town officials on working on the COVID 19 virus.

Director Manni states that they are in the process of having posters made that will be posted throughout the Town with information on how to protect themselves from the Corona Virus.

Chief Seltzer states that his firefighters could help distribute that material throughout the Town to the residents.

Director Manni also explains that the Town is offering an additional flu clinic on March 28^th from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will also be offering a Pod Training for administering injections. Director Manni encourages anyone who has not received the flu shot at this time to get one at the clinic.

Council President Alba suggests that the Town also has a briefing with the athletic coaches within the Town as well.

Council President Alba adjourns the meeting.

Meeting adjourns at 7:29 P.M.

_______________________________

Town Clerk