Vol. XLVIII, No. 4 A Publication of the Massachusetts Municipal Association | www.mma.org April 2021 Communities await details on ARPA By Jackie Lavender Bird The Treasury Department is responsible Local officials across the country are for making final decisions about specific eagerly awaiting guidance from the U.S. allocation amounts, and those details, Treasury Department for clarity on how along with specific guidance on allowable American Rescue Plan funds can be spent uses, are expected in the coming weeks. and exactly how much they’ll get. The law calls for the funds to begin being disbursed 60 days after enactment. Signed into law on March 11, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act provides Working with information from the U.S. the latest round of stimulus funding to House of Representatives Committee on address the impacts of the COVID-19 pan- Oversight and the National League of demic. The federal aid package includes Cities, the MMA has provided estimates $350 billion in direct aid to states, local for direct aid that Massachusetts munici- Heath Fahle, special director for federal governments, tribes and territories. palities could receive from the act, though funds at the Executive Office for the numbers should be considered prelim- Administration and Finance, discusses the The law creates new state and local coro- inary and will likely be adjusted somewhat implications of the American Rescue Plan navirus relief funds, with $220 billion by the Treasury, due to refinements in for municipalities during a March 23 call going to states, tribal governments and identifying the numbers, types and cate- with local officials convened by the MMA. territories, and $130 billion going directly gorization of cities and towns across the to municipal and county governments. nation that will qualify for direct aid in the The legislation also includes $10 billion for final allocation. will receive approximately $368 million coronavirus capital relief funds for state distributed on a per-capita basis. Coun- governments. In Massachusetts, 37 “Metropolitan ties will receive about $1.336 billion, also Cities” (generally communities with distributed on a per-capita basis. Estimates for Massachusetts indicate that populations above 50,000) will receive cities and towns could receive as much as about $1.7 billion distributed through a The American Rescue Plan directs a $3 billion in direct aid. modified Community Development Block substantial portion of Coronavirus Local Grant formula, and all other communities n RESCUE PLAN continued on 21 President unveils $2 trillion infrastructure plan Inside By John Ouellette access to broadband and clean water At a March 31 event in Pittsburgh, Pres- — but also investing in research and MMA calls for increased ident Joe Biden unveiled his $2 trillion development, so that we can make in Ch. 70 funding...... 3 American Jobs Plan, the first of two the U.S. and sell around the world 21st packages he’ll be filing to rebuild the century products.” Legislature OK’s benefits bill economy and create jobs. The package will invest in the “care econ- with mandated sick leave...... 3 The president says the infrastructure omy,” so more people who need care can Law extends pandemic- package will create millions of good-pay- access it and to ensure that the govern- ment is supporting essential caregiving related voting changes...... 5 ing jobs, fix 20,000 miles of roads and 10,000 bridges, and invest in a range of jobs. Survey measures pandemic physical infrastructure projects, in- It will also target investments in impacts on municipalities...... 11 cluding transportation, broadband, the communities of color and rural com- electric grid and housing. munities, and address climate change Around the Commonwealth...... 16 In a statement, the White House said, through an environmental justice and clean energy economic approach. People...... 24 “This is a once-in-a-century capital investment in America to not only meet The spending would take place over Classifieds...... 28 our current infrastructure needs — like eight years, according to Biden admin- rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges istration officials, and will not in every Calendar...... 33 and making sure every American has n INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN continued on 8 2021 MMA Board of Directors Executive Director’s Report The MMA Board of Directors holds regular meetings in Boston, followed by a meeting of Unprecedented federal aid creates great the Local Government Advisory Commission with the administration. For information on opportunity and immense responsibility the board’s activities, call the office of MMA With one sweep of his pen, Pres- campaign across the country to Executive Director Geoff Beckwith at 617-426- ident Joe Biden transformed mobilize municipal leaders to 7272. the largest federal aid bill in our call on their lawmakers to make Executive Committee nation’s history into the law of similar commitments. Our U.S. Adam Chapdelaine, MMA President the land. The $1.9 trillion Amer- senators and representatives Town Manager, Arlington ican Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, delivered. NLC delivered. And Ruthanne Fuller, MMA Vice President will soon send an unprecedented the MMA is proud of its active Mayor, Newton $350 billion in direct federal aid role supporting, educating and Cecilia Calabrese, MMA Immediate Past to cities, towns, counties, terri- By Geoffrey informing stakeholders and the President tories and states. Beckwith public of the urgent need for Councillor, Agawam sweeping federal relief. Michael Bettencourt, MSA President All-in, Massachusetts will receive Select Board Member, Winchester approximately $8 billion in direct state, Yet this victory is just the beginning of Lisa Blackmer, MMCA President local and county funding, including a new and enormous challenge: how to Councillor, North Adams approximately $3 billion that will flow pivot, plan, act and lead to turn ARPA’s Brian Boyle, ATFC President to our 351 cities and towns. In addition, promise of rescue and recovery into a Finance Committee, Bolton the package will send us billions more reality. George “Bud” Dunham, MMMA First Vice for education, transit, housing, public President Great opportunity brings great health and other vital needs, as well as Town Manager, Sandwich responsibility Scott Galvin, MMaA President tens of billions to residents through enhanced unemployment benefits and While the details will become clearer Mayor, Woburn after the U.S. Treasury Department Julie Jacobson, MMMA President direct stimulus checks. Town Manager, Auburn provides specific guidance by next After more than a year in crisis mode, month, the scope of our new federal Jeovanny Rodriguez, MMCA First Vice managing and leading during the worst President aid is known. With approximately $3 Councillor, Lawrence public health emergency in more than a billion flowing directly to our 351 cities John Trickey, ATFC First Vice President century, ARPA is a huge victory for local and towns, every community, from the Finance Committee, Pelham governments, providing the resources smallest to the largest, will receive an Linda Tyer, MMaA First Vice President and investments we need to recover, unprecedented amount of funding to Mayor, Pittsfield restore and renew our communities and use by December 2024 to combat the Michael Walsh, MSA First Vice President our economy. pandemic and invest in our residents, Select Board Member, Westwood ARPA’s passage was not easy. From the businesses and communities to recharge Geoff Beckwith (non-voting) our economy and rebuild our future. MMA Executive Director start, our powerful federal delegation was united in their support and advo- Local leaders will now have the awe- cacy for direct aid to cities and towns, some responsibility of allocating and Brian Arrigo, Mayor, Revere and our national affiliate, the National deploying these funds to achieve the Steve Bartha, Town Manager, Danvers League of Cities, waged a relentless Lisa Braccio, Selectman, Southborough n DIRECTOR’S REPORT continued on 18 Ralph Figy, Councillor, Westfield Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager, Andover Claire Freda, Councillor, Leominster Periodicals Postage Paid at Boston, MA, and Jill Hai, Select Board, Lexington TheBeacon additional mailing offices. Andrew Hogeland, Select Board, Williamstown April 2021 | Volume XLVIII, Number 4 TheBeacon (ISSN 0199-235X) is published monthly, Donna Holaday, Mayor, Newburyport Copyright © 2021, Massachusetts Municipal Association except for a combined July-August issue, by the Thomas Hutcheson, Town Administrator, Conway Manager of Communications & Massachusetts Municipal Association, 3 Center Kim Janey, Mayor, Boston Publications & Digital Membership Director Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108. The MMA Diane Kennedy, Select Board, Cohasset Communications Candace Pierce is composed of the Massachusetts Selectmen’s Afroz Khan, Councillor, Newburyport John Ouellette Publisher Association, the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, John McLaughlin, Councillor, Waltham Associate Editor Geoffrey Beckwith the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association, the Massachusetts Municipal Dan Matthews, Select Board, Needham Jennifer Kavanaugh Design Councillors’ Association, and the Association of David Narkewicz, Mayor, Northampton Digital Communications Full Circle Design Town Finance Committees. Subscription rate for Moises Rodrigues, Councillor, Brockton Coordinator Meredith Gabrilska TheBeacon is $36 per year. An $18 subscription Alan Slavin, Selectman, Wareham fee is included in dues payments for members. Peter Spellios, Select Board, Swampscott Massachusetts Municipal Association POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TheBeacon, Eric Steinhilber, Councillor, Barnstable Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108. Town Administrator, Wrentham 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108 Kevin Sweet, We encourage readers to send comments, story ideas, news Arthur Vigeant, Mayor, Marlborough 617-426-7272 • www.mma.org items, and events notices to [email protected]. Kristi Williams, Town Manager, Westborough Twitter and Facebook: @massmunicipal

2 • The Beacon • April 2021 MMA urges Legislature to boost education funding By Jackie Lavender Bird The MMA, joined by the Massachusetts At a budget hearing on municipal and Association of School Superintendents, school aid held by the House and Senate urged the Legislature to consider fund- Ways and Means committees on March ing essentially the first and second years 16, the MMA advocated for increased of the Student Opportunity Act so that funding in a number of key accounts for critical aid to school districts would not cities and towns. remain a year behind schedule. Doing so would increase the Chapter 70 educa- Unrestricted General tion aid request by approximately $350 Government Aid million over fiscal 2021. Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget proposal Because student enrollment dropped released in January (House 1) would by more than 30,000 statewide during increase Unrestricted General Gov- the public health emergency, and the ernment Aid at the same rate as the majority of students are expected to Education Secretary James Peyser projected growth of state revenues: return to public schools this fall, the discusses Chapter 70 funding during a 3.5%. The increase amounts to $39.5 MMA also urged legislators to use stu- March 16 budget hearing held by the million, bringing the account to nearly dent enrollment data from Oct. 1, 2019, House and Senate Ways and Means $1.17 billion. rather than Oct. 1, 2020 (or whichever committees. The MMA asked the Legislature to con- is higher), when calculating Chapter tinue this revenue-sharing partnership 70 aid. Since using the higher enroll- by funding municipalities at the same ment figure will increase the size of a per student for minimum aid districts. rate as the growth in state revenues. district’s foundation budget, and could The governor’s Chapter 70 recommen- Chapter 70 therefore increase the district’s required dation would make a significant change local contribution, the MMA asked that in how cities and towns can meet their The landmark Student Opportunity legislators be mindful of these proposed required local contributions for fiscal Act of 2019 calls for phasing in an changes. 2022. Municipalities would be able to additional $1.5 billion in school aid use up to 75% of the total grant award- over a seven-year period. The pandemic Under the governor’s budget, a major- ed to the local school district through postponed implementation in the fiscal ity of districts statewide would remain the federal Elementary and Secondary 2021 state budget, and House 1 would minimum-aid-only, receiving just a $30 fund the first year of the seven-year per-student increase over last year’s aid. n BUDGET continued on 26 schedule in fiscal 2022. The MMA strongly advocated for $100 Legislature sends benefits bill with mandated sick leave to governor By John Robertson or unable to work for reasons related to that would make emergency paid sick The House and Senate unanimously COVID-19, including: time during a declared state of emergen- approved and sent to the governor • Employee self care cy or disaster a permanent benefit. legislation (H. 95) to shore up the state’s • Care of a family member with a An employee who works 40 hours or underfunded unemployment insurance COVID-19 diagnosis or symptoms more per week would be eligible for 40 program and impose a temporary emer- hours of emergency paid sick time. For gency sick leave requirement on employ- • Compliance with an order to employees who work less than 40 hours ers, including local governments. quarantine because of exposure or per week, leave eligibility would be tied symptoms On March 8, legislative leadership to an average of the number of hours announced an agreement on the outline • Inability to telework after a COVID-19 worked. of the legislation. The House approved diagnosis The Legislature’s bill would establish a a version on March 11, and the Senate The definitions of “employer” and “em- $75 million COVID-19 Emergency Paid approved a similar bill on March 18. ployee” include local governments. Sick Leave Fund to reimburse eligible There were no public hearings on the employers for providing paid sick leave. legislation. The new temporary state program is Generally, cities and towns would not based on requirements in the federal The original bill, filed by the governor in be eligible for reimbursements from the sick leave program included in the Fam- fund, but would be able to take a federal January, included only unemployment ilies First Coronavirus Response Act, insurance provisions. tax credit against employment taxes, which expired at the end of 2020. including Medicare, to cover part of the Sick leave mandate The state sick leave provisions would cost of mandated sick leave. The new tax The mandated paid sick time provisions take effect 10 days after the effective credit provision was provided through would require Massachusetts employers date of the law and would end on Sept. an amendment to the federal to temporarily provide emergency paid 30, 2021, unless extended. There are sick leave to employees who are absent separate bills in the House and Senate n SICK LEAVE continued on 25

April 2021 • The Beacon • 3 Municipalities should prepare federal project requests By Brittney Kohler to return. This move is meant to encour- and all the required information. The Congress is getting ready to take sug- age bipartisan cooperation and ensure Appropriations Committee has issued gestions on worthy municipal projects that Congress was not over-delegating guidance on submitting Community ready for investment, but the opportu- their investment authority to unelected Project Funding requests, as well as the nity to submit them is going to move administration officials. subcommittee instructions. The earlier quickly. Here’s what city leaders need to know to that municipalities can provide input, engage in this process: the earlier that their members of Con- Before the end of April, the House gress can review the input and catch any Appropriations Committee is seeking Every member of Congress gets to issues before they move forward with Community-Based Project requests, and pick and rank community projects: submitting priority projects. the Transportation Committee is taking Your member of Congress will get to Local Transportation Priorities from rank and submit only 10 Community Members of Congress have three ways Members that may be used in the up- Project Funding requests across all to support local priorities: In addition coming transportation reauthorization subcommittee areas, and only a handful to projects, members of Congress can bill this spring. may actually be funded. Each member of add project and programmatic requests Congress is responsible for identifying and language across all subcommittees. Additionally, the traditional collection of These changes to programs can be very programmatic and language changes by their office’s own preliminary process and submission timelines, and many effective in ensuring strong programs Appropriations subcommittees is also for local governments. Here are some moving forward. of your members of Congress will have deadlines coming up in late March and transportation examples from the Earmarks are back early April. THUD Subcommittee: This type of congressionally directed Municipal leaders who want to par- • Community Project Request: a funding project spending was discontinued for request for a specific governmental several years, but both the House Dem- ticipate in sharing a project with their member of Congress should check the entity or nonprofit organization to ocratic majority and House Republican carry out a specific community project minority made changes to their rules to member’s website for details and be allow for the new version of “earmarks” sure to note their office’s deadlines n TRANSPORTATION continued on 27

At hearing, MMA calls for increase in Chapter 90 funding By Ariela Lovett Cantoreggi said with most people staying On March 9, the MMA and local officials closer to home due to the pandemic, testified before the Joint Committee on road-use patterns shifted to put more Transportation at a preliminary hearing wear and tear on local roads. on a $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill In recent years, the state has added sev- for fiscal 2022. eral targeted, competitive road funding The MMA, along with Franklin Public opportunities for municipalities, such as Works Director Brutus Cantoreggi and the Complete Streets and Small Bridges Gloucester Public Works Director Michael grant programs. But the MMA argued Hale, continued to advocate for addition- that “there is no substitute for the core al funding to help address local needs Chapter 90 program,” which is “the only and boost economic recovery. With a non-competitive program that maintains few small exceptions, annual Chapter 90 local control over how to spend the dol- funding has been level-funded at $200 lars on local road projects” and the only one that benefits all 351 cities and towns. million since 2012, and has lost one-third Franklin Public Works Director Robert of its purchasing power over that time. The MMA emphasized the importance “Brutus” Cantoreggi testifies before the The MMA panel said the COVID-19 pan- of finalizing the bill (H. 57) as quickly Joint Committee on Transportation demic has created additional challenges as possible so that cities and towns can during a March 9 preliminary hearing about a Chapter 90 bond bill. for municipal public works departments. access their Chapter 90 allotment and begin the spring construction season on “We’re all behind in our road mainte- time. The MMA filed a standalone bill, spon- nance work,” Hale said, citing the need sored by Sen. Adam Hinds, that would to reduce staffing by half as a safety The MMA also submitted written testi- mony. fund the Chapter 90 program at $300 precaution and due to illnesses, as well million per year for two years. The bill as delays to the start of the construction Once the Transportation Committee re- (SD. 2456) has not been assigned a bill season last year because of the onset of ports out the bill, its next step is expect- number or hearing date as yet. ● the pandemic. ed to be the House Bonding Committee.

4 • The Beacon • April 2021 Panel discusses new cannabis delivery regulations By Brittney Franklin out license types for social equity and The Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers economic empowerment candidates. The Association and the MMA hosted a delivery licenses will be limited to social webinar on March 18 focused on new equity and economic empowerment delivery regulations that the Cannabis candidates for the first three years. He Control Commission enacted this past said an FAQ and guidance for the new November. delivery regulations should be available soon. Panelists included Cannabis Control Commission Chair Steven Hoffman, Bridges and Bagg shared what their Brockton City Solicitor Megan Bridges cities have done to prepare for the new and Easthampton Planner Jeff Bagg. licensee type and some of the issues they foresee. Hoffman opened by reviewing the status of recreational marijuana in Massachu- Bagg said Easthampton recently exe- setts. To date, 210 licensees have begun cuted its first delivery host community adult-use operations in the state and agreement, but it was done before final have generated more than $1 billion in zoning was in place. He detailed some of During a March 18 webinar hosted by retail sales, including more than $200 the local regulations his city was think- the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers million in tax revenue for cities and ing about in its final zoning ordinance. Association and the MMA, Brockton towns. For example, if a delivery licensee has City Solicitor Megan Bridges discusses six or more vehicles, they should be how her city has prepared for the Hoffman detailed the new delivery reg- electric or diesel. delivery regulations recently enacted by ulations, saying the goal for the deliv- the Cannabis Control Commission. ery program is to encourage and carve The webinar can be viewed on the MMA website. ● Gov. Baker signs law to extend pandemic-related voting changes By Brittney Franklin the select board, board of selectmen, A law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker town council or city council has taken on March 16 provides a three-month a recorded and public vote to authorize extension for a number of changes to early in-person voting voting procedures that were enacted last • For any annual or special municipal spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or state primary or election held including early voting by mail. on or before June 30, 2021, allows The new law does the following: those taking precautions related to COVID-19 to be deemed unable to • Allows a city or town with a municipal cast their vote in person at a polling caucus or annual or special municipal location by reason of physical disability election scheduled before June 30, 2021, to postpone such municipal • Allows voters instructed by a medical caucus or municipal election to a date professional or a local or state health certain not later than Aug. 1, 2021 official to self-quarantine in their home beginning after noon on the • Allows the select board, board of A new law gives municipalities more seventh day before any annual or flexibility in conducting their spring selectmen, town council or board special municipal or state primary or elections. of registrars to vote to eliminate election held on or before June 30, amunicipal caucus scheduled to occur 2021, to designate their home address before July 31, 2021, and, in the for delivery of the ballot With towns preparing for their annual alternative, use nomination papers to elections this spring, the Legislature nominate candidates • Allows voters with a disability that make it difficult or impossible for sent the fast-track bill to the gover- • Allows any eligible voter to vote early them to effectively access a paper nor on March 12, as pandemic-related by mail for any annual or special vote by mail ballot to request an changes made last spring to election municipal or state primary or election accommodation from their local procedures were due to expire on March held on or before June 30, 2021 election official, and require the local 31. • Allows any eligible voter to vote early election official to make reasonable The MMA had been advocating for quick in-person for any annual or special efforts to grant accommodations to passage of the measure. ● municipal election held on or before the voter June 30, 2021, in a community where

April 2021 • The Beacon • 5 Gov. Baker signs landmark climate change mitigation bill By Ariela Lovett to allow these On March 26, Gov. Charlie Baker signed sublimits, but an omnibus climate change bill that cod- without penalties ifies the state’s commitment to achiev- on specific sectors ing net zero greenhouse gas emissions as long as the by 2050. overall statewide emissions targets The Legislature and the administration are reached. traded versions of the bill back and forth in recent months as they worked out The Legisla- several policy and language differences. ture did not incorporate the Following a gubernatorial veto in early governor’s pre- January, legislative leaders fulfilled their ferred language promise to refile the bill at the start establishing a of the new session, and it was quickly municipal opt-in passed again by both branches. “high-perfor- Baker returned the refiled bill to the mance” stretch Gov. Charlie Baker speaks during the March 26 signing ceremony for Legislature with several amendments, energy code, the state’s new climate law. Also pictured is House Speaker Ronald including substantive policy changes choosing instead Mariano. (Photo courtesy Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office) and minor language clarifications. The to specify that the Legislature then voted to adopt a num- code include a defi- nition of net-zero building. The MMA Department of Environmental Protec- ber of Baker’s amendments while main- tion to conduct “cumulative impact anal- taining their priority policy positions. had supported language to establish a municipal opt-in net zero stretch energy ysis” as a condition of issuing certain The final version of the law includes code. permits. A cumulative analysis would interim emissions reduction targets for consider not only the environmental 2030 and 2040 of at least 50% and 75%, The final version of the law incorpo- impacts specific to the proposed project, respectively, below 1990 levels. rates a change the governor made to but also the aggregate environmental the definition of environmental justice, The law also maintains interim emis- impacts experienced by the affected adding climate change to the definition population to date. sions reduction limits for several in- of “environmental burdens” faced by dustrial sectors, such as electric power, environmental justice populations. Massachusetts now has one of the residential and commercial cooling and strongest climate change mitigation heating, and transportation. Legisla- The Legislature also adopted the gover- laws in the country. ● tive leaders and the governor agreed nor’s proposed language requiring the Management Association discusses police reform, systemic racism The Massachusetts Municipal Manage- to address systemic racism within police ment Association held a webinar March departments and its impact on the wid- 25 on the topics of police reform and er community. systemic racism in police departments. Parson covered the history and evo- Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes, large lution of racism within police depart- cities chair of the Massachusetts Chiefs ments and some of the programs and of Police Association, discussed the po- techniques he has seen work in his own lice reform legislation that Gov. Charlie department and others that he has Baker signed into law on the last day worked with on this issue. of 2020. A key piece of this legislation More than 130 members attended the was the creation of a Peace Officers webinar. A recording and other resourc- Standards and Training certification es are available on www.mma.org. ● program. Chief Kyes provided an overview of POST and other key parts of the legisla- tion for city and town managers.

The second part of the meeting focused Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes discusses on systemic racism in police depart- the new police reform law during a March ments. Retired Metropolitan Police 25 webinar hosted by the Massachusetts (D.C.) Lt. Brett Parson discussed ways Municipal Management Association.

6 • The Beacon • April 2021 MMHR discusses vaccine implications in the workplace By Meredith Gabrilska proposition, A year into the pandemic, a Massa- employers chusetts Municipal Human Resources can require association webinar on March 4 reflect- employees to ed on the lessons learned and the path be vaccinated, forward, including a discussion of the pending a few implications of the vaccine in the munic- exceptions.” ipal workplace. Buraimoh said Dr. Michael Hirsh, medical director of employers may the Worcester Division of Public Health, request proof trauma services director at UMass of vaccination, Memorial Health Care, and surgeon-in- but should be chief for the Children’s Medical Center, careful about reflected on the course of events over any follow-up the past year and looked forward as the questions, as they could be Panelists cover a range of COVID-related issues during a March nation goes on the offensive against 4 webinar hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Human COVID-19. considered an inquiry into a Resources association. Pictured are (clockwise from top left) MMA Legislative Director John Robertson; Southborough Assistant “We’re fortunate to live in a time when disability. Any we could come up with a vaccination Town Administrator Vanessa Hale, the MMHR’s vice chair; Yetunde questions should Buraimoh, an attorney at Morgan, Brown, & Joy; and Dr. Michael within a year’s time,” he said. “Develop- meet the criteria Hirsh, medical director at the Worcester Division of Public Health. ment of the vaccine is based on 20 years of being a busi- of research and development against ness necessity. other viruses. Messenger RNA was just waiting for the right virus to be used Municipalities that find themselves place inspections. Buraimoh highlighted [against].” in the position of having to vaccinate certain recommendations, including employees should keep in mind that a designating a workplace coordinator, He also noted that the second surge of vaccination is not considered a medical conducting a thorough hazard assess- the virus around the holiday season was examination under the Americans with ment of the worksite, taking measures less deadly because of lessons learned Disabilities Act, but the pre-screening to reduce the risk of spread, consider- during the first surge in the spring. questions used to determine eligibility ing special precautions for those who “We wised up quickly about the most may constitute one. have self-identified as high risk, and vulnerable populations and the best While employers may mandate a vacci- implementing a protocol for employee treatment therapies,” he said. nation, they must provide a reasonable complaints. Hirsh said local and state governments accommodation where a disability or Buraimoh also discussed a few paid leave now must develop public awareness sincerely held religious belief prevents options for COVID recovery, quarantine campaigns to connect with populations someone from getting a vaccination. or care of family members, including that have a distrust of vaccines. Buraimoh suggested that employers the Families First Coronavirus Response consider the layout of the workspace to He said the COVID pandemic exposed Act, which expired on the last day of determine what those accommodations 2020, and the corresponding tax credit existing health disparities across the could look like. country. for employers, which has been extended “That accomodation could be on-site through March 31, 2021. Employers With a number of COVID variants with the necessary separation or a re- may still opt to offer the 80 hours of emerging and case numbers in flux, he mote work setup,” she said. “Employers leave under the FFCRA to employees recommends that city and town halls should engage in the interactive process who did not use it in 2020, but they are continue to wait before reopening to the to determine accommodation, as they not required to do so. public. would with any other accommodation Regarding remote work policies, she HR concerns request.” noted that remote work can be an Attorney Yetunde Buraimoh, an She also discussed what employers can appropriate reasonable accommoda- associate with Morgan, Brown, & Joy, and cannot ask employees who have tion option. Given current occupancy discussed the implications of the COVID COVID-like symptoms or have traveled restrictions, she said, municipalities vaccine, workplace safety and accom- outside the state, and how to appro- should make sure that employees who modation, and workers’ compensation priately share information for contact are on-site really need to be there. When concerns. tracing when necessary. developing remote work policies, human resources should consider equipment Buraimoh started with the “question of The Occupational Safety and Health Ad- the hour”: Can employers require em- needs, information technology security ministration has updated standards for concerns, impacts on productivity, and ployees to be vaccinated against COVID? keeping workplaces safe for employees, “Yes,” Buraimoh said. “As a general and has made some unannounced work- n MMHR continued on 25

April 2021 • The Beacon • 7 Walsh confirmed to cabinet, Janey becomes mayor By Jennifer Kavanaugh slurs as she rode the school bus to The U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Martin another section of Boston. Later, she Walsh as labor secretary on March 22 attended school in the town of Reading brought a historic change to the city of through the METCO program, which Boston, making Kim Janey the city’s educates city students in suburban dis- first Black and first female mayor. tricts. She became a mother at age 16, and cleaned bathrooms to attend Smith The Senate vote came more than two College and support her daughter. months after President Joe Biden nom- inated Walsh, who resigned as mayor a With a focus on children’s issues, civil few hours later, after seven years on the Kim Janey Martin Walsh rights and equity, Janey spent 16 years job. working for the Massachusetts Advo- cates for Children, and was previously a Janey, who was the City Council presi- When Biden nominated Walsh for the community organizer for Parents United dent, was sworn in as acting mayor the labor post on Jan. 8, he described Walsh for Child Care. She was elected to the next day. as a good friend and “tough as nails.” City Council in 2017, becoming the Walsh and Janey hail from two of Walsh will bring a prominent local city’s first female District 7 councillor. Boston’s less-affluent neighborhoods, voice to the Biden administration. In an She became council president in 2020. and they both have overcome signifi- email thanking Boston residents, Walsh In an opinion piece published on March cant obstacles on their way to becoming wrote that he will work to make the new 22 in The Boston Globe, Janey pledged leaders. In a press conference following administration “the best federal partner to address issues such as systemic rac- the Senate vote, Walsh reflected on the Boston and America’s cities have ever ism, police reform and the racial wealth political journeys the two made toward had.” In his resignation letter, he also re- gap. In helping the city recover from the this transition. flected on his experience in Boston and COVID pandemic, Janey wrote that she connected it to his work in Washington. “I was texting with Council President wants to help make vaccines more acces- Janey last night, and I texted, ‘Think “In my new role as our nation’s Secre- sible, work toward safe school reopen- about this for a minute: A little girl tary of Labor, I will draw deeply on the ings, and address economic disparities from Roxbury is about to be mayor of lessons I have learned in Boston these while reopening the city for business. Boston,’” Walsh said. “And her response last seven years and throughout my life “Let’s be clear — the problems laid was, ‘Think about this for a minute: A in our city,” Walsh wrote in his resigna- bare by the pandemic were here before little boy from Dorchester is about to tion letter. “I will be forever grateful to COVID-19,” Janey wrote. “The issues of become the United States labor secre- the people of Boston for shaping who affordable housing, public transporta- tary.’” I am and granting me the privilege of tion, and climate change are not new. serving as your Mayor.” The son of Irish immigrants, Walsh What’s different is that these problems survived cancer as a child and received Instead of having a special election, now impact more of us.” treatment for alcoholism as an adult. Boston will wait to hold its next regular In a tweet following Walsh’s confirma- Working as a laborer, he rose through mayoral election this fall, making Janey tion, Janey congratulated Walsh and the ranks of the union to become a the city’s leader for the rest of the year. acknowledged the change. union president. From 1997 to 2014, he Janey now leads a city in whose difficult “Now, we look ahead to a new day — a represented the 13th Suffolk District, racial history has intersected with her which includes parts of Boston and new chapter — in Boston’s history,” own life. As a child during court-ordered Janey tweeted. ● Quincy, in the Legislature. He was elect- school desegregation in the 1970s, ed to his first mayoral term in 2013, and Janey faced rock throwing and racial was reelected in 2017.

INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN America in a way we have not invested good jobs, and make America more Continued from page 1 since we built the interstate highways competitive.” and won the Space Race,” the White case prioritize so-called shovel ready The president said he will announce the House wrote in its 25-page fact sheet second part of his recovery agenda in projects. They said the package would outlining the proposal. end decades of stagnation in federal in- mid-April, focused on helping families vestment in research and infrastructure “Throughout this process, we look for- with the challenges like health care and would return government invest- ward to working with a broad coalition costs, child care, paid leave and educa- ment in those areas to its highest levels of members of Congress to gather their tion. ● since the 1960s. input and ideas,” the White House said, “and determine the path forward, create “The American Jobs Plan will invest in

8 • The Beacon • April 2021 Municipalities mobilize to vaccinate homebound By Lisa Capone the program A large number of communities had through its already laid the groundwork when the website and Department of Public Health officially social media launched the Homebound Vaccination platforms as Program on March 29. well as the Winthrop Se- Salem, for example, created a screening nior Center and system in February to identify home- local medical bound residents. Following eligibility providers. Be- screening by municipal health and social tween 60 and services staff, the city identified 143 75 homebound residents, including those referred by residents were the North Shore Physicians Group, to served by receive in-home vaccinations through mid-March, she a partnership with Cataldo Ambu- said. In Revere, an in-home vaccination team gathers for another round of lance Service, according to Mayor Kim home visits. (Photo courtesy city of Revere) Driscoll’s office. “The town of Winthrop has In Central Massachusetts, Auburn has focused our allocations on our most been planning its own homebound vulnerable populations,” said Town The Department of Public Health vaccination program since mid-Febru- Manager Austin Faison. “We know introduced its Homebound Vaccination ary, working closely with the local Meals there are members of our community Program with a “soft launch” on March on Wheels organization, as well as the that cannot get to the mass vaccination 8. By March 12, municipalities had to Auburn Senior Center and Housing Au- sites, so we prioritized the homebound inform the DPH whether they would thority to identify eligible residents. populations.” participate in the state program or administer vaccinations themselves for “Auburn was operating our own vaccina- Collaborating on ideas and opera- homebound residents, following guid- tion clinics starting back in January, and tions with private sector partners and ance from the U.S. Centers for Disease those clinics ran very well,” said Town neighboring communities is a recurring Control and Prevention. According to Manager Julie Jacobson. “We are there- theme for municipalities that have the DPH, 168 boards of health (repre- fore poised to vaccinate our homebound opted for local oversight of in-home vac- senting about 40% of the state’s popu- residents.” cinations. In Franklin County, 15 munic- lation) opted to manage local programs, The North Suffolk Public Health Collabo- ipalities are participating in a program and 183 cities and towns will use a state rative has facilitated the sharing of best run by the Franklin Regional Council of system administered through the non- practices for organizing and delivering Government’s Cooperative Public Health profit Commonwealth Care Alliance. Service. Community Services Director homebound vaccines for the communi- In-home vaccinations will be available ties of Revere, Winthrop and Chelsea. Phoebe Walker said the FRCOG will work closely with Life Path, a nonprofit to individuals who “have considerable “Since the beginning of our Reach agency on aging in Greenfield, to vacci- difficulty and/or require significant Every Senior campaign, our volunteers nate hundreds of homebound Franklin support to leave home for medical identified close to 100 seniors who were County residents. appointments; require an ambulance or not able to leave their homes to get two-person assistance to leave home; or vaccinated,” said Revere Mayor Brian State seeks help are not able to leave home for medical Arrigo. “The Revere Board of Health and Poised to play a key role in the appointments under normal circum- Revere Fire Department teamed up with long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine rollout, stances.” Massachusetts cities and towns had to the East Boston Neighborhood Health The DPH is now operating a toll-free pivot in mid-February when the Bak- Center to make sure each and every one number (833-983-0485) Monday er-Polito administration announced it of these residents got vaccinated.” through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in multi- would prioritize high-capacity state vac- ple languages to help determine eligibili- Public Health Director Lauren Buck said cination sites and only provide vaccine ty and schedule appointments. Revere’s program relies on a mix of re- doses to municipal clinics in 20 dispro- ferrals from doctors and social services portionately impacted communities and Aging population providers as well as self-attestations to approved regional collaboratives. One area of Massachusetts likely to determine eligibility. She added that Health and Human Services Secretary shoulder outsized responsibility for Revere modeled its program after one at-home vaccinations is Cape Cod, due in neighboring Winthrop, which began Marylou Sudders asked cities and towns to concentrate instead on “outreach to to the age of its population. Nearly one- its homebound vaccination program in third of Barnstable County residents mid-February. vulnerable, hard-to-reach populations,” particularly those who are eligible but are age 65 and older (compared to 17% Winthrop Public Health Director Mer- cannot travel to a vaccination site. statewide). While the recently formed edith Hurley said the town promoted n VACCINATIONS continued on 27

April 2021 • The Beacon • 9 Administration officials explain Housing Choice By Brittney Franklin quire you to do anything, it just allows you The MMA hosted a webinar with admin- to make zoning for housing more easily.” istration officials on March 2 to cover the Kluchman identified the types of zoning recent Housing Choice provisions included ordinances or bylaws that now require only in a comprehensive economic development a simple majority: law that was enacted in January. • Allowing for multi-family housing or The conversation was led by Economic mixed-use developments “as of right” in Development Secretary Mike Kennealy an eligible location and Chris Kluchman, deputy director of • Allowing for open space residential State officials discuss Housing Choice the Community Services Division in the development as of right with municipal officials during a March Department of Housing and Economic • Allowing accessory dwelling units, either 2 webinar. Pictured are (clockwise from Development. within the principal dwelling or within top left) Chris Kluchman, deputy director of the Community Services Division Kennealy kicked off the program by thank- a detached structure on the same lot, as-of-right in the Department of Housing and ing the MMA and local officials for their Economic Development; MMA Executive active partnership that helped get Housing • Allowing by special permit accessory Director Geoff Beckwith; and Economic Choice passed. dwelling units in a detached structure on Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. the same lot “This will better enable municipalities to • Reducing the parking requirements for adopt zoning measures needed to meet residential or mixed-use development maximum number of housing units the state’s housing needs and, important- under a special permit that could be developed within the ly, do so in a way that meets their needs,” • Allowing an increase in the permissible municipality Kennealy said. “The basic thrust of Housing density of population or intensity of a • Adopting a smart growth or starter home Choice is to make it easier for cities and particular use in a proposed multi-family district in accordance with Section 3 of towns to develop the housing they need at or mixed-use development that requires a Chapter 40R of the General Laws a time when we need a lot more housing of special permit all kinds across Massachusetts.” • Changing dimensional standards such Key terms for the items above are defined in Section 1A of the Zoning Act. He said the targeted amendments to Chap- as lot coverage or floor area ratio, height, ter 40A help to create “a more predictable setbacks, minimum open space coverage, Kluchman said zoning amendments that and fair process for zoning” and will result parking, building coverage to allow for require a simple majority vote should in “a lot more housing production across the construction of additional residential not be combined with amendments that the state.” units on a particular parcel or parcels of require a two-thirds vote. Guidance issued land by DHCD on the new law recommends that Housing Choice changed Chapter 40A by • Providing for transfer-of-development- municipalities confer with the Municipal reducing the vote threshold for certain rights zoning or natural resource Law Unit of the Attorney General’s Office kinds of zoning ordinances and bylaws protection zoning in instances where before combining proposals with different from a two-thirds supermajority to a sim- the adoption of such zoning promotes voting thresholds. ple majority. concentration of development in areas Questions about Housing Choice should be “There is no opt-in provision,” said Kluch- that the municipality deems most directed to the DHCD at housingchoice@ man. “It simply changed the law and now appropriate for such development, but mass.gov. ● applies to all cities and towns. It doesn’t re- will not result in a diminution in the EOHED issues Housing Choice guidance The Executive Office of Housing and with the implementation effort, and olds for the issuance of certain kinds of Economic Development has issued the office also welcomes feedback from special permits. guidance and FAQs on Housing Choice, municipalities. Section 100 of the economic develop- a component of the comprehensive Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020 ment law directed the Executive Office economic development law signed in (sometimes referred to as the economic of Housing and Economic Development January that made changes to Chapter development legislation of 2020) made to “issue guidance to assist local officials 40A of the General Laws, commonly several amendments to Chapter 40A. in determining the voting thresholds known as the Zoning Act. Among these amendments are changes for various zoning amendments.” The On the cusp of spring town meeting to Section 5 of the Zoning Act, which law states that the guidance shall be season, Housing and Economic Devel- reduce the number of votes required to developed in consultation with the opment issued the guidance so that enact certain kinds of zoning ordinances Department of Housing and Community municipalities could be positioned to act and bylaws from a two-thirds superma- Development, the Municipal Law Unit on the changes in the law. jority to a simple majority; and changes in the Attorney General’s Office, and the ● Housing and Economic Development to Section 9 of the Zoning Act, making Massachusetts Housing Partnership. plans to publish more materials to assist similar changes to the voting thresh-

10 • The Beacon • April 2021 UMass survey measures COVID pandemic’s impact Researchers from the University of Massa- versus urban areas of Massachusetts. chusetts Amherst on March 11 released In order to better assist their residents, the results of a statewide survey of Massa- 81% have a page on their municipal web- MARCH 11, 2021 chusetts municipalities about the impacts site providing regular, updated informa- of the pandemic over the past year. tion on vaccinations, 61% have volunteers SURVEY OF MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPALITIES The majority of Massachusetts munici- to assist with vaccination registration and IMPACTS OF COVID-19 palities reported significant to extreme scheduling by phone, and 59% have de- AND impacts of COVID-19 on municipal oper- veloped outreach and education programs RECOVERY STRATEGIES ations (78%) and local economies (65%) about COVID-19 and vaccination. More since last March. than 40% of municipalities have devel- Sixty percent of respondents said they oped services to support vaccinations “definitely” have the ability to administer for elderly and vulnerable populations, vaccines, and another 9% said they proba- including transportation to and from bly do. Only 8% of municipalities reported vaccination sites and the ability to provide that they definitely do not have the ability vaccinations at home. to administer vaccines, and 13% said they Cooperation is key to the municipal probably do not. response to the pandemic, as 73% of the The MMA was a partner in the survey survey’s respondents have developed project, and researchers received respons- local or regional partnerships with other es from one-third of the state’s municipal- institutions (hospitals, higher education ities (117) between Feb. 22 and March 2. institutions, EMS, councils on aging, etc.), projects. More than 90% of the survey’s The executive summary of the survey is and 62% have developed local partner- respondents indicated moderate to strong available online. ships with neighboring municipalities. interest in installing more renewable en- Local impacts and priorities ergy capacity, investing in electric vehicle The survey asked questions covering eight charging infrastructure, and nature-based areas: In addition to preparing for vaccine dis- tribution, the survey found that the top solutions to enhance water security, • Impacts on municipal operations priority areas for municipalities in relation climate resilience, climate adaptation and • Strategies adopted by municipalities in to COVID-19 are enhancing public health disaster risk-reduction. their emergency response and current and safety protocols in order to facilitate “This survey allowed our team to collect priorities the continuity of in-person learning, and abundant data and we plan to pursue tackling municipal budget and finance our analysis toward the publication of a • Funding and financial impacts on challenges. municipal budgets research paper,” said principal investiga- Vaccinations will be key to addressing the tor Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor • Vaccine preparedness, planning and best pandemic’s local economic impact, as 59% of economics and public policy. “This will practices of Massachusetts municipalities report- allow us to assess how needs, priorities • Equity indicators used in monitoring the ed significant to severe impacts to local and resources are distributed across Mas- impacts of the COVID-19 crisis businesses, with the strongest impacts on sachusetts municipalities as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. • Impacts on vulnerable populations, in small businesses. particular food and housing security More than 70% of municipalities re- “We will also focus on recovery plans, and we will examine how optimal recovery • Impacts on local businesses ported that at least half of hospitality businesses and small businesses had to strategies may differ across municipalities • Possible strategies for an inclusive and limit operations, and more than 35% of with different characteristics and needs. … sustainable post-COVID socio-economic municipalities reported that at least 10% We hope that our work will contribute to recovery of businesses in these categories had to inform effective socio-economic recovery strategies toward a sustainable, resilient, While 75% of municipalities reported permanently close. More than 55% of and inclusive future.” having enough financial resources to start municipalities reported that at least half vaccination clinics, 72% indicated that of retail businesses and service businesses The complete survey, “Impacts of they do not have access to sufficient vac- had to limit operations, and a quarter of COVID-19 and Recovery Strategies,” can cine supply. In response to an open-ended municipalities reported that at least 10% be found on the School of Public Policy’s question asking what the most helpful of these businesses had to permanently website. close. resource would be to support munic- The survey was distributed online by the ipal vaccine distribution efforts, 63% One-third of municipalities have dis- MMA to municipal leaders in each of the of respondents identified a larger and cussed the possibility of a “green recov- state’s 351 cities and towns. Two town more continuous vaccine supply as most ery,” aiming for low-carbon economic managers, two mayors and members of important. growth that prioritizes renewable energy, the MMA leadership team assisted the Several respondents reported concerns energy efficiency, green transportation UMass team in the survey’s development. about equitable access to vaccines in rural and other environmentally-beneficial ●

April 2021 • The Beacon • 11 After difficult year, officials look to promote civility By Jennifer Kavanaugh flict-management skills to shut down Municipal officials seeking more civility offensive comments or to end public and less discord in public life should comment when it becomes repetitive. prepare and follow a consistent written “You can’t lose control of the meeting,” policy for conduct to head off problems Nutting said. “Because that’s really the with residents and other officials before chair’s job.” controversies erupt and bad feelings To minimize conflict, Nutting said, surface. boards and committees should schedule This was the advice of local government hot-button issues early in the meeting, veteran and former MMA President Jeff before fatigue sets in. They should also Nutting during a March 12 webinar on post the conduct rules on Zoom for civil discourse hosted by the Massachu- virtual meetings, or hand out copies setts Select Board Association. when in-person meetings resume. If “You really have to be committed to the needed, the chair should reiterate the cause,” Nutting said. “You have to really rules throughout the meeting, and call say, ‘How are we going to solve this?’ a five-minute recess if proceedings grow and not just pass a policy and throw it in especially heated. It’s important to set the drawer. It has to be an active living and maintain expectations. document. It has to be something that’s “Consistency is critical to people’s used, and something that’s said over and perception of fairness,” Nutting said. “If During a March 12 webinar, Winchester over and over.” Select Board Member Michael you run the meeting the same way, then Bettencourt (top), president of the The stressors confronting local officials people think it’s fair, whether they like Massachusetts Select Board Association, have only intensified over the past year, the answer or not.” and Jeff Nutting, a veteran of local Nutting said, pointing to the COVID-19 When conflict comes from colleagues, government and a past MMA president, pandemic, a strained national political the chair should speak to the abusive discuss the challenges that officials face in promoting civil discourse. climate, remote governance, environ- member, Nutting said. If that fails, the mental challenges, and social media chair should be prepared to rule them vitriol. Despite the challenges, he said, out of order or refuse to recognize them temporary basis, to oversee the Brook- local officials must work to keep the during meetings. If the chair causes line Town Clerk’s Office. He was the public conversation respectful. offense, or doesn’t prevent others’ MMA’s president in 2009, is a former “You do have to set an example — that’s attacks, he said, fellow members should president of the Massachusetts Mu- what leadership is about,” Nutting said. approach the chair with their concerns. nicipal Management Association, and “It’s got to start at the top. … And then In the days before social media, Nutting served for a decade on the MIIA Board hold your own members accountable. said, officials might encounter disgrun- of Directors. Because if you can’t do that, you can’t tled residents at the local coffee shop, MSA President Michael Bettencourt, expect anybody else to follow your lead.” but the officials generally knew them. who moderated the question-and-an- Officials should look at other commu- Now, social media provides a mega- swer session, said local officials are eager nities’ written policies and refer to the phone, and encourages people who want to move on from an anxiety-filled year. MMA’s policy recommendation for civil to pick fights. Local officials should re- A member of the Winchester Select conduct in developing a written conduct spond neutrally to such posts, by offer- Board, Bettencourt said he is the only policy, Nutting said. After developing ing to speak on the phone, or by sharing incumbent from his board seeking the policy, officials should seek as much links and factual information. But they reelection. should never join the online fray. community support as possible. Boards “Not a lot of people are running again and committees should ask appointees “One of the things you have to learn in for positions that they’ve held for a to sign it, and a copy should be provided your career is when just to be quiet,” number of years,” Bettencourt said. “So to political candidates. Officials should Nutting said. “What’s the upside to you, some of it may just be a generational also set clear communication policies what’s the upside to your community, shift, but I think people are tired. It’s with chief municipal officers and staff, what’s the upside to your committee if been tough, it’s been emotional. Social he said. you get dragged into some of this stuff?” media really adds to the anxiety.” Nutting suggested that boards and Nutting has experienced local govern- The open positions will allow for new committees hold annual goal-setting ment from numerous perspectives. He people to get involved, Bettencourt meetings and carefully select board has served on a select board and school said, but he wants to promote healthy chairs. Giving each member a turn may committee, and worked for decades as discourse and ensure that “once they seem fair, he said, but it fails to consider a town administrator for communities connect with government at the munici- the skill set needed for the role of chair, including Stoneham and Franklin, where pal level, they’re able to stay.” ● a position that comes with little or no he spent 18 years before retiring in training. Not everyone has the con- 2019. Most recently, he stepped in, on a

12 • The Beacon • April 2021 Mass. transitions to Phase 4 of reopening plan On March 22, Massachusetts advanced summer camps following: to Step 1 of Phase 4 of the Common- will be allowed to • Those returning to Massachusetts wealth’s reopening plan. operate this sum- after an absence of less than 24 hours The change reopened a range of business mer. Exhibition and convention • Travelers who have a negative sectors under capacity restrictions that COVID-19 test result that has been are expected to be adjusted over time halls may operate following gath- administered up to 72 hours prior to if favorable trends in the public health their arrival in Massachusetts data continue. Indoor and outdoor erings limits and stadiums, arenas and ballparks will be event protocols. • Workers who enter Massachusetts permitted to operate at a 12% capaci- Other Phase 4 to perform critical infrastructure Gov. Charlie Baker ty limit after submitting a plan to the sectors must functions (as specified by the Federal Department of Public Health. remain closed. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are Also effective on March 22, gathering The administration also replaced the commuting to or from or while at work limits for event venues and in public Massachusetts Travel Order originally settings increased to 100 people indoors issued last July with a Travel Advisory • Travelers who are fully vaccinated and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor effective March 22. 14 or more days ago and do not have gatherings at private residences and in The Travel Advisory urges all persons symptoms private backyards remained at a maxi- entering Massachusetts, including re- Travelers are also encouraged to consult mum of 25 people, with indoor house turning residents, to quarantine for 10 and follow guidelines and requirements gatherings still limited to 10 people. days upon their arrival if they have been for travel from the U.S. Centers for Dis- Dance floors are permitted at weddings out of the state for 24 hours or more. ease Control and Prevention. ● and other events only, and overnight The advisory does not apply to the – John Ouellette

DPH launches Trusted Sources public awareness campaign The Department of Public Health has launched a public awareness campaign For the Trusted Sources to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. video project, the DPH For the Trusted Sources video project, the DPH is asking community leaders is asking community to self-record short (one minute) videos leaders to self-record promoting trust in the COVID vaccine. Leaders are asked to share the videos via short (one minute) videos their social media networks using the promoting trust in the #TrusttheFacts hashtag. COVID vaccine. Dr. Mattie Castiel, Worcester’s Campaign participants include former commissioner for health and human Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz (in services, stresses the safety of the English and Spanish) and Dr. Mattie The campaign supplements the state’s COVID-19 vaccine in a video she posted Castiel, commissioner for health and hu- “Trust the Facts. Get the Vax” effort. ● on Twitter. man services for the city of Worcester.

Administration announces vaccine timeline for all residents On March 17, the Baker-Polito admin- Everyone else over the age of 16 be- ministration said it could take weeks for istration announced the timeline for all comes eligible on April 19. people to be notified that an appoint- remaining residents to be eligible for a Those previously eligible in Phase 2 of ment is available at one of seven Mass COVID-19 vaccine. the three-phase plan include residents Vaccination sites. Residents age 60 and older and certain age 65 and older, those with two or All residents can preregister to book an workers (in restaurants, groceries, more qualifying medical conditions, appointment at a Mass Vaccination site public works and transit, for example) school staff and child care workers, and at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Appoint- became eligible on March 22. those who live or work in low-income ments will be offered based on eligibility Residents age 55 and older and those and affordable senior housing. and available appointments nearby. The with one of a specified list of medical The full vaccine timeline is available at administration expects that more sites conditions will become eligible on April mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases. will be integrated into the preregistra- tion process in April. 5. Depending on vaccine supply, the ad- – John Ouellette

April 2021 • The Beacon • 13 MMA and MIIA office moves to 3 Center Plaza After 15 years at One Winthrop Square, Due to COVID the MMA and MIIA moved on March 22 precautions, the to 3 Center Plaza in Government Center. MMA/MIIA office The MMA and MIIA will occupy the remains closed, sixth floor of 3 Center Plaza, which is with all staff across the street from Boston City Hall working remotely. and down the hill from the State House. MMA and MIIA staff have been The new office will provide a great gath- provided with the ering space for our members, but is also tools and resourc- outfitted with state-of-the-art technol- es they need to ogy to be accessible for virtual meetings work remotely, and events. and are accessible “When the new owners of One Win- to all members. throp Square announced in late 2019 As always, mem- that they were converting the building bers may reach MMA and MIIA have moved to the sixth floor of 3 Center Plaza, into lab space, we knew that the MMA any member of the across the street from Boston City Hall. (Photo courtesy Synergy) would be on the move at some point, MMA and MIIA but we didn’t know we’d be doing it staff at their email during a pandemic,” said MMA Execu- address (first initial, last name @mma. ly updated with relevant and timely tive Director Geoff Beckwith. “Fortu- org) or by calling 617- 426-7272 and information, and the membership team nately, our search identified a high-qual- using the person’s extension number, continues to offer a robust schedule of ity and affordable location with which is listed on the MMA website. virtual meetings and conferences to excellent technology and convenience Phone numbers remain the same in the provide members the skills and infor- for our staff and membership. new office. mation needed to be successful as local government leaders. “Moving during COVID has lots of Out of an abundance of caution for the challenges, but our great staff has been health and safety of our staff and mem- The MMA and MIIA’s new address is: amazing, and we can’t wait to finish the 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA bers, the MMA will continue to hold ● transition and open our doors once it is remote meetings only until after Labor 02108. safe to do so.” Day. The MMA website is constant-

Auditor gathers data on municipal spending related to 2020 elections State Auditor the Secretary of State’s Office, or other Suzanne Bump’s Once Bump’s office has private sector grant funding to cover all Division of Local or a portion of these expenses. Bump’s Mandates sent received responses from office will use this information to ensure a survey in early all municipalities, it will that communities are not reimbursed March to all 351 provide a certification of twice for these expenses. cities and towns those net expenses to the Once Bump’s office has received re- in the Common- sponses from all municipalities, it will wealth asking secretary of state, who provide a certification of those net them to report Suzanne Bump will reimburse cities and expenses to the secretary of state, who their expenses will reimburse cities and towns for those associated with towns for those costs. costs. certain 2020 election activities. Bump’s office already certified the The survey was initiated after the fiscal unfunded, mandated costs of providing 2021 state budget appropriated $3 • Mail-in ballots and early voting for the September state primary election early voting for the March 2020 presi- million for reimbursements to cities and dential primary election. As a result of towns for costs incurred implementing • Mail-in ballots and early voting for the this certification, cities and towns were the vote-by-mail and in-person early November general election reimbursed a total of $727,170. ● voting requirements. Communities were asked to respond by The auditor asked communities to re- March 17. port expenses related to: Bump also asked communities to • Postponed spring local elections provide an accounting of funding they • Postponed state special elections received from the federal CARES Act,

14 • The Beacon • April 2021 Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association www.emiia.org | 800.374.4405

Pandemic harms mental health; employers can help By Joyce McMahon • Two to three times more likely to The authors noted that when workers Warmer weather and the rollout of worry about the following basic needs: are this mentally and emotionally COVID-19 vaccines are raising the hopes health care, technology and child care strained, they simply cannot perform and spirits of many Massachusetts resi- • 2.5 times more likely to worry about well. dents. A range of mental health impacts expenses/bills Globally, the World Health Organiza- of COVID remain an issue, however, • Two to three times more likely to tion estimates that poor mental health according to the Department of Public request resources that would be helpful will cost employers nearly $6 trillion by Health’s COVID-19 Community Impact to them 2030. Survey. Employee mental health experienced a How employers can help The percentage of adult respondents significant downturn nationwide during Lingering COVID concerns and adjust- who reported poor mental health was this past winter, according to a Feb. 17 ing to a “new normal” likely means that three times higher than those report- article in Wellable. mental health concerns will remain an ing poor mental health in the 2019 issue. The first step for employers to Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor “Unfortunately, despite the promising help ease the situation, experts suggest, Surveillance System survey. In the news of vaccine distribution, employees is to create a culture that is open and recent DPH survey, one in three adults are not getting more hopeful,” the article supportive, so people feel comfortable reported experiencing 15 or more days states. “December 2020 marked the low- asking for and getting help when they of poor mental health, including stress, est levels of employee mental well-being, need it. depression and problems with emotions, according to the Mental Health Index during the previous 30 days. by Total Brain and the National Alliance Making sure employees are aware of and of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. … can easily access an employee assistance All demographic groups in Massachu- Overall employee focus plummeted by program is one step. Another is allowing setts are experiencing mental health 62%, the worst drop in one year.” for and encouraging dialogue between impacts, according to the DPH report, released in early March. When employees are depressed, the ar- ticle reports, work suffers considerably. n MIIA continued on 32 The population facing the highest impacts are those with disabilities. Other populations reporting the highest MIIA is the insurance partner for MMA members rates of 15 or more days of poor mental health include those who are of trans- All members of the MMA have access vision insurance. gender experience, nonbinary or ques- to an important member service: the The trust is a member-driven organi- tioning their gender identity; LGBQ+ Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance zation, with annual rate range caps to respondents; multiracial, American Association, a nonprofit organization help provide its members with rate Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Lat- created to help cities, towns and other stability. inx respondents; those between the ages public entities in Massachusetts realize of 25 and 34; and those earning less the greatest possible value for their cost Municipalities and municipal enti- than $35,000. of risk. ties that enroll in the trust receive a full-service team, including an account Respondents with poor mental health The following is a brief refresher on executive, trust manager, operations were: MIIA and its services. manager, retiree program manager, and • Twice as likely to have delays in health Health Benefits Trust an enrollment representative. care The MIIA Health Benefits Trust, com- An introductory or reorientation • 2.4 times more likely to have a change prising more than 140 cities, towns, meeting provides the currently offered in employment in order to take care of and school and water districts, is the medical, dental and vision plans and a child or children largest municipal joint purchasing an overview of plan designs and rate • 2.6 times more likely to worry about collaborative in the Northeast. It has methodology. getting medication a longstanding partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, n INSURANCE continued on 22 • Twice as likely to be “very worried” its sole provider for health, dental and about getting COVID

April 2021 • The Beacon • 15 Around the Commonwealth

Wellesley and affordable housing. The initiative received a $9,750 grant from Community initiative promotes MIIA to design the program and pay for civil discourse the employee training. Another $3,000 from the Community Fund for Wellesley To reverse the coarsening of public covered training for the community discourse, a new initiative in Wellesley is members, Frigulietti said. helping municipal leaders and residents Olney and Frigulietti said they hope to bring more civility to community train more facilitators and to run programs discussions. with the schools. While this initiative Through the Wellesley Civil Discourse focuses on community-level discussions, Initiative, town employees and residents they see possibilities in extending it to have trained as community facilitators, town government. and a team has organized structured “I think that would be really useful for dialogues to reset how the community Through its Civil Discourse Initiative, making the meetings go more smoothly addresses difficult topics. The initiative’s Wellesley hopes to build connections and making people feel heard,” Olney six-member team includes Amy Frigulietti, among community members. said. “At rock bottom, that’s really what the town’s assistant executive director, and it’s about, making people feel heard, and Select Board Member Lise Olney. expectations for listening and speaking. building understanding.” “I definitely have witnessed, in the past “[It’s] really about building community – Jennifer Kavanaugh four years or so, things in public meetings connections and building relationships that I have never seen before,” Olney said. with one another,” Frigulietti said, “so that Fall River “And I don’t know how common of an when contentious topics come up, we’re experience that is, but that was certainly able to look at our neighbors, or look at our part of what was motivating me to try to peers, and look at them as a person that is City expands outreach to the bring this thing to fruition.” sharing an experience rather than arguing homeless or debating to win. Initiative members are working with To connect homeless residents with Essential Partners, a Cambridge-based “It’s not about winning. It’s about resources, the city of Fall River has been organization that has helped Gloucester understanding the other person’s sending outreach workers onto the streets, and other communities build dialogue perspective.” giving people more personal service and programs. While the Select Board supports bringing greater stability to their lives. the effort, this initiative is community- Frigulietti said she hopes the community based, Olney said. will use this approach proactively, before The city started a pilot homelessness tensions build over difficult issues. program this past fall, assigning two “It will be organic within the community The team held its first community Zoom full-time employees to help give homeless as opposed to something that’s kind of clients access to shelter, addiction help, housed in town government,” she said. meeting, “Community Conversations: How Citizens Are Rebuilding the Public Square,” mental health services and other resources. Twenty people received facilitator training on March 23 to introduce residents to The city opened a new permanent in March — 10 town employees and 10 the initiative and to hear leaders from overflow shelter in December, as part of its community members. The civil discourse Gloucester, Groton and Watertown expanded services. team chose employees from numerous describe their experiences with facilitated “Instead of going out and providing departments, and picked community dialogues. services to the homeless at their location, members reflecting the town’s diversity we wanted to bring the homeless into the and local organizations. It also made sure On April 6, the team’s second Zoom session, “A Dialogue on Coping with programs, into the services,” said Michael to recruit from both the Republican and Dion, the city’s executive director for Democratic town committees. COVID-19 in Wellesley,” will feature facilitated breakout discussions about community development. “Before, we The initiative uses Reflective Structured the challenges residents have faced over would go out to the homeless, we would Dialogue, which focuses on “speaking the past year. The structured dialogue give them a tent, we would give them in ways that are respectful, listening to will allow the newly trained facilitators sandwiches, give them toothpaste, a understand and not to rebut, and asking to practice their skills and residents to toothbrush — but you’re kind of enabling questions that are genuine and not experience the process for themselves. the homelessness to stay the way it is.” rhetorical.” Unlike mediation, this method Each person will get time to speak. Outreach worker Niki Fontaine said doesn’t attempt to reach agreement, but In the future, Olney said she hopes the that most of her homeless clients have to increase understanding. Going into addiction or mental health issues, or discussions, participants understand the trained facilitators will lead community discussions on complex issues such as race both. As a recovering addict who was

16 • The Beacon • April 2021 Around the Commonwealth

once homeless, Since October, Fontaine said she has “You can really see a big difference in Fontaine relates to helped between 160 and 170 people, with what’s happening out there,” Dion said their struggles. a mixture of heartbreak and success. One of the program. “I mean, the Police “I totally can couple stayed sober for a couple of months Department is really happy, and I think a understand the before relapsing, she said, and others lot of pressure’s been taken off of them.” full trauma that have died after using drugs for the first As communities nationwide debate the they’re going time in years. But she also managed to get role of police in solving social problems, through and medical help and a shelter bed for someone Mayor Paul Coogan said this outreach experiencing as on Christmas Eve, she said. Recently, program helps to de-escalate situations she received a wedding invitation from a Paul Coogan they’re homeless,” that can be handled differently. woman she helped to get sober. Fontaine said. “So I “I think this is an excellent example of how think that helps to “You’re not going to save them all, but this should work, because … not everyone build a lot of trust, that I’m not someone you just keep trying,” Fontaine said. “But who’s down on their luck is a criminal,” who has never experienced it, doesn’t I do know that this program — I believe it Coogan said. “If someone needs help, let’s know what they’re talking about. … I’ve in my heart — that this is successful and help them.” lived it, so that really helps break down we’re on the right track, because I know some barriers.” I’m making a difference.” – Jennifer Kavanaugh Fontaine gets people into shelters, To pay for the work, Dion said, the city’s arranges for medical care and mental Community Development Agency is using health services, sets people up with Coronavirus Relief Funds from the federal This monthly column features regional and recovery coaches, and takes them to detox CARES Act. He estimates that the program local news briefs related to local government centers and other facilities to get clean. will cost the city between $150,000 and in Massachusetts. To suggest a news item for She goes on police ride-alongs, reviews $200,000 through September 2022, the this column, email [email protected]. 911 reports to identify people who need CARES Act funding period. Beyond that help, and talks to people brought into point, the city will seek other funding the booking room. And she gets to know sources, such as Community Development people’s relatives to help improve family Block Grants, to continue the program, he dynamics. said. MMHR to hold 2nd virtual boot camp series this spring Following a successful virtual HR 101 Buraimoh, associate at Morgan, Brown Boot Camp series last fall, the Massa- & Joy, who will provide an overview of chusetts Municipal Human Resources municipal leave laws association will offer this annual event • Maritsa Barros, chief diversity, equity as a webinar series once again this and inclusion officer in Framingham, spring. and MMHR Chair Dolores Hamilton, The five-session webinar series will be human resources director in held weekly on Thursdays at 11 a.m., Framingham, who will discuss how kicking off on April 29. Each session will to develop a diversity hiring policy in run for 90 minutes. Dolores Hamilton Mary Beth Bernard municipalities The series will cover core functions of The registration fee of $45 for members the municipal HR office, including job • Lori Burke, director of absence and $55 for nonmembers for the series descriptions, worker’s compensation, management and specialty services includes access to the webinar record- workplace investigations, municipal with AllOneHealth, who will cover ings and any follow-up materials. The leave laws, and diversity hiring policies. workers’ compensation during the webinars must be purchased as a series, The series is geared toward newer mu- COVID-19 pandemic and recordings will be available only to nicipal human resources professionals, those who have paid for the series. • Jean Haertl, CEO of Safety and but veterans in the field are welcome to A link to register for the series has been attend for a refresher course. Respect at Work, and attorney Jaime Kenny, partner at Clifford & Kenny, sent to all MMHR members. Featured speakers will include: who will lead a dynamic discussion Contact: MMA Member Services Coordina- • Wrentham Human Resources about complaint triage, investigations tor Isabelle Nichols at [email protected] Director Mary Beth Bernard, who will and discipline in the workplace discuss best practices in crafting job • Attorney Jackie Kugell, partner at descriptions Morgan, Brown & Joy, and Yetunde

April 2021 • The Beacon • 17 DIRECTOR'S REPORT how to proceed. Here are some basic Continued from page 2 suggestions: With the stakes so best result, following a process that • Convene all stakeholders and build high, and billions of inspires confidence that municipalities consensus. Decisions on how to spend dollars soon arriving on are best positioned to make best use ARPA funds will likely be concentrated for maximum impact. Done well, ARPA in the hands of municipal CEOs, but municipal doorsteps, will not only rescue our economies, it the power to act should not short- local leaders will need to can also demonstrate to the nation that circuit an open process to bring cities and towns are up to the task and all stakeholders in the community approach ARPA with a deserve treatment as full and equal together to engage in dialogue about comprehensive planning partners in our intergovernmental needs, resources and priority-setting, system. including government colleagues, process that emphasizes A municipal planning framework nonprofits, businesses and others. three overarching True engagement and listening will for maximum impact themes: governing well, minimize friction and encourage Managing and leading in the public collaboration over ARPA’s three-and-a- leveraging ARPA with square is always complex and filled with half-year lifespan. multifaceted challenges. With the stakes other resources, and so high, and billions of dollars soon • Follow allowable uses under ARPA. investing for recovery Once the Treasury clarifies how and arriving on municipal doorsteps, local and results. leaders will need to approach ARPA with where the funds can be spent, cities a comprehensive planning process that and towns should adhere to the rules. emphasizes three overarching themes: One story of misspent funds will Leverage your ARPA aid governing well, leveraging ARPA undermine 100 stories of impactful with other resources, and investing for use. While ARPA is unprecedented in scope recovery and results. and scale, all three levels of government • Meet all accounting and reporting rules. have already dedicated massive resourc- This diagram provides a high-level visual Make sure you have the systems in es to fighting all aspects of the pandem- of the three complementary planning place to track and inform our federal ic during the past year. Coordinate and elements that can make ARPA trans- partners of how well you are using integrate ARPA into your planning and formative for your community. Use your ARPA funds. execution at all levels to scale existing this framework to build a platform for • Comply with all local and state laws efforts and create new initiatives. success. and ordinances. In addition to federal • Use a thoughtful and integrated strategic Each city and town will face differing rules, your ARPA processes should be planning process that connects ARPA to immediate needs, differing pre-COVID integrated with all other accounting, your entire municipal government. Over challenges, and differing goals for appropriation and audit requirements. the past year, nearly every aspect of long-range growth. We’ll see different • Ensure transparency throughout. The local government has been pulled into decisions and priorities across Massa- public and media will want to know the battle to subdue the pandemic, and chusetts, which is the beauty of provid- how these funds are being used, you have created new programs and ing municipalities with direct funding especially those that are not subject new ways of doing business, breaking so that local problems can be addressed to appropriation. Consider creating an down silos in the process. Don’t put with local solutions that fit best. ARPA dashboard, making it easy for ARPA in a silo; integrate it into your Yet it is imperative that every commu- everyone to see the uses of the funds, overall planning process. nity embrace governing with excellence, and who is benefiting. • Leverage your ARPA aid with other make full use of ARPA by leveraging the • Do not create future budget deficits. funding. The good news is that the funds with other resources and pro- This is one-time funding, and it federal government has created grams, and use a deliberate investment should be treated as such. Do not use multiple funding sources, and you strategy so that the benefits continue the funds in collective bargaining should use these resources to stretch long after the spending ceases. contracts, for example, as this would your ARPA dollars as far as they can Govern well lead to shortfalls in future years. go. Cities and towns should use ARPA With an infusion of thousands, millions Even premium pay should be closely to build on, extend or complement or tens of millions coming into your scrutinized, as any pensionable their other reimbursements or grants, community, there will be no shortage benefits would increase unfunded including from FEMA, the CARES Act, of requests, suggestions, pleas, and liabilities for years to come, eroding ESSERs 1, 2 and 3, and more. Don’t lobbying for how to spend the funds. In available resources for essential spend ARPA funds on items that will high-pressure and urgent situations like services. Since the funds cannot be be funded by these programs. this, it is not uncommon to start mak- used after December 2024, recognize • Coordinate with other state and federal ing snap decisions rather than taking a that the funding commitments should programs. The state is using its federal step back and thinking carefully about end then, too. Continued on next page

18 • The Beacon • April 2021 Continued from previous page people in their 50s and 60s are giving costing our economy millions of jobs aid and its own resources to address their 401Ks unparalleled priority. As and lost growth. ARPA is intended to a wide range of urgent needs, such you think about the best use of ARPA avoid that mistake. That’s why ARPA as rent and mortgage relief, small money, think about investing in your should be used to supplement and business relief, support for child care, community in ways that will yield bene- expand investments in the community, access to public transportation, and fits far beyond 2024. not simply replace planned spending much more. Work closely with your • Invest in urgent health and economic and banking those funds for future state partners to complement each needs. Of course the most immediate use. other. If your businesses or residents challenge is to deploy the funds • Measure progress throughout to inform qualify for state funding, look at ways to reverse the damage that the ongoing plans. This is a best practice you can augment this or repurpose pandemic has done to our residents that will be very helpful to allow your aid to address community needs and small businesses, and using adjustments over the next several in other ways, rather than spending the funds as an economic lifeline is years, ensuring ARPA’s success. The resources unnecessarily. more than appropriate — it is called most effective strategic plans have • Collaborate with community partners for, especially to lift up the most four key phases: 1. make sense of and organizations. To maximize vulnerable in your community. Failing the situation (investigate all angles efficiency, look at what social service to do so will hamper future growth and with all stakeholders); 2. make a plan and civic agencies are doing and progress. (choosing what to do and what not consider partnering with them if they • Prioritize short-term investments with to do); 3. make it happen (making are already addressing critical needs lasting benefits. Consider multiple sure everyone is aligned with your that need to be scaled up. ways to provide assistance and choose strategy); and 4. make revisions and • Use existing delivery channels for the path that will go farther and last repeat steps 1-4. It is impossible to efficiency. You’ll want to spend your longer. For example, using ARPA funds make revisions and improve if you aid on direct assistance, programs to support struggling businesses and do not measure whether you are and investments, rather than using households could be coordinated with hitting your targets or achieving precious resources to create new education and training on financial expected results. Making changes offices or delivery systems. If that planning (assuming that would be an is not an admission of failure, it is a means working with outside partners, allowable use). Some communities commitment to excellence and a best including nonprofits or nearby could use ESSER funds to address practice. communities that are already engaged school ventilation issues, making ARPA brings opportunity and in the work so you can leverage their classrooms more pandemic-resilient. responsibility systems, that would be a best-practice • Identify and address pre-COVID The bottom line is clear: ARPA is en- move. inhibitors to growth. ARPA allows trusting cities and towns in Massachu- • Don’t reinvent the wheel: learn from investments in certain types of setts and across America with unprece- others. In addition to looking across infrastructure, including water, sewer dented aid and resources, and the local your community to connect the dots, and broadband. If the quality of these leaders of our nation have a responsibil- look across the state and nation to systems has hampered your growth ity to be outstanding stewards of these see what your peers are doing. The in the past, then it would make sense resources. NLC and other leading organizations to consider such investments. Capital Done well, ARPA can transform our (including the MMA) have or will investments that improve water communities, boosting us out of the be creating networks to share quality and access, or close the digital pandemic recession into a recovery that information, compare notes, and learn divide, can also make great economic will create jobs and accelerate growth about what works and what doesn’t. sense and free up funds for future and prosperity. Bring what you learn back home and investments as well. apply it. Even more, the example of a successful • Move quickly to stimulate a faster implementation of ARPA programs at Invest in best uses for long-term recovery. ARPA is intended to serve the local level can prove once and for all recovery and results two key purposes: to provide massive that municipal governments should be The third lens to bring to your ARPA resources to close out the last stages equal partners in the governance of our challenge is the investment lens. The of the pandemic battle, and to provide nation. That would be transformational funding will come in two tranches investments to stimulate our economy. as well. ● and last only three and one-half years. During the last fiscal crisis, the Great Human nature has us focus more on Recession, the federal aid package (the immediate payback rather than lon- American Recovery and Reinvestment ger time horizons that are harder to Act of 2009) was whittled down in imagine. That’s why fewer people in a compromise with senators who their 20s start putting extra money in opposed government spending. The their retirement accounts, and lots of result was a sluggish recovery that was unnecessarily slow and prolonged,

April 2021 • The Beacon • 19 WEMO to hold first-ever spring symposium virtually on April 30 Women Elected Mu- Panelists will include: nicipal Officials will • Jarinete Santos, political pipeline hold its inaugural director, She Should Run spring symposium virtually on Friday, • Sarah Johnson, executive director, April 30, from 11 Local Progress a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Erin Vilardi, founder and CEO, Vote The WEMO Open- Run Lead ing Doors for Wom- Advance registration is required, and an en symposium will Erin Vilardi Jarinete Santos Sarah Johnson email with the registration link has been be free to attend. sent to all WEMO members. Registra- Despite making up 51% of the popula- mentorship for women who might be tion will close on Friday, April 23. Any tion, women continue to be significantly interested in running or advancing to a registrations received after April 23 will underrepresented at all levels of elected higher level of public office holding. not be accepted. office in the United States, including Contact: MMA Member Services Coordina- here in Massachusetts. The symposium will feature a roundtable discussion with 2021 WEMO Commit- tor Isabelle Nichols at [email protected] The WEMO symposium will highlight tee members about their experiences the importance of women running for running for local office, followed by a local public office. The event will also panel discussion on increasing the num- explore opportunities for support and ber of women running for public office.

MMHR and Management Association to discuss the future of work On April 15, the Massachusetts Munic- Ryan is a futurist, There will also be a discussion about ipal Human Resources association and author and entre- policies and initiatives that have been the Massachusetts Municipal Manage- preneur who has developed in the towns of Franklin and ment Association will co-host a free held residencies Lexington to adapt to the changing dy- virtual meeting examining the future of at the Alliance namics of the municipal workplace. work and what it will look like in munic- for Innovation, The meeting will be held from 2 to ipal government. the Governing 3:30 p.m., and advance registration is The pandemic has dramatically changed Institute, and required. An email with the registration what the municipal workplace looked the Association link has been sent to all MMHR and like over the past year. With the “new of Governmental MMMA members. Rebecca Ryan Risk Pools. She is normal” finally on the horizon, what Contact: MMA Member Services Coordina- does the future of work look like? the board chair and faculty member at the Institute for tor Isabelle Nichols at [email protected] or Rebecca Ryan, founder of NEXT Gen- Zen Leadership. Ryan helps people fig- MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator eration Consulting, will provide some ure out what’s next so they can be ready Denise Baker at [email protected] concrete tools to anticipate and plan for for the future. an uncertain future. Human services group discusses self-care and stress management The MMA Human Services Council hosted human performance. its first virtual meeting of the year on She provided practical tips for stress man- March 26 on the topic of self-care and agement, including setting clear boundar- stress management. ies at work and in your personal life and Mind/body specialist Trish Hart led an blocking out regular time in your calendar interactive, educational workshop that for self-care. Self-care can include things featured hands-on practice of mind/body like personal hobbies, time away from techniques to help participants better technology, and breaks for movement. manage their stress and prioritize self- The workshop concluded with the practice care. of mind/body stress management tech- Hart began with a discussion about the niques, including use of “the escape route” A March 26 webinar hosted by the neuroscience behind the stress response, body position and mindfulness breathing MMA Human Services Council focused the physical and emotional symptoms of exercises. on the importance of self care and offered tips for managing stress. stress, and the ways in which stress affects – Isabelle Nichols

20 • The Beacon • April 2021 Administration extends funding for pooled testing in schools By John Ouellette a pool positivity rate of 0.76% to date. person safely and successfully,” said Lt. The Baker-Polito administration is extend- Because the average pool includes seven Gov. Karyn Polito. ing its funding commitment to a pooled people, individual prevalence among those Initial state funding was due to expire COVID-19 testing initiative in schools tested is well below that number. on April 18. The administration said the through the end of the school year. More than 1,000 schools are enrolled in continuation of the free program is made The first-in-the-nation testing program, the COVID-19 pooled testing initiative, possible by additional federal funds spe- launched in February, is available to every and more than 329,000 students, educa- cifically for COVID-19 testing, anticipated Massachusetts public school at no cost. tors and staff are eligible to be tested on to total approximately $207 million for a weekly basis, according to the adminis- Massachusetts. Also on March 29, the administration tration. Results are delivered within 24 Schools that are not yet enrolled in the announced that the program has found hours. positivity rates far below 1% among program are encouraged to do so by email- ● participating students and staff across the “Access to this pooled testing program has ing [email protected]. Commonwealth. given many school districts the informa- tion and assurance they need in order Massachusetts schools have tested nearly to be able to keep educating students in 159,000 individuals in 22,679 pools with

RESCUE PLAN special director for federal funds at the Each municipality will ultimately need Continued from page 1 Executive Office for Administration and to account for funds expended and will Finance, said his office has been in contact need to provide periodic reports to the Fiscal Recovery Funds to counties because with officials in the six active counties Treasury, so municipal leaders are advised county governments in much of the and, pending additional federal guidance, to begin working with municipal finance country provide an array of direct services is prepared to work with county officials staff to set up systems for accounting for to residents. But in Massachusetts, eight should they choose to reallocate funds to the funds, which will mitigate compliance of the 14 county governments have been their cities and towns. risk. abolished, and the remaining six are not responsible for local services. The MMA Local preparation and uses Municipal leaders should also be familiar- izing themselves with alternative revenue worked with the National League of Cities, Thetext of the law identifies four eligible streams, from both federal and state the Massachusetts congressional delega- use categories: tion and the Baker-Polito administration programs. • Response to the public health to ensure that Massachusetts did not get Beyond the direct relief for municipalities, emergency or its negative economic shortchanged because counties are less ac- the American Rescue Plan Act provides consequences tive here, and a hybrid approach emerged. funding for emergency rental and home- Where county governments have been • Provision of premium pay to eligible owner relief, educational support, nutri- abolished (Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, workers (as designated by the local tion programs, unemployment assistance, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Suffolk chief municipal official) vaccines, and assistance from the Federal and Worcester), the state will receive • Revenue replacement (relative to fiscal Emergency Management Agency. approximately $942 million in federal 2019 local revenue figures) Local officials are advised to match their aid designated for those counties and community needs with the right fund- redistribute it to cities and towns based • Investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure ing sources in order to maximize federal on each municipality’s percentage of its dollars. Fahle said there will be a number county population. Fahle called the first use “probably the of “funding streams that are flowing into Where county governments remain most flexible opportunity for use of the the Commonwealth through a variety of (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, funds.” He said more guidance and defini- different paths.” Norfolk and Plymouth), the counties will tions are needed before he could say more about revenue replacement. The MMA is closely following develop- retain control of about $394 million in ments related to the American Rescue designated funds, and local officials will While awaiting Treasury guidance, Plan and is posting updates and guidance need to work with their county officials to National League of Cities staff, as well as on its website as soon as it becomes avail- make sure the funds are available for local state administration and finance staff, able. ● government priorities. urge local leaders to identify areas of In a March 23 call with local officials greatest need within their communities by convened by the MMA, Heath Fahle, actively engaging community stakehold- ers.

April 2021 • The Beacon • 21 MMA continues #MaskUpMA campaign on Twitter The MMA remains engaged in a social settings, especially when other social media campaign promoting the use of distancing measures cannot be main- face coverings, including by those who tained, or when around people outside have been vaccinated, to reduce the of your household. Masks can help pre- spread of the coronavirus until herd vent the spread of respiratory droplets immunity can be achieved. that carry the virus. As warmer temperatures arrive, public Municipal officials are encouraged health experts are urging people to to share mask photos for use in the remain vigilant about wearing masks in campaign by emailing MMA Digital public spaces. Communications Coordinator Meredith ● The MMA campaign involves MMA Gabrilska at [email protected]. and MIIA staff and members sharing photos of themselves with masks on and using the hashtags #MaskUpMA and #WearAMask, as well as retweeting Weston Town Manager Leon A. content from cities and towns and state Gaumond Jr. shows his agencies. appreciation for first responders by wearing his Weston Fire Department The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and mask. Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 2 wear a mask in public MMCA to discuss school finance issues on April 8 All city and town councillors are invited what to expect when beginning a school to a Massachusetts Municipal Coun- project, whether it’s a new school or a cillors’ Association Lunch-and-Learn renovation. webinar on the topic of school finance Both speakers will answer questions on April 8 at noon. from attendees. Consultant Mark Abrahams will give an The webinar is free, but online pre-reg- overview of school finance, with a focus istration is required. Councillors will on key terms and the budget process. receive a confirmation email with the Jack McCarthy, executive director/dep- Zoom link after registering. uty chief executive officer at the Mas- For more information, contact MMA Jack McCarthy Mark Abrahams sachusetts School Building Authority, Conference and Meeting Planner Tim- will cover the MSBA process, including mery Kuck at [email protected].●

INSURANCE manager, and a property casualty claims access free trainings Continued from page 15 representative and workers’ compensation • Risk-management services, including MIIA will discuss any public employee representative. The team is committed to free trainings, inspections, accessing committee agreements on plans, if appli- establishing relationships up front, with driving simulators, and participation cable, and review headcount claims loss each member and their relevant depart- in safety committee meetings, as well ratio reports and high-cost claimants, as ment heads. as establishing individualized trainings well as enrollment and premium billing At any orientation meeting, lines of needed to reduce risk or transfer risk procedures. MIIA will also review val- communication are established, member • A review of claims reporting instructions ue-added programs such as Smart Shop- expectations and service requirements are per, Learn to Live (mental health care), defined, and questions are answered. • Updates to auto fleet changes and schedule of locations and the Diabetes Care Value Program, A MIIA representative will go over benefits as well as its popular wellness programs and services, including: • Reviewing the process to request and activities, and how to access wellness certificates of insurance grants. • A review of MIIA’s hallmark programs: MIIA Rewards, MIIA Grants, and other • Scheduling a quarterly claims review Property and liability tools available (e.g., Enquiron, Local Gov • Reviewing contracts for recommended MMA members that subscribe to MIIA’s U) Property and Casualty Group have access insurance language to a full-service team that includes an • Information about the free Employee For more information about MIIA cover- account executive, account manager, risk Assistance Program, including how to age benefits, visit www.emiia.org. ●

22 • The Beacon • April 2021 MMA-Suffolk programs update April 30 is the deadline to apply for the The fellowship MMA and Suffolk University’s Certifi- program will pro- cate in Local Government Leadership vide a scholarship and Management programs scheduled of up to $28,000 to begin this fall in Barnstable and while the recip- Marlborough. ients’ munici- The Certificate in Local Government pality commits Leadership and Management is a five- to continuing course, graduate-level program held over their salary and the course of 25 Fridays. The program is position while designed for municipal employees look- they attend the ing to further their careers in municipal program part- management. Sample classes include time. budgeting, human resources manage- Applicants must The MMA and Suffolk University’s fifth Municipal Finance ment, and strategic leadership. also be accepted Management Seminar holds its online orientation on March 5. for admission to The application for the fall 2021 program will be available on the The fillable PDF application for the MMA website in May. 2021-2022 programs is available on the the master’s in MMA website. The cost of the 2021- public adminis- 2022 programs is $2,550. tration program and receive the support of the chief nar began in March, and the application These will be the 17th and 18th certif- municipal official in their municipality. for the fall 2021 program will be avail- icate programs held by the MMA and Consideration will be given to graduates able on the MMA website in May. Suffolk. of the MMA-Suffolk Certificate in Local The seminar provides an overview Fellowship program Government Leadership and Manage- of Massachusetts municipal finance, May 1 is the application deadline for a ment. including the operational aspects of new MMA-Suffolk University Municipal The fellowship application is available on finance structure, systems and processes Fellowship Program, which will offer the MMA-Suffolk programs web page. in Massachusetts cities and towns. significant support to municipal manag- Municipal Finance Management For more information about the three ers and professionals to attend Suffolk’s MMA-Suffolk programs, visit www. The MMA and Suffolk University’s fifth master’s in public administration pro- mma.org/suffolk or email Katie McCue Municipal Finance Management Semi- gram at its Sawyer School of Business. at [email protected]. ● Management Association accepting applications for Galkowski Fund The Massachusetts Municipal Manage- able to afford. academic credit courses. ment Association is accepting applica- The Management Association admin- All applications are reviewed by a vol- tions for the Nancy Galkowski Legacy isters the fund, but membership is not unteer committee, and applicants are Fund. required to apply. Awards have been notified of their award. The Galkowski Fund was established in made to department heads to attend The online application is now available, 2013 in honor of Town Manager Nancy local and national conferences, assistant and the deadline is May 7. Galkowski, who passed away that year town managers and human resources after 35 years of public service in munic- directors for specialized courses, and for For more information, contact Frank- ipal management. The fund was created the MMA-Suffolk Finance Management lin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, to assist individuals serving in local Seminar. chair of the Galkowski Fund, at jhellen@ franklinma.gov. ● government pursue professional devel- The fund does not make awards for opment that they wouldn’t otherwise be MassRecycle hosting virtual conference April 15 and 16 MassRecycle, a statewide coalition tion and outreach; compost and food cost for municipalities is $75 for one day dedicated to increasing recycling and waste; transfer station stories; markets or $95 for both days. reducing waste, will hold its annual con- and commodities; zero waste; bulky Conference programming will run from ference virtually on April 15 and 16. waste and other hard-to-manage waste; 1 to 5 p.m. on April 15, and 8:30 a.m. to Conference workshop topics include and contamination and enforcement. 1 p.m. on April 16. “Where does it go?”; RecycleSmart; and The conference will include a virtual MassRecycle members include munic- Extended Producer Responsibility for trade show. ipalities and municipal staff, industry Paint and Mattresses. Conference details and registration in- partners, higher education, and environ- MassRecycle board members will facil- formation can be found at massrecycle. mental advocacy groups. itate roundtable discussions on educa- org/events/conference. The registration – Ariela Lovett

April 2021 • The Beacon • 23 People

Keith Hickey be- Former Provincetown Town Manager Transit Authority from 1976 to 1980. came the new town Robin Craver left the position last July. From 2007 to 2012, Walto served on administrator in MIIA’s Health Benefits Trust Advisory Kingston on Feb. 1. Board, and he served on MIIA’s Board of Thomas Hutches- Directors from 2012 until his retirement. For the past five on will become the years, Hickey served new town manager as the town manag- in Dalton on May 3. John Oliver and Tarik Lucas joined the er in Winchendon. Hutcheson has been Newton City Council following a March Prior to that, he was 16 special election to fill two vacant seats. Keith Hickey the town manag- the town adminis- er in several New trator in Conway Oliver won the Ward 1 at-large seat left Hampshire commu- since August 2013. vacant by the Nov. 7 death of Allan nities — Salem, Merrimack and Bedford Before that, he “Jay” Ciccone Jr. Lucas won the Ward — from 2000 through the end of 2015. Thomas Hutcheson served more than 2 at-large seat previously held by Jake Earlier in his career, he had worked as a two years as the Auchincloss, who resigned after his director of finance and personnel, con- town administra- election to Congress in November. troller and assistant finance director for tor in Northfield. He is the District 1 Oliver’s and Lucas’ terms last through several New Hampshire municipalities. representative for the Massachusetts the end of the year. The next regular city Municipal Management Association and election is in November. Hickey has an MBA from Southern New a member of the MMA Board of Direc- Hampshire University, and a bachelor’s tors. He also serves on the MMMA’s Civic degree in accounting from Franklin Education Committee. Pierce College. Hubbardston Town Before entering local government, Administrator Ryan Hickey replaces Tom Calter, who left the Hutcheson spent nearly a dozen years McLane has taken position last July. working for the Organic Trade Asso- a military leave to ciation in several policy roles and as a serve in Afghani- regulatory analyst. He also served as the stan. A U.S. Army After serving almost veteran who has a decade as mayor project coordinator for the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center and continued serving in Holyoke, Alex in the Massachu- Morse, will become as a research associate for the National Priorities Project. setts Army National the new town Ryan McLane Guard, McLane is manager in Provinc- Hutcheson has a doctorate in community first sergeant of etown on April 5. education for community sustainability, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Morse stepped a master’s degree in adult and communi- 101st Field Artillery. His deployment is down as mayor on ty education, and a bachelor’s degree in expected to last for one year. March 26. He was folklore and folk music, all from UMass Alex Morse Amherst. David Nixon first elected mayor stepped in as Hub- in 2012, having In Dalton, bardston’s acting announced his candidacy as a college se- Hutcheson replaces town administrator nior. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban Kenneth Walto, on March 4. Nixon studies from Brown University. who served had retired in De- Holyoke City Council President Todd for almost two cember as the town McGee was sworn in as acting mayor on decades before administrator in March 26. He cited work commitments retiring on Aug. 13. Hadley after having and possible conflicts of interests as Before coming to served there for 15 reasons for not wanting to serve out the Dalton, Walto was David Nixon years. operations manager rest of Morse’s term, which runs through Kenneth Walto the end of this year. Following Morse’s at the Brien Center, announcement that he was leaving, Holy- a behavioral health oke filed a home rule petition to avoid and addiction services center in the Berkshires, and worked for the Pittsfield Thaddeus Buczko, who served the pub- having a special election to elect a mayor lic for decades as a judge, state auditor, for the remainder of the year. As of late Department of Community Development for 19 years, as economic development legislator and Salem official, died on March, the petition was undergoing March 7 at age 95. revisions, including one that would allow manager, commissioner, and acting another member of the City Council to director. He served as assistant to the A Boston University Law School gradu- serve as acting mayor. administrator at the Berkshire Regional ate, Buczko served as a city councillor in

24 • The Beacon • April 2021 People

Salem, as a state representative, as Sa- retirement in 2016. New select board lem’s postmaster, and as the state auditor As an attorney, Lowe had been an active members elected from 1964 to 1981. In 1981, he became member in the City Solicitors and Town an associate justice of the Essex Coun- Counsel Association, now the Massachu- The following are new select board mem- ty Probate and Family Court, and later setts Municipal Lawyers Association. She bers elected in annual town elections became first justice. In 2017, the restored had served several terms on the organiza- through March 29. Essex Probate and Family Court building tion’s executive board. in Salem was named for him. This listing is meant to highlight first- time select board members, but it’s pos- Buczko also had a long record of mili- sible that some listed here are returning tary service. He served in the U.S. Navy This monthly column highlights transi- to their board after an absence. If we are during World War II, and later in Korea tions, accomplishments and awards, and missing a new member, let us know by with the Army. He continued in the U.S. life events of municipal officials. To submit emailing [email protected]. Army Reserves until he retired in 1979 information for People, contact MMA Concord: Henry Dane as a colonel and chief of staff of the 94th Associate Editor Jennifer Kavanaugh at Army Reserve Command. 800-882-1498 or [email protected]. Duxbury: Cynthia Fiorini, Fernando Guitart Linda Lowe, a former Gloucester city Ludlow: James Gennette solicitor and city clerk, died on Feb. 15 at Wellesley: Ann-Mara Lanza age 72. Westborough: Sean Keogh, Patrick Lowe worked for about two decades as Welch ● solicitor before becoming city clerk in 2009. She served in that role until her

SICK LEAVE ance Trust Fund remains solvent, and $7 billion in special obligation bonds to Continued from page 3 establish a way to repay federal borrow- repay federal advances. ing. State tax provisions Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act in the The legislation would freeze the expe- American Rescue Plan Act signed by The legislation includes several tax rience rate of employers for 2021 and President Joe Biden on March 11. provisions that would exclude forgiven 2022, rather than jump to a higher federal Paycheck Protection Program The legislation would require the Exec- schedule based on sharply higher loans and certain other loans and pay- utive Office for Administration and Fi- unemployment due to the public health ments from gross income for the pur- nance to draft regulations to implement emergency. pose of state personal income taxes in the new state sick leave program. The legislation would also set a tempo- 2020. The bill would exclude $10,200 of Unemployment insurance rary surcharge on employers to fund unemployment compensation received The bill includes the governor’s recom- interest payments on advances to the by a taxpayer with a household income mendations to provide rate relief to Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund of less than 200% of the federal pover- contributory employers, take steps to from the federal government. The legis- ty level from gross state income in tax ● ensure that the Unemployment Insur- lation would authorize the state to issue years 2020 and 2021.

MMHR workers’ compensation lies with the remotely outside of Massachusetts, Continued from page 7 insurance company. Buraimoh said there may be tax implica- In response to a question on long-term tions that HR should investigate before team dynamics. A re-evaluation of work making decisions. hours may be necessary for employees accommodations due to lasting effects who are caring for children at home. from COVID, Buraimoh noted a lack of Also at the meeting, MMA Legislative guidance in this area and said municipal- Director John Robertson provided an She said workers’ compensation cov- ities should be flexible in working with update on HR-related bills in the new erage for a communicable disease like those employees. Dr. Hirsch agreed. legislative session and the new police COVID is limited to situations where reform law. “the hazard of contracting the disease by “The long term effects of COVID are still an employee is inherent in the employ- an open question,” Hirsch said. “Studies A video recording of the webinar is avail- ● ment.” Ultimately, she said, the deter- on ‘long-haulers’ are just beginning.” able on the MMA website. mination that an employee qualifies for Asked about employees asking to work

April 2021 • The Beacon • 25 Administration announces $24.7M for Vaccine Equity Initiative On March 17, the Baker-Polito adminis- community health centers and others bassador Program, the state’s “Trust the tration announced the release of $27.4 to reduce barriers to vaccination. These Facts. Get the Vax.” multilingual public million in federal funds to increase funds also will provide direct vaccine awareness campaign, and the DPH trust, vaccine acceptance and admin- administration to populations that are Community Liaisons, who are meeting istration rates as part of its Vaccine not effectively reached through existing weekly with representatives from the Equity Initiative and to meet the needs vaccine supply channels, according to communities to identify and lift barriers of priority populations. the DPH. to vaccine access and support communi- Recognizing equity as a critical compo- These federal funds will be used to ty-based solutions. nent of the state’s vaccine distribution provide direct assistance with vaccine The Vaccine Equity Initiative focuses plan, the Department of Public Health is access, including appointment registra- on 20 cities and towns with the great- working closely with the 20 hardest-hit tion assistance, transportation, mobility est COVID-19 case burden, taking into communities in Massachusetts as they assistance, medical interpretation, and account social determinants of health identify their specific community needs, other supports; to invest in community and the disproportionate impact of further building on existing support. health centers; to support municipalities COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous, People The funds from the U.S. Centers for Dis- and local boards of health through direct of Color (BIPOC). These communities ease Control and Prevention build upon funding of the 20 equity municipalities are Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, current and past efforts supporting for vaccine clinics and acceptance; to Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, vaccination in the communities dispro- help tailor community outreach and Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leomin- portionately impacted by COVID-19 education; and for direct vaccine admin- ster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, istration in community settings. New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Spring- and includes partnerships with munic- ● ipalities, local boards of health, com- Related activities already underway field and Worcester. munity- and faith-based organizations, include the DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Am-

BUDGET The MMA also contends that the Stu- includes transportation expenses as an Continued from page 3 dent Opportunity Act’s reimbursement eligible cost. formula would not fix the serious flaws School transportation Education Emergency Relief program in the charter school finance system. The governor’s budget would reduce known as ESSER II to fund a part of the Charter schools will continue to divert funding for both regional school trans- increase in its local contribution require- a high percentage of Chapter 70 funds portation reimbursements and reim- ment under Chapter 70, but not more away from many municipally operated bursements for transporting homeless than the increase in required local con- school districts, and place greater strain students to their original school district, tribution in fiscal 2022 relative to fiscal on the districts that serve the vast ma- as mandated under the McKinney-Vento 2021. This is a new temporary provision jority of public schoolchildren. that is explained on the Department of Act. Reimbursements for transportation Elementary and Secondary Education The MMA asked legislators to consider of out-of-district vocational students school finance website. a “circuit breaker” to protect the school remains significantly underfunded at districts most negatively impacted by $250,000 in House 1. The MMA asked The DESE website also has fiscal 2022 the charter funding system. legislators to fully fund these accounts. Chapter 70 aid and net school spend- ing requirements under the governor’s Rural school assistance PILOT budget for each city, town and regional The Student Opportunity Act provides The governor’s budget would level-fund school district, as well as preliminary for a commission to study the long-term payments-in-lieu-of-taxes at $31 fiscal 2022 charter school assessments fiscal health of rural school districts, but million, which the MMA argued would and reimbursements. it did not address the unique financial be a significant hardship for many and operational challenges faced by smaller, rural communities with large Charter schools rural districts. The MMA asked legisla- amounts of state-owned land. This is House 1 would fund the first year of tors to adequately fund the Rural School a key account due to the major impact the Student Opportunity Act’s three- Assistance Program. that PILOT payments have on budgets year phase-in formula for the charter in a number of small communities. The school reimbursement account. The Special Education Circuit Breaker MMA asked that the Legislature follow MMA is urging the Legislature to fund the guidance in the state auditor’s The MMA asked legislators to fully fund essentially years one and two of the law recently released report suggesting that the state’s share of eligible educational to remain on the intended schedule to the line item should be $45 million. ● mitigate Chapter 70 losses from public costs, with the schedule included in school districts to charter schools. the Student Opportunity Act, which

26 • The Beacon • April 2021 TRANSPORTATION In addition to basic project information, Community support is required Continued from page 4 the committee will require all submis- The committees have made it clear that sions to include the following informa- community engagement and support are Example: Provide $100,000 for capital tion for each project requested: crucial in determining which projects improvements to a community center in are worthy of federal funding. Only City, County, State • Documentation that the project is on the state, tribal, or territorial projects with demonstrated community • Programmatic Request: a request to transportation improvement program support will be considered. fund a specific program in the bill at a (STIP); and on the metropolitan Municipalities can provide evidence of specified level transportation improvement program community support such as: Examples: Provide $100,000,000 for (TIP), if applicable • Letters of support from elected the Low and No Emission Bus program; • Sources of funding for the full share community leaders Support highest possible funding for of the cost of the project beyond the Community Development Block Grants • Press articles highlighting the need amount requested for the requested community project • Language Request: a request to include • Letter(s) of support from the state funding specific bill or report language that department of transportation, or local does not direct funding to a particular • Support from newspaper editorial government, transit agency or other boards entity but encourages, urges or directs non-federal sponsor some type of action by an agency • Projects listed on state intended use • A description of the process that has plans, community development plans, Example: The Committee encourages the been or will be followed to provide an U.S. Department of Transportation to or other publicly available planning opportunity for public comment on documents integrate considerations of the impacts the project of climate change into all aspects of the • Resolutions passed by city councils or Department’s transportation planning • Project phase (e.g., Planning, Final boards Design, Construction) and into competitive grant and formula Projects may have two congressional programs • NEPA category of action (e.g., supporters. According to the committee, Every member of Congress gets Categorical Exclusion, Environmental if one member of Congress wishes to to submit and rank highway and Assessment, Environmental Impact sign onto a letter of community sup- transit projects: The Transportation Statement) port that another member intends to Committee has announced preliminary • Status of environmental review submit as part of a formal request, the details for members of Congress to • Whether the project has received first member should take the extra time submit highway and transit transpor- federal funding previously, and if so, to also include a financial disclosure tation requests as part of the process the source and amount statement to ensure the highest ethical for the FAST Act federal transportation standards in the process. • Certification that the member, their reauthorization. The formal process will Reprinted with permission from the be announced later this month. spouse, and other immediate family members do not have a financial National League of Cities. Brittney Kohler The committee has strongly encouraged interest in the project is the program director for Transportation members to begin gathering this infor- and Infrastructure on the NLC’s Federal mation now and work directly to get Additional information and updates are Advocacy team. local and MPO project requests. available on the Transportation Com- mittee website.

VACCINATIONS churches, and health care providers to through Outer Cape Health Services. Continued from page 9 get the word out. Chatham is another example of a col- “The Yarmouth Council on Aging has laborative effort, involving members of Cape Cod Regional Vaccine Consortium its Health Division, Council on Aging, — comprising municipalities, health been keeping a list of homebound residents in need of vaccinations,” said Housing Authority and Police and Fire care providers and others — is provid- departments. ing overarching support for outreach Health Director Bruce Murphy. “At and appointments, targeted efforts for this time, we have approximately 130 “Their willingness and ability to work homebound residents are also proceed- homebound residents that we plan to through the complexities of this process ing. vaccinate by the end of March to the to protect some of our most vulnerable first week of April.” citizens is testament to their dedication The Yarmouth Health Department is The town of Chatham began its in-home as public servants,” said Town Manager partnering with Outer Cape Health Jill Goldsmith. Services to provide in-home vaccines, program on March 22, deploying para- with assistance from the Yarmouth medics and EMTs to vaccinate 24 resi- Lisa Capone is a freelance writer. Fire Department. Yarmouth tapped the dents in 17 homes with the single-dose Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Johnson & Johnson vaccine supplied

April 2021 • The Beacon • 27 Classified Advertisements

EMPLOYMENT field and five years’ experience in public health or supervisory, and technical work relating to the comparable required. Minimum of three years of enforcement and interpretations of Department OPPORTUNITIES experience with food inspection and septic systems. of Revenue (DOR) regulations as they pertain Certifications required: MA Registered Sanitarian/ to the operations of the Assessing Department Health Officer, Lead Inspector, Licensed Soil in accordance with state and local statutes and Budget Analyst Evaluator, Title V Septic Inspector, Food Program regulations pertaining to municipal assessments City of Methuen Manager, Registered Certified Pool Operator. This is a and the policies of the Board of Assessors; all other General statement of duties: The Budget Analyst full-time position (40 hours) in Ashland, Mass. Salary related work as required. Recommended Minimum provides administrative, analytical, technical, range is $80,000-$95,000 annually. Apply online: Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in advisory, and clerical support for the Chief www.ashlandmass.com. business administration, finance or a related field Administrative and Financial Officer in the DPW Water Worker 3 of endeavor. Experience: Three years of experience discharge of their duties, including research, data in property tax administration. Substitutions: An collection, budget projections and statistical and Town of Wayland additional four years of related experience may be quantitative analysis. The Budget Analyst performs Union/Grade: Teamsters/D-11. Full-time: 40 substituted for the degree requirement. Licenses/ responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge hours/week. Salary Range: $29.72/hr - $36.23/ Certificate: Bi-annual Certificate of Completion and understanding of each department’s role, hr. Description of position: Performs technical and of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal operations and responsibilities and requiring the skilled manual work in the operation of a water Practice (USPAP) as required by the Massachusetts exercise of judgment and initiative within prescribed treatment plant and water treatment systems; Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) and MA limits. This position has frequent interaction with performs skilled manual and technical work Department of Revenue. Must possess a valid driver’s the city’s various departments and has contact in construction and maintenance of the water license to operate a motor vehicle. Date posted: Feb. with personnel from state agencies and other distribution system. Recommended Minimum 24. Closing date: Open until filled. To apply: Please municipalities. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Qualifications: Education: high school diploma; submit a resume and cover letter to the Human finance or a related field with three to five years of additional related education or training is preferred. Resources Manager, Town of Wayland, 41 Cochituate progressively responsible experience in municipal Experience: Three years of experience working in Road, Wayland, MA 01778 or [email protected]. The financial reporting, or administrative support work in public water systems. Experience in water treatment town of Wayland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. a municipal finance office; or equivalent combination plant is desirable. Licenses/Certificates: Minimum of education and experience. Salary: $75,197-$83,552 of a full Grade 2 Treatment (2T) at time of hire; Senior Planner Economic Development annually. Submit city of Methuen application and full Grade 2 Distribution (2D) at time of hire or in Berkshire Regional Planning Commission resume to: City of Methuen, Human Resource training Grade 2 Distribution (2D) as soon as possible Berkshire Regional Planning Commission seeks a Department, Room 206, 41 Pleasant St., Methuen, within DEP regulatory guidelines and applicable laws. collaborative self-motivated individual to join the MA 01844 or by email to HumanResources@ Must have a valid Class B driver’s license. Must have Economic Development program. This position cityofmethuen.net. a valid 2B hoisting license, 2A preferred. Date posted: will be instrumental in assisting communities and Feb. 24. Closing date: Open until filled. Apply to: businesses in the Berkshires in their economic Resilience Manager (grant funded) Human Resources Manager, Town of Wayland, 41 recovery and improved resilience to future City of Chelsea Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778 or hr@wayland. economic disruptions. Visit berkshireplanning.org/ The city of Chelsea is seeking for a qualified ma.us. The town of Wayland is an Equal Opportunity senior-planner-economic-development. Minimum Resilience Manager, a role integral to addressing Employer. requirements: Master’s degree in planning, the climate risks facing the North Suffolk region. Director of Assessing economic development, business, marketing and Under the purview of an Executive Committee, communications or closely related field, plus two composed of representatives from the three Town of Wayland years’ experience, or bachelor’s degree with degree/ communities, the Office is housed within the city of Department: Assessor’s Office. Full-time: 35 hours/ coursework in related subjects and four years of full- Chelsea’s Department of Housing and Community week. Union/Grade: AFSCME/G-9. Starting Salary: time experience. Candidates must have a valid driver’s Development. The ideal candidate shall possess a $76,640-$81,281. Salary Range: $76,640-$101,865. license and access to a private vehicle. Cover letter, background in and knowledge of climate resilience, Description of position: Professional, administrative, resume, and writing sample to demonstrated through a track record of progressively responsible and disciplined project management. For a full job description and application, please visit our Classified advertising rates and information website at www.chelseama.gov/jobs. The Beacon publishes classified ads from units of Beacon deadlines and publication dates Sustainability Manager (grant funded) government, public agencies, and companies. The Beacon is published on the first business day City of Chelsea of each month, except in the summer, when a Classified advertising categories are: Employment combined July-August issue is printed in mid-July. The Office is seeking qualified candidates for the Opportunities, Requests for Proposals, and position of Sustainability Manager (grant funded), Services. Only one job opening or RFP can be listed May Beacon a role integral to addressing the climate risks facing per ad. The MMA cannot assume responsibility for Deadline: April 23 the North Suffolk region. Under the purview of an information or claims made in any advertisement. Publication: April 30 Executive Committee, composed of representatives Classified advertising rates June Beacon from the three communities, the Office is housed Classified ad rates include publication in The Deadline: May 26 within the city of Chelsea’s Department of Housing Beacon and on www.mma.org, though a discount is Publication: June 2 and Community Development. The Sustainability available for those who request placement of an ad Placing an ad only in The Beacon or on the website. Manager shall bring demonstrated practical You may use our convenient online form at experience in climate resilience planning, with an Member rates www.mma.org. emphasis on equity and justice. For the full job • $100 for first 100 words; $100 for each description and application, please visit our website at additional block of up to 100 words For more information, call Meredith Gabrilska www.chelseama.gov/jobs. at the MMA at 617-426-7272. • Rate for one format only (print or website): $75 Public Health Director for first 100 words, $75 for each additional block Town of Ashland of up to 100 words The town of Ashland is seeking a collaborative Public Nonmember rates Missed the Beacon deadline for an Health Director. This position enforces state and employment ad? You can still get the • $150 for first 100 words; $150 for each word out – right away. local public health laws, rules and regulations. Core additional block of up to 100 words COVID-related work handled by another position. • Rate for one format only (print or website): See www.mma.org for details. Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related $125 for first 100 words, $125 for each additional block of up to 100 words

28 • The Beacon • April 2021 Classified Advertisements

[email protected] with Senior Planner – events. Full-time/Benefited/Non-Union. Salary: of full-time Highway Director, minimum 40 hours Economic Development in subject line. Commensurate with experience. For a complete per week which may include nights, weekends Commissioner of Public Health description of the position and/or to apply please visit and emergency situations. The duties include brockton.ma.us/city-departments/human-resources/ management, development and maintenance of the City of Quincy job-postings. City of Brockton residency required, town’s infrastructure assets and related services. The The Commissioner of Public Health is responsible or candidate shall, within one year of employment, Highway Director performs high level managerial, for the development, direction, coordination and establish residency within the city. The city of administrative and professional engineering work in supervision of the public health programs for the Brockton is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity managing, directing and conducting the activities of city of Quincy. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Employer. the Highway Department relating to roads, parks, Commissioner of Public Health will administer and Public Access Assistant drainage, facility management, engineering review, oversee programs, policies and budget preparation for and snow and ice operations. The Highway Director the Department of Public Health. The Commissioner Town of Millbury is responsible for maintaining and improving upon is responsible for enforcing public health laws This is a 15 hour, part-time, evening hours’, non- the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/ and regulations. Essential Functions: 1. Plans and benefited position. This position may work the her direction and control. The Highway Director may administers community health service programs, occasional holiday and weekends. Duties include serve as the Hanson’s Tree Warden, with training including prioritizing, monitoring and evaluating the but not limited to: Assisting the Public Access in the field arbor-culture and pesticides provided, effectiveness and efficiency of programs, developing Director with the operations and programming of if needed. The Highway Director works under the and implementing plans to improve services. 2. local cable access channels, social media, Final Cut supervision of the Town Administrator and the Board Enforces state and local public health laws, rules and Pro, editing footage, streaming, studio production, of Selectmen. Further information regarding this regulations for the city; manages a comprehensive post production, facilitating Zoom meetings, position is available by contacting the Hanson Town public health program for the city. 3. Identifies and broadcasting content, and general record keeping. Administrator’s office at 781-293-2131. Applications, evaluates the need for new programs for prevention Qualifications: Degree or certificate in television resumes and references will be accepted through and control of health problems; recommends and production or communications; should be able to Friday, April 30 at 11 a.m. Hanson is an equal coordinates operations to implement new programs sit or stand for long periods of time and lift over opportunity employer. This position will remain open or modify existing ones. 4. Acts as a public health 65 pounds. Understanding of open meeting law until filled. liaison with the general public, media, other and public records law preferred. Salary: $16 per city departments and health care professionals. hour. All applicants must be able to pass a criminal Town Planner (full-time) 5. Oversees the review, development, and background/CORI check and a pre-employment Town of Dalton implementation of policies, procedures, processes and physical including drug testing. Resumes will be Open until filled. Go to www.dalton-ma.gov and click guidelines in compliance with Massachusetts General accepted until position filled at: Human Resources on Job Posting for further information. EOE/AA Laws, board of health regulations, and city charter Department, Town of Millbury, 127 Elm St., Millbury, Head Mechanic and bylaws. 6. Advises the Mayor and other city MA 01527. [email protected] AA/EOE Town of Holliston departments in all community/public health matters. Department of Public Works Director 7. Oversees inspection of restaurants and retail food The town of Holliston is seeking a full-time head establishments for compliance with applicable laws. Town of Marion mechanic responsible for repair, maintenance, Responsible for investigating violations and resolving The town of Marion seeks qualified applicants registration and safety inspection of department complex complaints. 8. Prepares for public health to direct and oversee the operations of the equipment and vehicles. Operate snow and ice emergencies, including potential infectious disease Department of Public Works. A Professional equipment; establish budget; prepare bids for major outbreaks in accordance with the requirements Engineer is preferred, or bachelor’s degree with repairs; recommend vendors. Five years experience of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the specialization in engineering, technical/science, in automotive, diesel and equipment maintenance Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). program management or a related field with 10 years’ and repair. Class B Massachusetts CDL required. 9. Develops department budget. 10. Participates related work experience, with a minimum of three Class C hoisting license 2A and 2B required within in a variety of meetings, committees etc. regarding years in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent one year. Hourly range: $27.07-$33.46. Applications community health. 11. Collaborates with City combination of education, training and experience. A are available at www.townofholliston.us and may be leadership in applicable community and departments full description of the responsibilities, requirements, submitted to [email protected] or dropped on identifying gaps in community health services. 12. qualifications, and deadline to respond to this off: Holliston Town Hall, 703 Washington St., Performs similar or related work as required, directed advertisement is available on the town of Marion Holliston, MA 01746, attn: Cheryl Houle. Deadline is or as situation dictates. Recommended Minimum website at www.marionma.gov. The town of Marion is April 2 at 12 p.m. or until position is filled. Qualifications: Education and Experience: Bachelor’s an Equal Opportunity Employer. Treasurer/Collector degree in public health, nursing or related field; Highway Superintendent Town of Georgetown master’s degree preferred. Five years of experience Town of Blandford Finance Department, full-time (40 hours). Four-day- in a position in a public health program; progressive This full-time and benefited working Department per-week, salaried position. Salary: $85,000-$95,000, supervisory experience preferably in a municipal Head position is responsible for planning, directing depending on experience. The town of Georgetown setting; or an equivalent combination of education and supervising the activities and operation of is seeking qualified applicants for the position of and experience. Certified MA Registered Sanitarian the Blandford’s Highway Department, which Treasurer/Collector. This is a full-time position and/or Certified Health Officer a plus. Strong skills includes the construction, improvement, repair, appointed by the Board of Selectmen and reporting in organization, communication and familiarity with care and maintenance of designated highways, to the Town Administrator/Acting Finance Director. Microsoft Office software are required. Must have a bridges, and culverts within the town. The Highway This individual will work independently under thorough and proven knowledge of the principles, Superintendent is also responsible for supervising the general administrative direction of the Town practices and current developments in public health the work of highway crew(s) composed of Heavy Administrator and is responsible for supervising the administration. Please submit cover letter and resume Equipment Operators, Motor Equipment Operators, receipt, collection, custody, deposit, investment and to Patricia McGowan, Director of Human Resources, Mechanics, and Laborers. Salary range for this disbursement of town funds and other securities at [email protected]. position is $62,000 to $72,000, depending on and the maintenance of related records. Required Constituent Services Liaison experience and qualifications. A full job description Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in City of Brockton with submission of application guidelines can be accounting, business or public administration Works to ensure consistent issues reported to found at www.townofblandford.com/job-openings. or a closely related field with five years’ treasury the Mayor’s office are handled promptly and Closing date for all applications is Friday, April 16. management experience preferred an equivalent combination of experience and education may be professionally. Assists in planning and executing Highway Director considered. Certification by the Treasurer/Collectors’ community events. Maintain consistent engagement Town of Hanson with all constituents to assure their needs are met. Salary Range $80,000 - $100,000 (DOQ). The town n CLASSIFIEDS continued on 30 Represents the office of the Mayor at community of Hanson seeks qualified applicants for the position

April 2021 • The Beacon • 29 Classified Advertisements

CLASSIFIEDS Inspector of Buildings/Zoning departments, commissions, boards, committees, Enforcement Officer Continued from page 29 and offices of the town of Williamsburg, carries out Town of Boxford the policies and activities of the Board of Selectmen, Association of Massachusetts or the ability to obtain The town of Boxford is seeking an Inspector of and serves as liaison and coordinator among other certification as soon as possible. Duties require Buildings to enforce all applicable codes relating town departments and organizations. A bachelor’s considerable knowledge of legal provisions governing to building construction, design and zoning degree in public administration, business or a related the receipt, custody and accounting of town enforcement and to respond to all inquiries regarding field is required; three to five years of experience in revenues; accounting principles, practices, procedures code and bylaw interpretation, etc. Qualifications: municipal administration, as Town Administrator and related computer operations; and treasury High school diploma required; related higher preferred, or a related field; or an equivalent management principles, practices and procedures. education or additional technical training preferred. combination of education and experience. Position is Knowledge of modem office practices and procedures, Eight years of experience in building construction 40 hours per week with a minimum of two evenings and the operation of office equipment are required. supervision and knowledge of zoning is required. per month required. Salary is commensurate Ability to maintain financial records, prepare and MA Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License with experience. A job description and the town present complete financial reports and to reconcile required; Must be a MA Certified Inspector of application are available on the town’s website, www. departmental reports with those of the Accountant’s Buildings or be qualified to become a MA Certified burgy.org. Resume, cover letter, and completed town office is essential. Ability to establish and maintain Inspector of Buildings within 18 months of application should be sent to the Williamsburg Town effective working relationships with government appointment. Thorough knowledge of MA Building Administrator Search Committee, P.O. Box 447, officials, department heads, employees and the Code. Knowledge of permit tracking software is a Haydenville, MA by April 16 at 5 p.m. general public is essential to performing the functions plus. Valid MA driver’s license required. This position Coordinator/Senior Level IT Technician comes with benefits and a compensation range of of this position. Strong customer service skills and Town of Uxbridge $34.02-$44.99 per hour. Working hours within the the ability to deal with the public in a calm, tactful The coordinator/senior level technician is established range of 26-32 hours per week are to be determined. and courteous manner are required. Familiarity with for the purpose of providing technical leadership for The job description is available on the town website Munis software and proficiency in the use of Word, the town by coordinating, maintaining, all of the at www.town.boxford.ma.us/human-resources/ Excel, and presentation applications. Interested technology systems in the town of Uxbridge from the pages/inspector-buildingszoning-enforcement- applicants should send a resume via email only to: direction of the Technology Director. Three to five officer. Applications will be accepted until finalists are Town Administrator’s Office Attn; Maureen Shultz, years’ experience in a technology leadership position chosen. Submit resume with cover letter of interest [email protected]. EEO/AA is preferred, extensive knowledge of technology to: Susan Inman, Assistant Town Administrator, uses in hardware and network operations, as well as Assistant to the Assessors Boxford Town Hall, 7A Spofford Road, Boxford, MA management, demonstrated success working within a Town of Gill 01921 or via email at [email protected]. diverse workforce with multiple, extensive knowledge The town of Gill is accepting applications for a For questions call Susan Inman at 978-887-6740. of network security is preferred. Municipal experience part-time, benefited Assistant to the Assessors. EOE Performs technical and administrative work related preferred. Information on applying and a full job Drinking Water Treatment Operator to the operation of the Assessors’ Office and the description can be found under Careers at www. administration of a fair and equitable town-wide Town of Amesbury uxbridge-ma.gov. property appraisal system in accordance with The Amesbury Water Dept. is seeking a 2nd shift Director of Community Development (3-11 p.m.) Drinking Water Treatment Operator. Massachusetts General Laws, and all other related Town of Douglas Amesbury’s public water system operates under work as required. The Assistant to the Assessors is The town of Douglas seeks qualified candidates strict state and federal regulations. To help meet appointed by and is under the general direction of for the full-time role of Director of Community the stringent standards, quality control and quality the Board of Assessors. Attendance at some evening Development. This is a unique opportunity for assurance procedures are employed at every level of meetings is required. Applicants must possess strong a forward-thinking, committed public servant water system operations. A multi-barrier approach verbal and written communication skills. The job to participate in a comprehensive overhaul of an to drinking water protection is in place to eliminate description and employment application form are active planning and development department. contamination from the supply water all the way available at gillmass.org/jobs. The salary is negotiable Process design, staffing levels, and use of technology to the tap. The management and employee teams based on qualifications. Review of applications starts resources are all part of the conversation. The Director charged with the responsibility for providing safe mid-April and continues until the position is filled. is accountable to the job description posted with drinking water to you are skilled and well-trained. Submit an employment application, resume and other job application materials at www.douglas-ma. With this combination of measures, we are able to cover letter for consideration by mail to Town of Gill, gov. The town will consider candidates with either a provide a safe and reliable product that is essential Attention: Board of Assessors, 325 Main Road, Gill, planning or a civil engineering background. Planners to this community. Required qualifications: MA 01354 or by email to [email protected]. For must have a bachelor’s degree in the planning field Massachusetts Drinking Water Grade 3T Full questions, please call 413-863-0138. The town of Gill and no less than five years of management and Operator license or greater, Massachusetts Class D is an equal opportunity employer. project exposure as a municipal planner or as a Driver’s License, two years minimum working in deputy planner in a community of 30,000 or greater. Activity Coordinator a Drinking Water Facility. Salary range $24.45 to Registered professional engineers must have a Town of Swampscott $30.06; 40 hrs/week. Employment applications are bachelor’s degree and no less than five years of active This part-time position is a key player of the available online at www.amesburyma.gov/public- experience as an engineer and no less than two years Swampscott Senior Center Team. The position is works. Please send the completed application with of experience working for a municipality. This role is a responsible for planning and implementing a wide a cover letter to: Dept. of Public Works, 39 South salaried, supervisory, exempt, fully benefited position range of programs and activities designed to meet the Hunt Road, Amesbury, MA 01913 or email to forde@ requiring a minimum of 40 hours of work per week. interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial amesburyma.gov. Starting salary range from $74,100 to $83,800 DQE. well-being of the participants of the Senior Center. Town Administrator This position will remain open until filled. Submit a Overseen by the Senior Center Director, this position cover letter, resume, and town of Douglas application assists with promoting programs and services Town of Williamsburg for employment to Matthew J. Wojcik, Town through a monthly newsletter, social media, a Williamsburg, Mass., is seeking applicants for a Administrator, 29 Depot St., Douglas, MA 01516 or bulletin board, and other modes of communication. Town Administrator. Williamsburg has a population via email to Suzanne Kane at skane@douglas-ma. The Swampscott Senior Center is an active hub of of approximately 2,500 and an annual operating gov. The town of Douglas is an equal opportunity resources and programs for the senior community budget of $8.29 million. As the chief administrative employer and provider. in Swampscott. View the full job description: www. officer of the town, the Town Administrator is swampscottma.gov/human-resources/pages/ appointed by and reports to the Board of Selectmen. employment-opportunities. While working with considerable independence, the Town Administrator performs administrative and supervisory duties coordinating the activities of the

30 • The Beacon • April 2021 Classified Advertisements

government and nonprofit clients across the country. include executive recruitments, assessment centers SERVICES Seasoned local government professionals provide and promotional testing; public safety organizational five-star quality services including: Classification and studies; finance operations; interim staffing; internal Compensation Studies; Temporary and Outsourced investigations; efficiency and regionalization studies. Municipal Energy Services staffing; Performance Evaluation System and MRI has an extensive group of experienced subject Through the MMA’s MunEnergy program, MMA Training. Visit our website at www.GovHRusa.com or experts that are able to provide the technical and members have access to an energy contract designed contact us at 847-380-3240 or [email protected] to management expertise that can help communities exclusively for Massachusetts cities and towns. The discuss how we may serve your organization. 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For additional information on the legal services that KP | Law provides, please visit www.k-plaw.com or contact provide assistance with disposition or reuse of tax more information, contact Principal Bernard Lynch at parcels. The breadth of our experience, volume, use 978-621-6733 or [email protected]; Lauren Goldberg, Esq., at 617-556-0007, or toll-free at 800-548-3522, or at [email protected]. of experienced paralegals, state-of-the-art computer www.communityparadigm.com. and informational services, and close proximity to Executive Recruiting, Interim Staffing, General Consultant, Recruiting and the Land Court enables us to provide prompt, cost- Human Resources and Management Special Studies effective services. For additional information, please Consulting Municipal Resources Inc. has been providing visit www.k-plaw.com or contact Lauren Goldberg, GovHR USA/GovTempsUSA provides executive management solutions to New England Esq. at 617-556-0007, or toll-free at 800-548-3522, recruiting and interim staffing solutions, municipalities since 1989. MRI is able to provide or at [email protected]. expertise when and where it’s needed. Our services management and human resource consulting to local n CLASSIFIEDS continued on 32

April 2021 • The Beacon • 31 Classified Advertisements

CLASSIFIEDS website at CliffordKennyLaw.com to see a complete in executive recruitment, interim management, Continued from page 31 list of our satisfied clients or call John Clifford or form of government studies, organizational Jaime Kenny at 781-924-5796 for more information. effectiveness evaluations, strategic and financial Municipal Financial Management Municipal Financial Management planning and conflict resolution. Tom Groux and Rick White, One Pelham Road, Lexington, MA 02421; Software: Accounting, Cloud, Utility and Services Collections [email protected]; 781-572-6332; www. Eric A. Kinsherf, CPA, has been involved in municipal grouxwhiteconsulting.com. VADAR Systems provides financial management finance since 1994 in various capacities, ranging from software to more than 100 Massachusetts Finance Director to an auditor of municipalities as municipalities. Our accounting, cloud, utility and a Certified Public Accountant. Cities and towns in RFPs collections applications are designed exclusively for need of a CPA specializing in municipal auditing and Massachusetts municipalities by Massachusetts end consulting are offered services such as municipal users. The VADAR Cloud maximizes efficiency with audits, assistance in year-end closing, interim Town Counsel Services 24/7 secure, remote access to all your applications treasurer, collector and town accountant services, Town of Bourne from any device. Our user support offers unparalleled revenue forecasting, and capital financing plan The town of Bourne seeks to appoint an attorney expertise. Proudly serving Massachusetts for 20-plus assistance. If you are in need of a municipal audit or or law firm as Town Counsel on or about May years. For a free on-site demonstration, please contact a financial consultant, please contact Eric Kinsherf at 18, 2021. Interested parties must meet/exceed us at 877-823-2700 or [email protected]. [email protected] or at 508-833-8508. Learn the qualifications stated in the RFQ/I, be readily Learn more at www.VADARsystems.com. Locally more at www.erickinsherfcpa.com. accessible to authorized public officials, exceptionally owned and operated at 20 Main St., Suite G1, Acton, experienced in municipal law as described in Human Resources Consulting MA 01701. the RFQ/I, possess an adherence to the highest Human Resources Services Inc. provides a full range Labor Counsel Services/Municipal standards of professional conduct and ethics, and of human resource management consulting services be committed to rendering sound and objective Human Resources Specialists to Massachusetts’ local governments and other public legal advice and opinion. In seeking Town Counsel, Clifford and Kenny, LLP provides quality agencies. Specialization includes compensation/ the Board of Selectmen is not bound by MGL c30B representation to cities, towns and school districts classification, performance appraisal, job analysis or by any other constraints apart from member’s in the area of labor and employment. Attorneys and evaluation, job descriptions, salary/benefits and sound judgment. This process is being used to John Clifford and Jaime Kenny have many years total compensation surveys and analytics, personnel communicate the desired qualifications of Town of experience in representing clients for collective policies/handbooks, staffing and organizational Counsel and to solicit information in an orderly bargaining and personnel-related matters including management studies, HR audits and assessments, fashion for rough comparative purposes. The town of discipline and discharge of unionized employees. HR training services, recruitment and selection Bourne reserves the right to waive any irregularities We have extensive experience in the area of police services, web-based HR services, and special projects. in the RFQ/I process and to accept or reject any or and fire injured-on-duty cases, and have worked Please contact Sandy Stapczynski, President, Human all proposals. Full context and instructions may be extensively with municipalities and insurers to Resources Services Inc., 9 Bartlet St., Suite 186, found on the town website (townofbourne.com) resolve costly long-term claims. We offer training in Andover, MA 01810; 978-474-0200; hrsconsulting@ under “Town Bids/RFPs.” Sealed envelopes containing sexual harassment, social media and the “just cause comcast.net; or visit www.hrsconsultinginc.com. responses shall be marked “Town Counsel RFQ/I” analysis” to municipal managers. 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MIIA An article last August in the Harvard substance use disorder benefits Continued from page 15 Business Review notes that bosses can • Offer benefits and resources that demonstrate that they are vulnerable by supervisors, managers and staff so support caregivers, and provide acknowledging what has brought them everyone feels comfortable sharing their education on personal finance to help discomfort during these times. The personal needs for support. employees that are feeling lost amid article also suggests modeling healthy major life changes and events Demonstrating this openness can come behaviors, such as sharing that you’re in many forms, such as having online taking a walk in the middle of the day, With the weather getting nicer, man- support groups for employees or making having a therapy appointment, or priori- agers can address social isolation by mental health professionals available tizing a staycation. holding small outdoor gatherings with during all-hands calls to talk about men- safety protocols in place. Additional tips for employers include: tal health and to dispel myths. We’ve all been living through strange • Hosting online mental health webinars Employers may consider programs and difficult times. The pandemic has on topics such as grief, anxiety, and such as MIIA’s WellAware, which has a created a range of stressful and chal- substance use comprehensive suite of online, onsite, lenging situations for most everyone. self-directed and telephonic options in • Rebranding “sick days” to “wellness Empathy, kindness and offering support all areas of well-being. MIIA’s Learn to days” to encourage employees to use are the top ways to help yourself and Live offers customized online programs those days for emotional as well as your employees get through this period. based on the proven principles of cog- physical health Joyce McMahon is a freelance writer. nitive behavioral therapy, which can be • Offering an employee health plan that very effective. is progressive on mental health and

32 • The Beacon • April 2021 Calendar TheBeacon PERIODICALS Massachusetts Municipal Association APRIL 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02108

1 Women Leading Government, If any part of the address on this issue is incorrect, please email the correct information to [email protected]. remote meeting, 10 a.m.-noon. Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMA is hosting meetings Coordinator Denise Baker remotely until after Labor Day. Meeting details may be subject to change. 8 Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association, webinar, 12-1 p.m. Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise 30 Women Elected Municipal 20 Massachusetts Municipal Baker Officials, virtual meeting, 11 Human Resources, HR101 Boot a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Contact: Member Camp webinar #4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 13 Massachusetts Municipal Services Coordinator Isabelle Nichols Contact: Member Services Coordinator Councillors’ Association, Isabelle Nichols remote board meeting, 8:45-9:30 a.m. Contact: MMA Senior Member Services MAY 27 Massachusetts Municipal Coordinator Denise Baker Human Resources, HR101 Boot Camp webinar #5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MMA Board of Directors, 5 Association of Town Finance 13 Committees, governing board, Contact: Member Services Coordinator remote meeting, 10-11 a.m. Isabelle Nichols Contact: MMA Executive Director’s office remote, 4-5 p.m. Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker 13 Massachusetts Select Board JUNE Association, remote board meeting, 2-3:30 p.m. Contact: MMA 6 Massachusetts Municipal Member Services Coordinator Isabelle Human Resources, HR101 Boot 3 Massachusetts Municipal Nichols Camp webinar #2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Management Association, Contact: Member Services Coordinator remote meeting. Contact: Senior Member 15 Massachusetts Municipal Isabelle Nichols Services Coordinator Denise Baker Management Association and Massachusetts Municipal Human 11 Massachusetts Municipal 8 Massachusetts Municipal Resources, remote joint meeting, Councillors’ Association, Councillors’ Association, 2-4 p.m. Contact: Member Services remote board meeting, 8:45-9:45 a.m. remote board meeting, 8:45-9:45 a.m. Coordinator Isabelle Nichols and Senior Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Member Services Coordinator Denise Coordinator Denise Baker Coordinator Denise Baker Baker 11 MMA Board of Directors, 8 MMA Board of Directors, 21 Association of Town Finance remote meeting, 10-11 a.m. remote meeting, 10-11 a.m. Committees, webinar, 7-8 p.m. Contact: MMA Executive Director’s office Contact: MMA Executive Director’s office Contact: MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Denise Baker 11 Massachusetts Select Board 8 Massachusetts Select Board Association, remote board Association, remote board 28 Massachusetts Mayors’ meeting, 2-3:30 p.m. Contact: MMA meeting, 2-3:30 p.m. Contact: MMA Association, remote monthly Member Services Coordinator Isabelle Member Services Coordinator Isabelle meeting, 10-11 a.m. Contact: MMA Nichols Nichols Communications and Membership Director Candace Pierce 13 Massachusetts Municipal To list an event of interest to municipal officials Human Resources, HR101 Boot in The Beacon, send information about the Massachusetts Municipal Camp webinar #3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. event, including date, location, sponsorship, 29 Contact: Member Services Coordinator cost, and whom to call for more information, to Human Resources, HR101 Boot [email protected]. Camp webinar #1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Isabelle Nichols Contact: Member Services Coordinator Association of Town Finance Isabelle Nichols 13 MMA contacts Committees, webinar, 4-5:15 Denise Baker can be reached at p.m. Contact: Senior Member Services [email protected] Coordinator Denise Baker Isabelle Nichols can be reached at [email protected] For more information, Online registration is available for Timmery Kuck can be reached at visit www.mma.org. most of these events. [email protected]

April 2021 • The Beacon • 33