Westborough – Town Moderator John Arnold released this statement this morning notifying residents that the Annual Town Meeting will now be tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 21. The meeting originally was scheduled for March 28 and then moved to April 25 due to the pandemic.
Arnold’s message is below:
This Declaration is being issued pursuant to the authority vested in the Town Moderator by the provisions of G.L. c. 39, §10A.
This declaration provides notice to the Town of Westborough that I have determined that it is in the public’s interest, due to the continued public health and safety risks posed by COVID-19, to recess and continue the Annual Town Meeting to Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the Westborough High School Gymnasium and Auditorium. This is the Annual Town Meeting with a warrant posted for the originally scheduled date of March 28, 2020.
I am making this Declaration after careful and considerable deliberation of our current situation. The state of emergency put in place by Governor Baker remains in place and the guidance against having large gatherings of people remains in effect. After additional consultation with the Selectmen, the Board of Health, and other public safety officials, it is clear that the Town Meeting should not be held on April 25, 2020.
Given the important role of Town Meeting as the legislative body of the Town and my obligation to ensure that those who wish to participate are able to participate without undue risk to their health or safety, I have concluded that further delaying the Annual Town Meeting is in the best interest of the Town and its citizens.
At this time, G.L. c. 39, §10A does not allow a postponement beyond 30 days so I am postponing as far into the future as the law allows without interfering with the Town’s Memorial Day weekend activities. Postponing the meeting to a Thursday evening is not an ideal solution. However, the current situation indicates that another postponement may be required. This postponement to May 21 allows a subsequent postponement to Saturday, June 20 if that becomes necessary. I will continue to monitor any changes to the legislation and the health emergency and will continue to consult with the Selectmen, the Board of Health, and our Town staff. I will let the people of Westborough know if further postponements are necessary.
Please contact me at [email protected] or call the Town Manager’s office with any further questions: 508-366-3030.
