THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 3 Finally! Town Hall set to reopen Monday without requiring an appointment By Mark E. Vogler A fter more than a year of Town Hall being closed to the public – except by telephone or special appointment – residents will be able to walk into the historic building that houses Saugus local government unannounced – effective on Monday (May 24). opening plan for certain municipal buildings. With Gov. Charlie Baker announced an end to COVID-19 restrictions earlier this week, and the number of confirmed Saugus Coronavirus cases and deaths on a decline in recent weeks, Crabtree figured it is a good time to return to a semblance of normalcy. “Town of Saugus will be governor’s orders announced this week and the ever-changing environment, local officials will continue to update and make further announcements on future changes.” “Please note the Town Hall has been servicing the residents of Saugus since the beginning of the pandemic. Please continue to call and make an appointment as necessary until Monday, May 24. Appointments are still encouraged,” the press release said. The following plans relating to the reopening of buildings will be going into effect Monday (May 24): A standing queue will be implemented for residents visiting Town Hall. This includes floor markings for social distancing while waiting for available staff to assist. Masks will still be required. During the initial roll out, patrons who wish to visit the Town Hall offices would enter the building and go to the office they wish to visit, and an employee will come out and assist them. “This allows the Town to limOPENING FOR BUSINESS AGAIN: Saugus residents and other people will be able to visit Town Hall again, effective Monday (May 24). (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “I want to thank the Town staff and their hard work to get this reopening plan put together, and for the public’s continued patience during these challenging times,” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said in making the announcement yesterday. “While everyone must remain diligent in the fight against COVID-19, we feel it is time to reopen certain parts of town with some safety protocols. We all look forward to a time when we all can return to a normal way of life,” he said. In addition, Crabtree’s office yesterday issued a press release outlining the town’s reimplementing its reopening plan for certain town buildings on Monday, May 24, as cases of COVID-19 continue to drop within the community and in surrounding areas,” the press release noted. “Town Manager Crabtree, in consultation with town leaders, including Saugus Director of Public Health John Fralick and Town Counsel John Vasapolli, have been reviewing options for opening town buildings to the public. Health and safety protocols, such as social distancing and wearing face coverings, will still be required in Town buildings,” the statement said. “Due to the it the number of people going through the building,” Crabtree said. “Where some patrons may still be awaiting a vaccination, appointments will still be encouraged at this time.” Crabtree also noted that due to social distancing requirements the town will continue to remain remote for municipal meetings. “This is due to the public participation at these meetings and potentially not having enough space if the public wishes to come in for a meeting,” the press release said. Crabtree released the following information related to several other town municipal buildings: Saugus Public Library The Director of the Saugus Public Library, Alan Thibeault, will be announcing that the Library is now planning to reopen on or about Monday, June 7 with some restrictions. They will be making an announcement and you can check on the website for updates and more information regarding the reopening plans (https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/). Saugus Senior Center The Saugus Senior Center and Director of the Council on Aging, Joanne Olsen, in consultation with the Saugus Health Department will be announcing shortly its plans to reopen and restrictions. Please check the Council on Aging website for updates and information regarding the reopening plans. For more information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 781-231-4111.
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