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The Garlick Press – December 14, 2020

Dec 14, 2020

The Garlick Press – December 14, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the current legislative session comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to explain to you the process legislation are moving through at this moment.
As we enter the final weeks of the year, conference committees that have been negotiating differences in legislation between the House and Senate will begin filing their final reports for the legislature to vote – on which Representatives and Senators can only vote for or against, not amend.
If the compromised legislation is passed in the House and Senate, it then moves to the Governor, where he has 10 days to sign the bill, veto the bill, or return the bill with recommendations. If the Governor vetoes a bill the legislature may override the veto by a 2/3rds majority vote in both chambers. If he returns a bill with recommendations, the House and Senate can insist on our original language and send it back to the Governor or can debate the Governor’s suggested language.
During this time, my office continues to be accessible. We will keep you updated on legislative action and can answer any questions you may have regarding this process.
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
  • In Needham, the Town and Public Health Department have provided a COVID-19 update for the Needham community. This update provides information on COVID-19 cases and accessing technology though the Needham Public Library. To read the update, click here.
  • In Dover, the Board of Health has provided a COVID-19 update for the Dover community. This update provides information on COVID-19 cases and information on preventing the spread of the virus. To read the update, click here.
  • In Medfield, the Transfer Station has released its holiday hours. They will be open December 23, December 26, and December 27 for the Christmas holiday and they will be open December 30, January 2, and January 3 for new Year’s. To read the announcement, click here.
Local Calendar
  • In Needham,
    • the School Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The Committee will be discussing the FY22 budget and updates on student learning. For the meeting information, click here.
    • the Planning Board will be meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:15 PM via Zoom. The Board will be holding a public hearing on three properties. For the meeting information, click here.
  • In Dover,
    • the Caryl Community Center Building Committee will be meeting on Monday, December 14 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The Committee will be reviewing and discussing initial design alternatives. For the meeting information, click here.
    • the Board of Health will be meeting on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Board will be discussing school reopening and winter sports. For the meeting information, click here.
  • In Medfield,
    • the Board of Selectmen will be meeting on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Board will be discussing dog walking at the Medfield State Hospital Campus and updates on COVID-19. For the meeting information, click here.
    • the Conservation Commission will be meeting on Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. For information on this meeting, please visit the Town of Medfield website.
Statewide Updates
  • Starting today, the Commuter Rail will temporarily operate on a reduced service schedule. This is due to low employee availability because of COVID-19 absences. For updated schedules, click here.
  • Today, the cities of Boston, Newton, Somerville, and Brockton announced they have agreed to roll back their reopening due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. These cities will be moving into a modified version of Phase 2, Step 2. For more information, click here.
  • On Thursday, December 17 the Health Connector will be hosting a live webinar to help Massachusetts residents who has lost employer-sponsored health insurance learn about their coverage options through the Health Connector. To register for the webinar, click here.
  • Today, the Mass Department of Environmental Protection awarded $300,000 in MS4 Municipal Assistance Grants to five multi-community stormwater coalitions. Funds were awarded to the Neponset River Watershed Association, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, the Charles River Watershed Association, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy for Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative, and the Statewide Stormwater Coalition. For more information, click here
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
  • On Sunday, December 15 the Commonwealth will roll back to Step 1 in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. This will reduce capacity for many sectors and tighten workplace restrictions. Additionally, restaurants, gyms, and offices have additional guidelines to follow. To learn more, click here.
  • If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.
Resources
  • If you are in need of resources, information, or support, please visit my website for a list of resources. Additionally, our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:
Please remember social distancing and wearing a mask is the most effective tool to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to these updates, my office is still accessible so please continue to reach out and we will get back to you.
Phone: 617-722-2380
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