October 8, 2020 | Town Admin TOWN OF SUTTON Pillsbury Memorial Town Hall 93 Main Street Sutton Mills, NH Sutton Mills, NH 03221 Select Board October 8, 2020 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Dane Headley, Acting Chair. Present at the meeting was Dane Headley, Acting Chair; William I. Curless, Selectman; and Elly Phillips, Town Administrator. Present through teleconference were Robert DeFelice Budget Chair; and Nancy Glynn. Selectman Headley read the following announcement into the record: Due to the COVID 19/Coronavirus Pandemic and in accordance with Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12, pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, this Board is authorized to meet electronically. The public has access to contemporaneously listen and participate in this meeting by telephone by calling 978-990-5000 and entering access code 112820 NEW BUSINESS: Selectman Headley stated that this was a special work session to review workplace requirements regarding employee travel outside the New England area and COVID-19 related absences due to possible exposure. The Board reviewed handouts from PRIMEX, NH Division of Public Health and sample policies provided by Chief Korbet. Phillips recommended that the Select Board adopt a travel policy and asked for guidance regarding an employee who is planning to travel outside of New England. The Town is waiting for recommendations from Town Counsel which will be available for next Monday’s meeting. Selectman Headley said that no final decisions will be made today in order for a full Board to be present and to have an opportunity to review Counsel’s advice. Selectman Curless felt that the guidance from the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control for exceptions to Quarantine Requirements could be used based on the definition of “essential to the critical infrastructure”. Such employees are exempt from quarantine requirements if the employee is not exhibiting signs of COVID-19 and does not have a household contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. If the employee is deemed essential to the functioning of the business and there would substantial impact on the organization if the employee does not work in person and cannot conduct essential functions remotely and if there is no replacement personnel for the employee. The employee would need to self-quarantine for all other purposes other than reporting to work, wear a mask, maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other employees and the public and participate in a daily health screening while at work or other public locations. Selectman Curless recommended that the employee be advised of this exception. Selectman Headley referred to Londonderry’s policy and noted that there was a quarantine requirement. Selectman Headley said that it comes down to whether or not the employee is considered an essential employee and the risk of exposure to other staff. Mr. Headley expressed concern about overall exposure to other personnel and the public. Phillips recommended that the Town establish a policy on an ongoing basis and allow leave with compensation under the FFCRA policy as previously established by the Board. Selectman Headley noted that “we are all in this together and we all have to make sacrifices.” Selectman Headley stated that he would entertain compensation based on FFCRA requirements. Phillips stressed the need for a policy so that employees could plan accordingly. Selectman Headley sought input from the public. Ms. Glynn opined that if the employee had leave than that could be utilized for quarantine. She noted that in other areas a quarantine was required or a negative COVID-19 test after 72 hours. If the employee needs to go away, it is up to them to provide proof of a negative COVID test. Mr. DeFelice said that employees don’t have to tell you where they are going on vacation and expressed concern about adopting a policy that was too strict. Mr. DeFelice expressed concerns that employees might not be candid about their vacation destinations. Selectman Headley stated that you don’t make laws or policies based on whether or not people were going to follow them and his concern was for the overall health of the town. By having rules and regulations, you can cut down the overall chance of exposure/super spreader event. Ms. Glynn noted that in an employer/employee situation there are ramifications for breaking policy which can be based on investigation and disciplinary policies. Phillips recommended in the instant circumstance, the employee be advised that the Town is awaiting guidance from Counsel and that there is a possibility that a quarantine period after the employee comes back. Selectman Curless felt using the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control guidance for essential employees using protective measures would be best used. Selectman Headley felt additional consideration was warranted. Selectman Curless made a motion that employees be advised that they may have to quarantine under FFCRA, or take a test or use protective social distancing when they return. Selectman Headley seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 2-0. The Board noted that any policy adopted would apply to Boards and Committees as well. Dealing with employee exposure was also briefly discussed. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elly Phillips Town Administrator