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Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces New Measures Implemented to Help Prevent the Potential Spread of COVID-19 and Prioritize the Health and Safety of the Residents of Saugus

Posted on: March 18, 2020 - 5:40pm

(Saugus, MA) March 18, 2020 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces that the Town of Saugus has implemented new measures in order to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the community and to prioritize and protect the health and safety of the residents of Saugus.  Town Manager Crabtree has hired multiple new staff members and increased the hours of some current staff in order to better assist the public and employees during this ongoing global pandemic, in addition to other newly implemented measures. In addition, the Town has submitted an initial needs assessment survey to request immediate state funding for assistance for the Town of Saugus/Board of Health to support local efforts to respond to the Coronavirus situation.   

Among the new staff are an additional public health nurse for Saugus, Tracy Nicholas, and a former Director of Public Health of many years, Joe Tabbi, who will be assisting the Saugus Board of Health and Health Department during these extraordinary times.  The Town has also increased the hours of the Town’s current public health nurse, Mary McKenzie.  

Tracy Nicholas is a Masters prepared Licensed Registered Nurse with over 25 years of public health and school nursing experience, including as a clinical nurse educator. She worked as a public health nurse for 15 years, during which time she developed Town-wide emergency plans, identified community health needs, and health promotion programs. Ms. Nicholas is now working for the Town of Saugus Monday through Friday and as needed. 

Joe Tabbi brings many years of experience in Public Health to the Town of Saugus. He previously worked as the Director of Public Health here in Saugus for 18 years, and then he worked as the Director of Public Health in Winchester for 18 years. Joe Tabbi is working for the Town of Saugus Monday through Friday and as needed, assisting the Town’s Interim Health Director. 

Town Manager Crabtree has also hired two additional custodians for the Town of Saugus. All municipal buildings have been and will continue to be sanitized and thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. 

While this current public health crisis is a constantly evolving situation and State and Federal guidelines and policies are changing on a daily basis, residents are advised to continue to adhere to the recommendations of the Federal Government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). 

The Town Manager is meeting regularly with Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and members of the Health Department and Board of Health to continue to monitor this evolving situation. Town officials will continue to update the public as needed and as they are provided guidance from state and federal officials and agencies.  If you have any questions, please contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management at 781-231-4175, or call 911. 

“The health and safety of the residents and employees of Saugus is our top priority during this uncertain time. The Town of Saugus is here to assist the community in any way. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns,” said Town Manager Crabtree.

Earlier this week, Town Manager Crabtree announced that all municipal buildings in Saugus have been closed to the public out of an abundance of caution in order to help mitigate the potential spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of the residents of Saugus. Residents can still call or email all Town departments during normal business hours. Residents are also encouraged to use online services during this time. 

In order to best protect residents and employees, the Town is undertaking the following additional steps regarding public safety matters:

  • Starting today, Wednesday, March 18, there will be limited public access to the Public Safety Building. Anyone in need of emergency services should call 911.
  • Abuse Prevention Order applications will still be available. Those looking to fill out the applications should call ahead, if possible, before coming to the department.
  • All records requests should be accessed through the Saugus Police Department website, by telephone, or by mail. You can access the website online at www.sauguspd.com, or you can call the offices at (781) 941-1126 or (781) 941-1125.
  • Prescription drop off, sharp disposal, and fingerprinting have all been temporarily suspended.
  • Civil Police Academy and use of the training room has also been suspended until further notice.
  • Firearms licensing will be conducted by mail only until further notice. Firearms applications should be mailed to Firearms Licensing Officer, 27 Hamilton St., Saugus, MA 01906.
  • All other activity can be conducted over the phone. Non-emergency questions and routine business calls can be made at (781) 941-1183.

For the foreseeable future, parking appeals will not be done in person. Parking ticket appeals must be done in writing or online.

The Treasurer's Office takes payments for parking tickets, or can assist with appeal options. Treasurer's Office staff cannot reduce or negate tickets. This can only be done through an appeal. You have 21 days from the date of issue of the ticket to make payment or appeal.

Options to appeal are as follows:

  • Schedule an appointment for an in-person hearing. Hearings are held every other Monday. To make an in-person appeal appointment, please call (781) 231-4135. Your ticket will go on hold until you have had the opportunity to speak with the Parking Hearings Officer.
  • Make a hand written appeal, which will waive your in-person hearing option. The ticket will be placed on hold until the next review or hearing date and you will be notified by mail or email with the Hearing Officer’s resolution. You can mail your appeal letter with a copy of your ticket (and a copy of your HP placard (if applicable)) to Town of Saugus, Parking Hearings Officer, 298 Central Street, Suite 5, Saugus, MA 01906. Forms are available online on the Treasurer’s Office website.
  • You can make an online appeal online, which will waive your in-person hearing option. Once you are on the Police Department website, go to 'I would like to appeal my parking ticket' and upload pictures or a detailed letter to go with your appeal. The ticket will be placed on hold until the next review or hearing date. You will be notified by email with the Hearing Officer’s resolution.
  • Further appeals must be requested through the Essex County Superior Court and can be done by calling (978) 744-5500. An additional filing fee will required to submit a Judicial Court Review.

Once the Town of Saugus Hearings Officer has made his decision, he will not review again.

During this time, the Town is also exploring and working to implement virtual meeting platforms. More information on this will be announced as it is available. 

Residents are reminded to continue to adhere to the following preventative measures recommended by the State:

  • Wash hands often;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
  • Clean things that are frequently touched;
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
  • Stay at home if you are sick;
  • Older adults and those with health issues are urged to avoid large crowds. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds;
  • Think ahead about how to take care of yourself and loved ones if the virus starts spreading in the community.

The Health Department, Police, Fire, Emergency Management and our Emergency Medical Services are here to assist the residents of Saugus.  If you have any questions, please contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management at 781-231-4175, or call 911.

This is an evolving situation, and we will adjust our response as circumstances require.  Town Officials will continue to update the community as new information becomes available.  The public’s patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

 

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home. For more information, visit www.saugus-ma.gov. 

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