The Marion Board of Health authorized Chief of Police John Garcia to issue fines and other sanctions as a last resort should the town not receive compliance with safe practices as ordered by Governor Baker with the state’s reopening of golf courses over the weekend.
“It’s just something to fall back on if we need to,” Garcia told the board, summarizing his request during its May 8 emergency meeting.
Town Administrator Jay McGrail explained that police action is a last resort, third and last in the rears of Marion’s three-step approach.
The first step is proactive, to contact establishments and get their plans for a reopening strategy. The second line of action is, if it becomes apparent that a business establishment is not using safe practices as outlined by state government and if town offices are receiving complaints, to investigate the matter. In third place, if an establishment is clearly not paying attention to the state’s orders and the town’s requests, Marion will ask its police department to intervene.
Garcia said the outline follows along with plans being put in place across the state, “which is fantastic,” he said.
A motion passed, as the Board of Health moved that Marion authorize the police to enforce the governor’s May 6 order regarding the wearing of masks where social distancing is not possible and any other related order in scope and purpose not limited to the authorization to issue fines. Town Counsel Jon Witten advised the town administrator’s office to file the motion with the town clerk.
“This is a last resort. We’re looking to work with people… we’re feeling like we need a last resort if people don’t adhere,” said McGrail.
In keeping with the board’s approval of a motion in its May 5 meeting that it shares with the public all of the town’s COVID-19 cases and not just the number of active cases, it was posted on May 7 on the town’s website, marionma.gov, that there are three confirmed cases and five others who have recovered.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo