Mattapoisett Selectman Paul Silva and Jordan Collyer voted on May 5 to reschedule town elections on Tuesday, June 16, and the annual town meeting on Monday, June 22.
Silva noted that although the town clerk Catherine Heuberger was well prepared to conduct the elections as originally planned for May 19, lingering voter concerns over COVID-19 might find voters staying home. He said that while absentee ballots are available, “…a lot of people want to go out and vote.” Silva thought it was better to push the date out and wait to see what Governor Baker’s office provides for guidance moving forward.
Collyer wondered if moving the date two weeks would actually change anything, “…people will still be concerned.” He also noted that local schools had sent out notices mentioning the May 19 date.
In the remote-meeting room was candidate John DeCosta, who is vying for the vacant Board of Selectmen seat against former selectman Tyler Macallister. DeCosta said, “I agree with Paul… it would give myself and Tyler some kind of time for campaigning… we’re in a competition and in all fairness to both of us…” he thought a postponement would be helpful.
Silva said, “We need to give as much time as possible to the candidates.”
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said he would like to see at least two weeks between the town meeting and the town elections for planning purposes. But Silva believed there wasn’t an option, town meeting would need to be rescheduled. “I don’t think we can have a town meeting with everyone in a room… maybe hold it outside.” Lorenco expressed concern that a May 29 date for town meeting was only two days before the beginning of the new fiscal year. But Silva said the town could continue to use the one-twelfth method for conducting the town’s business that is allowed until a new budget is passed at town meeting.
Town consultant Mike Gagne said that the town’s bylaw requires one week at least between elections and town meetings.
Collyer said that DeCosta had made a compelling argument and that he wanted, “… to give the townspeople ample time to hear from them.”
In the end, the selectmen voted to move both to later dates.
Regarding town meeting, Silva said that the town meeting warrant would only have the budget articles and other articles “absolutely necessary at this time.” All other articles would be pushed off until the fall town meeting.
Collyer suggested that a draft of the warrant be provided, as it currently stands for the board to review and that at their next meeting, they could open the warrant.
As for those warrant items being pushed into the fall meeting, the selectmen asked to see a list of those items as well.
Dan White, a member of the Fourth of July Road Race Committee, asked the selectmen to consider a commemorative plaque for Bob Gardner, the founder of the race, on the anniversary of the race’s 50th year. “We wanted to do something to commemorate Bob and the race,” White said. Village Signs had the plaque made with the inscription: “Starting Line – in memory of the race founder Robert ‘Bob’ Gardner, Dedicated on July 4, 2020, 50th running of the annual Mattapoisett July 4th Road Race.”
Unfortunately, due to emergency restrictions, the race was canceled for 2020. White said possibly the plaque could be installed at the starting line on a granite post now and the town could hold a more formal celebration next year.
White did ask permission for an informal unveiling of the commemorative marker this summer. The selectmen said it was best to wait and see what restrictions or other concerns for gatherings will unfold in the coming weeks.
Collyer said, “Bob was a great guy and the place seems right. The monument is minimal. I like the idea. It would be perfect.” The selectmen voted to approve the installation.
Silva then shared Governor Baker’s May 6 order number 13 mandating the wearing of face covering inside establishments and out in public, where distancing cannot be safeguarded. He said that with the wonderful outdoor venues the town possess such as Shipyard Park, Ned’s Point, the wharves, and the bike path, it was imperative that people follow the rules. He said that monitoring of the town’s outdoor spaces had started.
Collyer, who sits on a special COVID-19 committee with members of the Board of Health as well as police and fire personnel and the town administrator, said, “People are gathering mostly in cars. The police have been instructing people as necessary. They are going to Ned’s several times during shifts. There have been some groups of kids on bikes, but that’s going to happen.” He said that most people are wearing coverings.
Both Silva and Collyer said if necessary further measures would be taken to safeguard the public. Gagne added that a second paragraph in the governor’s order mandates the wearing of face-covering when going into grocery and retail locations, as well as taxi services. To view the order, visit mass.gov.
Lorenco said that fliers were being provided to business for their customers as well as to educate employees.
The town administrator’s report featured measures being put in place by the state for boaters. Lorenco read portions of a three-page memorandum that spoke to the necessity of wearing face coverings, keeping distance in and around public launch and other boating outlets. It also mandates that boats may not gather together, individuals on a boat must live in the same household and that boats for hire, whale watching, and other recreational boating activities are currently prohibited. To view the memorandum, visit mattapoisett.net.
Lorenco said that commercial fishing was considered an essential service. Silva asked, “If someone wants to go out fishing, everyone in the boat must be from the same household?” Lorenco said yes. Lorenco also said that the harbormaster would be putting up signage regarding the public-launch area and that only Massachusetts vehicle registration would be permitted at the public launch.
Collyer said the COVID-19 committee was beginning to discuss plans for opening businesses and town buildings in the future. “We’ve started to discuss the new normal, what precautions to take at town hall, the library, the (Council on Aging),” he said. Collyer applauded the work done by the BOH and especially the public health nurse, Amanda Stone, who has been contact-tracing among her many other duties.
The installation of new LED lighting throughout the town is in full swing, Lorenco said, with 150 lamps retrofitted at this time. He said that if residents find the new lights too bright, they can call the selectmen’s office. He said the lamps are adjustable but are being installed at the highest setting, which may prove too bright for some locations.
Lorenco said that the Lion’s Club was meeting on this night and would most likely be making the decision to cancel both Harbor Days and the annual Triathlon for 2020. “Memorial Day observances are already canceled, but some things might be moved to Veteran’s Day,” he added.
A special Happy Birthday to Anita Croft, who turns 100 on May 7, was announced with everyone in the meeting room sending their best wishes.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 12 at 4:00 pm. Remote meeting access to be announced.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell