Now the rule, not the exception, Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen met remotely on April 1, 2020. Before getting started, however, Selectman Paul Silva shared his thoughts on the COVID-19 problem and Mattapoisett’s response.
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work in this tough time,” said Silva, speaking from his home, where he confirmed he was in self-quarantine having just returned from Europe. “Mattapoisett is special like the bumper sticker says, but we can have a false sense of security. This virus has no boundaries.” He urged the residents to be vigilant in maintaining CDC guidelines.
Regarding the postponement and or rescheduling of the spring town meeting, Silva said, “I’m not sure any date can be held in concrete.” The immediate impact on the town’s ability to conduct business was discussed as Silva noted that the state has granted latitude to cities and towns regarding budgetary matters.
Selectman Jordan Collyer said, “It’s my opinion to vote to postpone both town meeting and the elections, to reconvene on May 11 and reassess where we are at then… The reality is they both need to be pushed out.”
Former Town Administrator and now town consultant Mike Gagne said that Town Administrator Mike Lorenco had been researching new state provisions. Lorenco stated, “Selectmen can approve a one-twelfth budget until we have an approved 2021 budget.” He later explained that the town could use a one-twelfth formula on a month-to-month basis calculated from the approved 2020 budget number.
Silva called for a motion to postpone the spring town meeting until further notice and to reconvene on this matter on May 11 for further consideration. The motion was moved and carried.
Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger offered her opinion regarding the May 19 elections. She said she was in favor of keeping the election date and moving forward as planned. “I can make accommodations for COVID-19, put safety guards in place.” She said that more absentee ballots could be used, that she would hire fewer poll workers, expand early voting and, “…people can use their own pens.” She went on to say that voting booths could be wiped with disinfectant clothes between uses, she would station hand sanitizers for people to use, and that poll workers would be given gloves to wear. She asked the selectmen to let the date stand.
Silva voiced his concerns, saying, “There are two components to this election. I’m concerned for those running for office.” He said that usually the League of Women Voters gives candidates a forum to reach voters. Secondly, he said, “Candidates go out door-to-door as part of the campaign process.” With that option now unavailable, Silva thought they might not have the opportunity to run a campaign at all.
Collyer said, “We can wait further down the road, maybe May 4.” He said he agreed in principle with Silva that candidates should be asked their opinion in this matter. “It wouldn’t hurt to ask if they can run a satisfactory campaign when you can’t talk to people face-to-face.”
The only contested race is the vacant seat on the Board of Selectmen, Heuberger confirmed.
The selectmen agreed they would follow state guidelines for the time being while watching to see what the state might mandate. The candidates vying for the selectman seat are John DeCosta and Tyler Macallister.
Heuberger said she would proceed with printing the ballot, checking the availability of poll workers, as the selectmen voted to take no action on this matter at this time.
In other business, Gagne said that the Board of Health had received a $5,000 grant that was used to produce signs instructing residents to observe social distance and hand washing recommendations and discouraging groups of more than 10 people. “We’ll place those at Ned’s Point, Shipyard Park and around the community.” He said that the sand-lot play area next to Center School was taped off from public use as well as the equipment at the town beach on Water Street. The tennis and Pickleball courts would remain open for now, he said.
Gagne said that the Mattapoisett Land Trust is keeping its properties open to the public for the present time, but that it, too, was placing notices reminding all of the importance of social distancing and moreover, keeping dogs leashed at all times. “It’s important that all dogs be leashed at all times,” he said.
Gagne said that Amanda Stone, the public health nurse, and Kayla Davis, the Board of Health director, were working extra hours, “…to ensure that Mattapoisett is safe.” He discussed the proper handling of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as groceries and said a link would be placed on the town’s website with further details.
Payments due to the town can be dropped off in the exterior drop-off box, Gagne reminded the public. He said that businesses needing assistance should contact the town tax collector/treasurer Kristie Costa. “We want to work with people, we want to make sure our community sustains and survives.”
Silva spoke to the issue of people returning to seasonal homes or from trips outside the Commonwealth. “We are a seasonal community. It’s important that people self-quarantine for 14 days. I’m doing it. It’s not so bad,” he said.
Before the meeting adjourned, Heuberger said, “I want to get a plug in for the census.” She said the federal census is now in full swing and urged the public to complete the process.
No firm date or time was discussed for the next Board of Selectmen meeting.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell