8/24/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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14 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 24, 2020 Recommended Consideration for a Town Meeting Article to Purchase Gooseberry Island: (continued) Discussion followed with respect to the potential to purchase Gooseberry Island with the use of Community Preservation Act funding. The property was noted to be of high cultural and environmental value to the Town of Mashpee. The parcel has also been in the Open Space Plan for a number of years. Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to add an article on the October Town Meeting warrant to authorize the Town of Mashpee to purchase Gooseberry Island and authorize the Town Manager to enter into Negotiations with the owner for said purchase. Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman. Comments made during the discussion revealed there is an overriding public interest in this property. Through CPC funds the Town has the ability to purchase this property which is of value and has been a priority parcel for acquisition for the past 15 years. With the current status of the bay and watershed with accumulated potential and detrimental effects on public health and with the benefit of shellfish this may be a good approach. However,the subject property is currently in litigation and it may not be in the Town's best interest at this time to pursue this undertaking. VOTE: 3-2. Motion carries. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, no Selectman O'Hara, no Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, (2) Discussion of Proclamation of Support of Town of Mashpee Police (Continued from 8-10-2020 Meeting): With regards to the proposed Proclamation in Support of the Town of Mashpee Police discussed at the last Selectmen's Meeting it was disclosed the gesture is much appreciated and the department is currently adequately funded. The Town Manager in speaking with the Police Chief in consultation with the Collective Bargaining Unions conveyed to the Board that Police Chief Scott Carline has respectfully requested to table this matter at this time. In appreciation, it was conveyed by the Chairman; the Town of Mashpee supports its Police Department, and does not need a proclamation to state its case. Motion made by Selectman Sherman to support the recommendation of Police Chief Scott Carline to table the Proclamation at this time. Motion seconded by Selectman Gottlieb. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none In closing this discussion it was articulated there are several different realities when you are a minority. There needs to be more compassion for our fellow man of all races and to further look at disparities.