5/18/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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6 Board of Selectmen Minutes May 18, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing: Application for a New Seasonal All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License for Morrison Marketplace d/b/a Poppy Market: (continued) Motion made by Selectman O'Hara to approve the application of Morrison Marketplace LLC d/b/a the Poppy Market, for a new Seasonal Retail Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License at 259 Shore Drive, Unit 1, Mashpee. Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE Senator Julian Cyr: Senator Julian Cyr participated via virtual remote to discuss the upcoming summer season during the COVID pandemic. Senator Cyr spoke of the Guidance to the Cape & Islands seasonal community as prepared for consistency within the region speaking as one voice for the purpose of remaining safe and healthy while taking precautionary measures uniformly to ensure public safety and health and to stop further spread of the virus. Cape Cod was noted to have provided more input and public comment on this issue than any other region in the state due to its unique circumstances and seasonal economy. Senator Cyr ensured to the Board that legislation is working in unified collaboration with the Cape and Islands. On this date, May 18, 2020 Governor Charles Baker has brought forth a plan in four phase approach to reopen the Commonwealth. The plan relies on compliance and vigilance as well as mandatory safety procedures and protocol. Each industry has received guidance specific to their operations. Businesses will self-certify they have met the required standards. There will be a three week period between each phase in which the COVID virus is anticipated to be present. The Board of Selectmen related concern with the Governor's decision requiring a three week interval as it may be detrimental to many businesses on the Cape including restaurants. If there is a glitch, the public may be reluctant to dine-in at area restaurants. The clock is ticking for businesses to survive within a seasonal economy and there is an appearance that business owners are being penalized. Senator Cyr indicated he is familiar with the food industry having a family restaurant business and cited caution as an early reopening may represent a significant risk to the Cape's businesses. In the current environment, there is a need for compliance. The Governor's approach was deemed a wise decision to begin phasing on Memorial Day. Industries in the second phase include dine-in service for restaurants and retail shopping.