6/1/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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5 Board of Selectmen Minutes June 1, 2020 Update Discussion and Possible Action Relative to the June 15, 2020 Special and Annual Town Meetings: Possible Change to Town Meeting Date-, Possible "Consent Calendar" for some Town Meeting Articles: Town Moderator Jeremy Carter: (continued) It was noted that several other Cape towns are planning to hold their respective town meetings outdoors. Town Moderator Carter indicated he has discussed this initiative with the School Superintendent and voiced concern to the majority of town meeting participants who are elderly residents. In addition the weather may result in a cancellation and acoustics may be problematic in an outdoor setting. In considering the date of the Special and Annual Town Meetings Town Moderator Jeremy Carter stated he is inclined to move Town Meeting to June 29, 2020 as the State is under Phase I of the Declaration of a State of Emergency. Mr. Carter indicated that many towns are holding their respective town meetings on June 22, 2020 or June 29, 2020. An additional two weeks may be more comforting for the elderly. Therefore, for safety it is the recommendation of the Town Moderator to hold the Special and Annual Town Meetings on June 29, 2020. As the Board of Selectmen considered the Town Moderator's recommendation it was suggested the date of June 15, 2020 may be more appropriate as residents are anticipating this date. Phase II of the State of Emergency begins on June 8, 2020, and there is a need to begin the new budget process on July 1, 2020. If the disease does not present itself in two weeks there is a potential for additional contaminant and with the influx of more visitors, there may be a greater likelihood of infection. The Board of Selectmen in unison gave strong preference to holding the Special and Annual Town Meetings on June 15, 2020 as planned. In addition,the Board of Selectmen noted that other towns are consolidating warrant articles with like and similar groupings to expedite the conduct and time spent at town meeting. Jeremy Carter, Town Moderator was receptive and agreed to consolidate town meeting for safety. It was announced that late filed communication was received on this date from Senator Julian Cyr's Office regarding a declaration to adjust the quorum of town meeting. Under statute a Select Board/Town Moderator is allowed to adjust a quorum. The language is applicable to any town holding a town meeting in a State of Emergency. Currently, 100 persons are required to hold a Special Town Meeting. In closing, Town Moderator Carter indicated he would render a decision regarding the date of town meeting, and report the selected date to the Town Manager before the close of business on Tuesday. The Town Manager was directed to develop suggested groupings for consolidation purposes to be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen at their June 4, 2020 meeting.