HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-17 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes
Monday, May 17, 2021
Councilors in Attendance: Nichols (Chair), Dubay (late), Schaefer, Hawes, Okafor
Non-Committee Member Councilors: Fournier, Sprague, Davitt
Staff in Attendance: O'Donnell, Willette, Hamilton, Higgins, Conlow
The meeting was held both in-person and remotely via ZOOM and was called to order by
Committee Chair Sarah Nichols at 6:26 pm.
1) Resolve—Accepting and Appropriating $69,000 of Grant Amendment Funds for the
Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution Program
Public Health Director Patty Hamilton gave an overview of the existing program and noted
these funds come from the State of Maine.
A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by
Councilor Hawes, all in favor.
2) Discussion: potential upcoming parades this year
There was significant discussion around the changing COVID guidance and specifically the
issue of enforcing masking, physical distancing at the July 4t" parade. Organizer Michael
Fern joined the discussion and spoke to efforts being made to ensure the parade is safe. He
mentioned they could get rid of the reviewing stand with plans for additional safety
precautions. His opinion was that there should be personal responsivlity and felt people
could make the decision best for them. Felt parade participants would be spaced and did
not see it as a concern. Some Councilors expressed concern over the potential to create an
environment where COVID might spread while others expressed support in allowing the
parade to move forward given new guidance and favorable statistics regarding the spread
of COVID in outdoor environments. The general consensus was to allow the July 4t" parade
plans to move forward assuming relevant safety precautions were taken. Director Willette
stated that there were plans to do a small ceremony for Memorial Day but no parade.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.