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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.