Sandwich Selectmen’s Report: June 1, 2020

Doug Wyman and the Sandwich Selectmen at his retirement event. Photo by J Albert Handford.

We hope that you are well. On June lst we continued the process of exploring potential COVID-19 driven Town budget reductions (reduction in paving expense, workforce, etc.). We will proceed thoughtfully and will not compromise essential services.

On Sunday, May 31, we honored Police Chief Wyman with a drive-by celebration in appreciation of his 20 years of exemplary service to our Town. Thank you to the many town residents, family members, and law enforcement colleagues from across the state – and beyond - who showed up with signs, balloons, cards, and heartfelt praise. You might have heard the full Fire Department and Law Enforcement sendoff escort. We are deeply grateful for his years of proactive leadership and deep commitment to the very best principles of community policing.

 On Monday, we held swearing in ceremonies for our new Police Sergeant, Karl Koch (pronounced “cook”),  and the promotion of Staff Sgt. Shawn Varney to Chief. We truly appreciate the tremendous community affirmation in support of Police Chief Varney.

Town Clerk Alison Gage administering the Oath of Office to our new Chief of Police, Shawn Varney. Photo by Kelly Cox.

We are finalizing our plans for our beaches and summer recreation. This has required more study and taken longer than any of us would wish, thank you for your understanding.

 Roads, road drainage, and the Transfer Station continue to occupy much of our time. We approved the $2+ million yearly Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) that provides us with necessary working capital until property taxes are collected. Each week the Selectmen report on what the residents have shared with them so that we can provide community responsive leadership.

 Please support our local businesses and nonprofits as we look to get our local economy back into gear. We will all need to pitch in, work together, and observe safe protocols.  Respectfully, Joanne Haight, Leo Dwyer, Todd Horn, Board of Selectmen