Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are being held in person. Go to wellfleet-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow the instructions on the agenda.
Thursday, May 19
- Nauset Regional School Committee, 6 p.m.
- Energy and Climate Action Committee, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, May 24
- Cape Cod Commission public hearing continuation, 5 p.m.
- Select board, virtual and in-person at Wellfleet Adult Community Center, 7 p.m.
Conversation Starters
Food Truckin’
The select board voted on May 10 to amend town regulations to allow food trucks to remain overnight on town property. They must also provide recycling receptacles and biodegradable or reusable utensils and food containers. The Plastic Bottle Reduction Policy, prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastic bottles containing water or any other beverage, also applies to the food trucks operating on town property.
Longtime select board member Helen Miranda Wilson said she remembered a relevant food truck case when Town Administrator Harry Terkanian dove deep into legal documents to see if overnight parking was allowed. It is allowed, Wilson said, “if the board of health approves, for an additional fee, except within the National Park District.”
The health code mandates that food trucks return to their base of operation to restock, clean, sanitize equipment, and dump wastewater.
“The board of health can grant a variance to leave the food trucks on the site if that’s a better set-up for doing all those other ancillary tasks associated with operating the food truck,” said Hillary Greenberg-Lemos, the health and conservation agent. Exceptions could be considered on a case-by-case basis, she said.
Select board member Michael DeVasto said the issue came up last year when the town’s harbormaster did not want a food truck pulling in and out during peak hours of boat traffic and trailering.
“I think it’s important we have the latitude, but it’s not an automatic use to allow overnight parking,” DeVasto said. “It has to be applied for and approved.”
Suzanne Grout Thomas said that food trucks should be removed from beaches at night because “leaving them overnight where people come to have beach fires, party, and drink adult beverages can lead to damage to the units, for which the town could be liable.”
Plant Sale
Wellfleet Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale at Town Hall on Saturday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m., “rain or shine.” The plants include shrubs, perennials, tomatoes, and many local nursery donations.
The group gathers once a month to share experiences and learn from speakers with expertise in specific fields. Meetings are open to the public. —Michaela Chesin
