Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are held in person. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow the instructions on the agenda.
Thursday, Feb. 23
- Cable Internet and Cellular Service Advisory Committee, 5 p.m.
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.
- Select Board, 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 27
- Natural Resources Advisory Board, 4 p.m.
- Board of Water Commissioners, 7 p.m.
- Dredging Task Force, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
- Select Board, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 1
- Community Preservation Committee, 9 a.m.
Conversation Starters
Cappello Named Deputy Fire Chief
The select board on Jan. 31 approved the promotion of the fire dept.’s captain, Joseph Cappello Jr., to the role of deputy fire chief. Cappello has been with the department since 1992 when he was hired as a first responder; he then received an EMT certification and trained as a firefighter. By 1996 he had earned a paramedic license and in 1997 he joined the force as a full-time member. Cappello earned a pro-board firefighting certification at Stow Fire Academy in 2000.
This reclassified role takes Cappello out of the union and thus the collective bargaining agreement, allowing him to represent Chief Richard Pauley in personnel matters.
“This is a big move for the town, but it’s badly needed,” Pauley told the board. “As the organization has grown in numbers and complexity, I can’t do this by myself.”
Pauley brought up Cappello’s strong leadership while the chief dealt with health issues last year.
Select board member Kathleen Bacon praised Cappello’s work ethic and commitment to the town. “We’re very fortunate that we have this kind of talent and dedication here in Wellfleet to serve in this position,” she said.
Longtime town moderator and former fire chief Dan Silverman, who retired from the department in 2013, said, “The last time the department had a deputy fire chief, it was me.”
Maurice’s Management
After a short bidding period that ended on Feb. 8, Julie Simpson has been named the winner of the bid for a three-year lease to operate Maurice’s Campground. The agreement allows the possibility of an extension. Approving the notice of the award is on the agenda for the select board’s meeting on Feb. 23.
Simpson has worked as the manager at Maurice’s since 2012 and received letters of recommendation from all three Gauthier brothers, who previously owned the campground. The review committee selected Simpson over BA Services, Inc. and Vista Recreation, both property management companies with portfolios in outdoor recreation.
The town purchased the property for $6.5 million in September and is planning to build affordable housing at the site. —Amelia Roth-Dishy
