Central to the meeting’s discussions was the issuance of a temporary license for Mimi’s Place, which was contingent upon several conditions. Members of the board highlighted the necessity for the motel to comply with Massachusetts General Law 140 and the state sanitary code. The conditions included relocating long-term occupants and ensuring no future non-transient stays exceeding 90 days. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a guest register and providing regular status updates on compliance with these conditions. The pool on the property was also addressed, with the stipulation that it remain closed until it received the necessary operational permit.

Concerns were raised regarding the historical operation hours of the motel and the implications for guest access. It was noted that the motel had previously closed between 10 PM and 9 AM, affecting how guests could arrive and depart. The board discussed the need for a comprehensive guest register that accurately reflected both short-term and long-term stays, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic and eviction moratoriums complicating guests’ ability to secure alternative housing.

The board acknowledged the challenges facing the hospitality industry during the pandemic, with many hotels adapting to accommodate individuals needing quarantine facilities. However, Mimi’s Place expressed a desire to focus on transitioning guests toward shorter stays, aligning with the typical motel operation model. The discussion of the incentive program aimed at managing occupancy and transitioning guests was met with support from some members of the board.

A significant aspect of the meeting involved deliberations on the frequency of inspections during the temporary license period. There was a consensus on the necessity for regular inspections to monitor compliance and guest turnover. The board expressed a desire to avoid a situation where no progress had been made by the end of the 90-day period.

Input from local authorities, including the police chief, was considered, with concerns expressed about an increase in call volume since the current management took over. This prompted discussions on the importance of communication between the police and motel management to address any internal issues that may arise. The board agreed on the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure that operational challenges were managed effectively.

In addition to the motel license discussions, the meeting briefly touched on a COVID-19 update, reporting an improvement in case numbers and the establishment of a new vaccination clinic. The board expressed hope that increased access to vaccinations would benefit the community, especially seniors facing transportation challenges.

The meeting concluded with logistical planning for future sessions, including the scheduling of the next meeting to avoid conflicts with other town committees. The board agreed to move the meeting time to accommodate these concerns.