On May 14 the Calais City Council voted 6-1 to allow all businesses in the city to open, contrary to Governor Janet Mills' rural reopening plan, which is still limiting the opening of certain businesses. The lone vote against the motion was cast by Councillor Marcia Rogers. All the remaining councillors spoke in favor of giving businesses that wish to open permission to do so. The council also authorized the city manager to begin reopening municipal buildings and programs as of May 18, using social distancing practices.
     City Manager Mike Ellis began by explaining guidelines from the state, which include restrictions on restaurants, city buildings, one-way streets, masks and six‑foot social distancing. Ellis said he is in favor of opening the city building. "If we hold off, we will have a lot of people trying to do the same thing at the same time."
     Councillor Michael Sherrard raised several points, including the ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to invalidate the state's stay-at-home order. He also stated that the COVID-19 mortality rate is less than that of the flu and noted that the two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington County have recovered. He added, "The people in this community know what to do. They have the right to protect themselves and use common sense. We need to get back to work and open businesses." Contrary to Sherrard's assertion, public health experts state that COVID-19 is significantly more lethal than the flu.
     "We need to make sure that the rest of the state knows that we are open for business," stated Sherrard. "Because if it does not happen soon, we're not going to have anything left. That is worse than the disease itself."
     Mayor Billy Howard stated, "I think we need get open as soon as possible. Anybody who is worried shouldn't go out."
     Councillor Artie Mingo commented, "Store businesses, recreation businesses, if you can only run at 25% of business, you can't survive. We're open for business. We need to let people know that."
     Mayor Howard added, "We're not going to force anybody" to reopen.
     Councillor Mark Carr said, "The state says restaurants can open on Monday [May 18]."      However, under the state's plan hotels and bars are to remain closed statewide until at least June 1. Campgrounds are now being allowed to reopen beginning May 22, while the reopening of gyms, fitness centers and nail salons is being delayed.
     In response to the vote, Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias comments, "I guess we will have to deal with the consequences. It will be up to the governor. I don't see how the town can deal with the federal government. It puts everybody in a bad situation."
     Checking with a random few businesses in town on May 18 found Hardwicke's Country Store at Ferry Point empty of customers. The Best Stop across the street had already been closed for lack of business. The VIP on North Street had two men working in the garage. While a few calls came in, the next appointments were being scheduled for May 21. The close-out squeeze at the Olde Boston Shoe Store was offering 50% off deals. The three clerks recognized not everybody was going to wear masks, and they had already arranged for police to remove those who were not.

Other business
     During the April 23 council meeting, the council accepted a $1,000 grant from Walmart to be used for COVID‑19 issues and CARES Act funds of $33,790 from the federal government.
Motions regarding deferment of economic development loans, sewer bill interest, shared fireworks expenses at the International Festival with St. Stephen and cancellation of voluntary road tolls were approved. At that point the April 23 meeting moved to executive session. There followed mention of the sewer budget, but nothing was decided.
      During the May 14 meeting, the council approved the 2018/2019 audit and awarded a bid for the 2020 infrastructure improvement project to Donovan Construction in the amount of $583,936. The 2020 paving program for Garfield St., Palmer St., McLean St., Plaster Mill, Sawyer Avenue and the city building parking lot, totalling $203,640, was approved.
     The council authorized the public works director to contact the contractors who have solicited the lowest bids on the different components of the salt shed project and to offer the jobs to them.
     Mayor Howard appointed Eddie Moreside, Michael Sherrard and Mike Ellis to the newly formed Calais Regional Hospital liaison committee.