Selectmen set summer meeting times
At the end of their afternoon retreat, the selectmen set July 9, July 30, and August 20 as their meeting dates for the summer months.
Would town prefer weekday evening ATMs?
In discussion of a date for Town Meeting 2014, the selectmen cited low attendance over the past few years as reason to think about a different day and time for the meeting. They decided to solicit public opinion as to whether or not people would prefer weekday evening meetings in April, as opposed to the traditional Saturday.
Hearing continued on changes to General Store liquor license
At their regularly scheduled evening meeting, the selectmen held a hearing on a request from General Store owner Scott Hayward for a change in the conditions of his liquor license. Currently, Hayward has a permit for three floors of controlled space for off-premises sale of beer and wine. He is asking for an alteration to the premise, restricting the license to the basement and first floor. This, he said, would allow him to rent the second floor for social and cultural events.
Chairwoman Marie Sobalvarro questioned Hayward about whether or not the wine and beer would be removed from the second floor, and he responded that alcohol would continue to be stored and displayed there but that purchases would have to be made on the first floor.
Sobalvarro expressed her concern that alcohol would still be physically accessible on the second floor, and she implied that this seemed to present a problem with defining it as a separate event space. Hayward said that he had contacted the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) and he understood them to say that the town had discretion as to how to interpret the license. The selectmen expressed the need for further information and guidance as to the interpretation of the license restrictions. The discussion ended with a continuance of the hearing to June 18 at 6:30. At that time Town Administrator Tim Bragan will have a letter of clarification from the ABCC.
Ron Ostberg appointed to three-year term on Historical Commission
Historical Commission Chairman Ken Swanton recommended the appointment of Ron Ostberg to a seat on the commission with a term ending in 2015. Ostberg himself was unable to attend the meeting, but Swanton spoke on his behalf, pointing out how essential it is to have an architect on the committee. Ostberg fills this bill and has served on the commission previously. He also chaired the Municipal Buildings Committee, which published its report in February 2011. The selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Ostberg to the Historical Commission.
