The Board of Selectmen is looking for a simpler way of scheduling—and perhaps limiting the number of—large-scale events in town. At their March 3 meeting, the selectmen turned away from their earlier idea of requiring 60 days’ notice, a formal application, and a nonrefundable fee for big events. Instead, they discussed creating a town calendar that they could review once a year.
The proposed calendar would show each major event along with a list of its special requirements, such as a police detail, an entertainment license, or insurance. Once an event is on the calendar, its organizers would not need to reapply to the selectmen each year. However, if problems occurred with an event, the board could opt to review plans for the following year.
During the public comment period, Jeff Levering, who volunteers as the building-use manager for the Unitarian Universalist Church, pointed out that the church would not be able to give 60 days’ notice for memorial services, even though they might qualify as large-scale events when parking extends onto nearby roads. Town Administrator Tim Bragan assured him that the revised plan was “a kinder and gentler plan” with more flexibility.
At the same meeting, the board followed up on its earlier discussion of the Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Race. Asked if the race could be capped at 400 riders, organizer Robert Curran said that 400 was already the cap and the number of riders could only go down. He noted that each of the six race events is also limited in size, that people will be stationed at each intersection the riders cross, and that no roads need be closed. With those assurances, the selectmen gave the event their unanimous approval. They also approved the entertainment license for the May 9 Apple Blossom Festival, should spring ever come.
