Selectmen’s Minutes, July 23, 2015

TOWN OF SEDGWICK

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

July 23, 2015

 

            Opened the meeting and established a quorum present.  Selectmen present:  Ben Astbury, Nelson Grindal, Neil Davis.  Also present:  CEO Duane Ford, Treasurer Cindy Reilly, Tax Collector Belinda Rooney, Road Commissioner Paul Carter, Robert Jones, John Steed, Mia & Al Strong, Melody & Richard Lewis-Kane, Jim & Dorothy Carey, Burton Pearl, Barbara & Bob Comerford, Trent Gilford, Victor Smith, Michelle Keo, Martha Brill, Daphani Daunt, Stephanie VonSkal, Steve Collins, Jill Smith, Anne Berleant, several others.

 

            Read and approved the minutes of the last meeting.  Voted 3-0 to accept.

 

            Signed treasurers warrant for $146,856.79, $46,218.95 for the school, $77,777.22 for tar for Old County Road, $1,647.14 and $12,657.50 other road expenses.

 

            PUBLIC BUSINESS:  Strong Brewing Company – Selectman Davis addressed issues with the Strongs, specifically access and parking issues.  Mia Strong provided their understanding of the original permit.  When asked about the parking issue, she provided a layout of future expansion for parking.  She also provided drawings of the parking lot.  Davis advised of issues involving entertainment  frequency and she provided a verbal schedule for events and all events to end by 9 pm.  Types of entertainment were discussed, included are a mix of amplified and unamplified acts.  Selectman Grindal asked CEO Ford about some rules.  The Strong’s have retained  attorney John Steed.  Steed and Ford have been discussing issues and working toward possible alternative solutions.  The Strongs advised that October would be the last event of the year and then they will shut down.  Grindal  summarized the issues and then the selectmen opened the meeting for public comments.  Residents provided their concerns, mostly involving safety on the roadway intersection, parking issues, obvious danger at the intersection.  The selectmen went over the Site Plan Review Ordinance.  Road Commissioner Carter addressed road issues and signage.  He suggested signage on the side of the hill of Route 15 and 176.  Also issues were explored involving entertainment, concerns about rhetoric of a divisive nature resulting from posts on social media.  Many at the meeting supported the business – including nearby neighbors.  The Selectboard documented the concerns.  All parties need to work amicably to address the problems.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Moved, seconded and voted 3-0 to approve the bill from Andrew McCullough.

 

CEO REPORT:  Ford is addressing many issues, including restoration at the Madison property.

 

            ADJOURN:  There being no further business, the motion was made, seconded and voted 3-0 to adjourn at 7:40 pm.

 

                                                Ben Astbury, Selectman