November 6, 2023

“Selectperson Hoffmann moved to approve the Consent Agenda of November 6, 2023., Selectperson Whitney second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Chatelain- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.” (Motion: Hoffmann, second: Whitney)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“Selectperson Hoffmann moved to continue the Lifetime permits for seniors for those who have held one since January 1, 2023: Selectperson Bingham asked if they would need to register each year, Mr. Lombardi responded that one of the reasons this was voted on last year was to collect the data and to make sure the wardens could check the limits by week as is done with all other permits. It would be best to continue this process. Mr. Miller shared that this is part of the discussion for the Rules and Regulations. Selectperson Hoffmann amended the motion to continue the Lifetime Senior Shellfish permits for those who are held and registered before January 1, 2023. Selectperson Bingham second. The following residents shared public comment: Richard Harb,' Ambergris Circle, when the program was offered the Town requested $ 5 in return for a lifetime permit. There is nothing on the permit that says it could be revoked, this established a binding contract. Asked if you don' t register this year, you are not eligible next year? Fred Lawrence, Spruce Run Drive, stated that he doesn' t understand why those with Lifetime permits would have td,come in and register every year? Appreciates the people volunteering their time and effort and is very grateful, but very disappointed that not once, has anyone mentioned honor, commitment, or making a promise. Ben McKelway, Main Street, appreciates the services that the DNR offers residents and appreciates the raising costs. Though he could afford to buy a license each year, that is not the issue. The only issue for is the principle of providing a lifetime permit which is a contract. The right thing to do, is to continue to grandfather the permits to those who held them before this year. Tom O' Connor, Long Pond Road, agrees with the other speakers and asked about a family permit as one of the issues and would like clarification. Mr. Miller stated that the DNR has always interpreted the family permit as the member on the permit, who could bring others as' long as they are filling one basket, there is one limit per permit. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Hoffmann -yes, Selectperson Whitney -yes, Selectperson Bingham -yes, Chair Chatelain- yes. The Board vote was 4 -Yes, 0 -No.” (Motion: Hoffmann, second: Bingham)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)