1999-10-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-417 Selectmen's Meeting - October 18, 1999 Mrs. Abbott thanked Reverend Cohen and the Meeting Ground Committee for taking all comments very seriously. Mrs. Abbott feels the Battle Green is not just our Town Common but all America's as it is the birthplace of American Liberty. Placement of the crèche on the Green is legally right but she does not feel we are meeting the spirit of the regulations. There is a rule and there is an exception to the rule in allowing the crèche on the Green and that is the only exception to the Selectmen's rules. The crèche is a symbol of peace but does not belong on the Battle Green. Mrs. Eddison also thanked the Meeting Ground Committee. She indicated she was going to vote for the motion. However, it has been made very clear by several people that we do have local rules that we have not been following. We will have to look at the rules again next year and hopefully come to a compromise on the issue. Mr. Enrich indicated he felt it is a very difficult decision and he is not happy with the options that are presented to the Board. His own feeling is that it is inappropriate, causes displeasure and alienation and gives a message that it has public endorsement. Based on his own judgment he would have to vote to reject the motion and to remove the crèche from the Green. However, the Clergy Association has taken on a challenge and have listened very carefully and have come this far. My personal feeling is that the compromise is not adequate and misses the critical point. The Clergy Association will be bringing in a wider group and the hope is that a better solution than the temporary solution comes forward next year. It is not going to be easier next fall. Mr. Enrich indicated he would vote in favor of the motion. It was voted 4-1 (Mrs. Abbott voted in opposition) to give permission for the placement of the crèche on the Battle Green for three weeks for the 1999/2000 Christmas season. Consent Agenda One-Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a one-day liquor license to the Community Nursery School for a fund raiser at Sacred Heart Parish Hall on Saturday, November 6, 1999. Assistant Treasurer Local Official Bond Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to fix the sum of the Assistant Treasurer Local Official Bond at $180,000. Hearings Metromedia/MFS Grant of Location Mr. Enrich opened a continued hearing and a new hearing on the petition of Metromedia/MFS for a grant of location for a fiber optic system in sections of the Town. Mr. Carbonneau indicated that the order governing the grant contains additional conditions proposed by the Board