BUCKFIELD — An amusement ordinance generated several questions from a small group of residents who braved slick roads to attend the special town meeting Saturday, but it passed, as did the other articles on the warrant.
Selectmen Martha Catevenis and Robin Buswell, Town Manger Dana Lee and Town Clerk Cindy Dunn answer questions at the special town meeting in Buckfield on Saturday.
Paula Sullivan, a neighbor to Captain Bly’s Tavern, noted several concerns.
“Having a neighbor that never sleeps, that is loud and boisterous without regard, and entertains guests coming and going at all hours is a big concern, “ she said. She questioned what the hours of operation would be.
The ordinance did not state hours, Town Manager Dana Lee said. He said the Board of Selectmen could determine that when they issue the license and that there will be a public hearing on the issue of a license.
Warren Wright questioned whether the entertainment would be outside the building. Owner Jason Rowe said there were no plans for outside entertainment.
Diana Dunn noted that the word tavern in the name indicates drinking more than eating. Another neighbor fears that patrons who overimbibe may cause accidents when driving out onto Route 117.
Rowe said he expects that 75 percent of his patrons will be there to eat.
The town voted for employees to be able to join the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, where they would have a 3.4 percent match from the town versus a 3 percent presently offered by the town’s IRA.
The new plan provides more flexibility in rolling over retirement funds for new employees from other towns and for current Buckfield employees if they move to another town.
Selectman Martha Catevenis said they wanted to give town employees an option. Town Clerk Cindy Dunn said the financial impact to the town would be about $800 total if all six full-time employees switched to the Maine program.
The town voted to support a court decision to rescind the conservation easement accepted by the voters in 2002. The easement was created because a subdivision that was approved for the area has failed and now the owner wants use of the land. Lee said the land's use will be restricted by shoreland zoning.
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