LIVERMORE FALLS – It was listed on the agenda as a public hearing on the proposed ordinance to regulate adult-only businesses, but the public had very little opportunity to be heard.

Chairman Ken Jacques told the full house of citizens that he would entertain only questions relating directly to the contents of the proposed ordinance, not their feelings for or against it, because that could take too long and might bring confrontations.

He also refused to hear comments from any who were not registered voters of the town, noting that the voters were the ones directly – including financially – affected by the ordinance.

Town Manager Alan Gove supported Jacques’ position, saying people had had enough time to express their opinions in previous meetings and through petitions.

Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff suggested that present businesses that currently have adult material, such as videos and magazines, be allowed to continue selling them in a portion of their space, rather than having to eliminate the materials over a specified time as provided in the ordinance. That time period would range from six months to five years.

Selectman Russell Flagg thought this would cost the town money to hire someone to monitor compliance, but Medcoff suggested, “We may be drawing the window too close.”