LISBON – Voters will go to the polls Nov. 8 to decide whether to change their form of government, which most noticeably would eliminate the annual town meeting.
Lisbon, the largest town in Androscoggin County, also has the longest town meetings. At least one lasted six nights. Over the years, attendance has dropped off considerably, and many residents have called for a change.
Last year, voters elected to form a Charter Commission to find ways to improve the operation of local government and come up with a draft charter.
After hearing the Charter Commission’s final report from Chairman J. Michael Huston that unanimously recommended the town move from a board of selectman and town meeting to a town council and manager form of government, selectmen agreed to send the question to the voters.
Under the Charter Commission proposal, there would be:
• A seven-member town council, three members to be elected at large and four by district.
• A provision for recall of elected officials.
• Bond issues going to voters.
• An appeals process if voters are opposed to a decision made by the council. Copies of the 37-page document will be available at the town office.
In other business, selectmen adopted a policy on the use of town property which will require that a permit be obtained from Town Manager Curtis Lunt in order to place anything on town property.
There is no fee for the permit. The policy prohibits the placement of political signs and advertising, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking and fires, on town property, including all parks.
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