NORWAY – An ordinance that would require outdoor events of 250 people or more to get a permit from selectmen went before the public at Thursday night’s board meeting.

Town Manager David Holt said the law would allow the town to prepare for the event. Some events, such as the annual Sidewalk Art Show, already inform the town in advance, he said.

The ordinance, which will go to voters at town meeting June 18, would require someone to apply for a license from the Board of Selectmen for a $100 fee if they anticipate the event would have 250 or more attendees. Selectmen would then hold a public hearing to “review the application and determine the conditions required to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare.”

Selectmen may require the planners to hire police or security for the event, demonstrate that the event will have adequate facilities to accommodate the large number of people, and post a corporate bond to “ensure prompt payment for all damages caused” by the event to public or private property.

One resident suggested that the size limitation could be increased to include events of 125 people or more. Holt and police Chief Robert Federico said they had decided on the higher number so as not to restrict smaller events.

“We have to be careful,” Federico said. “We don’t want to be regulating family reunions or weddings.”

He said organizers should think of “what’s reasonably expected” for attendance at their event, and apply for a permit if they expect their event to draw 250 people or more.

Holt said large events often prompt complaints from neighboring property owners, and that responses by the Norway Police Department cost the town about $4,000 last year.

“When there’s costs involved, the folks having the festival need to foot the bill,” he said.

A member of the Norway Trackers snowmobile club said the organization is already burdened by costs. One resident suggested that nonprofit organizations could be exempt from the $100 application fee.

As drafted, the ordinance exempts events “sponsored and under the direct supervision” of the town.

Federico said it was his understanding that selectmen could grant exemptions, and that nonprofits could be included.

Selectman Leslie C. Flanders expressed concern that the expense of a corporate bond would be a burden to smaller organizers.

Federico replied that the bond would only be required for extremely large-scale events, giving as an example a concert that would draw 20,000 people.

Although it was not mentioned at the hearing, Federico said at a prior meeting that Fudafest was one factor in the ordinance’s implementation. The festival is a “clothing optional protest against unjust laws, especially marijuana laws,” according to the Fudafest Web site. The event, which draws hundreds of people to the property of Aaron Fuda on McKay Road, is expected to take place for its 16th year in July.

During the selectmen’s meeting, the board approved a request by the Norway Business Association to use the Beal parking lot for events associated with Fourth of July-related festivities on June 30.

Selectmen scheduled a special town meeting, concurrent to the next selectmen’s meeting, to address an overdraft of the Norway Memorial Library. The library is $12,000 over budget due to new employees opting into the health insurance plan. It is also $3,000 over budget on heating expenses, but plans to cover those through fundraising.

A contract for work on Crockett Ridge Road, Hemingway Road, Morse Road and Dunn Road was awarded to Pratt & Sons of Minot for $157,140. D.A. Wilson of Bethel bid $165,661.

The selectmen also renewed the beano license for the American Legion Post 82, approved a $31,900 budget for social service agencies to go to town meeting, and accepted a total of $8,053.47.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. June 21 at the Municipal Building.