NORWAY – An ordinance requiring selectmen’s approval for events with 250 people or more was among articles adopted by voters at Monday’s town meeting.

The ordinance requires event organizers to pay a $100 fee for an application, which will be considered by selectmen. The board may deny or grant a permit for the event, or require the applicant to meet certain security, sanitary, or safety measures.

Events under the direct supervision of the town will be exempt from the ordinance provisions. Violators may be fined between $100 and $2,500, plus attorney’s fees and costs, and each day of continued violation will constitute a separate offense.

“I’m sure it’s inspired by Fudafest,” said town manager David Holt.

That annual festival, organized by Aaron Fuda, is a “clothing optional protest against unjust laws, especially marijuana laws,” according to the event’s Web site. It is scheduled to be held for its 16th year on July 7.

Holt said the event has sparked complaints from neighbors, including reports of people driving under the influence, and cost the town $3,800 last year for police responses.

Police Chief Rob Federico said people should apply for a permit if they reasonably expect that 250 people or more will attend the event.

“I think the first time through for anything is going to be the most difficult,” said Holt. He hoped the process would become routine thereafter.

Voters also approved $12,500, to be taken from the Fred W. & Laura S. Sanborn Trust Fund for the repair of the clock on the 1894 Opera House. Holt said the repairs would include changing the clock hands, which are too big for the gears, and the application of gold leaf to the face. He said the total restoration cost is estimated to be $24,800.

A recommendation to the Sanborn Trust Fund to repair the Little Red Schoolhouse prompted more debate. Selectmen recommended up to $27,500 for the article, while the budget committee recommended $17,500. A motion was made and seconded to accept the budget committee’s recommendation.

Deb Partridge, the town’s recreation director, said five clubs use the school building and help with costs and maintenance. She also read a long list of repairs needed at the building, including woodwork, insulation, window sashes, floors, doors, the septic system, electrical work, and the replacement of the furnace.

“We’re not looking for this all to be done in one year,” said Partridge. “Just for the things we have estimates for it’s close to $30,000.”

One resident commented that if the snowmobile club could afford to pay for their machines, they could afford to put money into the building’s maintenance. Others took offense, saying the clubs took an active role in the upkeep of the building and its grounds.

“We thought it was better to have someone in the building than have it sit there empty,” said Selectman Leslie Flanders.

The budget committee’s recommendation was approved.

Voters also approved, against the selectmen’s recommendation, appropriating $16,064 toward sharing a drug enforcement agent with Paris and Oxford for one year. Federico said the three towns already had an agent who worked for two months.

“The program, I think, had modest success,” he said.

Holt and some residents disagreed with Federico’s assessment, arguing that there was no evidence that having a drug enforcement agent would cut down on drug-related crime in the towns.

Voters approved an article allowing employees of the Norway Memorial Library to participate in the Maine State Retirement System. They also voted to accept a liability of up to $56,677 to grant the library’s director credit for up to 20 years of past service.

Holt read a motion for Article 33, which sought what disposition the town would make of income from the Herbert Denison Cole Trust Fund, which recommended $400 in prize money be put toward the town purchase of a piece of artwork from the annual Sidewalk Art Show in recognition of its contribution to the town. The article passed.

The recommended funds for provider agencies was raised to $34,839. Holt said the initial recommendation, $32,857, was based on an incorrect figure for the 2006-2007 appropriation.

The meeting had not concluded at press time.