FARMINGTON – The Board of Selectmen endorsed a policy Tuesday by a vote of 3-2 to prohibit any political actions or projects on town properties.

This includes obtaining petition signatures with the exception of those located outside the voting polls at the Community Center.

Not listed as an item on the board’s agenda, Town Manager Richard Davis apologized for raising the issue under “other business.” He suggested a policy was needed after town officials received a complaint about the way someone collected petition signatures at the Old Crow Band concert Monday night in Meetinghouse Park.

The town should remain neutral and town properties should be neutral, he said. Some guidelines need to be in place, he added.

With numerous groups scheduled to use the town’s gazebo in the park this summer, some board members expressed concerned about their ability to perform without interference.

Sidewalks within town remain “fair game” and petitions can be collected on any private property such as stores.

Selectman Nancy Porter told the board she voted against it because she felt “there could be some real ramifications unless we look at this very carefully.”