LIVERMORE — Selectpersons have voted to bring a marijuana moratorium ordinance before voters at a special town meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Spruce Mountain Primary School.

If the ordinance is adopted, approval for any new marijuana-related businesses, such as bars and retail social clubs, would not be given for 180 days.

Administrative Assistant Amy Byron said the Planning Board had initially reviewed a draft ordinance and recommended it be brought to selectpersons. The board voted to proceed Nov. 29.

The ordinance could be renewed for an additional 180 days upon showing that a good-faith effort is being made, Byron said. Selectpersons or the town could also vote to repeal or modify the ordinance.

Resident Dwight Hines said at the board meeting Tuesday night he is against the ordinance.

“It’s an unfunded mandate,” Hines said. “The state should come up with some money. I don’t think we need to have this.” 

Selectperson Timothy Kachnovich said several towns have adopted similar ordinances until guidelines have been established.

“We’re covering ourselves,” Chairman Mark Chretien said.

A special town meeting had already been scheduled to vote on the dissolution of Oxford County Regional Recycling Corp.

Addressing both issues then will save the town some money, according to Selectperson Tom Gould said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

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