SABATTUS — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday discussed holding a public workshop on regulations for retail marijuana stores and clubs for recreational users.

Board Chairwoman Michelle Ames suggested getting residents’ opinions on how to proceed.

Board member Guy Desjardins said he is not in favor of marijuana sales and distribution in town, based on the resources available and the size of the Police Department.

Maine voters approved legalizing marijuana Nov. 8, but regulations for retail shops and clubs have not been written. Towns can write their own.

Town Manager Tony Ward will meet with Code Enforcement Officer Dennis Douglass and Police Chief Gary Baillargeon to discuss the matter. A workshop with the public is to be announced.

The board unanimously approved holding the annual town meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in the Community Room at Town Hall.

In other business, Ward met with Darwin Webster who bought property in 2003 that was discovered to be town land deeded in 1984 by the late Louis W. Wallcroft.

After several months of investigation and discussion, the board decided to reclaim the property and will refund Webster three years of back taxes, which is the maximum amount allowed by state law. The total amount owed to Webster, including interest, is $1,955.27.

The board discussed updating the town’s 10-year-old mission statement.

Board member JP Curran suggested creating a statement about the town’s vision and goals, and recommended each department do the same.

Ames said she would be more apt to support spending if it was directly in line with departmental goals.

Ward will meet with department heads to discuss plans for the mission statement.

Ward also brought up four outdated town ordinances: Building Code and Mobile Home Parks, Firearms, Loitering, and Occupancy.

According to Code Enforcement Officer Dennis Douglass, they are either redundant or irrelevant.

The board was not opposed to eliminating them.

Desjardins said he’s concerned about the misuse of the town’s complimentary salt and sand set aside for residents. On two occasions, he witnessed people filling the bed of their trucks, which is more than the two buckets allowed, he said.

He further questioned people from other towns having access to the salt and sand.

The board discussed housing the supply in another area and Curran suggested removing the salt mixture and only offering sand. Ward will meet with Public Works personnel and the head of road maintenance to find a solution.

Ward, department heads, selectmen and the Budget Committee will meet in February, March and April to develop a budget for fiscal year 2017-18.

The board’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

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