LISBON — The Town Council approved the first reading of a revised marijuana ordinance Tuesday that would prohibit licensing new enterprises within 2,000 feet of an existing business.
If adopted, the revised ordinance would only apply to new businesses and would not affect preexisting cannabis businesses in town.
After consulting the town’s attorney, councilors determined that a current business which remains closed for 90 days or more would then be subject to the revised ordinance.
The council voted 6-0 to approve the first reading, with councilor Jason Smith abstaining.
The revision was proposed in response to resident concerns about the growing number of marijuana businesses in Lisbon.
A request from Public Works Director Randy Cyr to replace the 2,000 gallon above-ground gas tank with a 6,000 gallon below-ground tank was also approved by the council. Cyr said that with new regulations, it would cost the town more to install a new above-ground tank.
The above-ground tank was estimated to cost the town about $132,000, and the below-ground tank $94,000.
The council has already budgeted $95,000 for the project in the current budget.
The tank will serve town vehicles and eventually school buses. The Lisbon school district is planning to replace its fleet with gas-only buses, Cyr said. Gas is generally less expensive than diesel.
Residents can expect to see lights, garlands and other decorations adorning Lisbon village and Lisbon Falls this holiday season after the Town Council approved up to $3,000 in expenditures from the downtown tax increment financing account at the request of Ross Cunningham, director of economic and community development.
The council additionally approved a revised ordinance which allows ATVs to drive on more roads, bringing local clubs one step closer to connecting trail systems in Lisbon village, Lisbon Falls and Bowdoin.
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