The council’s decision to eliminate a water rate reduction that had benefited a single entity in town was a point of discussion. The rate in question, a 25% reduction, was initially implemented following a request from a local farmer in 1982, designed to mirror volume discounts given to large commercial entities. However, the council debated the fairness of this reduction, as it was only utilized by one business, while other larger enterprises opted against it. This sentiment led to a motion to delete the article entirely, thereby ensuring uniform water rates throughout the town. The motion was carried without opposition.

Another focal point of the meeting was the examination of the licensing requirements for hawkers and peddlers within the town. Members highlighted the necessity for vendors to obtain proper licenses from the town clerk’s office, with final approval from the state. The absence of a specified fee for these licenses in the town’s fee schedule prompted a discussion on the need for a nominal fee to be established. This would ensure that vendors applying for licenses contribute to the regulatory framework’s maintenance. Further, the council acknowledged that instances of non-compliance needed addressing, emphasizing the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms to uphold licensing standards.

The council also engaged in a review of bylaws related to the revocation of municipal licenses. The primary goal was to ensure businesses comply with safety, health, and other regulatory standards. A significant aspect of this discussion was the clarification of the council’s authority to revoke licenses if businesses violated laws, even if they were operating under special permits. The council asserted its ability to act on such violations.

Amendments to the bylaw structure were also proposed. This included placing the bylaw’s authority first, followed by its purpose and definitions. The procedure for license revocation, suspension, or modification was outlined, emphasizing the role of municipal department heads in initiating these processes.

Furthermore, the council considered the rights of licensees during hearings, focusing on their ability to present evidence regarding alleged violations. While some members suggested that the language could be refined for clarity, there was a general consensus on maintaining the legal integrity of the bylaws.

The meeting also addressed the severability clause within the bylaw, which ensures that invalidation of any section does not affect the enforceability of others. The council agreed to generalize this clause for broader applicability.