Barre Select Board launches Economic Development Committee, splits marijuana licensing roles

BARRE -- August 20, 2018, Barre Select Board approves new Economic Development Committee and weighs marijuana licensing split. The board voted unanimously August 20 to advance a charge for a five-member volunteer Economic Development Committee, with two alternates, to coordinate with a regional planner shared by Barre, Hardwick, New Braintree, Hubbardston, and Oakham under a grant. One board member also proposed separating marijuana business regulation between the Select Board, which would govern host community agreements and public hearings, and the Planning Board, which would handle zoning only, a framework the member said he planned to bring to the Planning Board the following night, with the town's marijuana moratorium set to expire at year's end. The board also announced the resignations of Treasurer Nancy Talbot, who served approximately eight years and will stay through October, and Assistant Collector Jessica Crawford, leaving two of three positions in the treasurer-collector office vacant heading into fall tax season. Fuel contracts for diesel, propane, and heating oil were awarded to R.J. McDonald as the lowest overall bidder.