DURHAM — With restrictions on large group gatherings likely to extend into fall, the town to hold a special town meeting secret ballot in conjunction with the Nov. 3 election to deal with issues that weren’t included on the July warrant.
Since the normal in-person town meeting wsa canceled in April, several warrant items that had been planned for the April warrant were not included on the July warrant in order to focus on the most important municipal budget articles. The select board’s intent at the time was to schedule a special town meeting in the fall to vote on the articles. It now seems unlikely that large group gatherings will be possible this fall. The Board also feels it is unlikely that an in-person town meeting will be possible in April 2021. However, the board also feels it is important to keep working on issues facing the town, even if we cannot meet in person.
Therefore, the select board has scheduled the secret ballot town meeting, and the Nov. 3 ballot will include a separate ballot with local articles.
Townspeople will vote on four issues, all of which were originally part of lApril’s warrant, including:
* changes to the zoning map and land use ordinace needed to bring Durham’s regulations into compliance with the state mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act; * a minor change to the Historic District Ordinance that will permit the Historic District Commission to increase the number of alternate members from two to four; * a series of Articles asking which, if any, commercial adult use marijuana or medical marijuana establishments the town wishes to allow; * approval to hire a town manager and for the mone required for the recruitment and search process
There will be two virtual Zoom public hearings, to be scheduled for late September and/or early October on the four ballot items. A postcard notice will be mailed to all households with information on how to participate once details have been finalized. Information will also be posted on the town website.
Residents can find information on the 2020 Special Town Meeting Durhamme.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7cda00c03d9a1899801abba0f&id=000176d0da&e=e912f79f1c”>by clicking here. The page will be updated as information becomes available.
