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Date: 6/13/2023
HADLEY — During its June 7 meeting, the Hadley Select Board discussed the future of the Russell School Building Committee as well as regulations for food trucks in town.
With town approval of the feasibility study for the vacant school building now passed, the current viability of the committee was considered by the Select Board with options of dissolving the committee altogether, creating a new panel or redefining the committee’s purpose.
At the May 4 Town Meeting, an article approving a $40,000 expenditure to fund the feasibility study was passed by a margin of 140-10.
Town Administrator Carolyn Brennan, reiterating the purpose of the feasibility study, pointed to the potential options for the building’s reuse, sale or demolition of the building but indicated that any action by the board should await the results of the study.
“I think once you find out the direction that the town wants to go in, I think you as a Select Board can review the return of those documents,” she said. “That may be a good time to look at whatever the town has decided how to move forward, that’s who the makeup of that committee is going to be, it could be the same members, but it could be others depending on what the scope is.”
The board moved on without making changes to the Russell School Committee.
After reviewing board member committee assignments, committee goals and current numbers, the board discussed food truck licensing and regulation in the town in regard to placement and operation on public and private property, addressing language in current regulations and consistency with state statutes.
The Planning Board’s Bill Dwyer and attorney Adam Costa analyzed the varied regulations and bylaws governing food trucks and the different entities empowered to oversee their operation.
Dwyer offered the point that 3/4 of the town is zoned agriculture-residential, limiting the ability to regulate in many areas.
“Our concern was that there will be some properties where a food truck will work and there will be other properties where a food truck won’t work,” he said.
The Select Board agreed to resume the discussion of food truck regulation at a later meeting.
The board then initiated a public hearing on alleged violations by the Young Men’s Club of Hadley and the potential status change to the organization’s liquor license.
Brennan outlined the allegations directed toward the club, making note of the events they host each year, drawing crowds of 1,500 to 2,000 attendees with reports that alcohol had been sold outside the permitted areas of the property located at 138 East St.
Noise and traffic complaints had also been lodged by community members in regard to the club’s events.
Costa explained the limitations and restrictions of the organizations “All Alcoholic Beverages Club” License and the allegations that violations had been professed.
Addressing the hearing, Fire Chief Michael Spanknebel referenced the club’s “Grass is Greener” event where satellite stations for alcohol service and improper fencing were observed.
Police Chief Mike Mason described the club’s current license as “very restrictive” and it was hoped a way could be found to make such events safer.
Mason offered the suggestion of one club representative and one board member be selected to represent the town and also those disturbed by past events to sit down with public safety members.
“[Let’s see] what we can do to compromise and make sure they can still have the events and the town can take care of the residents that have been complaining about the events,” he said.
Mason also suggested modifications to the club’s license be modified and the rules be set and clarified, that recommendation agreed with by the club’s legal representative.
Costa, responding to a board recommendation to take the matter under advisement, suggested the proceedings be continued with accompanying offline discussions, working toward a potential license modification and resolution.