MEXICO — The Board of Selectmen will soon consider a moratorium on marijuana clubs.
Selectman Reggie Arsenault, who is also a member of the Planning Board, handed to selectmen Tuesday night a draft of a moratorium ordinance on retail marijuana establishments and stores, and retail marijuana social clubs.
The ordinance, initiated by Police Chief Roy Hodsdon, would be for six months.
Selectmen voted to have the ordinance on their Dec. 20 meeting agenda.
On Nov. 8, Maine voters narrowly approved legalizing recreational use of marijuana, allowing municipalities to regulate the location and operation of retail marijuana establishments and retail marijuana social clubs, and to adopt and enforce regulations for such uses.
The ordinance would give the town time to draft regulations governing such establishments and clubs, because the town Zoning Ordinance has no provisions or standards for them.
On Friday, Dec. 16, there will be a reception for new Town Manager Jack Gaudet and former Town Manager John Madigan from 2 to 4 p.m. in the conference room in the Town Hall.
Gaudet began his duties Nov. 28. Madigan retired and was elected to represent Maine House District 115.
The board tabled a vote on an election to to fill Gaudet’s seat on the Board of Selectmen. Options include filling the position soon or waiting until June when Gaudet’s term expires. A vote will be held Dec. 20 when a decision is made on a public hearing for the moratorium.
Arsenault announced a benefit dinner and dance will be held for longtime Fire Chief Gary Wentzell, with proceeds going toward travel expenses for his treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
The event will be held Jan. 28 at the Rumford Eagles hall. There will be a 50/50 raffle and auction.
He said items such as gift cards and gas cards are needed. Donations will be accepted by Kim Chiasson 207-364-7953, 179 Poplar Hill Road, Mexico, ME 04257.
In other business, Deputy Fire Chief Richard Jones said Engine 23 is at Morrison Motors in Mexico for repairs.
“The brakes are not working like they should,” he said.
He said the 2002 truck also recently had pump work done. The town has owned it for three years.
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