GILFORD BOARD OF SELECTMEN
WORK SESSION ON VENDOR PERMIT POLICY
NOVEMBER 8, 2006
The Board of Selectmen convened in a work session on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at the Gilford Town Hall, 47 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH. Selectmen present were Chairman Dennis Doten, Alice Boucher and Connie Grant. Also present were Town Administrator Evans Juris, Assistant Town Administrator Debra Shackett and Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey. Also in attendance was Director of Planning and Land Use, John Ayer.
The Selectmen recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Doten stated that the purpose of today’s work session is to discuss the proposed Vendor Permit Policy, as proposed by John Ayer. Mr. Ayer began by stating that he had discussed his proposed policy with Police Chief John Markland, who felt it was very reasonable. The possibility of not enforcing the Vendor Permit Policy with Gunstock was also offered as a possibility.
Chairman Doten stated that issuing vendor permits has added a tremendous workload to the Department of Planning and Land Use. John Ayer added that it would be beneficial to his office to have stricter enforcement of the Vendor Permit Policy. Selectman Boucher inquired if input could be accepted from the public today. Chairman Doten agreed.
Selectman Boucher asked John Ayer to explain the difference between a hawkers and peddlers license vs. an itinerant vendor license. Mr. Ayer provided a handout, comparing the definition of the two types of State licenses. This prompted extensive discussion. Chairman Doten stated that in his opinion, from the Town’s point of view, it does not matter which type of State license an applicant has for a Town of Gilford Vendor Permit.
Further discussion ensued on whether or not there is a need to regulate people who come into Gilford as vendors. Assistant Town Administrator Shackett provided revenue figures for 2005 and 2006 for Vendor Permits. Chairman Doten stated that in the matter of Gunstock, public safety services are burdened and the permit fees help to offset this. Selectman Boucher suggested that Meadowbrook and Gunstock have their own vendor applications. John Ayer stated that could cause a problem if different rates are applied to these entities.
A suggestion was made to change the wording on the Town application to state, “you may need a State of NH hawkers and peddlers license”. John Ayer also read from the Gilford Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, as it pertains to the definition of vending. This definition also refers to Chapter 321 of the NH RSA’s. Chairman Doten suggested asking for business references for each vendor. Selectmen Boucher and Grant did not agree that business references should be required. Discussion then revolved around the issue of a town issued vendor permit – does it imply endorsement of the vendor?
Town Administrator Juris pointed out the there is a certain amount of liability with food vendors, in the event of sickness, etc. This is why the state license is important for food vendors. John Ayer stated that he feels the state license takes care of the “business references”. He further elaborated on the fact that the information being used by the Department of Planning and Land Use was taken from the Police Department, who interpreted that everyone needs a hawkers and peddlers license, other then the exceptions listed.
More discussion ensued on the need to verify state licenses and the need to determine who is exempt from obtaining state licenses. Selectman Grant suggested checking with LGC on this issue. Selectman Boucher stated that she would like more information on this matter before making any determinations.
Responding to a question from Charlie Boucher, John Ayer clarified the issue of fees for vendor permits. Selectman Grant would like to know more about the liability and responsibility involved with vendor permits. Town Administrator Juris advised the Board that the State does check for proper licensing during Motorcycle Week. He also cited some of the problems incurred during Motorcycle Week, including the heavily burdened emergency services.
In closing, Selectman Boucher suggested having the new vendor permit policy in place by the end of the year. Chairman Doten also suggested that a penalty be charged for late applications.
The work session was adjourned at 2:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra J. Bailey
Administrative Secretary
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