Tisbury selectmen seek draft of beer, wine article

Posted December 21, 2006

Following on a report released in September by the town's beer and wine review committee, the Tisbury selectmen agreed to move toward putting the issue of beer and wine sales in Vineyard Haven to voters.

"We'll throw something out for the fur to fly," joked selectman chairman Tristan Israel, who suggested that John Jones, a member of the town's beer and wine review committee, and town administrator John Bugbee put together a draft article and possible regulations as a starting point for public hearings that will be held.

The selectmen met last week to tackle a full agenda and finish some old business before the New Year arrives.

The selectmen also approved taxi regulation amendments and rates agreed to and submitted by Vineyard Haven taxi companies for uniform maximum charges for travel to or from the Steamship Authority terminal in Vineyard Haven to Island towns and specific destinations.

In other business, the selectmen discussed the idea of renting and leasing town-owned septage lagoon property for parking trucks and storing heavy equipment and trailers. Planning board member Henry Stephenson offered to draw up a site plan, and Tisbury Finance and Advisory Committee (FinCom) chairman Muriel Mill agreed to ask the FinCom for suggestions on leasing and rental prices.

Due to problems with commercial businesses staging vehicles in the Park and Ride lot, the selectmen plan to put together a set of stricter regulations for its use.

The selectmen also heard from several business owners and community members on the issue of changing parking on Main Street from one to two hours, put forth by a petition signed by 150 people. After listening to the pros and cons, Mr. Israel and selectman Tom Pachico said they were against the idea and no further action was taken.

The selectmen appointed selectman Denys Wortman to the county advisory board and reappointed Mr. Pachico as the town's port council representative.

They also reminded town boards and townspeople to submit articles for the special town meeting on Feb. 20 by Jan. 5, 2007, and by Jan. 10 for the annual town meeting on April 10.