Select Board discusses town meeting agenda, potential land purchase

The Select Board set the agenda for fall Town Meeting, adjusted fees for permits the board handles and, in a short closed-door executive session, discussed the Onset property formerly occupied by Onset Patio and Grille.   

The Sept. 15 meeting lasted only about 40 minutes but yielded a vote on finalizing the “warrant” for the Oct. 26 Fall Town Meeting. A copy of what was approved was not available by Wareham Week’s press time. 

But the topics listed by Selectwoman Judith Whiteside included routine business (paying bills, funding union contracts) along with some project-specific tasks.

The full meeting agenda is expected to be posted on the town’s website by Thursday, Sept. 17. 

As for the former Onset Patio and Grille property at 182 Onset Ave., the board board emerged from the short executive session without taking any vote or explaining what had been discussed in regard to the property that sits on the waterfront next to the town wharf parking lot. 

They described the session as being “to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property (eminent domain) if the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.”

The former eatery has been closed since last year.

Prior to the board’s vote to raise some fees on permits granted by the Select Board, Whiteside explained that the town reviewed all such fees and looked at what other area towns charge for similar fees. Changes will be  effective Dec. 31 for the following:

• The one-day alcohol license for a nonprofit business will be $100.

• Establishments with billiard pool tables will be charged $130 per table.

• Brokers licenses will be $250 new and $180 for renewal.

• Special event fees will be $50 for events less than 50 people and $100 for events with more than 100 people.

• Class 3 licenses on vehicles will be $100.

• Licenses for taxis and limos will be $50.

• Late paperwork for renewal licenses, other than alcohol licenses, will have a $100 late fee.