By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Grafton – The Grafton Board of Selectmen heard a presentation about the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan at their meeting July 12.
Principal Planner Paul Dell’Aquila noted that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is not an emergency response plan, but regards natural disaster mitigation to reduce the impact on people and property ahead of time. The plan uses six different tools: property protection, public education/awareness, natural resource protection, inland water/runoff, structural projects, and emergency response protection. This was the first of two public meetings on the plan, he explained. It will next be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), then referred to the local team. By middle of next week MEMA feedback should be posted, said Dell’Aquila.
Following public input, any substantial changes will be noted at future meetings.
The Board also met with the Department of Public Works (DPW) Building Committee to ruminate over the defeat of the new DPW Building funding at Town Meeting. The board agreed that the presentation at Town Meeting had been at fault rather than voters simply not wanting such a large, expensive replacement DPW building.
In other business, the Grafton Flea Market was approved for a liquor license to serve beer. Owners Michael and Laura Peters, represented by Atty. Henry Lane, said the license was necessary to provide their customers with what competitors were already offering. The license authorizes the Grafton Flea Market to set up a fenced-in section near the restaurant to sell beer. Selectmen agreed with the owners to provide a four-foot high fence and that no one under 21 would be allowed in the fenced area. Staff will be stationed at the entrance to check IDs.