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Selectmen consider food trucks at Kent Falls brewery

KENT — Seeking permission to provide food truck service at its local farm brewery, the Kent Falls Brewing Company brought the proposal to the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Brewery owner Barry Labendz described the business’ mission as connected with the agricultural pursuits of his 52-acre Camp Road Farm. He added that he has been at the location for the past eight years, having opened in 2015 and adding the tasting room in 2017.

If food trucks were permitted at his business, Labendz said that it would serve to keep food trucks away from existing businesses in the town commercial center. The food truck hours would coincide with the brewery’s hours, perhaps fully or perhaps only on weekends, Labendz said, indicating that he was asking for the full-range hours, eliminating a need to come back to extend hours to Thursdays or Fridays as time went on.

“Without prepared food on site, you’re not allowed to serve beer,” Labendz said.

Selectmen Glenn Sanchez and Rufus de Rham concurred in wanting time to consider the request, with Sanchez noting that the issue of food trucks has been a longstanding point of local discussion and de Rham expressing willingness to revisit the food truck issue but needing more time to research.

First Selectman Jean Speck suggested  collecting views from current restaurant owners and the Planning and Zoning Commission, perhaps scheduling a joint meeting between the selectmen and the P&Z and perhaps a public hearing.

The selectmen agreed to continue discussion of the request at their next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Responding to a request from Connie Manes, chairman of the Kent Conservation Commission (KCC), the selectmen voted unanimously to designate the KCC as the town’s lead agency for coordinating local conservation efforts.

Finding an appropriate way to honor the service of Maureen Brady, Kent’s first female first selectman, brought agreement among the selectmen that the honor was due, but uncertainty about the most fitting way to recognize Brady’s commitment to the town.

Brady served from 1985 to 1991. Prior the joining the board she served as the selectmen’s secretary for 14 years. Brady still lives in Kent. Speck said that she would like to see a plaque prepared and ready to install by March 1, at the start of Women’s History Month. De Rham agreed that something should be done in March.

“She was not just the first female first selectman, we are honoring her efforts in building the present Town Hall,” de Rham said.

Leila Hawken

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