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North Canaan to vote on cannabis sales this fall

NORTH CANAAN — The future of cannabis sales in North Canaan will be decided by voters this coming November. During the regular monthly selectmen’s meeting on April 5, the board approved a motion to send the fate of recreational marijuana sales in town to the ballot box.

“That’s the way we felt was best way to approach it, was to let the people of the town vote,” said Selectman Craig Whiting.

Zoning Enforcement Officer George Martin was in attendance and stated that, if approved, the town would have to amend “quite a few” zoning regulations.

“We left a two-month buffer. If it passes, there’s still a moratorium through January,” said Whiting on giving the Planning and Zoning committee enough time to revamp regulations if needed.

North Canaan’s contract for their resident trooper is up for renewal in June. Due to a change in personnel, the salary for the new trooper is up $30,000 over last year.

“The new trooper is up to $158,000. Last year it was $128,000,” said First Selectman Charles Perotti.

Residents in attendance raised issue with the rate of turnover for the position, and the selectmen echoed these concerns.

“One of the biggest issues people had with the resident trooper is the fact that we’ve had so much turnover the last couple years,” said Whiting. “They sign up to be the resident trooper, they’re here for a month, and then they’re gone.”

“This is our sixth resident trooper in six years,” said Perotti.

The board approved the scheduling of a town meeting on April 26 to vote on the new trooper contract. Approval of revised Planning and Zoning fees will also be voted on during this meeting.

Selectman Christian Allyn suggested the creation of a Conservation Commission to oversee the stewardship the town’s greenway, Beckley Furnace, the Canaan Village historic district, and river access at Ruggle’s Landing.

Due to concerns over liability related to the town taking on this stewardship, the board agreed to table this discussion to allow for input from town counsel. The topic will be revisited during the May 1 selectmen’s meeting.

American flags are available for purchase at Town Hall to be hung on telephone poles around North Canaan. The Cranford Club is promoting this project to bring a bit of light and color to town and honor loved ones by flying these flags. The flags cost $30.

In honor of Earth Day, the board is seeking volunteers to help pick up trash around town. Interested volunteers are to meet at town hall at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22.

North Canaan will recognize the National Day of Prayer on May 4 at the town pavilion. Prayer will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Riley Klein

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