Richmond Select Board Delays Balderdash Permit Hearing Until January

RICHMOND -- December 16, 2020, Richmond Select Board continues Balderdash special permit hearing and renews alcohol licenses for two venues. The board voted unanimously at its December 16 remote meeting to postpone the public hearing on Balderdash's special permit amendment to January 6, 2021, after the town attorney and Balderdash's attorney requested more time to draft a proposed notice of decision. Board member Manzalini acknowledged that a draft decision had circulated publicly without being labeled as such, saying he regretted that it "went out to the world without draft splattered all over." The board also unanimously approved pouring license renewals for both Balderdash and Hilltop Orchards, which were required to be submitted to the state by the end of December. A preliminary discussion of green burials was postponed to January 6 pending consultation with local funeral homes and an appearance by cemetery superintendent Steve Parsons. The town administrator separately confirmed that Dublin Road will be fully closed for approximately three months in the spring for a culvert replacement funded entirely by a small bridge grant, with a signed detour plan already required as part of the Conservation Commission application.