Select Board debates Mass Gathering ordinance exemptions, considers naming the Acton Fair

The Select Board spent significant time reviewing proposed edits to the town's Mass Gathering ordinance, focused on who should be exempt and how the permitting process should work.

Town Administrator Jennifer Roux read the ordinance language and told the Board that fairgrounds were listed as an exemption because they are expected to handle expected gatherings; the discussion turned to whether to explicitly name the Acton Fair. Roux also noted the Board could consult departmental officials when considering a permit: "When considering the issuance of a permit the Board of Selectmen may seek advice from the Fire Chief, Code Enforcement Officer, Health Officer, and such other officials or persons as it deems necessary." Board members proposed removing some blanket language, exempting events already subject to a conditional use permit, and changing the permit issuance verb from 'shall' to 'may' so the Board has discretion if standards are not met.

Members also set procedural points the Town Administrator will refine: a 30‑day advance filing window, a $100 permit fee to remain unchanged, and replacing a bond requirement with proof of insurance. The Board asked staff to bring a cleaned draft of the ordinance with recommended permit application procedures (including recommended law‑enforcement/traffic staffing levels) for further review.