Commission asks attorney to draft ordinance to bar full‑park rentals and protect public access

Commissioner Jacobs asked the commission to direct the town attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting the full rental of the town park to private entities after recent events where the park was closed to general public access and private vendors charged admission and VIP parking. Jacobs argued the park is taxpayer‑funded public land and should not be closed entirely for private profit; other commissioners and staff discussed options for preserving resident access while allowing limited facility rentals.

Town counsel said the issue can be addressed either by a code amendment or by adding protective language to rental agreements for pavilions and other park facilities. Commissioners discussed whether residents should have free access during permitted events and how to handle private vendors who charge for parking or admission within a rented area. The manager and town attorney agreed to draft ordinance language and recommended contract provisions that would prohibit charging for access to public portions of the park or require resident exceptions.

The commission directed legal staff to return with a draft ordinance for consideration at a future meeting (the manager indicated the ordinance would be scheduled for the May meeting). Commissioners asked staff to clarify whether resident exemptions or permit‑based credentials might be used to ensure residents are not charged during permitted events.

Ending — the commission provided direction to the town attorney to draft an ordinance to prevent full park closures and to return with proposed language and suggested permit amendments for review in May.