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Wayne board schedules public input on parks and public-lands ordinance amid questions on exceptions and firearms rules
Summary
Select Board members scheduled a public-input session April 1 to review proposed updates to the parks and public-lands ordinance and asked staff to seek legal guidance on whether state law preempts local restrictions on firearms possession and carrying in town parks.
The Town of Wayne Select Board discussed proposed updates to the parks and public-lands ordinance at its March 18 meeting and scheduled a public-input session April 1 to gather resident feedback.
Discussion touched on several issues: whether facilities managed by the Ladd (land and recreation) committee or the school should be carved out from the town-wide ordinance; who should approve commercial activity and vending in town parks; and whether the town can lawfully regulate firearm possession and carrying in parks.
Ken and other board members suggested exceptions that would allow the Ladd Recreation Committee to govern uses at its facilities, while other members said town-wide rules should apply except where the committee or school facilities have specific, documented agreements. The draft ordinance would authorize the town manager to create application forms and procedures for one-time exceptions and for vending requests; the board discussed the advisability of a standardized application process.
Several members raised concerns about firearms regulation. One board member cited Title 25, Chapter 25, 2011 and noted that state law may preempt local regulation of the carry and possession of firearms. The board asked staff to get guidance from the Maine Municipal Association on whether the proposed ordinance language would be valid and enforceable.
Other practical matters discussed included updating signage in parks to ensure consistency with ordinance text, and drafting an application form for vendors and special events. Chip, the code enforcement officer, will consolidate edits and provide redlined drafts; the board asked that he leave the current draft in place until the April 1 public-input session so General Code (the codification vendor) can continue its work and incorporate changes.
Ending: The board agreed to place the parks and public-lands ordinance on the April 1 public-input agenda, to request MMA guidance on firearms preemption, and to ask staff to prepare a vendor/special-event application form and updated signage recommendations.
