Select Board approves routine licenses but questions oversight of grandfathered junkyards

The Naples Select Board on June 8 approved a block of routine licenses and permits but paused to question oversight for grandfathered automobile recycling and junkyard operations.

At a public hearing the board opened renewals for liquor licenses, an entertainment permit for American Legion Post 155 and a new business license for a small seal‑coating and landscaping operation at 35 Allen Lane. Applicant Pal Martin introduced himself to the board, saying, "I'm just starting a little seal coating business and doing like a little bit of landscaping," and confirmed the work would operate from his truck and residence.

During consideration of automobile graveyard/junkyard renewals, a board member asked how the town verifies that grandfathered businesses meet state operation standards for issues such as containment of automotive fluids and setbacks from wells. Staff replied that the operational standards are set by the state and that the municipality typically relies on state enforcement; staff agreed to follow up on whether the town receives copies of state inspection reports.

The board also reviewed the automobile recycling permit for Steuart Automotive at 214 Casco Road and directed staff to align the municipal permit term with the state's five‑year schedule after members noted the state issues those permits on a five‑year cycle.

The motions to approve the block of licenses (items 6A–6G) were adopted as presented. Board members asked staff to verify and, where appropriate, attach a note to municipal permits indicating reliance on the state's inspections and to report back if the town can or should require additional local documentation.

Next steps: staff will determine whether the town already receives state inspection documentation and will report findings back to the board; the Steuart Automotive municipal permit will be adjusted to match the state's multi‑year cycle if appropriate.