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Tinmouth board accepts petition for donated timber-framed pavilion, schedules informational meeting
Summary
Select Board accepted a petition asking voters to approve a donated timber-framed pavilion next to the playground, but members differed on timing and raised concerns about site drainage and restroom access; an informational meeting was set for Jan. 25 with a vote to follow.
The Tinmouth Select Board voted Dec. 12 to accept a petition asking town voters whether to “accept the gift of a timber framed community shade structure to be constructed on the town green next to the playground” to be paid for with grants, donations and volunteer labor. The motion to accept the petition language passed after residents urged the board to expedite a vote.
Petition supporters told the board they wanted a January vote to help contractors schedule work; opponents and some board members raised concerns about the pavilion site’s water issues and logistics for large events. One resident argued the location is very wet in spring and said, “if this thing gets built and kids have soggy feet, it’s… going to be an issue” (Speaker 7). Town staff relayed engineering feedback that the proposed pavilion location would have limited impact but noted there are no guarantees during a 50‑year flood event (Speaker 4).
The board discussed legal constraints after accepting the petition: town staff advised the board must act on a valid petition and warn a special meeting within 60 days but that the select board—not petitioners—sets the meeting date. The Select Board set an informational meeting for Jan. 25 at 1:00 p.m. and aimed to hold the vote on Jan. 28, subject to the 30–40 day warning requirement and final scheduling to meet statutory deadlines (Staff/Clerk). The board also agreed to hold a short meeting Dec. 18 to finalize the warning paperwork and a letter to outside partners.
The debate included repeated reminders that the structure is being offered as a gift paid for by donors and volunteers: “The cost of this structure is not being paid by the town. It’s being paid as a gift,” a resident said (Speaker 10). Opponents urged the board to fully resolve site drainage, septic and restroom access issues before widespread use was expected. The board said it would use the Jan. 25 informational meeting to address outstanding engineering and logistical questions and to clarify conditions for event use and rental procedures.
