WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Apple reached out to each member of the Board of Selectmen on Thursday, asking for their reaction to the news that the Wilmington Fourth of July Committee’s special permit request to hold a carnival in the Fourth of July Building’s parking lot during this summer’s Fun on the Fourth festivities was denied by the Wilmington Board of Appeals on Wednesday night.
Below are responses received from Mike Champoux, Mike Newhouse and Lou Cimaglia.
MIKE CHAMPOUX:
As a resident and as a member of The Board of Selectmen, I am saddened about how the events have unfolded between the Zoning Board of Appeals and The 4th of July Committee. I share with so many of our fellow residents, the strong belief that the celebration, including the Fiesta carnival, has become a defining characteristic of our community and that it’s absence will leave a gaping hole where it once was. I am on record, and have spoken publicly at the last ZBA meeting, that I do not agree with or endorse the opinion of the objecting ZBA member’s need for the $20,000 security escrow account. It has been my feeling that the compromises made by the 4th Committee and Fiesta in the type, quantity, positioning and noise footprint of rides on the site, together with the assurances of the Chief of Police that with enhanced patrols he feels that he can secure the perimeter, that this event could and should be allowed to go on.
I am disheartened, however, by much misinformation and downright irresponsible behavior by many on Facebook and in other media. I implore residents, even though they may be frustrated, sad or even angry, to resist the temptation towards personal attacks on any individual. We are, as a community, above that.
Let’s focus on the facts. I resent anyone suggesting that the Board of Selectmen acted irresponsible in allowing the ZBA member to participate in this matter because he may be biased based on the proximity of where he lives to where the event was proposed. The conflict of interest rules state that a conflict exists when it can be argued that the member has a financial interest in the matter. It has been clear to me that there is no financial interest, either positive or negative to this individual, regardless of where or if the carnival were to be approved or denied. I voted to allow him to hear this so that a full contingent of the 5-member Board of Appeals, could listen to, deliberate on, and render a decision. Due to the nature of this Special Permit, the charter dictates a 4 person vote in order to pass. I note also, that the Board of Selectmen’s vote to approve this member to participate was unanimous. We must, and did, do what was right. Regrettably, after that time, when we were of the mind that it would be a 5 member board, another member revealed that he works for a company that makes and / or sells equipment to Fiesta Shows. And, while he acknowledged that he is not directly involved in those transactions, there could be an argument made that there is a financial conflict of interest. With him recused, that left the remaining 4 members to hear and vote, now unanimously to approve the permit. One of those members being the individual who requested the $20,000 escrow account for damage to abutters from 3rd parties attending the carnival.
In recent weeks, the 4th of July Committee was able to secure an amount equal to the $20,000 that was requested. Regrettably, according to them, there is no mechanism or process in place for them to open and manage this account and administer for damage claims during and after the event. Reportedly, under advice of their attorney, the 4th Committee decided to not pursue establishing the account and meeting the ZBA member’s condition.
I repeat, I do not believe that the condition of the security account is necessary and do not agree with this ZBA member’s decision to submit it as a condition. But, I fully support his right, as a duly appointed volunteer member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, with a positive record of service to this town for 7+ years, to make such a request. And, while I do not agree with his vote, I stand by the process. This is how government works. The reality is, that sometimes, we don’t get what we want. It is at those times that we mush dig down and determine what happens next. Do we resort to childish name-calling and bullying? Or, do we assemble in a productive manner, to brainstorm for some creative, actionable, deliverable solutions that will yield desired results. I challenge this 4th of July Commitee, as passionate as I know they are about this celebration, to go back and try again to find a way to meet the condition that will bring back our celebration. If not for 2016, then for 2017 and beyond.
MIKE NEWHOUSE:
The prospect of not having a carnival is disappointing for many folks, but residents should be clear about one thing: the Town is committed to moving forward with a Fourth of July program, including a fireworks display, that will serve as a fitting celebration of this most important holiday. I trust that the residents of Wilmington will be thrilled to see the fireworks, and participate in a number of family events, back on the Common. If the current Fourth of July Committee chooses not join in the planning of the celebration, their collective experience and participation will be missed, and I will be disappointed. At the same time, I am eminently confident that with the able assistance of various town departments, town residents, volunteers and community organizations, the Town Manager will put together an event that the Wilmington Community will be proud of.
LOU CIMAGLIA:
I had to recuse myself from any votes regarding the Fourth of July events as I am on the Fun on the Fourth committee. I am, however, very disappointed on the vote that was taken Wednesday night. I believe the point that has not been mentioned enough is that the non-profit groups that use the week of the fourth to raise money to support their wonderful causes are the ones who will lose that opportunity. The carnival brings many people to our common and they do patronize the non-profit booths. The young and old children are also the ones who will lose out. Regardless of what people think of having the carnival on the common, it does give the youth of our town and their families an opportunity to spend time with each other and celebrate our countries independence. I have confidence that our wonderful town will move forward and have a celebration on the common and a great fireworks display.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Wilmington Apple will add additional comments from any other Selectmen that chooses to respond right here.
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