Sanbornton's No Smoking policy now in effect

Sanbornton’s no smoking policy was given final approval Wednesday night by the town’s Board of Selectmen. The new policy, which became effective immediately, prohibits smoking in all town buildings and vehicles. As has been the case for town employees for some time, smoking will be allowed only during scheduled breaks.

The ban designates the following town property areas where smoking will be allowed:

Behind the west end of the office building at the Transfer Station, in the general area of the employee parking area at the Highway Garage, in the general area of the parking lots between the Town Office and the Fire and Police Building, in the parking lot on the southern side of Town Hall, and in the general area of the parking lot at the Recreation Office.

The prohibition against smoking also applies anywhere at the town beaches and in the town park, except in designated areas.

The regulation, which also stipulates that smoking materials must be disposed of “properly,” was approved by a vote of two to zero. Board Chair Dave Nickerson and Selectman Steve Ober voted for the regulation. Selectman Andrew Livernois was absent.

In other action, the board approved a motion to conduct an auction of nine properties the town acquired by tax deed. The total amount of the taxes and interest owed one the nine properties is $322,700. All of the parcels are land only. The proceeds from such a sale will be held in escrow for a period of time, usually one year, to give the owners additional time for redemption. The selectmen were authorized to sell the properties by the Town Meeting in May.