CARRABASSETT VALLEY –- In a long selectmen’s meeting, members heard both sides regarding adult entertainment and whether there should be an ordinance to regulate such activity. The issue last Monday, April 12 arose at a citizen’s request in search of a means to survey the inhabitants to see if they felt an ordinance was needed or wanted.

Concerns were raised nearly two years ago when it was discovered that Jeff Jacques, owner of the Carrabassett Inn and Grill, was hosting weekly shows involving nude dancing. To help boost business and keep doors open, he hired the Augusta-based PartyDancers USA show. At that time the activity raised concerns from some residents; it was described by Jacques as a short-term answer during slow economic times.

The selectmen also stated that they did not want to pass a moral judgment on a town business. They also recognized that Jacques did not have a lot of advertising or signage.

Resident George Abbott was present that evening to ask the selectmen to initiate the survey to see if residents had enough interest to want an ordinance restricting such activity.

Town manager Dave Cota said he presented the selectmen with various ordinances from other towns which varied from limiting such things as degree of nudity, to limiting hours of operation and other variables such as setbacks from schools and churches.

Abbott wrote a letter to the town officials and cited specific language from the town comprehensive plan which spoke of development needs, but also to avoid changing the current character of the community and natural scenic resources in the region.

“In my opinion, this type of ‘recreational activity’ will cast a negative impression on the ‘character of the community,’” Abbott said.

He mentioned that the recreation committee sent out a survey in the past and requested a similar initiative on whether residents wanted an Adult Entertainment Ordinance. Cota said he was directed to bring back some options on how to survey the community.

As of last week, Cota had not determined the best way to do so. Ninety percent of Carrabassett Valley taxpayers are non-residents and he questioned whether a survey should go to the tax base, the voters or he should conduct a random survey.

“Right now it’s just a discussion on how to survey the community,” and whether there is interest in developing such an ordinance, Cota said.

The town manager said he plans to bring options to the board in the future and expects more discussion in meetings ahead.