Hatfield Select Board sets 25-person quorum for outdoor May 11 town meeting

HATFIELD -- May 5, 2021, Hatfield Select Board sets a 25-voter quorum for its May 11 outdoor annual town meeting and grants a new beer-and-wine license to the Smithsonian Chowder House. The board voted unanimously on both measures at its May 5 meeting, acting on a recommendation from Town Moderator Joe, who warned that no tent rental was available anywhere in the region and that a rainstorm could suppress turnout for the 30-article warrant. Owner Peter Langlois told the board his catering business lost $300,000 to $400,000 during the pandemic and the license was needed to keep the restaurant competitive; Paul D'Angelo of Main Street called it "a big disservice" if the license were denied. Town Administrator Marlene confirmed five beer-and-wine licenses remained available under the town's allotment. The board also unanimously approved the warrant, authorized the DPW director to sign Collective Highway Aid contracts through the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, and cleared a name correction on a solar financing entity from Enel X MA PV Portfolio 1 LLC to Enel X MA PV Portfolio 2 LLC.