There were plenty of issues generating discussion at the Feb. 28 meeting of the Bristol Town Council. Here were a few nuggets we pulled from the meeting and summarized for your edification.

Liability insurance will be required for use of Town Marina effective May 17

• Harbor Master Gregg Marsilli recommended requiring liability insurance for boats using the Town Marina.
• Noting that there have been several marina fires across the country in recent years, Marsilli suggested that it should be on the boat owners to provide the liability insurance that would cover any damage to the Marina. Absent that, taxpayers would be left holding the bag.
• Concerns were raised by Harbor Commission members Jim Dollins and John McDonald, who suggested that, for some members of the commercial fleet, the cost could be prohibitive, and even a barrier to entry for young or less-established commercial fishermen.
• The Council voted to move forward with the insurance mandate, requiring it for recreational vessels effective May 17, but delaying an additional 6 months for commercial vessels to comply, allowing for time to investigate the possibility of money-saving options like cooperatives or discounts.
• The measure passed 4-1, with Councillor Mary Parella voting against, as she feels there are still too many unanswered questions about the costs and impacts to commercial fishermen.

We’ll be eating well in the 02809

• Eli Dunn picked up victualing and Class B liquor licenses — along with giddy endorsements from neighbors and Council members — as he looks towards an early May opening of his new venture, Folklore Provisions, at 301 Hope St.
• Likewise, a victualing license was granted to Victor Gomes, whose cuisine has generated buzz for some time now. Unfortunately for most of us, the buzz was coming from the inside of a members-only club. In the very near future it will be available to all of us, at Vic’s Corner Seafood and Catering at 465 Wood St.
• Food truck fans will be able to get their fix at the British Motor Cars show at Town Beach in June, as well as throughout the July 4th Concert Series. Likewise, several Dancing and Entertainment licenses flew out the door as organizers of warm weather events are getting their arrangements in order.

A couple interesting tidbits

• Licensing requirements are going away for second hand stores in accordance with new state regulations.
• If you park on High Street without a resident permit, you will soon be faced with a 30-minute limit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
• April 5 and 6 were officially proclaimed Bristol BookFest Weekend.
• In accordance with state law the Planning Board has updated their Subdivision Development Review Regulations in a 147-page document that you can find and read in the Town Council packed posted online, if you are so inclined.

An update on property tax exemptions

• While the Council handily dispatched one agenda item that ties the hardship exemption for property tax to the poverty level, another initiative, increasing the exemption for residents over the age of 65, hit a little speed bump.
• The proposed regulation suggests that the exemption would kick in for those who have lived in their primary residence for 20 years. Concerns were raised about that length of time, as well as the starting age of 65, and clarification of whether it would apply to longtime residents who had recently downsized.
• Chairman Nathan Calouro reminded everyone that the point of the exemption would be to make it easier for elderly, longtime residents to remain in their homes.
• The matter was continued to the March 27 meeting to allow for the collection of more data.