Douglas Select Board Approves Cannabis Policy, Flags Three Businesses on License Renewals

DOUGLAS — February 3, 2026 — Douglas Select Board approves cannabis policy and accepts $7,000 food-pantry gift at abbreviated February session. Acting Chairman Ross Fitzpatrick presided over a three-member quorum after Chairman Stevens and one other member were absent, with the board unanimously adopting a draft cannabis policy prohibiting on-site consumption — a step required by the state Cannabis Commissioner ahead of a full bylaw vote at the May 4 Annual Town Meeting. The board also accepted a $7,000 donation from Lifesong Church for the Douglas Adult Social Center food pantry, appointed residents Cindy Curtis and Katie Malo to three-year terms on the Local Cultural Council, and publicly disclosed a previously executive-session-approved amendment to Deputy Fire Chief Kelly Manning's contract capping step increases at 90 percent of the Fire Chief's salary. Town Administrator Matt Cameron put three businesses on notice for unresolved license renewals: Picket Fence is missing liquor liability insurance documentation, Douglas House of Pizza has not completed a required fire suppression inspection, and The Little Coffee Bean has not filed a common victualler application. Cameron said he would consult Town Counsel Rich Bowen within two weeks and expects the enforcement question on the February 17 agenda.