BRUNSWICK

At least one elected town leader is suggesting slowing down the roll out in Brunswick of recreational marijuana shops and venues.

An item sponsored by District 6 Councilor Jane F. Millett calls for an emergency moratorium ordinance on retail marijuana stores, facilities and social clubs in town. The council will consider the moratorium during its meeting tonight.

The proposed moratorium allows town officials “sufficient time to analyze the potential impacts the legalization of retail marijuana would have on Brunswick and its residents,” according to the council’s agenda.

A moratorium also would give the council time to draft and implement regulations it deems wise for public safety and well-being.

Voters in town and statewide gave a thumbs up to Question 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot. In Brunswick, the citizen initiative to legalize marijuana garnered 7,000 votes in favor compared to 5,695 votes against. Statewide, with nearly all of Maine’s 603 precincts tallied, 374,608 voters supported Question 1, or just over 50 percent of all residents who voted on the issue. Just under 50 percent — 49.85 percent — voted against legalizing recreational marijuana.

A recount on Question 1’s results is underway in Augusta.

Depending on the outcome at the Maine Secretary of State’s office for a recount by opponents of the ballot initiative, the yes vote on Question 1 could be challenged.

A public hearing on raising shellfish licensing fees also is scheduled for tonight. Price hikes vary per the seven different categories set by the Brunswick Marine Resources Committee. Committee members recommend that 25 percent, or $50 of the proposed increase in fees, be put toward a shellfish propagation fund per a Nov. 3 memo from town Marine Resources Officer Daniel Devereaux.

The current and proposed new rates are: Resident commercial, from $300 to $500; non-resident commercial, $450 to $750; resident recreational, $25 to $50; non-resident recreational $50 to $75; resident student commercial, $75 to $100, non-resident student commercial, $125 to $150; and bushel commercial license, $175 to $225.

Discussion about making Brunswick a Tree City USA community also is on the night’s agenda. Council Chairwoman Sarah Brayman is the sponsor of the agenda item. Brunswick’s Recreation Commission asks that the town apply for this designation. Improving the natural environment by planting public trees and marking Arbor Day are two aspects of this national program founded in 1976.

Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held in Council Chambers, Town Hall, 85 Union St.

Question 1 results

• VOTERS IN TOWN and statewide gave a thumbs up to Question 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot. In Brunswick, the citizen initiative to legalize marijuana garnered 7,000 votes in favor compared to 5,695 votes against. Statewide, 374,608 voters supported Question 1, or just over 50 percent of all residents who voted on the issue. Just under 50 percent — 49.85 percent — voted against legalizing recreational marijuana.