“We didn’t realize the impact that we apparently had here,” said David Germaine, who has operated the business for the last 50 years with his wife Ginny. “The best part of the business is the people. It makes it hard to leave.”

TC member Vic DeLuca said the utility would enable the town to help prevent flooding, fix/add infrastructure, and incentivize residents to reduce impervious surfaces. Some public commenters questioned whether a new utility was the most effective way to deal with challenges.

“The victim was able to make positive identification,” police reported. “Officers then arrested the suspect, later determining the handgun was a fake.”

A staff member said the restaurant is closing before the end of the year; a manager would not confirm.

“Yippee-Kai-Yay” aside, it was otherwise a cozy, traditional Holiday Open House featuring gingerbread, hot cider, harp music, Victorian Santa — and the history of Woolley Fuel.

The change is coming on or about December 18. The move is part of efforts to improve pedestrian safety throughout the town.