LEBANON — The City Council eliminated the city’s Licensing Board earlier this week, handing sole authority to City Manager Shaun Mulholland, who had been a member of the three-member panel.

Mulholland told the board that he understood it could be seen as a consolidation of power in one position, but the change was designed to improve efficiency.

Previously, a person or group seeking a license to use a city facility would submit an application to the city manager, who would then review the application for completeness and then schedule a meeting of the three-member board — members were the city manager, the police chief and one resident — on an as-needed basis to vote on the applications.

Mulholland said he thought the process could stand without the board deliberation.

Mayor Tim McNamara said he was all in favor and thought the board wasn’t necessary.

“I, for one, think this is a great idea,” McNamara said. “I sign these on occasion as they come before me, but it’s an automatic signature on my part. I’ve never seen one that I’ve had any issues with, so I certainly am confident in the staff to make the judgment.”

The Licensing Board was formed in 1990 with the authority to issue licenses and permits related to amusement places, pawnbrokers, street fairs, fireworks, parades and similar events on city-owned property.

It has also been responsible for reviewing and granting licenses for the use of Colburn Park and the Hanover Street Mall area in relation to alcohol consumption, as well as banners and soliciting on city property.

The only other person to speak on the issue was William Dunn, a resident representative and chairman of the city’s Economic Development Commission. He also supported eliminating the board.

“I think this could move the process more quickly and will assist the city manager,” Dunn said.

He said that speed is critical when something pops up that doesn’t allow time to gather the committee to approve.

“I mean, sometimes concerts pop up at the last moment,” Dunn said. “Sometimes there’s just an opportunity to move more quickly and it’s efficient. I would state, on behalf of (the commission), this seems to be a positive move.”

Darren Marcy can be reached at dmarcy@vnews.com or 802-291-4992.