DOVER- The selectboard can be wary about giving away a lot of money. So when the Dover Economic Development Committee asks the selectboard to approve $36,700 for economic development purposes, they should expect to be asked a lot of questions. At Monday’s special selectboard meeting, every item in the request went through rigorous scrutiny. But in the end, the selectboard believed every request was worth the money.

The DEDC requested funds for four summer events and a beautification effort. DEDC events committee chairperson Ken Black spoke on behalf of Mount Snow Ski Resort’s request, which asked for $23,500 for two upcoming summer events. The first request was $10,000 for the Mount Snow mountain bike festival to be held August 7 through 9. Greg Fisher, Mount Snow events director, and Vincent Lewis, Mount Snow communications and events manager, said the money would be earmarked for a kids and family zone, a concert, fireworks display, and the services of Renee Hicks, a professional biking events coordinator with years of experience.

Fisher and Lewis stressed the Mount Snow mountain bike festival is unique because it is marketed toward families, not just professional riders. They, along with Mount Snow general manager Kelly Pawlak, believe the event would draw people of all ages, help out the local economy, and enrich the summer tourism season. “It’s all about competing. We want to open it to a much broader spectrum, not a niche market,” said Lewis.

Selectboard member Jim Martin was the first to question Mount Snow’s request. Martin thought it was too much money and he believed the money should be spent on bicycle events. “What does a jumpy house and a (climbing) wall have to do with a race? There’s no correlation,” said Martin.

Fisher said Mount Snow knows riders will come to the event. If the resort can bring in an additional 5,000 people, Fisher said Mount Snow “will consider it to be a huge success.” Pawlak added that Mount Snow is looking to add new events during the quieter months. The Mount Snow biking festival would help not only the ski resort during the off-season but inns, restaurants, and other local businesses as well.

Martin questioned why Fisher and Lewis needed $5,000 for an outside marketing promoter. He believed there were cheaper means to market the event. “In today’s computer age, I can’t believe that you can’t sit there, type in mountain bikers, and not find any to market to,” said Martin.

Selectboard member Adam Levine responded to Martin’s concern. Levine said “having been in the business of renting mailing lists, you just don’t look it up, you pay for it.” He said this event is a win-win for Dover and the town should get behind it because everyone can participate. “Dover residents can participate. It fits the persona of Dover, and it’s offering something for families to do,” said Levine.

The selectboard was split on the decision. Levine and selectboard member Magnus Thorsson supported it. Martin and selectboard member Becky Snow were opposed. Selectboard chair Linda Holland was reluctant to make a decision but supported Mount Snow’s request in the end. The $10,000 was approved, 3-2.

Black said Mount Snow would like an additional $13,500 for the first Mount Snow Blues Festival to be held August 21 to 23. The event would be the first of its kind in Vermont and organizers expect it to draw 3,000 to 6,000 visitors to the area. Fisher said blues recording artist Elvin Bishop is booked for the festival and word is already getting out about the event. “We’re going to bring big name entertainment to Dover this town hasn’t seen before,” said Fisher. “This event could be an area-defining event. If this takes hold, Mount Snow could be known for blues music.”

The selectboard approved the funding request, 3-0. Martin abstained.

Black also spoke on behalf of The Paw House, which is seeking $7,000 for their first “Dogapawlooza” event. The event is a two-day family-oriented festival on September 5 and 6. The festival features musical entertainment and a variety of family-oriented events, including a free concert by Roberta Flack. The money would cover advertising and Flack’s travel expenses. Funds raised from the event would help local and regional humane societies. “There will be massive promotion of this event,” said Mitch Frankenberg, principal owner of The Paw House. “We anticipate major traffic and we could brand (Dover) as a dog-friendly, caring town. We could make this a special place.” The selectboard approved $7,000 for “Dogapawlooza.”

The selectboard also granted $5,200 for the 23rd annual Living History Time Line event, which is relocating from Wilmington. The board also approved $1,000 for the DEDC beautification committee to work with the Deerfield Valley Rotary club’s “Garden of Hope” program to plant 3,500 yellow and pink flower bulbs in Dover. The program honors cancer survivors.