Dan Brooks

The commission reviewed the Day of Caring, including plans for future projects and trail improvements. Discussions centered on the Roger Guerette Community Trail and Mt. Pisgah Connector, specifically regarding trail usage policies for e-bikes, funding allocations under the Maine Trails Program, and outreach strategies for obtaining landowner permissions. Additionally, the commission addressed the award of an Open Space Planning grant and the forthcoming process to issue a Request for Proposals for professional services, while deferring agenda items related to the Maine Forest Service WoodsWise Resilience Program and the Community Resilience Plan.

The council discussed and approved a transient seller permit application for Shakedown Treats and Sweets. Additionally, the meeting included the approval of disbursement warrants, the setting of interest rates for delinquent taxes and overpayments for the upcoming fiscal year, and the authorization of tax repayments. An appointment to the Board of Assessment Review was finalized. Finally, the council engaged in a public hearing regarding an amendment to the official zoning map, specifically concerning resource protection districts and steep slope definitions, with input provided by the town planner and members of the planning board.

The committee discussed strategies and methods for repairing rutted roads within the cemetery, including the development of bid specifications and the process for leveling and graveling surfaces. It was determined that committee members will compile road measurements to assist in the bidding process, with a goal of circulating specifications by February. Additionally, the committee discussed the status of current and prospective committee memberships and prepared for an upcoming request to the Town Council regarding funding authorizations.

The committee continued discussions regarding the Main Street America Four Foundations, specifically focusing on Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotion. Additionally, the committee discussed plans to host a bonfire and s'mores event in February and continued their review regarding the oversight of downtown public space activity.

The committee discussed membership vacancies and recruitment strategies, including the use of social media and direct outreach. Plans for a new Facebook page with the slogan 'Meet Me Downtown' were confirmed. The Town Manager provided background on the existing 26-year-old downtown development plan and explained the necessity of creating a new plan to secure state approval for a new Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. Two proposals from Northstar Planning and Lorishelle Consulting for the development of a new downtown plan were reviewed. The committee decided to further evaluate these proposals and reconvene in one week for a final decision.