Darci L. Wheeler

The meeting focused on the FY 2027 budget workshop covering cemeteries, parks, and recreation. Key discussion topics included personnel costs, utility expenses, professional service line increases, fuel usage trends, and the proposal for a new program director position to be funded through program revenue. The committee also reviewed cemetery lot pricing and the status of maintenance for city-owned parks and recreational facilities, including Goddard's Pond and the maintenance building internet service.

The meeting included the approval of workshop minutes and the approval of a 12-month extension for a site plan at 163 Blackwater Cove Road. The board held a public hearing regarding a proposed land use code text amendment for the C5 Marine Business District to address procedural deficiencies in notice requirements, ultimately resulting in a split vote recommendation. Additionally, the board reviewed a request for site plan approval for a new parking garage and associated surface parking at 700 Washington Street for Bath Iron Works, noting updates to landscaping plans and circulation requirements.

The City Council meeting included a proclamation recognizing Bath Kindness Day. Key discussions focused on an intent to apply for Rural Development funding for wastewater infrastructure projects, including the water pollution control facility upgrade, the Hunt Street pump station and force main upgrade, and the cross country interceptor replacement. The manager's report provided updates on the library park fountain restoration and a compost collection service trial. Additionally, the Council discussed proposed revisions to the library's bylaws, committee updates regarding a short-term rental licensing ordinance, and several public hearings for ordinances concerning fire department contracts, parking traffic amendments, and housing assistance and infrastructure grants. The Council also considered a land use code amendment for the marine business district.

The council reviewed the final report on the Bath equity assessment, which provided a score representing the city's current foundation regarding equitable principles. Discussion topics included findings on identity, affordability, infrastructure and accessibility, support services, implicit bias, and organizational efficiency. The consultant provided an overview of the data collection process, which involved community conversations and a survey, and addressed questions regarding survey participation and engagement demographics.

The meeting focused on site plan approval and pre-application workshop requests. The Board discussed an application for 786-796 Middle Street, which was continued to January 6th. For the Bath Iron Works pre-application workshop, topics included site plan corrections, accessory parking interpretations, EV charging infrastructure, waiver requests for building components, and proposed green space designs. The Board also reviewed general parking strategies, traffic management plans, and the overall project alignment with the city comprehensive plan.