J.R. Hawkins

The committee discussed several initiatives including the Pollinator Seed Library, preparations for the upcoming Library Green Expo, and the status of Bird City and Bee City USA certifications. Discussions also covered the management of the Gift Tree Grove, including disease monitoring and tree replacement, and potential collaboration with a local HOA interested in forming a green team. Progress on the St. Thomas Moore and Senior Center raised plant bed partnership was reviewed, along with upcoming Arbor Day tree planting events, silviculture planting at Burnt Bridge Park, and the procurement of new signs for the compost bin at Memorial Park. Additionally, the committee coordinated social media outreach efforts.

The committee discussed updates on the Pollinator Seed Library and preparations for the Library Green Expo, including vendor coordination. Plans were reviewed for community compost bin signage installation and a native garden partnership at the senior center. Additional discussion topics included scheduling the Arbor Day tree planting, the submission of the Bird City report, development progress at Burnt Bridge Park including the food forest integration, and the selection of speakers for the 2026 Green Speaker Series.

The meeting covered agenda items including setting up the Pollinator Seed Library at the Middletown Library, with Pam organizing the setup and Lexi managing restocking. Discussions on the Library Green Expo indicated that flyers were ready and vendor outreach to local schools was ongoing. The committee approved the Community Compost Bin Signage, with orders to be placed. A partnership with St. Thomas Moore and the Senior Center for raised plant beds with native pollinator plants was established, involving design services donation from Native Havens LLC. Preparations for the first Bird City report, due in March 2026, were discussed, with Agnesanne leading the submission. Updates were provided on tree planting preparation at Burnt Bridge Park and maintenance needs for a tree and path near the Memorial Pollinator Garden. A new Legacy Tree planting project commemorating the U.S. 250th anniversary was agreed upon, involving a contribution for a Valley Forge American Elm. The outreach committee will meet to discuss speakers for the 2026 Green Speaker Series, focusing on topics like groundwater issues. Plans were confirmed for repeating several 2025 committee projects in 2026, such as the free tree program, trail sign installation, bird walks, and participation in Ag Day.

The workshop included a personal request from the William Moran Museum President regarding contributions toward purchasing a digital sign located outside of town limits, with the town receiving promotional use in return. Staff reports covered Deputy McCarrick's update on traffic control, the Director of Public Works' report on waiting for streetlight findings, discussions with MDE regarding a solar field study and wastewater treatment plant funding, and updates on waterline replacement and drought status. The Staff Planner noted progress on zoning certificate databases and subdivision regulations updates, while the Main Street Manager reviewed the annual report highlighting visitor numbers, new businesses, and grant funding use. The Finance Officer confirmed the completion of FY25 audit fieldwork and the implementation of new utility billing software, noting financial balances across various funds. Unfinished business included discussion on the Food Bank Property division and sale, the WWTP ENR Upgrade funding timeline, and consideration of purchasing a liberty elm tree as a gift. New Business involved a first look at Ordinance No. 26.01.01 revising billing, connection fees, and rate ordinances, moving dollar amounts to the website and updating late/disconnect fees. The Town Administrator also discussed the escalating fireworks costs for the Independence Day celebration and the Recreation Council's request for the town to take over the event.

The meeting focused on three main discussion points. There was a review of the Comprehensive Zoning/Land Development and Subdivision Regulations Processes, specifically discussing the new form for residents and the requirement for their presence during discussions of their specific forms. The Staff Planner also reviewed the Planning Commission Timeline Expectations. Additionally, a formal complaint was raised regarding a fence on Schoolhouse Road and Green Street, noting that it needs to comply with current fencing standards regarding height.