Jackie Hersey

The agenda for this Regular Business Meeting included several anticipated votes. Discussions included the bi-annual appointment of Election Clerks pursuant to statute, and the disposition of decommissioned Level 2 EV chargers, where the Board was expected to determine if they should be offered for sale. New business also covered receiving a formal request from the Cumberland Town Council to review the MSAD #51 School Funding Formula agreement, and an initial discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update timeline, budget, and leadership. Old business topics slated for discussion included the proposed Property Tax Assistance Ordinance amendments, which involve removing barriers like age and income limitations, and proposed amendments to the Financial Policies focused on clarifying purchasing roles, oversight, and conflict of interest language. The Consent Agenda included routine administrative items such as Municipal Accounts Payable Warrants and the approval of the February 17, 2026, Select Board Minutes.

Key discussions included a review of the latest Town Audit, noting that the Town pays 0% of retiree health insurance premiums and confirming disclosure requirements for related parties. The committee finalized dates and noted requirements for upcoming Capital Asset site visits, emphasizing the need to document equipment needing repair or replacement. The schedule for the 2027 fiscal year budget process was reviewed, including separate dates for the Select Board and the Budget Committee to receive the proposed budget. The committee also discussed providing support to the Select Board on financial issues, particularly concerning Undesignated Funds and long-term financial planning, especially with the Town Manager retiring. Furthermore, there was a detailed discussion regarding property tax fairness credits, with a suggestion to provide assistance to residents needing help completing the State form. Finally, a member announced they would not seek re-election, and the committee agreed to invite residents to future meetings to discuss specific budget topics.

Key discussions included the status of forest management, planning for tree planting at Baston Park, and pending updates on the pavilion design and grill/fire safety. For the Eleanor Hayes Town Forest, progress on trail flagging was noted, awaiting warmer weather, and the installation of the entrance road sign is weather-dependent. The committee plans to revisit the webpage draft and ask the town to update the current site with revised goals. The installation of the snowmobile shed in mid-December was reported, improving walking conditions on a section of the Sam Ristich trail. Planning is underway for a Village Center trail grand opening in April. Work related to Old Town House Park (OTHP) includes resetting steps, adding a rope rail, updating the kiosk map, and planning for four new trail map kiosks. At the Joint Committee meeting, the Parks Committee provided a project update and requested approval for a soil scientist, necessary for DEP approval on Knight's Pond projects, with both towns agreeing to share the cost. Future accessibility for a trail on the south side of the pond loop was considered in platform design. The committee will review outstanding Public Works support requests, order identification tags for trees on the Sam Ristich Nature Trail, and review needs for the Chandler Brook Preserve bridge and kiosk reset. Budget planning indicated no major funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year, relying on grants for future large projects like the Knight's Pond trail. All members must sign off on the Standard of Conduct Policy, and park stewards need to check parks for blowdowns. New business involved formalizing trail names, possibly linked to the April event, and reconsidering the pause on adding an accessible boat launch at Baston Park given uncertainty regarding the Yarmouth Dam Removal project status.

This Comprehensive Plan Research Overview for North Yarmouth outlines key challenges and strategic themes for guiding the town's future. It focuses on balancing orderly growth with rural character and natural resource preservation, expanding housing diversity and affordability, and aligning capital improvements with future land use. The document details core components of a comprehensive plan, including vision, economy, transportation, land use, and capital improvements, incorporating resident feedback on specific goals such as village center development, rural character preservation, and diverse housing.

The meeting commenced with a workshop on the Town Manager Search Process and Timeline, featuring a presentation by Don Gerrish. Announcements included a Planning Board Public Hearing on proposed land use ordinance changes, details regarding the 2026 Statistical Revaluation, updates from the Yarmouth Water District on their new billing software, and a reminder about the second installment of property taxes due in March. During New Business, the Economic Development & Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair presented an update on the comprehensive plan. The Board voted to accept Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant funds. The bid for Walnut Hill Pedestrian Improvements was awarded to Storey Brothers Inc. for $459,037.00, and the Town Manager was directed to evaluate the financial policy for improvements. Updates and discussions occurred regarding the Solid Waste Ordinance, followed by the approval to place amendments to the Floodplain Management Ordinance on the June Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The Property Tax Assistance Ordinance was tabled. Under Old Business, the public comment policy was approved after minor edits, and the first Town Hall Listening Session was scheduled for March 5, 2026. Updates were also provided regarding the Select Board email address and the removal cost/update for EV Charging Stations. The consent agenda, including payroll and accounts payable warrants, was approved.