Jay Astle

This document outlines the Town of Brunswick, Maine's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Years Ending 2027-2031. It details planned capital investments across various categories including facilities, infrastructure, capital acquisitions, and annual programs for municipal and school departments. The program categorizes projects into recommended for funding, in development, and not recommended, alongside non-town funded projects. It also provides comprehensive financial analysis, including funding sources, debt service, estimated tax impacts, and operational costs, aiming for strategic allocation of resources to maintain and enhance town assets.

The meeting commenced with the election of Dave Watson as Chair and Charlie Priest as Vice-chair. Reports were presented covering progress and staff review, budget review, and an overview of Comcast's status. Under unfinished business, staff provided an update on understanding the definitions of "commercial" and "advertising" in other Maine TV operations. New business included a recommendation to review existing TV3 videos to assess current relevance and identify filming needs, with Dave Watson volunteering for review. Additionally, the committee discussed initiating live broadcast interviews on current topics, proposing town department heads as likely candidates. A suggestion was made to create a landing page, possibly titled "Brunswick NOW," for easier access to live and on-demand content. It was recommended that all committee-initiated ideas be discussed with the communications group.

The meeting agenda included reviewing the minutes from the prior meeting, addressing citizen input regarding a request to sell baked goods for charity at an upcoming basketball tournament, and discussing adjustments to the agenda. Old business involved updates and requests concerning the Casco Bay Trail Working Group representation, results from a recent Lower Rail Corridor discussion with MaineDOT, and a request for Recreation Commission support for funding the MARC Phase 1 construction. New business included discussions on the FY27-31 Capital Improvements Plan priorities, the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid project involving beetle release, and the Town Commons Mapping Project for trail signage. Other business covered updates on MARC funding and a request for a letter of support for a Trout Unlimited grant proposal.

The Town Council meeting agenda for February 2, 2026, included several key items. The Manager's Report covered updates on a recent snowstorm, the draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2027-2031, and scheduling for a Restoration Advisory Board meeting. Public hearings were scheduled to address proposed amendments to Chapter 15 regarding traffic, vehicles, and parking, specifically concerning Town Hall Place, relocating a loading zone, and designating two-hour parking. New business included considering the appropriation of up to $600,000 in TIF revenues for sidewalk construction on the Lemont Block of Maine Street, setting public hearings for zoning text amendments (related to height requirements, parking, façade materials, and nonconforming uses), and setting a public hearing for an ordinance authorizing bonds up to $2,000,000 for the acquisition of property at 2 Industry Road for the Public Works Facility Project. The Council also addressed appointments to Town Boards and Committees. The Consent Agenda included approval of the minutes from January 20, 2026, and other routine approvals.

The agenda for the meeting included an initial welcome and introductions, followed by the election of Committee Leadership. Key discussion items involved the approval of the December 2, 2025 minutes and a review of the Financial Report, specifically concerning the Community Solutions Grant and additional Town Funding. The extensive staff report covered updates on the Rental Registry, Housing Study, ADU Update, Central Fire Station Redevelopment, a survey and site visit regarding Hawthorne School, and the Housing Website. New Business featured a presentation by GreenMars regarding an AHSF Application.