Joelle Corey

The Select Board addressed several key items. Public hearings resulted in the unanimous approval of liquor licenses for the Jordan Hotel & Igloo and the Summit Hotel. Discussion items included the status of the Performance Guarantee for Timberline TH LLC, the signing of the Municipal Resolution Letter for the Resiliency Partnership, and reviewing responses from the Town Attorney regarding the Proposed Planning Board Ordinance. The Board voted to send the UDRO draft to the attorney. Significant discussion occurred regarding wage adjustments, resulting in a 3% raise plus $.45 for three town employees, an additional $.50 for the Certified Clerk Amy, and the establishment of a flat rate of $22/hour for fire department training, meetings, and calls. The Board also reviewed reports covering road work planning, recent land inquiries, a Fire Marshall complaint regarding grills on decks at Locke Mountain Townhouses, dog licensing late fees, and current budget work.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of abatement requests for S1-B4 and a supplemental for R02-001 related to Tree Growth Non-Compliance. The Board granted a 10-day extension to Forget Development, with permission granted for the code enforcement officer to contact the attorney for further enforcement if necessary after the extension period. Updates were provided on moving the UDRO fee schedule to the Town's Fee Schedule. The Board reviewed proposed amendments to the Planning Board Ordinance, aiming to transition to a 3-5 member board with one alternate and establish a standing Comprehensive Plan Committee. Updates were also given regarding the Brownfield Assessment Grant paperwork submission, the Newry Community Resilience Partnership Workshop, and a review of the 2025 audit. Board comments included interest in exploring joint heating oil ordering with other towns and maintaining the rural setting on one side of town while managing growth on the other. Administrative reports noted the receipt of FEMA money from October 2017 and upcoming budget work, alongside reminders about dog licensing deadlines and state DEP investigations into PFAS at the old dump site.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included granting the CEO permission to issue a stop work order to Forget Development, approving the 2026 minimum wage at $15.10, and accepting the 6-month meeting schedule. The Board also moved to sign the DOT Large Culvert Replacement Agreement. An update on the Comprehensive Plan indicated that survey results were reviewed and work is progressing on draft chapters. A discussion took place regarding the timeline for UDRO changes and newly passed LDs. Administrative reports noted the receipt of a communication from MEMA regarding a reimbursement of $439.12 from October 1, 2017, ongoing budget work with the auditor, and permission granted to purchase lunch for the town crew. Interest has been expressed for the Planning Board Alternate position.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A sign was approved for Monkey Brook Road, and the board addressed the need for a traffic count system at Skiway/Sunday River Road. Liquor licenses were renewed for multiple establishments. Bids for mowing services for FY26-27 were reviewed. Cindi Wight was appointed to the Planning Board. The board discussed ambulance service options and decided to continue with MedCare. They also voted against renewing the Bethel Chamber membership. The Planning Board's rules of procedure were discussed, and updates were provided on the UDRO edits. The Road Commissioner's report included updates on the Resiliency meeting, permits, asphalt RFP, third-party inspections, and the Mass Casualty After Exercise Review. The Clerk's report covered tax payments, foreclosure notices, liens, dog licensing, and Grange Hall Basement cleanup. The TAdmin report included information on LRAP money and the decision to cancel internet service at the Grange Hall.

The meeting addressed concerns about WHAT TV financing and public complaints. The renewal of Jar Co.'s Adult Use Cannabis Store was approved, and the Coin Policy was accepted. Abatements and supplementals were approved. A preliminary review of the 2026 State Valuation was conducted, and the Road Bid RFP was approved. The board commented on the Resiliency meeting and discussed town street lights. Reports were given by the Road Commissioner, Code Officer, and Clerk, covering tax payments, Grange Hall cleaning, dog licenses, election information, and Comp Plan progress. The Town Administrator reported on mowing bid proposals, stone setting, county bill splitting, a summons from Viking Village, mapping and EMA meetings, the Comp Plan contract, and mandatory training.