John J. Contreni

The Planning Board meeting addressed the status of permits issued year-to-date, noting 100 permits issued versus 110 for the entirety of the previous year. Key actions included the approval of the Preliminary Plan and the Final Plan for the Gerard O'Neill subdivision without holding a public hearing. The Board also voted to approve the amendment for the Jennifer Whitlow subdivision. For the Scott Hardy, Black Bear Ridge subdivision, the Board determined which application requirements from the Land Use Ordinance would be enforced, reserving the right to require all remaining items. Additionally, the Board reviewed a draft definition for motorsports for potential inclusion in the Land Use Ordinance and scheduled a site visit for the Black Bear Ridge subdivision and the Blair Hill project for the next meeting.

The meeting covered several key operational and legislative items. The Code Enforcement Officer provided a report detailing permit activity and the status of a bookstore demolition, noting the structure will be rebuilt as a two-story retail and living quarters space. The Board voted to accept a final draft definition for "Motorsports Sales, Service, and Repair" to be added to the Land Use Ordinance, which was approved unanimously, though it requires further approval by the Select Board and a Town vote. The continuation of the Scott Harding subdivision review was discussed, with the application package to be emailed for review before the next meeting. The Board also addressed revisions to the Land Use Ordinance stemming from LD 1829, which mandates changes regarding subdivision allowances and training, effective July 1, 2026. Additionally, the Town Manager shared a letter from the Town's attorney advising against immediate local land use enforcement action on a property due to an active court case related to fencing, citing fiscal responsibility and avoiding conflicting proceedings.

Key discussions during the meeting included a library update, where the Library Director detailed the progress of a long-overdue full inventory and improved patron accessibility. The board approved a new hangar lease agreement with Al Wickel based on previously voted rates, specifying rates per square foot for private versus commercial use. A significant portion of the meeting addressed road reconstruction planning, particularly for Spruce Street, noting FEMA coverage implications and the potential to piggyback road work RFPs to secure better rates. The Manager's Report covered positive feedback on the ice-skating rink, budget planning timeline, positive performance of plowing contractors, updates on the YES project cost-cutting measures, and confirmation that the public safety building is prepared to serve as an emergency warming shelter. Furthermore, Selectmen were briefed on the devastating Masonic Temple fire, which was a complete loss, and subsequent community efforts to support the Masons and plan for rebuilding. The meeting concluded with an executive session.

The meeting included a review of permits nearing expiration, assignment of 911 addresses, and updates to property records. Discussions covered the subdivision permit review for Mike Theriault, a preliminary meeting regarding a Conditional Use Permit application for Abby Freethy and Jonathan Boyton who plan to operate a dinette food operation, and discussions concerning a fly-in event requiring the closure of the Katahdin parking lot to accommodate vendors. The Board approved Mike Boutin's Conditional Use Application, which involves tearing down an old building. Old business addressed the need for more abutter responses for Mike Theriault's subdivision application and a request for the Code Enforcement Officer to provide options regarding proposed construction services zoning regulations in the Industrial District, specifically concerning contractors building garages and potential dwellings. The Boone Conditional Use Permit is pending payment and abutter feedback.

The Select Board meeting included discussions and votes on several key items. Following the approval of previous minutes, the board voted to move the proposed amendment to the Land Use Policy, which included a new definition for motorsports, to a special town meeting for approval. Both this amendment and the Discontinuation of Crescent Street will be added to the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in June 2026. The board discussed and voted to approve a new Public Comment Policy. A Letter of Engagement for consulting services related to the development of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district was approved, with the TIF vote intended for 2027 to allow for public education. The Manager's Report covered the delivery and setup of the ice rink warming hut, the receipt of the Local Road Assistance Program (LRAP) check, and updates on new library staff and facility improvements. The board reviewed the revised County Budget committee funding allocations for various non-profits and discussed Greenville's resulting county tax base allocation. Public comment addressed concerns regarding the TIF's purpose, its potential impact on property valuations, and questions about the public comment policy's restrictiveness.