Julie L. Vye

The board discussed and approved several items, including the Emergency Operations Plan and liquor licenses for two local establishments. Updates were provided on the progress of the transfer station design and upcoming fire and rescue department activities, including equipment acquisitions and community event coverage. The Town Manager presented financial statements, secured approval for a utility pole permit, and discussed upcoming budget reviews and potential changes to county dispatch services.

The board reviewed and acted on several key business items, including the selection of vendors for solid waste disposal services and town report printing. The meeting covered old business updates regarding the Transfer Station and the Leavitt Institute building rentals. Discussions on department reports included road postings, an update on tax foreclosures, and modifications to the proposed FY 2027 budget, specifically the Fire Equipment Capital Account. The board also approved adding several articles to the town meeting warrant, such as the acceptance of Gabriel's Way as a town road, a marijuana ordinance amendment, and a zoning map change. Finally, the board reviewed the updated Maine Department of Transportation work plan and received information regarding federal safety funds secured for Route 4.

The board addressed new business by approving a list of ballot clerks. Old business items included a funding application for Boofy Quimby Hall, improvements for the transfer station, and updates on repairs and grants for the Leavitt Institute and local library. Regular reports covered fire and rescue department call statistics, vehicle maintenance and potential fleet replacement, upcoming water rescue training, and new regulatory restrictions for narcotics handling on rescue vehicles. Additionally, the board reviewed financial statements, approved the town meeting warrant, discussed state revenue sharing projections, and amended the road posting list.

The meeting included public hearings and unanimous approval for Marijuana Business License Renewals for Colby Gilbert/Cworx & Co. (Adult-Use Manufacturing) and Nick Masterpol/Upstate Gardens (Medical Cultivation & Manufacturing). Old Business discussions covered funding requests for the Boofy Quimby Hall renovations, progress on the Transfer Station plan and permits, a propane odor incident at the Leavitt Institute, and coordination regarding necessary maintenance at the Town House. In regular reports, the Board reviewed the Highway Manager's report and the November Code Enforcement permit report. The Town Manager reported on setting the date for the next Town Meeting (April 11th, with elections on April 10th), the need to search for a new Animal Control Officer, and approved holiday hours for the Town Office (closing early on December 24th and 31st). The Board also discussed a section of Maine law regarding maintenance responsibility for an 'orphaned' piece of Howes Corner Road. The session included an Executive Session.

The meeting included action on a routine renewal for a Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility License held by Papermill Cannabis Co. LLC, which was approved unanimously after a brief public hearing. Under Old Business, updates were provided on the Boofy Quimby Hall engineering plans, discussions with Senator Collins' office regarding funding, and progress on Transfer Station permitting, including recent repairs to the compactor. The Fire Department reported 33 calls for November and that new SCBA equipment is in service, while the Rescue Department reported 83 calls for November and the installation of a loaner repeater costing $875 due to a failure. The Town Manager reported on financial statements and ongoing research for County Road Weight Limits. The Town Manager also announced the passing of Animal Control Officer Wendell Strout and the interim appointment of Ricard Burton. The board convened in executive session to discuss legal matters concerning violations.