Millard Billings

The meeting commenced with a brief public hearing concerning the posting of town roads scheduled to begin on February 16, 2026. Key actions included the approval of payroll warrant #38 and A/P warrant #39. Select Board and Committee reports covered several areas: the Veterans' Social Hour schedule, culvert/bridge placement on Francis Pound Road, the continuation of the Goodwin Rock Quarry public hearing, and necessary resubmission of the Comprehensive Plan for reformatting. The Police Department reported on a new officer joining and receiving a donation of Taser 6's. The EMS Department reported on recent call volumes, testing a new van ambulance, dissatisfaction with the current billing company leading to a recommendation to issue an RFP for new billing services, and upcoming budget workshops. The Code Enforcement Officer detailed ongoing building maintenance, including issues with heating systems at the Rec Center and Fire Station #1, requiring tank replacement. New business included approving a Beano License for the Knights of Pythias and a consensus to investigate applying for an Island Institute Fellow in 2027 to assist with grants and GIS mapping.

The board held a budget workshop to review the Capital Improvement Plan and various town reserves for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions included increasing the annual contribution to the Fire Equipment Reserve to $100,000, funding a dry hydrant and boat ramp repairs via the Jones Pond Reserve, and reviewing the status of the Legal and Paving Reserves. Additionally, the board planned for a future revaluation RFP and established a new annual contribution schedule for the Revaluation Reserve starting in fiscal year 2029.

The meeting included reports from the RSU#24 Representative regarding the upcoming budget and adherence to Title IX for girls' sports. Financial warrants for payroll and accounts payable were approved. Select Board members provided brief updates. Committee reports covered Coastal Resilience grant projects awaiting NOAA recommendation and a reminder about an upcoming Planning Board public hearing concerning the Goodwin Rock Quarry. The Police Department reported on a new officer passing their phase 2 test and positive feedback received for Officer Corey. The EMS Department reported on recent call volumes, necessary vehicle maintenance (new tires for Schoodic 52, paint bubbling on Schoodic 24), staffing during the snow storm, and plans for an ambulance viewing event. The CEO reported on permits issued, salt/sand usage, ongoing assessment needs for infrastructure and the Town Office building (specifically heating/electrical deficiencies), and the process for filling a new Code Enforcement position. The Town Manager reported on the hiring process for the Municipal Operations & Admin Assistant position, website vendor reviews aiming for a .gov URL, receipt of legal papers related to the EPLC and PERC lawsuit, and progress on the first Systems Building day aimed at streamlining processes and improving office space usage. Staff also discussed plans for Town Park improvements awaiting MaineDOT drawings. Old Business included the disposition of properties with Area Properties, establishing payment plans for outstanding balances owed by The Barclays and Seth Duston, and tabling a decision regarding the estate of Marleine Hibbard. The board approved accepting payment for Daniel Whynott's property purchase back. New Business involved the appointment of Jed West to fill a vacant Planning Board seat until the June 2026 election. The board discussed and approved a temporary adjustment to office hours, closing for lunch (12:15PM - 1:00PM) and closing at 5:00PM on Thursdays, with plans to revisit moving towards a four-day work week. Finally, the Town Manager was tasked with drafting a policy for a proposed EMS Advisory Committee.

The meeting agenda included the approval of warrants for payment, various department and committee reports, and Old Business concerning the approval and signing of Quitclaim Deeds for tax-acquired properties. New Business involved discussions and potential actions regarding changes to ordinances for the Budget Committee, Fire Department, and Schoodic EMS, as well as signing a warrant for a Special Town Meeting. Further New Business items included developing a habitat restoration proposal for a state grant, expending funds from the Coastal Response Reserve Fund for the Corea Road Crossing project, and closing the town office for staff training. A budget workshop was held to consider the Capital Improvement Plan and Reserve Funds.

The meeting included the approval of payroll and accounts payable warrants. The Police Department received authorization to trade unused firearms for ammunition and discussed a new program for elderly well-being checks. The EMS department reported on ambulance maintenance issues and plans to issue an RFP for billing services. The Code Enforcement Officer provided updates on permits, ongoing work on the Crowley Island Causeway, and road postings. The Town Manager discussed the listing of a foreclosed property, updated office hours, and upcoming bid advertisements. The Board also addressed amendments to the Fire Department and Schoodic EMS ordinances, signed a warrant for a Special Town Meeting, approved a grant application for coastal habitat restoration, and discussed potential town office closures. Finally, the Board began a workshop on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.