Nicole Chan

The meeting agenda addressed several significant matters. Discussions included the presentation of service awards, the City Manager's report acknowledging long-term service and an outgoing Councilor, and committee reports covering the Cemetery, Historic Preservation, and Arbor Commissions. Citizen comments focused heavily on concerns regarding substantial increases in property taxes, particularly for waterfront properties, and public health/safety issues related to a specific property. Key council orders involved tabling a public hearing on cannabis establishment licensing, approving renewals and a new application for liquor licenses, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds and Notes for school track improvements and a fire engine replacement, approving amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance, approving a 5-year lease agreement for the Moore Community Center, renewing the Merrill Park parking lot lease, awarding bids for two vertical balers and a Butt Fusion Machine for the Water Department, approving a 1.5% water rate increase, approving the purchase of a Ventrac multi-function tractor, resolving the surplus proceeds from a 2020 foreclosure sale, and discussing the potential dissolution of the Assessing Department in favor of a contractor model.

Key discussions and actions included the presentation of a proclamation for Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week and the distribution of service and performance awards to Fire Department, Police Department, and Dispatch staff. The City Manager's Report highlighted 2025 accomplishments and plans for 2026, focusing on water system stabilization and LED street light conversion. The Council approved the reappointment of Jeri White to the Housing Authority and the appointment of David Nichols to the Cemetery Commission. Citizens raised concerns regarding a towing bill and the accessibility of older meeting minutes. Key council orders addressed repealing the street lighting ordinance in favor of an administrative policy, reassigning the Tree Warden role to the Director of Urban Planning and Development, amending Chapter 14 regarding adult-use cannabis licensing fees and procedures, implementing a moratorium on memorial placements on city property, and approving the emergency purchase of a plow truck for $289,500. The Council also reviewed business license renewals and approved a new license for Acadia 876 Bar and Grill, while tabling a new medical marijuana dispensary license application pending ordinance updates.

The agenda for the meeting included a proclamation for Small Business Day and the City Manager's Report, which focused on welcoming new Councilors and planning the December workshop topics, including short-term rentals and fleet management. Committee reports highlighted the Arbor Commission's success in planting 47 new street trees using grant funding and community volunteers, and an update on the push to secure downtown Ellsworth's historic district nomination. Unfinished business involved tabling the proposed ordinance regulating Adult Use Cannabis Establishments until December. New business featured the approval of several license renewals and one new liquor license application. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation on the Water Rate Case Plan, outlining a three-step rate increase strategy through 2027 to address operational funding and public fire protection obligations mandated by the PUC. The Council also approved waiving foreclosure proceedings for four property owners actively working on payment plans and authorized the release of surplus equity, plus interest, from the 2023 sale of 16 Fifth Street back to the prior owner. Finally, amendments to the Personnel Ordinance were adopted to align observed holidays with the new 4-day work week schedule for City Hall.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an agreement to follow Robert's Rules of Order. Key discussions included the presentation of service awards to two city staff members, updates from the City Manager on community events, upcoming workshops regarding a recreational cannabis ordinance and road conditions, and progress in the budgeting process aiming for a 2.9% inflation-adjusted budget. Committee reports covered the Cemetery Commission's development of standard operating procedures and the Historic Preservation Commission addressing membership vacancies. Public hearings were held for business license renewals for Black Moon Public House and Acadia Village Resort, and for a new license for Dysarts Ellsworth Car Wash. Council orders addressed setting the Branch Lake sticker fee to $0 for 2026, directing staff to draft a formal policy for memorials on city property, approving amendments to the tax-acquired property ordinance, authorizing an RFP for brokers to sell city-owned properties, approving a contract with OpenGov for digital modernization systems, and authorizing a Letter of Credit for the Merrill Lane Project. The Council also discussed increasing solid waste fees to mitigate an annual deficit and considered a three-year contract for assessing services. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

This Annual Report for the City of Ellsworth outlines the city's vision and mission, provides a review of the Fiscal Year 2025 accomplishments, and previews key execution priorities for 2026. The city aims to be a vibrant, year-round community and a regional center of excellence by enhancing quality of life through reliable infrastructure, public safety, education, and recreation, supported by a strong and inclusive economy, fiscal responsibility, and professional services. Key achievements in FY25 included civil service reform, financial stability, infrastructure improvements, comprehensive plan implementation, strengthened public safety, and digital transformation. For 2026, the city plans critical projects in infrastructure, ordinance modernization, capital improvements, and community development, alongside strategic and longer-term investments to foster balanced growth and opportunity.