Penny Bean

The agenda for the Selectboard meeting covered several key areas. On-going business included the review and approval of the agenda and warrants, as well as setting the stage for Manager's Updates, which detailed progress on the Berry Property Work Group, the Town's branding initiative, budget challenges, and planning for resiliency efforts. New business featured a presentation from the M.S.A.D. #61 Superintendent regarding the proposed budget, an update on Planning Board activities, and discussions on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program support. Further new business involved considering delegates for GPCOG's annual meeting, discussing the preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 budget, exploring the renaming of the Roosevelt Trail bridge over Crooked River for veterans, setting priorities for policy reviews, and planning a community engagement opportunity for all Boards & Committees on May 2nd. The meeting also scheduled executive sessions for concealed weapons permits and consultation with legal counsel.

The Veterans Committee meeting addressed several items. The committee provided an update regarding assistance offered to a local veteran, David Kimball, which requires further discussion between the Chair, the Selectboard representative, and the Town Manager. In new business, the Selectboard approved modifying the bylaws to allow up to two non-veteran members. The Chair will also contact the local American Legion and VFW to inquire about available assistance programs for veteran residents. Discussions included the Veteran Coffee Hour initiative, with plans to seek support from local businesses, and preliminary discussions regarding the town's 250th Anniversary plans. Agenda items for the next meeting include costs and scheduling for the Coffee Hour and planning for the 250th Anniversary and Memorial Day.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and outstanding warrants. The board reviewed an update on stormwater planning for a potential boat launch, which is being submitted to the Maine DEP, positioning the Town for future grant funding. Progress was noted regarding the ownership transfer and boundary definition for Lakeside Cemetery, with a survey contracted to Northeast Civil Solutions. The Selectboard discussed potential receipt of the Demonstration Project Grant and updates on staff transitions, including a new clerk position. Other topics included reviewing the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund grant parameters for a project on Leach Hill Road, authorizing a contract to upgrade Electric Vehicle chargers, discussing repairs for the sand and salt shed, and approving the transfer of foreclosed properties back to previous owners upon payment of owed sums. The board also moved to change a future meeting date and authorized an application for the Maine Community Foundation Community Building Project Grant for trail preservation in Jugtown Forest. The session concluded with an executive session regarding Poverty Abatement Requests.

The Selectboard meeting included amendments to the agenda, approval of bills and open warrants, and public participation where concerns were raised regarding the Capital Improvement Plan turnout, a property line dispute, and an Instagram post. The Manager's Update covered various operational items, including vacation plans, the Casco Village Zoning Work Group timeline, challenges due to recent storms affecting plowing operations, receipt of a stormwater plan for Meadow Road property, distribution of a Vision Zero safety study draft from GPCOG, energy credit details from the Transfer Station solar field, and construction timelines for Roosevelt Trail bridge repairs. In old business, the board accepted proposed changes to committee policy requested by the Veteran's Committee. New business involved receiving updates from the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, discussing water quality, approving the draft Semi-Annual Town Meeting Warrant for January 28, 2026, discussing year-to-date financials, and discussing the status of fiber optic installation. The item regarding upgrading EV chargers was tabled. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Concealed Weapons Permits.

The agenda was reviewed and amended. The board approved all bills and open warrants for payment. Key discussions during the meeting included the process for updating the Town's website, addressing the structural engineer's findings regarding wall and roof conditions, and determining that the rear wall will require rebuilding. New business involved a discussion regarding pavement management and capital road projects, and the approval of a plan to increase road signage on Quaker Ridge Road. The board also heard updates regarding the Veteran's Committee and winter road maintenance.