Richard Bleakney

The committee discussed updates regarding relevant Land Use Ordinance amendments, specifically concerning lot size requirements in non-growth zones and proposed exclusions for flood-prone and coastal hazard areas. The discussion also covered strategies in the comprehensive plan assigned to other committees and the process for obtaining updates on these strategies. Additionally, the committee addressed upcoming joint meeting preparations with the Select Board regarding stormwater management practices and the associated regulatory and engineering cost considerations.

This joint meeting between the Kennebunkport Select Board and the Budget Board initiated the budget season, focusing on the first half of the operational budget review. Key discussion points included an overview of the budget structure, an explanation of the new program-based budgeting framework, and a review of town demographics, noting population growth and an increasing median age. The presentation outlined the goals for the budget year, including maintaining a flat municipal tax rate, ensuring service stability, and adhering to fiscal discipline. Specific areas of investment highlighted were fire staffing due to increased call volume, replacement of computerated dispatch software for police, public safety equipment, fleet facilities, process improvements in development and permitting, increased legal costs, and renovations for public restrooms at Doc Square. Revenue changes discussed included increases in excise tax and investment income, decreases in Goose Rocks Beach permit revenue estimates, and planned transfers from various reserve and enterprise funds to offset general fund costs. The presenters also detailed reductions made to achieve the targeted zero percent municipal tax rate.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to consult with the town attorney regarding legal rights and duties. Following the executive session, the board held a public forum, although no public comments were offered. A primary discussion involved the approval of restrictions on vehicle weight limits for certain roads to protect them during the spring thaw, with heating oil trucks and permitted vehicles exempt. The board also considered the renewal of a liquor license for Olivos LLC (Ultramar) at 77 Pier Road. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Ocean Avenue Wombi Beach project concerning hazard mitigation funding, which detailed design changes due to sand dune regulations (eliminating a wave wall and increasing road elevation) and the associated timeline for FEMA grant submission and project completion, alongside concerns regarding the loss of parking. Finally, the board voted to approve the expenditure of allocated funds for the Wombi Beach work, despite reservations about parking loss versus federal funding leverage.

The meeting commenced with the welcoming of a new member. A primary discussion revolved around Item 251201 concerning the Batson Creek Road property. The applicant presented an updated plan to widen the access road to 20 feet and include a hammerhead turnaround, addressing concerns raised by the Fire Chief and Director of Public Works from a previous denial regarding a requested waiver of improvements. The board subsequently voted to deem the application complete, noting that a public hearing is scheduled for a future date. Other significant agenda items included acknowledging that outstanding issues concerning the Fire Chief's comments were resolved, and an introduction to the new permitting software, GovWell, which transitions applicants from paper forms to an online submission system for planning board applications. A board member requested an addition to the findings of fact regarding a specific application being in the flood plane and shoreland zone.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to consult with the town attorney regarding the legal rights and duties of the body. Upon returning to the regular session, the board approved minutes from multiple previous meetings, including those from January 22nd (neighborhood housing trust tour), February 9th (legislative letter response to LD273), February 11th (bus meeting), February 12th (normal board of selectman meeting), and February 19th (joint meeting regarding GRB parking). Key agenda items included considering the restriction of vehicle weight limits on certain roads during the spring thaw protection period and the renewal of a liquor license for Ultramar (Olivos LLC). The board also received a detailed update regarding hazard mitigation funding for the Ocean Avenue Wombi Beach project, which involves a FEMA grant application process requiring local matching funds and resulting in design changes due to coastal sand dune regulations, including the elimination of a wave wall and modifications to parking areas. Following extensive discussion regarding the potential loss of parking versus federal funding leverage, the board voted on the approval of the expenditure for the Wombi Beach project, passing it three to two. Finally, the board discussed placing the transfer of property located at map block 314 on the June town warrant for the neighborhood housing trust.