Tressa Smith

The council reviewed financial warrants and departmental reports. The school board provided an update regarding the vacancy of the business manager position. The council appointed members to the Budget Review Committee and nominated an individual for the 2025 Town Report dedication. A resolve was adopted designating the Town Manager to coordinate energy and resilience projects under the Community Resilience Partnership. Additionally, new appointments were made to the Assessment Board of Review and the ACE committee, and the council approved several tax abatements.

The council meeting involved the approval of financial warrants and the formal acceptance of various department reports. A report was provided regarding the school board, noting upcoming special meeting arrangements and existing vacancies for municipal elections. Additionally, the council presented a recognition plaque to the retiring Town Attorney and completed a comprehensive budget review in coordination with the Budget Committee.

The meeting commenced with a public comment segment where a representative presented on the Recall Committee's agenda concerning the school board, indicating petitions would circulate for a special election to recall two school board directors. An update was provided regarding the budget committee for Penobscot County. Under the consent agenda, the council accepted the Financial Warrants and Department Reports as presented. The Chair of SAD 63 School Board provided an update on recent school board activities and elaborated on the formation of the Recall Committee. New business included a presentation on Community Action Grants, a decision to leave the Hog Hill pin as is temporarily, and a motion to suspend further efforts regarding private roads research. A motion was also passed to attach the Town Manager's research on private roads to the minutes for record-keeping.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the Town of Holden's new Patrol Detective. Key agenda items included the approval of financial warrants and department reports. The School Board update noted resignations and ongoing hiring efforts. For new business, the Council proceeded with the appointment of Chip Haskell and Julianna Prentiss to fill two open positions on the RSU #63 School Board. Further actions included the approval of the 2026/2027 Capital Improvement Plan, approval of the 2026/2027 Wages and Staffing increase, and the authorization for the replacement of Plow Truck #5. The Council also authorized the Town Manager to execute documents related to grant funding and to expend up to $225,000 from the Municipal Building Reserve for matching purposes, as well as accepting a submitted abatement. Finally, a motion was passed to inquire about Andrew Toothacker taking a seat on the Ace Committee.

The agenda for this regular meeting includes several public hearing items regarding the renewal application for a fireworks sale permit for Phantom Fireworks and the Proposed Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget. Key discussion points in the new business section involve considering the approval of the fireworks permit, the Council Budget Recommendations, Town Meeting Warrant Articles, the Annual Town Report, and a liquor license for Traditions Golf Club, Inc. Other new business items include the appointment of a Deputy Code Enforcement Officer, and considerations for a Phone System Upgrade, State Wide Police Powers, the Police Department Boiler, and the Fire Department Pickup Truck.