Town of Bowdoinham

This was the first public meeting to review current findings for the potential redevelopment of the Riverview House located at 8 River Road, which is part of the riverfront park. The discussion covered site considerations, including existing conditions, flood zone constraints (FEMA special flood hazard area), shoreland constraints (75 ft setback from the mean high water line per D NURPA), and soil analysis indicating poorly drained soils. The project team presented two main options: renovating the existing 930 sq ft structure or constructing a new structure of approximately 1382 sq ft. Renovation would involve filling the basement, raising the building slightly to mitigate flood risk, and ensuring handicap accessibility, while a new build would sit on a frost protected foundation. Potential uses discussed included a community/welcome center, retail/rental space (e.g., for bikes/kayaks), or a cafe/restaurant, with the cafe being the basis for septic design analysis due to high flow requirements, although the team is open to other uses. Cost analysis suggests both options approach $450,000 to $500,000. Next steps include opening a public feedback survey and scheduling a second public meeting on February 25th.

This Municipal Tree Plan outlines a strategy for the long-term stewardship, preservation, maintenance, and replacement of municipal trees within the town of Bowdoinham. Emphasizing the environmental, health, and economic benefits of trees, the plan establishes a Municipal Tree Committee to provide guidance and facilitate action. Key focus areas include surveying and monitoring tree health, researching pest remediation strategies, identifying funding sources, advising on professional assessment and maintenance, preserving heritage trees, managing tree removal and replanting with native species, and engaging the community through information sharing and public education.

The Finance Advisory Committee discussed the Select Board's budget goals, agreeing on the necessity to limit borrowing and future net budget increases. Key discussions involved the undesignated fund surplus, where the Committee favored using funds to purchase capital equipment to mitigate future borrowing rather than paying down debt or offsetting taxes. Specifically, they planned to recommend allocating $200,000 from the undesignated fund to the Public Works Reserve for replacing a vehicle and replenishing reserves used for unplanned expenses. Regarding reserve accounts, the Committee decided against creating a new Excise Tax reserve but agreed to include the new park under the existing Waterfront Reserve. Pay rates based on MMA salary surveys were reviewed for future discussion, and financial reports were also examined.

Staff provided an update regarding a job posting with the Bowdoin College summer intern program and discussed potential roles for interns, such as assisting with mapping, surveys, committee support, and office duties. Key discussion items included the Tree Committee's progress on expanding its proposed plan, resource allocation, and whether the Tree Committee Plan could be integrated into the Open Space Plan. Additionally, members reviewed and discussed sample Wildlife Habitat and Forests Maps from various towns, focusing on achieving clarity, using contrasting colors, identifying endangered species, and labeling major roads. The committee agreed that the current maps in the Comprehensive Plan are too small.

The agenda for this meeting includes the approval of the January warrant and the December financial report from the Office Manager. The Superintendent's report covers December activities and the scheduling for service cards and gate box cards. Key action items involve discussing and potentially approving a Water Main Agreement with the Conifer Ridge Project, as well as reviewing and approving the 2026 budget. Tickler file topics scheduled for discussion include well capacity, a new water source, system loops, rate structure, and system development charges for new service.