Town of Damariscotta

The primary focus of the meeting was a budget workshop. Key discussion points included identifying obligated contractual items within the budget that are non-negotiable for the start of FY27, and reviewing items mandated by the town charter that the municipality is obligated to provide. Participants also reviewed materials outlining statutory requirements for services municipalities must provide, including discussion on the substantial portion of the operating budget covered by these fixed obligations. Furthermore, discussions covered capital improvement planning, specifically ongoing payments for previously purchased highway equipment such as a front end loader and mower/snow blower, and planning for future equipment purchases like a wider snow pusher necessitated by the completion of a multi-use path. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing the capital budget for roads and sidewalks, noting the high costs and low funding levels for necessary repaving projects, which might require pursuit of grant funding despite existing successful grant applications.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and was immediately followed by a budget workshop. Key discussions centered on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, specifically focusing on overall percentage increases, which were calculated at 5.83% or $266,000 in expenditures, subject to adjustments based on revenue forecasts and unsubmitted requests from nonprofit provider agencies. Participants discussed how to factor in external budget items like county and school costs when establishing a target overall increase. A strategy was proposed to categorize budget items as fixed or discretionary for FY27 and to create a 'parking lot list' for ongoing future discussions, such as business licensing revenue and contract reviews. The capital budget discussion addressed the necessity of replacing infrastructure like the sand shed, noting the potential for cost-sharing if a joint public works department is formed, and the need to plan for replacement equipment costs, such as police vehicles, while balancing debt service and avoiding underfunding.

The meeting focused on the Bruno Landing M6 proposal, which involves rebuilding structures following a fire at Schooner Landing. Discussions centered on utilizing legally existing non-conforming uses and structures within the 18-month rebuilding window provided by shoreline zoning. Key aspects reviewed included the proposed construction of a 30x40 three-season building with restrooms, ensuring the new structure remains within the original pier's footprint and potentially set further back from the water to reduce non-conformity. The board also addressed parking requirements, noting that current provisions were insufficient based on standard calculations for the marina and restaurant capacity, although discussions referenced grandfathering existing non-conformity and considering municipal parking availability. Regulations regarding flood hazard areas, specifically the requirement to build above the base flood elevation, were also noted as being met by the existing pier structure.

The meeting focused on establishing ground rules for the committee, including how chair positions are determined based on meeting location. A significant portion of the discussion involved reviewing and refining the draft interlocal agreement for establishing a joint public works department. Key points addressed in the agreement draft included the composition and voting structure of the joint oversight board (proposing three appointed members and up to two elected officials from each town), roles and responsibilities, handling of personnel policies by the managing municipality, budget cost sharing obligations, and procedures for collective bargaining negotiations if the department unionizes, ensuring both town managers participate and the joint board has review rights over significant operational or financial impacts before execution.

The session commenced with a public hearing regarding the application from Kender Farm Incorporated, DBA Blue Sky, for an adult-use cannabis retail license at 434 Main Street. Following the public hearing, the Select Board convened for its regular meeting. Key discussions involved the approval of payroll warrants and accounts payable. The board then addressed the cannabis license application, ultimately passing a conditional approval contingent upon receiving positive reviews from both the Fire Chief and the Police Chief, noting delays due to the current vacancy of the Police Chief position. Subsequently, the board unanimously approved the liquor license renewal for Lucky Fortune.