Town of North Yarmouth

This Comprehensive Plan updates the Town's 1991 plan, providing a growth management program for North Yarmouth. It outlines strategies to manage anticipated population and development growth, including amending zoning regulations, implementing an Open Space Plan, and coordinating municipal facilities and financial planning. Key goals include directing new residential development towards village centers (60-70% over the next decade) and permanently preserving 10% of the town's open space by 2015, with a long-term goal of 20-25%. The plan also addresses affordable housing, transportation, and public services, aiming to protect critical natural resources, enhance the Village Center, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

The meeting addressed several key areas including updates on the Waste Reduction Committee Facebook page, noting a thank you for Clothing Swap participants. The MSAD51 update mentioned successful lunch composting at the high school. EcoMaine is reportedly interested in a food waste study and has a revamped website that can be used for advertising. The NexTrex Challenge data was reviewed, showing a total of 1,065 lbs collected. Key learnings and future plans for the Clothing Swap were discussed, including combining it with other events and establishing registration needs. The committee also discussed aggregating recycling options at the "Recycling Corner" at WHCC and scheduling spring events such as a Gear Swap, Repair Fair, and another Clothing Swap. Finally, discussions included advertising space on the Garbage to Garden kiosk, touring Garbage to Garden, and partnering with Cumberland on shredding/e-waste events. A follow-up action was noted regarding replacing a deteriorating Clynk box.

The meeting addressed Old Business, specifically the Comprehensive Plan assistance, noting that slides summarizing previous information were prepared and require finalization and distribution. Under New Business, the committee discussed a request for assistance with a new trail opening event scheduled for the fall, with several members expressing interest in helping. Additionally, the committee noted that there is one open spot for an Alternate Member, and a potential candidate may be forthcoming. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

The meeting addressed several administrative and policy matters. Announcements included the implementation of Heavy Loads Limited postings, the availability of nomination papers for upcoming elected offices, and the due date for the second installment of real estate and personal property taxes. Discussions involved amendments to the Financial Policies and the Audit & Fixed Assets Engagement Letter for FY26, with the latter being approved. Old business focused on the Property Tax Assistance Ordinance, where public commentary was received regarding incremental changes versus repeal, and the Solid Waste Ordinance, concerning potential bin removal for violations. The board also scheduled a future Town Hall Listening Session and adopted the revised Public Comment Policy. Management reports covered committee updates across various town functions, including economic development, parks, waste reduction, library, and school building committees. The Town Manager reported on staff training for the new website.

The agenda for this Regular Business Meeting included several anticipated votes. Discussions included the bi-annual appointment of Election Clerks pursuant to statute, and the disposition of decommissioned Level 2 EV chargers, where the Board was expected to determine if they should be offered for sale. New business also covered receiving a formal request from the Cumberland Town Council to review the MSAD #51 School Funding Formula agreement, and an initial discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update timeline, budget, and leadership. Old business topics slated for discussion included the proposed Property Tax Assistance Ordinance amendments, which involve removing barriers like age and income limitations, and proposed amendments to the Financial Policies focused on clarifying purchasing roles, oversight, and conflict of interest language. The Consent Agenda included routine administrative items such as Municipal Accounts Payable Warrants and the approval of the February 17, 2026, Select Board Minutes.