Town of Skowhegan

This Strategic Plan for Community Transformation, prepared by Main Street Skowhegan, outlines a roadmap to guide Skowhegan toward a future of thriving economic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. It focuses on three main objectives: diversifying and growing the economy, establishing Skowhegan as a premier tourist destination, and restoring community pride through a positive public image.

The agenda for the Regular Selectboard Meeting included reports from staff, departments, and committees, followed by Selectboard and public items. Key decisions discussed in the Regular Agenda involved authorizing a deposit of $5,160.75 into the Capital Reserve Account for Public Works Equipment. Furthermore, the board was scheduled to approve expenditures from the water Pollution Control Capital Reserve Account for piping rehabilitation of the chlorine storage and delivery system, authorize the annual interest payment of $1,310.90 to the Women's Aid Society, and approve the deposit of a $3,000 MDOT check into the Sale of Town Owned Property Reserve. The meeting also required approval of Treasurer's Warrants totaling $3,712,913.03, covering FY 2026 Payroll #9 and Accounts Payable.

The primary discussion involved a Minor Site Plan Review for a Medical Cannabis Cultivation Facility at 667 Waterville Rd. The applicant detailed compliance efforts regarding septic installation, fire safety measures (including lockboxes and egress), and security enhancements. Clarification was sought regarding outstanding concerns from the Police Chief about security design aspects. Due to the lack of specific input from the Police Chief, the board voted to table the discussion and decision until the March 3, 2026 meeting to allow time to coordinate with the Police Chief and gather necessary information, especially considering the pending renewal of the OCP license. Other brief matters included a question regarding the plowing of the walkway inside Coburn Park and the readiness of the Solar Ordinance Survey for board review.

The meeting commenced with the Town Manager's report, addressing a recent police incident and clarifying the town's limited role regarding a church-operated homeless shelter, focusing only on life safety code compliance. The Police Chief reported on community support following the weekend incident and clarified details regarding a Border Patrol operation. The Highway Department requested formal approval for a $38,500 quote from Bonneau & Son Excavation for the Red Bridge removal project, contingent on funding confirmation from the Town of Canaan, and noted forthcoming heavy load road limit postings. The Town Clerk provided updates on 2024 property tax collections and the timeline for setting the town meeting and municipal election dates. The Transfer Station reported smooth operations despite staff absence. Economic Development noted progress on the municipal building stair shoring project, which is expected to take 9-10 weeks, and the successful transition to a new, cost-saving phone service contract. Other actions included approving license renewals for alcohol service at Barticus, Inc. and Baxter Brew Pub LLC for a special event, authorizing the expenditure of capital reserve funds for a forklift purchase, and accepting the resignation from the Parks and Recreation Committee and removing a member from the Planning Board Committee due to non-attendance. Warrants totaling over $1.5 million were approved for payment.

The meeting agenda included various reports and items for discussion. A public hearing was scheduled for a discussion and decision regarding Prestigious LLC DBA Snack Shack serving On-Premises Beer, Wine, and Spirits. Key regular agenda items involved the approval for Bryan Belleveau to expend up to $5,000 from the Municipal Building Capital Reserve account for repairs, authorization for the Town Manager to sign a mortgage discharge and assignment of leases and rents related to a paid-in-full loan, and a decision to award the Madison Avenue and Elm Street Combined Sewer Relocation Project using capital reserve funds. Further discussions included allowing Gail Pelotte to accept tax payments in full for foreclosed property redemption, setting the 2026 Town Meeting and Election date, amending a previous planning board motion, and waiving fees for Maine Street Skowhegan's Boardwalk and River Park project. The session also included the approval of Treasurer's Warrants totaling $811,592.54.