Brunswick public meetings in 2021

Planning Board

This Planning Board meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum. No decisions or discussions took place. The agenda included items that were tabled or pending review, but they were not addressed.

• Case 21-044: Backyard Quarry Amendment (tabled) - reduce right-of-way width from 25' to 15', relocate building envelope, replace conservation easement with deed restriction at 247 Coombs Road
• Case 21-055: Alphabet Kids Child Care - Conditional Use Permit for large day care at 175 Hacker Road
• Case 21-069: Tedford Housing - homeless shelter and resource center at Thomas Point Road (17,568 sq ft)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations to the Planning Board on two major development applications: a residential dock system at 19 Eider Cove Road and a revised office building and parking lot expansion at 124-150 Admiral Fitch Avenue. The committee will also discuss other business and adjourn.

• Case 21-071: Residential dock system (fixed pier, seasonal ramp and float) at 19 Eider Cove Road, submitted by Atlantic Environmental LLC for Wendy and Kenneth Estabrook
• Case 21-072: Revision of previously approved office building from one-story 6,000 sq ft to two-story 10,140 sq ft, and parking lot expansion from 201 to 365 spaces at 124-150 Admiral Fitch Avenue
• Waiver request for stormwater management plan for the dock project due to small scale (539 sq ft)
• Dock project has received approvals from Maine DEP and Army Corps of Engineers

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission reviewed a working draft of new zoning language for piers and docks, but took no formal action on it. Members discussed various provisions, including length limits, community docks, and impact fees, and agreed to send comments to staff. The task force will meet again on January 6 with the Town Attorney.

• Approved corrected September and October minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed draft pier/dock ordinance language; no vote taken
• Task force to meet January 6 with Town Attorney to review language

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing on a Special Amusement license for Pepper's Landing at 147 Bath Road, then consider setting a March 7, 2022 public hearing for impact fee text amendments and sending those amendments to the Planning Board. The Council will also receive the annual financial reports, honor retiring MRRA director Steve Levesque and outgoing councilors, and handle routine items like dog licenses and consent agenda approvals.

• Public hearing on Special Amusement license for Pepper's Landing, 147 Bath Road
• Resolution honoring Steve Levesque, retiring MRRA Executive Director
• Receive Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for period ended June 30, 2021
• Set public hearing for March 7, 2022 on impact fee ordinance amendments
• Consent agenda: Games of Chance licenses for cribbage at Elks (179 Park Row) and Knights of Columbus (35 Pleasant Street)

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates from the Planning and Development Department, prepare for the 2022 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, review plans for Tedford Housing, and hear about a trail project from Gardiner to Topsham. They will also review the Bowdoin interns' wayfinding project. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person or via Zoom, TV3, or live stream.

• Update on developments in the Department of Planning and Development
• Discussion on next steps for the 2022 CIP process
• Review of plan for Tedford Housing
• Victor Langelo from Merrymeeting Trail Board of Supervisors to speak at January meeting about trail from Gardiner to Topsham
• Review of Bowdoin Interns Wayfinding Project

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission will meet to discuss proposed changes to the Recreation Impact Fee Ordinance and hear an update on winter maintenance operations, including public skating rinks. The agenda also includes a report on the Midcoast Athletic and Recreation Complex (MARC) and a program report from the Deputy Director. The meeting is being held via Zoom.

• Proposed changes to the Recreation Impact Fee Ordinance
• Parks Division winter maintenance operations, including public skating rinks
• Midcoast Athletic and Recreation Complex (MARC) update
• Recreation Program Report by Deputy Director Sabrina Best
• Approval of October 27, 2021 meeting minutes

The Brunswick Recreation Commission voted unanimously to support moving the Recreation Impact Fee methodology from the Zoning Ordinance to the Municipal Code of Ordinance, as proposed in a Planning Department memo. The commission also discussed winter maintenance operations, noting staffing shortages will delay ice rink and trail grooming, and received updates on programs and the M.A.R.C. project.

• Approved October meeting minutes (5-0)
• Supported moving Recreation Impact Fee methodology to Municipal Code (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:23pm (5-0)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on a Final Plan Major Development Review for the Cook's Corner Self Storage Phase II expansion at 70 Old Bath Road, involving three new self-storage buildings and outdoor vehicle storage. The board will also hold a workshop on proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding impact fees, which do not propose new fees but relocate references to the Municipal Code. Additionally, a tabled item on a conservation easement amendment for 247 Coombs Road will be postponed to the December 28 meeting.

• Final Plan Major Development Review for Cook's Corner Self Storage Phase II: 3 new buildings, 85,983 sq ft new impervious area, 70 Old Bath Road
• Workshop on Zoning Ordinance Amendment: relocating impact fee references from Zoning Ordinance to Municipal Code
• Tabled Case 21-044: Backyard Quarry Amendment to replace conservation easement with deed restriction at 247 Coombs Road, postponed to Dec 28
• Wetland impact of 3,828 sq ft for storage project, below DEP permit threshold
• Landscaping plan includes 29 Balsam Firs along Maplewood Manor property line

The Planning Board approved the Final Plan Major Development Review for the Cook's Corner Self Storage Phase II expansion at 70 and 92 Old Bath Road, with conditions including lot consolidation, drainage approvals, and landscape revisions. The board also approved administrative adjustments and waivers related to the project. A workshop on impact fees was held, and a public hearing was scheduled for January 25.

• Approved Final Plan Major Development Review for Cook's Corner Self Storage Phase II (5-0)
• Approved administrative adjustment to reduce drive aisle width from 26' to 24' (5-0)
• Approved waiver for no new streets (5-0)
• Approved waiver for low bicycle visits (5-0)
• Approved waiver from section 4.9.3.A (5-0)
• Concurred that only U.S. Route 1-facing façade subject to Cook's Corner Design Standards (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on impact fees for January 25

Davis Fund Committee

The Davis Fund Committee is holding its organizational meeting to plan the 2022 grant cycle. They will review and update application materials, assign follow-up calls to 2021 grantees, and set key dates including the April 22 application deadline and May 16 Town Council action.

• Proposed 2022 schedule: applications available Jan/Feb, deadline April 22, grants meeting May 6, Town Council action May 16
• Review and update of 2021 application form, advertisement, and award letter
• Assignments for follow-up calls to 2021 grantees including Arts Are Elementary, Pejepscot History Center, Brunswick Downtown Association, and others

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review four development applications, including a 57-unit multi-family building, a Tedford Housing homeless shelter, a daycare expansion, and a residence restoration. They will provide recommendations to the Planning Board on the larger projects and take action on the minor review. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom.

• Case 21-055: Conditional use permit for Alphabet Kids Child Care at 175 Hacker Road (RF zone, SPO-SP, WPO)
• Case 21-067: Minor development review for Crotty Residence Restoration at 646 Gurnet Road (98 cu yd earthmoving, SPO-RP)
• Case 21-068: Sketch plan for 57-unit multi-family development at 93 Admiral Fitch Avenue (GM6 zone)
• Case 21-069: Final plan for Tedford Housing homeless shelter/resource center on Thomas Point Road (17,568 sq ft, GM4 zone)
• Waiver requests for lighting and landscaping plans in Case 21-067

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to review the town's financial documents, including the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and related audit letters and reports. The agenda consists of reviewing these documents, with no other substantive items listed.

• 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) as of June 30, 2021
• 2021 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) as of June 30, 2021
• 2021 SAS Letter
• 2021 Statement of Assurance
• 2021 Uniform Guidance Report

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee will review new policy areas and the draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a planning consulting firm to help complete the town's comprehensive plan update. They will also set dates for natural resource community expert meetings and future committee meetings. Public comment is allowed.

• Review of Request for Proposals for a planning consulting firm
• Review of necessary items to be made available to interested consulting firms
• Natural Resource Community Expert Meeting dates: Jan 13 and Jan 20, 2022
• Future meeting: Jan 4, 2022 (Full Steering Committee)

Tree Committee

The committee will review the Tree Nursery and prepare for Arbor Week 2022. Discussion includes the 2021 Tree City USA Application and the Chamberlain Ave Esplanade Reforestation.

• Tree Nursery discussion
• Arbor Week 2022 planning
• 2021 Tree City USA Application
• Chamberlain Ave Esplanade Reforestation

The Brunswick Tree Committee agreed to officially open the tree nursery during Arbor Week 2022, with remaining work including a gate, fence, and signage. They also discussed plans for Arbor Week events, including a possible 'Tree Sick Day' and flying the Tree City USA flag. The 2021 Tree City USA application is nearly complete, and the committee offered to help plant 150-200 pine seedlings per year at the Chamberlain Ave Esplanade.

• Agreed to open tree nursery during Arbor Week 2022
• Set 2022 meeting dates: March 8 and April 12, 7:00 PM
• Offered to help plant 150-200 pine seedlings per year at Chamberlain Ave Esplanade

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing on amendments to the Brunswick Property Tax Assistance Program (BPTAP), including lowering the eligible age from 70 to 65 and clarifying the November 1st tax payment deadline. The council will also consider ratifying union contracts, accepting an eelgrass restoration grant, and other items. The meeting includes an executive session on union negotiations.

• Public hearing on BPTAP amendments to lower eligible age from 70 to 65
• Ratify two-year contract with Brunswick Emergency Communications Officers Association (BECOA)
• Ratify three-year contract with Brunswick Police Benevolent Association (BPBA)
• Authorize expenditure of $223,187 Eelgrass Restoration Grant for helical moorings near Mere Point and Paul's Marina
• Public hearings for liquor license (Flip, 212 Maine Street) and special amusement licenses (Bolos, 7 Dunlap Street; Brunswick Elks, 179 Park Row)

The Council approved a new liquor license for Flip at 212 Maine Street, approved Special Amusement licenses for Bolos and Brunswick Elks, and amended the Property Tax Assistance program to lower the eligibility age to 68. They also authorized spending a $223,187 Eelgrass Restoration Grant, ratified two-year and three-year contracts with emergency communications and police associations, and adopted revised charges for the Town Commons and Growstown School committees.

• Approved liquor license for Flip, 212 Maine Street (8-0)
• Approved Special Amusement licenses for Bolos and Brunswick Elks (8-0)
• Amended BPTAP to lower eligibility age to 68, then adopted as amended (7-1)
• Authorized expenditure of $223,187 Eelgrass Restoration Grant (8-0)
• Ratified two-year contract with BECOA (8-0)
• Ratified three-year contract with BPBA (8-0)
• Adopted revised charges for Town Commons and Growstown School committees (8-0)
• Approved appointments to Planning Board and other committees

Conservation Commission

The Brunswick Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss the nearing completion of the Mere Brook Watershed Management Plan, including an interactive map and a draft presentation to the Town Council. They will also review their 2021 goals and propose new goals for 2022. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom.

• Mere Brook Watershed Management Plan nearing completion; draft plan to be presented to Town Council
• Review of 2021 goals and proposal of 2022 goals
• Continued work on invasive species at Fitzgerald Park, Furbish Preserve, and Western Sawtooth
• Stewardship of Captain Fitzgerald Park and Brunswick Landing Conveyance Properties
• Public comment via email or live at meeting

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee will meet to discuss resident and non-resident license requirements and conservation credits (pay to play), along with new and old business. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom, TV3, or live stream. The agenda includes a proposal on how license holders who change residency can retain their license type until renewal.

• Discussion of resident/non-resident license requirements
• Discussion of conservation credits (pay to play)
• Proposal for license conversion on change of residency
• Warden report
• Public comment opportunity

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to table discussion of resident/non-resident license requirements until July, after hearing concerns from harvesters and members about potential impacts and wanting to see how neighboring towns handle the issue. The committee also unanimously tabled a discussion on conservation credits (pay to play) pending more information about which account the generated funds would go into. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included a warden's report, new business about an airboat stakeholders meeting, and old business about January's agenda.

• Tabled discussion of resident/non-resident license requirements to July for further discussion (unanimous).
• Tabled discussion of conservation credits (pay to play) pending more information on which account funds would go into (unanimous).

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review a proposal to expand the existing self-storage facility at 70 and 92 Old Bath Road. The project includes constructing three new buildings and adding outdoor long-term vehicle storage spaces.

• Phase II expansion of Cook’s Corner Self Storage
• Construction of three new self-storage buildings
• Addition of thirty-four 10’x20’ outdoor parking spaces
• Creation of approximately 85,983 square feet of new impervious area
• Location: 70 and 92 Old Bath Road (Tax Map 45, Lots 1A and 2E)

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission will review and comment on an airboat sound study, discuss coastal town ordinances related to intertidal pier development in preparation for future meetings on the town council pier moratorium, and review their charge in the Harbor Management Plan. The agenda also includes the Harbor Master report and postponed minutes from September and October.

• Review of airboat sound study conducted by Wisconsin DNR warden in August 2021
• Discussion of coastal town ordinances on intertidal pier development related to pier moratorium
• Review of Commission Charge in Harbor Management Plan (pages 32-33)
• Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program grant award of $223,187 for conservation mooring and eelgrass restoration
• Harbor Master report

The commission discussed the pier moratorium, which expires February 16, 2022, and agreed to form a task force to refine proposed ordinance language with Councilor Walker. They also reviewed the airboat sound study, noting a muffler law is expected to pass and that the town received about $250,000 for helical mooring replacements. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only vote was to adjourn.

• Formed a task force to work with Councilor Walker on refining pier ordinance language; Worthing and Melendy volunteered.
• Scheduled a follow-up meeting for December 22nd.
• Councilor Walker offered to ask the Town Council to extend the pier moratorium beyond February.
• Discussed the airboat sound study; no action taken, but noted muffler law expected to pass and next stakeholder meeting is December 1st.
• Heard that the town was awarded about $250,000 for helical mooring replacements; Town Council must vote to accept funds.
• Confirmed that the Coynes' appeal was lost in Superior Court; they may appeal to the Maine Law Court.
• Clarified that reviewing Simpson's Point activity falls within the commission's purview.
• Adjourned at 7:35 p.m. by unanimous vote.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review and take action on a Final Plan Major Development Review Subdivision Amendment for a property at 247 Coombs Road. The applicant proposes to replace a conservation easement with a deed restriction to protect conservation land. However, this case has been postponed to the next meeting on December 14, 2021. The rest of the agenda is procedural, covering other business, minutes, and adjournment.

• Case #21-044: Backyard Quarry Amendment for 247 Coombs Road (Map 38, Lot 21)
• Proposal to replace conservation easement with deed restriction
• Property in Rural Protection 1 (RP1) Zoning District with Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Case postponed to December 14, 2021

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and act on a Minor Development Review application for a new 200-foot-long, 12-foot-wide multiple-use non-motorized trail connecting Merriconeag Road to the Kate Furbish Preserve trail system. The project, located at 41 Merriconeag Road (Map 40, Lot 78), is within the Shoreland Protection Overlay Stream Protection Subdistrict and has already received state and federal permits. The committee will decide whether to approve the application based on the draft findings of fact.

• Case 21-062: Kate Furbish Preserve Trail Project - Minor Development Review for a Category 1 Multiple Use Non-Motorized Trail
• Proposed trail: 200 feet long, 12 feet wide, within 75 feet of a perennial stream
• Project located in Rural Protection 1 (RP1) Zoning District and Shoreland Protection Overlay Stream Protection Subdistrict (SPO-SP)
• Applicant: Town of Brunswick Public Works Director Jay Astel; Owner: Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA)
• Permits already obtained from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maine DEP

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will review and vote on two Certificates of Appropriateness: replacing a wood front porch with composite at 33 Cumberland Street and building a storage shed at 15 Cushing Street. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and staff-approved signs. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom/TV3.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for front porch replacement at 33 Cumberland Street (composite material, same dimensions)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 120 sq ft storage shed at 15 Cushing Street (Otto's Pizza)
• Staff approvals: wall sign at 56 Maine Street, wall sign and projecting sign panel replacements at 115 Maine Street

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will receive and consider recommendations from the Policing Review Committee, which studied police policies and practices. They will also consider a supplemental TIF funding request from MRRA, changes to the Property Tax Assistance Program, and acceptance of state highway safety grants. The meeting includes a manager's report on finances, trash collection, planning department reorganization, and the CMP transmission line project.

• Policing Review Committee report and recommendations
• Supplemental TIF request of $92,542.12 from MRRA
• Proposed changes to Property Tax Assistance Program (age 70 to 65)
• Acceptance of Maine Bureau of Highway Safety grants totaling $19,050
• Executive session on potential litigation

The Town Council voted 8-0 to accept the Policing Review Committee's report and consider its recommendations for the Brunswick Police Department. It also approved a supplemental TIF funding request from the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (8-0), set a public hearing for December 6, 2021 on changes to the Property Tax Assistance Program (8-0), and approved Maine Bureau of Highway Safety grants for the Police Department (8-0). The consent agenda, including minutes from November 1, was approved 8-0. The council then entered executive session for legal consultation and adjourned.

• Accepted Policing Review Committee report and recommendations (8-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing TIF appropriation to MRRA (8-0)
• Set public hearing for Dec 6 on Property Tax Assistance Program changes (8-0)
• Approved Maine Bureau of Highway Safety grants for Police Dept FY 21-22 (8-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Nov 1 minutes (8-0)
• Moved to executive session for legal consultation (8-0)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and act on two applications: a minor development review for a 1,920-square-foot greenhouse at 20 Sea Grass Farm Road, and a change of use at 109 Bath Road to replace one nonconforming use with another. The committee will also handle other business, approve minutes, and adjourn.

• Case 21-060: 1,920 sq ft greenhouse at 20 Sea Grass Farm Road (Map 31, Lot 44) in Rural Protection 1 district
• Case 21-061: Change of use at 109 Bath Road (Map 54, Lot 3-2) in Growth Mixed Use district with Aquifer Protection Overlay
• Waiver requests for soil survey, road profiles, landscaping, and lighting plans for the greenhouse
• Public comment via Zoom or email before or during the meeting

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and act on a sketch plan for a 210-unit multi-family residential development on Bath Road, and will also consider a subdivision amendment for Lot 10 at Brunswick Landing, which was withdrawn by the applicant. The board may approve, table, or conditionally approve the Bath Road project based on staff concerns.

• Case 21-057: 210-unit residential development, 4 buildings, Bath Road (Map 45, Lots 34 and 2C)
• Case 21-059: Brunswick Landing Subdivision Amendment for Lot 10 (withdrawn by applicant)
• Proposed project includes clubhouse, parking, stormwater facilities
• Staff concerns: potential vernal pool, parking surplus, access, sidewalks
• Draft motions: approve with conditions or table the application

The Planning Board reviewed a sketch plan for a 210-unit multi-family development on Bath Road and deemed the application complete, then approved the sketch plan with conditions. The approval motion carried 4-1, with one member opposed. The project is in the GM4 zoning district and subject to Cooks Corner Design Standards.

• Sketch plan application deemed complete (5-1)
• Sketch plan approved with conditions (4-1)

Finance Committee

This agenda is purely procedural, containing only the meeting date and a link to the agenda materials PDF. No specific items, decisions, or discussions are listed.

The Finance Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council broaden the age eligibility for the Property Tax Assistance Program from its current threshold to 65 years of age, and adjust ordinance wording regarding on-time property tax payment. The recommendation was approved 2-0 (one councilor had left the meeting). Staff estimated the change could nearly double applicants from 56 to 104 by fiscal year 2023-24, and the committee directed staff to include administrative burden considerations in the memo to the Town Council.

• Approved recommendation to expand Property Tax Assistance Program eligibility to age 65 (2-0)
• Approved recommendation to adjust ordinance wording on on-time property tax payment (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 10/12/2021 (all in favor)
• Directed staff to include administrative burden considerations in memo to Town Council

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee will meet to review the warden report, approve October minutes, and discuss the winter quahog closure from December 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022. They will also consider 2022 conservation activities, clam growing techniques, and proposed changes to resident license ordinance language regarding residency changes.

• Winter quahog closure: Dec 1, 2021 to Apr 1, 2022
• 2022 conservation activities discussion
• Clam growing techniques discussion
• Resident license ordinance language on residency changes
• Warden report and October minutes review

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to close all Brunswick flats to quahog harvesting from December 2, 2021, through April 1, 2022, a closure already submitted to the DMR. The committee also tabled discussion on resident license ordinance changes to the December meeting. No other formal decisions were made; other items were informational discussions.

• Approved winter quahog closure for all Brunswick flats, Dec 2, 2021 – Apr 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Tabled resident license ordinance language discussion to December meeting (unanimous)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2021, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes public hearings on a special amusement license for the Brunswick Hotel, all-way stop sign installations at two intersections, and a shellfishing ordinance amendment. The Council will also consider a resolution to appropriate $50,000 from Brunswick Landing and Brunswick Executive Airport TIF revenues for the Brunswick Development Corporation's Economic Recovery Loan Program, receive an update on ARPA pre-applications, and hear a report from the Simpsons Point Citizens Advisory Committee. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a personnel matter.

• Public hearing and action on special amusement license renewal for Maine & Noble LLC d/b/a Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen
• Public hearing and action on amendments to add all-way stops at Durham Road/Greenwood Road and McKeen Street/Church Road intersections
• Public hearing and action on shellfish license application date change to third Friday in December
• Resolution authorizing $50,000 appropriation from Brunswick Landing and Brunswick Executive Airport TIF revenues for BDC's Economic Recovery Loan Program
• Update on ARPA pre-applications for three projects: Bay Bridge Estates, Bath Road Improvements, and Cook's Corner Revitalization

The Town Council approved a special amusement license for Maine & Noble LLC, operating as Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen, with eight yeas. It also approved amendments to add all-way stops at two intersections, a shellfishing application date amendment, and a $50,000 TIF appropriation for the Brunswick Development Corporation's Economic Recovery Loan Program. The council received reports from the Simpsons Point Citizens Advisory Committee and on ARPA funds, authorizing staff to proceed with pre-applications. Appointments were made to the Recycling & Sustainability and Tree Committees.

• Approved special amusement license for Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen (8-0)
• Approved all-way stops at Durham/Greenwood/Old Portland Roads and McKeen/Church Road (8-0)
• Approved shellfishing application date amendment (8-0)
• Received SPCAC report and considered recommendations (8-0)
• Authorized staff to proceed with ARPA pre-applications (8-0)
• Approved $50,000 TIF appropriation for BDC Economic Recovery Loan Program (8-0)
• Appointed Tom Rumpf to Recycling & Sustainability Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Jane Nichols-Ecker to Tree Committee (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a session of legal training with the Town Attorney. The agenda contains no other specific development or business items.

• Legal Training with Town Attorney

The Planning Board held a training workshop led by Town Attorney Kristin Collins, covering the Freedom of Access Act, application review procedures, and other legal topics. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting; it was purely educational. The board discussed potential future policies, such as a remote meeting policy, but did not adopt any.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the workshop

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss current projects, membership changes, and the remaining budget of $5,240. They will decide whether to spend $300–$500 on new brochure designs, approve fixing or replacing broken trail signs, and plan a winter maintenance day. The agenda also includes reviewing the fall clean-up day and prioritizing general maintenance tasks like hardening wet spots, removing poison ivy, and restoring trees.

• Brochure redesign estimated at $300–$500, pending committee approval
• Remaining budget: $5,240
• Fix or replace broken trail signs (committee to approve)
• Schedule winter maintenance day
• Replace dead tricentennial trees this fall

The Brunswick Town Commons Committee discussed current projects, including a picnic table installation, brochure redesign with new interpretive signs, and invasive species mapping by a Bowdoin group. They reviewed the fall clean-up day and planned a winter maintenance day to remove white pine saplings. No formal votes or binding decisions were made; the meeting was primarily planning and discussion.

• Picnic table ready for installation pending manpower
• Brochure redesign to use consistent branding with new interpretive signs
• Bowdoin group mapping invasive species near trails
• Winter maintenance day planned to remove white pine saplings
• Next official meeting scheduled for January

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and act on a Minor Development Review application for a 1,248 square foot greenhouse at 0 Pennellville Road (Map 33, Lot 4) in the Rural Protection 1 (RP1) District. The applicant requests waivers from professional survey, topographical, and grading plans. The committee will consider motions to deem the application complete, approve the waivers, and approve the project with conditions.

• Case 21-058: Sound Pine Farm seedling greenhouse, 1,248 sq ft, at 0 Pennellville Road (Map 33, Lot 4)
• Waiver requests for professional survey, topographical, and grading plans
• Project in RP1 District with Shoreland Protection and Stormwater Management overlays
• Applicant: Alessia McCobb & Virginia Winkler; Landowner: Kris Ganong
• Public comment via Zoom or email before meeting

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission met and discussed the town's pier moratorium, hearing from environmental engineer Tim Forrester about best practices in other coastal towns. The commission also reviewed the Simpson's Point Citizen Advisory Council's report but took no formal action on it. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting; it was primarily informational and discussion-focused.

• Approved LPA for commercial harvester Chris Green on Long Reach (no vote recorded)
• Discussed pier moratorium draft language; commissioners to send suggestions to Chair Melendy or staff
• No action taken on Simpson's Point CAC report; commissioners may act as residents
• No action on conservation easements; informational discussion only

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission met on October 27, 2021, and approved the September 15, 2021 minutes unanimously (5-0). No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports and updates, including the hiring of Sabrina Best as Deputy Director, the upcoming Ski and Skate Sale, and progress on the Kate Furbish mountain bike trails and LC4 project.

• Approved September 15, 2021 minutes (5-0)

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will hold a public hearing and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to the historic structure at 13 Dunning Street, including replacing the entryway, enlarging a second-floor window for emergency egress, and replacing vinyl siding. The board will also review a separate Certificate of Appropriateness request for renovating a sunroom and greenhouse at 74 Federal Street. The agenda includes approval of minutes and notes no staff approvals.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 13 Dunning Street: replace entryway, enlarge window for egress, replace vinyl siding
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 74 Federal Street: renovate non-original sunroom and greenhouse
• Property at 13 Dunning Street is a contributing resource in the Village Review Overlay District
• No staff approvals listed on the agenda

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on a proposed agreement with MaineDOT for the Pleasant Street Corridor Study concept design and on amendments to General Assistance Maximums. The Council will also consider setting public hearings for November 1 on adding all-way stops at two intersections and on a shellfishing application date change, plus a recommendation to hire a consultant and add a Planning Department position. The agenda includes routine updates on finances, projects, and consent items.

• Public hearing on MaineDOT agreement for Pleasant Street Corridor Study concept design
• Public hearing on amendments to General Assistance Maximums
• Consider setting Nov 1 hearing for all-way stops at Durham/Greenwood/Old Portland and McKeen/Church
• Consider setting Nov 1 hearing for shellfishing application date change
• Recommendation to authorize up to $50,000 for comprehensive plan consultant and add Planning Department position

The Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the Pleasant Street Corridor Study recommendations and proceeding with intersection improvements at Mill Street, River Road, and Church Road, sending the resolution and a letter to MaineDOT. The council also unanimously adopted new General Assistance Maximums, set public hearings for November 1 on all-way stop amendments and a shellfishing application date, and authorized up to $50,000 for a comprehensive plan consultant plus a new Planning Department position.

• Adopted resolution endorsing Pleasant Street Corridor Study and intersection improvements (9-0)
• Adopted new General Assistance Maximums (9-0)
• Set public hearing for Nov 1 on all-way stops at Durham/Greenwood/Old Portland and McKeen/Church (9-0)
• Set public hearing for Nov 1 on shellfishing application date amendment (9-0)
• Authorized up to $50,000 for comprehensive plan consultant and Planning Department reorganization (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Oct 4 minutes and Small Business Saturday proclamation (9-0)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board is reviewing a streamlined subdivision plan submission for the Jordan Crossing Subdivision, a 5.5-acre parcel in the Growth Mixed Use District 5 (GM5). The plan, prepared by Terradyn Consultants for Snell Construction, includes multiple lots with dimensional standards and setback requirements. The board is also considering minor revisions from a prior Site Review Committee meeting.

• Subdivision plan for Jordan Crossing, 5.5 acres, GM5 zone
• Multiple proposed lots with areas ranging from 46,209 to 48,585 sq ft
• Deed-restricted area and 250' vernal pool buffer noted
• Proposed 20' min side, 15' min rear, 15' min front setbacks
• Plan prepared by Terradyn Consultants, P.E. Craig M. Sweet

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on three development applications: a sketch plan for a restaurant with drive-thru on Pleasant Street, a conditional use permit for a contractors space on Old Bath Road, and a sketch plan for a 44-lot subdivision with 52 apartment units at Brunswick Landing. The board will also review a streamlined final plan for a five-lot subdivision on Jordan Avenue. Staff recommends not approving the restaurant drive-thru sketch plan due to traffic and zoning concerns.

• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Pleasant Street (Map U23, Lots 89, 90, 94) in GR4/GM5 zones; staff recommends not approving sketch plan
• Case #21-050: Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit for contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road (Map 45, Lot 1C) in GM4 zone
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III – 2,100 linear feet of roadway, 44 lots, 5 apartment buildings with 52 units (Map 40, Lots 131, 135, 138) in GR1 zone
• Case #20-017: Jordan Crossing Subdivision – 5-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue (Map U23, Lot 94) in GM5 zone

The Brunswick Planning Board approved the sketch plan for Brunswick Landing Village Phase III, a 44-lot subdivision with five apartment buildings (52 units), and approved a conditional use permit for a contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road. The board also approved the final plan for the five-lot Jordan Crossing subdivision on Jordan Avenue. A restaurant with drive-thru application (Case #21-039) was withdrawn by the applicant.

• Approved sketch plan for Brunswick Landing Village Phase III (44 lots, 5 apartment buildings, 52 units) (4-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Contractors Space at 22 Old Bath Road (4-0)
• Approved final plan for Jordan Crossing Subdivision, 5-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue (3-1)
• Withdrawn: Restaurant with drive-thru application (Case #21-039)

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to review materials for its October 12, 2021 session. The only substantive item on the agenda is a discussion of the Maine State Property Tax Deferral Program, based on pages from Maine statute 130, SP 577, item 16. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Review of Maine State Property Tax Deferral Program (Maine 130, SP 577, Item 16)

The Finance Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council broaden the age eligibility for the Property Tax Assistance Program from the current age to 65 years and adjust the ordinance wording regarding on-time property tax payment. The motion passed 2-0 (Councilor Jenkins had left). The committee also approved the schedule for the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program workshops.

• Recommended lowering property tax assistance age eligibility to 65 (2-0)
• Recommended adjusting ordinance wording on on-time property tax payment (2-0)
• Approved 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program workshop schedule

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Streamlined Final Plan Major Development Review application for the Jordan Crossing Subdivision, a proposed 5-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom, with roll call votes and public comment opportunities.

• Case #20-017 Jordan Crossing Subdivision: 5-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue (Map U23, Lot 94)
• Located in Growth Mixed Use 5 (GM5) Zoning District with Shoreland Protection and Aquifer Protection Overlay 3 districts
• Proposed extension of public sewer via force main from Lori Drive and Jordan Avenue
• Public water and sewer exist within Jordan Avenue; overhead power and telecommunications utilities are present
• Applicant requests scheduling on October 26, 2021 Planning Board agenda

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee will meet to discuss and take action on several shellfish management items, including a proposed 4-acre experimental shellfish farming lease in Long Reach, a request to reopen Harpswell Cove to softshell clam harvesting, and a potential change to allow commercial license holders to reside anywhere in Maine. The committee will also review a partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for a strategic shellfish development plan and discuss the sale of one-day recreational licenses.

• Review of Chris Green's 4-acre intertidal shellfish farming proposal for Long Reach (action item)
• Consider requesting MEDMR remove softshell clams from Harpswell Cove conservation closure (action item)
• Discussion on allowing commercial license holders to reside anywhere in Maine
• Review of partnership with Gulf of Maine Research Institute for shellfish development plan
• Discussion of one-day recreational license sales (action item)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee approved a unanimous motion to set the quahog winter closure from December 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022. They also unanimously approved an experimental lease for Chris Green's 4-acre shellfish farming proposal in Long Reach. A motion to generate ordinance language on residency requirements for commercial license holders was postponed, with staff to draft language for the next meeting. No decision was made on removing the Harpswell Cove conservation closure.

• Approved winter quahog closure Dec 1, 2021 to Apr 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved experimental lease for Chris Green's 4-acre shellfish proposal (unanimous)
• Postponed motion on residency requirements; staff to draft ordinance language

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee will review recommendations from its subcommittee on the 2008 Natural Resources Policy Area, including proposed updates to actions and performance targets. They will also discuss questions for community expert meetings on topics like open space protection, growth management, and water quality. The meeting includes public comment and scheduling of future sessions.

• Review of 2008 Natural Resources Policy Area recommendations
• Discussion of questions for community expert meetings
• Proposed removal of Land for Brunswick's Future Board actions
• Consideration of open space impact fees and payment-in-lieu options
• Future meeting date: November 2, 2021 (potential conflict with Elections)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and make a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Streamlined Final Plan Major Development Review application for a five-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue. The project is in the Growth Mixed Use 5 zoning district and includes Shoreland Protection and Aquifer Protection overlay districts. The committee will also handle other business, approve minutes, and adjourn.

• Case #20-017 Jordan Crossing Subdivision: 5-lot residential subdivision on Jordan Avenue (Map U23, Lot 94)
• Applicant: Terradyn Consultants, LLC for Snell Construction, LLC
• Zoning: Growth Mixed Use 5 (GM5) with Shoreland Protection Overlay (SPO) and Aquifer Protection Overlay 3 (APO3)
• Public comment available via email or live via Zoom or in person
• Face coverings required in Town Hall

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings and take action on several items, including a junkyard license renewal, a no-parking amendment on Pleasant Street, and a fee change for residential brush at the Graham Road Processing Facility. In new business, the Council will consider reducing the facility's hours to Saturdays only, endorsing a multi-use pathway along the Androscoggin River, and approving a $784,600 TIF request from the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority. The Council will also set public hearings for October 18 on a MaineDOT corridor study agreement and General Assistance maximums, and make board appointments.

• Approve $784,600 TIF request from MRRA for Brunswick Landing
• Reduce Graham Road Processing Facility hours to Saturdays only
• Adopt no-parking restriction on north side of Pleasant Street between Mill Street and I-295
• Endorse Segment A of Androscoggin River multi-use pathway from Swinging Bridge to Bow and Cabot Streets
• Set public hearing for Oct. 18 on Pleasant Street Corridor Study agreement with MaineDOT

The Brunswick Town Council approved a $784,600 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant to the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA), a junkyard and automobile graveyard application for Brunswick Auto Recycling, LLC, and a 'No Parking' restriction on Pleasant Street. It also reduced Graham Road Processing Facility hours to Saturdays only and lowered residential brush fees. All votes were 9-0.

• Approved $784,600 TIF grant to MRRA (9-0)
• Approved junkyard/auto graveyard application for Brunswick Auto Recycling, LLC, 117 Bath Road (9-0)
• Adopted 'No Parking' restriction on north side of Pleasant Street between Mill Street and I-295 (9-0)
• Adopted amendment lowering residential brush fees at Graham Road Processing Facility (9-0)
• Amended Graham Road Processing Facility hours to Saturdays only, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., starting in 30 days (9-0)
• Adopted resolution endorsing Segment A of multi-use pathway along Androscoggin River (9-0)
• Set public hearing for Oct. 18 on MaineDOT Pleasant Street Corridor Study agreement (9-0)
• Set public hearing for Oct. 18 on General Assistance Maximums (9-0)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on several major development applications, including a 6-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Case #21-044) that was previously tabled. Other items include a proposed homeless shelter and resource center on Thomas Point Road (Case #21-048) and a restaurant with drive-thru (Case #21-039), though the latter three cases are postponed to October 12, 2021. The board will also consider a conditional use permit for a contractors space and a subdivision at Brunswick Landing.

• Case #21-044: 6-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Map 38, Lot 21) in RP1 zone
• Case #21-048: 17,568 sq ft homeless shelter with 10 apartments and 24-bed dormitory on Thomas Point Road
• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Riverside Cemetery Association land (Map U23, Lots 89, 90, 94) - postponed
• Case #21-050: Conditional use permit for contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road (Map 45, Lot 1C) - postponed
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III - 44 lots, 5 apartment buildings, 52 units - postponed

The Planning Board approved a Final Plan for a six-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Case #21-044), with conditions including a seasonal high water review for Lot 5 and Town Attorney approval of legal documents. The board also deemed complete and approved a Sketch Plan for a Tedford Housing homeless shelter and resource center on Thomas Point Road. Both motions passed 6-0.

• Approved Final Plan for 6-lot subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (6-0)
• Approved Sketch Plan for Tedford Housing shelter/resource center on Thomas Point Road (6-0)
• Deemed Tedford Housing Sketch Plan application complete (6-0)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on several development applications, including a proposed homeless shelter and resource center by Tedford Housing, a restaurant with drive-thru, a contractors space, and a subdivision. Note that cases #21-039, #21-050, and #21-051 are postponed to September 15, 2021, so only the Tedford Housing case is active for this meeting.

• Case #21-048: Tedford Housing proposes a 17,568 sq ft homeless shelter and resource center on Thomas Point Road
• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Riverside Cemetery Association land (postponed)
• Case #21-050: Contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road (postponed)
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III, 44 lots and 52 dwelling units (postponed)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board is reviewing Tedford Housing's Sketch Plan Major Development Review Application for a new homeless shelter and service center on Thomas Point Road. The agenda consists primarily of public comments submitted in support of the application, which would consolidate housing, staffing, and client services in one location. The board is deciding whether to approve the sketch plan, which would allow the project to proceed to the next stage of review.

• Tedford Housing sketch plan for new shelter and service center on Thomas Point Road
• Public comments from Community Housing of Maine, residents, and former Maine State Housing Authority director in support
• Traffic concerns raised about Thomas Point Road and Bath Road intersection, including lack of sidewalks and speeding
• Proposal fits within new zoning and would be a conditional use

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee A is meeting to discuss natural resources, including finalizing recommendations from a 2008 report to be updated and included in the new plan. They will also prepare questions for community experts invited to an October workshop. The meeting includes public comment and future meeting date planning.

• Finalize recommendations from 2008 Report Key Objectives, Key Actions, and Inventories
• Prepare questions for Community Experts for October workshop
• Future meeting dates: October 5, 2021 and TBD
• Public comment period via Zoom or in person

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Sketch Plan Major Development Review application for a restaurant with a drive-thru on a portion of Map U23, Lot 94, owned by the Riverside Cemetery Association. The proposed project is within the Growth Residential Use 4 (GR4) and Growth Mixed Use 5 (GM5) Zoning Districts and contains the Shoreland Protection Overlay (SPO) Zoning District. The applicant, Curtis Neufeld of Sitelines, representing RE Management Inc. and Pleasant Street K&K LLC, presented the plan, and staff raised concerns about plan discrepancies, setbacks, signage, and traffic safety. The applicant agreed to submit an updated plan for further review.

• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Map U23, Lot 94, Pleasant Street
• Proposed 2,500 square foot restaurant with drive-thru and 14 parking spaces
• Land purchase from Riverside Cemetery Association and zoning change to GM5 required
• Traffic improvements to Pleasant Street and River Road intersection discussed
• Applicant to submit updated plan by Friday for next week's meeting

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission met and received reports on several ongoing initiatives but made no formal decisions. The Town Council's 180-day moratorium on private piers in the intertidal zone is in progress, with public dialogue planned for October. The commission discussed the Mare Brook Watershed assessment, Simpson's Point Advisory Council recommendations, and a comprehensive shellfish development plan. No votes were taken on these items.

• Approved July minutes unanimously
• Adjourned unanimously at 7:27 p.m.

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will review and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to the building at 14 Pleasant Street. The proposed changes include replacing aluminum siding with wood clapboards, installing an antique wood door, and removing decorative shutters on the front retail space, plus adding vinyl windows and an ADA-compliant entry to the rear office space. The board will also approve minutes and note a staff approval for a wall sign panel replacement at 11 Pleasant Street.

• Case #VRB 21-020: Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations at 14 Pleasant Street (Map U13, Lot 55)
• Front retail: replace aluminum siding with wood clapboards, install antique wood door, replace pediment, remove shutters
• Rear office: install four vinyl windows and new fiberglass door with ADA-compliant ramp on east façade
• Staff approval noted: 11 Pleasant Street – Wall Sign Panel Replacement
• Property is a non-contributing resource in the Village Review Overlay District

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will consider an emergency amendment to expand the COVID-19 mask mandate to all public spaces, a lease for a rowing club dock, and several other items including a school facilities update and fee changes. The meeting includes an executive session on a personnel matter and a manager's report on finances and projects.

• Amendment to COVID-19 emergency ordinance to require face coverings in all public spaces
• Lease with Maine Coast Rowing Association to construct a dock at Water Street Boat Launch
• Public hearing set for Oct. 4 on 'No Parking' restriction on Pleasant Street between Mill and I-295
• Adoption of Investment Policy amendment adding ESG considerations
• Public hearing set for Oct. 4 on reducing residential brush fee at Graham Road Processing Facility

The Brunswick Town Council approved a 5% pay adjustment for Town Manager John Eldridge, retroactive to January 1, 2021, with eight yeas. The council also approved a lease with the Maine Coast Rowing Association to construct a dock at the Water Street Boat Launch, and set public hearings for October 4 on a no-parking restriction on Pleasant Street and a reduction to the residential brush fee. An emergency amendment to the COVID-19 ordinance failed with five nays.

• Approved 5% pay raise for Town Manager, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2021 (8-0)
• Approved lease with Maine Coast Rowing Association for dock construction at Water Street Boat Launch (8-0)
• Set public hearing for Oct. 4 on no-parking restriction on north side of Pleasant Street (8-0)
• Set public hearing for Oct. 4 on residential brush fee reduction (8-0)
• Adopted amendment to Town's Investment Policy (8-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of Sept. 9, 2021 (8-0)
• Failed emergency amendment to COVID-19 ordinance (5 nays)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations on several development applications, including a restaurant with a drive-thru, a contractors space, a 44-lot subdivision with apartments, a garage, and an amendment to the Martins Point site plan. The committee will also handle other business, approve minutes, and adjourn.

• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Map U23, Lots 89, 90, 94, in GR4/GM5/Shoreland Protection districts
• Case #21-050: Contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road (Map 45, Lot 1C) in GM4 district
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III — 44 lots, 52 apartments, 2,100 ft roadway on Map 40, Lots 131/135/138
• Case #21-053: Osterfeld Garage at 11 Wild Aster Lane (withdrawn by applicant)
• Case #21-052: Martins Point amendment to reduce parking and modify walkways on Bath Road (Map 40, Lot 56)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations on several development applications, including a restaurant with drive-thru, a contractors space, a subdivision with apartments, and a garage. One application for a garage was withdrawn. The committee will also act on an amendment to the Martins Point site plan.

• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru at Pleasant Street and River Road (Map U23, Lots 89, 90, 94)
• Case #21-050: Contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road (Map 45, Lot 1C)
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III — 44 lots, 5 apartment buildings, 52 units (Map 40, Lots 131, 135, 138)
• Case #21-053: Osterfeld Garage at 11 Wild Aster Lane (Map MP4, Lot 7) — withdrawn by applicant
• Case #21-052: Martins Point amendment to reduce parking and modify walkways on Bath Road (Map 40, Lot 56)

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss current projects, including interpretive signs, a picnic table replacement, and new brochure designs costing $300-$500. They will also review the remaining budget of $5,240, plan a fall cleanup day on October 9, and address trail maintenance priorities such as fixing signs, hardening wet spots, and removing invasive plants.

• New brochure designs estimated at $300-$500
• Remaining budget: $5,240
• Fall Clean-up Day confirmed for October 9
• Replace dead tricentennial trees this fall
• Remove invasive plants during fall volunteer day

The Town Commons Committee scheduled its fall cleanup day for Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 9am, with October 16 as rain date. Members assigned volunteer recruitment tasks, including reaching out to Bowdoin, Trail Monster Running, local mountain bikers, and town Facebook groups. The committee also noted interpretive signs are installed pending finishing work, and a replacement picnic table is expected to ship next week. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussion and planning only.

• Scheduled fall cleanup day for Oct. 9, 2021 at 9am, rain date Oct. 16
• Assigned volunteer recruitment: Jeremy to Bowdoin, Blaine to Trail Monster Running, Mark to mountain bikers, Dennis to town Facebook/kiosk
• Confirmed interpretive signs installed, needing finishing work on posts
• Noted replacement picnic table shipping next week from last year's budget
• Discussed brochure redesign estimated at $300-$500; current ones digitized and printed by Dennis
• Identified tasks for cleanup: trash pickup, trail clearing, invasive plant mapping, white pine sapling clearing
• Deferred trail marking until winter/spring pending thorough trail audit
• Dennis to contact Boy Scout troop about mapping invasive species ahead of cleanup

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates on several projects, including the Casco Bay Trail, Kate Furbish parking lot and culvert replacements, Merrymeeting Park water access, and a dock proposal from the Mid Coast Rowing Association. They will also consider the deputy director search process and receive a recreation program report. The meeting includes public input and approval of previous minutes.

• Casco Bay Trail update
• Kate Furbish parking lot project and culvert replacements
• Merrymeeting Park water access project – Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund application
• Mid Coast Rowing Association (MCRA) dock proposal
• Deputy Director search process

The Commission unanimously approved the August 18, 2021 minutes. They discussed the Casco Bay Trail Initiative and agreed to wait for the Bike-Ped Advisory Committee's input before endorsing a resolution. They received updates on the Kate Furbish parking lot (approved by Planning Board), culvert replacements, and the Merrymeeting Park water access project. The Commission expressed full support for the Mid Coast Rowing Association's proposal to install a dock, pending Town Council action.

• Approved the minutes of August 18, 2021 (4-0).
• Discussed the Casco Bay Trail Initiative and agreed to wait for Bike-Ped Advisory input before endorsing a resolution.
• Received update on Kate Furbish parking lot: Planning Board approved 27-space lot, construction to begin immediately.
• Noted that Kate Furbish culvert replacements await Navy approval, expected within a week.
• Discussed Merrymeeting Park water access project and potential $20,000 Recreation Impact Fee allocation.
• Endorsed the Mid Coast Rowing Association dock proposal, with full Commission support.
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:41 pm (4-0).

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on two development applications: a Town of Brunswick proposal to build a public parking lot on Merriconeag Road for recreational trail access, and a six-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road. The board will also consider waivers for the parking lot design and financial capacity documentation.

• Case #21-045: Final Plan for Merriconeag Road Parking Lot (Map 40, Lot 164) in GN District with Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Case #21-044: Sketch/Final Plan for 6-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Map 38, Lot 21) in RP1 District
• Parking lot waivers requested for reduced stall/aisle dimensions, landscaping, tree survey, and financial capacity
• Proposed parking lot will impact freshwater wetlands but avoids stream impacts
• Navy and Maine Historic Preservation Commission approvals provided for parking lot

The Planning Board approved a Final Plan Minor Development Review for a Town of Brunswick parking lot on Merriconeag Road (Map 40, Lot 164) to serve public recreational activities, with six in favor and none opposed. The board also approved several waivers and an alternative compliance for the project. In a separate case, the board tabled a Sketch/Final Plan Major Development Review for a six-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Map 38, Lot 21) until September 28.

• Approved the Final Site Plan for Case #21-045 (Merriconeag Road parking lot) as complete, with six in favor.
• Waived the need for technical and financial capacity proof for the Town, with six in favor.
• Waived the need for identification of ten-inch caliber trees, with six in favor.
• Granted alternative equivalent compliance for the site landscaping plan, with six in favor.
• Approved administrative adjustments for the parking lot project, with six in favor.
• Approved the Final Plan for the parking lot with conditions, with six in favor.
• Deemed the Sketch/Final Subdivision for Case #21-044 (Backyard Quarry) complete, with six in favor.
• Tabled the Backyard Quarry subdivision project to September 28, with six in favor.

Finance Committee

This is a procedural Finance Committee meeting agenda containing only a reference to the meeting packet PDF. No specific agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed in the provided text. The meeting appears to be routine, with substantive details presumably contained in the attached packet.

• Meeting agenda and materials packet referenced (2021-09-13 FC MTG PACKET.PDF)

The Finance Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council amend the Investment Policy to include environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing objectives. It also recommended reducing residential brush fees at the Processing Facility from $10 to $5 per cubic yard and changing operating hours from two days to one day (Saturday). The committee adopted a workshop calendar for the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program and approved the July 12, 2021 meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes from 7/12/2021 (all in favor)
• Recommended Town Council amend Investment Policy to add ESG investing objectives (all in favor)
• Recommended Town Council reduce residential brush fees to $5/cy and change Processing Facility hours to Saturday only (all in favor)
• Adopted CIP workshop calendar for 2023-2027 (all in favor)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings and take action on several items, including liquor and special amusement licenses, an emergency COVID-19 ordinance, a new use in the Growth Outdoor zoning district, and a zoning text amendment on habitat mitigation. The Council will also consider a street lighting policy, a shellfish development partnership, MainePERS changes, and receive updates on various projects.

• Public hearing on liquor license for The Federal Brunswick, 10 Water Street
• Public hearing on special amusement license for Frontier, 14 Maine Street
• Adoption of Emergency Ordinance to Address COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
• Zoning amendment to allow new use in Growth Outdoor (GO) District (Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program)
• Zoning text amendment on habitat mitigation (Section 4.3.4)

The Town Council unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance addressing the COVID-19 public health emergency, with schools excluded and town-leased property added. The Council also approved a new liquor license for The Federal Brunswick, a special amusement license renewal for Frontier, zoning amendments for a new use in the Growth Outdoor District and for habitat mitigation, a street lighting policy, a shellfish development roadmap partnership, changes to MainePERS participation, and several appointments. All votes were 9-0.

• Approved a new liquor license for The Federal Brunswick at 10 Water Street (9-0).
• Approved a renewal special amusement license for Frontier at 14 Maine Street (9-0).
• Adopted an emergency ordinance addressing the COVID-19 public health emergency, excluding schools and adding town-leased property (9-0).
• Approved zoning amendments to define and accommodate a new use in the Growth Outdoor (GO) Zoning District (9-0).
• Adopted text amendments to Section 4.3.4 Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat (9-0).
• Adopted the Town of Brunswick Street Lighting Policy (9-0).
• Authorized partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to develop a Shellfish Development Roadmap (9-0).
• Authorized changes to Brunswick's participation in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) (9-0).

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee will review and revise draft housing objectives and action items, including affordable and workforce housing strategies. The committee will also discuss subcommittee policy areas, identify natural resource community experts, and set future meeting dates. Public comment is allowed.

• Review of draft housing objectives including Affordable Housing TIF districts and zoning updates for density
• Discussion of short-term rental (STR) impact on housing stock
• Evaluation of municipal properties for potential reuse as affordable housing
• Identification of natural resource community experts
• Future meetings: Sept 23 (Natural Resources Workshop) and Oct 5 (Full Committee)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations on four development applications, including a restaurant with drive-thru, a contractors space, a 52-unit housing subdivision, and a garage. The committee will also handle other business and approve minutes.

• Case #21-039: Restaurant with drive-thru on Map U23, Lot 94, in GR4, GM5, and Shoreland Protection Overlay districts
• Case #21-050: Conditional Use Permit for contractors space at 22 Old Bath Road, Map 45, Lot 1C, in GM4 and Telecommunications Overlay districts
• Case #21-051: Brunswick Landing Village Phase III, 44 lots and 52 dwelling units in 5 apartment buildings, Map 40, Lots 131, 135, 138
• Case #21-053: Garage structure at 11 Wild Aster Lane, Map MP4, Lot 7, in RP1 and Shoreland Protection Overlay districts

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations on three development applications: a 6-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road, a homeless shelter and resource center on Thomas Point Road, and a building addition at 21 Greenwood Road. The committee will also handle other business, approve minutes, and adjourn.

• Case #21-044: 6-lot residential subdivision at 247 Coombs Road (Map 38, Lot 21), RP1 district, Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Case #21-048: 17,568 sq ft homeless shelter with 10 apartment-style units and 24-bed dormitory on Thomas Point Road (Map 42, Lots 8 and 11), GM4 district
• Case #21-049: 1,800 sq ft addition to existing structure at 21 Greenwood Road (Map 17, Lot 13), GI district, Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Subdivision application includes 63% conservation of net site area and 1 density bonus unit
• Solid waste impact fee for subdivision: $1,551.36 (based on $258.56 per dwelling unit per year)

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee is meeting to discuss the Harpswell Cove conservation closure, including species-specific exemptions, and to review LPA committee protocols. They will also review green crab and eel grass monitoring data, discuss the Brunswick Shellfish Guide, and consider new and old business, including one-day recreational license sales.

• Discussion on species-specific exemptions for Harpswell Cove conservation closure
• Review of LPA Committee protocols
• Green crab and eel grass monitoring data presented
• Brunswick Shellfish Guide discussion
• One-day recreational license sales (ordinance page 7)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on October 6, 2021, to consider opening Harpswell Cove to softshell clam harvesting. The committee also discussed but did not decide on other items, including air boat noise enforcement, aquaculture review protocols, and a one-day recreational license. Minutes from August 4 were approved.

• Approved minutes of August 4, 2021, unanimously.
• Approved holding a public hearing on opening Harpswell Cove to softshell clam harvest on the October 6, 2021 agenda.
• Tabled discussion on Harpswell Cove conservation closure pending quorum.
• Postponed approval of meeting minutes pending quorum (later approved).

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee B is meeting to discuss housing, specifically reviewing prior housing workshop discussions and beginning to draft action items. The agenda includes roll call, public comment, and future meeting dates, with no votes scheduled other than procedural roll calls.

• Housing discussion: review workshop discussions and begin drafting action items
• Public comment period
• Future meeting dates to be determined
• Meeting accessible via Zoom, TV3, or live stream

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee A is meeting to continue work on Brunswick's new comprehensive plan. They will discuss which objectives, actions, and inventories from the 2008 report should be carried forward, and finalize a list of organizational stakeholders to invite for comment in September.

• Continue identification of 2008 report key objectives, actions, and inventories to pull forward
• Finalize list of organization stakeholders to invite for September comment
• Discuss future meeting date of September 23, 2021

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review a Final Plan Minor Development Review application for the Town of Brunswick. The project involves constructing a parking lot on Merriconeag Road to serve public recreational activities. The committee will provide a recommendation to the Planning Board regarding the proposal.

• Case #21-045: Merriconeag Road Parking Lot (Map 40, Lot 164)
• Construction of a parking lot for public recreational activities
• Request for a waiver regarding reduced parking lot dimensional standards

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss current projects, membership updates, budget, and general maintenance priorities for the Town Commons. Items include interpretive signs, picnic table replacement, trail maintenance, and planning for a fall cleanup day.

• Replacement of metal picnic table
• Budget discussion for 2021-22
• Request for written history of 'No Spit Zone' parcel
• Trail maintenance: fix signs, harden wet spots, remove poison ivy
• Plan fall cleanup day and volunteer recruitment

The Brunswick Town Commons Committee met and discussed upcoming projects, including installing interpretive signs, a picnic table, and trail maintenance. No formal votes were taken; decisions were limited to scheduling a fall cleanup day and a walkabout to identify trail issues. The committee deferred budget discussions to early next year.

• Scheduled fall cleanup day for October 9 (pending coordination)
• Planned September walkabout to identify wet spots and poison ivy
• Agreed to install interpretive signs this fall at Bowdoin and Greater Commons entrances
• Agreed to replace dead tricentennial tree this fall
• Deferred budget discussions to January/February

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates on the Androscoggin Riverwalk project, Veterans Plaza celebration, Merrymeeting Park water access, and the LC4 request for proposals. They will also review the June 16, 2021 minutes and hear a recreation program report.

• Androscoggin Riverwalk Project update
• Veterans Plaza Celebration planning
• Merrymeeting Park Water Access Project – Land for Maine’s Future Application
• LC4 Request for Proposals
• Recreation Program Report by Deputy Director Troy Smith

The Brunswick Recreation Commission met on August 18, 2021, and approved the July 21, 2021 minutes unanimously (4-0). No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports and updates on summer programs, the Androscoggin Riverwalk project, the Veterans Plaza Celebration, the Merrymeeting Park land acquisition, and an LC4 request for proposals. The commission adjourned at 8:12 pm.

• Approved July 21, 2021 minutes (4-0)

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will review and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new wooden pergola (approx. 112 sq ft) at 32 School Street, a contributing historic resource in the Village Review Overlay Zone. The board will also approve minutes and staff-level sign approvals for 10 Cumberland Street and 82 Pleasant Street.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for new pergola at 32 School Street (Map U08, Lot 29)
• Staff approvals: 10 Cumberland Street sign panel addition
• Staff approvals: 82 Pleasant Street sign panel replacements
• Approval of minutes

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance imposing a moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters, and will consider adopting an emergency COVID-19 ordinance. The Council will also vote on a resolution amending the municipal budget for FY2021-22, which reduces the property tax rate increase to 2.41%, and will review and potentially adopt the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee's improvement plan. Other items include setting a public hearing for a zoning text amendment on habitat mitigation and authorizing the Town Manager to sign a letter of interest for ecomaine membership.

• Public hearing and vote on moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters
• Vote on emergency COVID-19 ordinance for town, municipal, and school buildings
• Vote on budget amendment reducing property tax rate increase to 2.41%
• Review and potential adoption of BPAC improvement plan update
• Set public hearing for zoning text amendment on habitat mitigation (Section 4.3.4)

The Brunswick Town Council held a public hearing and adopted an emergency moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters for 180 days, with exceptions for ledge-attached structures and certain renovations. The council also adopted an emergency COVID-19 ordinance, approved a budget amendment, updated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan, and set public hearings for September 9, 2021, on zoning changes. All votes were 8-0.

• Adopted 180-day moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters (8-0)
• Adopted emergency COVID-19 ordinance on emergency basis, excluding schools (8-0)
• Set public hearing for September 9, 2021, to consider COVID-19 ordinance on regular basis (8-0)
• Approved resolution amending municipal budget for FY2021-22 (8-0)
• Adopted update to 2004 BPAC Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan (8-0)
• Set public hearing for September 9, 2021, on zoning text amendment for habitat mitigation (8-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign Letter of Interest to explore ecomaine membership (8-0)
• Adopted proclamation recognizing September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (8-0)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and act on a Minor Development Review application from Pathway Vineyard Church to build a 20-by-60-foot outdoor pavilion and playground at 2 Columbus Drive. The committee will consider waiving the professional survey requirement and may approve the final plan with conditions, including proof of financial capacity before a building permit is issued.

• Minor Development Review for 20x60-foot pavilion and playground at 2 Columbus Drive (Map U07, Lot 49)
• Waiver request for professional survey to reduce project cost
• Property in Growth Residential (GR8) and Shoreland Protection Overlay (SPO) zoning districts
• Draft motion to approve final plan with condition requiring proof of financial capacity
• No new parking, lighting, or signs proposed

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on six major development applications, including a residential dock, a 9-unit apartment building, storage unit condos, a self-storage expansion, a bank/restaurant with drive-thru, and a subdivision amendment. The agenda includes both sketch and final plan reviews, with public comment allowed via email, Zoom, or in person.

• Case #21-035: Residential dock at 17 Pennell Point Drive (Map 32, Lot 4) - final plan approval
• Case #21-062: 9-unit apartment development at Mill Street and Union Street (Map U14, Lot 122)
• Case #21-037: Storage unit condos at 105 Farley Road (Map CC1, Lots 11 & 12) - sketch plan
• Case #21-038: Cooks Corner Self Storage expansion at 70 and 92 Old Bath Road (Map 45, Lots 1A and 2E)
• Case #21-039: Bank/restaurant with drive-thru on Riverside Cemetery Association land (Map U23, Lots 89, 90, 94) - withdrawn for sketch review

The Brunswick Planning Board approved four development applications: a residential dock at 17 Pennell Point Drive, a 9-unit apartment building at Mill and Union Streets, an expansion of Cooks Corner Self Storage, and a subdivision amendment at Brunswick Landing. All approvals were unanimous with no opposition. The board also approved a waiver related to the Brunswick Landing subdivision amendment.

• Approved Final Plan for Costello/MacDonald recreational dock at 17 Pennell Point Drive (5-0)
• Approved Final Plan for 9-unit Mill Street Apartments at Mill & Union Streets (5-0)
• Approved Sketch Plan for Cooks Corner Self Storage expansion at 70 & 92 Old Bath Road (5-0)
• Approved Brunswick Landing Subdivision Amendment adjusting Lots 17/17A and creating Lot 17B (5-0)
• Approved waiver for Brunswick Landing subdivision amendment (5-0)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a special meeting to consider ratifying the Town Manager's emergency COVID-19 proclamation issued August 9, 2021, which requires face coverings in Town Hall and allows remote participation in public proceedings. The council will vote on extending the order until August 16, 2021.

• Ratification of Town Manager's Emergency COVID-19 Proclamation and Order of August 9, 2021
• Extension of the proclamation until August 16, 2021
• Face covering requirement for all individuals in Town Hall
• Remote participation allowed for public bodies

The Brunswick Town Council held a special meeting on August 10, 2021, and unanimously ratified the Town Manager's Emergency COVID-19 Proclamation and Order from August 9, 2021, extending it until August 16, 2021. The motion carried with eight yeas. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Ratified Town Manager's Emergency COVID-19 Proclamation and Order (8-0)
• Extended emergency proclamation until August 16, 2021 (8-0)

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee will review a Limited Purpose Aquaculture License application from Chris Green, discuss the reopening of Thomas Point Beach after a conservation closure, and consider amendments to Chapter 11 regarding one-day recreational license sales and letters of intent. They will also receive updates on green crab monitoring and other business.

• Review of Limited Purpose Aquaculture License application from Chris Green
• Update on Thomas Point Beach conservation closure reopening
• Discussion on future conservation closure strategies
• Chapter 11 amendments: one-day recreational license sales and letter of intent
• Green crab monitoring update

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee unanimously approved Chris Green's application for a Limited Purpose Aquaculture License to harvest soft-shell and hard-shell clams in the outer reach of Harpswell Sound. The committee tabled discussions on a proposed seasonal closure at Thomas Point Beach and on one-day recreational license sales pending further information. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Chris Green's LPA application for clam harvesting in Harpswell Sound (unanimous)
• Tabled Thomas Point Beach conservation closure proposal pending more discussion
• Tabled one-day recreational license ordinance discussion pending DMR information

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to review the work of its Natural Resource and Housing subcommittees, introduce new members, and set future meeting dates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Review of Subcommittee A (Natural Resource) meetings
• Review of Subcommittee B (Housing) meetings
• Introduction of new members and reorientation
• Future meeting date: September 7, 2021

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing on amending the 2021-22 municipal budget to account for increased state revenue sharing and property tax revenue, and will consider several action items including ratifying a purchase and sale agreement for the Ormsby property (Merrymeeting Park) on the Androscoggin River, appropriating $75,911 from the Water Access Fund. The council will also discuss a new use in the Growth Outdoor (GO) Zoning District, a sidewalk safety plan for Maine Street, an emergency moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters, and other items. The agenda includes an executive session for real property acquisition and personnel matters.

• Public hearing on budget amendment for FY 2021-22, reflecting $689,900 increase in state revenue sharing and $600,000 in additional property tax revenue
• Resolution to ratify purchase and sale agreement for Ormsby property (Merrymeeting Park) on Androscoggin River, appropriating $75,911 from Water Access Fund
• Consideration of new use in Growth Outdoor (GO) Zoning District with conditional use permit, possibly for Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program
• Maine Street Sidewalks Safety Preservation Plan, estimated cost $30,000
• Emergency moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters

The Brunswick Town Council adopted an emergency moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters, with a public hearing set for August 16 to consider a regular ordinance. The council also approved the purchase of riverfront property, tabled a conditional use permit for a new use in the Growth Outdoor District, and approved several other items including a sidewalk safety plan and a bicentennial monument.

• Adopted emergency moratorium on new private permanent structures in intertidal waters (9-0)
• Set public hearing for August 16 to consider regular moratorium ordinance (9-0)
• Approved resolution ratifying purchase and sale agreement for Androscoggin River property, appropriating $75,911 from Water Access Fund (9-0)
• Tabled conditional use permit for new use in Growth Outdoor District until next meeting (9-0)
• Approved Maine Street Sidewalks Safety Preservation Plan (9-0)
• Authorized purchase of bicentennial monument and plaque (9-0)
• Authorized application for Eelgrass Restoration Grant (9-0)
• Approved appointments to boards and committees (9-0)

Trust Fund Advisory Committee

The Brunswick Trust Fund Advisory Committee is meeting to review quarterly investment performance reports from Harpswell Capital Advisors and to consider suggested edits to the Trust Fund Investment Policy Statement. The agenda includes draft minutes from a previous meeting and documents for discussion.

• Review of Harpswell Capital Advisors quarterly report for period ending June 30, 2021
• Review of Brunswick quarterly presentation with performance since inception in 2020
• Discussion of suggested edits to the Brunswick Trust Fund Investment Policy Statement

The committee approved amendments to the Investment Policy Statement, adding a paragraph on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment goals and requiring the annual report to include ESG alignment. It also increased the target equity allocation from 65% to 75% and reduced fixed income from 25% to 20%, with adjusted minimum and maximum ranges. The committee plans to report to the Town Council in early fall.

• Approved minutes from March 30, 2021
• Approved ESG paragraph in Investment Policy Statement (motion carried)
• Approved asset allocation change: equities target 65% to 75%, fixed income 25% to 20% (motion carried)

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission will review a proposed 90-day moratorium on new permanent private structures in shellfish growing areas and tidal marshes, and discuss the Simpsons Point Advisory Committee and a grant update for eel grass mitigation. The agenda also includes the Harbormaster report and new/old business.

• Proposed moratorium on permanent structures in shellfish growing areas and tidal marshes
• Simpsons Point Public Access Facility Citizen's Advisory Committee update
• Eel grass mitigation grant update for helical moorings
• Harbormaster report on mooring stickers and jet ski acquisition
• Discussion of American Recovery Act funds for water quality

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission tabled discussion on updated moratorium language for intertidal construction until Councilor Walker arrived, then supported a letter backing the moratorium. The commission also discussed a new public comment process for subtidal aquaculture applications, an eelgrass mitigation grant, and a $250,000 Land for Maine's Future grant for Merrymeeting Park.

• Approved June 23rd minutes unanimously
• Tabled moratorium language review until Councilor Walker arrived
• Supported letter to Town Council backing moratorium on intertidal construction
• Discussed adding RCWC public comment to subtidal aquaculture application process (no vote)
• Noted $250,000 Land for Maine's Future grant for Merrymeeting Park (unanimous LFMF board vote)
• Decided to tour coastal sites instead of meeting in August

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission will meet to review minutes, receive a recreation program report, and discuss old business including the Androscoggin Riverwalk project, Veterans Plaza celebration, and Merrymeeting Park water access. New business items may include a proposal for a seasonal dock for the Merrymeeting Community Rowing Association.

• Androscoggin Riverwalk Project update
• Veterans Plaza Celebration on August 28
• Merrymeeting Park Water Access Project – Land for Maine's Future Application
• Recreation Program Report by Deputy Director Troy Smith

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee B is meeting to discuss housing, focusing on affordable housing, workforce housing, and zoning incentives. The agenda includes a housing discussion panel Q&A, public comment, and future meeting dates. The meeting is part of the town's comprehensive plan update process.

• Discussion of affordable housing inventory, affordability calculations, and waiting lists
• Review of Brunswick Zoning Ordinance density bonus provisions for affordable housing
• Median home sales price data: $220,000 (2017), $290,000 (2020), $300,700 (Q1 2021)
• Housing stock data: 9,341 total units in 2018, down 3.96% from 2009
• Public comment period and roll call votes

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss an update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan, along with new business including the Capital Improvement Plan process, road project updates, and committee leadership. The meeting is open to the public and can be attended in person or viewed via Zoom, TV3, or live stream.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan update
• BPAC and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process
• Updates on road projects around town
• Committee leadership discussion

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and provide recommendations to the Planning Board on four Sketch Plan or Final Plan Major Development Review applications. These include a storage unit condominium project, an expansion of a self-storage facility, a bank/restaurant with drive-thru, and a subdivision lot boundary adjustment. The committee's role is advisory, and the meeting is open to the public.

• Case #21-037: Storage unit condominium project at 105 Farley Road (GM4 district), submitted by Greg Nisbet for GenX Capital Partners LLC; application was determined incomplete by staff.
• Case #21-038: Expansion of Cooks Corner Self Storage at 70 and 92 Old Bath Road (GM4 district), submitted by Joe Marden of Sitelines for Old Bath Road SPE LLC.
• Case #21-039: Bank/restaurant with drive-thru on Map U23, Lot 94 (GR4, GM5, and Shoreland Protection Overlay districts), submitted by Curtis Neufeld of Sitelines for RE Management Inc. and Pleasant Street K&K LLC; revised on 7/13/2021 to remove restaurant, leaving bank/credit union and drive-thru.
• Case #21-040: Brunswick Landing Subdivision Amendment to adjust lots 17 and 17A and create Lot 17B (GI district), submitted by Kevin Clark of Sitelines for TBW, LLC.

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and provide recommendations to the Planning Board on four Sketch Plan Major Development Review applications. These include a storage unit condominium project, a self-storage expansion, a bank/restaurant with drive-thru, and a subdivision amendment. The committee's role is advisory, and the Planning Board will make final decisions.

• Case #21-037: Motor Toys Luxury Condos, 105 Farley Road, storage unit condominiums in GM4 district
• Case #21-038: Cooks Corner Self Storage Phase 2 expansion, 70 & 92 Old Bath Road, six new buildings, 35,400 sq ft storage, 52 outdoor parking spaces
• Case #21-039: Bank/Restaurant with Drive-Thru, Pleasant Street at River Road, new bank/credit union with drive-thru, traffic improvements
• Case #21-040: Brunswick Landing Subdivision Amendment, adjust lot boundaries of Lots 17 and 17A, create Lot 17B

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss membership changes, current projects, the 2021-22 budget, and general maintenance priorities. They will also review trail usage, maintenance, and management, including GPS maps and trail naming.

• Replacement of metal picnic table on order, 10 weeks out from delivery
• Removal of invasive plants planned for fall volunteer day
• Application for waiver to spray herbicide for poison ivy removal
• Replacement of dead tricentennial trees planned for fall
• Safe pedestrian crossing on Route 123 from Brunswick Landing on hold

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee B is meeting to discuss housing, focusing on affordable housing, workforce housing, and zoning incentives. The agenda includes a panel Q&A on housing topics, with no formal decisions scheduled. The meeting is part of the town's comprehensive plan update process.

• Discussion of affordable housing inventory, waiting lists, and affordability calculations
• Review of Brunswick median home sales price data: $220,000 (2017), $290,000 (2020), $300,700 (Q1 2021)
• Review of zoning ordinance density bonus provisions for affordable housing developments
• Discussion of potential incentives for affordable and workforce housing development
• Public comment period and future meeting dates (July 22 and August 3, 2021)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on liquor and amusement licenses and a zoning text amendment, then consider several actions including a 20-year solar power purchase agreement with ReVision Energy, acquisition of the Ormsby property for $504,000, a budget amendment hearing, pedestrian safety grant applications, a remote participation policy, and a review of Graham Road facility fees.

• Public hearing on liquor license for Watami, 115 Maine Street
• Public hearing on Special Amusement license for Magee's Pub, 3700 College Station
• Zoning text amendment on lot size exceptions in Rural Protection Districts
• 20-year power purchase agreement with ReVision Energy; estimated annual savings $31,700 municipal, $47,500 school
• Ormsby property acquisition for $504,000; authorize grant applications to Lands for Maine's Future

The Brunswick Town Council unanimously approved a 20-year power purchase agreement with ReVision Energy to provide solar power to municipal buildings. The council also approved liquor and special amusement licenses, a zoning text amendment on lot size exceptions in Rural Protection districts, and authorized grant applications for the Ormsby property and pedestrian/bicycle safety projects. All votes were 9-0.

• Approved 20-year solar PPA with ReVision Energy (9-0)
• Approved liquor license for Watami, 115 Maine Street (9-0)
• Approved Special Amusement license for Magee's Pub, Bowdoin College (9-0)
• Adopted zoning text amendment on Lot Size Exceptions in RP Districts (9-0)
• Authorized grant applications for Ormsby property acquisition (9-0)
• Set public hearing for Aug 2 on budget amendment (9-0)
• Authorized Heads Up! grant applications for pedestrian/bicycle safety (9-0)
• Adopted Remote Participation in Public Proceedings policy (9-0)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee Subcommittee A is meeting to continue identifying key objectives, actions, and inventories from the 2008 report to carry into the new plan, and to finalize a list of organizational stakeholders for further comment in August. The meeting includes public comment and discussion of future meeting dates.

• Continue identification of 2008 report key objectives, actions, and inventories for new plan
• Finalize list of organization stakeholders to invite for August comment
• Discuss possible second July meeting and August 3, 2021 meeting date

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations on three development applications: a recreational dock at 17 Pennell Point Drive, a residence restoration involving earthmoving in a shoreland zone, and a 9-unit apartment building at Mill and Union Streets. The committee will also take action on the restoration application. The meeting is open to the public, with options to attend in person, via Zoom, TV3, or live stream.

• Case #21-035: Recreational dock (landing, stairs, pier, seasonal ramp/float) at 17 Pennell Point Drive, submitted by Atlantic Environmental for Costello and MacDonald; waivers requested for fiscal capacity and stormwater plan.
• Case #21-031: Minor Development Review for filling/earthmoving (10-100 cubic yards) in Shoreland Protection Overlay for residence restoration at Map G01, Lot 20.
• Case #21-062: Final Plan Major Development Review for 9-unit apartment development at Mill and Union Streets, submitted by Lumbo Ledge LLC.

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on a sketch plan for a 10-lot residential subdivision at 0 Barrows Street, a recreational dock at 650 Mere Point Road, and hold a public hearing on zoning text amendments for habitat protection. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom/TV3.

• 10-lot residential subdivision at 0 Barrows Street (Map U27, Lot 6) in GR9 district
• Residential dock system at 650 Mere Point Road (Map 31, Lot 13A) in RP1, SPO, FPO, RPSMO districts
• Public hearing on zoning text amendments to Section 4.3.4 (Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat)
• Sketch plan approval conditioned on 50-foot road right-of-way and net density compliance

The Planning Board approved the sketch plan for a 10-lot residential subdivision on Barrows Street, conditioned on a 50-foot road right-of-way and sufficient net residential density. They also approved the final plan for a residential dock at 650 Mere Point Road, with conditions including demonstrating financial capacity. The board forwarded its findings on zoning ordinance text amendments to the Town Council.

• Approved the sketch plan for the Barrows Street Subdivision (10-lot residential) with conditions, 4-1.
• Approved the final plan for the Cox Family Trust Recreational Dock at 650 Mere Point Road, 5-0.
• Sent the board's findings on zoning ordinance text amendments to the Town Council, 5-0.

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board is meeting to discuss proposed changes to the Habitat section of ordinance 4.3.4. Public comment from Bill Morrell suggests raising the mitigation threshold from 500 to 15,000 square feet, arguing the current placeholder is too small and burdensome for landowners. The board will decide whether to adopt the change.

• Proposed change to Section V, SPECIFIC STANDARD (3): MITIGATION EXCEPTION threshold from 500 to 15,000 sq ft
• Public comment references NRPA threshold for freshwater wetlands
• Example of 3-acre Pitch Pine Preserve conveyed to town
• Discussion of existing environmental regulations (Shoreland Protection, Wildlife Protection Overlay Districts)

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to discuss financial matters including the town's investment policy, cash flow, and bank account structure. They will also review changes in FY22 state aid to education and revenue sharing, as well as summaries of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and related Treasury guidance. The agenda includes approval of draft minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of 2016 Investment Policy
• Discussion of FY22 State Aid to Education changes
• Review of FY22 State Revenue Sharing projection at 4.5 percent
• ARPA summary by title and US Treasury SLFRP FAQs
• Moody's 2021 Issuer Comment on the town

The Finance Committee voted to cancel its August 9th meeting and approved the June 14th meeting minutes. Staff reviewed the investment policy, noting potential ESG language, and discussed increased state revenue sharing ($689,900 more than budgeted) and school aid ($1,510,784 more), with the committee agreeing to ask the School Board to consider tax relief. The committee also discussed American Rescue Plan Act funding, noting deadlines for commitment (12/31/24) and expenditure (12/31/26).

• Approved cancellation of the August 9th Finance Committee meeting.
• Approved meeting minutes from June 14, 2021.
• Discussed investment policy, with staff to suggest ESG language for future consideration.
• Noted increased state revenue sharing and school aid, agreeing to ask the School Board about tax relief.
• Reviewed ARPA funding and deadlines, with no formal action taken.

Cable TV Advisory Committee

The Brunswick Cable TV Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss routine operational items, including a COVID-19 update on transitioning to in-person meetings, a proposed PSA project with the Fire Department and Cultural Liaison, progress on a second channel, a budget update, and a donation of a new audio board from Curtis Library. The committee will also address subscriber issue reports and public comments regarding Comcast. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom, TV3, or live stream.

• COVID-19 update on transitioning to in-person meetings
• New PSA project proposed with Fire Dept. and Cultural Liaison
• Update on second channel progress
• Budget update
• New audio board – Donation from Curtis Library

Conservation Commission

The Brunswick Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss ongoing conservation activities, including a wildlife inventory at the Sawtooth parcel with a possible fall burn, updates on the Mare Brook Watershed Plan, easement monitoring, a 144-acre parcel update, and a living shoreline update. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom, TV3, or live stream.

• Sawtooth Wildlife Inventory and possible fall burn
• Mare Brook Watershed Plan Update
• Easement Monitoring
• 144-Acre Parcel Update
• Living Shoreline Update

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Major Development Review application for a recreational dock at 650 Mere Point Road. The applicant, representing the 1999 Cox Family Trust, proposes a fixed and seasonal dock system and requests waivers for fiscal capacity and stormwater management plan requirements.

• Case #21-032: Cox Family Trust recreational dock at 650 Mere Point Road (Map 31, Lot 13A)
• Proposed dock: 4x6 ft landing, 4x52 ft stairs, 6x18 ft fixed pier, 5x36 ft seasonal pier, 3x44 ft ramp, 12x16 ft float
• Waivers requested: fiscal capacity and stormwater management plan
• Project in RP1 zoning, Shoreland Protection, Flood Protection, and Rural Protection Stormwater Management overlays
• Applicant has received permits from Maine DEP and Army Corps of Engineers

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a special meeting to close out the 2020-21 fiscal year. They will consider several resolutions, including transferring funds between departments, authorizing over-expenditures, carrying forward funds for the Comprehensive Plan update, and abating uncollectable taxes. They will also decide on sidewalk seating licenses for two restaurants and a request to share a vendor site at the Town Mall.

• Transfer $260,000 between departments, including $100,000 from General Assistance and $160,000 from Contingency Reserve
• Authorize over-expenditures up to $10,000 per account for FY2021
• Carry forward $24,200 for Comprehensive Plan update
• Abate $7,834.11 in uncollectable real estate and personal property taxes (15 accounts)
• Approve sidewalk seating licenses for Lemongrass Vietnamese Restaurant and The Great Impasta

The Brunswick Town Council approved sidewalk seating licenses for Lemongrass Vietnamese Restaurant and The Great Impasta, and allowed Falafel Mafia to share its vendor site with MAIZ, LLC (La Fritanga). It also adopted resolutions for fund transfers, over-expenditures, and carry-forward of funds for the comprehensive plan, and authorized abatement of uncollectable taxes. The council canceled its July 6 meeting and adjourned.

• Approved sidewalk seating licenses for Lemongrass Vietnamese Restaurant and The Great Impasta (9-0).
• Approved Falafel Mafia sharing its vendor site with MAIZ, LLC (La Fritanga) (7-2, with Watkinson and Perreault opposed).
• Adopted resolution authorizing transfer of funds between municipal departments (9-0).
• Adopted resolution authorizing over-expenditure of certain accounts for FY ending June 30, 2021 (9-0).
• Adopted resolution authorizing encumbrance and carry-forward of funds for the comprehensive plan update (9-0).
• Authorized Finance Director to abate uncollectable real estate and personal property taxes (9-0).
• Canceled the July 6, 2021 Town Council meeting (9-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m. (9-0).

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the next steps for the Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvement Plan update. The committee will also take up new business, including an alternate route for the East Coast Greenway and a wayfinding project. The meeting is open to the public for in-person or remote participation.

• Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvement Plan Update Next Steps
• East Coast Greenway Alternate Route
• Wayfinding Project

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and take action on a Minor Development Review for a 2,250 sq ft building addition at 22 Bibber Parkway, and provide a recommendation to the Planning Board on a 10-lot residential subdivision at Barrows Street. A third item, a foundation rebuild at 646 Gurnet Road, was removed from the agenda on June 15, 2021. The meeting is open to the public.

• Case #21-018: Westcon Manufacturing building addition (2,250 sq ft) and storage building relocation at 22 Bibber Parkway (Map 17, Lot 56), Growth Industrial District
• Case #21-029: 10-lot residential subdivision at Barrows Street (Map U27, Lot 6), Growth Residential 9 District, recommendation to Planning Board
• Case #21-031: 646 Gurnet Road foundation rebuild and residence restoration (removed from agenda June 15, 2021)
• Public comment via email or Zoom available

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee is reviewing a minor development application from Westcon Manufacturing Inc. to construct a 2,250 square foot garage addition at 68 Church Road (Map 17, Lot 56) in the Growth Industry zoning district. The draft findings recommend approval with conditions, including providing proof of financial capacity before construction. The applicant also disclosed unapproved earthmoving on the parcel and adjacent lot, and has agreed to return for review of that work.

• 2,250 sq ft garage addition at 68 Church Road
• Applicant disclosed unapproved filling/earthmoving on parcel and adjacent lot
• Condition: proof of financial capacity required before construction
• No new parking, lighting, or signs proposed
• Located in GI zoning district, no flood hazard area

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission is meeting to elect officers, hear the harbormaster's report, and review a written legal denial as an action item. They will also receive updates on the Mare Brook Technical Advisory Committee, eel grass mitigation replacement moorings, and the Simpsons Point Advisory Committee, plus intern activities.

• Elections for commission officers
• Harbormaster report
• Review of RCWC written legal denial (action item)
• Mare Brook Technical Advisory Committee update
• Eel grass mitigation replacement moorings

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission adopted the written decision denying the Coyne mooring application, which can now be appealed to Superior Court. The commission also unanimously supported a draft moratorium on permanent structures in shellfish growing areas, proposed by Councilor Walker, to be considered by the town council in July. Other actions included re-electing leadership and discussing eel grass mitigation and shellfish restoration.

• Adopted Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for Coyne mooring denial (unanimous)
• Supported draft moratorium on permanent structures in tidal flats (unanimous)
• Re-elected Marko Melendy as Chair and Corey Theberge as Vice Chair (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and vote on a Major Development Review application for a permanent pier and seasonal ramp/float system at Miller Point (Map 31, Lot 29), owned by Robert and Nancy King. The board will also hold a workshop to consider recommendations from Town Councilor Steve Walker on zoning ordinance Section 4.3.4 regarding protection of significant plant and animal habitat, and may set a public hearing date. The agenda includes other business, minutes approval, and adjournment.

• Case #21-015: Major Development Review for King Waterfront Access Pier, a 68-foot permanent pier with seasonal ramp and float, in RP1, SPO, and RPSMO districts
• Draft conditions include deed restriction limiting parcel to one pier, reviewed by Town Attorney, and construction of pier cribs only from October 1 to May 14
• Workshop on Section 4.3.4 (Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat) as requested by Town Council
• Public comment via email or Zoom; meeting televised on TV3

The Planning Board approved a Major Development Review application for a permanent pier and seasonal ramp and float system at Miller Point (Map 31, Lot 29), with conditions including a deed restriction limiting the parcel to a single pier and restricted construction dates. The board also set a public hearing for July 13 to consider recommendations on zoning ordinance Section 4.3.4 regarding significant plant and animal habitat protection.

• Approved Final Plan for Miller Point Pier with conditions (6-1)
• Deemed Amended Site Plan complete (7-0)
• Set public hearing for July 13 on Section 4.3.4 habitat protection recommendations

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the proposed King Pier at Miller Point, with public comment and a presentation from District 2 Councilor Steve Walker. The board is also discussing proposed changes to the habitat mitigation section (4.3.4) of the land use code, with comments from Bowdoin College and the Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission.

• Public hearing on proposed King Pier at Miller Point, with Councilor Steve Walker requesting time to present slides during public comment
• Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission letter urging Planning Board not to approve the King Pier project, citing concerns about permanent infrastructure and habitat impacts
• Discussion of proposed changes to habitat mitigation section 4.3.4, including comments from Bowdoin College on draft language
• Staff recommendation to remove 'State identified significant or sensitive wildlife communities' from mitigation requirements
• US Army Corps of Engineers permit application for the pier still under review

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on a special amusement license for the Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen, all-way stop additions at two intersections, and a shellfish ordinance change. New business includes a report from the Simpson's Point Citizens Advisory Committee, authorization for ARPA pre-applications, a $50,000 TIF appropriation for the Brunswick Development Corporation, and board appointments. The meeting also includes a manager's report and an executive session on a personnel matter.

• Approve $50,000 from Brunswick Landing and Brunswick Executive Airport TIF revenues for BDC's Economic Recovery Loan Program
• Authorize ARPA pre-applications for Old Bath Road Water Main Extension, Bath Road Culvert Replacement, and Mare Brook Watershed Improvements
• Add all-way stops at Durham/Greenwood/Old Portland Roads and McKeen Street/Church Road
• Public hearing on special amusement license renewal for Brunswick Hotel & Noble Kitchen, 4 Noble Street
• Amend shellfish ordinance to set application submission date no sooner than third Friday in December

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings and take action on a liquor license for Bangkok Garden and on making permanent an extended no-parking zone on Simpson's Point Road. The council will also consider setting a July 19 public hearing for a zoning text amendment on lot size exceptions in Rural Protection districts, and discuss vacating a paper street off Bouchard Drive and the Maine Street Streetscape project.

• Public hearing and action on liquor license for Bangkok Garden, 14 Maine Street, #12, due to change in ownership
• Public hearing and action to adopt on a regular basis the extension of the no-parking zone on Simpson's Point Road from 140 to 425 feet from the highwater mark
• Consider setting a public hearing for July 19, 2021 for a zoning text amendment on lot size exceptions in Rural Protection (RP) districts
• Consider starting the process to vacate a paper street between Bouchard Drive and Stanwood Street
• Discussion on Maine Street Streetscape project, including tree health and replacement

The Town Council approved a liquor license for Bangkok Garden at 14 Maine Street, #12, and adopted an amendment to lengthen the 'No Parking' zone on the east side of Simpsons Point Road. It also set a public hearing for July 19, 2021, on a zoning text amendment for lot size exceptions in Rural Protection districts, and voted to start the process to vacate a paper street between Bouchard Drive and Stanwood Street. The consent agenda, including approval of minutes from May 17 and June 7, 2021, was approved.

• Approved a liquor license for Bangkok Garden (SP Thaifood Corporation) with 9 yeas.
• Adopted an amendment to lengthen the 'No Parking' zone on the east side of Simpsons Point Road with 9 yeas.
• Set a public hearing for July 19, 2021, for a zoning text amendment on lot size exceptions in Rural Protection districts with 9 yeas.
• Voted to start the process to vacate the paper street between Bouchard Drive and Stanwood Street with 9 yeas.
• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from May 17 and June 7, 2021, with 9 yeas.

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss current projects, including interpretive and replacement signs, and to review the 2021-22 budget. They will also prioritize general maintenance items and discuss trail usage, management, and mapping.

• Update on interpretive signs production and installation
• Update on replacement signs along Route 123
• 2021-22 budget updates
• Maintenance priorities include removing invasive plants and restoring American chestnut trees
• Discussion on creating a safe pedestrian crossing on Route 123 from Brunswick Landing

The Town Commons Committee discussed trail maintenance and management, including plans to map existing trails and coordinate with the mountain biking community. They will use committee funds to replace a destroyed picnic table, pending a quote. The committee clarified that the town does not intend to ban mountain biking, and next steps include mapping trails, creating a single point of contact for cyclists, and potentially holding a public meeting.

• Approved using committee funds to replace the destroyed picnic table, pending a firm quote (estimated at about $1500).
• Scheduled trail mapping by Dennis between June 29th and July 1st, with maps provided around July 5th.
• Agreed to coordinate with the local NEMBA chapter for volunteer trail maintenance days.
• Decided to create a stakeholder subcommittee or hold a public meeting involving all interested parties.
• Planned to create rules for trail use consistent with other town trails.
• Noted that the Town Commons are held in trust by the Town Council, which approves recommendations.

Recreation Commission

The commission reviewed the final FY 2021 municipal budget, including a $40,000 reduction for Kate Furbish Preserve improvements. Staff provided updates on the transition of the vaccine clinic, upcoming summer camp offerings, and preparations for Memorial Day events.

• $40,000 reduction to finish improvements at the Kate Furbish Preserve
• Vaccine clinic relocation to 81 Medical Center Drive starting June 1
• Town-funded lifeguard certification costing $300-$400 per person
• Hiring of Benjamin Gould as a Park Ranger
• Memorial Day virtual event and flag placement for 1,320 veterans

The Brunswick Recreation Commission voted 5-0 to support Director Tom Farrell bringing a proposal for a seasonal dock for the Merrymeeting Community Rowing Association to the Planning Department to discuss next steps. The commission also approved the minutes from May 16, 2021, and heard updates on the LC4 committee, the Androscoggin Riverwalk project, Coffin Pond, and Recreation Center renovations.

• Approved the minutes of May 16, 2021, by a 5-0 vote.
• Voted 5-0 to support Director Farrell bringing the seasonal dock proposal for Merrymeeting Community Rowing Association to the Planning Department.
• Heard that the Town Council authorized renovations at the Recreation Center on June 7, 2021.
• Noted that Coffin Pond will open on June 21, 2021, with a combination of first-time and seasoned lifeguards.
• Discussed a community-wide Veterans Plaza celebration scheduled for August 28, 2021.
• Discussed the Casco Bay Trail initiative and a potential request for the Town Council to appoint a representative.
• Heard that the LC4 committee is meeting weekly and has funding for planning and public engagement.
• Discussed the Androscoggin Riverwalk project, including a federal funding application with 25-30 letters of support.

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission voted 5-0 to support Director Tom Farrell in bringing a proposal for a seasonal dock for the Merrymeeting Community Rowing Association to the Planning Department for discussion. The commission also approved the May 16, 2021 minutes unanimously. Updates were provided on the LC4 committee, Androscoggin Riverwalk project, Coffin Pond opening, and Recreation Center renovations.

• Approved minutes of May 16, 2021 (5-0)
• Supported Director Farrell bringing seasonal dock proposal for Merrymeeting Community Rowing Association to Planning Department (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to review its meeting packet, which includes information on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The agenda lists these documents for discussion but does not specify any particular action items or decisions.

• Review of 2021-06-12 and 2021-06-14 Finance Committee meeting packets
• Discussion of ARPA-SLRF FAQs document
• Review of Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) information from US EPA

The Finance Committee reviewed accounting standards and the town's enterprise funds, including the Mere Point Wastewater System, Train Station/Visitors Center, Graham Road Landfill, Pay-Per-Bag Program, and the new Graham Road Processing Facility. They discussed the landfill closure, which is under way with costs lower than anticipated, and the Pay-Per-Bag program's projected net income of about $500k per year. The committee also discussed options for using American Rescue Plan funds, noting the town did not experience revenue loss due to COVID, and that funds must be committed by December 2024 and spent by December 2026. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for discussion and review.

• Approved meeting minutes from 5/10/2021.
• Reviewed accounting standards for proprietary/enterprise funds.
• Discussed financial status of Mere Point Wastewater System, including user fee adjustments.
• Discussed Train Station/Visitors Center lease and maintenance responsibilities.
• Noted Graham Road Landfill closure is under way with lower costs than anticipated.
• Discussed Pay-Per-Bag program's projected net income of ~$500k/year.
• Discussed Graham Road Processing Facility's uncertain revenue future.
• Discussed ARPA fund usage options, with no commitment made.

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on liquor licenses, a no-parking zone extension on Simpson's Point Road, and a zoning amendment for boat launch parking. New business includes waiving a $500 event fee, leasing electric vehicles at no charge, adopting a street lighting policy, acquiring streetlights from Central Maine Power, amending tax-acquired property policies, selling a town-owned parcel, appropriating up to $400,000 for Recreation Center improvements, and supporting a state constitutional amendment. The meeting also includes a manager's report on various projects and a consent agenda.

• Public hearing on extending no-parking zone on Simpson's Point Road from 140 to 425 feet
• Zoning amendment to allow parking facility for public boat launch in all districts (Mere Point Boat Launch)
• Appropriation of up to $400,000 for Recreation Center improvements
• Lease of 4 electric vehicles for 3 years at no charge, with $6,000 in installation costs
• Resolution to acquire streetlights from Central Maine Power for $93,000

The Town Council approved a resolution authorizing up to $400,000 for improvements to the Brunswick Recreation Center, after initially tabling and then reconsidering the item. The council also adopted several other measures, including amendments to the zoning ordinance for boat launch parking facilities, a streetlight acquisition resolution, and a rainbow-colored crosswalk. The street lighting policy was tabled for further discussion.

• Approved $400,000 for Brunswick Recreation Center improvements (8-0)
• Adopted zoning amendment allowing boat launch parking facilities in all growth and rural zones (8-0)
• Adopted resolution to acquire streetlights from Central Maine Power (8-0)
• Approved liquor licenses for Wild Oats Bakery and Café, Brunswick Portland Pie, and Otto Pizza (8-0)
• Adopted emergency amendment for 'No Parking' zone on Simpsons Point Road with 5-minute pickup/drop-off sign (8-0)
• Approved rainbow-colored crosswalk anywhere in town where regulations allow (8-0)
• Tabled street lighting policy (6-2)
• Approved conveyance of nine-foot parcel at 14 Pleasant Street to abutter (6-1, 1 abstention)

Town Council

This agenda is minimal and procedural. The only substantive item is a joint Town Council and School Board workshop on solar options, referencing a prior April agenda document. No decisions or detailed discussion items are listed.

• Joint Town Council/School Board Solar Options Workshop

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Marine Resources Committee is meeting to discuss grant opportunities from Running Tide for shellfish restoration, upcoming conservation activities like quahog reseeding and cleanup, green crab monitoring, and a proposed shellfish development plan. The committee will also consider Planning Board updates on piers and wharves, and student license allocations.

• Three grant opportunities from Running Tide for hardshell clam seeding, including a 1.5 million seed broodstock sanctuary and a 10 million seed sanctuary
• Reseeding event on June 4 planting 10mm quahog seed in Harpswell Cove, needing two volunteers
• Cleanup on June 13 at low tide 7:50am, location TBD
• 2021 Green Crab Monitoring trap locations attached
• Shellfish Development Plan draft with GMRI, including LPA review criteria and geospatial mapping

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee unanimously approved a motion to allow staff to generate a letter to the Planning Board in opposition to the Clay Cove pier project. The committee also discussed a grant opportunity for Running Tide, with staff to generate a letter of intent to support the application, and reviewed various conservation activities and updates. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of April 7, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to allow staff to generate a letter to the Planning Board in opposition to the Clay Cove pier project (unanimous)
• Staff to generate a letter of intent to support the Running Tide grant application (consensus)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is meeting to review the 2008 plan's housing and natural resource objectives, decide which to carry forward into the new plan, and finalize stakeholder lists for July input. The agenda includes detailed background on affordable housing efforts, including Brunswick Landing and zoning changes.

• Review of 2008 housing objectives, including affordable housing at Brunswick Landing and zoning density changes
• Discussion of natural resource objectives from the 2008 report
• Finalizing stakeholder lists for July comment on housing and natural resources
• Data shows rental affordability index improved from 0.91 (2009) to 1.22 (2017), but homeownership remains unaffordable
• Homeless assistance fund balance approximately $700,000 as of December 2020

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to review the draft Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvement Plan update, including a draft Story Map, and to hear public comment. The committee will then make a recommendation to the Town Council. The meeting is open to the public via webinar.

• Draft Story Map for Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvement Plan
• Draft 2020 Bike-Ped Plan Update
• Public comment period
• Recommendation to Town Council

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission will hear a mooring appeal, review proposed zoning amendments to the shoreline ordinance, and discuss updates on the Miller Point Pier project and summer projects including shellfish grants and eel grass mitigation. The meeting is held electronically via Zoom.

• Mooring appeal by Dennis Coyne at Four Wheel Drive Rd.
• Proposed zoning amendments to shoreline zoning ordinance
• Miller Point Pier Project update from 5/25 Planning Board workshop
• Summer projects: Shellfish Resiliency Grant, Spat Recruitment, Quahog Restoration, Eel Grass Mitigation
• Aerial monitoring of shoreline projects

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission voted unanimously to affirm Harbormaster Dan Sylvain's decision denying Dennis Coyne's mooring application. The denial was based on the finding that the mooring was not transferable to the new owner and that the property lacked the required 100 feet of shorefront. The commission also approved minutes, discussed zoning amendments, and agreed to send a letter to the planning board about the Miller Point project.

• Affirmed Harbormaster's denial of mooring appeal (unanimous)
• Approved February, March, and April minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to send letter to Planning Board on Miller Point project (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold public hearings and take action on several major development applications, including a subdivision amendment at Brunswick Landing, a new Burger King restaurant, and a potential zoning change for a food pantry. The board will also workshop a proposed pier at Miller Point. The meeting is remote with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Case #21-016: Subdivision amendment for 16 lots on Forrestal Drive and other streets (Map 40, Lots 12, 134, 135)
• Case #21-015: Workshop on permanent pier and seasonal float for Robert and Nancy King (Map 31, Lot 29)
• Case #21-020: Brunswick Landing Subdivision Phase IV with 14 new lots along Allagash Drive and other streets
• Case #21-015 Burger King: New restaurant and drive-thru at existing location (Map CC1, Lot 33)
• Case #21-026: Public hearing on zoning text amendment for food pantry and map amendment for 179 Neptune Drive

The Planning Board approved a major subdivision amendment for Brunswick Landing, creating 16 lots in Lot 2, and approved a Phase IV subdivision with 14 new lots. It also approved a sketch plan for a Burger King redevelopment and voted to recommend a zoning map change for 179 Neptune Drive to the Town Council. A workshop on a proposed pier at Miller Point was held with no action taken.

• Approved Final Subdivision Plan for Case #21-016, creating 16 lots in Lot 2 (4-0)
• Approved requested waivers for Case #21-016 (4-0)
• Approved Final Plan for Case #21-020, Brunswick Landing Subdivision Phase IV with 14 new lots (4-0)
• Approved Sketch Plan for Case #21-011, Burger King redevelopment (4-0)
• Voted to present Option 2 (rezoning 179 Neptune Drive to GM7) to Town Council (3-1)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is holding split subcommittee meetings. Subcommittee A will focus on discussions regarding Natural Resources, while Subcommittee B will address Housing.

• Subcommittee A: Natural Resources discussion
• Subcommittee B: Housing discussion
• Future meeting date: June 1, 2021

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and take action on a Minor Development Review application for a modular classroom building at 68 Church Road. The committee will consider draft findings and motions, including conditions related to financial capacity and an opaque buffer. The meeting is open to the public via TV3, live stream, or Zoom.

• Case #21-024: Region 10 Technical High School modular classroom at 68 Church Road (Map U31, Lot 35)
• Proposed modular classroom building in Growth Industry (GI) Zoning District
• Conditional approval requires proof of financial capacity and final opaque buffer plans
• Town Engineer raised concerns about underground electrical service and pedestrian safety
• Water District questions water demand and service size adequacy

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates on the Outdoor Recreation Municipal Complex at Brunswick Landing, the final FY 2021 budget, and a vaccine clinic announcement. New business includes Welcome Center improvements, Coffin Pond 2021 season, Memorial Day Parade, Park Ranger update, and a Tree Nursery Grant. The agenda is largely informational with no major decisions listed.

• Update on Outdoor Recreation Municipal Complex at Brunswick Landing
• Update on Final FY 2021 Budget
• Vaccine Clinic Announcement
• Coffin Pond 2021 Season
• Tree Nursery Grant

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from March 31 and April 21, 2021. Director Farrell reported that the Town Council adopted the final FY 2021 budget, including a $40,000 reduction for Kate Furbish Preserve improvements (funded via TIF) and approval of a new full-time maintenance position. The commission also received updates on summer programs, the vaccine clinic transition, Welcome Center improvements, Coffin Pond staffing, Memorial Day events, park ranger hiring, and a tree nursery grant. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved minutes of March 31, 2021 (4-0)
• Approved minutes of April 21, 2021 (4-0)

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will review and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations at 7 and 9 Dunlap Street, replacing a previously approved rooftop deck with a side outdoor dining patio. The project includes installing windows and a door, plus fences, pending proof of ownership of 9 Dunlap Street. The board will also approve minutes and note a staff approval for porch decking at 5 Bath Road.

• Case VRB21-013: Certificate of Appropriateness for outdoor dining patio at 7-9 Dunlap Street
• Installation of 4 aluminum frame windows and 1 glass door on east façade
• 8-foot cedar fence along eastern lot line and wrought iron fence along front lot line
• Condition: proof of right, title, and interest to 9 Dunlap Street before building permit
• Staff approval: replacement of front porch decking at 5 Bath Road

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on amendments to park and recreation ordinances and on special amusement licenses for four local businesses. They will also consider approving Nathaniel Davis Fund grant recommendations, receiving a pedestrian safety plan, and setting future public hearings on parking and zoning changes.

• Public hearing on amendments to Chapter 14 (Parks and Recreation) regarding jurisdiction of upper and lower mall
• Public hearing on Special Amusement licenses for Tao Yuan Restaurant, Flight Deck Brewing, Pat's Pizza, and McAvoy's On The Green
• Consider approving Nathaniel Davis Fund grant recommendations for 2021-22
• Receive Pedestrian Safety Action Plan from MaineDOT
• Set public hearing for June 7 on extending 'No Parking' zone on Simpsons Point Road and on zoning amendment for boat launch parking

The Brunswick Town Council approved amendments to Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code for Parks and Recreation jurisdiction over the lower and upper mall, granted Special Amusement licenses to four businesses, approved Nathaniel Davis Fund grants for 2021-22, and approved Sellers of Prepared Food on Public Ways licenses for nine businesses. The council also set public hearings for June 7 on a no-parking zone on Simpsons Point Road and a zoning text amendment for public boat launch parking facilities. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Adopted amendments to Chapter 14 (Parks and Recreation) for lower/upper mall jurisdiction (7-0)
• Approved Special Amusement licenses for Tao Yuan Restaurant, Flight Deck Brewing, Pat's Pizza, McAvoy's on The Green (7-0)
• Approved Nathaniel Davis Fund grant recommendations for 2021-22 (7-0)
• Approved Sellers of Prepared Food on Public Ways licenses for 9 businesses (7-0)
• Set public hearing for June 7 on no-parking zone on Simpsons Point Road (7-0)
• Set public hearing for June 7 on zoning text amendment for public boat launch parking (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda (minutes, utility permit) (7-0)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a special meeting to adopt the 2021-22 municipal and school budgets, as well as the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The agenda includes resolutions for the general fund budget, supplemental budgets for capital projects and TIF projects, and school budget articles. The meeting will also set the warrant for the June 8, 2021 school budget vote.

• Adoption of 2021-22 school budget articles and warrant for June 8, 2021 vote
• Adoption of 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) resolution
• Adoption of 2021-22 general fund budget resolution
• Adoption of 2021-22 supplemental budget resolution for capital projects
• Adoption of 2021-22 supplemental budget resolution for TIF projects

The Town Council approved all 13 articles of the 2021-2022 school budget, totaling $43,651,333, which will go to a public referendum on June 8, 2021. The council also approved the warrant for the referendum, adopted the Capital Improvement Program resolution for fiscal years 2022-2026, and adopted the general budget resolution for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Additionally, the council approved supplemental budget resolutions appropriating $515,000 from the general fund and available TIF revenues for capital projects. All votes were 8-0 or 9-0, with Councilor Watson opposed to several articles.

• Approved Region Ten Technical High School budget of $3,335,638 with Brunswick's assessment of $219,602 (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Authorized Region Ten to transfer up to $126,000 to its Capital Reserve Fund (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Approved Merrymeeting Adult Education budget of $905,457 with Brunswick's assessment of $124,984 (9-0)
• Approved $30,178,017 for EPS funding, including $18,648,740 local contribution and $11,529,277 state subsidy (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Approved $1,643,720 for non-state-funded debt service (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Approved $9,414,224 in additional local funds above EPS allocation (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Approved total PreK-12 budget of $43,526,349 and cost center allocation of $43,651,333 (8-1, Watson opposed)
• Approved warrant for School Budget Validation Referendum on June 8, 2021 (9-0)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide recommendations to the Planning Board on two major development applications: a subdivision amendment for Mariner's Landing and a sketch plan for a Burger King redevelopment. The public can watch via TV3 or live stream, and comment by email or Zoom.

• Case #21-016: Mariner's Landing subdivision amendment for 32 lots on Forrestal Drive, Guadalcanal Street, Hornet Street, Coral Sea Street, Enterprise Street, Antietam Street, and Independence Drive (Map 40, Lot 12)
• Case #21-015: Burger King redevelopment sketch plan for a new restaurant and drive thru (Map CC1, Lot 33)
• Mariner's Landing amendment modifies boundaries between Lots 2, 4, and 5, creating 16 residential lots with 56 units, no new construction
• Burger King project in Growth Mixed Use 4 (GM4) Zoning District

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold public hearings on two zoning text amendments: one to ease lot size rules for nonconforming lots in Rural Protection districts, and another to define and permit parking for public boat launches. The board will also workshop potential changes to habitat protection rules, a food pantry use and rezoning at 179 Neptune Drive, and financial capacity review standards. The meeting is remote only, with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Public hearing on zoning text amendment to allow lot transfers to reduce nonconforming lots in RP1/RP2 districts
• Public hearing on defining 'Parking Facility for Public Boat Launch' and permitting it in all zoning districts
• Workshop on habitat protection rules (Section 4.3.4) per Councilor Steve Walker's request
• Workshop on allowing food pantry as accessory use in environmental resource center or rezoning 179 Neptune Drive from GO to GM7
• Workshop on submission requirements for financial and technical capacity (Section 4.16)

The Planning Board held public hearings and voted to recommend zoning ordinance text amendments to the Town Council. They voted 7-0 to prepare a written recommendation addressing nonconforming lot standards in Rural Protection Districts, and 7-0 to advise the Town Council to approve amendments defining parking for public boat launches and permitting that use in all zoning districts. The board also held workshops on food pantry zoning, financial capacity standards, and habitat protection, but took no votes on those items. Officers were elected for the coming year.

• Motion carried 7-0 to have staff prepare a written recommendation to Town Council on nonconforming lot standards in RP1/RP2 districts
• Motion carried 7-0 to advise Town Council to approve zoning text amendments for public boat launch parking definitions and permitted use in all districts
• Bill Dana elected Chair (6 in favor, 1 abstention)
• Sande Updegraph elected Vice Chair (7 in favor)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee unanimously approved the town's fund balance policy as-is, with no amendments. They also reviewed fund balance trends, a long-term financial planning model, and discussed the American Rescue Plan, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 4/12/2021 (unanimous)
• Adopted fund balance policy with no changes (unanimous)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations to the Planning Board on two Major Development Review applications: a permanent pier and float system at Miller Point and a 14-lot subdivision at Brunswick Landing. The public can watch via TV3 or live stream and comment by email or Zoom.

• Case #21-015: King Waterfront Access – permanent pier and seasonal ramp/float at Miller Point (Map 31, Lot 29), in RP1, SPO, and RPSMO districts
• Case #21-020: Brunswick Landing Subdivision Phase IV – 14 new lots along Allagash Drive, Admiral Fitch Avenue, Katahdin Drive, Pegusus Street, Line Drive, and Neptune Drive (Map 40, Lots 16, 67, 43)
• Public comment via email ([email protected]) or live via Zoom

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee will meet to discuss conservation activities, proposed state laws, and amendments to local shellfish harvesting rules. They will also review shellfish growing areas and potential partnerships for restoration. The meeting is largely remote with limited in-person attendance.

• Ordinance amendments to Section 11-164 (Night Harvesting) and Section 11-165 (Sunday Harvesting Prohibited)
• Update on proposed state laws LD114 and LD89 regarding air boats
• Schedule spring and fall conservation activities: shore cleanups and quahog reseeding
• Discussion of shellfish analysis: spring seed surveys and growing area assessments
• Meeting with Running Tide Hatchery in Harpswell about grant opportunities and reseeding partnership

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to close Harpswell Cove in proposed areas to all shellfish harvesting (quahogs, softshell clams, razor clams, American and European clams) beginning June 4, 2021, with an undetermined end date. The closure aims to protect seed from a previous reseeding project. The committee also discussed airboat legislation, potential ordinance amendments on night and Sunday harvesting, and received updates on shellfish surveys and a hatchery partnership.

• Approved closure of Harpswell Cove to all shellfish harvesting starting June 4, 2021, end date to be determined (unanimous)
• Postponed approval of April meeting minutes
• Discussed but took no action on ordinance amendments for night and Sunday harvesting
• Agreed to add winter closures discussion to June agenda

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to review and finalize the 2008 Comprehensive Plan report, discuss stakeholder insight questions, and plan the schedule for updating Brunswick's comprehensive plan. The committee will also consider adopting the 2008 report (minus the executive summary) and outline next steps for community outreach and public involvement through 2021 and into 2022.

• Possible action to finalize and adopt the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Report (minus Executive Summary)
• Review of meeting protocols and committee charge
• Discussion of stakeholder insight questions for subcommittees
• Planning for stakeholder meetings and community outreach events (Oct-Nov 2021)
• Future meeting dates: June 1, 2021 and a second meeting/webinar in late May/early June

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on amendments to the municipal code governing sales and exhibits by nonprofits on public places, limiting licenses to Brunswick-headquartered nonprofits. They will also consider terminating the LC3 Committee, establishing a new advisory committee for the REC-11 parcel, and appropriating up to $50,000 from recreation impact fees for predevelopment costs. Additionally, they will set a public hearing for May 17 on park jurisdiction amendments and discuss the budget if time permits.

• Public hearing on Chapter 10 amendments for nonprofit sales/exhibits on public places
• Consideration of Industrial Park covenants and potential reacquisition of property on Business Parkway
• Resolution to appropriate up to $50,000 from Recreation Impact Fees for REC-11 predevelopment
• Setting public hearing for May 17 on Chapter 14 park jurisdiction amendments
• Consent agenda includes quitclaim deeds for two mobile homes and proclamations for Arbor Week and Town Commons Day

The Brunswick Town Council adopted amendments to the Municipal Code allowing nonprofit sales or exhibits on public places, with a change from 'headquarters' to 'presence' in Brunswick. It also terminated the LC3 Committee and established a new advisory committee for the REC-11 parcel, appropriating recreation impact fees for predevelopment costs. The council extended the building construction deadline for the Industrial Park, set a public hearing for May 17 on Parks and Recreation code amendments, and approved several board appointments.

• Adopted amended ordinance for nonprofit sales on public places (8-0)
• Amended ordinance to change 'headquarters' to 'presence' (8-0)
• Extended Industrial Park building construction deadline by two years (9-0)
• Terminated LC3 Committee and established new advisory committee for REC-11 (9-0)
• Adopted resolution appropriating recreation impact fees for REC-11 predevelopment (9-0)
• Set public hearing for May 17 on Chapter 14 Parks and Recreation amendments (9-0)
• Approved appointments to boards and committees (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, proclamations, and quitclaim deeds (9-0)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a budget and capital improvement plan (CIP) workshop to discuss the FY22 budget, including the school department's revised budget request and a tax increment financing (TIF) presentation. The agenda also includes an engineering presentation on the Cedar Street parking project. This is a workshop, so no final decisions are expected.

• FY22 school department budget request (revised)
• Tax increment financing (TIF) presentation
• Cedar Street parking capital improvement project
• 2021-22 budget handout

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Brunswick Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission is meeting remotely to discuss several items, including a watershed assessment for Mare Brook, proposed state legislation on airboat regulation, ongoing aerial monitoring of shoreline projects, and updates on zoning amendments for habitat protection. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom or phone.

• Mare Brook Watershed Assessment
• L.D. 89 and L.D. 114 on airboat regulation
• Update on proposed zoning amendments to Section 4.3.4, Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat
• Simpson's Point Citizen Advisory Council
• Intertidal court case appealing Law Court decision

The commission discussed state airboat noise legislation (LD114), noting it was approved with decibel limits of 75 at night and 90 during the day, and heard updates on Mare Brook watershed assessment, aerial monitoring, and proposed zoning amendments for habitat protection. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; all items were informational updates or discussions

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Mariners Landing subdivision amendment for 32 lots, though the application is on hold. The board will also hold workshops on several zoning text amendments, including habitat protection standards, food pantry uses, financial capacity requirements, nonconforming lot standards, and boat launch parking.

• Public hearing on Mariners Landing subdivision amendment for 32 lots on Forrestal Drive and other streets (Map 40, Lot 12), currently on hold
• Workshop on habitat mitigation text amendment to Section 4.3.4, including a 500 sq ft mitigation threshold
• Workshop on zoning text amendment to allow food pantry as accessory use in environmental resource center or principal use in GO District, and possible rezoning of 179 Neptune Drive from GO to GM7
• Workshop on submission requirements for Section 4.16 Financial and Technical Capacity
• Workshop on draft text amendment for nonconforming lot standards in Rural Protection Districts (RP1 & RP2)

The Planning Board held workshops on four zoning topics but made only one formal decision: it voted 6-0 to set a public hearing for May 11 on a draft text amendment addressing nonconforming lot standards in Rural Protection districts. All other items were discussed without action.

• Set public hearing for May 11 on nonconforming lot standards text amendment (6-0)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to discuss subcommittee topics including growth management, natural resources, conservation, climate change, housing, transportation, public facilities, and cultural resources. The agenda includes public comment and future meeting dates. The meeting is held electronically with limited in-person attendance.

• Discussion of growth management, natural resources, conservation, and climate change
• Discussion of housing, transportation, infrastructure, public facilities, and cultural resources
• Public comment via Zoom or phone
• Future meeting dates: May 4, 2021 and a May/June webinar TBD

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is meeting for a budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) workshop. The agenda includes presentations on the CIP update, the budget handout, and a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) budget. This is a working session to discuss the town's financial plans.

• CIP update presentation
• Budget handout
• TIF budget presentation

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the final draft of the Bike/Ped Improvement Plan Update and vote on whether to accept it. They will also discuss next steps and coordination with Bath's bike/ped efforts. The meeting is open to the public via webinar.

• Vote to accept final draft of Bike/Ped Improvement Plan Update
• Discussion of next steps for the plan
• Coordination with Bath Bike/Ped

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will hold a public hearing and vote on four Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations to historic structures, including chimney removal, a new egress balcony, a staircase replacement, window replacements, and a rooftop deck. The board will also consider staff-approved sign and entrance changes. The meeting is conducted remotely with limited in-person attendance.

• 45 Federal Street: remove chimney and add third-floor egress balcony
• 76 Pleasant Street: replace exterior staircase
• 83 and 85 Federal Street: replace windows with pine/aluminum-clad units
• 7 Dunlap Street: construct rooftop deck with staircase
• Staff approvals: sign replacement at 212 Maine St, rear entrance at 70 Maine St, egress staircase at 19 Mason St

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss the proposed FY 2021 budget, the Coffin Pond 2021 season, a Tree City USA resolution, and browntail moth treatment plans. A key item is a recommendation to spend up to $50,000 in Recreation Impact Fees on environmental and public process consultants for a proposed health and wellness complex at Brunswick Landing.

• LC3 presentation recommending $50,000 for environmental and public process consultants for Brunswick Landing wellness complex
• Update on proposed FY 2021 budget
• Coffin Pond 2021 season discussion
• Tree City USA resolution and proclamation
• 2021 Browntail moth treatment plans

The Brunswick Recreation Commission met digitally on April 21, 2021, and received reports on summer programming, the Coffin Pond reopening plan, and the Browntail Moth treatment plan. No formal votes were taken; the only action was unanimous adjournment. The commission heard that the Mini Camp program is excluded this summer and that the Learn to Swim program at Bowdoin College will not be held.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)
• No formal decisions made; minutes of March 31 deferred to May meeting

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding public hearings on the 2021-2022 budget and 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program, and on liquor and amusement licenses for Wild Oats Bakery and Café. The council will also consider forgiving a $638,905.39 advance for high school track renovations, setting a public hearing on code amendments for public-space sales licensing, and approving a proclamation for Poem in Your Pocket Day. The manager's report covers updates on the Cedar Street Park and Ride, Simpsons Point, Mere Point Boat Launch, and other projects.

• Public hearing on 2021-2022 budget and 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program
• Public hearing on alcoholic beverage and special amusement licenses for Wild Oats Bakery and Café, 166 Admiral Fitch Avenue
• Resolution to forgive $638,905.39 advance for Brunswick High School track renovation
• Set public hearing for May 3 on code amendments to clarify licensing for public-space sales and exhibits
• Consider using Coffin School for all voting in June 8 School Budget Referendum

The Brunswick Town Council approved a resolution forgiving a $638,905.39 advance to the School Department for the Brunswick High School track renovation. The council also approved alcoholic beverage and special amusement licenses for Wild Oats Bakery and Café, adopted a Poem in Your Pocket Day proclamation, and set a public hearing for May 3 on proposed code amendments regarding sales by non-profits on public spaces. A public hearing on the 2021-2022 budget and 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program was held, with no final action taken at this meeting.

• Approved resolution forgiving $638,905.39 advance for Brunswick High School track renovation (8-0)
• Approved alcoholic beverage and special amusement licenses for Wild Oats Bakery and Café (8-0)
• Adopted Poem in Your Pocket Day proclamation for 2021 (8-0)
• Approved use of Coffin School for all voting in June 8th School Budget Referendum (7-1, Watson opposed)
• Set public hearing for May 3, 2021 on Municipal Code amendments for non-profit sales on public places (7-1, Watkinson opposed)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of March 15, 2021 (8-0)

Assessment Review Board

The Brunswick Board of Assessment Review is meeting to consider the Assessor's Office request for reconsideration of the board's decision on Appeal #2020-01 by Douglas Ridge LLC for the Douglas Ridge Subdivision. The agenda lists only this new business item, along with roll call votes and public comment procedures.

• Appeal #2020-01 Douglas Ridge LLC (Douglas Ridge Subdivision), Tax Map 7, Lots 66-82
• Assessor's Office request for reconsideration of board's decision

The Board of Assessment Review voted 2-1 to reconsider a property owner's appeal of assessments on multiple parcels, but then voted 2-1 to sustain its original findings, keeping values unchanged. The board also voted unanimously to allow the taxpayer two weeks to appeal the decision. No new value was set.

• Motion to reconsider appeal #2020-1 passed (2-1, Baribeau and McInnes in favor, Holt opposed)
• Motion to sustain 4/12/2021 findings and keep values at 4/1/2019 level passed (2-1, Baribeau and Holt in favor, McInnes opposed)
• Motion to extend taxpayer deadline to 5/4/2021 passed (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a workshop to discuss the proposed FY2022 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The agenda includes the school department's proposed 2021-22 budget for review. This is a discussion and workshop session, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Review of the proposed 2021-22 school budget
• Discussion of the FY22 Capital Improvement Plan

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold a public hearing and vote on a major development review for a self-storage facility on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, and will also review a minor development for widening Simpsons Point Road. The board will hold workshops on several zoning ordinance topics, including food pantries, public parking for boat launches, financial capacity letters, and habitat protection.

• Public hearing and action on Admiral Storage self-storage facility (Case #20-066) in GM7 district
• Review of Simpsons Point Road widening (Case #21-012) in RP1 and Shoreland Protection districts
• Workshop on food pantry as a use in Growth Outdoor district
• Workshop on public parking facility for boat launch
• Workshop on template financial capacity letter for zoning ordinance

The Planning Board approved the Final Plan for the Admiral Storage self-storage facility on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, including requested waivers and administrative adjustments, with all seven members in favor. The board also approved the Final Plan for the Simpsons Point Road widening project, including waivers for landscaping and survey plans, also with a unanimous 7-0 vote. Both approvals include conditions requiring state permits before construction. The board held workshops on food pantry uses, public parking for boat launches, financial capacity letters, and habitat protection recommendations, but took no action on these items.

• Approved Admiral Storage Final Plan with conditions (7-0)
• Approved waivers and administrative adjustments for Admiral Storage (7-0)
• Approved Simpsons Point Road widening Final Plan with conditions (7-0)
• Approved waivers for landscaping and survey plans for road widening (7-0)

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially act on suggested amendments to the Tax Acquired Property Policy, as well as COVID-19 grant funding. The agenda includes draft minutes from the previous meeting and recommendations from the Tax Acquired Property subcommittee.

• Tax Acquired Property Policy - suggested amendments
• Tax Acquired Property subcommittee recommendation (dated 2021-04-09)
• COVID-19 grant funding discussion

The Finance Committee unanimously recommended the Town Council adopt an updated Tax Acquired Real Property Policy incorporating state law LD1629, which requires realtor sales and returning proceeds to former owners for certain foreclosed homesteads. The committee also recommended selling two tax-acquired properties (129 Harpswell Road and 279 Bath Road) via the market after clearing titles, while keeping a Route 1 parcel. The committee reviewed COVID-19 funding and noted Brunswick is projected to receive about $2 million from the American Rescue Plan.

• Approved meeting minutes from 3/8/2021 (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of Tax Acquired Real Property Policy with amendments (unanimous)
• Recommended selling 129 Harpswell Road and 279 Bath Road via market after clearing titles (unanimous)
• Recommended keeping Route 1 tax-acquired property (unanimous)

Assessment Review Board

The Brunswick Board of Assessment Review is meeting to hear a tax appeal from Douglas Ridge LLC regarding properties in the Douglas Ridge Subdivision (Tax Map 7, Lots 66-82). The board will also elect officers. Public attendance is limited; the meeting is held via Zoom.

• Appeal #2020-01 Douglas Ridge LLC (Douglas Ridge Subdivision), Tax Map 7, Lots 66-82
• Election of officers

The Brunswick Board of Assessment Review heard Appeal #2020-1 from Douglas Ridge LLC regarding multiple parcels on Little Bird Lane, Little Fawn Lane, and Rose Douglas Lane. The applicant argued the lots were unsaleable on the April 1, 2020 taxable date due to incomplete infrastructure, while the assessor maintained the parcels were no longer landlocked. The Board voted unanimously to approve the taxpayer's request, setting the 4/1/2020 values the same as the 4/1/2019 values.

• Approved taxpayer request for same assessment values for 4/1/2020 as 4/1/2019 (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a budget and capital improvement plan (CIP) workshop to review the manager's proposed 2021-22 budget. The agenda includes a presentation and the full budget document, indicating discussion of the upcoming fiscal year's spending plan.

• Manager's Proposed 2021-22 Budget Presentation
• Manager's Proposed 2021-22 Budget (dated 2021-04-05)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and provide a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Major Development Review Subdivision Amendment application for Mariner's Landing. The proposal by Brunswick Landing Venture, LLC would divide the existing Lot 2 into 32 residential lots, with no new construction. The committee's role is advisory; the Planning Board will make the final decision.

• Case #21-016: Subdivision amendment for 32 lots on Forrestal Drive, Gaudalcanal Street, Hornet Street, Coral Sea Street, Enterprise Street, Antietam Street, and Independence Drive
• No new construction proposed; only internal lot boundary adjustments
• Property is in Growth Residential 1 (GR1) Zoning District and Brunswick Venture, LLC Common Development Plan
• Applicant requests waivers for utility location, street profiles, sewer profiles, and topography due to no new construction

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss and act on several items, including a license suspension hearing for Derek Graves, airboat legislation with a public hearing on April 12th, and potential changes to harvesting hours and Sunday conservation days. The committee will also review minutes from February and March and receive the Warden's Report.

• License suspension hearing for Derek Graves (action item)
• Airboat legislation with public hearing on April 12th at 10am
• Discussion of twilight harvesting hours
• Discussion of Sunday conservation days
• Review of February and March minutes

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee unanimously suspended Derek Graves' harvesting license for the remainder of the 2021 season and the beginning of the 2022 season after he was found guilty of two ordinance violations. The committee also unanimously approved a letter opposing L.D. 89, a bill to regulate airboats, and approved a letter of support for Jessica Joyce's Community Intertidal Data Portal grant project. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were deferred to future meetings.

• Suspended Derek Graves' harvesting license for remainder of 2021 and start of 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved letter opposing L.D. 89 airboat bill (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Jessica Joyce's grant project (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Feb 2 and Mar 3, 2021 (unanimous)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to review inventory updates on topography, soils, and water resources, and to discuss comments on previously completed inventories. The committee will also evaluate policy areas and consider future meeting dates. Public comment is limited to 20 in-person attendees, with remote participation available via Zoom or phone.

• Inventory update on topography, soils, and water resources
• Discussion on comments for previously completed inventories
• Evaluation of policy areas
• Future meeting dates: May 4, 2021, and second meetings in April and May TBD
• Meeting summaries for October 29, 2020, January 5, 2021, February 11, 2021, and March 2, 2021

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold a public hearing on a special amusement license for O'Donoghue's, then consider several actions including a transit study update with proposed new routes, authorizing negotiations for solid waste contracts with ecomaine and Casella, waiving restaurant outdoor seating fees for 2021, and approving a resolution for a wastewater forcemain project. The agenda also includes a manager's report on budget, airboat regulations, and other items, plus an executive session on real property acquisition.

• Public hearing on Special Amusement license for O'Donoghue's, 103 Pleasant Street
• Transit study update: proposed new routes for Brunswick Explorer, estimated $10,000 budget increase
• Authorize Town Manager to negotiate contracts with ecomaine and Casella for solid waste and recycling
• Waive annual fee for restaurant outdoor seating for 2021 season
• Resolution for Mere Point Subsurface Wastewater Forcemain on Webb Field Road, total project costs not to exceed $200,000

The Brunswick Town Council approved several items, including new transit routing and rebranding for the Explorer, authorization to negotiate contracts with ecomaine and Casella for solid waste and recycling, a waiver of outdoor seating fees for restaurants for 2021, a resolution for a wastewater forcemain project, and trust fund disbursements. They also set public hearings for the budget and CIP, and made appointments to boards and committees.

• Approved Special Amusement license for O'Donoghue's (9-0)
• Approved new transit routing and rebranding for the Explorer (9-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to negotiate contracts with ecomaine and Casella (7-2)
• Waived annual fee for restaurant outdoor seating for 2021 (9-0)
• Adopted resolution for Mere Point wastewater forcemain, up to $200,000 (9-0)
• Approved Trust Fund Advisory Committee's recommended disbursement (9-0)
• Set public hearings for April 20, 2021 for budget and CIP (9-0)
• Approved appointments to boards and committees (9-0)

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a workshop to review and discuss options for the Downtown Streetscape Enhancement project on Maine Street, following a committee recommendation for a hybrid brick-and-concrete design. Staff presented cost estimates for six sidewalk construction options, ranging from $2,833,000 to $4,079,000, with an additional mall area option up to $4,830,000. The Council previously charged staff to review concerns about historic integrity, ADA compliance, and maintenance costs. No final decision is being made at this workshop; next steps include a public hearing in May and project authorization in June.

• Downtown Streetscape Enhancement project on Maine Street: 0.65 miles of sidewalks, 6,000 sq yd of concrete pavers
• Six sidewalk options presented, from $2,833,000 (hybrid granular base) to $4,079,000 (brick on concrete with mastic)
• Committee recommends hybrid brick/concrete design; Council reviewing all-brick alternatives
• $400,000 in Downtown TIF revenues appropriated in May 2019 for the project
• Next steps: public hearing May 17, project authorization/bond ordinance June 7

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget, COVID-19 facility signs, and updates on the LC3 project and a joint subgroup with the Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission. The agenda also includes a recreation program report and public comment opportunities.

• Proposed FY 2021-2022 Budget Power Point
• COVID-19 Facility Signs
• LC3 Presentation on 10-acre land concept plan
• Update on Recreation Commission and Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission Subgroup Work
• Recreation Program Report by Deputy Director Troy Smith

The Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to terminate the LC3 committee and establish a new project advisory committee to coordinate community engagement, final design, and fundraising for the recreation complex adjacent to the Recreation Center. The Commission also voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council authorize spending up to $50,000 in Recreation Impact Fees for environmental and public process consultant services. The minutes also include a report on the FY 2021-2022 budget, which proposes a total appropriation of $1.9 million, and updates on a new Citizens Advisory Committee for Simpson's Point.

• Approved minutes of February 17, 2021, 5-0.
• Recommended Town Council authorize Town Manager to terminate LC3 MOU and establish new project advisory committee, 5-0.
• Recommended Town Council authorize up to $50,000 in Recreation Impact Fees for environmental and public process consultants, 5-0.
• Adjourned meeting at 8:53 pm, 5-0.

Trust Fund Advisory Committee

The Brunswick Trust Fund Advisory Committee is meeting to review investment policy and quarterly performance reports, and to discuss the newly established Veterans Plaza Memorial Trust. The agenda includes documents on investment policy, quarterly presentations, and the resolution creating the Veterans Plaza trust.

• Review of Investment Policy Statement (Feb 2020)
• Quarterly presentation for Brunswick (Dec 31, 2020)
• 20-quarter rolling average balances report
• Resolution establishing Veterans Plaza Memorial Trust (adopted 03/15/2021)

The committee approved minutes from July 21, 2020, and discussed potential changes to the Investment Policy Statement, including adjusting fixed income limits and exploring ESG investing, with a motion to consult Harpswell Advisors. They reviewed 2020 account performance and decided to recommend a 4% annual distribution for FY2021 to the Council. The committee also discussed the establishment of a maintenance trust for Veteran's Plaza, with funds expected to be received later.

• Approved minutes from July 21, 2020 (unanimous)
• Motion to discuss IPS changes with Harpswell Advisors (unanimous)
• Recommended 4% annual distribution for FY2021 (unanimous)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a budget and capital improvement plan (CIP) workshop to review proposed FY 2021-22 budgets from the Curtis Memorial Library, Public Works, and Engineering departments. The agenda includes budget presentations and requests, as well as the library's annual report. This is a discussion and review session, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Curtis Memorial Library FY 2021-22 budget request and presentation
• Public Works FY 2021-22 budget presentation
• Engineering FY 2021-22 budget presentation
• Curtis Memorial Library 2019-20 annual report

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Brunswick Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations to the Planning Board on two development applications: a minor review for widening Simpsons Point Road and a major review for a self-storage facility on Admiral Harry Rich Drive. The meeting is public but held remotely; public comment can be submitted by email or via Zoom.

• Simpsons Point Road widening: 280 feet widened by 8 feet, ~1,800 sq ft new impervious area, in RP1, SPO, RPSMO, FPO districts
• Admiral Storage: self-storage facility on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, in GM7 district and Brunswick Landing CDP
• Waivers requested for topographic survey and site landscaping plan for road project
• Maine DEP email clarifies road expansion standards and right-of-way issues for Simpsons Point Road
• Public comment via email or Zoom; meeting on TV3 or live stream

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission approved the December 2020 and January 2021 meeting minutes. The harbormaster reported on mooring applications, including one denial, and updates on aquaculture licenses. The commission discussed airboat regulations, permanent intertidal structures, and the Simpsons Point project, but took no formal votes on these items.

• Approved December 2020 and January 2021 meeting minutes unanimously.
• Denied a mooring application for an individual with a deeded right of way off Four Wheel Drive Road; denial letter issued.
• Noted that the town now charges a $50 review fee for each LPA application, effective January 2021.
• Discussed airboat regulation consensus process; no action taken.
• Discussed concerns about a large pier application at Miller Point; no action taken.
• Discussed Simpsons Point road widening and citizen advisory council; no action taken.
• Discussed water access points, ocean acidification, parking at Mere Point, park ranger hiring, and drone monitoring; no formal votes.

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will meet on March 23, 2021, to review and take action on several development applications, including public hearings for two office buildings, a self-storage facility, a marijuana products manufacturing facility, and a solar project. The board will also review a sketch plan for a nine-unit apartment building and discuss a workshop on zoning ordinance habitat protections. The meeting will be conducted electronically, with public comment available via email or Zoom.

• Public hearing for two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue (Case #20-035)
• Public hearing for self-storage facility on Old Portland Road (Case #21-005)
• Review of nine-unit apartment building at Mill and Union Streets (Case #20-062)
• Public hearing for marijuana products manufacturing facility at 14 Industrial Parkway (Case #21-007)
• Public hearing and final plan review for BR31 Solar Project on Old Portland Road (Cases #21-008, #20-065)

The Brunswick Planning Board approved multiple major development applications at its March 23, 2021 meeting. These included two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue, a self-storage facility on Old Portland Road, a nine-unit apartment building at Mill and Union Streets, a marijuana products manufacturing facility at 14 Industrial Parkway, and a solar energy facility on Old Portland Road. All approvals were granted with conditions and passed with six in favor and none opposed, except the solar final plan which passed 5-1.

• Approved Final Plan for two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue (6-0)
• Approved Final Plan for self-storage facility on Old Portland Road (6-0)
• Approved Sketch Plan for 9-unit apartment building at Mill and Union Streets (6-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for marijuana products manufacturing at 14 Industrial Parkway (6-0)
• Approved Sketch Plan for BR31 solar project on Old Portland Road (6-0)
• Approved Final Plan for BR31 solar project on Old Portland Road (5-1)

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a workshop to consider solid waste and recycling disposal options after the Graham Road Landfill closes. Staff and the Recycling & Sustainability Committee presented cost and environmental comparisons of trash and recyclables disposal alternatives, including waste-to-energy facilities and landfills. The Committee recommends the Town begin negotiations for a long-term agreement with ecomaine for both trash and recycling services.

• Graham Road Landfill scheduled for closure; current trash disposal there ends, with interim contract to Penobscot Energy Recovery Co. starting April 1, 2021
• Recycling & Sustainability Committee unanimously recommends long-term agreement with ecomaine for single-stream recycling and curbside municipal solid waste
• Cost matrix compares 18 disposal scenarios; annual net loss ranges from $874,445 to $1,730,901, with per-ton costs from $188 to $372
• Choosing ecomaine would lower the Town's net greenhouse gas emissions by over 2,500 metric tons per year, or more than 80%
• Public attendance limited to 20 in person; meeting also available via TV3, livestream, and Zoom

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council is holding a budget/CIP workshop to discuss the proposed FY 2021-22 budgets for the Police Department and Parks & Recreation. The agenda includes presentations from both departments, indicating a focus on reviewing and potentially adjusting their funding requests.

• Police Department 2021-22 budget presentation
• Parks & Recreation proposed FY 2021-22 budget presentation

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will review and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness request to modify previously approved plans for the property at 36 Pleasant Street. The applicant, Steve Normand, seeks approval to replace metal roofs with asphalt shingles, remove two porches and a deck, add a smaller deck, and replace a window with an entrance door. The board will also consider staff approvals for changes at 32 Cumberland Street and approve meeting minutes.

• Replace metal standing seam roof with asphalt shingles on existing and new buildings (after-the-fact for existing)
• Delete two porches and second-story deck from north elevation; add smaller deck on west elevation
• Replace first-floor center window on east elevation with an entrance door
• Maintain front-facing garage doors instead of relocating to side (reversing VRB 20-029)
• Staff approval for rear façade modifications at 32 Cumberland Street

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on a liquor license for ZaoZe Café & Market, a shoreland zoning map amendment, and sidewalk/street standard changes. New business includes a $50,000 TIF appropriation for the Katahdin Drive extension, a zoning request for Brunswick Landing, and establishing advisory committees. The meeting is remote with limited in-person attendance.

• Approve $50,000 TIF match for EDA grant to extend Katahdin Drive from Allagash Drive to Bath Road
• Public hearing on liquor license for ZaoZe Café & Market, 5 Abbey Rd
• Public hearing on Shoreland Protection Overlay Resource Protection Subdistrict map amendment at 337 Princes Point Road
• Consider zoning amendment for Map 040 Lot 516 at Brunswick Landing for Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program
• Accept free public safety robot (510 Packbot Fastac) from Defense Logistics Agency

The Brunswick Town Council approved a liquor license for ZaoZe Café and Market, adopted map and text amendments to the Shoreland Protection Overlay and ordinances for sidewalks and streets, and sent a zoning amendment request for Brunswick Landing to the Planning Board. It also established committees for Cook's Corner and Simpson Point, accepted a public safety robot, and authorized a $50,000 match for an EDA grant to extend Katahdin Drive. A request to table a Coastal Community Grant application was approved.

• Approved alcoholic beverage license for ZaoZe Café and Market at 5 Abbey Road (8 yeas).
• Adopted map amendment to Shoreland Protection Overlay Resource Protection Subdistrict (8 yeas).
• Adopted text amendments to Chapter 14 (sidewalks and street standards) (8 yeas).
• Adopted text amendments to Brunswick Zoning Ordinance (streets and sidewalks) (8 yeas).
• Sent to Planning Board a request for zoning amendment for Map 040 Lot 516 at Brunswick Landing (8 yeas).
• Adopted resolution to establish Veteran's Plaza Memorial Trust Fund (8 yeas).
• Established Advisory Committee for Cook's Corner Commercial Corridors Revitalization Plan (8 yeas).
• Authorized $50,000 from TIF revenues for EDA grant match to extend Katahdin Drive (8 yeas).

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss final submissions for revisions to an improvement plan, next steps, and coordination with Bath's bike/ped group. The meeting is open to the public via webinar.

• Discussion of final submissions for revisions/edits of Improvement plan
• Discussion of next steps
• Coordinating with Bath Bike/Ped

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a budget/CIP workshop to discuss the FY2022 budget. Presentations are scheduled from People Plus, the Brunswick Development Association (BDA), and the Fire Department. The agenda is primarily a working session with no formal votes.

• People Plus 2021 budget presentation
• BDA funding request for FY2022
• Fire Department FY2021-22 budget presentation

Cable TV Advisory Committee

The Brunswick Cable TV Advisory Committee is meeting electronically to discuss routine staff reports. Items include a COVID-19 update on meeting coverage, a new Communication Committee for Facebook and YouTube pages, a COVID vaccine PSA, landfill closure, fire station groundbreaking, and subscriber issue reports. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 5:00 PM, location to be determined.

• COVID-19 update on changes in meeting coverage
• New Communication Committee for Facebook and YouTube pages
• COVID vaccine PSA, landfill closure, fire station groundbreaking
• Subscriber issue reports
• Next meeting May 13 at 5:00 PM, location T/B/D

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on three major development applications: a 9-unit apartment building at Mill Street and Union Street (postponed to March 23), two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue, and a self-storage facility on Old Portland Road. The board will also hold a workshop on habitat mitigation. The meeting will be conducted electronically, with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Case #20-062: 9-unit apartment building at Mill Street and Union Street (postponed to March 23)
• Case #20-035: Two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue (Map 40, Lots 76 & 84)
• Case #21-005: Self-storage on Old Portland Road (Map 13, Lot 11)
• Workshop on habitat mitigation
• Public comment via email or Zoom; meeting on TV3 or live stream

The Brunswick Planning Board met and took action on two development applications, tabling both to March 23. The board deemed the application for two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue complete before tabling it. Both projects were tabled with unanimous 6-0 votes. The board also held a workshop on habitat mitigation and agreed to postpone its organizational meeting until full membership is present.

• Deemed complete the Final Plan Major Development Review application for two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue (Case #20-035) — motion carried 6-0
• Tabled the office building project (Case #20-035) to March 23 — motion carried 6-0
• Tabled the self storage project on Old Portland Road (Case #21-005) to March 23 — motion carried 6-0
• Agreed to postpone the organizational meeting until full board membership is present

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to review and discuss several financial documents, including a debt disclosure policy and a draft continuing disclosure statement. They will also consider the Property Tax Assistance (BTAP) program, including its overview, flyer, application form, and the ordinance that established it. The meeting includes approval of the previous month's minutes.

• Review of Brunswick Debt Disclosure Policy (adopted 2018-08-16)
• Draft 2021 Continuing Disclosure Statement
• BTAP program overview presentation
• BTAP 2021 flyer and application form
• Brunswick Property Tax Assistance Ordinance (adopted 2018-12-03)

The Finance Committee reviewed and unanimously approved the near-final draft Continuing Disclosure Statement, which will be updated with a COVID-19 impact section before final review. The committee also discussed changes to the state Property Tax Fairness Credit program, estimating that Brunswick's senior rebates could rise from $30,970 in FY2021 to $43,353 in FY2022, though this is only an estimate based on last year's applications. The meeting minutes from February 8, 2021, were approved.

• Approved meeting minutes from 2/8/2021.
• Approved draft Continuing Disclosure Statement, with a COVID-19 section to be added and emailed for review.

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a workshop to discuss the budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The agenda includes presentations from the Town Manager on both topics. No formal decisions are listed; this appears to be a discussion session.

• Budget presentation by Town Manager
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) presentation by Town Manager
• Workshop format, no voting items listed

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide recommendations to the Planning Board on two conditional use permit applications and one final plan application. The items include a marijuana products manufacturing facility and a solar energy generating facility. The public can comment via email or Zoom.

• Case #21-007: Conditional use permit for marijuana products manufacturing at 14 Industrial Parkway (Map 17, Lot 54), GI District
• Case #21-008: Conditional use permit for 5 MW solar facility at 346 Old Portland Road (Map 13, Lot 12), RM District with Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Case #20-065: Final plan for same solar project at 346 Old Portland Road
• Solar project includes 15.9 acres of panels, 4,621 sq ft impervious area, and ~8,450 sq ft wetland impact

Shellfish Committee (Formerly Marine Resources Committee)

The Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to re-establish the recreational license with unlimited access after 90 days. The committee also discussed airboat noise regulations, reviewed a student training video proposal, and noted a request to increase the seed budget from $3,500 to $7,000. No final action was taken on the airboat rules or budget request.

• Approved unanimously: re-establish the recreational license to unlimited after 90 days.
• Discussed airboat noise regulation proposals (75 vs 90 decibels) with no action taken.
• Reviewed student training video proposal; CRO to forward draft to members.
• Noted request to increase seed budget from $3,500 to $7,000 (no vote recorded).
• Heard that 800,000 quahog seed ordered for Harpswell Cove delivery this spring.
• Noted state license expires April 30; letter of intent due March 12.
• Discussed RCWC request to pause pier/dock approvals; letter to be drafted.

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee is meeting to elect a new chair, evaluate the project timeline and public participation process, and set future meeting dates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy decisions listed.

• Election of new Steering Committee Chair
• Evaluation of project timeline and public participation process
• Future meeting dates: April 6, 2021 and possibly April 22, 2021
• Review of meeting summaries from October 29, 2020, January 5, 2021, and February 11, 2021

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will consider authorizing the widening of Simpson's Point Road to add a parking lane and paving the road, funded from the Water Access Fund and Street Resurfacing reserves. The agenda also includes public hearings on solid waste ordinance changes, processing facility fees, a Cook's Corner design boundary amendment, and special amusement licenses for three businesses. Several items are scheduled for future public hearings, and the manager will report on the Capital Improvement Program, landfill closure, fire station groundbreaking, and vaccination clinic.

• Resolution to widen Simpson's Point Road, construct parking lane (est. $105,000), and pave from parking to boat launch
• Public hearing on amendments to Solid Waste Ordinance removing Graham Road Landfill references
• Public hearing on fee changes for Processing Facility operations
• Public hearing on Cook's Corner Design Standards Boundary Amendment
• Special amusement license applications for Byrnes Irish Pub, Fat Boy Drive In, and Bolos

The Brunswick Town Council approved multiple items, including authorizing the widening of Simpson Point Road and paving it using water access funds and general paving funds. The council also adopted amendments to the Solid Waste Ordinance and Processing Facility fees, approved special amusement licenses for three businesses, and selected vendors for the Brunswick Mall food licenses. All votes were unanimous with nine yeas.

• Approved order to widen Simpson Point Road and right of way (9-0)
• Approved resolution to widen and pave Simpson Point Road using water access and general paving funds (9-0)
• Adopted Solid Waste Ordinance amendments removing Graham Road Landfill references (9-0)
• Adopted Processing Facility fee changes (9-0)
• Adopted Cook's Corner Design Standards Boundary Amendment (9-0)
• Approved special amusement licenses for Byrnes Irish Pub, Fat Boy Drive In, and Bolos (9-0)
• Approved Brunswick Mall food vendors: Wrappers, Danny's Dogs, Taco the Town, Mr. Tuna, and Falafel Mafia (via lottery) (9-0)
• Adopted Western Sawtooth Management Plan as RTOS amendment (9-0)

Town Commons

The Town Commons Committee is meeting to discuss special projects, including interpretive signs for human and natural history, with estimated costs of $1,800 to $2,300. They will also review the current fiscal budget of $5,240, discuss maintenance items like moving Monument E Stone, and consider new initiatives such as a Project Canopy Grant application due March 12, 2021.

• Interpretive sign design estimated at $500-$1,000, printing $300, mounts $1,269
• Replacement signs along Route 123 (PVC signs) ordering update
• 2020-21 fiscal budget: $5,240, with $1,700 restricted for interpretive signs
• Maintenance: move Monument E Stone (Wilson) in July/August, replace metal picnic table and trash container at Kiosk
• Project Canopy Grant application deadline March 12, 2021 at 5pm

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission is meeting to receive a Harbor Master report and discuss updates on airboat regulations and permanent intertidal structures. A joint discussion with the Parks and Recreation Commission on Simpsons Point is also on the agenda, with public comment limited to 5 minutes.

• Harbor Master report
• Airboat regulations consensus building update
• Permanent intertidal structures discussion
• Simpsons Point joint discussion with Parks and Recreation Commission

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission and Recreation Commission held a joint webinar to gather public input on proposed paving, widening, and parking improvements at Simpsons Point. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with the Town Council set to consider funding at a public hearing on March 1. Residents raised concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the use of water access funds for road work.

• No formal votes or decisions were made at this meeting.
• Discussed proposed paving and widening of Simpsons Point Road, including removal of 30-40 trees and creation of off-street parking.
• Heard public comment; many residents supported road repair but urged a broader, holistic plan and a working group with neighborhood representation.
• Town Manager Eldridge confirmed the Town Council can adjust funding sources for the project by majority vote.
• Confirmed Simpsons Point remains closed to motorized boat launches with no intention to reopen.
• Noted that no environmental impact study is required for the road work; only a MEDEP permit by rule is needed.
• Discussed potential addition of granite steps to a foot path leading to the cobble beach.
• Agreed to continue coordination between commissions and encourage residents to contact town councilors before the March 1 public hearing.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a workshop to consider proposed amendments to Section 4.3.4 of the Zoning Ordinance, which protects significant plant and animal habitats. The amendments, requested by Town Councilor Steve Walker, would clarify how to assess development impacts and set mitigation ratios (e.g., 1:1 conservation or 4:1 restoration). The board will also discuss a draft timeline leading to a public hearing in April and a Town Council hearing in May.

• Workshop on proposed amendments to Section 4.3.4 (Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat)
• Proposed mitigation ratios: 1:1 for permanent conservation, 4:1 for restoration/enhancement
• Exemption if state or federal mitigation meets or exceeds town requirements
• Draft timeline: public hearing April 13, 2021; Town Council hearing May 17, 2021
• Meeting held remotely; public comment via email or Zoom phone

The Planning Board held a workshop to consider recommendations from District 2 Town Councilor Steve Walker regarding Section 4.3.4 of the Zoning Ordinance, which concerns protection of significant plant and animal habitat. The board discussed the matter and opened the floor to public comment, but no members of the public spoke. No formal decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after the workshop.

• Held workshop on Section 4.3.4 (Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat) as requested by the Town Council.
• Opened public comment period; no public comments were made.
• Adjourned the meeting without taking any formal action.

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and provide recommendations on two major development applications: two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue and a self-storage facility on Old Portland Road. The committee's role is advisory to the Planning Board. The meeting is open to the public via email or Zoom phone.

• Case #20-035: Two office buildings on Admiral Fitch Avenue (Map 40, Lots 76 & 84), 4.54 acres, 201 parking spaces, 8 ADA-compliant, in GM7 district
• Case #21-005: Self-storage on Old Portland Road (Map 13, Lot 11), in Rural Mixed Use district
• Waivers requested for office project: street cross-section details, tree removal plan, and utility easement draft
• Office project requires MDEP stormwater permit (1-3 acres new impervious area)
• Public comment via email or Zoom phone; no in-person attendance

Recreation Commission

The Brunswick Recreation Commission will meet via Zoom to discuss the potential acquisition of 144+ acres near Brunswick Landing, a joint meeting with the Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission about Simpson's Point Road, and updates on winter recreation programs. The meeting includes public input and old business items.

• Discussion of Town Council consideration of acquiring 144+ acres on the West Side between the runway and Route 123
• Joint meeting with Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission on Simpson's Point Road and water access
• Update on relocation of winter indoor programming and COVID-19 precautions
• Winter outdoor recreation facilities update
• Approval of minutes from January 26, 2021

The Brunswick Recreation Commission unanimously approved the January 26, 2021 minutes. The meeting focused on updates from staff about relocating recreation programs due to the Recreation Center's use as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, including new locations and schedules. No formal decisions were made on these updates; the commission also discussed the LC3 project, a potential land acquisition, and the decision to forego the Mall Ice Rink for the season.

• Approved January 26, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Heard update on relocating programs to Coffin School, Harriet Beecher Stowe School, and YMCAs due to vaccination clinic
• Discussed LC3 master concept plan and fundraising subcommittee
• Noted Town Council approved purchase of 144+ acres for $72,000, with $35,000 from Recreation Impact Fees
• Discussed decision to forego Mall Ice Rink for 2021 season due to weather and maintenance challenges

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will consider authorizing a contract with Ledgewood Construction to build a new fire station at Pleasant and Webster Streets, funded by a $13.5 million appropriation. They will also vote on a $250,000 resolution to improve the Graham Road Landfill processing facility, and set public hearings for March 1 on solid waste ordinance changes, processing facility fees, and a Cooks Corner design boundary amendment. Additionally, they will consider a $70,000 appropriation to acquire 105 acres from MRRA abutting Harpswell Road, and discuss a letter from Tedford Housing regarding zoning ordinance concerns.

• Contract with Ledgewood Construction for fire station at Pleasant and Webster Streets, within $13.5M budget
• Resolution to appropriate up to $250,000 from Solid Waste Impact Fees for Graham Road Landfill processing facility improvements
• Set public hearing for March 1 on amendments to Solid Waste Ordinance removing landfill references
• Set public hearing for March 1 on Cooks Corner Design Standards Boundary Amendment
• Resolution to appropriate $70,000 to acquire 105 acres from MRRA abutting Harpswell Road

The Brunswick Town Council approved a resolution to spend $70,000 to acquire 105 acres abutting Harpswell Road from MRRA and accept an additional 39 acres when available, with Councilor Watkinson opposed. The council also approved a contract with Ledgewood Construction to build a fire station at Pleasant and Webster Streets, and authorized up to $250,000 from Solid Waste Impact Fees for improvements to the Graham Road Landfill processing facility. Several public hearings were set for March 1, 2021, including on solid waste ordinance changes and a Cook's Corner design standards boundary amendment. The council also authorized the town manager to send a letter supporting increased state revenue sharing.

• Approved $70,000 appropriation for 105-acre Harpswell Road acquisition from MRRA (8-1)
• Approved contract with Ledgewood Construction for fire station at Pleasant and Webster Streets (9-0)
• Approved $250,000 appropriation from Solid Waste Impact Fees for Graham Road Landfill processing facility improvements (9-0)
• Set public hearing for March 1 on Solid Waste Ordinance amendments removing landfill references (9-0)
• Set public hearing for March 1 on Processing Facility fees (9-0)
• Set public hearing for March 1 on Cook's Corner Design Standards Boundary Amendment (9-0)
• Approved resolution waiving foreclosure on certain real estate tax lien mortgages (9-0)
• Authorized letter to Legislature supporting increased state revenue sharing (9-0)

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and make a recommendation to the Planning Board on a Sketch Plan application for a new nine-unit apartment building at the corner of Mill Street and Union Street. The meeting is open to the public, with comment accepted via email or live via Zoom telephone.

• Case #20-062: Mill Street Apartments, 9 dwelling units, corner of Mill and Union Streets (Map 13, Lot 12)
• Applicant: Mark Dorsey, Inc.
• Located in Growth Mixed Use 6 (GM6) Zoning District and Village Review Overlay Zone (VRO)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold two public hearings: one on a proposed zoning map amendment to correct the Shoreland Protection Overlay Resource Protection subdistrict at 337 Princes Point Road based on new survey data, and another on text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding roads and driveways. The board will provide recommendations to the Town Council on both items. The meeting is conducted remotely, with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Public hearing on Case #21-001: SPO-RP map amendment at 337 Princes Point Road (Map 35, Lot 62) based on topographical survey
• Public hearing on Case #21-002: Zoning text amendments for roads and driveways, including definitions, dimensional standards, and street standards
• Proposed driveway setback changes: 20 feet from side lot lines in Rural Area districts, 10 feet in Growth Area districts
• Proposed common driveway length limit of 150 feet unless in SPO district and approved by Town Engineer
• Proposed private street standards table with maximum grade of 12% and dead-end street length of 1,500 feet

The Planning Board held public hearings and voted unanimously to recommend two zoning changes to the Town Council. First, it recommended a map amendment to the Shoreland Protection Overlay Resource Protection subdistrict at 337 Princes Point Road based on topographical survey findings. Second, it recommended text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance covering roads and driveways, as outlined in Matt Panfil's memo of February 9, 2021, with amendments made during the meeting. No public comments were made on either item.

• Recommended SPO-RP map amendment at 337 Princes Point Road (7-0)
• Recommended zoning text amendments for roads and driveways (7-0)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will consider several items related to Simpson's Point Road, including a resolution to authorize paving and widening from 800 feet north of Pennell Way to the boat launch, appropriating $180,911.29 from the Water Access Fund. They will also consider an order to widen the right-of-way along the town's property and a resolution to fund parking lane construction and additional paving. Other items include discussing property at 163 McKeen Street, proposed zoning amendments, and an update on the Graham Road Landfill closure.

• Resolution to pave and widen Simpson's Point Road, appropriating $180,911.29 from Water Access Fund
• Order to widen right-of-way along town's property for parking lane
• Resolution to fund parking lane construction ($105,000) and paving ($75,000) from Water Access funds, plus $175,000 from paving funds
• Discussion of property at 163 McKeen Street (junk vehicles complaints since 2004)
• Proposed zoning amendments to Section 4.3.4 (Protection of Significant Plant and Animal Habitat) sent to Planning Board

The Brunswick Town Council tabled three items related to Simpson's Point Road, including a resolution to pave and widen the road, an order for a notice of dedication, and a resolution for road widening and paving with fund appropriations. The council also authorized enforcement of a consent agreement for 163 McKeen Street and sent proposed zoning ordinance amendments to the Planning Board for review.

• Tabled resolution for paving/widening Simpson's Point Road with $180,911.29 appropriation (9-0)
• Tabled order for notice of dedication for Simpson Point Road until March 1, 2021 (9-0)
• Tabled resolution for widening/paving Simpson's Point Road with fund appropriations until March 1, 2021 (9-0)
• Authorized Town Manager and Codes Officer to enforce consent agreement for 163 McKeen Street (9-0)
• Sent proposed zoning ordinance amendments (Section 4.3.4) to Planning Board for review (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda for minutes of Dec 21, 2020, Jan 4, 2021, Jan 19, 2021 (8-0, Foye abstained)

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting to review the draft 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan, discuss the Bath Road culvert project, and consider a proposed processing facility on Graham Road, including a fee survey. The agenda also includes draft minutes from prior meetings and the committee's policy and 2021 meeting schedule. The items are under discussion or review, not final decisions.

• 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (Draft #3)
• Bath Road culvert project slides
• Graham Road processing facility proposal memo and slides
• Processing facility fee survey (2021-01-31)
• Draft minutes from 2020-01-23 and 2020-02-27 meetings

Conservation Commission

The Brunswick Conservation Commission is meeting to adopt its annual goals for 2021 and receive updates on several ongoing projects, including a 144-acre west-side parcel, the Mere Brook watershed, and stormwater work at Picnic Pond. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from October and December 2020, and updates on easements and outdoor work at properties like Fitzgerald Park and Sawtooth.

• Adoption of annual goals for 2021
• Update on 144-acre west side parcel
• Mere Brook watershed TAC meeting follow-up
• Landing stormwater/Picnic Pond working group meeting on 2/16
• 2020 easements update

Village Review Board (VRB)

The Village Review Board will consider a request to remove an existing exterior deck and replace it with a smaller, two-story composite deck at 17 Federal Street. The board will also hold a workshop regarding potential guidelines for heat pump systems.

• Case #VRB 20-039: Certificate of Demolition and Appropriateness for 17 Federal Street
• Workshop: Discussion of potential guidelines for heat pump systems
• Staff Approval: Removal of an existing door at 32 Cumberland Street

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The Brunswick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee is meeting by video conference to review the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The agenda includes only this review item plus routine call to order, introductions, and adjournment.

• Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan review

Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission (RCWC)

The Rivers & Coastal Waters Commission is reviewing a proposed 17-acre shellfish aquaculture lease in Middle Bay, with about 13 acres in Brunswick and 4 in Harpswell. The applicant, Timothy Johnson, plans to bottom-plant and drag-harvest up to 100 days per year. Concerns raised include impacts on traditional shellfishing, navigation, and habitat, and a site survey found quahogs and oysters. The commission is discussing the proposal and public comments.

• Proposed 17-acre shellfish lease in Middle Bay (13 acres Brunswick, 4 acres Harpswell)
• Applicant Timothy Johnson plans bottom planting and drag harvesting up to 100 days/year
• Neighbor Scott Bodwell (55 Ocean Drive) raises concerns and suggests relocating lease area
• Site survey found quahogs and cultchless oysters; applicant admitted broadcasting 400,000 oysters
• Lease area near tidal waterfowl habitat, Barnes Landing, and Penneville Historic Shipping District

The Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission voted unanimously to send a letter to the Planning Board expressing concerns about proposed large permanent piers in the intertidal zones of Middle Bay and Maquoit Bay. The commission also reviewed a 17-acre aquaculture lease application for Middle Bay, discussed updates on Simpsons Point improvements, and heard a report on airboat legislation. No final action was taken on the lease or other agenda items.

• Approved minutes for July-October 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter to Planning Board voicing concerns about large permanent piers in intertidal zone (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will review and take action on several development applications, including a solar energy facility on Old Portland Road, self-storage facilities on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, and amendments to the Brunswick Landing development plan. The board will also hold a public hearing on expanding the Cook's Corner Design Standards boundaries to include additional properties. The meeting will be conducted remotely with public comment available via email or Zoom.

• Case #20-065: BR31 Solar Project, a renewable energy facility on Old Portland Road (Map 13, Lot 12), requiring a Conditional Use Permit
• Case #20-066: Self-storage facilities at Admiral Harry Rich Drive (Map 40, Lot 8)
• Case #20-067: Brunswick Landing CDP boundary expansion across Map 40, Lot 80 and Lot 8
• Case #20-068: Brunswick Landing subdivision lot dimension adjustment
• Case #20-069: Public hearing on expanding Cook's Corner Design Standards to include 25 properties along Bath Road and Admiral Fitch Ave

The Brunswick Planning Board unanimously approved four sketch/final plan applications: the BR31 Solar Project on Old Portland Road, self-storage facilities on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, a Common Development Plan expansion for Brunswick Landing, and a subdivision lot adjustment. The board also voted 5-0 with one abstention to recommend expanding Cook's Corner Design Standards boundaries to the Town Council, excluding a lot owned by a public commenter.

• Approved BR31 Solar Project sketch plan (6-0)
• Approved self-storage facilities sketch plan, conditioned on CDP amendment (6-0)
• Approved Brunswick Landing CDP expansion final plan (6-0)
• Approved Brunswick Landing subdivision amendment final plan (6-0)
• Recommended Cook's Corner Design Standards boundary expansion to Town Council, excluding Holbrook lot (5-0, 1 abstention)

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing two proposals: a large-scale solar array on Old Portland Road and an expansion of the Brunswick Landing Common Development Plan to allow a self-storage facility. The solar project is at sketch plan stage, while the CDP expansion is a final plan amendment. Both are being discussed for potential approval or further refinement.

• Solar project: 16.6-acre site, ~9,000 sq ft wetland impact, requires DEP and Army Corps permits
• Solar project: proposed vegetative buffering with arborvitaes, but salt tolerance concern raised
• CDP expansion: extends Brunswick Landing CDP to Map 40, Lot 80 and Lot 8 for self-storage
• CDP expansion: single-story buildings allowed via CDP, with buffering and design standards
• CDP expansion: no water/sewer extension needed, stormwater retention facility planned

Recreation Commission

The commission is reviewing updates on winter indoor programming restrictions due to COVID-19. Members are also discussing a joint priority to improve Simpson’s Point and reinstate Park Ranger positions.

• Proposed paving and widening of Simpson’s Point Road
• Consideration of Recreation Impact Fee use for 144+/- acre property acquisition
• Potential mid-coast hospital COVID-19 vaccination program at the Recreation Center
• Appointment of two commissioners to a Simpson's Point subcommittee

The Brunswick Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend using up to $35,000 from the Recreation Impact Fee Fund to help acquire 144 acres on the west side of Brunswick Landing for outdoor recreation. The motion directs staff to write a letter to the Town Council supporting the purchase, which would match grant funds and cover about 50% of acquisition costs. The commission also approved minutes from November and December 2020 and discussed updates on the LC3 project, COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Recreation Center, and Simpson's Point paving plans.

• Approved minutes of November 18, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of December 17, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved motion to recommend up to $35,000 from Recreation Impact Fee Fund for 144-acre acquisition (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will hold public hearings on proposed zoning ordinance text amendments (accessory use definition, subdivision recording, performance guarantees) and on increasing user fees for the Mere Point Wastewater District. Under new business, the Council will consider a resolution to pave and widen Simpson's Point Road using $180,911.29 from the Water Access Fund, and ratify a one-year contract with the Brunswick Police Benefits Association. The meeting also includes a manager's report with updates on COVID, finances, dog licenses, a special election, solid waste, the Cedar Street parking project, and a property acquisition from MRRA.

• Public hearing on zoning text amendments (accessory use, subdivision recording, performance guarantees)
• Public hearing on increasing user fees for Mere Point Wastewater District, effective April 1, 2021
• Resolution to pave and widen Simpson's Point Road, appropriating $180,911.29 from Water Access Fund
• Ratification of one-year contract with Brunswick Police Benefits Association
• Consent agenda: cribbage license for Knights of Columbus Council #1947

Finance Committee

The Brunswick Finance Committee is meeting jointly with the School Department to review the town's 2020 audit, including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and related audit letters. The agenda includes presentations from the auditor and discussion of audit findings.

• Review of Town of Brunswick CAFR for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020
• Auditor presentation on 2020 audit results
• Discussion of SAS letter and reports required by government auditing standards

Planning Board

The Brunswick Planning Board will hold a public hearing and take action on a Conditional Use Permit for a marijuana products manufacturing facility at 8 Business Parkway. The board will also hold a workshop on a proposed zoning map amendment for shoreland protection at 337 Princes Point Road and a public hearing on expanding the Cook's Corner Design Standards boundaries. The meeting will be conducted electronically with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for marijuana products manufacturing facility at 8 Business Parkway (Map 17, Lot 68) in Growth Industrial District
• Workshop on proposed zoning map amendment to Shoreland Protection Overlay Resource Protection subdistrict at 337 Princes Point Road (Map 35, Lot 62)
• Public hearing on text and map amendments to expand Cook's Corner Design Standards boundaries to include properties on Bath Rd, Admiral Fitch Ave, Jordan Ave, and others
• Workshop on staff recommendations for text amendments to Zoning Ordinance pertaining to roads and driveways

Conservation Commission

The Brunswick Conservation Commission is meeting to set annual goals, elect a chair and vice chair for 2021, and discuss ongoing projects including the West side parcel, Mere Brook watershed, stormwater work, and the Sawtooth parcel. The agenda is largely organizational and project-update focused, with no votes on specific ordinances or contracts listed.

• Annual goals for 2021
• Election of 2021 Chair and Vice Chair
• Council discussion of West side parcel on 1/4
• Mere Brook watershed and culvert mapping update
• Sawtooth parcel update to TF and Maine Natural Areas Program

Staff Review Committee/Staff Level Review

The Staff Review Committee will review and make recommendations to the Planning Board on four development applications: a solar array on Old Portland Road, self-storage facilities on Admiral Harry Rich Drive, and two amendments to the Brunswick Landing subdivision and common development plan. The meeting is remote, with public comment via email or Zoom.

• Case #20-065: 5 MW solar project on Old Portland Road (Map 13, Lot 12), 15.3 acres, in Rural Mixed Use and Shoreland Protection Overlay
• Case #20-066: Self-storage facilities at Admiral Harry Rich Drive (Map 40, Lot 8), in Growth Mixed-Use 7 district
• Case #20-067: Brunswick Landing CDP expansion across Map 40, Lot 80 and Lot 8
• Case #20-068: Brunswick Landing subdivision lot dimension adjustment between Map 40, Lot 80 and Lot 8

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is meeting to discuss the inventory update, including the Capital Improvement Program, and receive subcommittee reports on the 2008 plan update, outreach, and website. The agenda includes a detailed draft of Policy Area 1 on maintaining and financially supporting the public education system, covering school facilities, programming, and equity. The meeting is conducted remotely with limited in-person public access.

• Discussion of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as part of inventory update
• Review of school facilities: Kate Furbish School completed 2020, BJHS renovations to 2022, BHS track/football field $250,000 town share
• Region 10 Technical High School relocation to Brunswick Landing under discussion
• Town share of Region 10 operating budget: 38.29% through June 30, 2021, based on 2010 Census
• Public comment via email or Zoom telephone

Town Council

The Brunswick Town Council will elect a chair and vice chair, appoint the town attorney and committee members, and set the 2021 meeting schedule. They will vote on a $25,000 appropriation from TIF revenues for a downtown parking demand and management study, and discuss land use issues on a 144-acre MRRA-owned parcel near Brunswick Landing. The consent agenda includes a utility permit for GWI poles on Bath Road and rescheduling public hearings to January 19, 2021.

• Appropriation of $25,000 from TIF revenues for downtown parking study
• Discussion of land use on 144-acre MRRA parcel in College Growth Zone
• Utility location permit for three GWI poles on Bath Road
• Reschedule public hearings to January 19, 2021
• Election of Council Chair and Vice Chair

The Brunswick Town Council elected John Perreault as Chair and James Mason as Vice Chair, appointed Preti Flaherty as Town Attorney, and approved the 2021 meeting schedule. It approved a $25,000 TIF-funded downtown parking study (7-1) and directed the Town Manager to negotiate with MRRA to purchase all discussed properties on the west side of Brunswick Landing along Harpswell Road for conservation and recreation (5-3). The consent agenda was approved, including a utility permit and hearing dates.

• Elected John Perreault as 2021 Council Chair (8-0)
• Elected James Mason as 2021 Council Vice Chair (8-0)
• Appointed Preti Flaherty as Town Attorney (8-0)
• Approved 2021 regular council meeting schedule (8-0)
• Approved $25,000 TIF appropriation for downtown parking study (7-1)
• Directed Town Manager to negotiate purchase of Brunswick Landing properties for conservation (5-3)
• Approved consent agenda including GWI utility permit and Jan 19 hearing date (8-0)