{
 "city": "Hallowell",
 "state": "Maine",
 "page": "https://mytown.theboringparts.com/city/hallowell/",
 "attribution": "MyTown / The Boring Parts — CC BY 4.0. Summaries AI-generated from official sources.",
 "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
 "generated": "2026-07-23",
 "upcoming": [],
 "recent": [
  {
   "date": "2026-07-13",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "RSU 2 approves 2026-2027 budget and updates student cell phone policy",
   "summary": "The RSU 2 Board of Directors approved a student cell phone and personal electronic device policy and set a board retreat for July 16, 2026. In a separate regional budget meeting, voters passed 13 articles to fund various instructional, administrative, and facility operations.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.07.13_Item_20b_-_RSU_2_Board_of_Directors.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.07.13_Item_18a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-24",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board reviews parking lot and drainage proposal for 21 Warren Street",
   "summary": "The Planning Board is reviewing an application for a 14-spot parking lot and new storm drainage at 21 Warren Street. Discussion focuses on stormwater runoff, light pollution affecting neighbors, and the impact of adding 6,000 square feet of impervious surface.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.06.24_Item_8_-_21_Warren_Street.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.06.24_Item_4_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-22",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "City Council authorizes tax club payment plan for Fiscal Year 2026/2027",
   "summary": "The City Council is considering Order 26-08 to allow the City Tax Collector to establish a tax club payment plan. This program would allow eligible taxpayers to make 9 or 10 monthly payments for current year property taxes.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.06.22_Item_13_-_Order_26-08_Tax_Club_Authorization.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-06-08",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "Tree Board discusses replanting efforts at Granite City Park",
   "summary": "The Tree Board reviewed updates on invasive species control at the Reservoir and the Day of Caring event. Members discussed sourcing funds and labor to replant the bank above the Last Crane Standing at Granite City Park.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.06.08_Item_17f_-_Tree_Board.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-05-21",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "Hallowell City Council proposes amendment to City Investment Policy",
   "summary": "The City Council is considering a proposed amendment to Policy 2026-02 regarding the investment of public funds. The policy establishes guidelines for the City Treasurer and third-party managers to prioritize safety, yield, and liquidity.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.05.21_Item_6_-_Investment_Policy_Amendment.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-05-20",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board notified of illuminated \"Hopeful\" sign installation",
   "summary": "The Planning Board is receiving a memo regarding the permanent installation of an illuminated \"Hopeful\" sign on the City Hall building. The project was approved by the City Council and is not expected to require Planning Board review or approval.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.05.20_Item_9b_-_Memo_Regarding_the_Hopeful_Sign.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.05.20_Item_4_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-05-11",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "Kennebec River Rail Trail Board discusses repaving and funding needs",
   "summary": "The Board of Supervisors discussed implementing 'Option 2' repairs to repave the trail, noting costs exceed $300,000 per section. Members plan to pursue grants and local government endorsements to secure funding. The board also approved an updated No Smoking policy.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.05.11_-_Item_17b_-_KRRT.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.05.11_-_Item_15a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-04-13",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "Tree Board discusses potential arboretum accreditation for Granite City Park",
   "summary": "The Tree Board reviewed a proposal to have Granite City Park accredited as a Level 1 arboretum through ArbNet. The board also noted a request for assistance with Emerald Ash Borer control on a private property.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.04.13_-_Item_18f_-_Tree_Board.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.04.13_-_Item_16a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-03-18",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board reviews Riverview Renovation at 74 Middle Street",
   "summary": "The Planning Board is reviewing updated design plans for the Riverview Renovation project. The proposal involves expanding a Queen Anne Victorian home from 3,000 to 3,225 square feet.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.03.18_Item_6_-_74_Middle_Street_Planning_Board_Changes.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.03.18_Item_4_-_Draft_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-03-16",
   "body": "Meeting",
   "headline": "Hallowell Conservation Commission reviews solar siting and battery storage drafts",
   "summary": "The commission discussed draft ordinances for solar siting and battery storage facilities, including how to categorize installations and preserve city character. The body also addressed land use restrictions and invasive species control.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/HCC_Minutes_-_2026.03.16.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-03-09",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "RSU 2 plans Pre-K sites for 2026-2027 school year",
   "summary": "The RSU 2 Board of Directors discussed implementing early childhood special education services to meet state requirements. The district will establish two Pre-K sites at MMS and HDES for the 2026-2027 school year with a capacity of 64 students.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.03.09_Item_18c_-_RSU_2_Board_of_Directors.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.03.09_Item_16a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-02-23",
   "body": "Meeting",
   "headline": "Hallowell Conservation Commission works on solar siting ordinance",
   "summary": "The commission is developing a draft solar siting ordinance to align with City ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan. The body also reviewed its budget and discussed funding for invasive species planning.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/HCC_Minutes_-_2026.02.23.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-02-18",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Planning Board reviews residential care facility at 9 Summer Street",
   "summary": "The board is reviewing an application for Legends Residential Care to operate a residential care facility at 9 Summer Street. The Code Enforcement Officer reports that state law supersedes local zoning ordinances for this use, requiring the property be treated as a single-family residence.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.02.18_Item_8b_-_9_Summer_Street_Summary.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.02.18_Item_4_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-02-09",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "Tree Board discusses Forest Management Plan updates and shoreline protection",
   "summary": "The Tree Board reviewed a proposal to update the Forest Management Plan and discussed the progress of a shoreline protection project. The board also addressed invasive plant management in the City Forest and Granite City Park.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.02.09_Item_16e_-_Tree_Board.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.02.09_Item_14a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-01-29",
   "body": "Meeting",
   "headline": "Hallowell Conservation Commission to draft solar siting and battery storage ordinance",
   "summary": "The Hallowell Conservation Commission is planning a new Solar Siting and Battery Storage ordinance with a draft due by March 31. The body also discussed invasive plant management and restoration projects for 2026.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/HCC_Minutes_-_2026.01.29.pdf",
   "minutes_url": null,
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-01-21",
   "body": "Planning Board",
   "headline": "Hallowell Planning Board delegates approval authority for Historic District maintenance",
   "summary": "The Planning Board has delegated approval authority to the City Planner and Code Enforcement Officer for \"Ordinary Maintenance\" projects within the Historic District. This change is intended to expedite certain home improvement projects for residents.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.01.21_Item_7a_-_Delegation_of_Authority.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.01.21_Item_4_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  },
  {
   "date": "2026-01-12",
   "body": "City Council",
   "headline": "RSU 2 Board approves school personnel and updates district policies",
   "summary": "The Regional School Unit 2 Board of Directors met to approve updates to superintendent and complaint policies. The board also authorized specific student trips and approved the hiring of a social worker and a Spanish teacher.",
   "agenda_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.01.12_Item_14e_-_RSU_2_Directors.pdf",
   "minutes_url": "https://hallowell.govoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B9B342949-3E79-4064-B52A-92C27ED57113%7D/uploads/2026.01.12_Item_12a_-_Minutes.pdf",
   "source": null
  }
 ]
}