Mount Desert public meetings in 2025

Harbor Committee

The Mount Desert Harbor Committee will hold its regular meeting on Dec. 17, 2025, at the Northeast Harbor meeting room and via Zoom. The agenda includes a new‑business item to meet with Gartley & Dorsky. No specific proposals, contracts, or ordinance items are listed.

• Meet with Gartley & Dorsky (new business item)

The Harbor Committee met on Dec. 17, 2025, and discussed a site visit with the Gartley and Dorsky team, scheduling it for Jan. 13, 2026. A motion to adjourn was made by Kimmerly, seconded by Reis, and was carried at 5:02 p.m.

• Adjourned meeting (motion carried at 17:02)

LUZO Advisory Group

The LUZO Advisory Group and Planning Board will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Town Hall meeting room and via Zoom. The agenda includes general business, a review of the Road Standards Ordinance, policy discussions on maximum lot coverage, shared marine structures, and the location of mobile home parks, and a review of the current Subdivision Ordinance draft. Additional items may be addressed as needed.

• Review Road Standards Ordinance
• Policy discussion on maximum lot coverage
• Policy discussion on shared marine structures
• Policy discussion on location of mobile home parks
• Review current Subdivision Ordinance draft

Selectboard

The Selectboard will discuss several new business items, including a sole source purchase for police radio equipment and proposed adjustments to harbor vessel and electricity rates. The board will also review the FY 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and Debt Service.

• Sole source purchase of radio equipment from Brown's Communications, Inc. for $41,759.50
• Proposed harbor vessel rates: $3.70/ft (<49'), $4.20/ft (50'-60'), $4.70/ft (60'-99'), and $5.40/ft (100'+)
• Proposed summer electricity rates starting May 15, 2026: $25 (30amp), $36 (50amp), and $65 (100amp) per day
• Contract with General Code for ordinance codification estimated at $16,995
• Contract with Stantec Consulting Services for $9,992.48

The Selectboard adopted a revised fee schedule for harbor vessels of all sizes. It also authorized a sole‑source purchase of radio equipment from Brown's Communications for $41,759.50 and approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services for $9,992.48. Additional actions included extending the administrative consent agreement with the Asticou Inn and appointing Timothy Weiss to the Warrant Committee.

• Approved harbor vessel fee schedule ($3.70‑$5.40 per ft) – vote 5‑0
• Authorized sole‑source radio equipment purchase $41,759.50 – vote 5‑0
• Approved Stantec Consulting Services contract $9,992.48 – vote 4‑1
• Extended administrative consent agreement with Asticou Inn – vote 5‑0
• Appointed Timothy Weiss to the Warrant Committee – vote 5‑0
• Approved Christmas Eve early closure at 12 noon – vote 5‑0
• Authorized ordinance codification agreement with General Code $16,995 – vote 5‑0
• Approved Treasurer’s Warrants totaling $1,377,913.98 – vote 5‑0

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and decide on modifications to two previously approved subdivisions: one at 15 Blue Bell Lane, Seal Harbor, and another at 49 Hall Quarry Road, Hall Quarry. It will also consider a Conditional Use Approval Application #016-2025 to alter an existing vegetated buffer at the Hall Quarry Road site. An earlier subdivision item (Item A, 12‑9‑2025) has been withdrawn. The meeting continues a public hearing that began on November 12, 2025.

• Subdivision #002-2025 – modification of the Bicentennial Subdivision at 15 Blue Bell Lane, Seal Harbor
• Subdivision #003-2025 – modification of the Snowflake Subdivision at 49 Hall Quarry Road, Hall Quarry
• Conditional Use Approval Application #016-2025 – amendment to alter vegetated buffer at 49 Hall Quarry Road
• Withdrawal of Item A from Subdivision Approval Applications (12‑9‑2025)
• Continuation of public hearing from November 12, 2025

Harbor Committee

The Mount Desert Harbor Committee meeting on Dec. 9, 2025 will be held in the Northeast Harbor meeting room and via Zoom. The committee will consider approval of the minutes from the Nov. 12, 2025 meeting. The main new business item is a review of the bid opening for a pending Request for Proposals.

• Review of bid opening for pending RFP (new business)

The committee approved the November 12 minutes. It accepted renewal of the four existing seafood buyers. It approved a $0.25‑per‑foot increase in summer dock rates and a $5 increase in power rates. A motion to accept a proposal from Gartley and Dorsky was made, but the outcome was not recorded.

• Approved 11/12/25 minutes (motion carried)
• Accepted renewal of current seafood buyers (motion carried)
• Accepted proposal from Gartley and Dorsky (outcome not recorded)
• Increased summer dock rates by $0.25 per foot (motion carried)
• Raised power rates by $5 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Comprehensive Plan Committee

The Comprehensive Planning Committee will review a previous public meeting and discuss the town's vision statement. The committee will also determine the schedule for January and the 2026 outlook.

• Review and debrief of public meeting
• Discussion of Vision Statement
• Scheduling of January meeting and 2026 outlook

Planning Board

The Mount Desert Planning Board will review the Decision & Findings for the Heel Way Subdivision Court Remand and, if approved, sign it. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall, 21 Sea Street, Northeast Harbor, with a Zoom option. The board will adjourn after the review. The next meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2025, at the same location.

• Review and, if approved, sign Decision & Findings for Heel Way Subdivision Court Remand

The board voted to make Dan Burke a voting member and named Tracy Loftus Keller as acting chair for the meeting. The board approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. The board adopted the final written decision and findings for the Heel Way Subdivision, including the open‑space provision.

• Dan Burke made a voting member (motion approved 3-0)
• Tracy Loftus Keller named acting chair (motion approved 4-0)
• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (motion approved 4-0)
• Adopted final Decision & Findings for Heel Way Subdivision (motion approved 4-0)
• Adopted eleven‑page written decision including open‑space provision (motion approved 4-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard will consider a professional services contract with Hedefine Engineering and a request to amend election clerk pay rates. The board will also review routine department reports and ambulance service agreement changes.

• Contract with Hedefine Engineering for $8,600.00
• Proposed amendment to election clerk pay rates
• Notice of change to the Ambulance Service Agreement with Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service
• Cranberry Isles FY27 Parking Rate
• Submerged Lands Application lease renewal comments (deadline 12/5/2025)

The board approved a contract with Hedefine Engineering for $8,600 and authorized use of funds from the Public Works Road Reserve. It also adopted an amendment to election clerk pay rates, accepted the consent agenda, appointed David MacDonald to the Warrant Committee, and approved several treasury warrants. All motions passed with votes of 5‑0 except the payroll and fee warrant, which passed 4‑0‑1.

• Approved November 3, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Appointed David MacDonald to Warrant Committee (5-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Approved $8,600 Hedefine Engineering contract (5-0)
• Approved amendment to election clerk pay rates (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s $84,793.37 warrant (5-0)
• Approved Payroll, State Fees & PR Benefit Warrants (4-0-1)

LUZO Advisory Group

The LUZO Advisory Group and Planning Board will discuss general committee business. They will review suggested changes to the LUZO and other ordinances concerning road review standards. They will also examine the current draft of the subdivision ordinance. Additional items may be addressed as needed.

• Review suggested changes to LUZO and other ordinances for road review standards
• Review current subdivision ordinance draft
• General committee business
• Other items as needed

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review the MD 365 Heel Way subdivision case that has been remanded by the court. Counsel for the parties will give brief presentations summarizing the record. The Board will calculate the open‑space requirement as ordered by the court. The meeting is set for 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 21 Sea Street, with Zoom access available.

• Review of MD 365 Heel Way subdivision on court‑ordered remand – open‑space calculation
• Next public hearing scheduled for December 10 2025 at Town Hall, Sea Street

The board approved a motion, 5‑0, to grant voting rights to alternate member Meredith Randolph for this meeting. The board then reviewed the MD 365 Heel Way subdivision case, which the court remanded for a new open‑space calculation under Section 5.16.2.3 of the Subdivision Ordinance. No final decision on the subdivision’s open‑space requirement was recorded.

• Approved motion to make Meredith Randolph a voting member (5‑0)
• Reviewed MD 365 Heel Way subdivision open‑space requirement (no decision made)

Selectboard

The Mount Desert Selectboard will consider authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV for $46,388 and the inspection of Northeast Harbor dock chains for $2,185.75. The board will also discuss accepting a $1,000 gift from Castine for fire department costs and appoint Rustin Taylor to the Warrant Committee.

• Authorize purchase of 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV for $46,388
• Authorize payment for Northeast Harbor dock chain inspection ($2,185.75)
• Accept $1,000 gift from Castine for Mount Desert Fire Department
• Appointment of Rustin Taylor to Warrant Committee
• Approve Treasurer's Warrants totaling $704,369.95

The board authorized the release of funds to buy a 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV with a net price of $46,388. It also approved payments for a dock inspection, an overage to a contractor, and accepted a $1,000 gift to the fire department. Treasurer’s warrants for town invoices and payroll were signed, and a new member was appointed to the Warrant Committee. All motions passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes.

• Appointed Rustin Taylor to the Warrant Committee (5-0)
• Authorized $2,185.75 payment for Northeast Harbor dock chain inspection (5-0)
• Accepted $1,000 unconditional gift to the Mount Desert Fire Department (5-0)
• Approved purchase of a 2026 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV, net $46,388 (5-0)
• Approved $3,825 overage payment to Kelley and Sons Small Excavation (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s Warrant for town invoices totaling $257,077.46 (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees & PR Benefit Warrants totaling $273,180.14 (4-0-1)
• Acknowledged voided disbursements and school board warrants totaling $174,112.35 (5-0)

Harbor Committee

The Mount Desert Harbor Committee meeting will review the minutes from the October 14, 2025 session. New business includes a discussion of ghost traps presented by Emma Weed of the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation. Old business items are the commercial float opening and public dock use.

• New Business – Emma Weed Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation ghost traps
• Old Business – Commercial float opening
• Old Business – Public dock use
• Review minutes from October 14, 2025

The committee approved the October 14, 2025 minutes. It accepted the commercial float lottery results drawn by Jason Clarck. The meeting was then adjourned. No vote counts were recorded for these motions.

• Approved 10/14/25 minutes (motion carried)
• Accepted commercial float lottery results (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding modifications to a previously approved subdivision. The board will also consider a conditional use application for a new heated boat storage building.

• Public hearing for subdivision modification at 15 Blue Bell Lane, Seal Harbor
• Conditional Use Application #015-2025 for a 120’ x 60’ one-story heated boat storage building at 17 Shipwright Lane, Hall Quarry

Selectboard

The Selectboard will approve the minutes from the October 20 meeting and recognize Mount Desert’s third‑place award in the Maine Municipal Association Annual Report Competition. Items on the consent agenda include the proposed 2026 State Valuation report and a Comprehensive Plan workshop. New business includes a payment request to Seawood Services Inc., a FEMA reimbursement transfer, and authorization for a Rabies Clinic on November 13.

• Approve payment of $1,607.50 to Seawood Services Inc. from Seal Harbor CIP reserve #6410200-24600
• Authorize transfer of $5,543.51 FEMA reimbursement to the Seal Harbor Village Improvement Society
• Approve holding a Rabies Clinic on Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5‑6 pm in the Meeting Room
• Consent agenda: review of the proposed 2026 State Valuation report (valuation $3,395,500,000)
• Unfinished business: update from Municipal WasteHub Executive Director on the Waste Solutions processing facility

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will review updates to the Town of Mount Desert Climate Action Plan and a priority list of unfinished goals. The body will also discuss additions to the Comprehensive Plan and provide updates on coastal resources, solid waste, and composting.

• Discussion of additions to the Comprehensive Plan
• Update on Coastal Resources, Solid Waste, and composting
• Review of Town of Mount Desert Climate Action Plan update and priority list of unfinished goals

Planning Board

The Mount Desert Planning Board will meet on October 22, 2025 at Town Hall, 21 Sea Street. The board will approve minutes and consider Conditional Use Approval Application #014-2025 submitted by Seal Harbor Boathouse, LLC for a 25’ × 25’ float and a 38’ × 3.75’ gangway at 28 Dodge Point Road in Shoreland Residential Two zone. The meeting also includes an update from the Land Use Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee and a discussion of planning board applications, subdivision proposals, and land‑use zoning ordinance amendments.

• Conditional Use Approval Application #014-2025 – addition of 25’ × 25’ float and 38’ × 3.75’ gangway at 28 Dodge Point Road (Shoreland Residential Two zone)
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Update from Land Use Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee
• Discussion of planning board applications, subdivision proposals, and land‑use zoning ordinance amendments

The board approved the September 10 and September 24, 2025 meeting minutes and made Dan Burke a voting member for this meeting. It approved the short‑form application process and conditionally approved Conditional Use Application #014‑2025, pending a letter from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. The board agreed to bring the Subdivision Ordinance to the May Town Meeting and scheduled a remand meeting for November 18 at 6:00 p.m.

• Approved Dan Burke as voting member for the meeting (5‑0)
• Approved September 10, 2025 minutes as presented (5‑0)
• Approved September 24, 2025 minutes as presented (5‑0)
• Approved use of short form for the application (5‑0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #014‑2025 (5‑0), pending Maine Historic Preservation Commission letter
• Agreed to bring Subdivision Ordinance to May Town Meeting
• Scheduled remand meeting for November 18 at 6:00 p.m.
• Adjourned the meeting (5‑0)

Selectboard

The board will hold a public hearing on a liquor license application from Maude Kusserow d/b/a Good Wolf at 123 Main Street. It will consider authorizing Fire Chief Mike Bender to buy furniture for $10,125.95 from Fire Station Furniture Company, Inc. for the Mount Desert Fire Station #1 project. The board will also approve contracts for professional services: $5,300 with Gartley & Dorskey and $11,350 with Hager‑Richter Geoscience, using public works reserve funds. Additional actions include appointing Alex Kimball as interim treasurer, approving prior meeting minutes, and signing treasurer’s warrants totaling $742,076.02.

• Public hearing for Good Wolf liquor license (Maude Kusserow, 123 Main Street)
• Authorize purchase of fire station furniture for $10,125.95 from Fire Station Furniture Company, Inc.
• Approve $5,300 contract with Gartley & Dorskey, funded from Public Works Road Reserve
• Approve $11,350 contract with Hager‑Richter Geoscience, funded from Public Works Road Reserve and Seal Harbor Docks and Piers Reserve
• Appointment of Alex Kimball as Interim Treasurer effective November 1, 2025

The board approved a liquor license for Good Wolf, appointed Alex Kimball as interim treasurer, and authorized several contracts and purchases, including fire station furniture and professional services, each passing with a 3‑0 vote. All items on the consent agenda and treasury warrants were also approved unanimously.

• Approved liquor license for Maude Kusserow d/b/a Good Wolf (3-0)
• Appointed Alex Kimball as Interim Treasurer effective Nov 1, 2025 (3-0)
• Accepted Consent Agenda (3-0)
• Authorized Fire Chief Mike Bender to purchase furniture for $10,125.95 (3-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign Agreement and General Release with CBC Holding Corporation (3-0)
• Approved contract with Gartley & Dorskey for $5,300 professional services (3-0)
• Approved contract with Hager‑Richter Geoscience for $11,350 professional services (3-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s Warrants and payroll/fees items totaling $742,076.02 (3-0)

Harbor Committee

The Harbor Committee will meet to discuss a Request for Proposals (RFP) and proposals regarding the opening of commercial floats. The meeting also includes a review of the September 9, 2025, minutes.

• RFP discussion
• Commercial float opening proposals

The committee approved the Main Pier Request for Proposals as presented. It also approved all four qualified commercial operator applicants to be entered into a lottery at the next meeting on November 12, 2025.

• Approved Main Pier RFP (motion carried)
• Approved lottery for commercial operator lease applicants (motion carried)
• Accepted 9/9/25 minutes as presented (motion carried)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review updates on the skating rink, workforce housing, and 2026 winter gatherings. The body will also discuss a concept for a Mount Desert tech hub and potential outreach to local businesses.

• Mount Desert tech hub concept
• Workforce housing updates
• Skating rink updates
• Winter gatherings 2026
• Visitor information and events on town website

Planning Board

The Mount Desert Planning Board will meet on October 8, 2025 at Town Hall, 21 Sea Street, and via Zoom. The board will approve the previous meeting’s minutes. The main agenda item is to discuss and review planning board applications, subdivision proposals, and any proposed zoning ordinance amendments.

• Discuss and review planning board applications
• Review subdivision proposals
• Consider zoning ordinance amendments

Selectboard

The Mount Desert Selectboard will consider several actions, including a 3‑day unpaid suspension of the Town Assessor, adoption of amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance Appendices A‑H, and approval of a contract for winter sand at $18.50 per cubic yard for fiscal year 2026. The board will also confirm new appointments for a patrol officer, a custodian, and other positions, and will vote on routine treasury warrants totaling $2,042,207.89.

• 3‑day unpaid suspension of the Town Assessor for violating personnel policy section 9.5.10
• Adoption of amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance Appendices A‑H
• Appointment of Virginia Helton as a full‑time patrol officer at $31.1971, rising to $32.9303 after probation
• Contract with Harold MacQuinn, Inc. to supply winter sand for FY 2026 at $18.50 per cubic yard
• Approval of Treasurer’s warrants totaling $2,042,207.89

Selectboard

The Selectboard is meeting in a special executive session. The board will discuss personnel matters and confer with legal counsel regarding a pending personnel matter.

• Executive session regarding personnel matters
• Consultation with legal counsel on a pending personnel matter

The board voted 5-0 to enter an executive session for a personnel matter under MRS §405(6)(A). Later, it voted 5-0 to leave the executive session. Finally, it voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Enter executive session (5-0)
• Leave executive session (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Sustainability Committee

The committee will discuss updates to the Town of Mount Desert Climate Action Plan and a priority list of unfinished goals. Members will also receive updates on solar projects and waste collection events.

• Climate Action Plan update and priority list of unfinished goals
• Solar project updates for Somesville Firehouse and NEH wastewater
• Household Hazard Collection Day and Schule Shredding Event for May 30, 2026
• Coastal Resources, Solid Waste, and composting updates
• Discussion on MDES students Green Team attending meetings

Planning Board

The board voted 4‑0 to approve the final plat plans for the Area 51 Subdivision and to sign them. It also approved taking Item IV.C out of order, nominated Meredith Randolph as an alternate member, and adjourned the meeting. No minutes were presented for approval.

• Motion to take Item IV.C out of order approved 4-0
• Nominate Meredith Randolph as Alternate Member approved 4-0
• Approve Area 51 Subdivision final plat plans approved 4-0
• Adjourn meeting approved 4-0

Selectboard

The Selectboard will consider several new business items, including a liquor‑license renewal for Milk and Honey, an abatement request, and a contract for heating oil at $2.47 per gallon for fiscal year 2026. It will also vote on a revocable license agreement with Island Housing Trust, a temp‑to‑hire hire for the Buildings & Grounds Custodian position, and a uniform and janitorial supply contract with Cintas Corporation. Additional items include a $12,000 change order for the Somesville Sidewalk Project and a $500 conditional gift to the Fire Department, while routine matters such as minutes, resignations and treasurer’s warrants will be approved.

• Liquor license renewal for Eliza Bishop/DBA Milk and Honey, 3 Old Firehouse Lane, Northeast Harbor
• Review and approve heating oil contract with Coastal Energy for FY 2026 at $2.47 per gallon
• Approve revocable license agreement with Island Housing Trust to authorize work on town land
• Approve contract with Cintas Corporation to provide uniform and janitorial supplies for Public Works Department
• Approve $12,000 change order to the Somesville Sidewalk Project with Gardner Concrete

The Selectboard approved the September 2, 2025 minutes, dismissed Buildings & Grounds Custodian Donald Sullivan, and renewed the liquor license for Milk and Honey at 3 Old Firehouse Lane. It also approved an abatement for Map/Lot 010-074 (≈$272), a heating‑oil contract with Coastal Energy for FY2026 at $2.47 per gallon, a $12,000 change order to the Somesville sidewalk project, and a $1,889,241 Treasurer’s warrant. Town Manager Alex Kimball was appointed Deputy Treasurer.

• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Dismissed Buildings & Grounds Custodian Donald Sullivan (5-0)
• Renewed liquor license for Milk and Honey, 3 Old Firehouse Lane (5-0)
• Approved abatement for Map/Lot 010-074 (~$272) (5-0)
• Approved Coastal Energy heating‑oil contract FY2026 at $2.47/gal (5-0)
• Approved $12,000 change order to Somesville Sidewalk Project (5-0)
• Approved $1,889,241 Treasurer’s warrant (5-0)
• Appointed Town Manager Alex Kimball as Deputy Treasurer (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a subdivision application for a new residential unit. The board will also consider a request to waive street design and construction standards for a private road.

• Public hearing for Subdivision #001-2025 at 2 Eddie Way to construct a third residential dwelling unit
• Request for waiver of Subdivision Ordinance Section 5.14 Street Design and Construction Standards for a private road off Oak Grove Road

The Planning Board approved the August 27, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. No decision was made on Subdivision #001‑2025, which will be voted on at the next meeting. The request for a road‑standard waiver was not resolved, with the Board reserving a decision on jurisdiction for a future discussion.

• Approved August 27, 2025 minutes (5-0)

Harbor Committee

The Mount Desert Harbor Committee meeting on September 9, 2025 will review minutes from June 10, 2025, consider new business items including Lauren Gray oyster sales and a commercial float opening, and continue old business with a discussion of the Main Pier with Greg Johnston. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Call to Order at 4:30 p.m.
• Review minutes from June 10, 2025
• Lauren Gray oyster sales
• Commercial float opening
• Main Pier discussion with Greg Johnston

The committee accepted the June 10, 2025 minutes. It approved Scott Trudy as a mooring inspector. Five of six proposed dock changes were approved, with item four postponed to the November meeting and item five limited to 20 permits. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted June 10, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Scott Trudy as mooring inspector (motion carried)
• Approved dock item 1 (motion carried)
• Approved dock item 2 (motion carried)
• Approved dock item 3 (motion carried)
• Deferred dock item 4 discussion to November meeting (motion carried)
• Approved dock item 5 with limit of 20 permits (motion carried)
• Approved dock item 6 (motion carried)

Selectboard

The Selectboard will review bids and resolutions for a General Obligation Bond not to exceed $7,645,000 to finance projects approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The board will also consider the appointment of a new Town Manager and a grant application for Mount Desert Island High School.

• Review of bids for a $7,645,000 General Obligation Bond
• Proposed bond resolutions for Katahdin Trust Company (5.47% rate) and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (5.63% rate)
• Appointment of Alex Kimball as Town Manager
• Community Resilience Partnership grant application for ASHRAE Level 2 analysis of Mount Desert Island High School
• Treasurer’s Warrants totaling $3,087,262.42

The board approved a General Obligation Bond of up to $7,645,000 at a fixed 5.47% rate to Katahdin Trust Company. It denied a similar bond issuance to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Additional actions included appointing Alex Kimball as Town Manager, accepting a patrol officer’s resignation, and approving a public‑space permit and a school energy‑efficiency grant.

• Approved appointment of Alex Kimball as Town Manager (5-0)
• Accepted resignation of Patrol Officer Shelby O'Neil (5-0)
• Approved Public Space Permit 9-2025 for Arturo Barrett Picnic Potluck (5-0)
• Approved Community Resilience Partnership grant for ASHRAE Level 2 analysis of Mount Desert Island High School (5-0)
• Approved issuance of $7,645,000 General Obligation Bond to Katahdin Trust at 5.47% for 20 years (5-0)
• Denied issuance of $7,645,000 General Obligation Bond to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust at 5.63% (0-5)
• Approved Treasurer’s warrants totaling $3,087,262.42 (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s payroll, fees, and PR benefit warrants totaling $346,887.87 (4-0-1)

Planning Board

The board appointed Vice Chair Loftus Keller as acting chair (3‑0) and made alternate Dan Burke a voting member (4‑0). The meeting minutes from August 13, 2025 were approved (5‑0). The conditional use application to extend a dock at 52 WIPojereno Road was found complete and approved, with the short‑form checklist used (each 5‑0). Discussion of a private‑road waiver was postponed to the September 10, 2025 meeting (5‑0).

• Appointed Vice Chair Loftus Keller as acting chair (3‑0)
• Made Dan Burke a voting member for the meeting (4‑0)
• Approved August 13, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Found Conditional Use Application #013‑2025 complete (5‑0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #013‑2025 (dock extension) (5‑0)
• Approved use of short‑form application checklist (5‑0)
• Postponed private‑road waiver discussion to Sep 10, 2025 (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard will discuss an interim Town Manager agreement for Durlin E. Lunt and review a letter to local businesses regarding hemp-derived THC products. The board will also consider several donations to the Fire Department and a contract for restroom installation.

• Interim Town Manager agreement for Durlin E. Lunt beginning September 2, 2025
• Bid from Kelley and Sons Small Excavation for $11,480.00 for portable restroom installation
• Conditional gifts of $1,000.00 for EMS and $1,000.00 for Fire operations from William C. Trimble Jr.
• Monetary gift of $250.00 from Gilbert & Ildiko Butler Family Foundation to Fire Department
• Payment of $797.50 to Kimball Terrace Inn for sewer cleaning reimbursement

The board approved the minutes from the August 4 meeting and accepted the consent agenda. It accepted several unconditional and conditional monetary gifts totaling $2,350 for the Mount Desert Fire Department. The board approved a $11,480 contract for portable restroom installation and confirmed an interim Town Manager agreement for Durlin Lunt starting September 2. Additional financial items, including the Treasurer’s warrant and state fee warrants, were also approved.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Accepted consent agenda including ticket sales agreements (4-0)
• Accepted $250 gift to fire department from Butler Foundation (4-0)
• Accepted $100 gift to fire department from Welles & Geeanen (4-0)
• Accepted two conditional $1,000 gifts to fire department from William C. Trimble Jr. (4-0)
• Approved $11,480 portable restroom contract with Kelley and Sons (4-0)
• Approved interim Town Manager agreement for Durlin Lunt effective Sep 2 (4-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s warrant for $1,891,989.95 (4-0)

Planning Board

The Board found the Subdivision Application #001-2025 for 51 Oak Hill Road complete in all required sections. Motions to approve each section and the overall application were adopted unanimously (5‑0). The Board also approved the minutes from the July 9 and July 23 meetings. Next steps include scheduling a public hearing and final compliance meeting.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (4-0-1)
• Approved July 23, 2025 minutes (3-0-2)
• Found Sections 4.2.1‑4.2.3 complete (5-0)
• Found Section 5 requirements complete (5-0)
• Found Section 6A complete (5-0)
• Found Section 6B provisions complete (5-0)
• Found Section 6C complete (5-0)
• Approved Subdivision #001-2025 application in entirety (5-0)

Selectboard

The board approved the July 21, 2025 minutes and appointed April O'Neal and Ann Bissell to town positions. It granted a setback nullification for 2 Richardson Avenue and accepted a propane bid of $1.31 per gallon. The board also authorized a temporary HR manager through Project Staffing, LLC and expressed support for drafting a moratorium on intoxicating hemp products. Treasurer’s warrants and related payroll and fee payments were also approved.

• Approved July 21, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Appointed April O'Neal as Public Works Office Coordinator (5-0)
• Appointed Ann Bissell to Economic Development Committee (5-0)
• Approved setback nullification for 2 Richardson Avenue (5-0)
• Approved Coastal Energy propane bid of $1.31 per gallon (5-0)
• Authorized Project Staffing, LLC for temporary HR Manager placement (5-0)
• Approved draft moratorium for intoxicating hemp products (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer's warrants and payroll/fees (4-0-1; Littlefield abstained)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted to make alternate member Dan Burke a voting member, approving the motion 3‑0. The board then adjourned the meeting by a 4‑0 vote. No minutes were approved because there were none to approve. No other formal actions were taken.

• Made Dan Burke a voting member (approved 3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (approved 4‑0)

Selectboard

The board entered and later left executive session, approved the Administrative Consent Agreement, and accepted resignations from the Economic Development Community. It then approved the operation and maintenance contract with ReVision Energy for the town garage solar array, accepted two monetary gifts to the fire department, and signed the Treasurer’s warrant for $799,619.36. All motions passed unanimously except one abstention on a payroll warrant.

• Entered executive session (5-0)
• Approved Administrative Consent Agreement (5-0)
• Accepted resignations of Averel Wilson and Rick Wheeler from Economic Development Community (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved Operation & Maintenance contract with ReVision Energy for garage solar array (5-0)
• Accepted $500 unconditional gift to Fire Department from Chris Campbell (5-0)
• Accepted $1,500 conditional gift to Fire Department from Mary R. Morgan (5-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s warrant for $799,619.36 (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board made Dan Burke a voting member (4‑0) and approved the June 25 minutes (5‑0). It approved three private conditional‑use fence applications (#009‑2025, #010‑2025, #011‑2025) each with a 5‑0 vote. It also approved the town’s application to reconstruct the tennis courts, accepting a recusal of Allen Kimmerly (4‑0) and finding the application complete (4‑0).

• Dan Burke made voting member of Planning Board (4‑0)
• June 25, 2025 minutes approved (5‑0)
• Conditional Use #009‑2025 (fence) approved (5‑0)
• Conditional Use #010‑2025 (fence setback waiver) approved (5‑0)
• Conditional Use #011‑2025 (chicken coop) approved (5‑0)
• Recusal of Allen Kimmerly accepted for Application #012‑2025 (4‑0)
• Application #012‑2025 found complete (4‑0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard approved a new Class III/IV liquor license for Arties and accepted a $100 gift to the fire department. It authorized a $44,800 engineering contract for a generator at the Seal Harbor fire station and approved the solicitation of a $7,645,000 general‑obligation bond. The board also accepted a land donation for road extensions and approved several equipment and service purchases.

• Approved Class III/IV liquor license for Arties (5-0)
• Authorized $44,800 engineering contract for Seal Harbor fire station generator (5-0)
• Authorized solicitation of $7,645,000 general‑obligation bond (5-0)
• Accepted land donation from Island Housing Trust for Sydneys Way & Farnhams Way extensions (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 2025 Ram 2500 crew cab 4x4 for $49,544 (5-0)
• Approved road salt purchase: 1,700 tons at $73.50 per ton (5-0)
• Approved UV disinfection system upgrades for Somesville and Seal Harbor wastewater plants (5-0)
• Accepted $100 unconditional gift to the fire department (5-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard voted 5-0 to enter an executive session to discuss the town manager search. After the session, they voted 5-0 to leave the executive session. The board then adjourned the meeting with a 5-0 vote.

• Enter executive session approved 5-0
• Leave executive session approved 5-0
• Adjourn meeting approved 5-0

Planning Board

The board approved the June 11, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0‑1 vote (one abstention). The remainder of the meeting consisted of discussion on checklist and ordinance revisions, but no formal actions were adopted. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (3-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Selectboard

The board approved the June 2, 2025 minutes and made several appointments, including Norman Gray to Buildings & Grounds and Martha Dudman as the LUZO Advisory Committee liaison. It approved multiple financial actions, most notably authorizing up to $1,662,500 for debt service payments to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and a $238,162.50 paving contract with Wellman Paving (additional expenditures up to $420,000). All motions passed unanimously (5‑0) except one payroll warrant vote of 4‑0‑1.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Appointed Norman Gray to Buildings & Grounds position (5‑0)
• Appointed Martha Dudman as LUZO Advisory Committee liaison (5‑0)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Michael C. Boland, DBA COPITA, 102 Main St (5‑0)
• Authorized $4,483 payment to Omega Security for marina camera replacements (5‑0)
• Approved contract with Wellman Paving for FY2026 paving $238,162.50, additional up to $420,000 (5‑0)
• Authorized debt service payments up to $1,662,500 to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (5‑0)
• Approved Treasurer's warrant for $574,997.88 invoices (5‑0)

Planning Board

The board made Dan Burke a voting member (3‑0) and approved the May 28 minutes (4‑0). It then approved Conditional Use Applications #006‑2025, #007‑2025, and #008‑2025, each by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. (4‑0).

• Made Dan Burke a voting member (3-0)
• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #006-2025 (4-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #007-2025 (4-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #008-2025 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Harbor Committee

The committee accepted the May 13, 2025 minutes as presented. It approved ultra‑sounding of the Seal Harbor pier. The meeting was then adjourned. No other actions were decided.

• Accepted 5/13/25 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved ultra‑sounding of Seal Harbor pier (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Planning Board

The Planning Board classified the 16 Main Street location in Seal Harbor as an Office Building, allowing psychiatric services, with a 5-0 vote. It also approved Conditional Use Application #004-2025 for a chicken coop on Hall Quarry Road and Conditional Use Application #005-2025 for a structure on Broad Cove Road, each passing 5-0. All motions were unanimous.

• Approved Office Building classification for 16 Main St, Seal Harbor (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #004-2025, chicken coop at 128 Hall Quarry Rd (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #005-2025, structure at 30 Broad Cove Rd (5-0)
• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adopted short form for applications (5-0)
• Found applications complete (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Selectboard

The board entered and left an executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining matters. It accepted a CDBG housing assistance grant for fire‑safety upgrades at Maple Lane Apartments and voted 4‑1 to deny the New England Fishermen Stewardship Association’s $5,000 third‑party funding request as directed by the Town Meeting. The board also approved a modified 34 kW solar array at Somesville Fire Station, changed the enrollment of the Northeast Harbor wastewater‑treatment solar array, released $13,273.93 for fire‑gear purchases, and approved several public‑access and community‑event requests.

• Denied New England Fishermen Stewardship Association $5,000 funding (4-1)
• Approved modified solar array at Somesville Fire Station, capped at 34 kW (5-0)
• Changed enrollment of Northeast Harbor wastewater‑treatment solar array to Kilowatt Hour Program (5-0)
• Released up to $13,273.93 from Fire Equipment Reserve for structural firefighting gear (5-0)
• Accepted CDBG Housing Assistance Grant for fire‑safety upgrades at Maple Lane Apartments (5-0)
• Approved Dobbs Productions Inc. use of Public Access Channel 1301 for summer 2025 and winter 2026 (5-0)
• Approved Qigong Class for Seniors public‑space event at Suminsby Park (5-0)
• Approved Annual Employee Appointments as presented (5-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted to grant voting rights to Alternate Member Dan Burke, passing the motion 4‑0. The Board also approved the April 23, 2025 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Made Alternate Member Dan Burke a voting member (4-0)
• Approved April 23, 2025 minutes (3-0)

Harbor Committee

The Harbor Committee accepted the west‑side rink compressor location (6 yeas, 2 nays). The committee approved the minutes from April 8, 2025. It also approved Mike McEnroe’s proposal to operate a landing‑craft charter at Bartletts landing ramp, with the town named on the insurance and a fee of $650 per year plus $0.28 per passenger. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted west‑side rink compressor location (6 yeas, 2 nays)
• Accepted April 8, 2025 minutes as presented
• Approved landing‑craft charter proposal ($650/yr, $0.28 per passenger)
• Adjourned meeting

Selectboard

The board kept the existing officer slate and approved several seasonal staff appointments. It moved regular meeting start time to 6:00 p.m., adopted annual policies, and authorized $50,000 for a Seal Harbor sidewalk repair and up to $20,500 for fire‑engine tire replacement. The Treasurer's Warrant for $879,241.17 and payroll/fees warrants totaling $519,757.97 were also approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

• Approved election of officers (Chair John Macauley, Vice Chair Wendy Littlefield, Secretary Geoff Wood) (4-0)
• Approved seasonal appointments for Buildings & Grounds, Refuse, Mechanic and patrol officer positions (4-0)
• Approved regular selectboard meetings to begin at 6:00 p.m. (4-0)
• Approved annual policies (4-0)
• Approved $50,000 sidewalk repair in Seal Harbor (4-0)
• Approved up to $20,500 fire apparatus tire replacement (4-0)
• Approved Treasurer's Warrant for $879,241.17 (4-0)
• Approved payroll, state fees and PR benefit warrants totaling $519,757.97 (3-0-1)

Annual Town Meeting

At the May 6, 2025 open‑floor meeting, the Town of Mount Desert approved a series of articles by voice vote. Articles 4 through 10 amended the Alewife ordinance, Harbor ordinance, repealed the Mobile Home ordinance, and updated several land‑use zoning provisions including certificates of occupancy, manufactured homes, shoreland residential use, and solar energy systems. Additional articles authorized the Selectboard to accept gifts for the fire equipment fund, accept extra state and federal funds, and lease portions of the Visitor Center to local operators.

• Article 4 Alewife ordinance enacted (voice vote)
• Article 5 Harbor ordinance amendments enacted (voice vote)
• Article 6 Mobile Home and Trailer Park ordinance repealed (voice vote)
• Article 7 Certificate of Occupancy amendment enacted (voice vote)
• Article 8 Manufactured homes amendment enacted (voice vote)
• Article 9 Shoreland Commercial District residential use amendment enacted (voice vote)
• Article 10 Solar Energy Systems standards added (voice vote)
• Article 11 Authorization to accept gifts for Fire Equipment Reserve Fund (voice vote)

Selectboard

The board approved the April 7, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0 vote. It then accepted the town’s FY 2024 audit report, also by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a final 3‑0 vote.

• Approved April 7, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Accepted FY 2024 audit report (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the April 9, 2025 minutes (3‑0). It then voted to authorize the Chair to sign a letter stating that the Housing Assistance Community Development Block Grant project for Maple Lane Apartments conforms to the Comprehensive Plan and the Town's Land Use Zoning Ordinance (3‑0). No public comments were received and the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

• Approved April 9, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Authorized Chair to sign compliance letter for housing grant (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Selectboard

The board approved a new liquor license and a special amusement permit for the Asticou Hotel, both with 3‑0 votes. It also authorized $30,000 from the Fire Stations Building Reserve for resurfacing the truck apron and parking area at Fire Station #2. Additional approvals included seasonal dock hand appointments, a refuse position hire, and several financial expenditures, all passed unanimously.

• Approved Asticou Hotel liquor license (3-0)
• Approved Asticou Hotel special amusement permit (3-0)
• Approved $30,000 release from Fire Stations Building Reserve for resurfacing (3-0)
• Approved seasonal dock hands and boat launch operators appointments (3-0)
• Approved appointment of Robert Parlante to Refuse position (3-0)
• Approved $7,899.40 use from Public Works Road Reserve for Beech Hill culvert overage (3-0)
• Approved $10,532.50 payment for historical preservation and digitization of town records (3-0)
• Approved $9,200 seasonal portable toilet services contract with MDI Porta Potties (3-0)

Selectboard

The board approved three liquor‑license renewals, three Neighborhood House public‑space event permits, and the release of $4,850 from the Fire Stations Building Reserve for a site survey of Fire Station #2. It also approved a $4,200 heat‑pump replacement in the police department, a $5,812 line‑stripper purchase for Public Works, and the retirement of renewable‑energy certificates generated by the town’s solar array. Additional routine financial warrants and a Sustainability Committee table at the farmer’s market were also approved.

• Approved three liquor license renewals (4-0 each)
• Approved three Neighborhood House public‑space event applications (4-0 each)
• Approved release of $4,850 for fire‑station #2 site survey (4-0)
• Approved replacement of police department heat pump for $4,200 (4-0)
• Approved purchase of line‑stripper for $5,812 (4-0)
• Approved draft scope of work with A Climate to Thrive up to $11,460 (4-0)
• Approved retirement of renewable‑energy certificates (4-0)
• Approved Treasurer’s warrants totaling $1,251,225.11 (4-0)

Shellfish Conservation Committee

The committee approved the October 24, 2024 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. They voted to keep the 2025 allocation plan unchanged, also 4‑0. The 2024 DMR Annual Report was accepted by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved October 24, 2024 minutes (4‑0)
• Maintained 2025 allocation plan (4‑0)
• Accepted 2024 DMR Annual Report (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Planning Board

The board approved the March 21, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0 vote (one abstention). It then approved Conditional Use Application #003‑2025 for a fence at 13 Lower Dunbar Road and Application #004‑2025 for a fence and fill at 201 Huntington Place, each by a 5‑0 vote. Application #005‑2025 for a mobile food vendor was withdrawn by the applicant and not considered.

• Approved March 21, 2025 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #003-2025 for fence at 13 Lower Dunbar Road (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Application #004-2025 for fence and fill at 201 Huntington Place (5-0)
• Withdrawn Conditional Use Application #005-2025 (mobile food vendor) – not considered
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)