Orrington public meetings in 2020
9 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen approved a survey of town-owned property at the end of Grant Road (not to exceed $5,000) and authorized the town manager to begin conversations with property owners about easements. They also voted to participate in the 'Good Morning Project' for senior check-ins, extended the town manager's contract at $75,000 for six months, and discussed several other items including a fire department recognition and a medical equipment loaning program.
- Approved survey of town-owned property at end of Grant Road, cost not to exceed $5,000
- Authorized town manager to discuss easements with property owners
- Voted to participate in 'Good Morning Project' for senior check-ins
- Extended Town Manager Chris Backman's contract at $75,000 for Jan 1–Jun 30, 2021
- Signed quit claim deed for Account #1618 (O'Donnell) after 2018 tax foreclosure
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met and approved minutes and warrants. They discussed the Hyatt property remediation, agreeing to list it with a realtor within three weeks. They also addressed a citizen's question about internet coverage for students, noting it is in early stages and a five-year process. A PACE loan program was mentioned as requiring a town meeting ordinance.
- Hyatt property house demolished, cleanup expected by Wednesday; cost about $6,000; board agreed to list with realtor within 3 weeks
- Internet coverage for students: town manager says in infancy stage, 5-year process; board agreed to look into Spectrum cost
- PACE loan program update: requires town meeting ordinance approval
- Approved minutes of November 9, 2020 meeting
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting, approving routine items and several appointments. They authorized a new auditor for the FY 19-20 audit, discussed a mil rate increase of 0.30, and reviewed updates on the sale of town properties. The board also formed an ad hoc committee to research a proposed marina and discussed replacing town welcome signs.
- Authorized James W. Wadman to conduct the FY 19-20 annual audit, replacing Foster & Company.
- Discussed setting mil rate, with an increase of 0.30; tax commitment set for August 20.
- Authorized sale of town-acquired property at 430 Center Drive to the son for back taxes, with safety improvements required within 18 months.
- Formed ad hoc committee to research a proposed marina at the Rt. 15 Industrial Park site.
- Approved appointment of Donald Baker as Health Officer and other committee appointments/resignations.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting on June 8, 2020, and made several decisions. They scheduled a public hearing on the budget for June 22 and the annual town meeting for July 27, both at the school. They also voted to request a 25 mph speed limit on Richardson Road, ratified extending the lawn mowing contract to December 31, 2020, and set a public hearing on proposed permit fee increases for June 22. The meeting included updates on the Public Safety Building and discussion of solar energy proposals, but no action was taken on solar.
- Public hearing on budget scheduled for June 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM at the school
- Town meeting scheduled for July 27, 2020 at 6:00 PM at the school
- Motion to request DOT set speed limit on Richardson Road to 25 mph and erect signs
- Ratified extension of lawn mowing contract to December 31, 2020
- Public hearing on proposed increase in permit fees set for June 22, 2020
Selectman
The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting to enter an executive session regarding a personnel matter. The discussion focused specifically on the search for a new Town Manager.
- Executive session held to discuss Town Manager Search
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met for a special meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the town manager search, citing personnel matters under state law. They exited the session and adjourned without taking any public action. The meeting was otherwise procedural.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session for town manager search
- Executive session held from 6:05 PM to 7:29 PM
- Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board held its monthly meeting, covering routine items like approving prior minutes and public comments. Old business included a review of the Town's Mineral Extraction Ordinance, a status update on the Down to Earth Subdivision (no new information), and continued discussion of the Noise Ordinance, focusing on penalties, fireworks, industrial machinery, measurement, and enforcement. New business involved a zoning discussion for the old fire station property (Map 022 Lot 035).
- Reviewed Town of Orrington Mineral Extraction Ordinance
- Continued discussion of Noise Ordinance penalties, fireworks, industrial machinery, and enforcement
- Discussed zoning for old fire station, Map 022 Lot 035
- Down to Earth Subdivision: no updated information this month
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met and approved a change order for snow bars on the Public Safety Building roof. They also selected McKenna LaBrie for the Spirit of America award, discussed a cost recovery ordinance for structure fires, and reviewed most budget accounts, tabling the Manager and Fire Department accounts. The board also discussed a request from Revision Energy to walk the Brewer Lake Rd. property and a request for funds to sponsor the 4 Port Loop Celebration.
- Approved change order for roof snow bars on Public Safety Building
- Selected McKenna LaBrie for Spirit of America award
- Discussed adopting ordinance to recover costs from homeowner's insurance for structure fires
- Revision Energy requested permission to walk Brewer Lake Rd. industrial park land
- Old Home Week Committee requested $500 donation and $1800 to sponsor 4 Port Loop event
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a community workshop to discuss town goals and objectives, with public input on several topics. Residents raised the need to update the town charter, find a permanent town manager, and consider a solar energy farm at the Brewer Lake Road industrial park. The board agreed the charter update should be done soon and will discuss a plan for the manager search during the regular meeting.
- Charter update: Board agreed to update the town charter, including asking the school and town attorney for input, and forming a committee.
- Town manager search: Board will discuss a plan of action for hiring a permanent town manager during the regular meeting.
- Public safety building: Resident suggested a tour and grand opening when the new facility is completed.
- Solar energy farm: Brewer Lake Road industrial park property discussed regarding interest from a solar energy farm.
- Internet services: Resident proposed a plan to extend internet services, similar to sewer/water lines, with residents paying over several years.