Orrington public meetings in 2021
31 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Orrington Board of Selectmen voted to extend a moratorium on commercial solar facilities in residential districts by six months, approved four annual junkyard permits, and discussed the sale of a tax-acquired property at 374 River Road, refunding a $1,000 deposit after the deal fell through. They also discussed the Fire Department's UTV bid, which is delayed due to supply shortages, and allowed the Town Manager and Fire Chief to proceed as they see fit.
- Extended moratorium on commercial solar facilities in residential districts by 6 months
- Approved 2022 junkyard permits for Corey Recycling, J&J Auto Salvage, Foreign Auto Center, and Stewart's Wrecker Service
- Refunded $1,000 earnest money deposit for 374 River Road property sale
- Discussed Fire Dept. UTV bid delay due to supply shortage
- Approved appointments of Lucas Violette and Trevor Kettel to ORC; accepted resignation of Christine Voteur
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen approved a purchase for a 24kw propane generator from Brodeen Electric & Generator. The board also authorized up to $725,000 for a new fire truck build-out.
- Approved bid from Brodeen Electric & Generator for a 24kw propane generator
- Authorized up to $725,000 to build out a new fire truck
- Approved replacing the Town general operating Sweep Account with an ICS statement account
- Authorized enrollment in the Maine Municipal Association Workers Compensation Safety Incentive Program
- Approved November 8, 2021, Select Board meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved a final site plan for a 6.52 MWdc solar array on about 45 acres off Brewer Lake Road. They also discussed but did not approve a subdivision amendment due to late documents, and continued reviews of two subdivisions with unresolved issues. The board also discussed potential ordinance changes for solar arrays and self-storage units.
- Approved final site plan for Orrington Solar, a 6.52 MWdc array on ~45 acres off Brewer Lake Road (Tax Map 9 Lot 10, Tax Map ? Lot 14B)
- Maine Development LLC's Baxter Subdivision amendment (moving part of Lot 8 to Lot 7) deferred due to late documents
- Oak Hill Subdivision preliminary review continued; missing information and lack of 1-acre contiguous land on Lot 1
- Pre-application for Old Field Subdivision: 60 acres, 12 lots, 25 acres conveyed to abutter Howard, on Center Drive (Tax Map 4 Lot 3)
- Discussion on allowing self-storage units in Residential/Farming districts
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen reviewed bids for several Public Works equipment purchases. While the board authorized a review of excavator bids, decisions on a standby generator and vehicle air cleaning equipment were tabled for further information.
- Tabled decision on standby generator purchase for Public Works facility despite available MMA Risk Reduction grant up to $3,000
- Authorized Town Manager to review six excavator bids with the Public Works foreman
- Tabled decision on air cleaning equipment for vehicles despite available Ed MacDonald Safety Enhancement Grant up to $2,000
- Approved October 25, 2021, meeting minutes
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen approved the design and replacement of a drain field for tax-acquired property at 374 River Road. The Board also authorized the purchase of a trailer for Public Works to transport a tracked excavator.
- Authorization to purchase a trailer for transporting a tracked excavator
- Approval for design and replacement of drain field at 374 River Road
- Approval of holiday office closures for Christmas and New Year's
- Approval of October 12, 2021, meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met to discuss several items, including a review of the solar array ordinance, a preliminary proposal for self-storage units on Ruby Lane, and an after-the-fact subdivision on Applehead Way. No public comments were made, and the board approved the previous meeting's minutes.
- Discussion of solar array ordinance, including 'agrovoltaics' and potential changes to encourage combining farming and solar projects
- Preliminary discussion of 4 self-storage buildings on Ruby Lane (Map 9 Lot 876), a non-conforming use in the RF district, with possible Land Use Ordinance change for June 2022
- Preliminary discussion of 'After the Fact' subdivision on Applehead Way (Brewer Lake Road, Map 7 Lot 30/304), following a stop order for unpermitted foundation work
- Joint meeting announced for October 28 with Planning Board, SEAC, and Select Board to discuss Land Use Ordinance amendments for Commerce Park
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved a $15,000 contract with Sutherland Weston for professional services related to the Town of Orrington Business Park on Route 15. The board also updated the Investment Policy to extend maturities to 72 months and accepted fire department personnel changes. No discussion took place regarding the potential purchase of tax-acquired property at 374 River Road.
- Contract with Sutherland Weston for up to $15,000 for Business Park development on Route 15
- Investment Policy updated to extend investment maturities from 36 to 72 months
- Acceptance of Brian Cochrane's resignation from the Fire Department
- Appointment of Troy Leavitt and Megan Shoeman to the Fire Department
- Discussion of offer to purchase tax-acquired property at 374 River Road (no action taken)
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met on September 30, 2021, and approved the preliminary site plan for a 6.52 megawatt DC solar farm on Brewer Lake Road, proposed by BWC Brewer Lake LLC. The board also tabled a subdivision review due to missing documents and discussed a new solar energy ordinance, which was tabled for further input.
- Approved preliminary site plan for Orrington Solar Project (6.52 MW DC) on Brewer Lake Road, town-owned 31-acre lot
- Tabled W.L. Properties Oak Hill Subdivision review (Oak Hill Road, Tax Map 3 Lot 38-A) pending revised plans and digital data
- Discussed Town of Orrington Solar Energy Ordinance; tabled until next meeting
- Town manager stated contract with BWC is legal, made in executive session; will ask town attorney
- Residents' concerns about town benefits and utility poles were addressed by applicant
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen voted to list a tax-acquired property at 374 River Road for sale, discussed accepting a rescue boat donation, and reviewed bids for fire department equipment. The board also supported the town manager speaking in favor of a Penobscot River cleanup consent decree.
- Voted to list tax-acquired property at 374 River Road with Jim Stoneton
- Accepted rescue boat donation valued at ~$25,569 and allotted up to $10,000 from Fire Equipment Reserve
- Opened bids for UTV skid tanks: Kimtek $8,715, Harrison Shrader $8,285, Fire Tech & Safety $8,800
- Supported proposed consent decree with Mallinckrodt for up to $267M Penobscot River cleanup
- Appointed 7 members to the Charter Committee
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants, and voting on several items. They tabled a discussion about the disposition of tax-acquired properties, including 374 River Road, until a full board is present. They also adopted updated General Assistance thresholds and adjusted the town's investment policy to allow longer maturities.
- Tabled discussion on tax-acquired properties, including 374 River Road
- Signed quit claim deed for Bruce Brookings, Map 8, Lot 30, for tax payment
- Adopted General Assistance thresholds for Oct 1, 2021–Sep 30, 2022
- Extended investment policy maturities from 48 to 72 months
- Contract signed with Sonny Shaw for Orrington Pound repairs
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen discussed the disposition of a tax-acquired property at 374 River Road, where the owner had not paid taxes since 2017. The board voted to table the decision and consult the Town's attorney before proceeding. They also discussed engineering contracts for the East Orrington Business Park and waste disposal commitments for Route 15 development.
- Voted 4-0 to table the disposition of the tax-acquired property at 374 River Road and consult the Town's attorney.
- Discussed contracting Haley Ward for engineering and permitting services for the East Orrington Business Park on Brewer Lake Road, with funding from a TIF or economic development fund.
- Set a $75,000 limit for the East Orrington Business Park engineering services.
- Approved a commitment to ensure adequate solid waste disposal services for one year following DEP permit issuance for Route 15 development, including Pinkerton & Son’s Disposal and Casella.
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board began line-by-line review of a draft Solar Energy Ordinance, noting it will continue this work at the next meeting. The board could not proceed with the W.L. Properties Oak Hill Subdivision review due to missing site plan data and wetland concerns. Additionally, the board discussed the status of the Town Landing project, which has received a state grant for planning services.
- Draft Solar Energy Ordinance review initiated
- W.L. Properties Oak Hill Subdivision review paused due to missing data
- Town Landing project received approximately $30,000 state grant
- Joint meeting planned for September to finalize Commerce Park District
Meeting
The Select Board approved the appointment of Jason Chaffee as Local Plumbing Inspector. The board also tabled a discussion regarding the disposition of town-owned properties, specifically 374 River Road, pending receipt of tax payments.
- Appointment of Jason Chaffee as Local Plumbing Inspector
- Approval of July 26, 2021, meeting minutes
- Discussion on carrying forward $40,000 from Insurance, $14,000 from Town Hall, and $14,000 from Economic Development departments
- Report that 2021 taxes have been committed with the mil rate decreased to 15
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board handled routine appointments, approvals, and a broadband infrastructure contract. They accepted a resignation, appointed a new CEO, and voted to fund the town's share of a broadband grant from reserves.
- Approved $170,000 town share for Spectrum broadband grant from Economic Development Reserve
- Accepted Don Baker's resignation as CEO/LPI/Health Inspector effective 7/31/21
- Appointed Dean Bennett as CEO, Health Officer, Economic Development Advisor effective 8/1/21
- Voted to authorize any board member to sign payroll warrants (option 1)
- Approved annual certification for Center Drive School Board disbursement warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed updates to the Land Use Ordinance, including definitions for in-law apartments, and reviewed a proposed 6.52 MW solar farm on Brewer Lake Road. They also began work on a new Solar Energy Ordinance and noted the CEO's upcoming resignation.
- Continued review of Land Use Ordinance Articles 2, 4, and 9 for Industrial District standards
- Discussed updating in-law apartment definition to revert to single-family use when no longer occupied by an in-law
- W.L. Properties Oak Hill Subdivision site plan review on Oak Hill Road (Tax Map 3 Lot 38-A)
- Blue Wave Solar pre-application for 6.52 MW DC solar farm on town-owned 31-acre lot on Brewer Lake Road
- Town may adopt Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), requiring town vote and certified inspectors
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board met and approved an updated ambulance write-off policy, discussed fire department staffing and promotions, and opened bids for a rescue UTV. The board also tabled the selection of a chairman until a full board is present. No public comments were received.
- Approved updated ambulance write-off policy removing third-party billing company
- Opened bids for rescue UTV: Bangor Motor Sports $22,737-$24,037; Friend & Friend $22,922.98
- Discussed replacing 2 fire vehicles with 1 new unit, pending town meeting approval
- Tabled chairman selection until full board present
- Approved June 28, 2021 meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen approved a new fee structure for cemetery plots, increasing double plots from $300 to $700 and allowing single plots at $400. They also approved corrective and quit claim deeds, a town manager contract, an audit engagement, and a PACE contract. The board discussed but did not approve the purchase of riverfront land for conservation.
- Cemetery plot fees increased to $700 for double, $400 for single, effective July 1, 2021
- Approved $28,000 grant from Dept. of Marine Resources for boat launch conceptual design
- Signed corrective quit claim deed for 94 Settlers Way (Map/Lot 011-010)
- Signed quit claim deed for Map 007 Lot 37-C (tax-acquired property)
- Discussed but did not approve purchase of 4 lots on Arctic Station Road for $100,000-$125,000
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed a complaint about a short-term rental at 50 Rocky Shore Drive, considered but did not recommend requiring permits for home repairs, tabled the Oak Hill Subdivision application, and continued work on a proposed Commerce Park District.
- Complaint about Air B&B at 50 Rocky Shore Drive (Tax Map 16, lot 14) with septic and permitting issues
- Code Enforcement Officer suggested requiring permits for home repairs to capture tax revenue; board did not recommend
- Oak Hill Subdivision (Oak Hill Road, Tax Map 3, Lot 38-A) tabled until applicant pays fee and answers questions
- Planning Board completed review of Land Use Ordinance articles for proposed Commerce Park District
- Moratorium on commercial solar facilities deferred pending sample ordinances
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting, approving minutes, warrants, and a paving RFP with neighboring towns. They discussed adjusting cemetery plot fees, selling a town-owned parcel, and purchasing riverfront land for trails, but no final votes were taken on these items. The meeting also included routine reports and public comments.
- Consensus to set cemetery plot prices at $400/single and $700/double at Oak Hill Cemetery
- Approved annual town warrants and municipal election warrant
- Reviewed paving RFP with Holden, Eddington, Clifton, Lucerne, and Holbrook School
- Discussed sale of 5-acre parcel on Richardson Road to abutting landowners
- Discussed purchasing land on Arctic Station Road from Galen Cole Family Foundation for trails
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed a proposed six-month moratorium on commercial solar facilities in residential districts, which will be voted on at the June 7 town meeting. They also reviewed a site plan application for a three-lot subdivision on Oak Hill Road, hearing resident concerns about safety and dust. The board continued work on a proposed Commerce Park District.
- Moratorium ordinance on Commercial Solar Facilities in Residential and Residential Farming districts to be voted on at June 7 town meeting
- Site plan review for W.L. Properties Oak Hill Subdivision: three lots on Oak Hill Road, Tax Map 3 Lot 38-A
- Residents raised concerns about construction safety and dust on dirt road
- Discussion on establishing a new Commerce Park District
- Site visit for Oak Hill Subdivision to be scheduled
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen held their regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants, and discussing the town budget and warrant articles. They voted to establish a 180-day moratorium on solar fields larger than 2,000 square feet in residential and residential/farming zones, pending attorney review. They also discussed adjusting cemetery plot fees and reviewed a grant application for $28,000.
- Voted to establish a 180-day moratorium on solar arrays over 2,000 sq ft in Residential and Residential/Farming zones
- Discussed increasing cemetery plot fees at Pine Hill and Oak Hill cemeteries from $300 for a double plot
- Reviewed draft warrant articles for the annual town meeting, with revisions to be presented next meeting
- Grant application submitted for $28,000 for the Landing Committee
- Retracted Article #32 on alcohol beverage recertification due to state changes
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen approved a bid for a public works plow truck, authorized the town manager to sign a cooperative agreement with Maine DOT for a speed feedback sign, and discussed updates to cemetery rules. They also reviewed the proposed budget ahead of the public hearing and approved a liquor license renewal for Rocky Knoll Golf Course.
- Accepted Mike Nelligan's $3,850 bid for the plow truck over Mark Stephens' $3,800.51
- Authorized town manager to sign DOT agreement for dynamic speed feedback radar sign
- Agreed to consolidate and update cemetery rules and regulations
- Final review of budgeted revenues and expenditures before May 10 hearing
- Approved Rocky Knoll Golf Course liquor license renewals with waiver of public hearing
Meeting
The board held informal pre-application reviews for a battery storage project near Fields Pond Road and a 17-acre solar farm on Brewer Lake Road. Members also approved a request to replace a sign at the Masonic Lodge with a lighted digital display.
- Approval of a new lighted digital display sign for 730 River Road (Tax Map 5, Lot 44A) with illumination hours between 6am and 10pm
- Pre-application review for Jupiter Power LLC battery storage project on Tax Map 9, Lot 10 near Fields Pond Road
- Pre-application review for New England Solar Garden Corp 3.0 MW solar array on Tax Map 6, Lot 70-A
- Discussion of a proposed Commerce Park District by the SEAC Committee
- Review of a residential and welding shop proposal on Center Drive (Tax Map 5, Lot 99) found to be a non-conforming use
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen approved the sale of three tax-acquired properties via sealed bids, accepted a lease/purchase option for new school buses, and authorized the town manager to negotiate with the current contractor for mowing and trimming services. They also discussed the recreation budget, capital reserves for new fire and public works equipment, and updates on the SEAC and Landing committees.
- Approved sale of tax-acquired property on Ryder Lane to Maria Griffin for $20,040
- Approved sale of tax-acquired property on Blake Road to Richard Zielinski for $10,000
- Approved sale of tax-acquired property on Center Drive to Mark Stevens for $24,675
- Approved lease/purchase option for new school buses from Cressey
- Authorized Town Manager to negotiate with Bangor Lawn and Landscaping for mowing and trimming services
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen met and discussed several items, including a request to establish a Charter Commission, initial budget discussions for multiple departments, a potential school bus lease/purchase, and a TIF district for the Rt. 15 industrial park. The board approved minutes and an appointment, but tabled the bus lease and budget items for further discussion.
- Petition to amend Charter withdrawn; board considers Charter Commission
- Initial budget discussion for Library, Manager, Insurance, Town Hall, Assessor, Fire & Rescue
- School Committee seeks authorization to lease 5 new buses and purchase 1 used bus; tabled
- TIF agreement discussion with Bernstein Shur for town-owned parcel on Rt. 15
- Appointment of Mike Gladu to Orrington Landing Committee
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen held their regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants, and beginning initial budget discussions for public works and capital projects. They also agreed to sign corrected quitclaim deeds due to an error in map/lot numbers, and held an executive session on economic development with no action taken afterward.
- Approved corrected quitclaim deeds due to map/lot number errors
- Initial budget discussion for Public Works, Road Projects, Equipment, Capital, and Capital Projects
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Held executive session on economic development (M.R.S.A. Title 1, §405(6)(C))
- Announced re-hiring of Ron Gray Jr. to Orrington Fire & Rescue
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board is holding a workshop to discuss development ideas for a 32-acre parcel on River Road (Map 002 Lot 016). Mike Gladu is considering relocating his RV repair and sales business from North Orrington to this site and is seeking feedback on feasibility. Possible future camping areas to complement the existing Thorntons campground are also mentioned.
- Discussion on 32-acre parcel on River Road (Map 002 Lot 016)
- Potential relocation of RV business from North Orrington
- Possible future camping areas near Thorntons campground
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen voted to sell a tax-acquired property at 10 Ryder Lane via sealed bid, along with two other properties from a prior meeting. They also approved a quitclaim deed for another tax-acquired property, discussed initial budget requests for several departments, and received updates from SEAC and the fire department.
- Voted to sell tax-acquired property at 10 Ryder Lane (Map 010 Lot 025) via sealed bid, 10% at bid, 30 days to close
- Approved quitclaim deed for tax-acquired property Map 008 Lot 035, returned to prior owner for payment in full
- Discussed initial budget requests for departments including Police, Solid Waste, and General Assistance
- Re-hired Ron Gray Jr. to Orrington Fire & Rescue
- Received SEAC update on Rt. 15 Industrial park property research
Meeting
The Orrington Selectmen approved a master task order agreement with HNTB Architects/Engineers for up to $80,000, plus a first task order not to exceed $9,950, for the Orrington Landing Committee. They also approved a quitclaim deed for a tax-acquired property, authorized bids on two tax-acquired properties and a plow truck, and declined to pursue pedestrian traffic signs from Maine DOT.
- Approved $80,000 master task order agreement with HNTB and $9,950 task order #1
- Signed quitclaim deed for Map 001 Lot 040-C (tax-acquired property returned to prior owner)
- Authorized bid for tax-acquired property at 10 Ryder Lane (Map 010 Lot 025)
- Authorized bid for tax-acquired property at 14 Blake Road (Map 011 Lot 034)
- Authorized sale of Public Works plow truck
Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed and approved site plan modifications for a residential subdivision and a change of use for a commercial property. Both approvals were contingent upon specific corrections or payments.
- Approved North Orrington Meadows subdivision Map 9 lot 39a phase three modification to add one single and two double residential units pending payment
- Approved preliminary and final site plan and change of use for Jeremy Knapp's granite shop at Map 22 lot 35 (old fire station) pending corrections
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved four junkyard permits, accepted fire department resignations, approved a state grant for fire equipment, and extended the town manager's contract. They also discussed the Hyatt property disposition, the budget process, and held an executive session with no action taken.
- Approved junkyard permits for J&J Auto Salvage (379 Brewer Lake Rd), Foreign Auto Center (518 Center Dr), Corey Recycling (494 Brewer Lake Rd), Stewart's Wrecker Service (277 Snows Corner Rd)
- Accepted resignations of 5 fire department personnel: Tyler Beal, Andrew Murphy, John Sullivan, Stephan Farris, Erik Tourtillotte
- Approved State of Maine Department of Forestry grant for fire equipment (covers 50% of cost)
- Extended Town Manager contract 6 months through June 2021 at $75,000 salary
- Appointed Eric Wise to Zoning Board of Appeals