Orrington public meetings in 2022
33 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants. They heard a presentation on volunteer cemetery work and discussed potentially funding tree removal at Pine Hill Cemetery, pending an estimate. The board also approved minutes from a public hearing on the revised General Assistance Ordinance.
- Approved Select Board meeting minutes of November 28, 2022
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Discussed appropriating funds for tree removal at Pine Hill Cemetery, pending estimate from Burman Tree Company
- Approved minutes of November 28 Public Hearing on revised General Assistance Ordinance and adoption of updated thresholds
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, approving minutes, warrants, and a resignation, and adopting a revised General Assistance Ordinance. They also accepted two fire department grants totaling $3,800. Residents of Bouchard Drive raised concerns about a proposed non-profit campground, but the Board directed them to the Planning Board, stating it had no jurisdiction.
- Adopted revised General Assistance Ordinance
- Accepted MMA grants: $3,000 for safety enhancement, $800 for risk reduction
- Accepted resignation of Susan Carson from Zoning Board of Appeals
- Discussed proposed campground on Bouchard Drive; residents urged to contact Planning Board
- Authorized Town Manager to continue economic development discussions
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear public comments, and conduct old and new business. Old business includes a new sign application for W.L. Properties at Center Dr./Oak Hill Road and a preliminary review of the Bartlett Cove Subdivision. New business is a sketch plan and introductory discussion for Matt and Mindy Cronin.
- W.L. Properties Center Dr./Oak Hill Road (New Signatures)
- Bartlett Cove Subdivision (Preliminary Review)
- Sketch Plan/Introductory Discussion: Matt and Mindy Cronin
Meeting
The Orrington Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 against petitioning the state to include parts of the town in the new 26A hunting zone, which would have allowed expanded archery hunting to address deer overpopulation. The board also approved opening a wealth management account at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for short-term investments. Other business included approving minutes and warrants, and scheduling a cemetery project presentation.
- Vote 5-0 against petitioning Maine IF&W to add Orrington to hunting zone 26A
- Approved new Wealth Management Account at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for short-term investments
- Approved Select Board meeting minutes of October 24, 2022
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Scheduled cemetery project presentation by Judith Frost-Gillis for next meeting
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving an end user agreement allowing the Penobscot River Paddling Trail group to establish an overnight camping stop on town-owned riverfront land. The board also approved meeting minutes and accounts payable warrants, and discussed a resident's proposal for a cemetery cleanup volunteer program.
- Approved overnight camping stop for Penobscot River Paddling Trail group on town-owned riverfront land
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Approved Select Board meeting minutes of October 12, 2022
- Discussed resident Judith Gillis's proposal for annual cemetery cleanup volunteer program
- Public reminder: Election Day November 8, polls open 7 AM - 8 PM
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved a final subdivision plan for a 3-lot development on Center Drive/Oak Hill Road, with two 6-unit multifamily buildings and a duplex, after the applicant moved the units to avoid wetlands. The board also approved a one-year extension for the Blue Wave/BWC Brewer Lake LLC site plan on Brewer Lake Road. No public comments were made.
- Approved final subdivision plan for W.L. Properties, Center Drive/Oak Hill Road, 3-lot subdivision with multifamily units
- Approved one-year extension for Blue Wave / DBA BWC Brewer Lake LLC site plan on Brewer Lake Road
- Board discussed cluster development ordinance for future work
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board met and approved sending a letter to the Maine Audubon Society regarding complaints about incidents at Fields Pond. The board also approved meeting minutes and accounts payable warrants. No new business was discussed, but the manager reported on road repairs and the Mallinckrodt settlement.
- Approved sending letter to Maine Audubon Society about Fields Pond access issues
- Approved meeting minutes of September 26, 2022
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Discussed Mallinckrodt consent decree: $187 million trust plus $80 million contingency reserve for Penobscot River remediation
- Manager reported replacing soft areas on Richardson Road, paving expected next year
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board discussed creating a policy for hunting and recreational access on town-owned land, prompted by unlabeled tree stands and game cameras. They also reviewed a proposed charter change requiring roll-call votes and treating unjustified abstentions as affirmative. No final decisions were made on either item.
- Discussion on hunting and recreational access policy for town-owned lands
- Charter committee proposal to require roll-call votes and treat unjustified abstentions as affirmative
- Approved meeting minutes of September 12, 2022
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Executive session on economic development; no action taken
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved the preliminary subdivision plan for W.L. Properties' 3-lot subdivision on Center Drive/Oak Hill Road, contingent on corrections and further review of wetland delineation. The board also held a pre-application meeting for a proposed 16-unit multi-family subdivision at 88 River Road. Several site plans were re-signed due to Registry of Deeds requirements.
- Approved preliminary plan for 3-lot subdivision on Center Drive/Oak Hill Road (Tax Map 3 Lot 6)
- Multi-family units on Lot 3 reduced from 16 to 15
- Pre-application for 16-unit multi-family subdivision at 88 River Road (Map 9 Lot 39 D)
- Re-signed Baxter Subdivision site plans due to text not dark enough for Registry of Deeds
- Signed Applehead Way Subdivision site plan; noted requirement for rolled plans
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, approving minutes, warrants, appointments, and the fall cleanup date. They discussed a noise complaint about El Rancho Kennels, with both parties agreeing to mediation. The board also approved updated General Assistance thresholds and, after an executive session, authorized the town manager to execute a land lease at East Orrington Business Park.
- Approved Ralph Robshaw's retirement from Public Works after 26 years
- Approved Gretchen Boynton's appointment to the library
- Set Fall Cleanup day for Saturday, October 15, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Discussed noise and hours at El Rancho Kennels; parties agreed to mediation with Town Manager
- Approved updated General Assistance thresholds for FY 2022-2023
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved a motion allowing the Penobscot River Trail Group to establish an overnight camping site on town-owned land off McGinn Road, subject to a user agreement. The board also approved a Class III and Class IV liquor application for Pizzaland, limited to beer and wine. The meeting included updates on the Spectrum town-wide internet build-out and a report on Old Home Week 2022.
- Approved overnight camping site for Penobscot River Trail Group on town land off McGinn Road, subject to user agreement
- Approved Class III and Class IV liquor license for Pizzaland (beer and wine only)
- Spectrum internet build-out completed on Betts Rd, Hillside Drive, Long Hill, and up to 912 Center Drive; remaining roads expected by September 2
- Old Home Week 2022 report: about 100 yard sales, $125,000 earned, 3 accidents reported
- Approved town accounts payable warrants and meeting minutes of August 8, 2022
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board reviewed two subdivision proposals. For W.L. Properties on Center Drive/Oak Hill Road, the board discussed corrections to the site plan, including wetland and upland compliance issues on Lot 2, and scheduled a site visit for September 15. For Applehead Way, the board approved the final subdivision plan contingent on receiving approved digital files. The board also tabled work on cluster development standards and discussed potential ordinance corrections.
- W.L. Properties 3-lot subdivision on Center Drive/Oak Hill Road, including a 16-acre multi-family lot
- Lot 2 compliance issue: need for 1-acre contiguous upland and wetland concerns
- Applehead Way 2-building subdivision final approval contingent on digital plan files
- New Penobscot Registry of Deeds rule: final subdivision plans must be rolled, not folded
- Cluster development standards discussion tabled until winter
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, addressing a resident complaint about a barking dog and an RV, and approving appointments. The board discussed but tabled a proposal to allow the Penobscot River Trail Group to establish an overnight camping site on town-owned land off McGinn Road, pending more information. It also set a public hearing for a liquor license application for Pizzaland.
- Tabled proposal for overnight camping site on town land off McGinn Road (future Bakers Landing)
- Set public hearing for Pizzaland liquor license for August 18 at 3pm
- Appointed Chris Backman as Local Plumbing Inspector
- Accepted resignation of Jason Chaffee as Local Plumbing Inspector
- Heard public comments about excessive dog barking and RV code issues on Center Drive
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving the minutes, accounts payable warrants, and annual policies for payroll and education disbursements. They also signed a warrant for a Special Town Meeting on August 8, 2022. Public comments addressed noise and access issues at Fields Pond boat launch, with the board agreeing to work with the Audubon Society and Curran Farm on a resolution.
- Approved policy allowing any board member to sign payroll warrants (option 1)
- Approved annual certification for Center Drive School Board to process disbursement warrants
- Signed Special Town Meeting warrant for August 8, 2022
- Discussed partnering with Audubon Society and Curran Farm on Fields Pond boat launch access and enforcement
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved the final subdivision plan for the East Orrington Business Park and granted preliminary and final approval for a self-storage project on Ruby Lane, contingent on reducing impervious area. The board also reviewed a proposed two-building subdivision on Applehead Way and began discussing cluster development standards.
- Final approval of East Orrington Business Park subdivision plan
- Preliminary and final approval for 4 self-storage buildings on Ruby Lane, contingent on removing 13,000 sq ft of impervious area to meet 20% limit
- Sketch review of 2-building subdivision on Applehead Way (Tax Map 7 Lot 30A) with multiple corrections required
- Discussion of cluster development standards for Orrington
Meeting
The Orrington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to sign a nonbinding resolution supporting the Maine Affordable Energy Coalition's opposition to a state takeover of utility companies. They also scheduled a Special Town Meeting for August 8 to consider selling or leasing parcels in the town's business parks, which requires voter approval. The board approved minutes, warrants, and welcomed a new fire department employee.
- Signed nonbinding resolution opposing state takeover of Maine utility companies
- Scheduled Special Town Meeting for August 8 to approve sale or lease of business park parcels
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Welcomed new Fire Department employee Tony Avila
- Discussed moving funds to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust wealth management account
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving the annual audit engagement with James W. Wadman CPAs and voting for MMA Legislative Policy Committee nominees. They also discussed Old Home Week events, year-end budget figures, and tabled a discussion on Fields Pond Road access.
- Approved annual audit engagement services from James W. Wadman CPA's, Ellsworth, ME
- Voted 5-0 for MMA Legislative Policy Committee nominees
- Discussed Old Home Week schedule, July 15-24
- Tabled discussion on access road and boat launch at Fields Pond Road
- Reviewed year-end revenues, expenditures, and fund balance
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met and discussed a proposal by the Grovers to add two self-storage units on Ruby Lane (Tax Map 9 Lot 876), now allowed in Residential/Farming districts with board approval. Abutting property owners expressed concerns about traffic, speed, dust, and safety. The board requested a traffic count and further communication with abutters before the next meeting. The board also tabled the election of a chair and noted that Land Use Ordinance articles were approved at the annual town meeting.
- Initial site plan discussion for Orrington Self Storage, two additional units on Ruby Lane, Tax Map 9 Lot 876
- Abutter letters raised concerns about traffic, speed, dust, and safety
- Board requested traffic count and communication with abutters
- Election of Planning Board chair tabled until next meeting
- Land Use Ordinance articles approved at annual town meeting
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, approving minutes, warrants, and annual appointments of town officials and committee members. The board also extended the town manager's contract for the next fiscal year and discussed paving projects, the Spectrum broadband project, and public safety.
- Approved appointment of Gwenivere Watkins as PT Library Aid at Orrington Public Library
- Approved annual appointments of town officials and committee members for upcoming fiscal year
- Extended Town Manager Chris Backman's contract from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
- Discussed paving projects and East Bucksport Road sinkholes
- Noted Penobscot County Sheriff SRT training event, not a public safety incident
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen approved the Annual Town Warrant and the Annual Election Warrant. The board also authorized posting invasive plant notices at town water access points and decided to maintain the regular meeting location during the June 14 statewide elections.
- Approval of Annual Town Warrant
- Approval of Annual Election Warrant
- Authorization to post invasive plant notices at town water body access points
- Approval of Orrington Industrial Parks TIF minutes from May 9, 2022
- Report of $2,900.00 in revenue from spring cleanup day
Meeting
The Planning Board approved the final subdivision plan for Eagle Point Business Park after confirming it meets all town and Land Use Ordinances. The board also reviewed a sketch plan for a potential two-phase subdivision on Old Stage Coach Road.
- Approval of Final Subdivision Plan for Eagle Point Business Park
- Review of Sketch Plan for Old Stage Coach Road subdivision (Tax Map 2 Lot 16 and 15B)
- Discussion regarding a potential 21-lot cluster development on Old Stage Coach Road
Meeting
The Select Board discussed and approved placing a local option vote on Sunday alcohol sales on the June town warrant, and reviewed the annual town warrant including a proposal to return $74,000 to the prior owner of a foreclosed property. The board also discussed paving projects and received department reports. The meeting was largely procedural, with no public comments or old business.
- Approved motion to place Sunday alcohol sales referendum on June 6 town warrant
- Reviewed draft town warrant, including Article 28 to return $74,000 to prior owner of 374 River Road
- Discussed paving projects with Holden, Dedham, and Eddington
- Approved minutes and accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board voted to recommend changes to Land Use Ordinance Articles 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 to the Select Board. They also recommended the approval of a new Solar Array Ordinance for inclusion in the annual town meeting warrant.
- Recommendation of Land Use Ordinance changes (Articles 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9) to the Select Board
- Recommendation of Orrington Solar Array Ordinance to the Select Board
- Decision to table final review for Eagle Point Business Park Subdivision on Route 15
- Decision to table final review for East Orrington Business Park on Brewer Lake Road
- Approval of a written statement regarding the lot size of Eugene Long's property
Meeting
The Board of Selectmen approved the upcoming fiscal year budget and a liquor application for Rocky Knoll Country Club LLC. The meeting also addressed a Freedom of Information request regarding fire station maintenance and discussed trash concerns on Route 15.
- Approval of FY 2022-23 budget
- Approval of Rocky Knoll Country Club LLC liquor application for On-Premise and Mobile License
- Freedom of Information request from resident Joe Roussel regarding fire station maintenance schedules
- Approval of March 28, 2022, meeting minutes
- Approval of town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants, making a temporary plumbing inspector appointment, and discussing several items. They scheduled the FY23 budget hearing and a public hearing on a proposed Business Enterprise Parks TIF for May 9. They also authorized the town manager and public works foreman to decide on a tractor purchase and entered executive session on economic development.
- Approved town accounts payable warrants (amount not specified)
- Appointed Benjamin R.K. Breadmore as Local Plumbing Inspector for a single project at 374 River Road
- Scheduled FY23 budget hearing for May 9 at 6:30 PM at Center Drive School
- Scheduled TIF public hearing for May 9 following the budget hearing
- Authorized town manager and public works foreman to decide on tractor purchase
Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed and approved site plans for the Baxter Subdivision, East Orrington Business Park, and Eagle Point Business Park. The Board also conducted a final review of amendments to multiple Land Use Ordinance Articles and set public hearing dates for April 21, 2022.
- Approved final subdivision revision for Maine Development LLC Baxter Subdivision at Deer Run
- Approved preliminary and final site plans for East Orrington Business Park on Brewer Lake Road
- Approved preliminary site plan for Eagle Point Business Park on Route 15
- Voted to increase maximum sign square footage to 100sf for the CPD District
- Set April 21, 2022, public hearing for Land Use Ordinance amendments and Solar Array ordinance
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved a $10,078 repair for Fire Engine 361, adjusted EMS billing rates to match surrounding areas, and approved a new EMS subscription service starting July 1, 2022. They also tabled a request from Penobscot Paddlers for an overnight stop at the boat landing until liability insurance is verified, and reviewed proposed department budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Approved E One repair for Engine 361 at $10,078 (after discounts)
- Approved EMS billing rate adjustments to prevailing rates
- Approved EMS subscription service agreement effective July 1, 2022
- Tabled Penobscot Paddlers overnight stop request pending liability insurance
- Reviewed proposed budgets for multiple departments including Selectman, Town Hall, Solid Waste, and Capital Projects
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed proposed department budget estimates, including a major increase for Fire and Rescue to support 24/7 coverage. The Board also discussed a request for overnight camping access on Town land by the Penobscot Paddling Group.
- Approved Municipal Quitclaim Deed for Map 006 Lot 063-D tax acquired property
- Adopted the Penobscot County Hazard Mitigation Plan – 2021 Update
- Reviewed budget estimates for Public Works, Sheriff Patrol, Recreation, and Fire and Rescue
- Discussed a proposed Fire Department subscription program to waive ambulance co-pays
Meeting
The Board discussed updates to land use districts, including potential self-storage in Residential/Farming Districts. Members also addressed Airbnb regulation and a resident request regarding a town-owned right-of-way on River Road.
- Proposed changes to Article 2, Article 4, and Article 9 of the land use code
- Discussion on allowing self-storage buildings in Residential/Farming Districts
- Completion of Commerce Park District Schedule of Uses and Definitions
- Request for Fire Chief input regarding Route 15 Business Park
- Discussion regarding town-owned right-of-way at River Road, Tax Map 23 Lot 10
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed proposed department budget estimates and revenue estimates. The Board also discussed Charter Committee proposals regarding agenda posting time frames and the creation of a Budget Committee.
- Discussion on Northwood’s Ranch & Retreat operations at Center Drive
- Proposal to name SEAC park 'Eagle Point'
- Proposed change to 3-day agenda posting for Select Board and School Committee
- Review of department budget estimates including Assessing, Code Enforcement, and Animal Control
- Approval of January 24, 2022, meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting covering public concerns about a group home at 245 Center Drive, approved the disposition of two tax-acquired properties, and began preliminary budget discussions. The board also went into executive session to discuss employee compensation for FY23.
- Resident reported $15,000 in medical equipment stolen, recovered at group home at 245 Center Drive
- Board approved giving prior owner chance to repurchase tax-acquired property account #859 until December 2022
- Board authorized Town Manager to decide disposition of tax-acquired property account #911 (assessed value $7,700)
- Town Manager to start budget discussions with department heads; mailbox policy may become budget line item
- Closing for 374 River Road scheduled for 01/31/2022; septic estimate $8,500 plus $500 for electrical hookup
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met on January 20, 2022, to review and vote on several subdivision proposals. They approved preliminary and final site plans for Oak Hill Estates, approved a preliminary plan for the Baxter Subdivision amendment with corrections, and reviewed two new business park proposals (East Orrington Business Park and Route 15 Business Park) but deferred final approval pending corrections. The meeting was held in person and via Zoom due to COVID-19 precautions.
- Approved preliminary and final site plans for Oak Hill Estates Subdivision (Oak Hill Road, Tax Map 3 Lot 38-A) after changes to meet ordinance requirements.
- Approved preliminary site plan for Maine Development LLC's Baxter Subdivision amendment, which would create two new lots from Lot #8 and adjust property lines.
- Reviewed preliminary plan for East Orrington Business Park (Brewer Lake Road) to create four lots; approval deferred pending corrections.
- Reviewed preliminary plan for Route 15 Business Park (Map 5 Lot 68) to create 37 lots on ~75 acres; approval deferred pending corrections.
- Board discussed future topics: Air B&Bs and business park schedule-of-uses.
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board met and handled routine business, including approving minutes and warrants. They discussed a resident's concern about speeding on River Road, accepted a grant for fire equipment, and voted to accept an offer for town-owned property at 374 River Road after two executive sessions.
- Resident Jack McDonald raised concerns about speeding on River Road near Center Drive
- Accepted Maine Forest Services VFA grant for radios and pump ($3,878 cost, $2,477 reimbursement)
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Voted to accept offer for town-owned property at 374 River Road
- Fire Chief reported 578 calls in busiest year ever