Rockland public meetings in 2021
42 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will meet remotely to consider two proposed ordinance amendments: one on dwelling and structure size (Amendment #42) and one on fences (Amendment #43). The commission will also review and potentially approve the draft minutes from the November 11, 2021 meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2022.
- Ordinance Amendment #42 – Dwelling and Structure Size
- Ordinance Amendment #43 – Fences
- Approval of November 11, 2021 draft minutes
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review the implementation, regional coordination, and executive summary of the comprehensive plan, and to discuss next steps. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.
- Review implementation of comprehensive plan
- Review regional coordination efforts
- Review executive summary
- Discuss next steps
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review the city's sustainability efforts, discuss implementation, and outline next steps. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific votes, contracts, or public hearings listed.
- Review of sustainability plan
- Discussion of implementation strategies
- Discussion of next steps
- Approval of September 30, 2021 draft minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss proposed changes to the historic preservation ordinance, including processes for homeowners, permit requirements, and definitions. They will also hear a presentation from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and consider designating local landmarks, including a property at 470 Main Street.
- Discussion of ordinance changes and inconsistencies with the Manual
- Process for homeowners and City/Code Office timelines
- Presentation by Maine Historic Preservation Commission
- Designation of local landmarks
- 470 Main Street property consideration
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to discuss an ordinance amendment on inclusionary zoning, along with future and existing land use considerations. The commission will also review and approve draft minutes from the previous meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
- Ordinance Amendment #38 Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
- Future Land Use/Existing Land Use discussion
- Approval of September 16, 2021 draft minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission is reviewing the Historic Preservation Ordinance through various committees. Members also discussed a proposal to replace a National Register-listed building at Main and Lindsey Streets.
- Review of the definition of 'non-conforming' properties in the ordinance
- Committee work on architectural details for items not requiring building permits
- Potential demolition and replacement of a building at Main and Lindsey Streets with a three-story structure
- Discussion regarding the creation of Local Landmarks within the researched area
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss potential changes to the historic preservation ordinance, including the public process for opting in or out, permit requirements, and what makes a property non-contributing. The agenda includes discussion of a public meeting and letters from Ann and Catherine Finney. The meeting is procedural and focused on future ordinance revisions.
- Discussion of public meeting
- Re-visit ordinance with suggested changes from Ann and Catherine Finney's letter
- Timing of public hearing and letters to homeowners
- Public process to opt in or out of historic designation
- Determination of what changes require permit and HPC consideration
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to discuss new business items including the implementation approach, regional coordination, and a draft vision statement. The meeting is primarily a working session with no public hearings or votes on specific projects.
- Discussion of implementation approach and associated write-up
- Discussion of regional coordination
- Review of draft vision statement
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to continue its sustainability review and follow up on future land use planning. The agenda includes approval of the August 12 draft minutes and scheduling the next meeting.
- Continue sustainability review
- Follow up on future land use
- Approve August 12, 2021 draft minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The commission will discuss the name for the Rockland Central Historic District and address non-contributing properties. The meeting also includes a review of an application to the Code Office.
- Discussion regarding Rockland Central Historic District name
- Review of non-contributing properties
- Approval of application to Code Office
- Public hearing
Historic Preservation Commission
The commission voted to name its first Local Historic District 'Rockland Central Historic District.' During a public hearing, residents raised concerns regarding notification procedures and the impact of district designation on property rights.
- Voted to adopt 'Rockland Central Historic District' as the first Local Historic District name
- Designated 10 Masonic Street, 38 Summer Street, 50 Talbot Avenue, 8 Grove Street, and 38 Beech Street as non-contributing properties
- Voted 5-1 to designate 63 Union Street as a non-contributing building
- Voted 3-2 to designate 132 Limerock Street as a contributing building
- Received 30 letters opposed to the district and 2 letters in favor of the district
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission met remotely via Zoom on August 12, 2021. The agenda consisted primarily of procedural items, including the approval of draft minutes from July 15 and July 29, 2021. The only new business items were to continue the sustainability review and follow up on future land use. No specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances were listed.
- Approval of draft minutes from July 15 and July 29, 2021
- Continuation of sustainability review
- Follow-up on future land use
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving previous minutes and discussing old and new business. The main items are a discussion of non-contributing properties and a proposal for a district name, along with an application to the Code Office. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.
- Discussion of non-contributing properties
- Proposal for a district name
- Application to the Code Office
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will review four proposed zoning ordinance amendments covering food vendor vehicles, outdoor recreational activities, auto body shops, and micro community-based renewable energy projects. They will also discuss sustainability key findings and goals. The meeting is remote via Zoom.
- Ordinance Amendment #25: Food Vendor Vehicles definition in Section 19-302
- Ordinance Amendment #26: Outdoor Recreational Activities in RR1 and RR2 zones (Section 19-304(5A)/(5B))
- Ordinance Amendment #29: Auto Body Shops in Transitional Business 1 Zone (Section 19-304(6))
- Ordinance Amendment #30: Micro Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects in Special Use Classes (Section 19-309)
- Discussion of Sustainability Key Findings, Goals, Objectives
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is preparing for an August 23 public hearing on the city's first local historic district application. Members discussed how to classify non-contributing properties, which would not be subject to exterior change review or demolition prevention, and began planning for a future Main Street Business District nomination.
- Public hearing for the first local historic district set for Monday, August 23, 2021, at 5 pm in Council Chambers; commission will meet at 4:30 pm beforehand
- Commission discussed criteria for designating properties as non-contributing, including whether altered facades or new construction should qualify
- Chair Callie Black will map and photograph suggested non-contributing properties for member review before the next meeting
- Next district to be nominated will be the Main Street Business District, with potential boundaries from Park Street to the Rankin Block and west to Union Street
- Survey sheets will need to be prepared for each building in the next district
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review an application for a Historic District designation for the Code Office, including a statement of significance and a map. They will also discuss an upcoming public hearing on August 23 and identify non-contributing properties. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and setting the next meeting date.
- Historic District application for Code Office with statement of significance and map
- Public hearing scheduled for August 23 at 5:00 PM
- Discussion of non-contributing properties in the district
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Comprehensive Planning Commission will meet via Zoom to discuss edits to Future Land Use, specifically regarding focus areas and neighborhoods. The commission will also review data section questions and discuss sustainability findings, goals, and objectives.
- Discussion of Edits to Future Land Use (Focus Areas and Neighborhoods)
- Review of data section clarity questions
- Discussion of Sustainability Key Findings, Goals, and Objectives
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission will meet remotely to discuss old and new business, including a possible new commission member, a Historic District application for the Code Office, and the potential inclusion of Grace Street in the district. They will also consider changing their meeting day and plan a public meeting possibly for August 23.
- Historic District application for Code Office with statement of significance and map
- Possible inclusion of Grace Street in the historic district
- Discussion of new commission member
- Change of meeting day
- Plans for public meeting possibly August 23
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission discussed the application for the Central Rockland Local Historic District, including a statement of significance, a district map, and property surveys. They also planned letters to property owners and agreed to exclude Grace Street from the district. The commission will move to in-person meetings at Council Chambers starting July 1 and changed its meeting time to 4:30 pm.
- Application for Central Rockland Local Historic District to be submitted to Code Office
- Letters to property owners about the district and public hearing
- Grace Street removed from the proposed district
- Meetings to be held in Council Chambers starting July 1, time changed to 4:30 pm
- Discussion of designating old lime kiln along Harbor Trail as Local Landmark
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review and discuss future land use focus areas as part of its ongoing planning work. The agenda includes approval of draft minutes from the previous meeting and scheduling the next session.
- Discussion of Future Land Use focus areas
- Review of May 27, 2021 draft minutes
- Next meeting set for July 15, 2021 via Zoom
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review and edit the Future Land Use section and discuss sustainability. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals detailed.
- Future Land Use review/edits
- Sustainability review
- Approval of May 20, 2021 draft minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting remotely to handle routine business, including approving minutes and discussing old and new business. The main items are preparing a local historic district application for the Code Office and finalizing a notification letter. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.
- Prepare local historic district application for Code Office
- Finalize notification letter (drafts attached)
- Review minutes from previous meeting
- Discuss names and addresses of current owners
- Discuss commission membership
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is preparing to submit a request for designation of the Central Rockland Local Historic District to the City Council. Members discussed completing survey sheets, adding statements of significance, identifying non-contributing buildings, and planning a public hearing for July 26, 2021. The commission also agreed to explore making the Davis Tillson house on Talbot Avenue a Local Landmark.
- Survey sheets for eight houses on Grace and Broad Streets still to be completed
- Commission will add Statements of Significance to survey sheets
- Bill volunteered to identify non-contributing buildings in proposed historic district
- Public hearing for Central Rockland Local Historic District proposed for July 26, 2021
- Commission agreed to consider Davis Tillson house on Talbot Avenue as Local Landmark
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review and discuss a proposed ordinance amendment regarding affordable housing covenants, along with edits to the future land use plan and a sustainability review. The meeting is primarily for discussion and review; no final votes are listed on the agenda.
- Proposed Ordinance Amendment #22 – Chapter 2, Section 2-509 Affordable Housing Covenants
- Future Land Use review/edits
- Sustainability review
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will review draft minutes, receive an update on Future Land Use and Sustainability chapters, and discuss three proposed ordinance amendments. These amendments address accessory apartment minimum square footage, a contract zone for Habitat for Humanity on Talbot Ave, and affordable housing covenants. The meeting is remote via Zoom.
- Update on Future Land Use and Sustainability chapter drafts
- Proposed Ordinance Amendment #18: Accessory Apartments minimum square footage (Chapter 19, Section 19-302)
- Proposed Ordinance Amendment #21: Authorizing Talbot Ave Contract Zone for Habitat for Humanity
- Proposed Ordinance Amendment #22: Affordable Housing Covenants (Chapter 2, Section 2-509)
Harbor Trail Committee
The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee is meeting to approve minutes and discuss old business, including historical markers, trail markers, Dragon Field maintenance, Sandy Beach Bathroom, and trail connections. New business includes possible planting in Dragon Field. The agenda is mostly updates and discussions, with no major decisions or contracts listed.
- Review of possible historical markers & placement
- Update on Dragon Field maintenance
- Update on Sandy Beach Bathroom
- Update on connection to Ferry terminal park
- Possible Planting in Dragon Field
Harbor Trail Committee
The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee discussed and approved moving forward with the first four trail signs, confirmed a plan for connecting Ferry Terminal Park to the trail's end, and reviewed progress on several projects including Dragon Field, Sandy Beach bathrooms, and potential easements in the North End. The meeting was largely a working session with updates and action items rather than final decisions.
- Approved first 4 trail signs, starting at Snow Marine Park entrance, in wood design by Amy Files
- Gartley & Dorsky plan for Ferry Terminal Park to trail connection confirmed by city manager
- Dragon Field fill and seeding completed; rubble found 6 inches below surface
- Sandy Beach bathroom design being prepared for bid, expected completion by end of summer
- Exploring QR codes for historical markers and easements in Rockland's North End
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will meet remotely to review and discuss the draft Future Land Use plan and Sustainability Key Findings. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom, and minutes from the previous meeting will be reviewed and posted online.
- Review and discuss Future Land Use Draft
- Review and discuss Sustainability Key Findings
- Approval of April 22, 2021 draft minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission will meet remotely to discuss old business, including owner names, area enlargement, and membership, and new business, which involves preparing an application for National Register Historic District designation and finalizing a notification letter. The meeting will also include call to order, minutes approval, and setting the next meeting date.
- Prepare application for National Register Historic District designation
- Finalize notification letter
- Discuss enlargement of currently designated area
- Review commission membership
- Next meeting: May 24, 2021 at 5:30 pm via Zoom
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission met without a quorum, so discussions were unofficial. Members talked about recruiting new members, surveying Grace Street houses, and preparing for a possible public hearing on designating the Central Rockland Residential Historic District as a Local Historic District. No formal decisions were made.
- Leila Bright, a retired architect, applied for commission membership
- Ian Emmott resigned, leaving the commission with five of seven seats filled
- Survey sheets for Grace Street houses to be completed for National Register expansion
- Drafting notification letters for property owners about public hearings
- Possible public hearing on June 28 to recommend Local Historic District designation
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will meet remotely to review and discuss the Future Land Use Draft and Sustainability Key Findings. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date.
- Review and discuss Future Land Use Draft
- Review and discuss Sustainability Key Findings
- Approve April 15, 2021 draft minutes
Harbor Trail Committee
The committee met to receive progress updates from several members and discuss trail access behind the Technology School. The agenda also included discussions regarding a mailing list, Rockland Main Street Inc, and the Public Services Director.
- Trail access behind Technology School
- Updates from Matt, Annette, Peter, and Joan
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Comprehensive Planning Commission will conduct a sustainability review and discuss future land use regarding growth versus rural areas. The meeting also includes a review of previous meeting minutes.
- Sustainability review
- Future Land Use discussion (growth areas vs rural areas)
Historic Preservation Commission
The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission is meeting remotely to handle routine business, including approving minutes and discussing old business about a database and city needs. The main new business is a discussion about designating a local Historic District, including possibly enlarging the federally designated area and compiling names and addresses of current owners. The commission will also consider what knowledge or skills are needed for membership.
- Discussion of local Historic District designation
- Possible enlargement of federally designated area
- Compilation of names and addresses of current owners
- Review of commission membership knowledge/skills needs
- Next meeting scheduled for April 26, 2021
Historic Preservation Commission
The commission discussed plans to establish the Rockland Residential National Register Historic District by expanding borders to include parts of Union and Grace Streets. Members also discussed methods for recording designated properties in city databases and addressed the need for more members.
- Proposed expansion of historic district boundaries to include both sides of Union Street and Grace Street
- Discussion on adding a field to Code Office and Tax Assessor databases to indicate historic designations
- Plan to create a notebook of survey sheets for designated properties at the Code Office window
- Identification of need for additional members, specifically architects and contractors
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to review and discuss draft sections of the comprehensive plan, including sustainability, fiscal capacity, economy, and economic and community vitality. The commission will also consider approving the February 17, 2021 meeting minutes. This is a working session focused on plan development.
- Final review of Fiscal Capacity draft
- Final review of Economy draft
- Review of Economic and Community Vitality cross-cutting section (responsibilities/timeline)
- Discussion of Sustainability
- Approval of February 17, 2021 draft minutes
Harbor Trail Committee
The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee discussed updates on several trail projects, including a DOT-approved connection at the 'Bridge to Nowhere', a potential art installation at Dragon Field, and new signage. They also considered extending the trail behind the VocTech School and adding new members.
- DOT legal counsel approved the 'Bridge to Nowhere' connection; DEP reviewing preliminary engineering plan with 90-day public comment period
- Committee to invite artist Jay Sawyer to discuss placing his work at Dragon Field
- Bathroom installation approved at Sandy Beach Park; financing follow-up pending
- Exploring a bridge to Ferry Terminal with UMaine Structures and Fabrications Department
- Considering trail extension from Snow Marine Park to the Beach behind VocTech School
Board of Assessment Review
The Board reviewed appeal applications regarding assessed valuations for properties at 9 Wharf Street and 14 Wharf Street. The application for 14 Wharf Street was withdrawn after the applicant and assessor reached an agreement. Action on the 9 Wharf Street appeal was tabled to allow further negotiations between the applicant and assessor.
- Withdrawal of appeal for 14 Wharf Street Lot 3D1 following agreement between applicant and assessor
- Deferral of appeal for 9 Wharf Street Lot 3C2 regarding land component valuation
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to continue its review and discussion of the city's comprehensive plan, focusing on sustainability, future land use, and focus areas. The commission will also discuss comments from the city council on drafts and plan communication and outreach efforts. The meeting is a working session with no votes scheduled.
- Continue review and discussion of Focus Areas for Future Land Use
- Discuss council comments on draft plan sections
- Review and approve February 4, 2021 draft minutes
- Plan communication and outreach for the comprehensive plan
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will discuss future land use focus areas, review fiscal capacity including the five-year capital improvement plan and comparative data from similar municipalities, and brainstorm outreach strategies to engage the community despite COVID-19 limitations. The meeting is remote via Zoom and includes approval of previous minutes.
- Review and discuss Future Land Use Focus Areas
- Include five-year capital improvement plan in the Plan
- Add strategy for accounting for inflation in City's budget
- Evaluate reallocation of emergency and City services to match needs
- Brainstorm outreach ideas: website, letters to editor, library copies
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission will review and discuss focus areas for future land use, as well as fiscal capacity topics including the five-year capital improvement plan, comparative data from similar municipalities, and strategies for inflation and tax transparency. The commission will also discuss outreach ideas, including website improvements, to spread word about their work despite COVID-19 limitations.
- Review and discuss Future Land Use Focus Areas
- Include five-year capital improvement plan in the Plan
- Add comparative fiscal data from Belfast, Brunswick, etc.
- Consider strategy for accounting for inflation in City budget
- Discuss providing citizens with more tax information and budget access
Comprehensive Planning Commission
The Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission is meeting remotely to discuss and review several items, including the city's business process, recreation and open space goals, natural resources and agriculture appendix changes, future land use focus areas, and outreach strategies. The meeting is largely a working session with tentative agenda items and no final votes scheduled.
- Review of city business process from start to finish, including voting and Memo to Council
- Discussion of Recreation Center ideas and assignment of responsibility for recreation goals
- Review of changes to Natural Resources appendix section
- Review of changes to Agriculture appendix section
- Discussion of Future Land Use Focus Areas and website/outreach improvements