Vassalboro public meetings in 2025

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Select Board held a public hearing on cannabis business license applications for 56 Old Meadows Lane but took no action, as the CEO and Fire Chief could not complete required inspections. The board approved the December 11 minutes with amendments, authorized a $4,000 grant application for a Lake Smart buffer zone, and closed the town office December 24 due to weather.

• Approved December 11, 2025 minutes with amendments (3-0)
• Closed public hearing on cannabis licenses; no decision made
• Approved Conservation Commission grant application for $4,000 (3-0)
• Closed town office December 24 due to inclement weather (3-0)
• Appointed Laura Jones to Vassalboro Sanitary District (3-0)
• Approved reports (3-0)
• Approved warrants 36 & 37 (3-0)

Transfer Station Taskforce

The Vassalboro Transfer Station Taskforce is meeting to review a December 4 meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and discuss a neighboring property for sale. The agenda also includes setting the next meeting date and other business. This is a working session with no formal votes or public hearings listed.

• Review of Dec. 4 meeting with DEP
• Discussion on neighboring property for sale

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The Cemetery Committee discussed updates from the selectboard, which approved the Cemetery Committee Policy, waived the procurement policy for stonework, and awarded the tree assessment RFP to ProTree Service for $1,500. The committee also discussed scheduling stonework with Gravestone Matters after July 1, 2026, and the next meeting is tentatively set for February 23, 2026.

• Approved last month's meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Selectboard approved Cemetery Committee Policy
• Selectboard waived procurement policy for stonework with Gravestone Matters
• Selectboard awarded tree assessment bid to ProTree Service for $1,500

Trails Committee

The Vassalboro Trails Committee is meeting to finalize its 2026 workplan, which includes completing a bog bridge upgrade on the Town Forest Trail, installing a KLT road sign for Seaward Mills, and placing materials on the Spectacle Pond Trail. They will also discuss a potential connection between Red Brook Trail and Gray Road, the status of the Kennebec Water District use agreement, and the committee's 2026-27 budget request.

• Complete last bog bridge upgrade on Town Forest Trail (8' section on west loop)
• Secure and install a KLT road sign for Seaward Mills
• Place 4" x 8", 8' lengths at base of Spectacle Pond Trail in wet sections
• Discuss request to explore connecting Red Brook Trail to Gray Road
• 2026-27 budget request from Trail Committee to Town

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is holding a regular meeting that includes an appeal hearing for a cannabis business, followed by discussion of new cannabis business applications. The board will also discuss the FY24 audit, an RFP, election follow-up, a proposed cemetery policy, tax-acquired properties, and the personnel handbook. The meeting includes an executive session for attorney consultations.

• Barnett Cannabis Business Appeal Hearing
• Cannabis Business Applications
• FY24 Audit and RFP Discussion
• Proposed Cemetery Policy
• Tax Acquired Properties

The Select Board voted to allow Leo and Andrew Barnett to apply for a cannabis business license under the town's ordinance, overturning the Code Enforcement Officer's denial. The board also approved several tax-acquired property listings, set fees for cannabis businesses, and discussed the FY24 audit and fund balance policy. No decisions were made on the proposed Zen City public engagement software.

• Allowed Barnett cannabis license application (2-0-1, Denico and French opposed, Poulin abstained)
• Approved listing 159 Lombard Dam Rd. at $258,100 (3-0)
• Approved listing 14 Priest Hill at $40,000 (3-0)
• Approved selling tax-acquired properties 2119, 2127, 3021, 2457; held off on 1669 and 1670 (3-0)
• Set $1,500 fee for marijuana businesses and licenses (3-0)
• Imposed $1 late fee for Barnett's Old Meadows Rd. application (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 28, 29, 30 (3-0)
• Approved 10 hours comp time for town office staff and 6 hours earned time for public works for holidays (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission will review October minutes and discuss several ongoing projects, including winterizing picnic tables at Eagle Park, finalizing a Project Canopy grant report, and potentially planting three memorial trees in the shoreland zone. They will also receive updates on the Webber Pond watershed, CBI/CRLA, and forest management plans.

• Eagle Park picnic tables need cider blocks for winter
• $4,549.00 remains in Eagle Park budget
• Recommendation to plant Hemlock, Fir, and White Birch trees with plaques by John Melrose
• Finalize 2023 Project Canopy grant report
• Updates on Webber Pond watershed and forest management

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission accepted the October minutes and the Webber Pond Watershed report. They discussed the Grow Grant proposal for Monument Park, emphasizing the need for the Town to address long-term maintenance, and agreed to request annual maintenance costs for Eagle and Monument Parks in the VCC budget. The Commission unanimously recommended Mary Schwanke for appointment to the Select Board.

• Accepted October minutes as presented
• Accepted Webber Pond Watershed report
• Unanimously recommended Mary Schwanke for appointment to the Select Board
• Agreed to request annual maintenance costs for Eagle and Monument Parks in VCC budget

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board will meet to approve October minutes and review a shoreland application for expansion by David Drasba at 86 3-Mile Pond, including a variance request. The meeting is open to the public and will be streamed on YouTube.

• Review and approve October 2025 meeting minutes
• Shoreland application for expansion by David Drasba at 86 3-Mile Pond
• Variance request attached to the application

The Planning Board approved a shoreland expansion for David Drasba's property at 86 3-Mile Pond, contingent on a revised design staying within the 30% expansion limit, a buffer strip, and maintaining a one-family building. The board also discussed ongoing noncompliance by the Rage Room business, with the CEO consulting the town lawyer about legal options.

• Approved shoreland expansion for David Drasba (4-0) with conditions: revised design within 30% (499 sq ft), buffer strip, one-family building
• Tabled October meeting minutes until December meeting
• Discussed Rage Room noncompliance; CEO in contact with town lawyer for legal options

Regular Select Board Meeting

The board approved the FY24 audit, which showed revenues exceeded budget by $268k and expenditures were under budget by $190k. They discussed the Webber Pond Watershed Survey, which recommends actions to reduce phosphorus pollution, and noted a potential $1 million alum treatment. The board also approved closing the Transfer Station for Veterans Day, waiving procurement policy for a door replacement, and accepting the budget calendar.

• Approved minutes of Oct. 2, 9, and 16 (3-0)
• Approved closing Transfer Station Nov. 11 for Veterans Day (3-0)
• Waived procurement policy for sand & salt shed door replacement (3-0)
• Accepted P.D.Q. estimate of $3,111 for door opener (3-0)
• Accepted budget calendar as presented
• Approved reports (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 24, 25, 26 (3-0)
• Approved Sanitary District use of Town Office video equipment (3-0)

Appeals Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Board of Appeals is meeting for the second time to resolve Silas Cain's appeal regarding the naming of White Ridge Road. The board will elect a chair and review the appeal before adjourning.

• Elect Chair of Board
• Review appeal by Silas Cain regarding White Ridge Road naming

The Vassalboro Board of Appeals denied Silas Cain's appeal regarding the naming of White Ridge Road, voting 2-1. The board majority found the appeal beyond its scope, as it involved real estate law, and determined the road naming was within the CEO's authority to comply with E-911 requirements. Rebecca Lamey voted to uphold the appeal. The board noted Cain could further appeal through Superior Court.

• Denied Silas Cain's appeal on White Ridge Road naming (2-1)
• Motion to deny appeal made by Lauchlin Titus, seconded by John Reuthe
• Rebecca Lamey voted to uphold the appeal
• Board noted appeal could be taken to Superior Court

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The committee approved last month's meeting minutes unanimously. They discussed the tree assessment RFP with no formal bids received, and tabled the cemetery history project until the next meeting. The committee also discussed the next fiscal year budget and a 1975 ordinance that may affect a proposed policy.

• Approved last month's meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled cemetery history project until next meeting
• Discussed tree assessment RFP with no formal bids
• Discussed next fiscal year budget

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Select Board voted 3-0 to allow Leo Barnett to continue the cannabis business application process for Old Meadows Rd., with a penalty to be assessed by the board. The Sherwood Lane matter was tabled until Nov. 13. The board also signed the Nov. 4 referendum warrant and approved warrants 22 and 23.

• Allowed Barnett to continue cannabis license application for Old Meadows Rd. with penalty (3-0)
• Tabled Sherwood Lane cannabis license matter until Nov. 13
• Signed Nov. 4 referendum warrant as presented
• Approved warrants 22 and 23 (3-0)
• Allowed CD ending in 2884 to lapse (3-0)
• Tabled approval of Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 minutes until next meeting

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss several conservation projects, including tree planting and signage at Monument Park and Eagle Park, and to review watershed surveys. They will also consider attending the MEACC conference and handle routine business like approving minutes.

• Monument Park: China Lake Watershed 319 funding for trees, grant for China Lake buffer, and signage
• Eagle Park: replacement trees, signage, and septic/outhouse plans
• Review of Three Mile, Threecornered Pond, and Webber Pond watershed surveys
• Discussion of MEACC conference attendance
• Approval of draft minutes from June 11, 2025

The Commission approved moving forward with a proposal to the Select Board to apply for a $4,000 Grow Grant for a shoreline buffer in Monument Park, and to request annual maintenance funds. They also approved seeking reimbursement for three saplings under a 319 grant. No other substantive decisions were made; the rest were discussions or updates.

• Approved pursuing Grow Grant application for Monument Park shoreline buffer (unanimous)
• Approved requesting annual funds for park/garden maintenance in VCC budget (unanimous)
• Approved applying for reimbursement for 3 saplings under China Lake 319 grant (unanimous)
• Decided not to send annual dues to MEACC this year (unanimous)

Appeals Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Appeals Board is meeting to elect a chair and to review an appeal submitted by Silas Cain, possibly scheduling a future meeting date for it. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Election of Board Chair
• Review of appeal by Silas Cain and possible scheduling of a meeting date

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board is meeting to review and approve the minutes from its September 2025 meeting and to conduct a site review for a proposed Rage Room business. The agenda also includes time for other discussion and adjournment.

• Review and approve September 2025 meeting minutes
• Site review for Rage Room application

The Planning Board approved the September minutes and reviewed the Rage Room site review application. The applicant, Monica Stanton, arrived late, and the board reopened the meeting to discuss her application. The board found the application incomplete and required her to send certified letters to abutters and submit a completed application before the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved September 2, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Directed CEO to follow up with Town Attorney on Rage Room application next steps
• Reopened meeting to review Rage Room application after applicant arrived late
• Determined Rage Room application incomplete without abutter notification proof
• Required applicant to send certified letters to abutters before November 4, 2025
• Required applicant to submit completed application to CEO two weeks before next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Recreation Committee voted unanimously not to co-host the annual Fall Festival, following the town manager's recommendation to focus on youth sports. The committee also tabled a field use policy discussion, postponed September minutes approval, and declined installing security cameras at the fields. Several other items were discussed without formal decisions.

• Declined to participate in Fall Festival (unanimous)
• Postponed approval of September 2025 minutes
• Unanimously approved motion not to install security cameras at this time
• Tabled field use policy for future discussion
• Appointed Michael Phelps as temporary secretary

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board approved the appointment of Lauchlin Titus to the Appeals Board and as a Vassalboro Sanitary District trustee, both by 3-0 votes. The board tabled discussions on the Personnel Handbook and CAPEX. A SWOT analysis was presented by first responders, police, and fire chiefs, with no formal action taken.

• Approved Sept. 18, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Appointed Lauchlin Titus to Appeals Board (3-0)
• Nominated Lauchlin Titus as Vassalboro Sanitary District trustee (3-0)
• Nominated Jenna Davies as Vassalboro Sanitary District trustee (3-0)
• Approved reports (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 19 and 20 (3-0)
• Tabled Personnel Handbook discussion
• Tabled CAPEX discussion

Regular Select Board Meeting

The board appointed Ray Breton as a trustee to the Vassalboro Sanitary District to address an Oct. 1 payment owed to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, with discussions about using TIF funds. They also approved new General Assistance cost tables, tabled CAPEX, and scheduled an appeals hearing for Oct. 16 regarding a marijuana business license denial.

• Appointed Ray Breton as trustee to Vassalboro Sanitary District (3-0)
• Approved new General Assistance cost tables (3-0)
• Approved Sept. 3, 2025 minutes (2-0-1, Denico abstained)
• Approved sign warrants 16, 17, 18 (3-0)
• Approved reports (3-0)
• Tabled CAPEX discussion
• Scheduled appeals hearing for Oct. 16 on marijuana license denial
• Adjourned (3-0)

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Cemetery Committee is meeting to approve minutes and discuss several operational items, including a report on stonework, updates on a tree maintenance request for proposals (RFP), and a proposed Cemetery Committee Policy from the town manager. They will also consider a proposal about sharing and publicizing cemetery history. The meeting is open to the public and available on YouTube.

• Approval of last month's meeting minutes
• Report on stonework
• Updates on tree maintenance RFP
• Discussion of town manager's proposed Cemetery Committee Policy
• Discussion of Cara's proposal on sharing and publicizing cemetery history

Special Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss the audit fee breakdown, a revised TIF proposal for the November referendum, and warrants. The meeting also includes an executive session for personnel matters.

• Executive session on personnel matters (Title 1 §405(6)(A))
• Discussion of audit fee breakdown
• Revised TIF proposal for November referendum
• Warrants review

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The committee voted unanimously to send out a request for proposals for an arborist's assessment of six cemeteries: Nichols, Oak Grove Road, Webber Pond Road, Union, Weeks, and Priest Hill. The assessment will include hazard ratings, maps, tree types, images, and cost estimates. Members also discussed tree maintenance concerns and a proposed committee policy, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved sending RFP for arborist assessments of six cemeteries (unanimous)
• Discussed but tabled review of town manager's committee policy until next meeting
• Agreed to research histories of people buried in cemeteries for public outreach

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board voted to recommend a mil rate of 11.74 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, with an overlay of $28,963.51. The board also made several appointments, including Michael Phelps as Recreation Committee chair, and approved minutes with a correction to Conservation Commission terms. No action was taken on the Budget Committee Ordinance, and the Five Member Selectboard Proposal and Personnel Policy were tabled.

• Recommended mil rate of 11.74 with $28,963.51 overlay (3-0)
• Appointed Michael Phelps as Recreation Committee chair (2-0)
• Appointed Jody Kundreskas, Kevin Phanor, and six Trails Committee members to one-year terms (2-0)
• Approved minutes of July 17, 2025, with correction to Conservation Commission terms (2-0)
• Tabled Five Member Selectboard Proposal
• Tabled Personnel Policy

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board approved the Marlowes' application to tear down and rebuild their shoreland home with an expansion to 1,000 square feet. The board tabled the Rage Room site review after the owner requested a delay and the application was found incomplete. Other discussions included a denied deck addition in the shoreland zone and a potential site review for Knowles Mechanical Property.

• Approved Marlowe shoreland rebuild application (4-0)
• Tabled Rage Room site review until next meeting (4-0)
• Approved July 1, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:36 pm (4-0)

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Cemetery Committee awarded the bid for tree work in Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries to Pro Tree Service, a local company, as their bid was the lowest of three received. The committee also discussed prioritizing future tree maintenance in larger cemeteries, with an arborist assessment planned for several locations. Stone repair work in North Vassalboro Village Cemetery was reported as completed, including restoration of William Bragg's stone.

• Awarded tree work bid for Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries to Pro Tree Service (lowest of three bids)
• Approved last month's meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Planned arborist assessment for Union, Nichols, Oak Grove, Webber Pond, Weeks, and potentially Center Vassalboro Baptist and Priest Hill Cemeteries

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board will review a shoreland zoning application for a fishway on Webber Pond and a site plan review for KWD. They will also discuss possible changes to the Junkyard Ordinance and a design concept for an addition to the historical society building in the Shoreland Zone. The meeting includes approval of April minutes and other routine business.

• Review shoreland application for fishway on Webber Pond
• KWD Site Review application with site plan and abutter letters
• Discuss possible changes to Junkyard Ordinance
• Discuss design concept for addition to historical society building in Shoreland Zone

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a presentation from Maine Rivers about the Webber Pond Dam and Dam Road, opening bids for cemetery tree work and office boiler replacement, and year-end financial matters such as culvert purchasing and the Delta payment. The board will also consider a five-member Selectboard, referendum voting, a Community Program Director position, and a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. The agenda includes both decision items and discussion topics.

• Presentation by Matt Streeter of Maine Rivers regarding Webber Pond Dam and Dam Rd.
• Open bids for cemetery tree work and office boiler replacement.
• Year-end culvert purchasing and year-end finances.
• Discussion of a five-member Selectboard and referendum voting.
• Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district discussion.

The board voted 3-0 to shut down Dam Road during Webber Pond Dam construction, with work expected to start July 7. They also approved several contracts and purchases, including tree removal, culverts, and a boiler, and carried over funds for unfinished projects. The personnel policy handbook was tabled, and the board discussed but did not decide on the Delta payment and the Community Program Director position.

• Approved minutes of June 5, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved closing Dam Road during Webber Pond Dam construction (3-0)
• Approved Pro Tree Services for cemetery tree removal: $7,900 at Nelson Cemetery, $3,800 at Farwell-Brown (3-0)
• Approved culvert purchase from Union Farm Equipment for $8,743 (3-0)
• Approved carrying over funds: $4,619 legal, $15,872.70 cemetery, $17,811.71 road work (3-0)
• Awarded office boiler bid to Knowles Mechanical at $12,711.12 (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 68, 69, 70 & 71 (3-0)
• Approved pole permit (2-1-0, French abstained)

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The committee discussed ongoing cemetery maintenance, including postponed stonework due to rain and upcoming tree work bids. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the previous meeting's minutes. The selectboard will open tree work bids on June 26, and the committee will follow up on erosion concerns at East Vassalboro Methodist Cemetery.

• Approved minutes from May meeting (unanimous)
• Tree work bids for Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries to be opened by selectboard on June 26
• No stonework done due to rainy weather; porta-potty secured for Gravestone Matters visit
• Public Works to provide topsoil for Gravestone Matters visit
• Gravestone Matters work scheduled July 10-13 at North Vassalboro Village Cemetery
• Committee to follow up with Public Works on erosion at East Vassalboro Methodist Cemetery

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission approved using $584 in remaining 2024-25 funds to plant three tree saplings on the town side of the runoff creek at Monument Park, with a member volunteering labor and equipment. The commission also recommended Steve Jones and John Reuthe for another term (through 2028) and discussed seeking additional members. No other formal votes were taken; updates were provided on various projects.

• Approved use of $584 for three tree saplings at Monument Park
• Recommended Steve Jones and John Reuthe for 2028 term
• Approved minutes from April 9, 2025
• Agreed not to meet in July and August; next meeting set for September 10

Regular Select Board Meeting

The board heard an update on the proposed Webber Pond Dam fishway replacement, which would close Dam Road and require a detour via McQuarrie Road. No formal vote was taken; the board asked the town attorney to review the McQuarrie Road agreement and will follow up at the June 26 meeting. Other actions included approving the May 29 minutes, warrants 66 and 67, and entering executive session for personnel matters.

• Approved minutes of May 29, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved warrants 66 and 67 (3-0)
• Entered executive session for personnel matters (3-0)
• Tabled decision on Webber Pond Dam fishway pending attorney review of McQuarrie Road agreement

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is holding a regular meeting to discuss the town budget with the Budget Committee, a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, foreclosed properties, and other administrative items. The agenda includes several discussion topics but no final votes are listed.

• Budget Committee budget discussion
• Tax Increment Finance District discussion
• Foreclosed Properties discussion
• Personnel Policy discussion
• Fitness Park discussion

The board voted 3-0 to have the attorney review proposed Tax Increment Finance District changes before a public hearing, with a final review before a November town vote. They also discussed budget amendments for the June 2 town meeting, including reducing Article 6 by $125,000 and appropriating that amount for emergency bridge repair. No final decisions were made on the budget, personnel policy, or fitness park, which remain under discussion.

• Approved minutes of May 15, 2025 (2-0)
• Voted to have attorney review TIF changes before public hearing (3-0)
• Approved building an outhouse at Eagle Park
• Agreed to resume Transfer Station Taskforce work with engineer Jeff Senders

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The committee voted unanimously to keep the existing cemetery rule stating cremains 'should' be buried at least three feet deep, despite the gravedigger's concern that this depth is not typical. The committee also discussed preparations for Gravestone Matters stone repair in July, including arranging a porta potty and dirt, and reviewed updates on tree work bids and a cemetery document.

• Voted to keep cremains burial rule wording as-is (unanimous)
• Confirmed Gravestone Matters stone repair scheduled July 10-13 at North Village Cemetery
• Noted RFP for tree removal in Nelson and Farwell-Brown posted, bids due June 16, 2025
• Discussed updating 'Balancing Trees and Stones' document link on town website

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board is meeting to review and approve minutes from April 1 and April 7, 2025, and to discuss a shoreland building permit application for 148 Park Lane. The agenda includes only these items and standard procedural steps.

• Review and approve minutes of April 1 and April 7, 2025
• Discussion of 148 Park Lane shoreland building permit application

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, discuss cemetery trees, review the 2025-2026 warrant and finance report, consider Spirit of America and Recreation Committee stipends, and receive reports from the town manager and road report. The agenda also includes signing warrants and other items. This is a routine business meeting with several discussion items.

• Cemetery Trees Discussion
• 2025-2026 Warrant
• Finance Report
• Recreation Committee Stipends
• Sign Warrants

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Cemetery Committee is meeting to prepare for upcoming stonework, discuss recent selectboard decisions about its authority, and consider a Conservation Commission request to review a 'Balancing Trees and Stones' document. They will also discuss arborist assessments and tree maintenance at Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries. The meeting is a working session with no votes scheduled.

• Prepare for this year's stonework
• Report on selectboard discussion of Cemetery Committee authority
• Conservation Commission request to discuss 'Balancing Trees and Stones' document
• Arborist assessment and tree maintenance at Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Select Board reviewed and updated the town meeting warrant, adding budget figures for fire, recreation, and library departments, and revising revenue estimates. They discussed changing Article 7 to appropriate up to $125,000 from undesignated funds for emergency bridge repair/replacement of Dunlap Bridge on Mill Hill Rd. The board also noted Article 42 (solid waste ordinance) should be removed as it contains last year's language. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting adjourned 3-0.

• Reviewed and updated town meeting warrant with revised revenue and budget figures
• Discussed changing Article 7 to appropriate up to $125,000 for Dunlap Bridge emergency repair
• Noted Article 42 (solid waste ordinance) should be removed from warrant
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board approved multiple bids for town projects, including paving, electrical work, and garage door openers. They also moved a matured bond, added funds to the fire department budget, and agreed to let Municipal Wastehub explore a potential operating agreement or property acquisition for the transfer station. The board did not approve the April 3 meeting minutes as this was overlooked.

• Approved Hagar Enterprises paving bid, contingent on no subcontracting (3-0)
• Approved Carroll's Paving for pole barn/public works yard paving at $39,600 (3-0)
• Approved Ideal Electric for pole barn electrical at $15,303 (3-0)
• Approved PDQ Door for garage door openers at $5,582 (3-0)
• Moved matured $126,000 bond to Bar Harbor Savings Bank at 4.1% for six months (3-0)
• Added $5,375 to fire department budget for Deputy Fire Chief stipend and FICA (3-0)
• Agreed to keep transfer station backhoe request in warrant (3-0)
• Allowed Municipal Wastehub to explore transfer station operating agreement or acquisition

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several operational items, including the Community Program Director position, stipends, the Snack Shack, baseball, and finances. The agenda is mostly routine, with no major policy changes or public hearings listed.

• Community Program Director Position discussion
• Stipends discussion
• Snack Shack operations
• Baseball program
• Finances review

The Recreation Committee held a discussion-only meeting with no formal votes on substantive items. They discussed a proposed $2,000 stipend for Baseball/Softball commissioners, snack shack operations, and baseball season preparations. The only formal action was approving the February 10, 2025 minutes (6-0).

• Approved minutes from 2.10.25 (6-0)
• Discussed $2,000 stipend proposal for Baseball/Softball commissioners — no action
• Discussed snack shack operations and procurement — no action
• Discussed baseball field cleanup and sponsorships — no action
• Postponed setting next meeting date

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss several ongoing projects, including the Monument Park tree replacement and buffer plan, the Eagle Park pavilion and picnic tables, and the upcoming Tri Watershed survey. They will also receive an update on the Courtesy Boat Inspector program, for which they recommended a $10,000 town budget, and discuss tree care processes at the cemetery.

• Recommended $10,000 town budget for 2025 Courtesy Boat Inspector program
• Discussed replacing aging Elm, Ash, and Maple trees at Monument Park and creating a 10-foot buffer zone
• Eagle Park pavilion construction pending approval to order metal beams; 3 white cedar picnic tables (~$1,000) planned, one handicap accessible
• Tri Watershed property survey for runoff set for May 15-17, with training May 12
• No response received from Select Board on cemetery tree evaluation process; VCC will continue attending Cemetery Committee

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission accepted the March 12 minutes and discussed several updates, including the state's largest Slippery Elm tree in a road right-of-way. The group agreed that virtual meeting options are a good idea and will check on recording setup. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

• Accepted March 12, 2025 minutes
• Discussed virtual meeting option, consensus in favor
• Will check with Aaron on recording setup for virtual meetings

Budget Commitee Meeting

The Vassalboro Budget Committee is meeting to review the draft warrant and discuss the 2025-2026 budget lines. The agenda includes approval of the March 25, 2025 minutes and adjournment. The meeting is open to the public and can be watched on YouTube.

• Review draft warrant
• Discuss 2025-2026 budget lines
• Approve March 25, 2025 minutes

The Vassalboro Budget Committee reviewed the 2025-2026 draft warrant and took straw poll votes on several budget lines, though none are final. Members tentatively favored reducing the community program director position to 20 hours per week and cutting related items for a total of $56,102, and removing the backhoe and transfer station capital reserves. They also straw-polled against a $3,000 library increase and against raising social services appropriations, while supporting a $10,000 historical society increase and a $5,000 Deputy Fire Chief stipend. No final decisions were made.

• Straw poll favored reducing community program director to 20 hrs/week and cutting related items, total $56,102 (7-1)
• Straw poll favored removing backhoe and transfer station capital reserves (4-0 and 6-0 respectively)
• Straw poll favored $10,000 increase for historical society (5-0)
• Straw poll opposed $3,000 library increase (8-1)
• Straw poll opposed raising social services appropriations (7-0)
• Straw poll favored $5,000 Deputy Fire Chief stipend (7-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (9-0)
• Adjourned (9-0)

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board is meeting to review a site plan for a solar array proposed at 2235 Riverside Drive. The agenda includes a site review, discussion, and other business. This is a regular meeting with a single substantive item on the agenda.

• Site review for a solar array at 2235 Riverside Dr.

The Planning Board approved the site plan for a solar array at 2235 Riverside Dr. after reviewing all standards. Approval included three conditions: installation of a hammerhead/turnaround outside the main gate, submission of a drawing showing solar panel height to the CEO, and addition of buffer trees on the southwest side of the fence. The final motion passed 3-1.

• Approved site plan for solar array at 2235 Riverside Dr. (4-0)
• Met standard #9 with condition to install hammerhead/turnaround outside main gate (4-0)
• Met Section 11 standard #2 with condition to send panel height drawing to CEO (4-0)
• Met Section 11 standard #4 with condition to add buffer trees to southwest side of fence (4-0)
• Approved all standards met with three conditions (3-1)

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board will discuss the 2025-2026 budget, the Community Program Director position, and other routine matters including warrants, foreclosures, and reports. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Community Program Director position discussion
• 2025-2026 Budget review
• China Lake Dam Camera update
• Foreclosures
• Warrant approval

The Select Board voted 3-0 to approve the March 20 minutes and discussed the vacant Community Program Director position. Board members agreed to hold off on hiring until June, instead considering a $2,000 stipend for recreation committee members to cover the interim period. The Town Manager will discuss this with the recreation committee on April 4.

• Approved minutes of March 20, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Agreed to delay hiring for Community Program Director until June
• Approved sale of portion of Lombard Dam property to Estate of William H. Spaulding, retaining a portion for town use (3-0)
• Approved reports (3-0)
• Approved warrants 50 & 51 (3-0)
• Appointed Tim Connelly to Vassalboro Sanitary District (3-0)
• Agreed to set 5% interest on late property taxes
• Agreed to allow up to $25,000 from surplus for first responder equipment match

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board is meeting to review a site plan for a solar array proposed at 2235 Riverside Dr. The board will also approve minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. The agenda includes discussion and other business.

• Site review for solar array at 2235 Riverside Dr.
• Approval of March 4, 2025 meeting minutes

Budget Commitee Meeting

The Vassalboro Budget Committee met on March 25, 2025, and discussed the Recreation and Fire Department budgets. No formal votes were taken on budget items; the only votes were to approve the previous meeting's minutes and to adjourn. The committee heard concerns about the recreation program and a request for a $5,000 stipend for the Deputy Fire Chief, but took no action.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (9-0)
• Discussed recreation department concerns, no action
• Discussed $5,000 Deputy Fire Chief stipend request, no action
• Discussed other 2025-2026 budget lines, no action
• Adjourned (9-0)

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board voted 3-0 to wait 30 days before taking action on properties foreclosed by the town on March 19, giving the Town Manager time to contact owners and report back by May 1. The board also approved minutes, reports, and sign warrants, and voted to close the Transfer Station on Easter Sunday. Personnel policy changes regarding workday definition and holiday pay were discussed, with an updated policy to take effect July 1, 2025.

• Approved minutes of March 6 and March 13, 2025 (3-0)
• Voted to wait 30 days before acting on foreclosed properties (3-0)
• Approved shutting down Transfer Station on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved Town Manager and Road Reports (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 48 and 49 (3-0)
• Discussed personnel policy changes; updated policy to take effect July 1, 2025
• Town Manager to solicit bids for boiler replacement
• Select Board to schedule audit meeting with RHR Smith

Budget Commitee Meeting

The Budget Committee reviewed the proposed 2025-2026 municipal budget, which includes an 11.57% increase driven largely by capital improvements and reserves. The Town Manager presented details on various departmental changes, including a $10k request from the Historical Society for a curator and a $36k increase in Delta Ambulance costs. No formal votes were taken on the budget; the committee will continue discussions at the next meeting on March 25.

• Elected a chair (outcome not recorded)
• Reviewed proposed budget lines: Administration, Public Works, Solid Waste, Road Work, First Responders, Fire Department, Public Safety, Capital Improvement
• Adjourned meeting (10-0)

Cemetery Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Cemetery Committee is meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal year budget, a volunteer insurance policy, and tree maintenance at Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public and will also include other business and scheduling the next meeting for April 21, 2025.

• Discussion of budget for next fiscal year
• Discussion of volunteer insurance policy
• Discussion of tree maintenance at Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries

The Vassalboro Cemetery Committee met on March 17, 2025, and discussed several items but made no final decisions. The committee discussed the upcoming fiscal year budget, including the possibility of using cemetery account interest and purchasing volunteer insurance, but neither has been approved. They also discussed tree maintenance at Nelson and Farwell-Brown Cemeteries, with a decision to have an arborist formally assess the pine trees before proceeding with an RFP. Stone repair work by Gravestone Matters is scheduled for July 10-13, 2025, but the location is not yet determined.

• Discussed budget for next fiscal year; no approval yet
• Discussed volunteer insurance; likely part of next budget, not approved
• Agreed to have Aaron hire an arborist to formally assess pine trees at Nelson Cemetery
• Scheduled stone repair work by Gravestone Matters for July 10-13, 2025
• Next meeting set for April 21, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission is meeting via Zoom to discuss several ongoing projects and administrative items. They will review a budget request for 2025-26, consider updates to the Conservation Commission Town Ordinance, and hear reports on the CRLA, Lake Smart buffer zone, TriWatershed Project, cemetery trees, and Project Canopy. The meeting also includes approving January minutes and discussing an upcoming land conservation easement program.

• Approval of budget request for 2025-26
• Review of Conservation Commission Town Ordinance for areas of growth and soliciting new members
• Update on Lake Smart/buffer zone at Memorial Park
• Report from TriWatershed Project stakeholder meeting on 3/11
• Update on Eagle Park (meeting with Brian and Aaron postponed)

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board approved new transfer station fees as proposed by the transfer station manager (3-0). The board reviewed the draft budget, discussing changes to health, dental, legal, utilities, and worker's compensation lines, but made no final decisions. A request for a $5,000 stipend for the deputy fire chief and a proposal to add a three-quarter ton truck were discussed but not decided. The board also heard a request from Maine Rivers to close Dam Rd. for a fishway project, with no action taken.

• Approved new transfer station fees as proposed (3-0)
• Approved town manager and road reports (3-0)
• Approved warrant 44 (3-0)
• Approved pole permit (2-0-1, French abstained)
• Signed Donna Davian's sanitary district appointment papers
• Tabled personnel policy and recreation bylaws until next meeting

Select Board Budget Workshop

The Vassalboro Select Board is holding a budget workshop to review the town's budget. The agenda includes only the call to order, pledge of allegiance, budget review, and adjournment, with no specific budget details provided.

• Review of town budget

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Recreation Committee will meet to elect a committee chair, review the basketball season wrap-up, and plan the upcoming baseball and softball seasons, including registrations, clinics, and equipment needs. The committee will also discuss a draft recreation budget, proposed bylaws, a CHEF Grant, and a senior luncheon. Public comment will be heard.

• Elect Committee Chair
• Basketball end-of-year celebration Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. (Pre-K through grade 6)
• Baseball registrations open online; paper forms to schools Feb. 10
• Baseball field workday with Ryan Reed available April 27
• Draft Recreation Budget and Draft Bylaws review

The Vassalboro Recreation Committee approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes and tabled the election of a committee chair until more commissioners are present. Baseball registration went live with increased fees to cover Cal Ripken participation, and a field workday is set for April 27. No other formal votes were taken; most items were discussions or updates.

• Approved January 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Tabled election of committee chair until more commissioners attend
• Baseball registration went live with increased fees for major/minor leagues
• Scheduled field workday for April 27

Planning Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Planning Board is meeting to review and potentially approve the minutes from January 7, 2025, and to conduct a possible final plan review of a subdivision request. The agenda also includes time for other discussion before adjournment.

• Review and approve minutes of January 7, 2025
• Review request for a subdivision, possible final plan review

The Planning Board reviewed a subdivision off Seaward Mills Road and approved the final plan, finding all 18 standards met. Approval included conditions for DEP best management practices for erosion control and a letter from the town manager to the CEO regarding E911 addressing. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

• Approved subdivision paperwork with E911 addressing waiver (4-0)
• Met standard 8.1 (4-0)
• Met standard 8.2 (4-0)
• Met standard 8.3 with DEP BMP condition for erosion control (4-0)
• Met standards 8.4-8.18 (each 4-0)
• Approved final plan with conditions (4-0)

Transfer Station Taskforce

The Vassalboro Transfer Station Taskforce is meeting to discuss a Solid Waste Diversion grant and wetlands-related matters. The agenda is brief and contains no detailed proposals or decisions, only discussion items.

• Discussion of Solid Waste Diversion grant
• Discussion of Wetlands

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board approved a handicap parking space in front of Hair Builders on Oak Grove Road, with periodic review for ADA compliance, in a 2-1 vote. The board also approved the January 9 minutes as amended, sign warrants, and appointed Donna Davian as a sanitary district trustee. Several items were discussed but not decided, including updated recreation committee bylaws and personnel policy changes.

• Approved minutes of January 9, 2025 as amended (3-0)
• Authorized handicap parking space on Oak Grove Road (2-1)
• Approved sign warrants 37, 39 & 40 (3-0)
• Appointed Donna Davian as sanitary district trustee (3-0)
• Increased Transfer Station Manager Adam Daoust's pay to $23.99/hour (3-0)
• Entered executive session for real property acquisition (3-0)
• Entered executive session for personnel matters (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Recreation Committee Meeting

The Vassalboro Recreation Committee approved the November 4, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed upcoming basketball season details, including a tournament on Feb. 1, 2025, and a season-end event on Feb. 7, 2025. The committee also discussed a sneaker fundraiser, a potential contract with Maillard Kitchen for the Snack Shack, and tabled baseball discussions until a new commissioner is appointed. No formal votes were recorded on these items.

• Approved November 4, 2024 meeting minutes
• Set basketball tournament date for Feb. 1, 2025 (host town pending Dirigo meeting)
• Scheduled season-end certificate/ball giveaway for Feb. 7, 2025
• Planned Portland Celtics game night for Jan. 26, 2025 (tickets $13 group rate)
• Discussed sneaker fundraiser (collecting sneakers for cash)
• Discussed Maillard Kitchen contract for Snack Shack (no decision made)
• Tabled baseball discussions until new commissioner appointed
• Noted budget first draft due Jan. 27, 2025

Regular Select Board Meeting

The Vassalboro Select Board is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, a review of transfer station fees, and the Paid Family Medical Leave Act. The board will also consider handicap parking on Oak Grove Rd., propane tanks, a first responder vehicle, and personnel policy and recreation committee bylaws. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval, finance report, and department reports.

• Tax Increment Finance District discussion
• Transfer Station Fee Review
• Paid Family Medical Leave Act
• Handicap Parking on Oak Grove Rd.
• First Responder Vehicle

The Vassalboro Select Board approved several items, including propane tank installations at the Town Office and Riverside Fire Station, a waiver of refuse fees for the Vassalboro Historical Society, and a 0.50%/0.50% cost split for Paid Family Medical Leave. The board also discussed but took no action on a TIF amendment vote, transfer station fees, and a first responder vehicle. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved minutes of December 26, 2024 (3-0)
• Waived refuse fees for Vassalboro Historical Society (3-0)
• Approved town paying 0.50% and employees paying 0.50% for Paid Family Medical Leave (3-0)
• Accepted bids for propane tanks at Town Office and Riverside Fire Station (3-0)
• Approved reports from Town Manager, Road, and Police (3-0)
• Approved sign warrants 36 & 37 (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission will review and approve December 2024 minutes, discuss a draft plan and budget for the Monument Park buffer zone, and consider the 2025-26 budget requests, including leftover funds and anticipated expenses. They will also get updates on Webber Pond Watershed Project grants and decide whether to apply for Project Canopy grants in 2025. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the town office.

• Review and approve Dec 2024 meeting minutes
• Monument Park buffer zone draft plan and draft budget
• 2025-26 budget requests: review of remaining 2024-25 funds and anticipated expenses
• Webber Pond Watershed Project grants update
• Project Canopy grants 2025 application decision

The Vassalboro Conservation Commission approved the December 2024 meeting minutes with an amendment to the Eagle Park sign wording. The commission agreed to participate as a partner stakeholder in a Webber Pond Watershed grant proposal focused on cyanobacteria blooms. It tabled decisions on the Monument Park buffer zone and 2025-26 budget requests pending further information, and declined to apply for a Project Canopy grant at this time.

• Approved December 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Agreed to participate as partner in Webber Pond cyanobacteria grant proposal
• Tabled Monument Park buffer zone decision pending guidance from Jen Jesperson
• Deferred 2025-26 budget discussion to February meeting
• Declined to apply for Project Canopy grant until previous tree survey/care completed

Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board approved the application for R.L. Mercantile & Trading Post, determining it complete and meeting all performance standards. Approval included provisions to add a handicap sign to a parking spot, have the road foreman check line of sight for the entrance, and add no-parking signs during events. The minutes of the December 3, 2024 meeting were also approved. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of December 3, 2024 (motion by Paul M., 2nd by Marianne S.)
• Approved application completeness for R.L. Mercantile & Trading Post (5-0)
• Approved performance standards with provisions: handicap sign, line-of-sight check, no-parking signs during events (5-0)
• Voted that all performance standards were met (5-0)