Hallowell public meetings in 2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board is delegating authority to the City Planner and Code Enforcement Officer to approve 'Ordinary Maintenance' projects in the Historic District. This change is intended to expedite certain home improvement projects for residents.

• Delegation of approval for roofing, window, door, and siding replacements that match existing or original designs
• Approval authority for rooftop solar panels that do not change roof shape
• Approval authority for pools not visible from the public right-of-way
• Approval authority for exterior HVAC and mechanical equipment meeting specific visibility and compatibility criteria

The Planning Board unanimously approved five applications for exterior renovations and installations within the Historic District. The board also discussed new state housing legislation and issues with the city email system.

• Approved heat pump installation at 18 Lincoln Street (Unanimous)
• Approved roof, eaves, and six-over-six window installation at 7 Academy Street (Unanimous)
• Approved bay window repairs at 5 Lincoln Street (Unanimous)
• Approved deck and walkway at 163 Second Street (Unanimous)
• Approved replacement of five windows at 23 Pleasant Street (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 29, 2025 meeting (Unanimous)

Meeting

The commission reviewed priority open spaces for protection and discussed managing invasive species at the City Forest. Members also addressed potential solar ordinance drafting and upcoming public workshops for watershed and shoreline plans.

• Review of highest priority open spaces identified in the 2007 Open Space Plan
• Proposed consultation with Two Trees Forestry for invasive species control at the City Forest
• Discussion of a potential solar ordinance to be drafted for City Council
• Sponsorship of KLT Lyceum series on March 12, 19, and 26
• Planning for summer public meetings on the Vaughan Brook Watershed Based Management Plan and KR Shoreline Stabilization Plan

City Council

The City Council is reviewing minutes from the November 11 Tree Board meeting. The board discussed erosion control plans for Front Street and maintenance updates for Granite City Park and the Vaughan Field dog park.

• Red Fin Consulting to devise a plan to minimize erosion along Front Street
• Submission of the Project 2024 Grant final report to the state
• Maintenance of Granite City Park including mulching and multiflora rose removal
• Evaluation of further work needed at the Vaughan Field dog park

The City Council enacted emergency amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance and approved a second reading for affordable housing compliance. The council also renewed a business license for Homegrown of Hallowell LLC and a contract for Gaslight Theatre.

• Approved Marijuana Business License renewal for Homegrown of Hallowell LLC (7-0)
• Approved Hallowell Halloween Parade application for Oct 25 (7-0)
• Enacted emergency amendments to General Assistance Ordinance, Chapter 10 (7-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance to comply with LD 2003 affordable housing requirements (7-0)
• Referred city brush dump discussion to Property Committee (7-0)
• Approved renewal contract for Gaslight Theatre (7-0)
• Referred traffic calming and Cotton Mill Apartments parking to Public Safety Committee (7-0)
• Approved appointments to Arts & Cultural, Conservation, and Recreation committees (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will meet to ratify three appointments to the Board of Appeals. Following the special meeting, a workshop session will feature a TIF presentation by Regan Larochelle.

• Appointments to Board of Appeals: Dawn Gallagher, David Shepherd, and Mary Lou Dyer
• TIF presentation by Regan Larochelle

Planning Board

The Planning Board is discussing a revision to the building permit fee schedule to align with regional standards. The proposal moves from a flat-fee system to one based on project valuation for larger projects.

• Proposed flat fee for projects costing under $1,500
• Proposed 1.0% fee for residential projects over $1,500
• Proposed 1.25% fee for commercial and mixed-use projects

The Planning Board approved the site plan for SC-One LLC at Map 6 Lot 27-08. The board also granted a waiver to reduce the parking lot setback from 50 feet to 10 feet. The project includes a three-story building with a daylight basement and a sport court.

• Approved minutes of the October 15, 2025 meeting (Unanimous)
• Found SC-One LLC application complete (Unanimous)
• Granted waiver to reduce parking lot setback from 50' to 10' (Unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Stevens Commons (Unanimous)

Meeting

The Conservation Commission discussed updating the city's open space planning and managing invasive species. Members also reviewed the approval of the Stevens School development and proposed creating a guidance rubric for the Planning Board.

• Identification of priorities for the 2007 Open Space Plan, including wetland protection and wildlife corridors
• Discussion of invasive species control at the Hallowell Recreation Area and City Forest
• Proposal to develop a written guide or rubric for the Planning Board regarding conservation concerns
• Review of the unanimously approved Stevens School development
• Update to the HCC website to include Open Space and wetland protection information

City Council

The Tree Board reviewed progress on the Tree Census Grant and the city GIS map. Members discussed volunteer work at Granite City Park and the upcoming Tree City USA application. The board noted that $4,000.00 from their budget will likely be needed for programming costs.

• Estimated $4,000.00 budget expenditure for Tree Census Grant programming costs
• Completion of adding Tree Board trees to the city GIS map
• Planting of 30 White Cedar seedlings at Granite City Park
• Proposed volunteer work date of October 25th for Granite City Park
• Tree City USA application due in December

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a Minor Site Plan application for a new dormitory and cafeteria building for UMA students. The project is proposed by SC-One, LLC as part of the Stevens Commons development.

• Proposed 4,500 square foot building with three floors of dorm suites, a cafeteria, and a student lounge
• Construction of a 2,340 square foot outdoor sports court
• Provision of 50 parking spaces via on-street and on-site parking
• Request for a setback waiver from 50 feet to 8 feet on the parking property
• Application fee of $100

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness application for a property at 21 Pleasant St. The applicant is seeking approval for a project involving a 8x12 structure.

• Certificate of Appropriateness application for 21 Pleasant St
• Proposed 8x12 structure with an estimated cost of $4,000

City Council

The Hallowell Conservation Commission reviewed updates on the Vaughan Brook watershed management plan and a development proposal for Coos Lane. The body also clarified the division of responsibilities between the Conservation Commission and the Recreation Commission.

• Discussion of Coos Lane development proposal regarding a proposed road and potential future easement impacts
• Update on the 10-year Vaughan Brook watershed management plan and monitoring of a blockage between Winthrop Street and Central Street
• Determination that management of Effie Berry Conservation Area should be under the Recreation Commission
• Planning for a 'Bringing Nature Home in Maine' lecture on October 23 with a cost of either $100 flat or $100 per hour plus travel
• Approval of FY 2026 meeting schedule for September through December

The City Council approved a marijuana business license for Hallowell 4twenty LLC and ratified a three-year labor contract with the Granite City Employees Association. Council also approved the first reading of an affordable housing ordinance amendment and appointed a new member to the Tree Board.

• Approved Marijuana Business License for Hallowell 4twenty LLC (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to amend Chapter 9 for LD 2003 affordable housing requirements (5-0)
• Ratified three-year labor contract with Granite City Employees Association (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028) (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including June 2025 accounts of $1,097,928.82 (5-0)
• Approved Kennebec River Rail Trail committee reports (5-0)
• Appointed Tracy Hodge to the Tree Board (5-0)
• Tabled Gaslight Theatre renewal contract until November meeting

City Council

The City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct an abatement hearing. The body will discuss and take action on poverty abatement case #FY26-01.

• Executive session for abatement hearing pursuant to Title 36 M.R.S. § 841(2)
• Decision to grant or deny poverty abatement case #FY26-01

Planning Board

The provided agenda text consists of a fraud alert warning applicants about fake invoices requesting wire payments. No other business items or decisions are listed in the provided text.

• Fraud alert regarding fake invoices requesting wire payments for fabricated fees

Meeting

The commission discussed progress on the Vaughan Brook watershed management plan and a nature-based shoreline stabilization project for the downtown riverbank. Members also coordinated upcoming October events and reviewed the FY2026 budget.

• Allocation of $1,000 for trails and construction redirected to the Recreation Commission
• Vaughan Brook watershed management plan draft expected by early summer 2026
• Shoreline stabilization project for downtown riverbank using nature-based approaches
• Public lecture 'Bringing Nature Home in Maine' scheduled for October 23
• Petroglyph art installation at the entrance to Effie Berry Conservation Area

City Council

The Board of Supervisors reviewed funding apportioned between four communities and the Friends of KRRT. Members discussed trail repairs in Augusta and Gardiner and a pending grant application for an engineering study.

• Pending $14,700 Viles Foundation grant application for a VHB engineering study
• Paving and sewer damage repairs to the trail leading to the Augusta waterfront
• Repair of a knocked-over guard rail in Gardiner
• Removal of low-hanging branches on tank farm road in Hallowell
• Proposed replacement of the light pole button at Sheldon Street

The City Council approved the municipal revenue and expenditure budgets for fiscal year 2025/2026. The council also authorized several business licenses and a new tax payment plan. Multiple items, including an affordable housing ordinance and an innkeeper's license, were tabled.

• Approved FY 2025/2026 Municipal Revenue Budget (7-0)
• Approved FY 2025/2026 Municipal Expenditure Budget (7-0)
• Approved Order 25-02 to establish a Tax Club payment plan (7-0)
• Approved Liquor License for The Maine House (7-0)
• Approved Victualers License for Uncorked Wine & Cheese (7-0)
• Approved Scarecrow City fall event (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager Ross McLellan as signer for City Accounts (7-0)
• Tabled affordable housing ordinance amendment to September (7-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review legal guidance from the Maine Municipal Association regarding its authority to grant waivers for a proposed development. The board is discussing a conceptual plan by Ross Real Estate, LLC, though no formal application has been submitted.

• Review of legal guidance on waiver authority for Ross Real Estate concept plan
• Discussion of proposed cluster development at Winthrop Street and High Street (Tax Map 6, Lot 15)
• Review of requested waivers for minimum lot size (4.8 acres vs 5 acres)
• Review of requested waivers for street right-of-way width (35 feet vs 36/50 feet)
• Review of requested waivers for sidewalk construction and corner clearance

City Council

The City Council is considering Order 25-08 regarding the application of tax payments. This order would direct the Tax Collector and Treasurer to apply payments to the oldest outstanding or delinquent taxes first.

• Order 25-08: Authorization to apply tax payments to delinquent taxes in chronological order

City Council

The Tree Board discussed the Forest Management Plan and long-term maintenance for Granite City Park. The board is also coordinating a Project Canopy grant and preparations for the Old Hallowell Day parade.

• Forest Management Plan discussion following City Council questions
• Erosion control and invasive plant removal at Granite City Park
• Project Canopy 2024/25 grant with an October 1 completion date
• GIS mapping training scheduled for July 16
• Distribution of cedar seedlings for the July 19 Old Hallowell Day parade

The City Council authorized the sale of the Old Fire Station and approved the first reading of the FY26 Municipal Expense Budget. The council also granted several liquor and business licenses and approved a Forest Management Plan.

• Approved sale of Old Fire Station with four parking spaces in agreement (7-0)
• Approved first reading of FY26 Municipal Expense Budget (7-0)
• Approved Forest Management Plan (7-0)
• Authorized liquor license extension for Fraternal Order of Eagles #3137 with no permanent structures (7-0)
• Authorized liquor, innkeeper's, and victualers licenses for Maple Hill Inn & Conference Center (7-0)
• Approved transient seller/victualers licenses for Old Hallowell Day for July 18-19, 2025 (7-0)
• Tabled first reading of Chapter 9 ordinance for LD 2003 affordable housing (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Nichola Garvan to Historic Hallowell Committee (7-0)

Planning Board

Ross Real Estate LLC is seeking several ordinance waivers to develop a single-family residential subdivision at Tax Map 6, Lot 16. The applicant is proposing a cluster development to reduce infrastructure costs and preserve open space.

• Waiver request for minimum lot size (4.8 acres proposed vs 5 acres required)
• Waiver request to build on very poorly drained 'Group D' soils
• Waiver request for a 35-foot wide right-of-way connecting to Winthrop Street
• Waiver request for 120-foot corner clearance at High Street (150 feet required)
• Infrastructure cost estimates: $550,500 for cluster development vs $841,500 for traditional

The Board approved the addition of four condominium units and road modifications for the Stevens Commons Subdivision, contingent on Public Works' approval. A preliminary application for a 13-lot cluster development on High Street was discussed but not decided.

• Approved minutes of April 16, 2025 meeting (Unanimous)
• Found Stevens Commons Subdivision application complete (Unanimous)
• Approved four additional condominium units and road modifications contingent on Public Works approval (Unanimous)

City Council

The RSU 2 Board of Directors and voters approved the 2025-2026 budget, including a total appropriation of $22,217,759.81 for public education. The board also updated school policies and approved various personnel changes and field trips.

• Approved $10,887,094.50 for Regular Instruction
• Approved $5,829,010.03 for Special Education
• Approved $1,838,860.86 for Transportation and Buses
• Approved $3,518,516.85 for Facilities Maintenance
• Approved $7,950,109.64 in additional local funds exceeding the State's EPS model

The City Council approved an employment contract for City Manager Ross McLellan and appointed Lisa J. Gilliam as interim manager. The council also renewed two marijuana business licenses and approved permits for a parade and a mass gathering event.

• Approved employment contract for City Manager Ross McLellan (7-0)
• Appointed Lisa J. Gilliam as interim City Manager through June 22, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved marijuana business license renewal for Mighty Viking, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved marijuana business license renewal for Frost Factory LLC (7-0)
• Approved Old Hallowell Day parade application for July 19, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved mass gathering permit for Valleepalooza 2025 (7-0)
• Approved third reading of ordinance amending downtown marijuana licensing restrictions (5-2)
• Approved Continuing Order 25-01 to maintain FY 24/25 budget numbers (5-2)

City Council

The Planning Board is reviewing amendments to the Land Use Ordinance to expand housing opportunities. These changes update rules for accessory dwelling units, affordable housing density, and the number of dwellings allowed on single lots.

• Allows up to four units on undeveloped parcels in growth areas or those with public water
• Permits attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) between 190 and 1,000 sq ft
• Enables density increases up to 2.5 times base density for developments where 50% of units are affordable
• Allows developed parcels with one existing dwelling to add up to two more units
• Updates abutter notification responsibilities for the City and applicants

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing a subdivision application for a 4.8-acre parcel. The proposal is for a single-family residential cluster development consisting of 13 lots.

• Proposed 13-lot single-family residential cluster development
• Project located on a 4.8-acre parcel in the R3 zoning district
• Application submitted by Max Ross on behalf of the Michaud Family Trust
• Proposal includes 1.5 acres dedicated to common usage for parks or playgrounds
• Project site includes a stream and proposed stormwater detention

Planning Board

The Planning Board reviewed a preliminary plan for a 9-lot residential development on Map 6 Lot 16 and requested a legal opinion from MMA regarding potential waivers. The board also approved two certificates of appropriateness for historic district properties. Residents expressed concerns regarding drainage and traffic on Winthrop Street.

• Requested MMA legal opinion on waivers for parcel size, right-of-way width, soils, and sidewalks for Map 6 Lot 16 subdivision
• Approved certificate of appropriateness for vinyl siding replacement at 4 Middle Street
• Approved certificate of appropriateness for renovations and a new entry vestibule at 16 Central Street
• Discussed cluster development vs. traditional subdivision options for developer Max Ross
• Public comments regarding drainage issues at 64 and 66 Winthrop Street

City Council

The City Council will review the FY2026 expense budget to establish a preliminary version. The body will decide on specific budget line items where the Finance Committee did not reach a concurrence.

• Proposed funding for Officer 3: $0 or $62,649
• Proposed Health Insurance Premium: $200,000 or $225,000
• Proposed New Police Cruiser: $0 or $15,000
• Proposed Hose Replacement: $0 or $15,240
• Proposed FD Shed replacement: $0 or $10,000

The City Council accepted the Fiscal Year 23/24 audit and approved a funding package for the library. The council also advanced an ordinance to limit downtown marijuana licenses and finalized an ordinance regarding standing committees.

• Approved new Victualers License for Belle Boulangerie (7-0)
• Approved and accepted Fiscal Year 23/24 Audit (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 01-25-R Proclamation of Arbor Week (7-0)
• Approved business license renewals for Victualer’s, Innkeepers, and Special Amusement Permits (7-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to limit downtown marijuana licenses from three to two (4-3)
• Approved second reading and waived third reading of ordinance relating to City Council Standing Committees (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 02-25-R conferring 2025 Spirit of America Award on Vision Hallowell (7-0)
• Approved $15,000 for library via $4,750 curtailment reduction and $10,250 from Fund Balance (6-1)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to consider and approve a contract for the new City Manager.

• Consideration and approval of a contract for the new City Manager

City Council

The City Council will receive and discuss the Hallowell Tree Board's March 2025 minutes. The report covers a proposed Forest Management Plan, erosion control at Granite City Park, two Project Canopy grants (one nearly complete, another uncertain due to state funding), and plans to plant trees for Earth Day and Arbor Day.

• Mayor to gauge Council appetite for adopting a Forest Management Plan; if approved, Harold Burnette would update the original plan and operations would start next winter
• Tree Board continues seeking City Public Works help for erosion control on Water Street bank at Granite City Park
• 2024/25 Project Canopy Grant ($0 specified): GIS tree inventory template nearly complete, training planned; board must locate ~540 trees
• 2025/26 Project Canopy Grant: state funding uncertain; board suggested calling federal representatives and using any grant to label plantings at Granite City Park
• Tree Board plans to purchase and plant 11 trees (Swamp Oaks, Lindens, White Oak, Elms) for Earth Day and one or two trees for Arbor Week

The City Council approved zoning changes for the Stevens School district and the official zoning map. They also issued business licenses for a marijuana cultivation facility and a new victualer. A motion to limit downtown cannabis licenses was passed by a split vote.

• Reduced downtown cannabis licenses from 3 to 2 (4-3)
• Approved Third Reading of Stevens School Planned Development Zoning District ordinance (7-0)
• Approved Third Reading of Official Zoning Map changes (7-0)
• Approved First Reading of City Council Standing Committees ordinance (7-0)
• Moved Transportation from Property & Public Lands to Personnel, Health & Public Safety Committee (7-0)
• Approved marijuana business license renewal for Origins Cultivation, LLC (7-0)
• Approved new victualer’s license for Lately’s at 108 Water Street (7-0)
• Approved March 2025 roll of accounts for $283,321.84 (5-1-1)

Meeting

The Hallowell Conservation Commission discussed the award of a Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant to develop a nature-based bank stabilization plan along the riverfront. They also reviewed a Landcare Management Ordinance synthetic product case that did not meet exemptions, and debriefed cancelled Earth Day events. Ongoing projects include Granite City Park restoration, Vaughan Brook monitoring, and a fall lecture with Wild Seed Project.

• Community Resilience grant awarded for nature-based bank stabilization from Granite City Park to boat launch
• Landcare Management Ordinance synthetic product case reviewed; did not meet exemptions
• Earth Day April 26 events cancelled due to heavy rain; restoration work continues
• Cam Dufty resigned from commission; two commissioner openings remain
• HCC will submit and adopt a site for Maine Big Night 2026 after observing amphibian migration

Planning Board

The provided document contains excerpts from Chapter 9 of the Hallowell Land Use Ordinance, including general provisions and definitions. It does not list specific agenda items, motions, or decisions for the April 16, 2025, meeting.

City Council

This is a special City Council meeting with the primary agenda item being an executive session to discuss personnel matters under Maine law. No other substantive business is listed, making this a largely procedural meeting.

• Executive session for personnel matters under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(A)

City Council

The Property, Public Lands & Transportation Committee reviewed a request from Strong Towns Hallowell to seek a grant for traffic calming measures. The committee decided that City DPW staff would perform the work using grant funds for labor, paint, and signage.

• Proposed installation of 364 feet of markings in each direction on Central Street
• Proposed installation of warning signs and a 20mph speed limit recommendation
• Agreement that City DPW staff will carry out work funded by the neighborhood group's grant

The City Council approved the issuance of an RFP to sell the old fire station and passed second readings for zoning map changes and the Stevens School Planned Development Zoning District. Several items, including a traffic study and interest-bearing account usage, were referred to committees for further review.

• Approved issuance of RFP to sell the old fire station (7-0)
• Approved second reading of Stevens School Planned Development Zoning District ordinance change (7-0)
• Approved second reading of Official Zoning Map changes for designated lots (7-0)
• Referred Central Street and Hillcrest Street traffic study to Transportation Committee (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including March 2025 Roll of Accounts for $283,321.84 (7-0)
• Approved adding First Reading of Proposed Ordinance on City Council Committees to April meeting (7-0)
• Referred use of interest-bearing sweep accounts to Finance Committee (6-1)
• Appointed Maureen AuCoin to the Historic Hallowell Committee

Meeting

The Hallowell Conservation Commission voted to support a letter of support for the Kennebec Land Trust's application for a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to build a 1.5-mile accessible trail on Howard Hill Historical Park in Augusta and Effie Berry Conservation Area in Hallowell. The commission also discussed environmental concerns about a proposed automotive repair shop conditional-use permit and a renewal of a gravel extraction permit. They reviewed the Open Space ordinance update and began planning for Earth Day events.

• Letter of support for Kennebec Land Trust $500,000 LWCF grant for 1.5-mile accessible trail on Howard Hill and Effie Berry Conservation Area
• Discussed potential environmental contamination from automotive repair shop application for conditional-use permit (oil, gas, heavy metals, solvents)
• Discussed third renewal of conditional-use permit for gravel/sand extraction and its impact on water quality
• Approved consent agenda including FY26 budget request and Hallowell Climate Action update
• Reviewed Open Space ordinance update; identified three types of open space and need for long-term rezoning plan

City Council

The City Council agenda for March 20, 2025, consists solely of informational listings of current liquor and marijuana licenses in Hallowell. No decisions, proposals, or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is limited to receiving these reports.

• Liquor license listing includes 12 establishments with addresses, owners, and expiration dates (e.g., Bistro Milliard expires 5/31/2025, The Maine House expires 3/20/2026).
• Marijuana license listing includes 13 businesses with categories (medical retail, adult-use retail, cultivation, manufacturing) and expiration dates (e.g., Cold Brook Cannabis expired 1/21/2023, Home Grown the Offering expires 9/14/2025).
• Several marijuana licenses are noted as closed or sold (Closed June 2022, Sold May 2023, Closed December 2024).

Planning Board

The Planning Board is addressing specific questions regarding the requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Discussions include definitions of living space, short-term rental rules, and how lot size and setbacks are calculated.

• Discussion on whether lofts count as living space based on ceiling height
• Review of the 750 sq ft maximum for ADUs
• Clarification on short-term rental allowances for ADUs
• Analysis of buildable lot size requirements for properties on Academy Street and Page Street
• Review of setback requirements between ADUs and primary structures

City Council

The Mayor provided updates on the County and RSU2 budget calendars and testified in support of LD 29 for the Merrymeeting Trail. The Council also reviewed a proposed grant tracking system and a committee appointment.

• County draft budget calls for a 10% overall increase and a 12% increase in Hallowell’s assessment
• LD 29 proposal for the Merrymeeting Trail from Gardiner to Brunswick with estimated construction costs of $35-45 million
• Proposed grant tracking system to monitor city grant applications, expenses, and revenue
• Appointment of Maureen AuCoin to the Historic Hallowell Committee
• Search for a Council member to chair the Recreation Commission

The Council approved multiple event applications for the City Hall Auditorium and local streets. They also appointed a new Deputy Code Enforcement Officer and referred a parking building agreement to the Property Committee.

• Approved Mardi Gras Parade for March 8, 2025, including closure of both lanes on Water Street (6-0)
• Approved rental of City Hall Auditorium and catered liquor license for Mardi Gras Ball on March 8, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved Hallowell Pride Parade for June 7, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved minutes from Hallowell Arts & Cultural Committee to accept 'HOPEFUL' sign as a gift (6-0)
• Referred Cronin Square Condo Association Parking Building discussion to Property Committee (6-0)
• Appointed Greg Lumbert as Deputy Code Enforcement Officer CEO-LPI (6-0)
• Tabled third reading of Open Space Ordinance changes for further review (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including December 2024 Roll of Accounts for $873,337.52

Meeting

The commission discussed the implementation of the Landcare Management Ordinance and the next steps for the recently passed Open Space Ordinance. Members are reviewing model solar ordinances to create a local draft and assigned leads for 2025 events and communications.

• Review of model solar ordinances to develop a draft for Hallowell
• Discussion on re-zoning city parks to open space following the Open Space Ordinance
• FY2025 budget report showing $1,200 of $1,500 remaining
• Planning for Earth Day (April 26) and Arbor Week
• Update on Land Use Ordinance changes regarding affordable housing and ADUs

City Council

The Hallowell City Council is holding a special meeting in person only. The sole substantive item is a discussion with Eaton Peabody HR consultant Don Gerrish regarding the process for hiring a new city manager. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion with Eaton Peabody HR consultant Don Gerrish on city manager hiring process

Planning Board

The provided document contains excerpts from the Hallowell Land Use Ordinance, including general provisions and definitions. It does not list specific items for decision or discussion for the February 19, 2025, meeting.

City Council

The Hallowell City Council will accept the resignation of City Manager Gary Lamb, effective June 6, 2025. The Council will also vote on the third reading of changes to the Open Space Ordinance and hold first readings on zoning changes for the Stevens School Planned Development District and the official zoning map. Other business includes discussing whether to issue an RFP to sell the old fire station and reviewing the marijuana lottery and licensing process for downtown.

• Accept resignation of City Manager Gary Lamb effective June 6, 2025
• Third reading and approval of Open Space Ordinance amendments
• First reading of ordinance change for Stevens School Planned Development Zoning District
• First reading of proposed changes to Official Zoning Map reassigning lots to new districts
• Discussion on issuing an RFP to sell the old fire station

The City Council approved the first reading of the FY2025 Municipal Expense and Revenue Budgets. The council also renewed two marijuana licenses and approved a new private road name. A discussion regarding a $4,600 canon restoration bill was tabled for a future workshop.

• Approved first reading of FY25 Municipal Expense and Revenue Budgets (7-0)
• Approved marijuana license renewal for Origins Cultivation, LLC (7-0)
• Approved marijuana license renewal for Governor’s Island Company (7-0)
• Approved 'Autumn Hollow' as the name for a new private road (7-0)
• Appointed Election Clerks for a 2-year term (7-0)
• Appointed Pat Gilbert to Hallowell Water District (7-0)
• Approved Old Hallowell Day Parade application for July 20 (4-0)
• Tabled discussion on $4,600 canon restoration expense (7-0)

Meeting

The Hallowell Conservation Commission met and approved December 2024 minutes, elected Hilary as 2025 Chair, and reviewed the FY25 budget with a new balance of $1,205.50. The City Council tabled the third reading of the Open Space District Ordinance revision due to public input concerns. The commission also finalized plans for a Jan 29 PFAS community event and discussed climate action initiatives.

• Hilary elected unanimously as 2025 Chair; Secretary position to be decided next month
• PFAS Community Event scheduled for Jan 29 at 6pm with five panelists
• Open Space District Ordinance revision tabled by City Council after public concerns with Berry Conservation Area
• FY25 budget report shows $1,205.50 balance after $250 KLT membership payment
• Jamie’s Pond WMA trail bridge has rotten steps; interim fix planned with Tree Board