Orrington public meetings in 2020
22 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen approved a survey of town-owned property at the end of Grant Road (not to exceed $5,000) and authorized the town manager to begin conversations with property owners about easements. They also voted to participate in the 'Good Morning Project' for senior check-ins, extended the town manager's contract at $75,000 for six months, and discussed several other items including a fire department recognition and a medical equipment loaning program.
- Approved survey of town-owned property at end of Grant Road, cost not to exceed $5,000
- Authorized town manager to discuss easements with property owners
- Voted to participate in 'Good Morning Project' for senior check-ins
- Extended Town Manager Chris Backman's contract at $75,000 for Jan 1–Jun 30, 2021
- Signed quit claim deed for Account #1618 (O'Donnell) after 2018 tax foreclosure
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met and approved minutes and warrants. They discussed the Hyatt property remediation, agreeing to list it with a realtor within three weeks. They also addressed a citizen's question about internet coverage for students, noting it is in early stages and a five-year process. A PACE loan program was mentioned as requiring a town meeting ordinance.
- Hyatt property house demolished, cleanup expected by Wednesday; cost about $6,000; board agreed to list with realtor within 3 weeks
- Internet coverage for students: town manager says in infancy stage, 5-year process; board agreed to look into Spectrum cost
- PACE loan program update: requires town meeting ordinance approval
- Approved minutes of November 9, 2020 meeting
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen approved a heat pump installation for the Assistant Assessor's Office and signed an agreement with the Town of Bucksport for ALS backup services. The board also accepted the existing sign from Center Drive School and discussed finishing the upper floor of the annex building for storage and a breakroom. Additionally, the town decided to proceed with the demolition of the Hyatt property before selling it by bid.
- Approved heat pump proposal for Assistant Assessor's Office from Dennis Walls
- Signed ALS Agreement with Town of Bucksport for backup services
- Accepted existing sign from Center Drive School
- Decided to demolish Hyatt property and sell by bid after title issues
- Discussed finishing upper floor of annex building for storage and breakroom
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met on August 24, 2020, and took action on several property sales, including authorizing improvements to the intersection at 430 Center Drive and adding costs to the sale price. They also approved signing a school renovation loan, carried forward funds for paving and assessing, and discussed the Johnson Mill Rd/Dow Road intersection safety options. The board went into executive session to discuss economic development but took no action afterward.
- Approved sale of 430 Center Drive property to previous owner's son, with town to fix intersection corner and add expenses to sale price
- Authorized signing of Orrington School Department School Revolving Renovation Loan
- Approved carryforwards for Public Works Paving and Assessing Contracted Services from FY20
- Discussed Johnson Mill Rd / Dow Road intersection safety options; town manager to follow up with DOT
- Established Marina Committee with 5-13 members and initial appointees
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting, approving routine items and several appointments. They authorized a new auditor for the FY 19-20 audit, discussed a mil rate increase of 0.30, and reviewed updates on the sale of town properties. The board also formed an ad hoc committee to research a proposed marina and discussed replacing town welcome signs.
- Authorized James W. Wadman to conduct the FY 19-20 annual audit, replacing Foster & Company.
- Discussed setting mil rate, with an increase of 0.30; tax commitment set for August 20.
- Authorized sale of town-acquired property at 430 Center Drive to the son for back taxes, with safety improvements required within 18 months.
- Formed ad hoc committee to research a proposed marina at the Rt. 15 Industrial Park site.
- Approved appointment of Donald Baker as Health Officer and other committee appointments/resignations.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting on July 13, 2020, where they voted to sell the old fire station and police barn, discussed a conceptual marina plan, and reviewed truck bids. They also waived the 50-person quorum for the upcoming town meeting due to COVID-19 and signed the annual town meeting warrant. The meeting included a public comment about a ballot error and a resident's road maintenance request.
- Voted to sell the old fire station and police barn (motion by Curtis, seconded by Bowden, 5-0).
- Reviewed truck bids from Daigle & Houghton and Freightliner of Maine; awarded decision to town manager (prices ranged from $78,938 to $114,952).
- Waived the 50-person quorum requirement for the town meeting due to COVID-19 (5-0).
- Approved and signed the annual town meeting warrant (5-0).
- Discussed a conceptual marina plan for town-owned land at the end of Grant Rd.; referred to SEAC committee (5-0).
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board held a regular meeting covering public comments on proposed Land Use Ordinance changes, a site plan review for a proposed development on Brewer Lake Road, and continued discussion of the old fire station. The board also discussed forming a committee to pursue a boat launch at the old gravel pit. No final votes were taken on these items, except approval of the previous meeting's minutes.
- Public comments on Land Use Ordinance changes: front-line setbacks, impervious surface limit, flag lots
- Mineral Extraction Ordinance explained: noise limits, hours, performance standards, buffers, groundwater protection
- Down to Earth site plan review; W.L. Properties subdivision to be labeled 'Final Plan'
- Informal review of Chris Pepin's proposed 12-unit development on Brewer Lake Road (Shoreland Zoning)
- Discussion of old gravel pit boat launch project with possible state funds
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a regular meeting on June 8, 2020, and made several decisions. They scheduled a public hearing on the budget for June 22 and the annual town meeting for July 27, both at the school. They also voted to request a 25 mph speed limit on Richardson Road, ratified extending the lawn mowing contract to December 31, 2020, and set a public hearing on proposed permit fee increases for June 22. The meeting included updates on the Public Safety Building and discussion of solar energy proposals, but no action was taken on solar.
- Public hearing on budget scheduled for June 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM at the school
- Town meeting scheduled for July 27, 2020 at 6:00 PM at the school
- Motion to request DOT set speed limit on Richardson Road to 25 mph and erect signs
- Ratified extension of lawn mowing contract to December 31, 2020
- Public hearing on proposed increase in permit fees set for June 22, 2020
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board will review the status of the Public Safety Building project and approve changes to the FY 20-21 town budget and draft town meeting warrant articles. The board will also award bids for curbside residential refuse collection and sand and gravel. Additionally, the board will authorize the Town Manager to sign a proposal with Tetra Tech for an archaeological survey of a 164-acre parcel off Route 15.
- Award bid for Curbside Residential Refuse Collection
- Award bid for Sand & Gravel
- Authorize Town Manager to sign proposal with Tetra Tech for archaeological survey of 164-acre parcel off Route 15
- Review and approve changes to town budget (expense side) and projected revenues for FY 20-21
- Review draft town meeting warrant articles
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They approved a final site plan for the Down to Earth Subdivision (Map 5, Lot 123) with conditions to reduce density and adjust setbacks, and they lifted a stop work order on the Thornton Family Campground enlargement after reviewing changes. The board also discussed the Mineral Extraction Ordinance and the future use of the old fire station.
- Approved Down to Earth Subdivision site plan with reduced density (from 12 to 10 units) and adjusted setbacks
- Removed stop work order on Thornton Family Campground enlargement
- Discussed Mineral Extraction Ordinance changes, including liability insurance requirement
- Requested public input on possible uses of old fire station via social media
- Noise ordinance research deferred to future meetings
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a special meeting on May 15, 2020, primarily to enter an executive session to discuss a personnel matter related to the town manager search. The board voted unanimously to enter and later exit the session, then adjourned. No other business was conducted.
- Executive session under Title 1, Section 405, Subsection (6)(A) for town manager search
- Unanimous votes to enter and exit executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM
Selectman
The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting to enter an executive session regarding a personnel matter. The discussion focused specifically on the search for a new Town Manager.
- Executive session held to discuss Town Manager Search
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a special meeting to discuss a personnel matter, specifically the town manager search, in executive session. No decisions were made in open session; the board entered and exited executive session and adjourned.
- Executive session under Title 1, Section 405, Subsection (6)(A) for town manager search
- Unanimous votes to enter and exit executive session
- Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board reviewed the Mineral Extraction Ordinance, setting specific noise limits and requiring liability insurance for permits. The board discussed the Down to Earth Subdivision, noting that the owner is willing to pay fines for tree growth tax loans before final approval. Additionally, the board addressed the Thornton Family Campground, which has been expanding without approval since fall 2019, and considered issuing a stop order if work continues.
- Mineral Extraction Ordinance: Established 70dB noise limit (6am-9pm) and 65dB limit (9pm-6am) for industrial establishments; required proof of liability insurance.
- Down to Earth Subdivision (Map 5, Lot 123): Owner W.L. Properties, LLC agreed to pay tree growth tax loan fines; updated plans requested for next meeting.
- Thornton Family Campground: Board considering a Stop Order for unapproved expansion activities including road improvements and septic installation since fall 2019.
- Old Fire Station: Board noted that one-third of the property is in a stream protection district, limiting future development potential.
- Noise Ordinance: Discussion tabled; members tasked with researching existing ordinances for future meetings.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met for a special meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the town manager search, citing personnel matters under state law. They exited the session and adjourned without taking any public action. The meeting was otherwise procedural.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session for town manager search
- Executive session held from 6:05 PM to 7:29 PM
- Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board will hold a public hearing and vote on renewing the junkyard license for J & J Auto Salvage at 379 Brewer Lake Road. The board will also discuss the Public Safety Building project, FY 2020-2021 budget revisions, and consider approving a school construction loan. Several appointments and resignations are on the agenda, along with reports from town departments and committees.
- Public hearing and vote on junkyard license for J & J Auto Salvage, 379 Brewer Lake Road
- Approve school construction loan
- Resignation of Melanie Bower from Board of Appeals; appointment of Eric Vinson to Conservation Commission
- Update on FY 2020-2021 budget revisions
- Public Safety Building update with SW Cole reports
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board held its monthly meeting, covering routine items like approving prior minutes and public comments. Old business included a review of the Town's Mineral Extraction Ordinance, a status update on the Down to Earth Subdivision (no new information), and continued discussion of the Noise Ordinance, focusing on penalties, fireworks, industrial machinery, measurement, and enforcement. New business involved a zoning discussion for the old fire station property (Map 022 Lot 035).
- Reviewed Town of Orrington Mineral Extraction Ordinance
- Continued discussion of Noise Ordinance penalties, fireworks, industrial machinery, and enforcement
- Discussed zoning for old fire station, Map 022 Lot 035
- Down to Earth Subdivision: no updated information this month
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen met and approved a change order for snow bars on the Public Safety Building roof. They also selected McKenna LaBrie for the Spirit of America award, discussed a cost recovery ordinance for structure fires, and reviewed most budget accounts, tabling the Manager and Fire Department accounts. The board also discussed a request from Revision Energy to walk the Brewer Lake Rd. property and a request for funds to sponsor the 4 Port Loop Celebration.
- Approved change order for roof snow bars on Public Safety Building
- Selected McKenna LaBrie for Spirit of America award
- Discussed adopting ordinance to recover costs from homeowner's insurance for structure fires
- Revision Energy requested permission to walk Brewer Lake Rd. industrial park land
- Old Home Week Committee requested $500 donation and $1800 to sponsor 4 Port Loop event
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed a conceptual plan for an 18-unit subdivision at Center Drive and Dow Road, and began reviewing a potential noise ordinance. No final decisions were made; both items will continue at future meetings.
- Down to Earth subdivision concept: 18 units, some multi-family, at Center Drive & Dow Rd
- FEMA floodplain mapping updates received and under review
- Discussion on whether a noise ordinance belongs in the Land Use Ordinance or as a separate ordinance
- Board agreed to add 'Board Comments' to future agendas
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen held a community workshop to discuss town goals and objectives, with public input on several topics. Residents raised the need to update the town charter, find a permanent town manager, and consider a solar energy farm at the Brewer Lake Road industrial park. The board agreed the charter update should be done soon and will discuss a plan for the manager search during the regular meeting.
- Charter update: Board agreed to update the town charter, including asking the school and town attorney for input, and forming a committee.
- Town manager search: Board will discuss a plan of action for hiring a permanent town manager during the regular meeting.
- Public safety building: Resident suggested a tour and grand opening when the new facility is completed.
- Solar energy farm: Brewer Lake Road industrial park property discussed regarding interest from a solar energy farm.
- Internet services: Resident proposed a plan to extend internet services, similar to sewer/water lines, with residents paying over several years.
Selectman
The Orrington Selectmen approved a change order for a diesel generator at the new fire station due to code violations with propane, and authorized the town manager to sign a medical services agreement with Eastern Maine Medical Center. They also discussed budget goals, a paving project, and a property access dispute.
- Approved change order for diesel generator at Public Safety Building (propane generator rejected due to code violations)
- Authorized Town Manager to sign Medical Services Agreement with Eastern Maine Medical Center
- Approved DOT bid for Route 15 paving project (Snows Corner to Brewer line)
- Voted to require full tax payment before auction of foreclosed property at 185 Swetts Pond Road
- Appointed Marc Abplanalp to Planning Board (3-2 vote)
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met to handle routine business, including approving minutes and signing a lease agreement for LaBrie Enterprises. The board also reviewed and revised a draft Mineral Extraction Ordinance, planning a public hearing in March, and discussed clarifying definitions in the Noise and Nuisance Ordinance.
- Approved minutes of November 21, 2019 meeting
- Signed mylars and 1-year lease agreement for LaBrie Enterprises, LLC
- Reviewed draft Mineral Extraction Ordinance; public hearing planned for March
- Discussed clarifying noise and nuisance definitions, including fireworks time restrictions