Orrington public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Select Board met to handle administrative appointments and review county budget trends. The board also discussed town office holiday closures and the sale of a town property.
- Appointment of Daniel Sanford to the Board of Appeals
- Listing agreement for Baker Ln. property for $29,800
- Discussion of Penobscot County budget deficit and proposed jail bond issue
- Town office closures scheduled for December 15 and December 22 at 12:00 noon
Meeting
The Select Board authorized a 10% matching fund expenditure for a Penobscot River Estuary Remediation program grant. The board also met with the new owners of the PERC facility and discussed local paving and culvert grants.
- Authorization of up to 10% match for a nearly $3 million Penobscot River Estuary Remediation program grant
- Introduction of new PERC facility owners: Marc Boswell, Christina Schultz, Bill Richards, and Lee Bazell
- Discussion of a DOT grant for culverts at Eagle Point Business Park
- Acceptance of resignation for fire live in student, Sam
Meeting
The Planning Board held an informal discussion regarding a proposed energy storage project on Fields Pond Road. Members also discussed potential zoning amendments to create a general industrial commercial designation for specific parcels, including Map 5 lot 56B.
- Informal discussion of a $100 to $300 million lithium-ion battery storage project on a 10-acre lot on Fields Pond Road
- Proposed redistricting of Map 5 lot 56B and other parcels near Norlands Water Treatment to a general industrial commercial designation
- Discussion on defining permanent versus temporary agriculture buildings for permit and tax exemption purposes
Meeting
The Select Board met to approve town accounts payable warrants and a municipal quitclaim deed for a specific property following the payment of back taxes and liens. The board also entered an executive session to discuss the disposition of property, though no action was taken afterward.
- Approval of Municipal Quitclaim Deed for Map 008, Lot 037
- Discussion of funding for a flashing stop sign at Johnson Mill Rd/Dow Rd intersection
- Approval of town accounts payable warrants
- Executive session regarding disposition of property per M.R.S.A. Title 1, Section § 405 (6)(C)
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a public hearing and regular meeting, adopting the State of Maine's General Assistance maximums for October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. The board also scheduled a special town meeting to authorize a waiver of foreclosure on the PERC facility. Two Fire EMS resignations were accepted, and the board signed appointment paperwork for the town assessor.
- Adopted State of Maine General Assistance limits and maximums for Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 (Appendices A-H)
- Scheduled special town meeting for 11/13/23 at 6:00 pm to authorize Treasurer to file Waiver of Foreclosure on PERC facility
- Accepted resignations of Fire EMS members Scott Clark and Josh Carr
- Signed appointment paperwork for Town Assessor Jacky Binette
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board is holding a special meeting to sign the warrant for a secret ballot referendum election at a special town meeting. No other business is on the agenda, and public comments are accepted in writing or via email.
- Signing of the Special Town Meeting Secret Ballot Referendum Election Warrant
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, approving appointments, warrants, and contracts. The board also discussed a resident's request for a cemetery oversight committee and heard about a proposed sex offender notification ordinance that will be put to voters despite deficient petition wording.
- Appointed Jacky Binette as Tax Assessor
- Authorized up to $25,000 for Jacobs Engineering to prepare grant documents for the Penobscot River Estuary Trust
- Approved purchase of a 1,000-gallon propane tank for the Public Safety Building at about $6,500
- Agreed to create an ad hoc committee to oversee all town cemeteries
- Set a special meeting for October 12 to set election date and sign warrants for sex offender ordinance vote
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, addressing a resident's request for a special town meeting to consider ordinances restricting where registered sex offenders can reside. The Board denied the request, stating a petition would be required. The Board also approved a new phone system for the Public Safety Building and authorized the Orrington Landing Committee to pursue funding from the Penobscot River Estuary Remediation Trust.
- Denied resident request for special town meeting on sex offender ordinances
- Approved purchase of replacement phone system for Public Safety Building from Sierra Communications
- Authorized Orrington Landing Committee to pursue funding from Penobscot River Estuary Remediation Trust
- Appointed Andrew Gladu to the Board of Appeals
- Cancelled fall cleanup day; auction postponed to October 25
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, addressing public comments about trash pickup inconsistencies and road paving. The board discussed potentially restricting hunting on town-owned conservation lands due to development at Eagle Point Business Park, and authorized the town manager to purchase a parcel on River Road.
- Residents of North Orrington Meadows questioned why two private roads still receive curbside trash pickup after their request was denied.
- PERC has furloughed 95% of staff; trash disposal now costs roughly $3,000/week at Juniper Ridge.
- Board accepted resignations from three firefighters and one Board of Appeals member.
- Conservation Committee suggested considering an archery-only hunting ordinance for safety near Eagle Point Business Park.
- Board authorized purchase of land on River Road (tax map 005 lot 56-B) after executive session.
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting covering routine approvals, a conservation committee discussion, a tabled hunting authorization item, and a petition from Frenchman Lane residents about curbside trash collection. The board declined the trash request, citing the need for consistency across private roads. A resident also asked for a policy change to notify all residents when a sex offender moves to town.
- Resident requests notification policy for sex offenders moving to town
- Conservation Committee discusses purpose, grant authority, and direction
- Hunting authorization on town-owned conservation lands tabled
- Frenchman Lane residents petition for curbside trash collection; denied
- Planning Board resignation accepted from Lance Lord
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed a pre-application for a 4-unit apartment building at 355 River Road that was built under a single-dwelling permit due to a code enforcement error. The board also denied a request to waive decommissioning and financial guarantee requirements for the Kings Mountain Community Solar Array project, citing ordinance requirements.
- Heber Property Management: 4-unit apartment at 355 River Road, Tax Map 8 Lot 9, built without proper subdivision approval; board suggests 3-unit subdivision application and consent agreement with fine
- Kings Mountain Community Solar Array: 220 KW AC project off Center Drive, Tax Map 1 Lot 001-023-E; final site plan approved contingent on irrevocable letter of credit and decommissioning plan
- Board denied waiver of decommissioning plan and irrevocable line of credit for solar project, citing Solar Ordinance requirements
- Chairman to send letter to solar owner requiring compliance with decommissioning ordinance and financial guarantee
- Board member Lance Lord resigned due to moving out of state
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, addressing routine items like minutes and warrants, and heard public comments from a resident concerned about building permits issued for a non-conforming lot at 165 Arctic Station Road. The board also received updates on the PERC auction, committee activities, and department reports, and held an executive session on personnel and legal matters.
- Public comment on building permits for 165 Arctic Station Road, a non-conforming lot
- Update on PERC auction scheduled for August 30, 2023
- Thank you letters from Life Flight of Maine and Eastern Agency on Aging
- Old Home Week committee report and suggestions for future events
- Executive session on personnel and legal consultation
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held its regular meeting, approving the sale of two tax-acquired properties and discussing the preliminary FY 2022-23 financial reports. The board also approved the prior meeting's minutes and town accounts payable warrants. The meeting was largely routine, with no old business and no appointments or resignations.
- Approved motion to authorize town manager to dispose of tax-acquired properties on Baker Lane and Center Drive, with listing recommended
- Approved carryover of unexpended ORC budget balances into FY 24, offset by reserve fund
- Discussed preliminary FY 2022-23 financial reports; all departments under budget except ORC
- Approved Select Board meeting minutes of July 10, 2023
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board will hold a site visit and meeting to consider final approval of the Kings Mountain Community Solar Project at 1249 Center Drive. They will also discuss a revision to the Eagle Point Business Park Subdivision and a preliminary site plan for Evan Coleman.
- Final approval of Kings Mountain Community Solar Project (tentative)
- Site visit to 1249 Center Drive for solar project
- Discussion: Revision to Eagle Point Business Park Subdivision
- Preliminary site plan discussion for Evan Coleman
- Election of officers and approval of June 15, 2023 minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting on July 10, 2023, approving routine items and discussing several community matters. They accepted a $20,000 grant from Stephen and Tabitha King for a Lucas CPR machine, signed the annual audit engagement letter, and approved a paving proposal for the school basketball court. The board also heard updates on the Eagle Point Road construction, the PERC plant situation, and a fire investigation.
- Accepted $20,000 Stephen and Tabitha King EMS Equipment grant for Lucas CPR machine, with $3,000 Fire Department match
- Signed annual audit engagement letter with Wadman & Associates for FY 2022-23
- Approved paving proposal for basketball court at school grounds, with Bangor Lawn & Landscape recommended
- Discussed PERC plant auction status and potential Town Manager involvement
- Fire Chief reported lithium-ion battery as cause of fire at 571 Dow Road
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving minutes, warrants, and several actions. They voted to give a cemetery plot to Don Gray at no charge, authorized shore access for a Penobscot River remediation project, renewed the town manager's contract, and re-elected Allan Snell as chair.
- Approved sale of Oak Hill Cemetery plot to Don Gray for $0 (originally $700)
- Authorized intertidal shore access for Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Remediation Trust LLC (Agreements #2023-51 and #2023-52)
- Renewed Town Manager's contract for July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
- Re-elected Allan Snell as Select Board Chair for FY 2023-24
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved a preliminary site plan for a 220 kW community solar array proposed by Kevin and Jana Hanscom on their property off Center Drive on Kings Mountain. The approval is contingent on corrections to the plan, including adding a location map, signature lines, and the title. A final site plan review and site visit are scheduled for July 20, 2023.
- Approved preliminary site plan for 220 kW AC solar array on Tax Map 1 Lot 001-023-E
- Project located in Residential Farming District
- Corrections required: location map, signature lines, and title on preliminary plan
- Site visit scheduled for July 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved annual reappointments and accepted a donation to the Cemetery Perpetual Care fund. The board authorized the Town Manager to negotiate a construction agreement for the Penobscot Drive portion of Eagle Point and a separate purchase and sale agreement. Additionally, the board approved an expanded liquor license for Rocky Knoll Golf Course.
- Approved expanded liquor license for Rocky Knoll Golf Course to include the entire layout and mobile service
- Accepted donation to the Cemetery Perpetual Care fund in memory of the Legasse and Copeland families
- Authorized Town Manager to negotiate construction agreement for the Penobscot Drive portion of Eagle Point
- Authorized Town Manager to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement
- Approved reappointment of town officials and board/committee members
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board is holding its regular meeting, approving routine items like meeting minutes and accounts payable warrants. The board also made an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals and gave final approval to the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. An executive session was held to discuss economic development information.
- Appointed Seth Reardon to the Zoning Board of Appeals (vote 5-0)
- Final approval of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant (vote 5-0)
- Approved minutes of the May 8, 2023 Combined School and Municipal Budget public hearing (vote 5-0)
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Held executive session on economic development (M.R.S.A. Title 1, § 405(6)(C))
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving minutes and warrants, and adjusting the Registrar's hours for the upcoming election. The Board voted to reject all bids for the Eagle Point Park road project after receiving one bid from Eastwood Contractors that was not advantageous to the Town. The Board also entered executive session to discuss economic development.
- Approved Select Board minutes of April 24, 2023
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Approved request to change Registrar hours to May 31, 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Voted to reject all bids for Eagle Point Park road project; one bid from Eastwood Contractors
- Entered executive session for economic development discussion
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved the final budget books for the fiscal year ending June 2023, with minor changes to school numbers and an undetermined animal control officer stipend increase. The board also discussed proposed Town Charter changes, deciding to hold a special referendum later rather than rush for the June town meeting. They entered executive session to discuss economic development.
- Approved final budget books for FY ending June 2023
- Discussed proposed Town Charter changes; special referendum planned later this year
- Only one bid received for Eagle Point Industrial Park road and utilities project
- Accepted resignation of Laura George from Library Committee; appointed Norma Stevens
- Entered executive session for economic development discussion
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board held a public hearing and approved changes to the Land Use Ordinance and Floodplain Management Ordinance, recommending they be placed on the 2023 town warrant. The board also approved the final site plan for a solar project on Brewer Lake Road and denied a waiver request for a decommissioning plan and line of credit for another solar project.
- Approved final site plan for Brewer Lake Road solar project
- Denied waiver for decommissioning plan and line of credit for Kevin Hanscom solar project
- Approved changes to Land Use Ordinance and Floodplain Management Ordinance
- Recommended ordinance changes for 2023 town warrant
- Waived phase one soil assessment for Kevin Hanscom property
Meeting
The committee is conducting a final review of the Proposed Charter draft. Members will also discuss dates for public hearings and statements for the referendum.
- Final review of Proposed Charter
- Discussion on Public Hearing dates
- Discussion of Referendum statements
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board discussed the Penobscot River cleanup plan presented by Greenfield Environmental Trust Group and agreed to collaborate with surrounding towns on a phosphorus education effort for Brewer Lake. The board also approved minutes and accounts payable warrants, and held an executive session on personnel matters with no action taken.
- Greenfield Environmental Trust Group presented Penobscot River cleanup plans under consent decree
- Board agreed to mutual agreement with surrounding towns on Brewer Lake water quality education
- Approved Select Board minutes of March 27, 2023
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Executive session on personnel matters, no action taken
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a public hearing and regular meeting, approving a liquor license renewal for Rocky Knoll Country Club and discussing the upcoming fiscal year budget. The board also reviewed public works equipment purchases and disposals, accepted audited financial statements, and took disciplinary action in executive session.
- Approved Class II Liquor License and Mobile License Renewal for Rocky Knoll Country Club LLC at 94 River Road
- Discussed proposed FY2024 budget with 15% market rate adjustment for buildings and accessory structures
- Approved estimates for replacement dump trailers for Ford and GMC 1-ton trucks
- Authorized disposal of two pressure washers from Public Works
- Accepted audited financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board is meeting to review a site plan for the Brewer Lake Road Solar project, discuss updates to the Floodplain Management Ordinance, and consider cluster development provisions. They will also hold an introductory meeting for Kevin Hanscom's proposed Small Industrial Solar Energy System.
- Brewer Lake Road Solar – Site Plan Review
- Floodplain Management Ordinance Update
- Cluster Development Provisions
- Kevin Hanscom: Introductory Meeting for Small Industrial Solar Energy System
Meeting
The Orrington Charter Committee is meeting to continue work on the town charter. They will discuss Article #16 concerning the library and review a revised version of the document. The meeting includes roll call, pledge, and public comments.
- Discussion of Article #16 – Library
- Review of revised charter document
- Glossary review
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board met and approved minutes and accounts payable warrants. The main business was an initial review of proposed budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, covering insurance/benefits, public works, sheriff patrol, recreation, and the library. The town manager noted that funds previously returned by Maine PERS are depleting, so the town will need to budget for retirement contributions for the first time in over 20 years, proposing $40,000 split over two years. New spending includes mailbox replacement funds and an additional part-time library employee for Saturday hours.
- Initial review of FY2024 budgets for Insurance/Benefits, Public Works, Sheriff Patrol, Recreation, and Library
- Proposed $40,000 for Maine PERS retirement contributions, split half this year and half next
- New expense account for mailbox replacements damaged by plow trucks
- Library funds to hire part-time staff for upcoming Saturday hours
- Approved minutes of Feb 13, 2023 and accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board voted to make John Mackie a regular voting member, replacing Lance Lord, who becomes an alternate. The board also reviewed a proposed Cluster Development Ordinance and discussed an update to the Floodplain Management Ordinance, with minor wording changes to be included in a June Land Use Ordinance update.
- Vote to make John Mackie a regular voting member, Lance Lord becomes alternate
- Cluster Development Ordinance reviewed, minor wording changes to be included in June Land Use Ordinance update
- Floodplain Management Ordinance update to be double-checked and finished at next meeting
- Chairman provided a program showing map, lot number, and district in one place
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved four junkyard permits and began initial review of proposed FY2024 budgets, including discussions on adding a part-time code enforcement officer and possibly making the fire chief full-time. The meeting also included routine approvals of minutes and warrants.
- Approved junkyard permits for Corey Recycling (494 Brewer Lake Road), Stewarts Wrecker Service (275 Snows Corner Road), J&J Auto Salvage (379 Brewer Lake Road), and Foreign Auto Center (518 Center Drive)
- Reviewed proposed FY2024 budgets for Manager's Office, Assessing, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Fire and EMS, and Animal Control
- Discussed adding a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, possibly shared with other towns
- Discussed making the Fire Chief position full-time
- Discussed potential Animal Control Officer hire with wildlife management skills
Meeting
The Orrington Charter Committee is meeting to continue reviewing and discussing proposed charter articles, including those on town powers, the library, and the Select Board. The agenda includes a review of a revised document, but no final decisions are scheduled.
- Review of Article #1 on Grant Powers of the Town
- Review of Article #16 on the Library
- Review of Article #3 on the Select Board
- Review of revised charter document
Meeting
The Orrington Charter Committee is meeting to conduct an initial review of a revised document and discuss Article #16 concerning the library. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as roll call, pledge of allegiance, and adjustments.
- Initial review of revised document
- Article #16 – Library discussion
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved the final site plan for the Bartlett Cove Subdivision, accepted a $7,000 fire department impact fee donation, and discussed a modified solar array application and an after-the-fact subdivision for a 4-unit building on River Road. Public comments raised concerns about a potential development on Bouchard Drive.
- Approved final site plan for Bartlett Cove Subdivision (Old Station Road LLC) with $7,000 fire department impact fee
- Discussed Brewer Lake Solar Array modification: reduced from 3.0 MW to 1.999 MW AC, removing 2,133 sq ft from protected districts
- Heber Property Management after-the-fact subdivision at 355 River Road: property is under 2.5-acre minimum for 4-unit subdivision
- Public concern about potential development of 107-acre property at 88 Center Drive Road (Tax Map 5 Lot 100A) with access via Bouchard Drive
Meeting
The Orrington Charter Committee is meeting to continue work on the town charter, including reviewing Article #3 (Select Board) and Article #16 (Library), discussing glossary items, and conducting an initial review of the revised document.
- Review of Article #3 – Select Board
- Review of Article #16 – Library
- Discussion of glossary items to be included
- Initial review of revised document
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting, approving two municipal quitclaim deeds to return foreclosed properties to prior owners, accepting a $500 EMT training scholarship, and accepting two firefighter resignations. The board also discussed preliminary budget requests and ambulance service subscription revenue.
- Approved quitclaim deed for Map 007, Lot 055, returning property to prior owners
- Approved quitclaim deed for Map 022, Lot 026, returning property to prior owners
- Accepted Ed MacDonald Safety Scholarship Program ($500 for EMT training)
- Accepted resignations of Fire Dept. members James Seymour and Stephen Cummings Jr.
- Discussed preliminary budget requests and ambulance subscription revenue (~$1,700 collected)