Orrington public meetings in 2024
29 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Select Board approved minutes, accounts payable warrants, and a lease amendment for DR Disc Golf LLC extending their lease by an additional ten years. The Town Manager reported on pursuing DOT replacement of the blinking traffic light at Center Drive/Rt. 15 (estimated $25–30K), and the Fire Department presented reports for October and November.
- Approved 10-year lease extension for DR Disc Golf LLC
- Discussed DOT replacement of blinking traffic light at Center Drive/Rt. 15, estimated cost $25,000–$30,000
- Approved minutes of November 12 and November 25, 2024 meetings
- Signed town accounts payable warrants
- Fire Department reports for October and November 2024 presented
Meeting
The Select Board voted to finalize engineering contracts with Jacobs Engineering to proceed with the boat launch project. They also received results of the Center Drive School election naming the former Town Annex Meeting Room as The Orangetown Meeting Room. A discussion on holiday office hours was held, with a recommendation to keep normal hours after Christmas. The board deferred approval of prior meeting minutes due to absent members.
- Approved finalizing engineering contracts with Jacobs Engineering for the boat launch project (motion passed 4-0)
- Received results of student election: former Town Annex Meeting Room renamed The Orangetown Meeting Room
- Discussed town office holiday hours; recommended keeping normal hours on December 26
- Update on tree at First Settlers Cemetery: permission granted to trim, possibility of cabling mentioned
- Town manager reported quiet post-election period but active plumbing and building permits
Meeting
The Planning Board will hold preliminary discussions on three items: the Whitmore Quarry application, the Eagle Point Energy Center, and the Bartlett Cove Cul-de-Sac. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are at the discussion stage. The agenda also includes procedural items such as electing officers and approving prior minutes.
- Preliminary discussion of Whitmore Quarry application (Ethan Miester, Haley Ward)
- Preliminary discussion of Eagle Point Energy Center
- Preliminary discussion of Bartlett Cove Cul-de-Sac
- Election of officers
- Approval of minutes from June 20, 2024
Meeting
The Select Board approved meeting minutes with a correction and signed accounts payable warrants. The board received an update on the EPEC site: the fire is out, a corrective action plan with DEP is underway, solid waste permit #4 has been received, and roof replacement over the tipping floor is scheduled. The town manager reported on election preparations, finalizing purchase of a new Public Works plow truck, and a grant for a new generator for the town office.
- Approved Select Board meeting minutes of October 28, 2024, with a correction (Craig Lawrence to Craig Morin)
- Signed town accounts payable warrants
- EPEC update: solid waste permit #4 received, corrective action plan with DEP ongoing, roof replacement next month
- Town manager finalizing purchase of new Public Works plow truck
- Town manager finalizing grant for new generator for town office building, aiming for installation by year-end
Meeting
The Select Board decided to purchase a new 1 ton truck for Public Works after determining the existing vehicle required approximately $16,000 in repairs. The board also approved an engineering contract for the Orrington Boat Launch BEP project and accepted two grants. Other discussions included cemetery maintenance and General Assistance thresholds.
- Approved draft engineering proposal from Jacob’s Engineering for Orrington Boat Launch BEP project
- Accepted $10,000 unrestricted donation for Recreation Department programming and capital acquisition
- Accepted $3,000 MMA Risk Reduction Grant for an 18 kW standby generator at the Town Office
- Voted to purchase a new Public Works 1 ton truck
- Adopted General Assistance thresholds and limits as suggested by the State of Maine Welfare Division
Meeting
The board discussed the ongoing EPEC fire cleanup, addressed public concerns about toxic fumes, and canceled the fall cleanup day. It also approved an $11,000 fire department grant for a combi tool/extraction device and several routine personnel actions.
- EPEC fire update: 2,700 tons of debris removed, structural work to begin in November
- Fall cleanup day scheduled for October 19 canceled
- $11,000 fire department grant for combo tool/extraction device approved
- Three meeting room names approved for student vote: Orangetown Meeting Room, Penobscot Train Station Room, Azubah Freeman Ryder Room
- Library resignation of Gwen Watkins accepted; Constance Flores appointed as library assistant
Meeting
The Select Board approved the warrants and notices for the United Technologies Center bond referendum, a $1,874,300 capital acquisition and modernization measure to be on the November ballot. They also heard updates on EPEC's draft permit from DEP and a notice of EEE from CDC. Additionally, the board delegated Town Manager Chris Backman as voting delegate to the Maine Municipal Association annual meeting.
- Approved warrants for $1,874,300 UTC bond referendum for capital acquisition and program modernization (November ballot)
- Heard EPEC update: draft permit received from DEP, red-lined items returned, PERC appealing permit issuance and issued cease & desist
- Noted CDC notice of positive EEE test in a crow in Orrington on September 18
- Delegated Town Manager Chris Backman as voting delegate to Maine Municipal Association annual business meeting October 2
- Approved minutes of September 9 meeting and town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board met and re-signed a final subdivision site plan for a 4-unit apartment building at 355 River Road after a minor correction. The board also discussed a business displaying two large real estate signs in a residential district but tabled the issue until the next meeting due to the code enforcement officer's absence.
- Re-signed final subdivision site plan for Heber Property Management's 4-unit apartment at 355 River Road
- Tabled discussion of two 4'x8' real estate signs on River Road in a residential district
- Elected Chairman J. Louis Morin and Secretary Marc Abplanalp Sr. for the upcoming year
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board accepted a $2,550,000 Greenfield Trust Beneficial Environmental Project Grant for the design and construction of the Baker Boat Launch Facility in South Orrington. The board also approved town accounts payable warrants and held an executive session on economic development, after which they authorized the town manager to execute a memorandum of understanding and utility easement. The meeting included discussion of road projects and a library proposal for students to rename the meeting room at the town office.
- Accepted $2,550,000 Greenfield Trust BEP grant for Baker Boat Launch Facility design and construction
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Held executive session on economic development under M.R.S.A. Title 1, Section § 405 (6)(C)
- Authorized town manager to execute a memorandum of understanding and utility easement
- Discussed student-led project to rename the town office meeting room
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board discussed updates on the EPEC project, including a pending solid waste permit and a planned October 1 construction start. They also reviewed a proposal to repair the Swetts Pond Dam using $300,000 from the Dam Reserve. The Board approved minutes and accounts payable warrants, and entered executive session for economic development.
- EPEC solid waste permit in final five-day review; financial assurance document pending
- Swetts Pond Dam repair proposal discussed; $300,000 available in Dam Reserve
- Life Flight of Maine letter of appreciation presented
- Executive session held for economic development (M.R.S.A. Title 1, §405(6)(C))
- Transfer station application to consolidate community trash and reduce costs
Meeting
The Select Board approved minutes and appointments, heard public comments including a resident's request to reconsider trash pickup denial on Frenchmen's Lane (private road), and agreed to review policy. Sheriff Morton briefed on deputy schedule changes and a possible buyout to assign a fourth deputy to Orrington. The new fire truck has arrived for final preparations, and tax bills have been sent.
- North Orrington Meadows HOA requests trash pickup on private road Frenchmen's Lane; Board to review policy
- Amber Robison appointed to Conservation Committee (3-0, one abstention)
- Sheriff reports deputy shortage; Town Manager will explore buying out a deputy for Orrington
- New fire truck arrived and is in Brunswick for final preparations
- Tax bills sent; 2023 tax liens filed
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board voted to donate an extra pump truck to the Staceyville Fire Department, which lost all equipment in a fire. The board also approved carrying forward $25,000 for assessing and $15,000 for economic development from FY2024 into FY2025, and re-elected Alan Snell as chair. Updates were given on the EPEC facility's solid waste permit and pending upgrades.
- Donation of extra pump truck to Staceyville Fire Department after their station and equipment were destroyed in a fire
- Approved carry forward of $28,063.02 unexpended balance for Assessing (Dept 220) and $17,987.05 for Economic Development (Dept 250)
- Re-elected Alan Snell as Select Board Chair for the upcoming fiscal year
- Accepted resignation of Patricia Claus from the Conservation Committee
- EPEC update: solid waste permit on hold; new DOPP STAT shredder machine, LED lighting upgrades, paving of tipping floors
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board met in special session on July 17, 2024. They entered executive session to discuss economic development but took no action afterward. The meeting adjourned with no votes on any public items.
- Entered executive session under M.R.S.A. Title 1, Section § 405 (6)(C) for economic development
- No action taken following executive session
- Unanimous 5-0 votes to enter and exit executive session and to adjourn
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board adopted annual policies regarding employee wages and education costs. The board also accepted a $4,000 grant from Phantom Fireworks for rescue airbags. Additionally, members authorized the Town Manager to extend the lease with DR Disc Golf.
- Accepted $4,000 Phantom Fireworks Fire and EMS Grant for rescue airbags
- Adopted Municipal Officers Policy on Disbursement Warrants for Employee Wages and Benefits
- Adopted Municipal Officers Policy on Disbursement of Municipal Education Costs
- Authorized Town Manager to extend the lease with DR Disc Golf
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved annual appointments and accepted a State of Maine EMS Stabilization grant. The board also voted to accept a winter maintenance bid from Grover Excavation & Groundwork. Decisions regarding the next Board Chair and MMA committee candidates were tabled until the next meeting.
- Accepted bid from Grover Excavation & Groundwork for winter maintenance
- Approved annual appointments and committee reappointments
- Accepted State of Maine EMS Stabilization grant
- Accepted the resignation of Robert Musinski from Fire/EMS
- Tabled election of Select Board Chair until next meeting
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved a request to establish a 12’ X 25’ family cemetery at 96 Long Hill Road. The board also re-signed the final subdivision site plan for a four-unit apartment building at 355 River Road.
- Approval of a 12’ X 25’ family cemetery at 96 Long Hill Road
- Re-signing of the Final Subdivision Site Plan for Heber Property Management L.L.C. at 355 River Road
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board reviewed two bids for winter maintenance plowing but deferred a final decision to the Town Manager. The Board approved a $2,926.32 facade grant for El Rancho Kennels and authorized the sale of a fire department tanker truck to LaGrange Fire Department. Members also voted to extend the Town Manager's contract.
- Review of winter plowing bids from Patriot Landscaping & Construction and Grover Excavation
- Approval of $2,926.32 facade grant for El Rancho Kennels
- Sale of Fire Department tanker truck to LaGrange Fire Department
- Acceptance of fiscal year 2023 final audit and financial statements
- Extension of the Town Manager's contract
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved the Annual Town Warrant and Election Warrant for June 3, 2024. The board also accepted a $3,000 grant for fire department equipment and authorized a land purchase option in the East Orrington business park.
- Approval of Annual Town Warrant and Election Warrant for June 3, 2024
- Acceptance of $3,000 Ed MacDonald Safety Grant for fire department equipment
- Authorization of a land purchase option in the East Orrington business park
- Appointment of members to the Charter Committee through December 2024
- Updates to cemetery rules for Oak Hill and Pine Hill Cemeteries
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved routine accounts and awarded contracts for town mowing services and 2024 road paving shared with Holden, Dedham, and Lucerne. Members reviewed the draft FY 2024-25 municipal budget, which outlines proposed spending for schools and town operations ahead of a May 6 public hearing at Center Drive School cafeteria. The board also renewed the liquor license for Rocky Knoll golf course and received updates on facility cleanup at the former PERC plant.
- Awarded three-year mowing contract to Blue Line Grinding
- Awarded 2024 paving contract to Hopkins Paving (shared costs with Holden, Dedham, Lucerne)
- Reviewed draft FY 2024-25 budget; public hearing set for May 6 at Center Drive School cafeteria
- Authorized liquor license renewal for Rocky Knoll golf course
- Approved town accounts payable warrants and April 9 meeting minutes
Meeting
The Planning Board held a public hearing regarding Land Use Ordinance amendments required by state law LD-2003. The board also discussed reclassifying 26 acres of town property to an Industrial district. Members voted unanimously to recommend these changes to the Select Board for approval at the June Town Meeting.
- Amendments to Land Use Ordinance Articles 2 and 9 for LD-2003 compliance
- Reclassification of 26 acres (Tax Map 5 Lots 61, 67C and 56B) to Industrial district
- Approval of January 18, 2024, meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board reviewed six bids for a new three-year mowing and trimming contract, directing the Town Manager and Public Works to provide a recommendation. The board also voted to accept the resignation of Assessor Jacquelyn Binnette. Additionally, members discussed donating metal revenue from the May 18 dump day to homeless services in the Bangor area.
- Review of six bids for a three-year mowing and trimming contract
- Acceptance of Assessor Jacquelyn Binnette's resignation
- Discussion on donating metal revenue from the May 18 dump day to local homeless services
- Approval of March 25, 2024, meeting minutes
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board reviewed the FY 25 budget and a projected mil rate increase of .87 cents per $1,000, which would affect property tax bills. Members also discussed an access agreement for a Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Trust pilot project on River Road, which passed by a 4-0 vote to test intertidal capping over two to three years. Other topics included updates on the Eagle Point Energy Center cleanup and a proposal to sell or lease town land near Pine Hill Cemetery for gravel operations.
- FY 25 budget overview with projected mil rate increase of .87 cents/1000 and potential addition of a sheriff deputy
- Approved access agreement for Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Trust LLC to test a thin-layer cap pilot on 5 acres at the River Road picnic area (Map 005 Lot 021)
- Discussion on selling, leasing, or creating an operating agreement for town land near Pine Hill Cemetery for Larry Pelletier’s gravel expansion
- Update on Eagle Point Energy Center cleanup, including over $1 million in new lights ordered and a public update scheduled for April 15
- Orrington Landing Committee resubmission of a $3 million grant request to Greenfield Penobscot Estuary Trust LLC for environmental projects
Meeting
The Select Board approved a $650,000 ARPA grant from Penobscot County to purchase a Flexus Baler for the PERC facility. The board also approved a facade grant application for 129 River Road and conducted an initial review of FY 2024-25 department budgets.
- Approval of $650,000 ARPA grant from Penobscot County for a Flexus Baler
- Approval of facade grant application for MG Diamond Investments at 129 River Road
- Acceptance of state grant for a $900 KangooFix Neonatal Restraint System
- Initial review of FY 2024-25 department budgets, including solid waste and capital projects
Meeting
The Select Board conducted an initial review of several FY 2024-25 department budgets, including Public Works and the Library. The Board authorized the Town Manager to finalize agreements with Eagle Point Energy Center following legal review. A discussion regarding a Town Facade Grant application for 129 River Road was tabled for further detail.
- Authorization of agreements with Eagle Point Energy Center
- Initial review of FY 2024-25 budgets for Public Works, Recreation, and Library
- Discussion of Town Facade Grant application for 129 River Road (tabled)
- Report of a possible 25 cent increase in the mil rate
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board discussed rezoning a lot near the Perc facility from Rural to Industrial. Members also approved new greenhouse definitions for several districts in the Land Use Ordinance. Additionally, the board discussed required ordinance changes to comply with Maine Law LD-2003.
- Proposed rezoning of a lot adjacent to the Perc facility from Rural to Industrial
- Adoption of CQE’s definition for non-taxable agricultural greenhouses
- Discussion on creating a per-panel fee schedule for solar decommissioning
- Planning for ordinance changes to comply with Maine Law LD-2003
Meeting
The Select Board conducted an initial review of several department budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board also discussed establishing a Town Facade Grant program to match business improvement investments up to $5,000.
- Proposed Town Facade Grant matching up to $5,000 for business improvements
- Initial review of FY 2024-25 budgets for multiple departments
- Report on State of Maine land on Fox Island from the Conservation Commission
Meeting
The Select Board conducted an initial review of the FY 2024-25 budget timeline and guidelines. The board also voted to accept a forestry grant for the Fire Department to purchase equipment.
- Acceptance of $4,250.00 Fire Department Forestry Grant for equipment including hose, pants, helmets, pumps, and pagers
- Submission of MDOT Stream Crossing grant application for Johnnies Brook Road construction
- Review of FY 2024-25 budget timeline and guidelines
- Approval of January 8, 2024, meeting minutes (5-0 vote)
Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed an after-the-fact subdivision application for a 4-unit apartment building at 355 River Road. The board voted to waive the requirement for a stamped survey due to previous administrative miscommunications regarding the property's density. Final plan approval is contingent upon correcting specific technical issues on the site plans.
- Approval of preliminary site plan for Heber Property Management L.L.C. subdivision
- Waiver of requirement for a surveyor-stamped site plan for 355 River Road
- Conditional approval of final site plan pending corrections to fire hydrant distance, graphic scale, and right-of-way details
- Approval of meeting minutes from August 17, 2023, and November 15, 2023
Meeting
The Select Board approved 2024 permits for four junkyard operations following a public hearing with no complaints. The board also received an update on the BEP Grant application submitted by the Orrington Landing Committee.
- Approval of 2024 junkyard permits for Corey Recycling, J&J Auto Salvage, Foreign Auto Service, and Stewarts Wrecker Service
- Update on BEP Grant application submission on December 29, 2023
- Report that Baker Lane is under contract for $35,000
- Update on GRACE facility regarding removal of approximately 3,000 tons of trash