Orrington public meetings in 2025
32 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Select Board accepted the resignation of member Charles Green. The Board also agreed to change regular meeting times to 5:30 pm starting in January and decided not to hold a second meeting in December.
- Resignation of Select Board member Charles Green
- Change of regular meeting time to 5:30 pm beginning in January
- Approval of town accounts payable warrants
- Report on commencement of solar array at the school
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed and discussed the final disposition of two tax‑acquired properties, one at 290 Center Drive and another at 21 Betts Road. The Board considered offers involving a quitclaim deed for the Center Drive property, noting a deadline of December 1 for the current offer. For the Betts Road property, the Board heard a proposal from the former owner to redeem the taxes but voted not to accept the offer. The Board also approved a façade grant application for Lav’s Auto at 88 River Road and accepted the resignation of Conservation Commissioner Patricia Judd.
- Discussed sale options for tax‑acquired property at 290 Center Drive (offer expires Dec 1)
- Considered redemption offer for tax‑acquired property at 21 Betts Road; Board declined to accept
- Approved façade grant application for Lav’s Auto, 88 River Road
- Accepted resignation of Patricia Judd from the Conservation Commission
- Tabling of Charles Green’s resignation from the Board of Selectmen until next meeting
Meeting
The Planning Board will conduct site visits at 9 Old Field Drive/Center Drive and Stonewall Drive. The meeting will include reviews of the Thistle Ridge Subdivision and the W. L. Properties Center Drive subdivision amendment.
- Site visit: 9 Old Field Drive/Center Drive
- Site visit: Stonewall Drive
- Thistle Ridge Subdivision Preliminary Plan/Final Plan Review
- W. L. Properties Center Drive: Final Review/Subdivision Amendment
Meeting
The Select Board approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting and signed town accounts payable warrants. It then resolved to name the Town Hall Annex room “Orangetown Meeting Room” after a student vote, and adopted a dedication resolution with plaques for the renamed room. Department heads presented reports on town operations, fire EMS, county updates, and the library.
- Approve minutes of October 27, 2025 meeting (vote Yes‑4)
- Approve town accounts payable warrants (passed and signed)
- Resolve to name Town Hall Annex room “Orangetown Meeting Room” (vote Yes‑4)
- Adopt dedication and plaques resolution for the renamed meeting room (vote Yes‑4)
- Department Head reports presented (Town Manager, Fire EMS, County, Library)
Meeting
The Select Board approved the town's September 14 meeting minutes and signed the accounts payable warrants. It voted to move ahead with a mini‑documentary about Orrington, using Five and Dime Studios and seeking a Maine Tourism grant to cover half of the cost. The Board also approved buying a John Deere 544 wheeled loader for Public Works after reviewing five proposals.
- Approve Select Board meeting minutes from September 14, 2025 (vote 4‑0).
- Discuss and pending approval of a mini‑documentary with Five and Dime Studios; grant writing by Brittany Sanford for Maine Tourism grant covering 50% of costs.
- Approve purchase of a John Deere 544 wheeled loader for Public Works (motion 4‑0).
- Executive session to consider an Economic Development matter under M.R.S.A. Title 1 §405(6)(C).
- Public comment notice for Greenfield Trust river remediation meeting on Oct. 29 in Bucksport.
Meeting
The board reviewed the after‑the‑fact Thistle Ridge subdivision application for four lots on Stone Wall Drive in the Low‑Density Residential District. After identifying several deficiencies—including missing storm‑water plan, dimensions, culverts, and road details—the board voted unanimously to table the application until the developer provides a certified storm‑water management plan and corrects the listed items. The board also scheduled a site visit before the next meeting on November 19, 2025.
- Thistle Ridge subdivision application for 4‑lot subdivision on south side of Stone Wall Drive (lots 18, 18A, 18B) tabled pending storm‑water plan
- Developer must submit digital site plan with georeferenced GPS coordinates
- All structures, culverts, and road dimensions must be shown on the map
- State‑certified storm‑water management plan required before further review
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved the minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting and the town’s accounts payable warrants. Department heads reported on upcoming dump day, absentee‑voting deadlines, a boat‑launch project, trail work, and a river‑cleanup meeting. After an executive‑session discussion of an economic‑development matter, the Board voted to ratify the Town Manager’s signature on a real estate contract.
- Approve September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 4‑0)
- Approve town accounts payable warrants (signed)
- Town Manager report: dump day Saturday 8 am‑3 pm at EPEC plant; absentee‑voting deadline Oct 30
- Executive session to consider an Economic Development matter (M.R.S.A. Title 1 § 405(6)(C))
- Ratify Town Manager’s signature on a real estate contract (vote 4‑0)
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved the minutes from the September 8 meeting and confirmed town accounts payable warrants. It appointed Montana Langille as an on‑call firefighter and EMT. The board discussed and adopted a revised General Assistance Ordinance, setting a public hearing for Monday, September 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM. An executive session was held to consider an Economic Development matter under M.R.S.A. Title 1, §405(6)(C).
- Adoption of revised General Assistance Ordinance; public hearing set for Sep 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
- Appointment of Montana Langille as on‑call firefighter & EMT
- Approval of town accounts payable warrants (no dollar amount specified)
- Discussion of listing and condition of 290 Center Drive; possible demolition considered
- Executive Session to consider an Economic Development matter under M.R.S.A. Title 1 §405(6)(C)
Meeting
The Planning Board will consider preliminary approval for the W. L. Properties Center Drive Subdivision expansion and hold an introductory meeting for the Thistle Ridge Subdivision. Members will also review three state laws regarding housing density, commercial residential use, and parking minimums.
- Preliminary approval for W. L. Properties Center Drive Subdivision expansion/revision
- Introductory meeting for Thistle Ridge Subdivision
- Review of LD 1829 regarding housing density
- Review of LD 997 regarding residential use in commercial districts
- Review of LD 427 regarding municipal parking space minimums
Meeting
The Select Board decided to list two tax-acquired properties with a real estate agent and initiate an eviction process for one of those properties. The Board also voted to establish a new policy for EMS billing and collections, including the write-off of older accounts.
- Voted to list tax-acquired property at 290 Center Drive (Map 005 Lot 098-A) with agent Jim Stoneton
- Voted to list tax-acquired property at 21 Betts Road (Map 002 Lot 093) and proceed with eviction of current occupant
- Voted to establish a new policy for EMS billing and collections
- Reported paving of Brewer Lake Rd. from the store to the red bridge
- Confirmed fall cleanup day for October 18
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board held a regular meeting on August 25, 2025, approving previous meeting minutes and appointing Mackenzie Teed to the Fire EMS position. The board also approved town accounts payable warrants and received departmental reports, including updates on property tax liens and a newly issued transfer station permit.
- Approved Select Board Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2025
- Appointed Mackenzie Teed to Fire EMS position
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Received Town Manager report on filed property tax liens and 2 tax-acquired properties
- Received transfer station permit update (bailer/compactor included) with trash acceptance to begin soon
Meeting
The Select Board approved authorizing the Town Manager to sign a contract with Renewable Energy for a solar array. The board also renewed the Town Manager's contract and received updates on the Landing Committee and road work.
- Solar array at Center Drive School with $849,000 build cost covered by Blue Wave
- Estimated $1.6 million savings over 40 years for the solar project
- Annual solar costs: $3,000 for maintenance and $5,000 Versant metering fee
- Town Manager contract renewed for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
- Brewer Lake Road closure on August 14, 2025, from 8am to 12 noon for culvert replacement
Meeting
The Select Board will meet to execute a patrol contract with the Penobscot County Sheriff for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. The board will also consider an economic development matter in executive session.
- Execution of Penobscot County Sheriff patrol contract (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028)
- Appointment of Kyle McCue as Animal Control Officer
- Executive session regarding an Economic Development matter
- Approval of town accounts payable warrants
Meeting
The Select Board determined the tax rate for Tax Year 2025 and approved the carryforward of funds for the Sheriff Patrol Department. The board also addressed cemetery repairs and annual disbursement policies.
- Set the tax mil rate to 11.5 for Tax Year 2025
- Approved $135,000 FY 2025 carryforward balance for Sheriff Patrol Department # 520
- Approved quotes and estimates for repairs on several cemetery plots
- Appointed Kevyn Comstock to the Library Committee
- Adopted annual Municipal Officers policies on educational funds and disbursement warrants
Meeting
The Select Board met to approve the annual independent audit contract and process personnel changes for the Fire EMS Department. The board also discussed the timeline for a potential reserve fund transfer to offset tax commitments.
- Ratified contract with James W Wadman CPAs for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 audit
- Appointed Tom Emery to the Fire EMS Department
- Accepted resignations of Ken Larabee and Ronald Gray Jr. from Fire EMS Department
- Discussion regarding a potential transfer of money from reserves to offset tax commitment in late July
- Reported August 5 opening date for EPEC transfer station
Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed and approved a subdivision revision for a property in the Rural/Farming district. The board conducted a site visit and verified that application requirements were met.
- Approval of preliminary and final subdivision plans for Applehead Way (Tax Map 7 Lot 30A)
- Addition of two lots (Lots 3 and 4) to the Applehead Way Subdivision
Meeting
The Select Board appointed municipal officials and committee members for the upcoming fiscal year. The board also approved a grant for emergency medical equipment and discussed updating signage for town lands.
- Approved $15,000 EMS Stabilization grant for a patient skid, mobile radio, portable radios, and an inline IV warmer
- Appointed Chris Backman as Town Manager, Treasurer, Road Commissioner, General Assistance Administrator, FOAA Officer, and LPI
- Appointed Jaiden Hanson and Tristan Nuttall to the Fire EMS Dept
- Appointed Stephanie Sherburne to the Library Committee
- Elected Allan Snell as Select Board Chair for F/Y 25-26
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed a liquor license application for Rocky Knoll Country Club and discussed a proposal to require committees to meet in the town hall for live streaming. The board also handled committee resignations and appointments.
- Approved liquor license for Rocky Knoll Country Club (restaurant with beer, wine, spirits, and mobile golf cart)
- Discussion on requiring committees to hold meetings in town hall for live streaming
- Accepted resignation of Norma Stevens from the Library Committee
- Tabled appointment of Stephanie Sherburne to the Library Committee
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board reviewed a preliminary sketch plan to add two additional lots (Lots 3 and 4) to the Applehead Way Subdivision on Tax Map 7 Lot 30A. The board required the property owner to provide a delineation of 30-foot easement lines, a scale bar on the plan, and a digital GPS file of the new lot lines. A site visit was scheduled for June 19, 2025 at 4 pm, with the next regular meeting to follow at 5 pm. The board also approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting.
- Introductory Sketch Plan / Preliminary Applehead Way Subdivision revision to add Lots 3 and 4
- Board requires delineation of 30-foot easement lines, scale bar, and digital GPS file
- Site visit scheduled for June 19, 2025 at 4 pm before the next Planning Board meeting
- Next Planning Board meeting set for June 19, 2025 at 5 pm (subject to change)
- Approval of minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting
Meeting
The Select Board voted to approve the Annual Town Meeting Warrant articles and the Town Meeting Election Warrant, setting the agenda for the upcoming town meeting. They also ratified an engagement letter for legal services with Viridian Law P.C. of Ellsworth, ME, and authorized Maine Audubon to place dataloggers at Sedgeunkedunk stream and Brewer Lake dam for water flow and fish migration data collection. Additionally, the board accepted a resignation from the Library Committee and appointed a new member.
- Final review and approval of Annual Town Meeting Warrant articles
- Review and approval of Town Meeting Election Warrant
- Ratification of engagement letter for legal services with Viridian Law P.C., Ellsworth, ME
- Authorization for Maine Audubon to place dataloggers at Sedgeunkedunk stream and Brewer Lake dam for May–June
- Resignation of Suzanne Travis and appointment of Deborah Esparza to the Library Committee
Meeting
The Select Board approved final budget figures for the May 5 town-wide budget discussion, adding $75,000 to the building reserve. They also hired a firefighter recruit and extended the Town Manager's contract by one year after an executive session. Discussion included opinions on avoiding a mil rate decrease by using savings.
- Approved FY 2025-26 budget figures for May 5 town meeting, including $75,000 for building reserve
- Hired Trenton Montana as firefighter recruit / live-in student
- Extended Town Manager Chris Backman's contract for 1 year after executive session
- Discussed raising mil rate to 11 to avoid tapping savings account, but no decision made
- Public comments: Chickadee plate replacement starts May, annual dump day May 17
Meeting
The Planning Board recommended that the Select Board approve amendments to the Mineral Extraction Ordinance for a June Town Meeting vote. The Board also reviewed two subdivision sketch plans involving residential expansions and new lots.
- Recommendation to adopt amendments to the Mineral Extraction Ordinance
- Review of W.L. Properties Center Drive Subdivision Expansion (Tax Map 6 Lot 3) for 6 buildings and 34 units
- Review of East Bucksport Road Reese Co. Subdivision (Tax Map 4 Lot 3) for 15 single family house lots
- Requirement for a traffic study for the Center Drive project
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved a mutual aid agreement for fire and emergency services with the 101st Air Refueling Wing, accepted a Poland Spring water donation for the Fire Department, and approved reimbursement for suppression costs related to an illegal brush fire at 379 Brewer Lake Road. The board discussed but tabled initial review of a draft Charter Committee update and the FY 2025-26 budget approval. Public comments included cleanup days and updates on traffic lights at River Road and Ferry Road.
- Approved Agreement for Mutual Aid in Fire and Emergency Services with Secretary of the Air Force, 101st Air Refueling Wing
- Accepted Poland Spring donation of a pallet of water (pickup required from Poland, ME facility)
- Approved reimbursement for suppression costs from illegal brush fire at 379 Brewer Lake Road on March 17, 2025
- Tabled initial review of Charter Committee draft update until next meeting, awaiting further board review
- Tabled final approval of FY 2025-26 budget figures for May 5 town-wide budget discussion
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board reviewed the 2023-24 audited financial statements, finding operations in good order and reserves favorable. They also discussed departmental budget proposals, including cautious funding of dam reserves, and held a secondary discussion on revenues and commitment figures. The board decided to hold a second budget workshop on April 14, 2025, prior to the next Select Board meeting.
- Approved minutes of March 10, 2025 meeting
- Approved town accounts payable warrants
- Reviewed 2023-24 audited financial statements
- Discussed departmental budget proposals and dam reserve funding
- Decided to hold a second budget workshop on April 14, 2025
Meeting
The Planning Board conducted a line-by-line review of proposed amendments to the Orrington Mineral Extraction Ordinance. The board will continue this review until April 17, followed by a public hearing. Recommendations for acceptance will be made at the June town meeting.
- Proposed amendments to Mineral Extraction Ordinance regarding site plan copies and annual report submission dates
- Proposed requirement that site owners/operators bear the expense of blasting notifications
- Update on the EPIC project
- Update on the transfer station permit application
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed preliminary revenue projections and agreed to hold a budget workshop next Tuesday at 4pm. The board also approved appointments to the Town Charter Committee and a junkyard permit.
- Approval of junkyard permit for Stewarts Wrecker Service at 277 Snows Corner Road
- Appointment of six members to the Town Charter Committee
- Signing of a municipal quitclaim deed for Map 008 Lot 014-B to return a tax-acquired parcel
- Report of approximately 22,000 tons of legacy trash hauled from EPEC over 16 months
- Blasting notice for the Whitmore Construction quarry site off Swetts Pond Rd
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed proposed budget amounts for FY 2025-26, noting a likely 7.5% overall budget increase. The board discussed staffing changes for the Fire Department and Public Works, as well as the impact of state-mandated Paid Family Medical Leave.
- Proposal to make the Fire Department Assistant Chief a full-time position
- Discussion of adding a Public Works employee for road crew, public lands maintenance, and cemetery mowing
- Review of FY 2025-26 budget for Insurances, Public Works, Recreation, and Reserve Transfers
- Report of unauthorized individuals posing as Versant employees to view electric bills
- Notice that roads will be posted on Wednesday of the week of February 24, 2025
Meeting
The Orrington Planning Board approved minutes from January 16, 2025. The board discussed proposed amendments to the Orrington Mineral Extraction Ordinance, receiving suggestions from SEAC member Bruce Gray. No new business was conducted. The board will continue work on the ordinance at the March 20, 2025 meeting.
- Approval of January 16, 2025 meeting minutes
- Public comments from Bruce Gray with suggestions for Mineral Extraction Ordinance
- Discussion of proposed amendments to the Orrington Mineral Extraction Ordinance
- Next meeting scheduled for March 20, 2025 at 4:30pm
Meeting
The Select Board reviewed proposed FY 2025-26 budgets for several departments including library, assessing, code enforcement, solid waste, sheriff patrol, animal control, and town manager. The fire department budget discussion was deferred due to the fire chief's absence. The board also took under consideration a public request for a $1500 stipend for the Old Home Week committee chair.
- Budget discussions for Library (proposed increase in part-time payroll), Assessing, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste, Sheriff Patrol, Animal Control, and Manager departments
- Fire Department budget discussion tabled
- Public request for $1500 stipend for Old Home Week committee chair
- Greenfield Trust public notice of intent to file NRPA permit with DEP for river cleanup thin-layer cap pilot
- Town manager update on lawsuit between PERC and MRC with countersuits ongoing
Meeting
The Orrington Select Board approved a petition to Maine DOT for replacement signage at the River Road and Center Drive/Ferry Road intersection after a flashing beacon was destroyed. They also reviewed the FY2025-26 budget across multiple departments, accepted a state forestry grant for emergency equipment, and authorized the town manager to sign a lease following an executive session on economic development. Public comments included questions about electric bill charges and solar array monitoring.
- Approved State Forestry Grant (50% match up to $3,739) for radio, pagers, fire hose, and chainsaw equipment
- Petitioned Maine DOT for accessory signage and warnings at River Road and Center Drive/Ferry Road to replace destroyed flashing beacon
- Reviewed FY2025-26 budget for departments 105 (Select Board), 130 (Town Hall), 140 (Technology), 210 (Town Officer Stipends), 250 (Economic Development), 410 (General Assistance), 440 (Conservation), and 470 (Local Area Contributions)
- Authorized Town Manager to sign a lease after executive session (M.R.S.A. Title 1, Section § 405(6)(C)) on economic development
- Public comment: resident asked for consistent posting of meeting agendas; Bowden questioned public policy tax charge on electric bill and requested monthly solar array production reports
Meeting
The Planning Board reviewed a mineral extraction permit for a quarry and a property line amendment for a subdivision. The board approved both items pending specific technical corrections and documentation.
- Approved Preliminary and Final Site Plans for a 4-acre quarry and 4-acre processing site at Map 2 Lot 54 on Rt. 15
- Approved amendment to Bartlett Cove Subdivision Plan (Map 2 Lot 16 & 15B) to correct a dwelling setback violation
- Requirement for quarry operator to notify abutters within 1,000 feet via certified letter before blasting
- Requirement for a performance bond to be secured before quarry construction or excavation begins
Meeting
The Select Board approved annual junkyard permits and appointed Mark Kenney as Assistant Fire Chief. The board held initial discussions on the FY 2026 budget and approved a $100 donation for a Veterans Honor Roll Memorial project. The meeting included an executive session regarding economic development.
- Approved annual junkyard permits for Corey Recycling, J&J Auto Salvage, and Foreign Auto Service
- Appointed Mark Kenney as Assistant Fire Chief
- Approved $100 from Conservation Commission or Cemetery Funds for Veterans Honor Roll Memorial upgrades
- Discussed $12,000-$15,000 for flashing stop signs and curve signs at Center Drive and Ferry Road at Rt. 15
- Initial discussion on FY 2026 budget goals and initiatives