Rockland, ME

Planning Board

The Rockland Planning Board will discuss and hold public hearings on several proposed zoning and lighting ordinance amendments, including changes to residential and commercial dimensional standards, land use categories, lighting regulations for non-conforming fixtures, and accessory dwelling units. The board is also scheduled to review previous meeting minutes and take public comment.

• Amendment to eliminate maximum structure coverage percentages in Residential A, AA, B & B-1 zones and add maximum lot coverage percentages
• Amendment to eliminate maximum structure coverage percentages in Commercial zones
• Public hearing on amendment to clarify, consolidate, and simplify land use categories (Chapter 19, Article 2)
• Public hearing on amendment to allow property owners to petition Code Enforcement Officer for non-conforming lighting flexibility (Chapter 16, Sec. 16-401(D))
• Public hearing on amendment to clarify accessory dwelling unit allowances on single-family, duplex, and multi-family lots (Chapter 19, Articles 2 & 4)

Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee

The Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee will hold a standard meeting to review notes and discuss project updates. The primary agenda item is a discussion on SMART goals and activity types. The meeting concludes with a recap of new action items and a mention of Oceanside engagement.

• Update on Transfer Station Wayfinding
• Update on MacDougal Community Garden
• Update on Resilient SMP Project
• Recap/Update on Safe Routes to South School
• Discussion on SMART Goals and Activity Types

Minor Site Plan Review Committee

The Minor Site Plan Review Committee is meeting to review a site plan application (PB27-1) from Trekkers for a 3,000 square foot garage at 325 Old County Rd (Tax Map 68B1). The agenda includes call to order, communications, old business, new business, public comment, and minutes approval. No other substantive items are listed.

• Review of site plan application PB27-1 by Trekkers for a 3,000 sq ft garage at 325 Old County Rd (Tax Map 68B1)

City Council

Healthy Aging Working Group

The Healthy Aging Working Group is meeting to accept minutes, welcome new members, and discuss criteria and timelines for evaluating initiatives. They will also confirm a grantwriting subcommittee, hear about the Maine Council on Aging summit, and receive updates on the CRC budget and projects.

• Acceptance of 8/04 minutes
• Discussion of initiatives criteria and evaluation process
• Confirm grantwriting subcommittee
• Maine Council on Aging 9/30 Summit
• CRC budget FY2026 FY2027 and access to Flanagan

Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group

OS PBC

The Opioid Settlement Participatory Budget Committee is organizing a public panel discussion at Rockland City Hall where organizations will present how they would use funds if awarded, aligned with the four-pillar spending framework. The committee also discussed outreach efforts including flyers, emails, press releases, and ensuring ballot access for the upcoming vote.

• Public panel discussion at Rockland City Hall, recorded for website
• Flyers describing the 4 organizations and calling for member activity
• Mass email about panel event and ballot question to community
• Press release to local newspapers
• Creating opt-out forms for schools with OHS principal and MOSS center

City Council

The Rockland City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on August 10, 2026, starting with an executive session for a legal consultation. The public portion includes reports, a public forum, and votes on several orders and ordinance amendments. Key actions include final readings on zoning changes for residential and commercial dimensional standards, a service charge on tax-exempt rental properties, and first readings on parking, land use, lighting, and accessory dwelling unit amendments. The council will also consider orders on wastewater fees, reserve fund expenditures, a grant acceptance, and tax write-offs.

• Final reading: Zoning amendment eliminating maximum structure coverage in residential zones, adding lot coverage percentages
• Final reading: Service charge up to 2% of gross rental income on tax-exempt organizations' residential properties
• Order #70: MOU with Region Three to act as fiscal agent for $250,000 EMS grant, with $5,000 annual fee
• Order #68: $20,000 from Port Development Reserve for Port Share Promise Program
• Order #71: Accept $50,000 CDBG Public Services Grant for Community Navigator Program

Coast Guard City Advisory Committee

The Coast Guard City Advisory Committee discussed upcoming events and activities, including a golf tournament, fall cookout, chili cookoff, and parade floats for the Lobster Festival. They also considered increasing junior crew involvement, giving more public service awards, and organizing competitions between units and town departments. The meeting was largely planning and discussion, with no formal decisions or budget items.

• Golf tournament cannot be a fundraiser for the Legion; discounted tickets allowed, not free
• T-Bay dry docked until October
• Possible fall party cookout
• Possible chili cookoff revival
• Possible competitions between units and town departments like RPD, RFD

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding changes to dimensional standards in the city's zoning ordinance. The discussions focus on how structure and lot coverage are calculated in residential and commercial zones.

• Public hearing: Amendment to Chapter 20, Sec. 19-207 to replace Maximum Structure Coverage with Maximum Lot Coverage in Residential A, AA, B & B-1 Zones
• Public hearing: Amendment to Chapter 19, Sec. 19-207 to eliminate Maximum Structure Coverage Percentages from Commercial Zones

Healthy Aging Working Group

The Rockland Healthy Aging Working Group will discuss a draft proposal for 'Get Around Rockland,' an initiative to improve residents' access to affordable transportation. They will also review funding needs and opportunities, including CRC, data collection, and a UMC resource library. The group will receive a CRC update on access to Flanagan and partner outreach.

• Discussion of 'Get Around Rockland' initial proposal draft for affordable transportation
• Funding needs and opportunities including CRC, data collection, and UMC resource library
• CRC update on access to Flanagan and partner outreach by Jan

City Council

The Rockland City Council will hold its Regular Monthly Meeting on August 10, 2026, where it will conduct final readings and public hearings on three zoning-ordinance amendments and vote on several orders, including reserve-fund expenditures and tax write-offs. The meeting also includes a commendation resolution and a discussion about downtown pedestrian safety.

• Ordinance #20: Final reading to eliminate max structure coverage in residential zones and add max lot coverage limits
• Ordinance #21: Final reading to impose up to 2% annual service charge on tax-exempt rental properties
• Ordinance #22: Final reading to eliminate max structure coverage in commercial zones and add max lot coverage limits
• Order #67: Authorize up to $7,500 from Port Development Reserve for Cruise Ship Project Report
• Order #71: Accept $50,000 CDBG Public Services Grant for Community Navigator Program

Healthy Aging Working Group

The Rockland Healthy Aging Working Group will meet to accept prior minutes, discuss member contributions, and select a secretary. They will also review CRC updates including the Flanagan access policy, grant research and writing, formation of a subgroup, and improving community access to free or low-cost transportation.

• Acceptance of July 7 meeting minutes
• Selection of a secretary for the group
• Discussion of Flanagan access policy at the CRC
• Grant research and writing updates
• Formation of a subgroup to improve access to free/low-cost transportation

The committee approved the July 7 meeting minutes and discussed pursuing an AARP Age-Friendly Community designation. Members identified needs for caregiver support, grant funding strategies, and improved CRC operational leadership. No formal votes were taken on these proposals.

• Approved July 7, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Agreed to reserve time for member questions and agenda suggestions at future meetings
• Jan B. appointed as Secretary on a trial basis

Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group will review visitor operations, recognize new volunteer keepers, and discuss maintenance priorities for the lighthouse float and safety railings.

• Recognition of new Lighthouse Keepers: Craig Pratt, Jordan Palmer, Robin Palmer, Joshua Placides, Linda Mitchison, Quinton Donleavy, Ryan Left, Stephen Foster
• Review of visitor openings and volunteer participation
• Discussion of safety railing options and flagpole repair needs
• Review of tie-up guidelines for the lighthouse float
• Financial report: $1,164.17 in donations received during the 2026 season

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group met on July 21, 2026, approving the July 2 minutes unanimously. They reported 18 public openings this season, surpassing last year's total, and discussed repairs to the flagpole, shutters, and windows, as well as improvements to volunteer training and recruitment. No formal votes were taken on these items; they were agreed upon as next steps.

• Approved July 2, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed flag issue should not prevent lighthouse openings
• Agreed to add volunteer phone numbers to keeper database
• Agreed to develop a volunteer acknowledgment/consent form
• Agreed to install QR code signage for volunteer recruitment and donations
• Agreed to pursue repairs to flagpole, shutters, and windows

City Council

The City Council will consider several zoning amendments, including changes to residential and commercial standards. The meeting also includes orders for various reserve fund expenditures and the establishment of a memorial signage taskforce.

• Authorization of $44.47 from Harbor Trail Reserve Account for walking excursion expenses
• Amendment of Library Fee Schedule and Land Use Permit & Inspection Fee Schedule
• Setting FY2027 tax due dates and a 4.25% interest rate
• Authorization of up to $3,800 for Fire Department security upgrades
• Advisory referendum for $31,500 in Opioid Settlement Funds

The City Council approved a design-build lease purchase agreement for the Rockland Police Department's new location at Rockland Harbor Park. The Council also passed several zoning amendments, established a historical memorial task force, and approved a ballot question for opioid settlement funds.

• Approved lease purchase agreement for new police facility at 12 Water Street (4-1)
• Approved advisory referendum for $31,500 in opioid settlement funds for four projects (5-0)
• Approved grant application of up to $200,000 for the Wayfinding Project (5-0)
• Established the Owls Head Bay Massacre Memorial Signage Taskforce (5-0)
• Established the Ginny Oliver Person of the Year Award (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 270 Park Street from Commercial 1 to Residential B (5-0)
• Approved FY2027 tax due dates and 4.25% interest rate (5-0)
• Approved amendments to Library and Land Use fee schedules (5-0)

Harbor Trail Committee

The Harbor Trail Committee is meeting to discuss the painting of trail markers and the installation of information signs. The body will also review a new event proposal and finalize tasks related to history and library cases.

• Painting of trail markers
• Installation of info signs
• New event proposal from Denny
• Seabird signs
• Selection of new members

Healthy Aging Working Group

The Healthy Aging Working Group will hold a meeting to review and discuss ordinance amendment #14, elect a chair and secretary, and discuss potential projects. The agenda also includes introductions and setting the next meeting date.

• Discussion of ordinance amendment #14
• Election of Chair and Secretary
• Discussion of potential projects

The inaugural Healthy Aging Advisory Committee met to establish leadership and discuss priorities. The committee elected a chair, postponed the selection of a secretary, and set a bi-weekly meeting schedule for July and August.

• Elected Jan Heimlich as Chair (unanimous; Heimlich abstained)
• Postponed appointment of Secretary until a future meeting
• Set meeting frequency to every two weeks for July and August

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 270 Park Street, changing it from Commercial 1 to Residential B to enable housing development. They will also discuss a pre-application for a mixed-use commercial/residential project at 1 Park Drive (no decision will be made) and initiate reviews of the board's bylaws and land use documents.

• Public hearing on Ordinance Amendment #18: Zoning Map Amendment for 270 Park Street (C1 to Res B)
• Pre-application discussion for mixed-use development at 1 Park Drive (informal, no decision)
• Initial review of Planning Board by-laws
• Discussion to select land use documents and training materials for board review
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 7, April 21, and June 2, 2026

City Council

At this agenda-setting meeting, the Rockland City Council will discuss and potentially vote on Order #55, authorizing a $200,000 grant application for the Wayfinding Project with a $35,000 match from TIF funds. The council will also set the agenda for the July 13 regular meeting, which includes several zoning amendments, a police facility lease agreement, and tax due dates. Most items are for discussion and agenda-setting, with only the grant order listed for action.

• Order #55: Authorizes applying for up to $200,000 Maine Destination Planning and Development Grant for Wayfinding Project, with $35,000 match from Downtown/Tillson Avenue TIF funds
• Final reading and public hearing on eliminating the Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone (postponed from 06/08/2026)
• Final reading and public hearing on zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential
• First reading of ordinance to allow studios as permitted use in all compatible zones
• Order #58: Sets FY2027 tax due dates (Sept 24, 2026 and March 4, 2027) and interest rate at 4.25%

The City Council approved a design-build lease purchase agreement for the Rockland Police Department's new location at 12 Water Street. The Council also authorized a grant application for a wayfinding project and established a memorial signage task force.

• Approved lease purchase agreement for new police facility at 12 Water Street (4-1)
• Authorized grant application of up to $200,000 for Wayfinding Project (5-0)
• Approved advisory referendum for $31,500 in opioid settlement funds (5-0)
• Established Ginny Oliver Person of the Year Award (5-0)
• Created Owls Head Bay Massacre Memorial Signage Taskforce (5-0)
• Approved FY2027 tax due dates and 4.25% interest rate (5-0)
• Amended zoning map for 435 & 441 Old County Road and 270 Park Street (5-0)
• Approved updated library and land use permit fee schedules (5-0)

Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group

The Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group will review operations, including 10 visitor openings so far, and a financial report showing $522.70 in donations. Members will discuss donation management, fundraising website planning, and volunteer recruitment and training. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily updates and planning.

• $522.70 in donations deposited into nonprofit bank account
• Fundraising website planning with examples from other lighthouse organizations
• New Keeper training update and volunteer recruitment efforts
• Facebook page update and communications review

The working group discussed raising matching funds for a lightning protection project and noted overall restoration needs approach $1 million. Members agreed to develop a clearer fundraising narrative, update the website, and continue pursuing grants. Joe Steinberger will prepare an operating budget list and railing proposals for safety improvements around the boathouse, which may require regulatory approvals. The lighthouse has been opened to visitors ten times this season, and more volunteers are needed.

• Discussed need to develop an annual operating budget; Joe Steinberger will prepare a list of anticipated operational needs
• Discussed possible railing options around the boathouse; Joe will prepare conceptual proposals for city manager review
• Agreed to develop a clearer fundraising narrative tied to specific restoration projects
• Agreed to update the website to show fundraising progress and restoration priorities
• Tom Luttrell will provide future financial reports at meetings showing donations, expenditures, and balances
• Tom will distribute the engineering assessment report to the working group
• City staff will assist in determining the approval process for railing options
• David Krueger will continue work with David Troup on the Facebook page

Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee

The Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee will vote on its SMART goals for fiscal years 2026-27 as the primary discussion item. The meeting also includes updates on several ongoing projects, including Transfer Station Wayfinding, MacDougal Community Garden, ResilientSMP, Safe Routes to South School, and a Garden Tour. The committee will then set action items and note the summer recess for August.

• Vote on RESAC goals for FY26-27
• Update on Transfer Station Wayfinding
• Update on MacDougal Community Garden
• Update on ResilientSMP Project
• Update on Safe Routes to South School

City Council

The City Council will meet to consider the adoption of the FY 2027 Municipal Budget. Additional items include authorizing various reserve fund expenditures, a debt write-off for EMS receivables, and salary adjustments.

• Adoption of the FY 2027 Municipal Budget at $25,265,027
• Expenditure of up to $60,000 for Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse lightning rod system repair
• Write-off of $46,646.65 in uncollectable 2020-2021 EMS debt
• Expenditure of $158.51 from the Harbor Trail Reserve for harbor cleanup expenses
• Declaration of Official Intent for the FY 2027 Capital Improvement Plan up to $605,000

The City Council authorized two grant applications: up to $75,000 for the Buoy Park and Middle Pier redevelopment and up to $625,000 for a Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane. Both orders passed unanimously (4‑0). The Council also appointed members to the Healthy Aging Working Group and the Planning Board, confirmed those appointments, and commended the Rockland Fire & EMS Department for its response to the May 15 fire.

• Approved Community Action Grant application up to $75,000 for Buoy Park & Middle Pier (4-0)
• Approved Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund application up to $625,000 for Meadow Brook crossing (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Healthy Aging Working Group & Planning Board members (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Timothy Avirett to the Working Group (4-0)
• Confirmed appointments of remaining appointees (4-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Timothy Avirett (3-0-1, one abstention)
• Passed commendation of Rockland Fire & EMS Department (4-0)

Economic Development Plan Advisory Group

The Economic Development Plan Advisory Group held its first meeting to review the project timeline, discuss Rockland's economic conditions, and plan summer outreach. The group agreed to meet from noon to 2:00 PM in future sessions, with the next meeting scheduled for September. Key themes included housing affordability, workforce challenges, transportation, and building on Rockland's brand identity.

• Advisory group kickoff for the city's economic development plan, with a target completion by January 2026
• Discussion of economic conditions: housing affordability, workforce, transportation costs, energy costs, and building age
• Group agreed on meeting time (12:00–2:00 PM) and schedule; next meeting in September
• Consulting team planning a community and business survey for early summer release
• Discussion of targeted outreach, including workforce housing and developers' perspectives

The group met for the first time to review the project timeline, agree on a preferred meeting time of 12-2 PM, and discuss key economic themes such as housing, transportation, and workforce. No formal votes or binding decisions were taken; the meeting was procedural and focused on planning future outreach and a community survey.

• Agreed preferred meeting time is 12:00–2:00 PM (no vote recorded)
• Next meeting scheduled for September 2026

Planning Board

The Rockland Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street, continued from a previous meeting. The board also will hold public hearings on three zoning ordinance amendments: eliminating the obsolete Philbrick Avenue contract zone, reclassifying two parcels on Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1, and allowing studios as a permitted use in compatible zones.

• Public hearing on PB26-12: 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main St (Tax Map 10-K-1)
• Public hearing on ordinance amendment eliminating Philbrick Avenue contract zone (Chapter 19, Sec. 19-208)
• Public hearing on zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to RR1
• Public hearing on ordinance amendment allowing studios as permitted use (Chapter 19, Sec. 19-206)
• Site visit at 59 Main St at 4:00 PM prior to meeting

Harbor Trail Committee

The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee meets to approve previous minutes, discuss new member ideas, and review old business including updates on Seabird Interpretative Panels and a new bench being installed at Sandy Beach. The committee also debriefs the recent Herb Walk and plans the upcoming History Walk on June 28th.

• New bench being installed at Sandy Beach
• Seabird Interpretative Panels along Boardwalk update (Barbara)
• History Walk 'Discover the Trail' scheduled June 28th
• Debrief of Herb Walk 'Discover the Trail' (June 7th)
• Possible purchase of microphone and speaker for events

The committee approved the May meeting minutes and scheduled a Name Tag Day for September 27, 2026. The Ghost Walk was deferred to 2027, and a microphone and speaker were purchased for trail events.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Deferred Ghost Walk target schedule to 2027
• Scheduled Name Tag Day for September 27, 2026, 12 pm – 2 pm
• Approved purchase of microphone and speaker for trail events

City Council

The Rockland City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a design-build lease purchase agreement for a new police department location at 12 Water Street. The council will also conduct final readings on zoning amendments, including eliminating the Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone and changing zoning on Old County Road. Several orders involve spending from reserve accounts for harbor repairs and a fee waiver for the Blues Festival.

• First reading of ordinance for design-build lease purchase agreement for new police facility at Suite 215, 12 Water Street
• Final reading to eliminate Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone
• Final reading to rezone 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1
• Order authorizing up to $20,000 from Fish Pier Reserve for electrical repairs
• Order authorizing waiver of $3,200 park rental fee for North Atlantic Blues Festival

The City Council authorized the City Manager to apply for up to $75,000 from the Community Action Grant for the Buoy Park and Middle Pier Redevelopment Project and up to $625,000 from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund for a Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane. Both orders were passed unanimously. The Council also appointed members to the Healthy Aging Working Group, confirmed additional appointments, and commended the Rockland Fire & EMS Department.

• Approved $75,000 Community Action Grant application for Buoy Park & Middle Pier (4-0)
• Approved $625,000 Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund application for Meadow Brook crossing (4-0)
• Approved motion to divide the appointment question for Timothy Avirett (4-0)
• Approved motion to confirm remaining Healthy Aging Working Group appointments (4-0)
• Councilor Davis allowed to abstain from voting on Mr. Avirett’s appointment (3-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Mr. Timothy Avirett (3-0-1)
• Passed commendation of Rockland Fire & EMS Department (4-0)

Coast Guard City Advisory Committee

The Coast Guard City Advisory Committee discussed a planned pier removal and addition project expected to take 3–4 years, which will temporarily shift the home base of the Abbie Burgess and Thunder Bay and cause additional traffic on Tillson and Commercial. The committee also considered a request from the Sons of the American Legion for a golf tournament fundraiser, noting that discounted tickets are allowed but free tickets are not. Other items included updates on a retirement party, a change of command, and follow-up on the city website listing committee members.

• Pier replacement project: 3–4 year construction, temporary relocation of Abbie Burgess and Thunder Bay
• Civil Engineering unit to alert city and businesses of additional traffic on Tillson and Commercial
• Golf tournament fundraiser with Sons of American Legion: discounted tickets OK, free not allowed, cannot be fundraiser
• Tom Crane retirement party at Maine Lighthouse Museum on June 6 at 11am
• Change of Command for Tackle on June 18 at 10am in Buoy Park

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue reviewing a site plan for a 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street. They will also discuss three zoning ordinance amendments: eliminating the obsolete Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone, rezoning two parcels on Old County Road, and allowing studios as a permitted use in compatible zones.

• Continued review of application PB26-12 for a 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street
• Elimination of Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone (Sec. 19-208) as obsolete
• Zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1 Zone
• Amendment to allow Studios as a permitted use in compatible zones (Sec. 19-206)

City Council

The Rockland City Council will consider two grant applications: up to $75,000 for the Buoy Park and Middle Pier redevelopment and up to $625,000 for a Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane. The council will also receive an update on the Economic Development Plan and an update on the Emergency Warming Center season. The meeting will set the agenda for the regular council meeting on June 8, 2026.

• Order #39: authorize application for up to $75,000 Community Action Grant for Buoy Park & Middle Pier redevelopment (25% city match).
• Order #40: authorize application for up to $625,000 Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund for Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane (5% grant match, $100,000 city match).
• Presentation – Economic Development Plan Update.
• Presentation – Emergency Warming Center Season Update.
• Set agenda for the June 8, 2026 regular City Council meeting.

The Rockland City Council authorized the City Manager to apply for up to $75,000 from the Community Action Grant for the Buoy Park and Middle Pier Redevelopment Project (vote 4‑0). It also authorized an application for up to $625,000 from the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund to install a Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane, with a $100,000 (13.7%) city match (vote 4‑0). The council set the agenda for the June 8 regular meeting and approved several appointments and a commendation.

• Approved Community Action Grant application up to $75,000 for Buoy Park & Middle Pier (vote 4‑0)
• Approved Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund application up to $625,000 for Meadow Brook Stream Smart crossing, with $100,000 city match (vote 4‑0)
• Appointed members to Healthy Aging Working Group (vote 4‑0)
• Appointed members to Planning Board (vote 4‑0)
• Confirmed appointment of Timothy Avirett to Planning Board (vote 3‑0‑1, one abstention)
• Commended Rockland Fire & EMS Department for Robbins Lumber Mill fire response (vote 4‑0)
• Set agenda for June 8, 2026 regular council meeting
• Adjourned special meeting at approximately 7:31 p.m.

Harbor Management Commission

The Harbor Management Commission discussed the unstable fish pier stone wall and approved a water-level sensor project with Brown University. They also approved permits for an art installation, a food truck, a cycling event, and temporary dockage for tour boats during construction. The commission declined to recommend a fee waiver for the Blues Festival.

• Fish pier stone wall found unstable and built on mud; area to be cordoned off
• Approval of water-level sensors at Snow Marine Park, Sandy Beach, and Municipal Pier (Brown University collaboration)
• Approval of food truck at Snow Marine Park (Lucas Brower, employs students, late June through August)
• Approval of exclusive 60' town dock floats for Morning in Maine and Maluhia tour boats (August 12 to end of season)
• Art installation (GPS monitoring display) approved pending location; Blues Festival fee waiver not recommended

City Council

This workshop is part of Rockland's ongoing initiative to understand cruise tourism's role in the community. City staff and consultants will present data on trends, operations, and alignment with the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and harbor redevelopment. Attendees can ask questions and provide feedback to inform future policy discussions.

• Presentation by Sarah Flink (Spring Line Group) and Tom Luttrell on cruise tourism data and regional trends
• Overview of PortShare Midcoast 2026 Visitor Welcome Program
• Connections to Public Landing & Harbor Park Redevelopment Project and Harbor Plan
• Interactive community input session on cruise tourism and PortShare Promise Program

The council presented the proposed FY 2027 municipal budget of approximately $18.8 million and discussed options for a new police department facility, including potential sites on Payne Avenue, Pleasant Street, and a lease‑to‑purchase on Water Street. Public comments were heard on affordable‑workforce housing bonds and the upcoming community center opening. Councilors voted 4‑0 to enter executive session under M.R.S.A. §405(6)(C) to discuss acquisition, disposition, or use of property, and then adjourned without objection.

• Entered executive session to discuss property acquisition, disposition, or use (vote 4‑0)
• Set agenda for the May 11, 2026 regular council meeting (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned the special meeting without objection (no vote recorded)

City Council

The City Council will hear presentations on a housing plan and from the Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force. They will take up the first reading of an ordinance amendment defining affordable workforce housing and requiring council approval and a public hearing before spending borrowed housing funds. Orders include up to $60,000 for lighthouse lightning rod repair and a grant application for a pump out boat. The council will also review the FY2027 budgets for Harbor, Fish Pier, Wastewater, and Storm Water.

• Ordinance Amendment #17: first reading to define 'Affordable Workforce Housing' and require public hearing and council approval for spending borrowed funds
• Order #35: authorize up to $60,000 for lightning rod system repair at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse (postponed from 5/13)
• Order #36: authorize grant application from Maine DEP for up to $70,500 for a pump out boat for Rockland Harbor
• FY2027 Budget Review for Harbor, Fish Pier, Wastewater, and Storm Water
• Presentations by Jeff Levine (Housing Plan) and Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force

The council entered an executive session under M.R.S.A. §405(6)(C) to discuss acquisition, disposition, or use of property, with a 4‑0 vote. The council also set the agenda for the May 11, 2026 regular meeting. No other formal actions were taken before adjournment.

• Entered executive session on property issues (vote 4-0)
• Set agenda for May 11, 2026 regular meeting