Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

Hi Mike,

The meeting was not Zoomed only broadcast and livestreamed. I can ask if we can get a transcript from the YT stream from Saco River TV?

Bennet S. Flinner

Town of Hollis | Select Board Office Asst.

IT Coordinator, Website & Mail Server Mgr.

34 Town Farm Road | Hollis, ME 04042

Phone: 207.929.8552 x26 | [email protected]

From: Mike Harnois <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 9:01 PM To: Adminsecretary <[email protected]>; Dick Morin <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Meeting assets for Town of Hollis, Maine's Select Board Zoom Meeting are ready!

Dick,

You might already get these transcripts, because you join the meeting via your phone, but just in case - I find them very helpful. Especially this last meeting, which Is already a blur with all the action.

Bennett - Could you send me the transcript/summary from Reval meeting?

Thanks for all you both do.

Mike

Begin forwarded message:

From: Zoom <[email protected] > Date: Jul 15, 2026 at 8:04 PM To: Mike Harnois <[email protected] > Subject: Meeting assets for Town of Hollis, Maine's Select Board Zoom Meeting are ready!

https://zoom.com/

Meeting assets for Town of Hollis, Maine's Select Board Zoom Meeting are ready!

Meeting summary

Key Takeaways

* Mike Harnois resigned as chair of the Hollis Select Board; Roger Hicks was elected as the new chair. * The board voted to hold a Special Town Meeting on August 5, 2026, to address the property re-evaluation (reval) funding vote. * After significant public advocacy, the board unanimously approved a motion to allow a grant application for a kids' bike pump track and trail at the Hollis Sports Complex. * A revised Municipal Code of Ethics (2026 version) was introduced by Mike Harnois for board review, with a vote planned for August 5. * Two paving bids were opened; the Road Commissioner will review and make a recommendation. * The Salmon Falls Bridge replacement project was discussed, with a detour expected from March 1 to November 1, 2027. * The Veterans Memorial completion remains unfunded by approximately $12,000; community members and board members expressed urgency. * The Town Manager presented several draft municipal policies for board review ahead of the August 5 meeting. * A resident presented a list of 30 Revolutionary War soldiers from Hollis (plus 12 from Dayton) to be formally recognized by the town.

Discussed Topics

1. Resignation of Select Board Chair and Election of New Chair

Mike Harnois announced his resignation as chair, citing that the newly elected board majority holds a different vision for the town's direction and that the chair should reflect that majority's direction. He stated he would continue serving as a board member.

* Details

* Mike Harnois: Stated the chair's role is to facilitate the board's work and that the chair should be someone who shares the board's direction; stepped down effective upon election of a successor. * Board members: Accepted the resignation via motion and vote. * Roger Hicks: Nominated and elected as the new chair unanimously. * Butch Gannett (public comment): Expressed disappointment that no board member initially responded to Mike's resignation statement before being prompted.

* Conclusion

* Mike Harnois's resignation as chair was accepted. * Roger Hicks was elected as the new chair of the Hollis Select Board.

2. Public Comment – Revolutionary War Soldiers Research

Rita Bradbury presented research she conducted since January 2026, in collaboration with Debbie Curry of the Maine Old Cemetery Association, identifying Revolutionary War soldiers connected to Hollis.

* Details

* Rita Bradbury: Explained the historical complexity of Hollis's name changes (Little Falls, Phillipsburg, then Hollis in 1811) and how that complicated research. Presented a list of 30 soldiers born, lived, died, or buried in Hollis, plus 12 from Dayton, totaling 45 soldiers. * Rita Bradbury: Requested the board consider a public plaque listing the soldiers' names. * Jack Regal: Expressed support for veterans recognition and mentioned the ongoing Veterans Memorial project.

* Conclusion

* The list of 45 Revolutionary War soldiers was formally presented to the town. * The board acknowledged the request for a commemorative plaque.

3. Opening of Paving Bids

Two bids were received for paving work on multiple town roads including Shaw Lane, Bean Street, Hanson Lane, Dayton Road, Stewart's Lane, Whitney Lane, and Lisa Lane.

* Details

* Allstate Construction: Total bid of $250,573.77. * Taylor and Sons Paving LLC: Total bid of $312,918.50. * Jack Regal: Recused himself from deliberations due to a prior working relationship with Allstate Construction. * Road Commissioner Rob: Stated he would meet with the Town Manager the following week to review bid packets against specifications and make a recommendation.

* Conclusion

* Bids were opened and recorded. * Road Commissioner and Town Manager will review bids and return with a recommendation.

4. Re-evaluation Summary and Special Town Meeting

The board discussed the outcome of a prior workshop with municipal assessing firm John O'Donnell & Associates regarding the need for a full property re-evaluation.

* Details

* Mike Harnois: Summarized that John O'Donnell strongly advised immediate action on a full boots-on-the-ground re-evaluation, and recommended scheduling a special town meeting as soon as possible to appropriate funds. * Roger Hicks: Agreed to move discussion of a special town meeting to the August 5 meeting to allow time for public education. * Board members: Noted the workshop recording would be made available online, and Mike Harnois offered to summarize the transcript for public distribution. * Lynn (town clerk, via text): Reminded the board that a warrant must be published at least 7 days prior to the special meeting, requiring an interim meeting before July 29.

* Conclusion

* A motion was passed to hold a Special Town Meeting on August 5, 2026, to vote on appropriating funds for the re-evaluation. * The board must schedule an additional meeting before July 29 to write and publish the warrant.

5. Kids Bike Trail and Skills Course at Hollis Sports Complex

Following a prior 3-2 vote against allowing a grant application on July 1, 2026, multiple residents returned to advocate for reconsideration.

* Details

* Nancy Ponzetti: Delivered a detailed presentation addressing prior board concerns. Key points included:

* The Maine Trails Program grant (Round 3) offers up to $250,000 for multi-purpose trails, with a next deadline of mid-June 2027. * Confirmed via email from Adam C. Fisher (Maine Trails Program) that the grant does not restrict the town from managing or harvesting the adjacent forest; only the trail itself must remain usable for 7 years. * The 10% match (~$15,000) can be met through donations, volunteer hours (valued at $36.14/hour per FEMA scale), equipment use, materials, and grant writing services. * The Maine Mountain Bike Trail Fund offers $10,000 annually for trail maintenance via a rolling application. * The Maine Trails Coalition and New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) provide free volunteer labor and grant support. * Liability and security would be comparable to existing ATV and snowmobile trails. * Requested the board either revote on the grant application or commit to placing the question on the November warrant.

* Rita (resident): Expressed strong disappointment in the prior no vote and urged a revote, drawing parallels to the successful Land for Maine's Future campaign. * Joe Ponzetti: Urged the board to revisit the motion immediately given the new information provided. * Dan Urumian: Clarified that the trail would occupy approximately 1 acre out of 59, looping through the woods between the sports complex and the discontinued portion of Bean Street. Noted that only the trail path itself carries the 7-year usability requirement, not the surrounding land. Suggested physical barriers (posts/fencing) to prevent motorized vehicle access to the pump track. * Danielle Bradbury: Expressed preference for putting the question to voters, citing constituent concerns about volunteer sustainability and long-term maintenance costs if grants are unavailable. * Roger Hicks: Noted the current grant deadline (July 17) had passed and asked about timing. * Mike Harnois: Made a motion to allow the grant application for land adjacent to the sports complex for a kids' pump track and riding trails.

* Conclusion

* The board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the motion allowing pursuit of the grant application for the kids' bike pump track and trail. * The current grant round deadline has passed; the team will pursue Round 3 with a mid-June 2027 deadline.

6. Municipal Code of Ethics – Reintroduction

Mike Harnois reintroduced a revised Municipal Code of Ethics, originally attempted in 2024, updated to reflect the current five-person Select Board/Town Manager form of government.

* Details

* Mike Harnois: Presented a summary of the revised code covering standards of conduct, conflict of interest, disclosure obligations, prohibited conduct, violations process, and a new Section 20 requiring all board/committee members to sign an acknowledgment of receipt and compliance. * The code applies to all members of every board, committee, commission, and advisory or decision-making body. * Disclosure statements required within 30 days of appointment or election; filed with the Town Clerk. * Violations process: written complaint → outside attorney review → Select Board hearing → penalty up to removal. * Joe (Finance Committee Chair): Supported the code, noted it aligns with existing state statutes, and recommended attorney review. * Board members: Discussed whether the code should extend to town employees; agreed to consult the town attorney on that question. * Roger Hicks: Suggested all employees, committees, and elected officials should have exposure to the code.

* Conclusion

* The code was introduced for review; no vote taken at this meeting. * The board will review the code before August 5 and vote on adoption at that meeting, pending attorney review. * The question of including town employees will be referred to the town attorney.

7. Town Manager Updates

Town Manager provided several operational updates.

* Details

* Municipal Policies: Presented draft policies including use of municipal facilities, town attorney contact protocol, harassment policy, driveway culvert maintenance, performance reviews, and purchase orders. Requested board review and approval at the next meeting. * Deputy Tax Collector/Treasurer Hiring: Two applicants received; ad placed in local press to expand the candidate pool; may also post on Indeed. * Email Communication: Requested board members acknowledge receipt of his emails to confirm communication is functioning; board members agreed to respond promptly. * TIF Economic Development: A meeting with a planner/developer is scheduled in approximately two weeks to explore use of TIF economic development funds. * CMP Helicopter Operations: Central Maine Power used the area near the Salt Shed as a helicopter landing zone for power line work on lines inaccessible by vehicle. * Sprinkler Test: A sprinkler test was conducted and passed, but temporarily stressed the water supply for approximately 4–5 hours; the system recovered overnight. * Water System Approval: A letter of approval was received from the state for the Town Hall water system; awaiting response from Ward Water.

* Conclusion

* Board will review and vote on draft policies at the August 5 meeting. * Town Manager will continue hiring process for Deputy Tax Collector/Treasurer. * Board members committed to responding to Town Manager emails in a timely manner.

8. Veterans Memorial Completion

The incomplete Veterans Memorial at Town Hall was raised as an urgent community priority.

* Details

* Jack Regal: Explained that approximately $12,000 remains needed to complete the memorial (total cost ~$32,000); $10,000 received from Poland Springs and $10,000 from Narragansett, leaving a ~$12,000 shortfall. * Becky Bowie (public): Suggested Nancy Ponzetti assist with grant writing for the memorial. * Butch Gannett (public): Questioned why the memorial restoration was not included in the original building contract. * Jack Regal: Acknowledged it was an oversight. * Dan Urumian: Suggested adding the memorial funding to the August 5 Special Town Meeting agenda. * Joe (Finance Committee Chair): Noted that Article 20 passed at the town meeting authorizes the Select Board to appropriate up to $200,000 from undesignated fund balance with majority approval from both the Select Board and Finance Committee, which could potentially cover the $12,000 shortfall. * Joe: Recommended a full inventory of all outstanding Town Hall project items before bringing a consolidated funding request to the Finance Committee.

* Conclusion

* No formal vote taken; the matter will be discussed further with the Finance Committee. * A joint Select Board/Finance Committee workshop is being planned to address outstanding financial items including the Veterans Memorial.

9. Appointments – Deputy Code Enforcement Officer / Deputy Building Inspector / Deputy Local Plumbing Inspector

The board considered the appointment of Tracy Jacek to three deputy roles.

* Details

* Town Manager: Noted Tracy Jacek was recommended by Dwayne and is currently the Code Enforcement Officer in Dayton. * Motion made and seconded to approve the appointment.

* Conclusion

* Tracy Jacek was unanimously approved as Deputy Code Enforcement Officer, Deputy Building Inspector, and Deputy Local Plumbing Inspector.

10. Payroll Warrants and Purchase Orders

Payroll and warrant totals were read into the record.

* Details

* Payroll last week: $51,762; payroll this week: $47,677. * Warrant last week: $594,708; warrant this week: $59,279. * Purchase orders noted: Adventure Climbing ($2,500), fire department testing ($6,635), Waterhouse Family Farm ($7,600), RMDL Incorporated (multiple POs: $10,000 miscellaneous, $10,000 shoulder/ditch repairs, $6,000 road signs, $6,000 truck/haul materials, $10,000 grading dirt roads), Dearborn Brothers ($10,000 grading materials), White Signs ($6,000 road signs). * A public commenter noted that several POs were just under the $10,000 competitive bid threshold and encouraged transparency, though acknowledged no rules were broken. * Road Commissioner Rob: Clarified that these are working POs used for multiple ongoing projects throughout the year, not single-project expenditures.

* Conclusion

* Payroll and warrants were read into the record. * No formal action required; Road Commissioner clarified the nature of the POs.

11. ATV Registration Sticker Delay

A communication from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was read into the record.

* Details

* Faith (staff): Shared a message from Inland Fisheries and Wildlife explaining a delay in ATV registration stickers; stickers expected within one to two weeks, after which in-person registration at Town Hall will resume. Online registration available in the interim.

* Conclusion

* Residents advised to register ATVs online until stickers arrive at Town Hall.

12. Route 4A / Salmon Falls Bridge Construction Update

The Road Commissioner and Fire Chief attended a Maine DOT pre-construction meeting and reported on the upcoming bridge replacement project.

* Details

* Dan Urumian: Summarized the update; preliminary work on Route 4A and Country Club Road to begin within approximately one month; bridge closure and traffic detour proposed from March 1, 2027, with substantial completion and reopening by November 1, 2027. * Road Commissioner Rob: Detailed road widening on 4A, reconfiguration of Country Club Road and Usher Mills Road intersections, removal and replacement of the traffic island, and installation of temporary traffic lights at Route 4A/117 and Route 112/4A in Buxton. * Detour route for trucks: Route 35 to Route 202 to Hannaford, then to Route 4A. * Approximately 8,000 additional vehicles per day expected on Route 4A during the detour. * Dan Urumian: Expressed concern about signage to keep traffic off side roads; Rob confirmed extensive signage and flashing lights are planned, with the project representative available for ongoing coordination. * A representative from Poland Springs attended the pre-construction meeting.

* Conclusion

* Preliminary road improvements on 4A and Country Club Road to begin within approximately one month. * Salmon Falls Bridge closure and detour: March 1 – November 1, 2027. * Road Commissioner has direct contact with the project representative for ongoing coordination.

13. Hollis Community Days 2026 Announcement

A save-the-date announcement was made for the annual community celebration.

* Details

* Hollis Community Days 2026: Saturday, August 8, at the Debbie J. Tefft Hollis Sports Complex. * Events include a parade at 10:00 AM, live entertainment, kids' games, vendors, information booths, a raffle, and a silent auction. * All proceeds benefit the Hollis Rec Summer Scholarship Program. * Business sponsorship donations are still being accepted.

* Conclusion

* Event confirmed for August 8, 2026; community and business participation encouraged.

14. Select Board / Finance Committee Workshop

Board members discussed the need for a joint workshop with the Finance Committee.

* Details

* Jack Regal: Mentioned ongoing discussions with Joe to schedule a summit between the Select Board and Finance Committee to address financial matters, including a potential CPA engagement to improve town financial management. * Joe (Finance Committee Chair): Supported the idea and noted the Finance Committee can convene on short notice.

* Conclusion

* A joint Select Board/Finance Committee workshop will be scheduled; details to be confirmed.

Challenges

* Warrant publication deadline: The board must hold an additional meeting before July 29, 2026, to write and publish the warrant for the August 5 Special Town Meeting, as required by the 7-day prior publication rule. * Veterans Memorial funding gap: Approximately $12,000 remains needed to complete the Veterans Memorial; no dedicated funding source has been identified or voted on. * Town Hall water system: The public water system at Town Hall has been under review for over a year; approval letter received from the state but Ward Water has not yet responded. * Paving bid review: Bids must be reviewed against specifications before a recommendation can be made; no contract awarded yet. * Bike trail grant timeline: The current grant round deadline (July 17, 2026) has passed; the team must now prepare for the Round 3 deadline in mid-June 2027, requiring sustained volunteer and organizational effort. * Code of Ethics attorney review: The revised Municipal Code of Ethics requires legal review before adoption; it is unclear whether it should extend to town employees. * Deputy Tax Collector/Treasurer hiring: Only two applicants received so far; a broader candidate pool is being sought. * Board email responsiveness: The Town Manager noted that board members frequently do not acknowledge or respond to his emails, slowing town operations. * Competitive bid transparency: A public commenter flagged that multiple purchase orders were submitted just below the $10,000 competitive bid threshold, raising transparency concerns even though no rules were violated.

Action Items

* Roger Hicks (Select Board Chair)

* Schedule an interim Select Board meeting before July 29, 2026, to write and publish the warrant for the August 5 Special Town Meeting. (Deadline: before July 29, 2026) * Coordinate a joint Select Board/Finance Committee workshop to address outstanding financial matters including the Veterans Memorial and CPA engagement.

* Mike Harnois

* Summarize the John O'Donnell & Associates re-evaluation workshop transcript and distribute to the public prior to the August 5 Special Town Meeting. * Ensure the revised Municipal Code of Ethics is distributed to all board members for review before August 5, 2026. * Confirm with the town attorney whether the Code of Ethics should extend to town employees.

* All Select Board Members

* Review the revised Municipal Code of Ethics before August 5, 2026, and be prepared to vote on adoption. * Review the Town Manager's draft municipal policies before August 5, 2026, and be prepared to vote on approval. * Respond promptly to Town Manager emails, at minimum acknowledging receipt.

* Town Manager

* Distribute the revised Municipal Code of Ethics and acknowledgment forms to all current board and committee members upon adoption. * Establish a tracking log for signed acknowledgment forms (Town Clerk to maintain as a public record). * Incorporate the Code of Ethics acknowledgment into the onboarding packet for all future appointees. * Continue the hiring process for Deputy Tax Collector/Treasurer; expand outreach to Indeed and other platforms if needed. * Prepare a comprehensive inventory of all outstanding Town Hall project items (including Veterans Memorial, water system, pond lighting) for presentation to the Finance Committee. * Consult the town attorney regarding the Code of Ethics and its potential application to town employees. * Schedule a meeting with a planner/developer to explore TIF economic development fund usage (within approximately two weeks). * Schedule a joint Select Board/Finance Committee workshop.

* Road Commissioner Rob

* Meet with the Town Manager the following week to review paving bid packets against specifications and make a recommendation to the board. * Continue coordination with the Maine DOT project representative on the Route 4A/Salmon Falls Bridge construction project.

* Dan Urumian and Nancy Ponzetti

* Begin preparation for the Maine Trails Program Round 3 grant application for the kids' bike pump track and trail at the Hollis Sports Complex. (Grant deadline: mid-June 2027) * Work toward securing the ~$15,000 match through donations, volunteer hours, equipment use, and other grant sources.

* Jack Regal

* Provide a full cost breakdown and status update on the Veterans Memorial project for consideration at the joint Finance Committee/Select Board workshop.

* Nancy Ponzetti

* Offer grant writing assistance for the Veterans Memorial project as discussed with Becky Bowie and Jack Regal.

* Town Clerk

* Publish the warrant for the August 5, 2026, Special Town Meeting at least 7 days in advance (no later than July 29, 2026). * Establish a tracking log for signed Code of Ethics acknowledgment forms upon adoption.

* Rita Bradbury

* Formally submit the list of 45 Revolutionary War soldiers to the town for the record. * Collaborate with the board on the proposal for a public commemorative plaque listing the soldiers' names.

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