Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

00ad01dd08ac4d1805c0e7481140

7/1/26 Agenda and May/June Minutes

From

• Bennet Flinner <[email protected]>

To

• Danielle Bradbury <[email protected]>
• Daniel Yarumian <[email protected]>
• Jack Rogala <[email protected]>
• Mike Harnois <[email protected]>
• Roger Hicks <[email protected]>
• Richard Morin <[email protected]>

Date

Tue, Jun 30, 2026 · 12:20 p.m. ET

• 06.03.26 SB Mins draft.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  Select Board Min utes 06.03.2026 Page 1 of 4 TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE M INUTES FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:00PM at the Hollis Meeting Room, 34 Town Farm Road YouTube Video Link of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/nuOCkzkRSck?si=LwaT25pu0oSuZoCz Attendees: Select Board Members - Michael Harnois, Mary Hoffman, John Rogala, Roger Hicks, Daniel Yarumian; Town Manager Richard Morin; Fire Rescue Chief Chris Young; Code Enforcement Officer Duane Hanson; Select Board Office Asst Bennet Flinner; Broadcast ing Team - Ken Knudsen, Kyle Morgan; Public: Becky Bowley, Joanne Toone, Beverly Harris, Don Marean, Rita Bradbury, Libby Harnois, Adeline Harnois, Nancy Ponzetti, Paul Mattor, Martha Huff, Phil Finemore, Tom Witkowski 1. Call to Order & Roll Call - Meeting called to order at 6:04PM by Harnois. Harnois asked Mary H offman to sit in the chair position for her final meeting, which she obliged. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all 3. Mary Hoffman – Last Board meeting & Recognition A special and heartfelt tribute was presented to Select Board member Mary Hoffman, who served on the board for nearly six years. Multiple community members offered remarks, and she was presented with flowers, a commemorative clock from town staff, and a historic photograph of the Salmon Falls Library. Speakers included Becky Bowley, Mi chael Harnois, Terry Walters, Rita Bradbury, Paul Mattor, Nancy Ponzetti and Bennet Flinner. Mary was credited for her work in securing a $2 million grant for the new town hall, her mentorship and leadership throughout, and her consistent attendance and dedicat ion across multiple committees -- including the Select Board, Planning Board, Comprehensive Planning, Safety C ommittee, and General Assistance administration. She was also recognized for providing support to the Hollis l ibraries and her role in the change of government to a five - member Select Board / Town Manager. Michael and Adeline Harnois also presented Mary with a touching guitar and vocal performance, just for her. Thank you, Mary. In turn, Hoffman delivered a farewell address acknowledging fellow board members, community volunteers, committee members, and town hall staff by name. Mary also encouraged community members to donate to local town programs. The Spirit of America Awards for 2026 were also announced: Donald Marean, Bennet Flinner, Tammy Thompson (individuals); Nancy and Joseph Monzetti (couple); Buxton & Hollis Dam Decommissioning Committee (group). 4. Public Comment for items not on the agenda: Moving Maine Network Presentation – To be r escheduled due to illness Revolutionary War Soldiers Info Wanted - Rita Bradbury described efforts to identify Revolutionary War soldiers from Hollis, noting the complexity due to Dayton's secession from Hollis. Currently identified approximately 20 soldiers, up from 8 in the Holli s Bicentennial book.

  Select Board Min utes 06.03.2026 Page 2 of 4 Bradbury requests that residents check old backyard cemeteries for unmarked graves of soldiers from that era. Please contact Rita or the Hollis Buxton Historical Society to share any relevant information about early Revolutionary War soldiers or unmarked cemeteries in Hollis. 5. Old Business a. Bar Mills Dam Decommissioning: The Board provided an update on the Bar Mills Dam decommissioning process and an upcoming public meeting with Brookfield on June 25 at 6:00 PM at the town hall to present the complete decommissioning plan — the p ublic is welcome to attend, ask questions and make comments. It was noted the dam removal has been pushed to 2028 and that committee member terms expire June 30, 2026, requiring the Select Board to consider reappointments. 6. New Business a. Town Manager – Hollis Financial Summit; Town Hall Hours; Employee PTO Ordinance Update; Farmers Market Update; Payroll Timekeeping Kickoff; Pennies; Legislative Policy Committee; School Crossing Signs. Hollis Financial Summit: Morin presented findings from the Financial Summit held on May 21, attended by the Select Board, Finance Committee, and the Town's auditor Ron Smith. They identified gaps in financial management capacity, outdated accounting softwa re, delays in bank reconciliations, and the need for a finance director/accountant role distinct from the current treasurer function. Morin explained the difference between the treasurer role (bookkeeping, day - to - day tracking) and a finance director role ( strategic planning, compliance with government financial standards, software oversight). He noted that carry - forward practices need to be curtailed per auditor Ron Smith's recommendation, as overuse negates the purpose of budgeting. He highlighted the need for monthly management reports and quarterly Finance Committee meetings per existing ordinance. The Board raised concerns about the timeline for catching up on bank reconciliations given year end approaching in 3 weeks, and also suggested a meeting with t he Treasurer and the person responsible for the reconciliations to establish a catch - up plan, targeting August. Next steps include consulting with auditor Ron Smith on software options, completing chart of accounts revisions, updating policies and procedures to comply with government financial standards, and presenting a full analysis of the town's current financial position. PTO Ordinance Update: Morin provided an update on the employee PTO ordinance and its integration with state and federal leave laws. Morin reports that legal reviewed the ordinance and found the calculations accurate; recommended passing the warrant article and then holding a special town meeting to integrate with Maine's Earned Paid Leave law and the federal Family Medical Leave Act. He confirmed the ordinance can move forward after the warrant vote, with a special town meeting to finalize integration detai ls. Explained that employees starting with a negative PTO balance would repay unearned time if they leave early. Town Hall Operating Hours: Morin raised concerns about current town hall hours, staff safety, and public accessibility. He has observed a surge in public activity between 3:30 – 5:00 PM, suggesting current hours (closing at 4:00 PM) do not serve working resi dents. Also expressed concern about staff leaving the building alone after hours, particularly in winter months. He suggested staggered hours, possible Saturday morning openings (once a month), and promoting online services for vehicle registration and tax payments. Public Input: Martha Huff: Noted that Wednesdays previously had extended hours (noon to 8:00 PM) before COVID changed that; supported cross - training but flagged conflicts during tax due dates and elections. Tom Witkowski: Reports that h e had conducted a Facebook poll on July 6, 2025 asking about changing Town hours, with 117 respondents; results showed 52% had no issue with current hours,

  Select Board Min utes 06.03.2026 Page 3 of 4 30% favored adding a Saturday half - day, and 18% preferred 11 AM – 7 PM Tuesday – Friday. Morin clarified that the suggestions are to reallocate hours rather than extend total hours, and encouraged promoting online renewal options. Farmer's Market Update - Some vendors require permitting; will continue to research. Pennies Update - The state hasn't provided any guidance regarding the overall lack of pennies, so no policies can be placed -- we cannot round up or down on cents for any fees. Timekeeping Kickoff - Start up for all employees to use the new online payroll system is underway. Legislative Policy Committee - Nominations are available. School Crossing Signs - The town has been granted 2 school zone flashing signs with speed indicators, they should arrive in 2 weeks. Morin is hopeful these signs will help driver’s slowdown in our school zone on Rt 35. Code Office Software Update: Code Officer Duane Hanson presented information on a potential software upgrade for the code office. Hanson described the limitations of the current IWORKS system (only one fillable permit; additional permits cost $750/year each) and pre sented an alternative iCloud - based system offering unlimited permits, automated email notifications, and streamlined payment processing. He noted that his admin Tammy Thompson reviewed the new system and responded very positively. The Select Board advised Hanson to continue working with the town manager to develop a formal proposal for board review. He will do so and bring it to the Select Board. c. Appointments – Election Warden for State of Maine Primary Election, Kevin Flinner - On the motion of Harnois and Hicks, the board voted all in favor to appoint Kevin Flinner as Election Warden; Passed 5 - 0. EcoMaine Board of Directors, Hollis Rep - David Durrell. On the motion of Hicks and Harnois, the board voted all in favor to appoint David Durrell as Hollis Representative of the EcoMaine Board of Directors; Passed 5 - 0. d. Payroll and Warrant Totals - Payroll last week $39,917, Payroll this week $41,276; Warrant last week $89,230, Warrant this week $51,977. e. Purchase Orders - None f. Correspondence & Announcements: • Last day to get an absentee ballot is tomorrow, June 4th. • The State of Maine Primary Election, Hollis Annual Town Meeting, MSAD#6 Budget Validation Referendum, and School Board At - Large Election will be held at the Town Hall Meeting Room, 34 Town Farm Road on Tuesday, June 9th. Polls are open from 7AM to 8PM. • The Town received $79.20 in quarterly Clynk donations for the Heat Fund. Thank you for your support! 7. Other Business a. Mowing Contract - A price increase from the town's mowing contractor was flagged by the Treasurer. Morin reports that the contractor submitted an invoice with a $15 price increase per location and a new town hall rate of $300 per mowing, citing more grass to mow. The existing contract is a two - year agreement with a one - year extension and set per - mowing prices.

  Select Board Min utes 06.03.2026 Page 4 of 4 There were concerns raised about nine mowings at the sports complex in four weeks and the library not appearing on the invoice despite being part of the contract. Morin acknowledged that the new building has added some additional mowing surface area. He wi ll contact the contractor Bob Taylor to discuss the price increase and clarify the scope of mowing locations, including the library. The board agreed a conversation with the contractor is needed before any contract amendment is made. b. Pine Tree State Security - Morin and the Board discussed correspondence from Pine State Security regarding the transition to new service providers. Morin explained that fire alarm service was moved to Encore and security alarm/entry service to AB Lock; Pine State Security has requested a letter confirming the transition. Morin will draft correspondence to them confirming the service transition. c. Water System update/PFAS Regs - The Board recognized a notice from the state outlining tightened PFAS regulations and options including installing treatment, connecting to an alternative water supply, drilling a new well, or abandoning the contaminated source. There is potential funding available if action is taken before 2029. Rogala confirmed that the working engineer, Matt is still waiting on state responses to a questionnaire, 13 of 15 questions have already been answered. He will follow up with Matt regarding the questionnaire and the PFAS grant applications / requirements. 8. Upcoming Town Committee and Board Meetings: • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, June 10th at 7PM • Select Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 17th at 6PM • Conservation Commission – Open Space Plan Public Input on Thursday, June 18th at 6PM • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, June 24th at 7PM • Bar Mills Decommissioning Committee Update - Public Meeting on Thursday, June 25th at 6PM 9. Public Comment - None 10. Adjournment - On the motion of Rogala and Hicks the board adjourned the meeting at 7:45PM. Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Select Board Office Asst.

• 05.20.26 SB Mins Exec Sess draft.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  Select Board Mins 0 5.20.2026 Page 1 of 1 TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE MINUTES FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Held on May 20, 2026 @ 5:00PM at the Hollis Town Hall Meeting Room at 34 Town Farm Road. Attendees: Select Board Members – Michael Harnois, Roger Hicks, John Rogala, Mary Hoffman and Daniel Yarumian. 1. Meeting was called to order at 5:05PM by H arnois. 2. The Select Board voted all in favor to go into Executive Session pursuant to Title 1 MRS 405(6) ( A ) to discuss personnel matters. Passed 5 - 0. Doors were closed. Information was exchanged. 3. The Select Board voted in favor to end the Executive Session, reconvene the Select Board meeting and adjourn at 5:47PM. Passed 5 - 0. Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Select Board Office Asst.

• 05.06.26 SB Mins Exec Sess draft.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  Select Board Mins 05.06.2026 Page 1 of 1 TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE MINUTES FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Held on May 6, 2026 @ 5:00PM at the Hollis Town Hall Meeting Room at 34 Town Farm Road. Attendees: Select Board Members – Michael Harnois, Roger Hicks, John Rogala, Mary H offman and Daniel Yarumian; Town Manager - Richard Morin 1. Meeting was called to order at 5:0 0 PM by H arnois. 2. Select Board voted all in favor to go into Executive Session pursuant to Title 1 MRS 405(6) ( A ) to discuss personnel matters. Passed 5 - 0. Doors were closed. Information was exchanged. 3. Select Board voted in favor to end the Executive Session, reconvene and adjo urn the Select Board meeting at 5: 50 PM. Passe d 5 - 0. Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Select Board Office Asst.

• 06.12.26 SB Mins Exec Sess.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  Select Board Mins 06.12.2026 Page 1 of 1 TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE MINUTES FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION Held on June 12, 2026 @ 10AM at the Hollis Town Hall Meeting Room at 34 Town Farm Road. Attendees: Select Board Members – Michael Harnois and Roger Hicks (via Zoom), John Rogala, and Daniel Yarumian; Town Manager – Richard Morin; Board Office Assistant – Bennet Flinner Absent: Select Board Member - Danielle Bradbury 1. Meeting was called to order at 10:22AM by Hicks. 2. On the motion of Hicks and Rogala, Select Board voted all in favor to go into Executive Session pursuant to Title 1 MRS 405(6) ( A ) to discuss personnel matters. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Bradbury absent). Doors were closed. Information was exchanged, no decisions made. 3. On the motion of Hicks and Harnois, t he Select Board voted in favor to end the Executive Session and reconvene the Select Board meeting at 10:25AM. 4. On the motion of Yarumian and Rogala, the Select Board voted in favor to appoint Faith Plummer as Interim Tax Collector effective June 12, 2026 to November 3, 2026. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Bradbury absent). 5. On the motion of Yarumian and Rogala, the Select Board adjourned the meeting at 10:26AM. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Bradbury absent). Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Select Board Office Asst.

• 07.01.26 7PM SB agenda.pdfNot posted

  The original PDF is not in this public copy. The words copied from it are below.

  Read from the file

  TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE AGENDA FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7 PM in the Hollis Meeting Room, 34 Town Farm Road 1. Call meeting to o rder 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Public Comment for items not on the agenda 4. York County Commissioner Update – Mr. Justin Chenette 5. Spirit of America Award announcements – Bar Mills Decommissioning Committees of Hollis & Buxton, Tammy Thompson 6. Town Property Tax Revaluation Discussion & Education 7. Old Business a. Minutes – 5/6/26, 5/20/26, 6/3/26, 6/12/26 b. Bar Mills Dam Decommissioning Plan Review Meeting Recap c. Maine Trails Grant follow up – Dan Yarumian 8. New Business a. Town Manager Updates – 2025 Annual Report is complete. On - line version is on the website. Paper copies are forthcoming. b. Appointments c. Payroll and Warrant Totals d. Purchase Orders e. Correspondence & Announcements: - Due to the ex t reme heat warning, t he Town Hall Meeting Room is open to the public for cooling tomorrow, July 2 nd from 9AM to 4PM. Stay safe! - All Town Offices will be CLOSED on Friday, July 3 rd in observance of Independence Day. There is no change in trash pick - up on Friday. Have a fun and safe 4 th of July! - A reminder that Paving Bids are due on Wednesday, July 15 th by 4pm. They will be opened and read that evening at our Select Board Meeting at 6PM. Paving Bid scope is on our website. For any questions contact Rob Hanson at 727 - 2999.

  - The Saco River Corridor Commission has approved the following permits in Hollis during the May Commission Meeting: 1. Michael Trowbridge, at 13 Moderation Street was issued a permit to construct a second - story deck and stairs approximately 300 feet back from the normal highwater line of the Saco River. The following applications were tabled and will be reviewed when conditions are fulfilled: 1. James Poitras & Kayla Nolette, at 97 Dennett Road is s eeking an after - the - fact permit to construct a dock, two sheds, two tarp sheds, a skateboard ramp, and a set of infiltration steps, and to conduct various other activities to and over the normal high water line of the Saco River. Full copies of the applications and permits are available for review by contacting Daniel Shorette at Saco River Corridor Commission. 9. Other Business 10. Upcoming Town Committee and Board Meetings: • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, July 8 th at 7PM • Select Board meeting on Wednesday, July 15 th at 6PM • Conservation Commission meeting on Thursday, July 16 th at 5:30PM • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22 at 7PM 11. Public Comment 1 2. Adjournment