Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

08b101dd13b860aa59f021ff0dd0

Tomorrow's meeting agenda and 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, Jul 14, 2026 · 1:44 p.m. ET

• 07.15.26 6PM 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 5, 2026 at 6 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. Resignation of Chair / Election of new Chair 5. Opening of Paving Bids 6. Old Business a. Revaluation s ummary and next steps of Select Board w orkshop with municipal assessing firm John O’Donnell & Associates b. Minutes – 6/17/26 c. Kid’s Bike Trail & Skills Course @ Hollis Sports Complex - Nancy Ponzetti 7. New Business a. Reintroduction of Town of Hollis Ethics Policy Proposal - Mike Harnois b. Town Manager Updates: Policy reviews - #3 Use of Municipal Facilities, #9 – Town Attorney Access; #11 – Harassment & Sexual Harassment; #13 Driveway Culvert Maintenance; #16 – Annual Performance Reviews; #21 – Purchase Orders and Disbursement of Funds c. Appointments – Deputy Code Officer d. Payroll and Warrant Totals e. Purchase Orders f. Correspondence & Announcements: • Water system design approval from the state – Jack • Save the Date – Hollis Community Day 2026! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 8th, 2026 at the Sports Complex for our biggest community celebration of the year! Kick off the day with our parade at 10:00 AM, then stick around for live entertainment, kids’ games, vendors and information booths featuring delicious food, local crafts, and community resources. Enjoy our huge raffle and silent auction, with all proceeds going directly to the Hollis Rec Summer Scholarship Program. Don’t miss it! 8. Other Business

  9. Upcoming Town Committee and Board Meetings: • Conservation Commission meeting on Thursday, July 16 th at 5:30PM • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22 at 7PM • No Select Board Meeting on July 29 th – 5 th Wednesday of the month • Select Board meeting on Wednesday, August 5 th at 6PM 1 0. Public Comment 1 1. Adjournment

• 06.17.26 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. 17.2026 Page 1 of 6 TOWN OF HOLLIS, MAINE MINUTES FOR SELECT BOARD MEETING & EXECUTIVE SESSION Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 4 PM & 6PM in the Hollis Town Hall & Meeting Room, 34 Town Farm R d. YouTube Video Link of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/live/JOCN_np3CFE?si=dMfBeeeKTWaOGcmU 1. Meeting was called to order at 4PM in the Town Hall Conference Room by Harnois. Attendees – Michael Harnois, John Rogala, Roger Hicks, Danielle Br adbury, Daniel Yarumian, and Richard Morin. Public – Tom Witkowski, Bennet Flinner 2. Select Board voted all in favor to go into Executive Session pursuant to M.S.R.A § 405(6)(A) to discuss the personnel matter of the town manager’s performance action plan. Passed 5 - 0. Doors were closed. Information was exchanged. 3. Select Board voted all in favor to end Executive Session, reopen and suspend the Board meeting at 4:50PM. 4. 4:50 - 6PM (break) 5. Select Board reconvened meeting at 6:04 PM in the Town Meeting Room. Meeting attendees – Select Board members present: Michael Harnois, John Rogala, Roger Hicks, Daniel Yarumian, Danielle Bradbury; Richard Morin, Town Manager; Office Asst. Bennet Flinner; Broadcasting Team – Ken Knudsen, Kyle Morgan; Public – Don Marean, Linda Marean, Nancy Ponzetti, Joe Ponzetti, Mark Blier, Phil Finemore, Tom Witkowski, Terry Walters, Beverly Harris, Gregg McPherson, Bill Goldschmidt, Zoom – Kristy Duncan, Martha Huff 6. Welcome new Select Board member – Danielle Bradbury and w elcome back to Daniel Yarumian. Both thanked their consti tuents for electing them into office. 7. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all 8. Election of Chair - On the motion of Rogala and Hicks the B oard voted all in favor to have Harnois remain chair and nominations cease. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Harnois abstained). 9. Public Comment for items not on the agenda: Tom Witkowski announced the formation of a small business guild for Hollis resident - owned businesses and introduced the website hollismaine.com as a central directory for local businesses. He clarified it is privately run and not affiliated with the town. Harnois suggested adding a disclaimer clarifying the site is not the official town website, and possibly linking to the official hollismaine.org. Witkowski agreed a nd confirmed there is no monetization; all costs are paid out of his pocket. A ny Hollis resident business owner can be added for free. The guild was viewed positively by the board as a resource for both residents and the town. 10. 2026 Spirit of America Award announcements – Don Marean, Joe & Nancy Ponzetti, Bennet Flinner

  Select Board Min utes 06. 17.2026 Page 2 of 6 Don Marean - Harnois read Don's nomination honoring his decades of public service, including service in the Maine State House of Representatives (2005 – 2008, 2012 – 2020), membership on the MSAD6 school board, the Hollis Finance Committee, and former Select Board membership; noted his agricultural conservation easement on Linden Farm. Don expressed his gratitude o f the recognition; shared the history of Linden Farm and the conservation easement donated to Maine Farmland Trust; emphasized teamwork as the key to his success. Representative Mark Blier presented a formal legislative sentiment from the 132nd Maine Legislature signed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House, recognizing Don receipt of the Spirit of America Award. Congratulations, Don! Joseph & Nancy Ponzetti - Yarumian read the nominations honoring Joe and Nancy Ponzetti for over 52 years of community service, including Joe's role as owner representative for the new municipal complex and Nancy's work as a grant writer, educator, and hi storic preservation advocate; noted their roles in securing funding for projects needed at the Salmon Falls Library and championing the select board/town manager form of government changes in Hollis. Nancy and Joe thanked the board and expressed great pride in being a Hollis resident. Congratulations Nancy and Joe! Bennet Flinner - Hicks read the nomination honoring Bennet, the Office Assistant to the Select Board/Town Manager, for 10 years of dedicated service, organizational excellence, warmth, and community volunteerism. Rogala shared a personal memory of Bennet guiding him on the first day as selectman. Harnois noted she is the glue of the town hall. Bennet thanked the board and expressed surprise and gratitude. Congratulations Bennet! T wo other nominations will be announced next meeting – Tammy Thompson and the Bar Mills Dam De c om m issioning Committees of Hollis & Buxton. 11. Old Business a. June 9, 2026 Hollis Election – Harnois reported 1,455 voters participated in this election, far exceeding expectations. He also noted 691 blank ballots in the Select Board race, potentially affecting results; discussed the need to educate voters to select two candidates. Harnois also highlighted that Article 15 (re - evaluation of real town property, up to $265,000) failed, likely due to voter confusion; proposed a future educational presentation with visuals and expert input. Hicks suggested inviting the town ’ s assess ing agent John O'Donnell & Assoc iates to the next meeting. A revaluation education presentation will be added to next meeting agenda. Harnois thanked all the election poll workers, newly elected Town Clerk Crystal Gaudet and Martha Huff for managing an unexpectedly high turnout. b. Minutes - May 6 & May 20, 2026; On the motions of Hicks and Rogala, the board voted to approve meeting minutes from May 6 and 20, 2026. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Bradbury abstained ) c. TIF advisory committee findings/recommendation presentation to the board – Joe Ponzetti Ponzetti provided history of the TIF (signed 1999, amended and extended to June 30, 2030); current balance is $3,213,000; projected total by expiration $4,433,403. He o utlined three categories: Public Safety ($800,000 remaining, designated for police protection), Road Construction (fully spent), and Economic Development Program ($3,550,000 untouched). Recommended using $800,000 for town police protection and engaging economic planning professionals for the $3,550,000 economic development fund before the June 2030 deadline.

  Select Board Min utes 06. 17.2026 Page 3 of 6 Hicks provided history of prior attempts to contract with York County Sheriff's Department and State Police; noted challenges including the sheriff requiring three deputies and a failed joint police department discussion with Buxton. Rogala emphasized urgency and noted inflation has drastically changed the value of 1999 dollar amounts. He suggested DPW as an alternative use but acknowledged the need for a backup plan. Noted that many 1999 cost figures are no longer realistic due to inflation. Public Recommendations included: Focus on the original TIF agreement line items before pursuing amendments, given time constraints; referencing the town's comprehensive plans for economic development guidance; and noted a prior failed federal grant attempt for a DPW building. Harnois proposed having the Town Manager to research economic development firms and the feasibility of a third TIF amendment as a backup. Ponzetti further suggested the Town Manager research both economic development planning professionals and police prote ction options, and potentially form two committees. Time is critical: economic development programs must be identified and completed by 2030. On the motion of Hicks and Yarumian the board voted all in favor to authorize the Town Manager to research economic development planning options and public safety/police protection options using TIF funds. Passed 5 - 0. Ponzetti offered to assist Morin in the process, if needed. d. Ordinance committee to change elected officials to appointed employees – Draft O rdinance presentation – Nancy Ponzetti, Committee Chair Ponzetti described the bipartisan 11 - member committee formed on February 4, 2026; they have since held four meetings. There was a unanimous 11 - 0 vote in favor of transitioning four elected positions (Road Commissioner, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Treasurer) to hired/appointed roles at expiration of current terms. She n oted the draft ordinance should go to the town attorney for legal review; if approved, would be placed on the November warrant; effective June 8, 2027. Terry Walters endorsed the proposal and noted it was remarkable that all 11 committee members agreed. He encouraged the board to move it forward. Harnois asked about scenarios where an elected official resigns before term expiration. Nancy confirmed the term must be served out per Mai ne statute Title 30A. Committee also recommended placing a charter warrant article on the November 2026 or June 2027 ballot, and reviewing all employment - related policies and documents. Ordinance draft will be made available to the public on the website. Morin offered to forward the ordinance to the tow n attorney for cursory review before the next meeting. Board voted all in favor to table for review until the next Select Board meeting. Passed 5 - 0. e. Addendum to Mowing Contract 2025 - 26 – On the motion of Harnois and Hicks, the board voted in favor to amend the mowing contract 2025 - 26. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Hicks abstained). Discussion: Harnois presented the proposed increases: Hollis Complex mowing from $195 to $210 per mowing; additional mowing of new banking between community building and town hall at $160 per mowing; Sports Complex mowing from $195 to $210 per mowing. Morin confirmed the new prices reflect actual billing from the last sessio n and described the amendment as a fair deal given fuel costs and additional space. 1 2. New Business a. Resignation of Tax Collector, Heather Perreault. Appointed Faith Plummer as Interim Tax Collector on 6/12/2026.

  Select Board Min utes 06. 17.2026 Page 4 of 6 On the motion of Hicks and Yarumian, the board voted all in favor to accept the resignation of the Tax Collector. Passed 5 - 0. Faith Plummer was appointed to be the interim Tax Collector in an emergent executive session last week and will continue through as Tax Collector November election. Morin indicated there is only one person doing vehicle registrations currently and encouraged residents to complete any services you can online. b. Request for Paving Bids for seven (7) town roads (Bean St, Dayton Rd, Hanson Ln, Stuarts Ln, Whittens Ln, Shaw Ln, Lisa Ln) was announced. Request for bids is listed on the town website and MMA website: memun.org, search “ bids. ” Hicks read the announcement. Public comments: Gregg McPherson suggested advertising the bid on additional platforms (ConstructConnect, Construction Summary ) beyond the Hollis and MMA websites; he also recommended posting a bid tabulation on the town website after opening. The B oard asked about a priority list if bids exceed the budget. Morin noted that Road Commissioner Rob Hanson has a priority plan and would be consulted. McPherson also recommended structuring the bid with one road as the basis of award and the remaining roads as alternates, so bidders understand how the award will be calculated. McPherson was asked to e - mail Morin with guidance and info on advertising on additional platforms. c. Discuss and vote on the use of the town - owned land adjacent to the Porter Field area of the Debbie J. Tefft Hollis Sports Complex for a proposed bike skills area and single - track mountain bike trails; and also discuss and vote on using a portion o f the remaining approved Sports Complex funds as matching funds for a 2026 Maine Trails Grant application. Yarumian presented a PowerPoint outlining a proposed pump track/bike skills area behind the playground at the Sports Complex and single - track trails through the adjacent wooded area. He presented highlights about the Maine Trails Grant Program (up to 90% f unding); noted the New England Mountain Bike Association Greater Portland Chapter offered volunteer support; Maine Trail Boulders owner Stu Johnson to assist with professional cost estimates. Yarumian stated that the project would provide the only public pump track in Northern York County; grant application due mid - July 2026. Rogala asked about the islands/banking area; noting the project should not lock up 59 acres of valuable town property. Yarumian clarified this is not the same as the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant (which would lock up 59 acres); single - track trails are flexible and can be moved; the pump track is a small footprint. Terry Walters expressed support for multiple - use compatibility; raised concern about whether the grant would restrict future timber harvesting or forest management; noted the town forest was planted in the late 1940s and has been commercially harvested thr ee times; mentioned a red pine scale infestation risk; urged careful review of grant fine print. Yarumian agreed to research whether the grant restricts forest management activities and report back in two weeks. Yarumian raised the question of whether unused voter - approved Sports Complex Committee funds could be used as the local match, given the project is on adjacent land outside the complex footprint. A motion by Yarumian to authorize use of Sports Complex Comm ittee funds as matching funds failed for lack of a second.

  Select Board Min utes 06. 17.2026 Page 5 of 6 d. Town Manager Updates – Farmer's market concept still in progress; reviewing certifications, licensing, and permitting documentation. New school crossing signs with dynamic speed indicators received (DOT grant, no cost to town) are to be installed before the next school year. The Fire Chief and Road Commissioner are trained on programming the signs. Road striping underway from Road Commissioner's budget, including a new crosswalk at the community/rec center entrance. Morin commended all election staff and Town Clerk Crystal Gaudet for managing record turnout. e. Appointments – Re - appointments: On the motion of Hicks and Rogala, the board voted all in favor to reappoint all of the following positions listed below. Passed 5 - 0. Appeals Board – Bart Sughrue, Katharine Harriman; Bar Mills Dam Decommissioning Committee – Terry Walters, Jim Boutin, Paul Mattor, Renee Lewis; Clothing Closet Committee – Diane Meserve, Mona Meserve, Teresa Nadeau; Conservation Commission – Lee Klarman, Ruth Leavitt, Catherine Hewitt, Sarah Sorenson Coppi, Doris Luther; Joanne Toone, Madison Moody; Freedom of Access Officer – Crystal Gaudet; Local Health Officer – Chad Poitras; Planning Board – Gregg McPherson, Butch Gannett, Tom Witkowski; Sports Complex Committee - Coco Hirstel, Cheryl Joyner, Joshua St. Pierre, Jennifer Kessy. f. Payroll and Warrant Totals – Payroll last week $34,827, Payroll this week $39,268; Warrant last week $611,905, Warrant this week $88,185. g. Purchase Orders: • #4604 to Boundtree Medical for medication storage and control system not to exceed $19,537,37 under FD acct; • #4576 to Sebago Signworks for sign and install at Sports Complex not to exceed $2,400 under Sports Complex acct; • #4578 to Graham's Fine Gardening for clean - up flower beds, 2 trailers of mulch sage plants not to exceed $6,243.99 under Sports Complex acct; • #4579 to Sarah Coppi for landscape work at Sports Complex not to exceed $6,400.26 under Sports Complex acct. h. Correspondence & Announcements: - All Town Offices will be CLOSED on Friday, June 19th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday, Friday, June 26th for employee training and end of fiscal year work, and on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. To date, there is no change in trash pick - up for the holidays. Any update for trash pick - up will be posted prior to the holiday.

  Select Board Min utes 06. 17.2026 Page 6 of 6 - The Saco River Corridor Commission recently received applications from the following for development within the corridor: 1. Renee Lewis & Christian Penney, 29 Salmon Falls 2. Bruce & Linda Theriault, 60 Waters Edge 3. James Poitras & Kayla Nolette, 97 Dennett Road The applications will be heard at the Commission Meeting on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at 7PM at the Dayton Town Hall. Full applications are available for review by contacting Daniel Shorette at Saco River Corridor Commission – srcc@srcc - maine.org. - Thank you letters were received this month from Camp Sunshine, Day One and Life Flight of Maine for the non - municipal donations from the Town. 1 3. Other Business: Election of Vice Chair – Harnois suggested electing a Vice Chair, as they have been a 5 - member board for a year. Rogala nominated Hicks as Vice Chair, which he accepted. T here were no other nominations. On the motion of Harnois and Bradbury, Roger Hicks was voted in favor as Vice Chair of the Select Board. Passed 4 - 0 - 1 ( Hicks abstai ned) Hicks reminded residents that he has 55 - gallon plastic drums available for recycling if needed — please contact the Town Manager if you are interested. 1 4. Upcoming Town Committee and Board Meetings: • Conservation Commission – Open Space Plan Public Meeting on Thursday, June 18th at 6PM Comprehensive Plan meeting on Wednesday, June 24th at 1PM • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, June 24th at 7PM • Bar Mills Dam Decommissioning Plan Review - Public Meeting on Thursday, June 25th at 6PM • Select Board meeting on Wednesday, July 1st at 6PM • Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, July 8th at 7PM 1 5. Public Comment: Data Centers: Bill Goldschmidt provided his feedback on the positives of Data Centers. He stated that data centers are clean, low - traffic industries and a $50M data center could generate approximately $800,000 - 1M annually in taxes. He also addressed common concerns about water (cooling water is clean), power (could support continued operation of local dams), and traffic (10 – 25 employees per facility across four shifts). He referenced a 53,000 sq ft data center in downtown Portland as an example. He criticized moratorium approaches in other towns like Gorham as based on misinformation. He suggested that the town explore a well - written TIF agreement for any future data cent er and offered to work with the Town Manager on research if interested. 1 6. Adjournment – On the motion of Rogala and Hicks the board adjourned the meeting at 8:40PM. Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Office Asst.