[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,75,87,99],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6256006,"mediaKeyId","3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74","parentId",3159752,"title","Votes at a glance: Council approves site‑plan and zoning text amendments, expands mixed use, updates sign rules; approves permits and appointments","audioSeconds",1633,"startMs",2668000,"endMs",4301000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74&start=2668&end=4301","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74/thumbnail_2668000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6256006/Maine/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-approves-siteplan-and-zoning-text-amendments-expands-mixed-use-updates-sign-rules-approves-permits-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256006-66a5953e066ce22f51a6929ba0ad0853/orig.mp4?Expires=1769870252&Signature=avXKjxr5si7BmgWCIELajattEDPxs2M1QKFi941vKtU4Bnrb0dNLUZkK-C8P6J5x4QsV2gP~7FSE022x17m5CvmMWmZLOh6qXutrCtnu3Qsvw5VvvJWmUOyqx3tRzRNaiJJ0td30dfG068rgYV-kdjRwWysGqjN3Z2h8qHLyUyLIcBHH-HWtwPwYbs3rlhzFC~lfXrboJ6vm2iNmIDzj4MgaHqN5fgTFqZCJmQFF8N1r2JZg3jGCEyMzLycXuyNZr8DJ10WaDhJ8rRlLEfXiIKIMC7oJdVDWvD4YHGLENAIIqcsvUcfoIM41rZJVL0Rc3Q0Z2CZ1yZU44VlP-nRM3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Cumberland, Maine","date","2025-04-29T12:33:53Z","article","Key council actions, April 28, 2025 (Cumberland Town Council)

- Approval of minutes (April 14, 2025): Motion to approve minutes carried with five in favor and one abstention (the abstention was recorded by a councilor who said they were not present at the earlier meeting).

- Chapter 229, Site Plan Review (amendments per Planning Board): Council moved to amend Chapter 229 to mirror subdivision timing (allow applications 28 days before the planning board meeting) and to reduce required paper submissions to a single paper copy. Council voted unanimously to adopt the amendment.

- Chapter 315, Zoning — Section 4, “dwelling unit” definition: Council adopted a revised definition that removes a prior minimum square‑footage requirement (previously 600 sq. ft.) and clarifies that a dwelling unit includes manufactured housing but not recreational vehicles. Council voted unanimously to adopt the change.

- Chapter 315, Zoning — Sections 13 and 14 (Office Commercial South and Village Center Commercial): Council approved adding “mixed use” to permitted uses in both districts, limited to no more than 50% residential by square footage, as recommended by the Planning Board; the vote was unanimous.

- Chapter 315, Zoning — Section 63 (Signs): Council amended the sign ordinance following a Planning Board/ordinance committee recommendation developed in response to a proposed Rusty Lantern project at a corner lot. The council voted 5 in favor, 1 opposed (process concerns expressed by one member) to allow additional facade/branding sign types in specified commercial districts while preserving monument and size limits in other respects.

- Appointments: The council appointed Penny Doherty and Jason Hankin to the Recreation Advisory Board (nomination committee recommended both); vote unanimous.

- Set public hearing date for FY2026 municipal budget: Council set a public hearing for May 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers; vote unanimous.

- Mass‑gathering permit: Council approved a mass‑gathering permit application for a “Fairgrounds 5K, mile and market” event on August 31, 2025, at the Cumberland Fairgrounds; the council voted to approve the permit (no dissents recorded).

Why it matters: The package of zoning and sign changes implements Planning Board recommendations that officials said are intended to streamline application procedures, expand flexibility for mixed‑use development in two commercial districts (while limiting residential share to 50%), and adapt sign rules to modern branding treatments in commercial facades. The sign change prompted community discussion about process and timing for ordinance exceptions following an applicant’s design choices.

Procedural notes: Several ordinance items were presented after public hearings and Planning Board review. The council recorded unanimous votes for most items; the sign amendment passed 5–1.

Ending: The council did not take up further formal business after appointments, scheduling and permit approvals; items will be implemented by staff and the Planning Department as required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cumberland Town Council - April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 28 meeting the Cumberland Town Council approved Planning Board‑recommended amendments to site plan review and zoning text, added mixed‑use allowances in two commercial districts, updated sign rules and approved appointments, a budget hearing date and a mass‑gathering permit.","taxTitle","Town Council , Cumberland Center, Cumberland County, Maine","taxId",69260,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":76,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":77,"_40":78,"_42":79,"_44":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256011,"Residents urge participation in May 8 school budget vote, express concerns about rising school spending and reporting",378,929000,1307000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74&start=929&end=1307","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74/thumbnail_929000.jpg","/articles/6256011/Maine/Residents-urge-participation-in-May-8-school-budget-vote-express-concerns-about-rising-school-spending-and-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256011-c6bd1a9d159e45541a2261657cc24ff1/orig.mp4?Expires=1769870252&Signature=E-HCEnB7Kf9d~WJs0F-2yAfo2L1RYIT-2VcS8DJvhTRymEv8dsK3IuCXi-Bjb5~jNDTHuXYurzkJgGu8YnczejQ~6LUty6LVZe152n-owLu8rGvMis12NqHCmLqzkNjZd9cVYTSVsEz9gE1qXdp25t4EchBfvWTwOxaynJA~nsgQtm2rEbGslhAKvrxZyRdRMNYUDS9qKzRTowzKHvdrUvWl9T3VchO4DUI7tbFZKIDGFUlc0pppyy02PTT7mmYvpMLfAPZ~9H6Uq98AyA7l3aU31E7eiCoXvLzvpfUHOKXMDyynMQEIw~s-XmJ71NTdZGyEu17TI-VB67EuE0b2Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two residents used the town’s public‑comment period on April 28, 2025, to urge voters to attend a May 8 public vote on the school budget at the Greeley Center for the Arts and to ask questions about the school district’s budgeting and reporting practices.

Shirley Story King of Shirley Lane said she has followed the town’s budget process and contrasted it with the school budget process. “Their budget is still increasing this year. Their expenses are being increased by almost 3 and a half million dollars,” she told the council, saying the district has seen repeated increases that amount to roughly a 25.8% rise in expenses over three years, as presented to her by the district. King said the school finance committee is small and that she and others have had trouble finding the same level of line‑by‑line historical reporting the town provides.

Dave Noonan, a Meadow Lane resident, echoed King’s concerns and asked residents to attend the May 8 vote; he said some contracts appear to have been signed before final budget votes, a detail he described as “bizarre.” Both speakers encouraged civic participation: King urged people to get informed and vote on May 8 at the Greeley Center for the Arts, including registering at about 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Why it matters: Citizens’ concerns about fiscal transparency and the pace of school spending are civic issues for which a public vote is scheduled; the residents used the council’s public‑comment period to raise procedural and reporting questions and to encourage turnout.

Council response: Council members thanked the speakers and noted the town’s own budget work. No formal action was taken by the council on the school budget concerns; King and Noonan stated they have been meeting with school board members and finance committee representatives.

Ending: The May 8 school budget vote at the Greeley Center for the Arts was the specific near‑term event residents urged their neighbors to attend.","Two residents told the council on April 28 that Cumberland school expenses have risen sharply in recent years and urged voters to attend a May 8 public vote at the Greeley Center for the Arts and to seek clearer budget reporting from the school board.",{"_32":88,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":89,"_40":90,"_42":91,"_44":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256016,"Town manager asks council to consider policy for 45 town‑owned cemetery lots and to solicit municipal attorney proposals",261,581000,842000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74&start=581&end=842","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74/thumbnail_581000.jpg","/articles/6256016/Maine/Town-manager-asks-council-to-consider-policy-for-45-townowned-cemetery-lots-and-to-solicit-municipal-attorney-proposals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256016-961e01c3f8527e60164d3635e76302ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1769870252&Signature=FELkGKuT47Nvvm2WV8Rrn2WQEqS4qCoiK7uiPgsz8kr0dysz-oV0U16gYcbrNjymladSozTheb-wQhTxAwqvQ33HtwyX70hdw5F0GPFR0xDL6akM8bxxZ~C-oGw9LiVmkrw31otCXo-l6X6Ml9~Mu3~HCUHTHyQaJHAhdBVDT9yhKz5dE6SG2odjtQTEoyGFq5RMpOBkN6TdKymrMCpB-h5NKkjAgleX9tG40X6y3Ou~calnP0CnU2xousEjCfs1hurlQzlPycK3SMQUxEi6s~VmSV18AWSRyc89LFzx19cBGyqZpdzTUPrZysxVgVM4Z6YpIkbltbi3e~8nbfzZhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Manager Mr. Sturgis briefed the Cumberland Town Council on April 28, 2025, about two items he said may require future council direction: establishing a policy for the town’s roughly 45 unallocated cemetery lots and whether to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for municipal legal services after the town’s current firm exits municipal practice.

Sturgis said he attended the cemetery commission’s annual meeting and reported that the commission is “quite healthy” in terms of finances and active in maintenance. He told the council the town owns about 45 lots and suggested the council should consider a formal policy to define whether and how those lots could be sold or transferred, and the process for doing so.

On municipal legal services, Sturgis said Jensen Baird is “getting out of the municipal attorney business.” He reported that Ben McCall — currently one of the town’s attorneys — has moved to Drummond Woodson and that firm has municipal practice capacity, but recommended the town consider an RFP to identify options and pricing. Sturgis said he would draft an RFP and work with council members to review responses and interview firms before returning with a recommendation.

Why it matters: A town policy on disposition of public cemetery lots would set the rules and procedure for use, sale or transfer of town property; an RFP for municipal counsel would determine future legal advice, fees and continuity on matters such as TIFs, HR and land‑use work.

Council response and next steps: Councilors expressed support for issuing an RFP as due diligence to taxpayers; one councilor said staff already has a draft RFP nearly ready. On the cemetery lots, councilors did not set a deadline but acknowledged the need to discuss policy in a future meeting.

Ending: No formal vote was taken. The manager offered to prepare an RFP and the council agreed to proceed with staff drafting the document and involving council members in the vendor review process.","Town Manager Mr. Sturgis told the council that the cemetery commission cares for town lots and that the town owns about 45 unallocated cemetery lots; he also reported that Jensen Baird is leaving municipal practice and recommended issuing an RFP for legal services, a step councilors supported.",{"_32":100,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":101,"_40":102,"_42":103,"_44":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256020,"Cumberland County manager briefs Town Council on ARPA spending, regional services and new regional fire‑EMS coordinator",1067,1302000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74&start=1302&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3159752-c3080bde704db91da496676a5463da74/thumbnail_1302000.jpg","/articles/6256020/Maine/Cumberland-County-manager-briefs-Town-Council-on-ARPA-spending-regional-services-and-new-regional-fireEMS-coordinator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256020-b6b5d35fa9ba34c2614aee992db81d45/orig.mp4?Expires=1769870252&Signature=WDU8pccqYk97dwKbAc4-WZyzzb1gnbkQ4bBCbKdxA6qLtvPIE9uMt8qCgX9Y29bOVgN7f8DTv1so3g2Qkm67rO6OZH-HXj98FRHi6MgNhSnq8bAXdaB5~go9pcN-kniwI4z-PMAV-nwop8AmgtBD3xyzNyFUfDsx5zrJkOGa7vAxsfsROj7tYc~FkDMCL22LTVQlVUjtpZYrMsFhbrWxmXNzIAmWOjRT~2UP4lNfx-ugpCysPujOwQVrQrI9hy~BeIH5wliDkxBtRRetagnW0C3lmksaIk7eLIP8ep-5Q5nh~B4iumMDTXSc4DwTL8YNg4y7H8zs-eVNU7ZXsS7uRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cumberland County Manager Jim Galey told the Cumberland Town Council on April 28, 2025, that the county has directed large American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments to regional programs and is creating a new regional fire‑EMS coordinator position funded in the county’s current budget.

Galey said the county has used ARPA funds with an outward focus to support regional needs, calling Cumberland County “one of the more progressive counties in the state” and describing efforts to partner with towns on housing, public health, communications and emergency services. “We feel as though we’re one of the more progressive counties in the state of Maine in terms of looking forward,” Galey said.

Why it matters: Cumberland County provides services used by multiple towns (dispatch, jail, registry of deeds, public health and arena management). Large, county‑level investments and a dedicated coordinator for fire and EMS could change how training, purchasing and mutual‑aid governance are organized across municipal boundaries.

Galey provided financial figures and program examples: the county’s total budget is about $56 million, with a general fund around $29 million and the jail budget about $23 million. The county received roughly $57 million in ARPA funds and used those to underwrite programs including roughly $17 million toward affordable housing and homelessness efforts and $2.5 million toward food‑security work. Galey said the county’s public‑health start‑up (established with ARPA seed funding in 2021) has leveraged “over $23,000,000 in grants” and now operates with a small general‑fund contribution.

Regional communications and emergency services were a prominent focus. Galey described upgrades at the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center (dispatch), including a new radio system and additional workstations, and he said the county secured a $1 million federal earmark to help towns transition radios from analog to digital.

On fire and EMS, Galey said a multi‑year effort to study regional collaboration produced mixed data but created momentum. The county budget now includes a regional fire‑EMS coordinator to help standardize training, assist with hiring/onboarding, support shared equipment purchasing and strengthen governance and mutual‑aid agreements. Galey said the county has advertised the position and hopes to have a hire in July; a panel of fire chiefs will guide the hiring process.

Galey also summarized other county operations: the Cross Insurance Arena (now a county department), a 500‑bed jail, the registry of deeds, probate and a regional assessing office that serves six towns. He said the county will consolidate offices from five campuses down to three as planned renovations proceed.

Councilors asked for follow‑up materials. Galey agreed to re‑send the Valhalla strategic‑planning report he referenced and described committees (hiring/training, data, governance) that will support the new fire‑EMS work. He also said the county sees these regional efforts as responsive to requests from towns rather than top‑down mandates: “We have done a number of regional efforts that have been successful, and it’s they’ve all come from the towns knocking on our door saying, ‘can you help us?’”

Ending: Council took no formal action on the presentation. Galey made himself available for follow‑up questions and said county staff will continue grant applications and coordination on the fire‑EMS initiative.","Cumberland County Manager Jim Galey told the Cumberland Town Council on April 28 that the county has used ARPA dollars to seed regional programs including housing, food security and a new public health department, and has budgeted a new regional fire‑EMS coordinator expected to be hired this summer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council approves site‑plan and zoning text amendments, expands mixed use, updates sign rules; approves permits and appointments

Residents urge participation in May 8 school budget vote, express concerns about rising school spending and reporting

Town manager asks council to consider policy for 45 town‑owned cemetery lots and to solicit municipal attorney proposals

Cumberland County manager briefs Town Council on ARPA spending, regional services and new regional fire‑EMS coordinator