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At a July 14 workshop before the council meeting, the Prince Memorial Library director and the town’s library expansion committee reported they are pausing large‑scale expansion planning while the library completes a multi‑year strategic planning process; the Cumberland Historical Society separately presented a smaller, two‑level 1,672‑square‑foot addition concept and an architect’s preliminary cost estimate of about $1 million.

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Committees said an earlier connector concept that would have combined the town library and relocated schoolhouse as a cultural center is now viewed as too large and expensive. The current approach favors staged, smaller projects: the library will use the strategic plan to lead a community conversation over the next two to three years about programming and space needs, while the historical society is pursuing a targeted expansion of roughly 836 square feet per floor to relieve display and storage pressures.

Body
Library director Stacy Mazer told the council the expansion committee has reviewed plans developed previously (2019–2020) and decided to return to the community for updated input before committing to major construction. Committee chair Bert Kendall and historical society chair Steve (last name not provided on the transcript) said COVID and cost increases stalled earlier efforts; a 2019 connector rendering was never approved by the council.

The historical society presented a schematic limited to the Blanchard‑Road (schoolhouse) side of the property: a two‑level addition totaling 1,672 square feet (about 836 square feet per floor). Austin Stevens of Scott Simons Architects provided a quick cost‑of‑work estimate that the society reported as \"approximately a million bucks\" for that scope, including an allowance of ~20% for fees and contingencies, according to society board discussion captured in the workshop.

Committee members described the library needs as “modest” — room for staff, a medium‑size meeting room, and moving the Friends group out of a crowded basement — while the historical society reported full display floors and crowded basement collections that have required off‑site storage in town‑owned space. Fundraising models were discussed: local examples in nearby towns suggested citizen committees often raised about $1 million for comparable library projects.

Concerns raised
Committee members, councilors and several residents pressed the group on parking and utilities. A volunteer with local businesses said parking will be “extremely important” and warned new meeting space could increase demand; historical society members acknowledged parking limitations and suggested future work to identify expansion or reconfiguration of parking. Committee members and councilors also discussed building maintenance questions (windows, boilers, HVAC) and recommended the town consult or contract an engineer to assess long‑term building systems, especially before installing new mechanical systems like heat pumps.

Next steps
The library expansion committee said it will continue community engagement as part of the library’s strategic plan over the next one to three years. The historical society plans to ask Scott Simons Architects for a targeted estimate and schematic for the modest two‑level addition, then assess fundraising capacity and likely timelines. Councilors suggested close coordination between the library, historical society and town staff for parking, utilities and permitting.

Ending
No council action was taken at the workshop; the committees were invited to return to council or planning staff with a more detailed project schedule, fundraising plan and formal site plan materials if and when they decide to seek town approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council & Workshop - July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a July 14 workshop before the council meeting, the Prince Memorial Library director and the town’s library expansion committee reported they are pausing large‑scale expansion planning while the library completes a multi‑year strategic planning process; the Cumberland Historical Society separately presented a smaller, two‑level 1,672‑square‑foot addition concept and an architect’s preliminary cost estimate of about $1 million.","taxTitle","Town Council , Cumberland Center, Cumberland County, Maine","taxId",69260,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171749,"Cumberland council adds Tuttle Road parcel to public‑safety telecommunications overlay to allow tower proposal",927,8133000,9060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9&start=8133&end=9060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9/thumbnail_8133000.jpg","/articles/6171749/Maine/Cumberland-council-adds-Tuttle-Road-parcel-to-publicsafety-telecommunications-overlay-to-allow-tower-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171749-478e60e1f2854fb145efcc1263be0a5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193469&Signature=F3oGurnPsn5pgUwCs6XBQpdn6Hg8QJWG6rUrcOtn8CSC9Dwe-aFnov4j17L0rVFEgOmB7gdtixsR~681Ws3SKM5U02IRRB5kCX0dE667xHauMcA9UP7VrXdoQajEROM7LphbYXYyJ2pm8rUHDOkaqDFmDr3trL2scZvmgLYFsmoFX5YaDHy4nYhQxHbTqmzUc2odkV3CiIHirPyckrN8DFufBP2GsKMrwIcu~MsNfcM6dO48Yn2WZAHVltwv~96AppxZoT1bZO1a6s2nMSA77~paqO1uv~C2K2vnSsm8eyhix2JSLs1AI9-eNho44CkbpdA9drBZvj366bYT0mLKJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lede
The Cumberland Town Council voted unanimously July 14 to amend its zoning and official overlay map to add the parcel at 14 Tuttle Road (Tax Map R01 Lot 03) to the town’s Public Safety Telecommunications Overlay District, clearing a regulatory step for a proposed telecommunications tower the town and Verizon say will address public‑safety radio coverage gaps along Route 1, 295 and the foreside neighborhoods.

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The decision follows months of effort by town staff and engineers to find a site that improves radio communications for police, fire and EMS. Chief Daniel Rumsey and Norm Boucher, the town’s radio consultant, told council members and about 60 live attendees that existing public‑safety infrastructure relies on a single transmitter and “leaves parts of town with poor or no coverage.” Verizon representatives said the privately owned White Pine parcel on Tuttle Road is a technically suitable site and would host public‑safety antennas at the top with carrier equipment below.

Body
Chief Rumsey summarized years of attempts to fix the problem and opened the council presentation with a short video of a routine traffic stop in town in which an officer struggled to transmit a license plate and location to dispatch. “Welcome. Can you please fix our radio system?” he recalled employees asking him when he was hired; he told the council he has searched for a permanent solution throughout his tenure.

Radio engineer Norm Boucher of Communications Design Consulting Group presented modeled coverage maps showing the town’s current footprints and the modeled improvement if a tower were built at the White Pine location. He said the town’s existing system has \"one transmitter to cover the whole town,\" with several receive sites but large areas of poor or no portable radio coverage; the proposed site, he said, would reduce or eliminate the gray (no coverage) areas in the town’s eastern neighborhoods and down to the foreside.

Representatives for Verizon explained the carrier’s network maps in separate slides and said their proposed monopole would place the town’s public‑safety antennas at the top while Verizon equipment would sit below those antennas; other carriers could lease remaining space. Gordon Smith, an attorney for Verizon, told the council the overlay amendment is the \"proper way to do that\" legally, so the town’s public‑safety antennas and carrier equipment can be permitted consistent with the ordinance.

Councilors asked about alternatives, including attaching antennas to existing structures, water tanks and a previously discussed “Range Way” tower. Boucher and Verizon representatives said the parcels within the search area were examined and either were technically unsuitable, lacked necessary land‑use options, or could not secure carrier tenancy; consultants said the White Pine site best met the technical requirements to fix the identified dead zones.

During a long public hearing, residents who live near the proposed site voiced concerns about health, aesthetics and property values. Several speakers asked the council to require a visual demonstration before construction; multiple residents urged exploring alternate sites such as the Wyman energy plant stack, water‑tank sites, or clustering improvements on existing towers. Others supported the project, saying cell‑phone coverage and reliable radio communications are essential to safety: \"If I need help I need to be able to call,\" one resident said.

Council action and next steps
After public comment and deliberation, the council approved two motions: (1) to amend Chapter 315, Section 28.6 — adding the 14 Tuttle Road parcel to the Public Safety Telecommunications Overlay District; and (2) to update the official zoning overlay map to reflect the new district boundary. Both motions passed on voice votes. With the overlay in place, the Verizon proposal and any tower permit would next proceed through the planning‑board site plan review process, which will include detailed visual impact simulations, distances to abutters, and engineering submittals required by state and federal law.

Why it matters
Town leaders, police and fire officials argued the change addresses a decades‑old safety gap in radio communications that contributes to officers and responders having to use workarounds in situations where every second matters. Residents opposing the decision said they fear reduced property values and potential health risks; under federal rules, municipalities cannot deny or condition wireless siting on general health concerns, so the council’s deliberations focused on technical suitability, land‑use standards and visual impacts.

Ending
The planning board and town staff now will receive the application and the technical file from the proponents. Councilors asked staff to confirm public‑notification steps, post the planning board schedule, and ensure photo simulations and a clear visual‑impact assessment are included before any construction permit is issued.
","The Cumberland Town Council voted unanimously July 14 to amend its zoning and official overlay map to add the parcel at 14 Tuttle Road (Tax Map R01 Lot 03) to the town’s Public Safety Telecommunications Overlay District, clearing a regulatory step for a proposed telecommunications tower the town and Verizon say will address public‑safety radio coverage gaps along Route 1, 295 and the foreside neighborhoods.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171739,"Council tables Efficiency Maine EV‑charger installation at Prince Memorial Library after parking and site concerns",4230,3480000,7710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9&start=3480&end=7710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9/thumbnail_3480000.jpg","/articles/6171739/Maine/Council-tables-Efficiency-Maine-EVcharger-installation-at-Prince-Memorial-Library-after-parking-and-site-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171739-89529b5b953e27ab8fa5910a36a6638d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144802&Signature=RPB9nIGAZd8uMoF58zXyDmwM3kUf5MVRg~KNhQ6qtJkFcM~n-KPWZS6F0uELHnSk737GRZ9D3vyH3btKB0kqwyLWD4NU90gcgdwJP~jiqA8vYIs4FH3S0rm0kvbWvJ4zkDIzecObfWLYAUon2UM4ZsV~SPWwWj~SD36YYtTVXya8O0i5tV1yLjj1v7kRS4B51Xrwar3griXfy06aBdaQD8UI05JKthIEhAjbZPFDRH8WFz5ykKKyc5BEELU2-nX-KBlWMXmh~b648X620S-E69eMCIOO6Q0T5pCdWy~HDmz1bDdSrbX5JPTtdXO4TH4WbHQvLuF3L93fPuzBUQTcWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lede
The Cumberland Town Council on July 14 voted to table a staff recommendation to accept a conditional Efficiency Maine grant to install four electric vehicle charging stations at Prince Memorial Library, citing concerns about limited parking at the library entrance and uncertainty over the best long‑term location.

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Town staff said the Efficiency Maine program, combined with federal funds, would cover most installation costs. The project would have required a town match of approximately $29,964 from the building fund; Efficiency Maine’s contribution was roughly $40,000 plus available tax credits. Councilors and residents worried the four dedicated parking spaces could be used by non‑EV vehicles at high‑demand times and asked for analysis of alternate town locations such as Valhalla Recreation Center and a town hall site.

Body
Town manager Matt Sturgess told the council the grant award depended on availability of federal funding and that Efficiency Maine confirmed the federal funds. The memo in the council packet showed a near‑$100,000 install cost, with Efficiency Maine at about $40,000 and tax incentives offsetting another roughly $30,000, leaving the town match at about $29,964. Sturgess said the town had the match available in its building fund.

Council discussion focused on whether the library’s front‑row parking — the most visible and desirable spaces — was the proper location for chargers that typically require hours of connection for Level‑2 chargers, and how the chargers would be enforced to remain available for charging. Councilor questions included whether chargers would appear on popular charging apps, how revenue collection (staff said users would pay for electricity) would be handled, and how the town would manage ongoing maintenance or replacement costs beyond warranty periods.

Several councilors suggested alternative options: installing chargers at Valhalla Recreation Center where turnover and demand patterns differ, using existing or future parking expansions, or deferring so the town can create a longer‑term parking plan that supports EV infrastructure and community events. Staff cautioned that some electrical work and trenching costs are substantial and relocation later would also be costly.

Vote and next steps
Councilor Eades moved to table the item; the motion passed (two councilors opposed). Staff were instructed to continue researching alternative siting options and the council asked that future grant applications come to council for approval before final acceptance. The town manager said tabling now would not permanently forfeit future funding and that Efficiency Maine funds could be re‑applied for if the council later approves a different configuration or location.

Ending
Councilors asked staff to include more granular parking and usage analysis in any future resubmittal; the town will also follow up with Efficiency Maine on reapplication timing and on whether the existing conditional award can be preserved while the town evaluates alternatives.","The Cumberland Town Council on July 14 voted to table a staff recommendation to accept a conditional Efficiency Maine grant to install four electric vehicle charging stations at Prince Memorial Library, citing concerns about limited parking at the library entrance and uncertainty over the best long‑term location.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171729,"Public commenter urges council to reopen long‑standing school cost‑sharing agreement with North Yarmouth",89,4756000,4845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9&start=4756&end=4845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9/thumbnail_4756000.jpg","/articles/6171729/Maine/Public-commenter-urges-council-to-reopen-longstanding-school-costsharing-agreement-with-North-Yarmouth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171729-bc7d0531ab1a04ac7a58aa94e6563339/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144802&Signature=F~ZdikKxisMq0~tHxVYP6VClBUEQFPr1nKHYIFI7tricgO-PyLUf7kZmNEOwzHIinzYuPM4cSRgWsIsDDzoHpPVUOg-lm2P7jDcu4BiSOOyFPRB1em5awemWFt9gaC4MaXbKsOYov-GM5JCKIcvfao9rttBon9de68ylfZUoZ6C-4SJ6nhxGFu8QtkStWCBhQySQUfVEhWRu1zioh4fNH5mMhcEmy2ozRER0yDLFCpqo6agcmjEneQs40Ui0OQpH250WGWM7Sp2592SQn11zuRZbH7J0p70zwFn~2YYjbO5UjVbkgn-gJO~oJ1frgUEsjfBOAJK1okxGHHJhTJMxiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lede
Shirley Story King of East Cumberland urged the Cumberland Town Council during public comment July 14 to seek renegotiation of the town’s school cost‑sharing agreement with North Yarmouth and the MSAD regional district, saying Cumberland has borne an outsized portion of school costs under an agreement she said dates to the 1960s.

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King told the council she reviewed a fiscal analysis prepared by former town official Bill Shane and said that if a different cost‑sharing method (for example, a split using both state equalized value and student enrollment) had been used, Cumberland taxpayers would have saved an estimated $1.3 million over the 2014–2024 period. She asked the council to pursue negotiations with the district and North Yarmouth.

Body
King said Cumberland currently pays 68% of the school budget that is over Essential Programs and Services (EPS) because the town’s cost‑sharing formula is based solely on state equalized value. She noted many districts use a 50/50 split between equalized value and student population. King said the current arrangement had not been renegotiated during prior consolidation conversations and urged councilors to take a fresh look now that the council has newer membership.

The council did not take action at the meeting; the public comment was entered into the record and councilors thanked King for bringing forward the analysis. Council members suggested follow‑up appears appropriate with the school board and MSAD representatives.

Ending
Councilors indicated they would consider the request and coordinate next steps with town staff and the school district. The issue may be placed on a future agenda for more detailed discussion and a possible direction to staff to open talks with MSAD and North Yarmouth.","During public discussion at the July 14 meeting, resident and former councilor Shirley Story King urged the Cumberland Town Council to reopen and renegotiate the district cost‑sharing formula with North Yarmouth and MSAD, saying Cumberland taxpayers paid a disproportionate share over the last decade. She cited an analysis she shared with the",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6171734,"Town manager outlines culvert repairs, automated trash rollout and $75,000 resilience grant for solar and EV charging",287,4163000,4450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9&start=4163&end=4450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393612-5182b8b5a3519e8e81a77040254082a9/thumbnail_4163000.jpg","/articles/6171734/Maine/Town-manager-outlines-culvert-repairs-automated-trash-rollout-and-75000-resilience-grant-for-solar-and-EV-charging","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171734-19b6459e56ca1164be54a6ab80d2bcf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144802&Signature=TUyFJoCJeet7JHYHppYqf5Q7OWuVudL1ORxzfVmEj2zlCl6gWaj-q5PqHs-ANdJGUkEFDI8evanq~kvQpG4bWNN~EmRnM7XkAFGNF89XNa83z6LwDGcfdt3--C1At3DIw0oJ6Y7dy7Ri58Djiva3Z4zW2s~CDR4szS4ffgF3pK7RVuJUXL4j4pQKc~BDofappZtADYxALRUD2CRtHhWHM6XUIzV6GjklNoffeJoeY4jZ-q4yQPQfoLfnHTpV5Dhq6VeykRI8qS5pJsMfybDjqihLOi62BevcA4hg-GT7RGyDtkVWfrM~9beuvCySn3oj~PolPIolIWkphvntep90Rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lede
Town Manager Matt Sturgess reported July 14 that the town will begin culvert replacement work on Greeley Road starting July 21, is rolling out automated trash and recycling cart distribution on July 21 with official collection beginning August 4, and has received a $75,000 community resilience grant to install solar panels and an EV charging station at the West Fire Station.

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Sturgess asked residents and commuters to expect phased road closures and detours for the culvert project (two separate closures over about four weeks) and said Springbrook Farm would remain accessible via alternate entrance points. He also summarized operational changes to curbside waste: Casella will distribute informational cards to residents and the town will accept old bins at the Public Works garage through July 31.

Body
Culvert work and railroad maintenance: Sturgess said culvert replacement on Greeley Road will begin July 21 and require two separate closures over a four‑week period; the town will post detours and work to minimize disruption. The manager also warned of unplanned railroad crossing maintenance the town learned about on the morning of July 14 and said staff would coordinate to reduce conflict with the culvert schedule.

Waste collection transition: The town is transitioning to automated trash and recycling collection. Cart distribution begins July 21; the new automated service begins August 4. Residents were told they may drop off old bins at the Public Works Garage (23 Drown Road) between July 20–31. Casella will mail instruction cards and town communications will appear on the website and social platforms.

Community resilience grant and volunteer projects: Sturgess announced the town received a $75,000 Community Resilience Grant for solar panels and an EV charging station at the West Fire Station. He also highlighted upcoming volunteer projects coordinated with Home Depot volunteers — ramp installations and accessibility improvements for local residents at no cost to residents or the town — and local outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop and a women veterans resources session.

Ending
Sturgess said staff would coordinate with the railroad and adjust work schedules if needed. The manager closed by reminding residents of upcoming joint meetings with the school board (October 23 in Cumberland and February 12 in North Yarmouth) and said the town would post further updates online and in the town newsletter.
","In the manager’s report the town announced culvert replacement work at Greeley Road starting July 21 with phased closures and detours, the town’s transition to automated trash and recycling carts with distribution beginning July 21 and collection starting August 4, and a $75,000 Community Resilience Grant awarded to install solar panels and an EV","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Library expansion committee, historical society outline smaller, staged plan; society seeks $1M estimate for addition

Cumberland council adds Tuttle Road parcel to public‑safety telecommunications overlay to allow tower proposal

Council tables Efficiency Maine EV‑charger installation at Prince Memorial Library after parking and site concerns

Public commenter urges council to reopen long‑standing school cost‑sharing agreement with North Yarmouth

Town manager outlines culvert repairs, automated trash rollout and $75,000 resilience grant for solar and EV charging