The Town Council voted unanimously to accept a $75,000 Community Resilience Partnership community action grant, presented to the council by Mike Schwint of the Lands and Conservation Commission (LCC).

Schwint told the council the grant breaks down as $55,000 for a solar array, an energy audit and two level‑2 EV chargers for the West Cumberland Fire Station; $15,000 for a pair of heat pumps at the library; $1,000 expected from Efficiency Maine; and $5,000 to support water‑capture infrastructure for the community garden or orchard. "If you accept this tonight, it will bring the funds and resources that the LCC has accumulated from outside sources in the last 4 or 5 years to $168,000," Schwint said.

Councilors asked logistical and process questions. Councilor Andrew requested clarification on any town match or collateral cost; staff said there is no match required and the state covers costs. Councilor Andrew also asked whether a paid town employee should sign grant agreements; staff noted the application was signed by volunteer/partner Denny consistent with prior practice, and that the council could change internal signatory rules going forward. Councilor Vail asked whether the solar funding could instead be applied to the town's existing solar field; Town Manager Matt Sturgis advised that shifting the funded installation away from the described project would be a substantial change to the application and that the town should consult the granting agency before attempting to repurpose the funds.

By motion the council accepted the grant; the chair announced the vote was unanimous. Schwint also reported to the council that Cumberland was newly designated a Tree City USA at an Arbor Day ceremony, and that the LCC will soon receive street signs to mark the designation.