Commissioners authorize transfer of Bay Mariners lease to new ownership group

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the transfer of the Bay Mariners lease from the current owner to the new ownership group identified in the agenda materials (Poplar LLC/Powerplay LLC). County staff presented a transfer document prepared by the law firm representing the new owners and requested the manager be authorized to sign the agreement.

A commissioner moved for passage of the transfer and a second was recorded; after brief positive remarks about the team and the local fan base, the board approved the lease transfer without recorded opposition. "I move for the passage of item 24-07-8, which is a transfer of lease to Poplar LLC, Maine Mariner sale transfer of lease," a commissioner stated during the motion and the item passed unanimously.

County manager Gailey then provided updates on the Cross Insurance Arena, saying the dashboard and glass project had been completed and that a new marquee sign had been installed. He described correcting a longstanding placement issue with the players' benches and said staff were preparing the arena for the coming winter season. The manager's remarks were offered as informational communications to the board.

The board also received routine executive-staff updates, including an auditor schedule and a report that the district attorney's office had applied for a Department of Justice grant to clear a multi-year backlog of kits. Commissioners recognized a county employee's 20-year anniversary and noted a new tuition reimbursement arrangement with the University of Southern Maine for county employees.

The public meeting adjourned and the board moved to an executive session to address separate agenda items noted on the meeting agenda.