Chebeague Island Selectboard raises town administrator pay to $100,000, OKs $117,000 for fire gear and forms comprehensive plan committee

The Chebeague Island Selectboard voted Feb. 4 to increase the town administrator’s salary to $100,000, authorize up to $117,000 from the Fire Department reserve to buy air packs and compressors, and accept guidelines to form an Ad Hoc Comprehensive Plan Committee to steer the town’s comprehensive plan process.

The salary decision and the Housing Committee appointment of Diane Lukac were taken during an executive session convened under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(A) for personnel matters. The motion to increase the town administrator’s salary was moved by Selectboard member Richard Hackel and seconded by Selectboard member Ehrhardt Groothoff; the minutes record the motion as carried. The board also appointed Diane Lukac to the Housing Committee on a motion moved by Eliza Jane Adams and seconded by David Hill.

On the open agenda the board authorized the town administrator to spend up to $117,000 from the Fire Department Reserve Account to purchase air packs and compressors as recommended by the Fire Department. Selectboard member Ehrhardt Groothoff moved the authorization and Eliza Jane Adams seconded; the motion was recorded as carried.

The board reviewed the comprehensive plan process and approved the formation of an Ad Hoc Comprehensive Plan Committee, to include one representative each from the Selectboard, Planning Board, School Committee and Fire & Rescue, plus 2–4 at-large members. The board moved and carried a motion to accept the committee guidelines; the package will guide recruitment and committee duties.

The Coastal Waters Commission’s recommendation to the Parking and Traffic Ordinance was presented but was tabled at the town administrator’s request for later consideration. Committee reports in the packet were reviewed; the minutes note that the Housing Committee was flagged for needing organizational support and that the Planning Board did not submit a report for this meeting.

The board approved new Town of Chebeague Island Fees and Fines dated Jan. 28, 2026, on a motion moved by Ehrhardt Groothoff and seconded by Richard Hackel; the minutes record the vote as carried with one member absent. The board also voted to approve the minutes of Jan. 21, 2025.

Communications included an email from Mike Ross concerning Waldo Point and confirmation that insurance will cover planned fire-truck repairs. The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.; the minutes were respectfully submitted by Deputy Town Clerk Christine Auffant.

Votes at a glance

• Motion to enter executive session under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(A) for personnel matters — motion carried (SEG 007–008). • Increase town administrator salary to $100,000 — mover: Richard Hackel; seconder: Ehrhardt Groothoff; recorded as carried; note in minutes that one member was recorded as recused for a related vote in executive session (SEG 008). • Appointment of Diane Lukac to Housing Committee — mover: Eliza Jane Adams; seconder: David Hill; all in favor; motion carried (SEG 008). • Authorize up to $117,000 from Fire Department Reserve to buy air packs/compressors — mover: Ehrhardt Groothoff; seconder: Eliza Jane Adams; recorded as carried (SEG 024–026). • Approve Town Fees and Fines (dated Jan. 28, 2026) — mover: Ehrhardt Groothoff; seconder: Richard Hackel; recorded as carried (one member absent) (SEG 026–027). • Approve minutes of Jan. 21, 2025 — mover: Ehrhardt Groothoff; seconder: David Hill; recorded as carried (one member absent) (SEG 031–035).