Vinalhaven selectmen approve election officials, sign OceansWide support and contract Knox County deputies

VINALHAVEN, Maine — The Vinalhaven Board of Selectmen met March 24 at the Town Office and approved several routine and administrative items, including a contract with Knox County for deputy services and a list of election officials for 2026–2028.

The session opened with roll call and an amended agenda that added approval of election workers for 2026–2028. Selectman Tom Anthony moved to approve the agenda as amended; Selectman Eric Gasperini seconded and the Board voted 4-0-0 to adopt it.

The Board approved the minutes of the March 10 meeting and signed Treasurer’s Warrant #39. For both items, motions were made by Tom Anthony and seconded by Eric Gasperini; each carried by unanimous vote.

In new business, Ali McCarthy, Dan Bickford and Alan Peterson asked the Board to allow the flea market field to serve as a backup location for Rampage and the Jeff Tolman Music Award if the downtown parking lot is unavailable during summer construction. The presenters said they have verbal permission from property owner Wes Reed; the Board unanimously supported using the flea market field, with details to be finalized closer to the event.

Selectman Eric Gasperini moved that the Board sign a letter of support for OceansWide; the motion was seconded by Tom Anthony and passed 4-0-0.

The Board agreed to request use of the school auditorium for the Annual Town Meeting on June 11, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Selectman Tom Anthony moved to approve the list of election officials as presented by the Town Clerk; Eric Gasperini seconded and the motion carried 4-0-0.

Town Manager Marjorie Stratton reported the town received a $15,000 grant to help mitigate costs associated with Land Use Ordinance updates mandated by recent legislation. Stratton said the Planning Commission plans to work with MCOG on a Comprehensive Plan update and is reviewing the current plan to determine which sections need revision.

The Board entered executive session under 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A) to discuss a personnel matter at 5:27 p.m.; the motion to enter executive session was made by Pam Alley and seconded by Eric Gasperini. Selectman Leslie Dyer, who was attending by Zoom, was unable to confirm she was in a confidential location and left the meeting. The Board exited executive session at 5:39 p.m. After the session, Pam Alley moved to sign a contract with Knox County for deputy services covering Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027; Tom Anthony seconded and the motion passed 3-0-0.

Selectman Pam Alley moved to adjourn at 5:42 p.m.; Tom Anthony seconded and the motion carried 3-0-0. The minutes were prepared and signed by Deputy Clerk Elizabeth Bunker.

Votes at a glance: • Approve agenda as amended — Motion: Tom Anthony; second: Eric Gasperini; Vote: 4-0-0. • Approve minutes (March 10, 2026) — Motion: Tom Anthony; second: Eric Gasperini; Vote: 4-0-0. • Approve and sign Treasurer’s Warrant #39 — Motion: Eric Gasperini; second: Tom Anthony; Vote: 4-0-0. • Sign OceansWide letter of support — Motion: Eric Gasperini; second: Tom Anthony; Vote: 4-0-0. • Approve list of election officials 2026–2028 — Motion: Tom Anthony; second: Eric Gasperini; Vote: 4-0-0. • Enter executive session under 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A) — Motion: Pam Alley; second: Eric Gasperini; Vote: 4-0-0 (Leslie Dyer disconnected during session). • Sign contract with Knox County for deputy services (Jan. 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) — Motion: Pam Alley; second: Tom Anthony; Vote: 3-0-0.

What’s next: The Board will pursue details for the Rampage backup site as needed, request the school auditorium for the June 11 Annual Town Meeting, and the Planning Commission will continue work with MCOG on the Comprehensive Plan review.