Warrant Committee formally declares conflicts of interest for four members

The Warrant Committee on Feb. 2 voted to formally record conflicts of interest for four members, including a declaration that Chair Smith has a conflict because of her service on the Jesup Memorial Library board.

J. Kelly moved the first declaration, saying Chair Smith’s board service created a conflict; the motion was seconded by M. Kelly and passed 11 in favor, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions. The committee then approved a declaration that S. Farrar has a conflict with the Bar Harbor Historical Society because a family member is employed there (motion moved by Chair Smith, seconded by M. Kelly; passed 11–1–0).

Further motions approved were that K. Knopp has a conflict with Island Connections due to board service (moved by J. Kelly, seconded by M. Kelly; passed 11–1–0) and that B. Chaplain has a conflict with Island Explorer because of summer employment (moved by Chair Smith, seconded by M. Kelly; passed 11–1–0). A separate motion raising a potential conflict for J. Kelly with Island Explorer was discussed and withdrawn.

Committee members and staff noted that the Warrant Committee’s role is to make recommendations rather than to take legislative or judicial action, but members agreed—"in an abundance of caution"—to record formal declarations that will remain in effect for the budget season. The formal votes were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be carried forward with committee materials.

The committee did not take any other formal action in that segment; the meeting proceeded to a wide-ranging review of budget questions with town staff following the COI votes.