Council approves routine licenses, purchases and confirms wastewater superintendent

At its March 3 session, the Old Orchard Beach Town Council handled routine agenda business and a set of motions grouped as new business and consent: licenses, capital purchases and personnel confirmations.

The council approved multiple year‑round short‑term rental business licenses (including Oceanside Resort LLC/Skylark Beach Inn and others) after opening and closing a public hearing; the motion carried 4-0. The council also approved several vendor quotes and purchases that were noted as part of the FY26 budget process: Perma Line Corp for 128 replacement passport parking signs ($8,761), Harrison Schroeder Enterprises for eight Elkhart nozzles for the fire department ($9,472), SCBA/SCVA equipment upgrades ($17,582.29), and a 2026 Ford Transit 15‑passenger van from Arundel Ford ($59,641) via a five‑year lease purchase agreement. The ballpark fence replacement contract with Anchor Fence for $20,195 was approved after the recreation director described deterioration of the wooden fence and the plan to replace it with chain link.

The council also conveyed a foreclosed property at 11 Deer Isle Drive back to the owner for $3,091.41 in outstanding taxes and costs, and approved a special event permit for a 5K road race scheduled March 21, 2026, subject to police staffing and insurance requirements. All routine motions listed in the agenda passed with recorded 4-0 votes.

In personnel business the council confirmed the appointment of Jeremy Court (the transcript also references the surname as 'Gort') as wastewater superintendent, effective March 9, 2026, at an annual salary of $120,000. The town manager welcomed Court, noting his 18 years of wastewater experience in Biddeford, and introduced him to staff and family during the meeting. The appointment passed 4-0.

Items removed without prejudice to allow staff further information were noted; the council adjourned at the close of the agenda.