Economic Development Committee recommends pausing until comprehensive plan clarifies its role

The Town of Mount Desert Economic Development Committee debated whether to pause regular meetings until the town’s comprehensive plan provides clearer direction for the committee’s responsibilities.

Members said turnover among co-chairs and committee members, inconsistent term listings on the town website and repeated uncertainty about the committee’s role prompted the proposal. A written resignation from Nikki Moer, read by a member during the meeting, underscored turnover: “I tender my resignation from the economic development committee effective immediately,” the letter said.

A motion to recommend that the select board place the committee “on pause” until the comprehensive plan clarifies its duties was made during the meeting and was seconded. Several members urged outreach to absent colleagues and asked for a clear process to revive the committee if the select board approves a hiatus. One member said that skipping the July meeting was likely unless leadership is in place.

Committee members agreed to forward the discussion and the recommendation to the select board and to solicit input from members who were not present. The motion was recorded in the minutes but was discussed and effectively tabled so that more voices could weigh in before a final decision.

Next steps: committee members will notify the select board of the discussion, poll absent members and seek guidance on formal procedures for pausing and later reviving the committee. No formal select-board action was taken at this meeting.