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Committee schedules ordinance workshop; members flag public‑camping legal risk and citizen concerns about data centers
Summary
The committee scheduled an ordinance workshop to review updates and flagged a June 2024 Supreme Court ruling that may limit municipal bans on public camping unless shelter is available; members also discussed constituent concerns about data centers and limited training budget, proposing to purchase a 30‑day MMA recording after July 1.
The committee set an ordinance workshop to review updates ahead of town meeting and raised two nonagenda concerns for follow up: the legal status of public‑camping bans and citizen unease about data centers.
"I would like to just mention regarding the public camping ordinance that in June 2024 there was Supreme Court case regarding an attempt to ban public camping. Supreme Court ruled that municipalities can't do that unless there's available shelter space," a member said, urging attorney review and careful drafting before sending the ordinance to the select board for the town meeting ballot.
Separately, members said constituents have raised questions about data centers and high energy users seeking existing utility connections or former mill sites. The board asked staff to monitor relevant state legislation (some members characterized a pending bill as proposing a moratorium) and report back ahead of the workshop so the town can consider any statutory changes.
On training, the board noted its training budget is nearly exhausted and discussed Aaron's suggestion to buy a 30‑day access recording from the Maine Municipal Association (MMA) after July 1 so members can complete required training on their schedule; staff member Brian said he will put together an onboarding/training package for new appointees. The committee did not approve ordinances at the meeting; legal and staff follow‑up was requested.
