Winter Harbor selectmen authorize insured ice rink, adopt meeting-place policy; 'Text My Gov' tabled

Winter Harbor selectmen approved a set of routine financial and administrative measures during their March 23, 2026, meeting, and authorized an insured, properly signed ice skating rink on town property.

Chair G. Harrington called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Town Manager Sara J. Liscomb said an item was added to the agenda and led several administrative reports. The board approved the March 9 meeting minutes and accepted Warrants #43 (March 17) and #44 (March 19), each recorded in the minutes as Approved 3-0.

The selectmen accepted the Treasurer’s Report dated March 20, 2026 (Approved 3-0). The minutes list a Trio general ledger balance of $808,142.90, a six-month certificate of deposit of $107,539.29, and bond investments reported at $2,864,051.00 (3/6/2026) and $2,847,375.00 (3/20/2026). The Tax Collector’s Report dated March 20, 2026 was also accepted (Approved 3-0); taxes receivable were listed as $102,202.91 for FY26 and $13,690.19 for FY25.

Under budget business, department heads and the town manager presented budget items for the coming fiscal year; the minutes record the presentations but do not show additional votes on budget adjustments at the meeting.

The board adopted a Meeting Place Policy "as written" (motion seconded and Approved 3-0). A Budget Committee member asked whether the new policy would affect the committee’s ability to meet at locations outside the usual venue; the minutes record the question but do not include a policy clarification at the meeting.

Selectmen approved carry-over accounts as presented (Approved 3-0) and accepted an Acceptable Use Agreement for cyber security (Approved 3-0).

Liscomb reported that the town’s insurer has approved the installation of an ice skating rink provided the town posts appropriate rules and signage. The board voted to allow the skate rink (Approved 3-0). The Fire/Road Commissioner reported that a dock repair has been completed and new cement poured; paving is planned when plants open in late spring. Road sweepers have been contacted with an anticipated early-May sweep so striping can follow.

Town Manager updates included a mandatory CVR2 training that will close the Town Office on March 24, notice that nomination papers remain available as the town seeks Planning Board candidates, and an additional unexpected office closure planned for May 8. D. Mitchell described a new "Sunshine Program" established by two police departments. The board noted receipt of a thank-you letter, an investment statement and the Schoodic EMS Report.

During public comment S. Fortin asked whether there is a new ordinance; the minutes record the question but provide no further detail. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.; minutes were signed by Town Manager Sara J. Liscomb.

Next steps: the board will revisit the tabled 'Text My Gov' item at a future meeting after additional information is gathered, per the minutes.