Brunswick Town Council Meeting - March 2, 2026

The Brunswick Town Council convened on March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM to address a range of items including a public hearing on a CDBG grant for sewer lines to Blueberry Fields Cooperative, adoption of zoning text amendments for off-premises signage, a presentation of the mobile home housing study, setting public hearings for the MARK project and chicken ordinance amendments, approving food vendor licenses, making appointments to town boards, and considering earmark applications. The meeting lasted over three hours with unanimous votes on most items.

Consent Calendar

• Special Amusement License Renewals: Approved for Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company and Lamont Hall Block. Motion by Councillor Wilson, second by Councillor Ecker. Vote: unanimous.
• Item C: Maine Service Centers Coalition Resolution: Tabled until the next meeting after discussion about the organization's 501(c)(6) status and potential advocacy positions. Motion to table by Councillor Teamy, second by Councillor Wilson. Vote: unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chris Teal (Brunswick resident and taxpayer): Expressed strong opposition to rising school taxes (citing a 54-55% increase since 2014 while student enrollment flatlined) and criticized the school administration's performance. Also objected to the town's potential $194,000 contribution to Green Mars (Wilbur Woods project), calling it "almost criminal" given that residents were previously told they had no standing in the matter.
• Janet Fournier (former board president, Blueberry Fields Co-op): Spoke in favor of the CDBG grant application, detailing the cooperative's proactive efforts to address aging septic systems and their work with consultants, the EPA, and the town since early 2025. Highlighted that many residents are elderly on fixed incomes and that the cooperative has $500,000 in reserves for the project.
• Chris Teal (again, on CDBG item): Questioned total project cost ($7.1 million) and potential taxpayer exposure for the shortfall, noting the town's prior $800,000 support for the cooperative.
• Jennifer Navarro (Zoom): Opposed the CDBG application, arguing the council has a fiduciary duty to fully disclose long-term financial exposure, system capacity impacts, and the layered match requirements across multiple funding streams. Expressed concern about existing sewer backups at Bay Bridge and lack of full lifecycle analysis.
• Representative Poppy Arford (Zoom): Spoke in favor, stating the benefit far outweighs the effort, and offered to organize a letter of support from the legislative delegation.
• Carolina Cantu (EPA, via Zoom): Expressed gratitude for the town's support of the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap initiative and offered information for other communities seeking EPA technical assistance.

Discussion Items

• Item 17: CDBG Grant Application for Blueberry Fields Sewer Lines – Chrissy Adamowitz (Economic Development Project Manager) presented the proposal to apply for a $1 million CDBG public infrastructure grant (25% match required, total project $7.1 million). The grant would help connect 300+ residents to sewer, addressing failing septics. The town would act as pass-through; match funding would come from other grants, loans, and cooperative reserves. The grant timeline: funding available in 2028, applications only in even years. Council questions focused on readiness, capacity (Brunswick Sewer District confirmed capacity), and match details. Council voted unanimously to approve the application.
• Item 18: Zoning Text Amendments for Off-Premises Business Directory Signage – Principal Planner Dialman presented the amendment allowing such signage at development entrances serving 3+ businesses, with conditions. Planning Board found it consistent with the comprehensive plan on February 10. Council voted unanimously to adopt, suspending rules for same-night vote.
• Item 19: Mobile Home Housing Study – Economic Development Director Sally Costello introduced the consultant report. Tom Siegel (Core Market Advisors) and Regan LaRochelle (LaRochelle Consulting) presented findings: survey of 204 residents (17% response rate) across three parks (Bay Bridge, Maplewood Manor, Blueberry Fields). Key findings: 63% of Bay Bridge respondents spend >30% of income on housing; 78% report rent increases made it difficult to pay bills; fee complexity (per-adult fees, pet fees, meter charges) adds burden; 42% of Bay Bridge residents want to move but face mobility constraints. Base lot rent increases (5-6% annually) are similar to apartment market, but total costs are higher due to fees. Park ownership includes institutional investors (Sun Communities, Legacy). Council discussion highlighted consumer protection and potential need for regulation beyond rent stabilization. No action taken; further discussion with housing committee and state anticipated.
• Item 20: Setting Public Hearing for MARK Phase 1 Tier 1C – Director Costello outlined the $1.165 million project (two basketball courts, sports lighting at existing pickleball & basketball courts, with contingency). Funding sources: $500,000 LWCF grant, $200,000 from Bowdoin unrestricted capital, $109,000 Musco Lighting Grant, up to $200,000 from Recreation Impact Fees, plus stakeholder contributions and private donations. Parks & Rec Commission unanimously recommended. Council voted unanimously to set a public hearing for March 16, 2026.
• Item 21: Setting Public Hearing for Chicken Ordinance Amendments – Town Clerk explained the need to comply with state LD 1655, which prohibits communities from restricting chicken ownership. The amendment removes certain local restrictions to align with state law. Council set a public hearing for March 16, 2026, with unanimous vote.
• Item 22: Food Vendor Licenses on Town Mall – Approved five applicants (Busy Buns, Talk of the Town, Wrappers, Cheese of the Day, Little Lesha) for prepared food sales, and the Brunswick Farmers Market Association. All met requirements. Unanimous vote.
• Item 23: Appointments to Town Boards and Committees – Appointments Committee (chaired by Councillor Anderson) recommended: Abby King to Social Services Committee (balance of term to Dec 2028); Michelle Dolly and Robert Crane to Zoning Board of Appeals (balance to Nov 2028); Lisa Tromble to Shellfish Committee (non-licenseholder, balance to May 2029). Council approved unanimously.
• Item 24: Earmark Applications for Congressional Directed Spending – Chrissy Adamowitz requested authority to apply for earmarks for two projects: Blueberry Fields sewer project (up to $5 million, 20% match) and MARK Phase 1 Tier 1D (up to $5.5 million for turf field, tennis courts, etc.). Council approved unanimously, noting the Friday deadline for Rep. Pingree's office.

Key Outcomes

• Item 17 Passed (unanimous): Approved CDBG application for Blueberry Fields sewer lines.
• Item 18 Passed (unanimous): Adopted zoning text amendments for off-premises directory signage.
• Item 19: No vote; report received for further deliberation.
• Item 20 Passed (unanimous): Set public hearing for MARK Phase 1 Tier 1C on March 16, 2026.
• Item 21 Passed (unanimous): Set public hearing for chicken ordinance amendments on March 16, 2026.
• Item 22 Passed (unanimous): Approved food vendor licenses.
• Item 23 Passed (unanimous): Approved appointments to boards and committees.
• Item 24 Passed (unanimous): Approved earmark applications.
• Consent Agenda: First two items approved; third item (Maine Service Centers Coalition) tabled to March 16, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned around 8:15 PM.