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Record of Proceedings

Brunswick Town Council Meeting Summary – June 15, 2026

Town Council — Monday, June 15, 2026
BodyBrunswick, Maine
SessionTown Council
DateMonday, June 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:57:30

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:05

Good evening, everyone.

0:08

I am going to officially call the meeting of June 15th, 2026 to order.

0:13

Um all members are present except for Councillor Anderson.

0:17

Uh Town Clerk has this meeting been properly noticed.

0:20

Yes, it has.

0:20

Great.

0:21

I'll ask the everyone please silence your electronic devices however you do so, and then please rise if you are willing and abled for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:32

Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:40

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:49

Thank you.

0:50

Uh a note from me as chair.

0:53

I ask that while we hold this space together, we treat every person here with respect and compassion as we work to serve out the duties of our town.

1:00

Um are there any adjustments to the agenda?

1:06

Counselor Teaming.

1:08

Um I think the answer is maybe because um I didn't get an answer back to my email.

1:13

Are we going to be able to have a discussion about the Casella piece during the manager's report?

1:20

Yep.

1:20

And is that the sort of discussion that allows for a motion, or would that have to be included as an agenda item?

1:29

The we could do uh motions in between items, like if something was gonna be added to the agenda.

1:36

So after the manager's report.

1:38

Wonderful, thank you.

1:38

Then in this case, not at the moment.

1:41

Okay.

1:44

Announcements of counsel.

1:45

Counselor Hicks.

1:47

Thank you.

1:47

Uh, I'd like for um I'd like to invite uh one of the leads on something that the town of Brunswick has been very lucky to have, and that's movies in the park.

1:58

It's an organization called Community in the Parks that runs movies in the park, and I'm sure a lot of you have attended at least one of those movies over the past year several years.

2:07

So Kathleen Vunderburg is one of the chairs of the organization, and she's here to talk a little bit about what um is happening this summer.

2:17

Hi, good evening.

2:19

I'm Kathleen Vanderberg with Community in the Parks, and thanks for having me and for all the hard work that you guys do in our town as the council each year.

2:28

Umity in the Parks is likely a name you all are not as familiar with.

2:34

We are the nonprofit organization that hosts movies in the park every year.

2:38

This is a beloved community building event that is celebrating our 15th year of free movies in Brunswick, and we're kicking off our movie season this Thursday.

2:51

It might rain.

2:53

Um but this evening I'm here to introduce you all to Community in the Parks.

2:57

Our mission is to provide free events to enrich community development and promote use of Brunswick's parks.

3:04

Brunswick has 66 parks and public spaces.

3:09

I just learned that today.

3:10

That's a lot.

3:11

Um we at Community in the Park, Community in the Parks have come across some gems that we are looking forward to highlighting with free events this summer.

3:21

In addition to our movies in the park on the third Thursday of June, July, and August, located at the vast pocket park of Nathaniel Davis Park this summer.

3:31

We are collaborating all season long with Sundara Yoga to host monthly events at Pennett's Landing.

3:39

This is a beautiful waterfront space in our community that so many of our town may have overlooked.

3:46

Sandara will provide an instructor and create an environment of relaxing fun on the fourth Thursday evenings at 5:30, June 25th, July 23rd, and August 27th.

3:58

Additionally, at this same Pennett's Landing.

4:02

Community in the Parks is hosting a one-time incredible free dancing event.

4:07

We are collaborating with Mary Meeting Adult Education and their professional dance instructors.

4:13

We'll be providing an opportunity to have free dance lessons in both Chacha and Mamba on August 6th from 6 to 8.

4:22

Uh community members can come try something that they've never done before.

4:25

I'm definitely gonna try it out.

4:27

Or just show us what you've got if you already know how to do these two dances.

4:31

Um we'll have our dance floor out on the lawn and beautiful classic twinkling lights and all the festive vibes of enjoying our parks in new and exciting ways.

4:42

We'll also be providing some free treats as always to go along with the incredible experience.

4:47

We hope to expand our dancing event further next year to every month with different types of dance styles offered.

4:54

We at Community in the Parks could not do all of this without the town's commitment to the parks and rec' department.

5:03

They do such hard work and um come alongside us.

5:07

We truly appreciate the Parks and Recs team for maintaining so many properties and being so helpful and accommodating when collaborating with us at community in the parks.

5:16

They pretty much set up that movie, the tent, the tables, the lawns.

5:22

It's amazing, all the stuff that they do.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Waste Management████████████████████████24%
Mobile Home Parks███████████████15%
Procedural███████████11%
Public Works██████████10%
Public Engagement████████8%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Safety███3%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Brunswick Town Council Meeting Summary – June 15, 2026

This regular meeting of the Brunswick Town Council on June 15, 2026, covered a wide range of topics including public works planning, solid waste contracts, a new fire engine, and a landmark mobile home park rent stabilization ordinance. Key decisions included unanimous adoption of the mobile home park ordinance, approval of fire engine funding, and setting public hearings on comprehensive plan and moratorium amendments. A motion to cancel the current trash contract and initiate a new RFP failed. The meeting also included public comments on the Water Street public works project and the mobile home park ordinance, as well as reports on finances and the PFAS remediation at Brunswick Landing.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved consent agenda (7-1) including routine items.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On the Water Street Public Works Project (Phase 1A):
    • Owen McGrath (19 Water St.) read a list of questions from a petition signed by 217 people, asking the council to pause the project, reconsider the location, and study traffic/public safety data.
    • Paul Whitcomb (Brunswick) called the plan's premises "erroneous" and proposed an alternative: relocate the fuel depot to a former leaf mulch site, saving $1.425 million, and preserve the senior gardens.
    • Donna Chale (Brunswick Area Indivisible) expressed support for election workers and Pride Festival, and urged compassion for homeless individuals.
    • Mary Hepburn (13 Abbey Rd.) spoke on behalf of the Water Street community gardens, asking the council to preserve the gardens and consider alternatives.
    • Kate Burns (Water St.) detailed opposition: displacement of senior gardens, incompatible use near homes and a daycare, environmental risks near the Androscoggin River, and lack of community engagement.
    • Ratana Sherman (Brunswick resident, respiratory therapist) raised health concerns about emissions, traffic, and industrial use in a family-friendly neighborhood.
    • Andrew Kipp (Water St., lifelong resident) asked about safety studies, traffic impacts, cancer risk from benzene, and plans for increased traffic and environmental mitigation.
  • On the Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance:
    • Dennis Westman (Bay Bridge Estates, 20+ years) expressed concern about rent increases, meter fees, and lack of tenant representation on the review board.
    • Dana Fields (Bay Bridge, 26 years) thanked council and supported the ordinance, noting rapid rent increases.
    • David Oliver (Bay Bridge) thanked the housing committee and tenant union.
    • Lori Centeneo (Bay Bridge) expressed relief that the ordinance would reduce fear.
    • Marcia Good (Aberdeen, 30 years) thanked the town for listening and supporting seniors.
    • Marika Gaiason (Bay Bridge, Broken Bridge Tenant Union) thanked everyone for the long process.
    • Melissa McCarthy (Blueberry Fields Cooperative board president) supported the ordinance with the ROC exemption.
    • Carol O'Donnell (Brunswick resident, Housing Committee chair) thanked staff and committee and urged adoption.
    • Kristen Haynes (Columbia Ave., Brunswick Renters Organization) supported the ordinance but expressed disappointment that tenants were excluded from the review board.
    • Shirley Watson (34 Franklin Pkwy.) thanked the committee and council.
    • Representative Poppy Arford praised the process and residents' courage.
  • On the Fire Engine Purchase:
    • Dennis Westman (Brunswick) asked about the history of parts obsolescence when selecting a vendor.

Discussion Items

  • Finance and Solid Waste Contract (Manager's Report): Town Manager Hensley reviewed May financials: excise tax lower than last year but still projected $500k over budget; state revenue sharing came in higher in May; $2 million from McQuoit conservation easement received. Assistant Town Manager Jay Astil presented a memo recommending against exercising the five-year opt-out in the Casella curbside contract (deadline June 30), citing market uncertainty and risk. The current cost per stop is $118, comparable to other municipalities. The town has a unique swap arrangement with Casella and Ecomaine. A discussion followed about the lack of competitive bidding since 2003, the market landscape, and potential interest from Garbage to Garden. A motion to add agenda item 79 (discuss contract) passed 5-1.
  • Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Report: David Page, council representative, reported on the May 21 RAB meeting. The Navy treated the Jordan Avenue well field for PFAS (online by end of 2026) and will pay for 30 years of O&M. A new groundwater extraction well near Hangar 4 is planned to treat PFAS. Concerns persist about timely data sharing, residential well testing, and the Navy's lack of focus on human health. Page urged caution about accepting land-use controls before full remediation.
  • Mobile Home Park Ordinance (Public Hearing and Vote): Economic Development Director Costello presented the final draft of Chapter 10, Article 4. Key changes from the workshop included: adding a June 1 CPI-U reference for 2026, expanding the rent review board from 3 to 5 members, requiring council approval of board bylaws, adding state mediation option for landlords, and exempting Resident-Owned Communities (ROCs) from the moratorium. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption, but the rent stabilization provisions start September 1, 2026. A detailed implementation schedule was presented. The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
  • New Fire Engine (Public Hearing and Vote): Fire Chief Ken Brillant presented the need to replace one of two 2009 engines (each ~94,000 miles, 7,000+ hours). The new engine is budgeted at up to $1.25 million. A demo unit from a local vendor offers a 12-14 month delivery; a fully custom build would take 3-4 years. The purchase is intended to stagger replacement schedules and avoid simultaneous major expenditures. The ordinance authorizing funding and bonding was adopted unanimously.
  • Personnel Policy Updates: Human Resources Director Jody Dorisco described administrative updates to keep policies compliant with state law: aligning vacation accrual tables with union agreements (starting new employees at 3 weeks instead of 2), updating family and medical leave to comply with Maine PFML, clarifying earned paid leave carryover, and adding prior learning assessments to education reimbursement. No significant cost impact. Approved unanimously.
  • Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Principal Planner Jimmy Dielman presented technical amendments in response to the state's review of the 2025 plan. Changes include adding 38 state-required policies and 68 strategies, updating habitat mapping, creating a regional coordination section, and adding a memorial acknowledgement for Vice Chair Fred Kerber. The council set a public hearing for July 20, 2026.
  • Mobile Home Park Moratorium Amendments: Amendments to the emergency moratorium were presented to align with the new ordinance: changing references from "tenant" to "lot" and exempting ROCs. The council set a public hearing for July 6, 2026.
  • Solid Waste Contract Discussion (Item 79): A motion by Councilor Teaming to direct staff to cancel the Casella contract and initiate an RFP failed 6-1 (only Councilor Weems in favor). Councilors expressed concerns about the risk of service disruption, lack of competitive bidding history, the upcoming town manager transition, and the desire for a longer-term solid waste plan. Several councilors noted that the sustainability committee could develop a long-term plan for the 2032 contract end.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted unanimously (8-0): Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Chapter 10, Article 4), effective 30 days after adoption; rent protections start September 1, 2026.
  • Adopted unanimously (8-0): Fire Engine Acquisition Ordinance, authorizing up to $1.25 million in bonds.
  • Adopted unanimously (8-0): Updates to the Personnel Policy.
  • Set public hearing for July 20, 2026: Comprehensive Plan Amendments.
  • Set public hearing for July 6, 2026: Amendments to the Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Moratorium (exempting ROCs).
  • Failed (1-6): Motion to cancel Casella contract and initiate RFP for solid waste services.
  • Consent agenda approved (7-1).
  • Chair announced that a public works task force charge will be presented at the July meeting, and a potential location for community gardens has been identified.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. I am going to officially call the meeting of June 15th, 2026 to order. Um all members are present except for Councillor Anderson. Uh Town Clerk has this meeting been properly noticed. Yes, it has. Great. I'll ask the everyone please silence your electronic devices however you do so, and then please rise if you are willing and abled for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Uh a note from me as chair. I ask that while we hold this space together, we treat every person here with respect and compassion as we work to serve out the duties of our town. Um are there any adjustments to the agenda? Counselor Teaming. Um I think the answer is maybe because um I didn't get an answer back to my email. Are we going to be able to have a discussion about the Casella piece during the manager's report? Yep. And is that the sort of discussion that allows for a motion, or would that have to be included as an agenda item? The we could do uh motions in between items, like if something was gonna be added to the agenda. So after the manager's report. Wonderful, thank you. Then in this case, not at the moment. Okay. Announcements of counsel. Counselor Hicks. Thank you. Uh, I'd like for um I'd like to invite uh one of the leads on something that the town of Brunswick has been very lucky to have, and that's movies in the park. It's an organization called Community in the Parks that runs movies in the park, and I'm sure a lot of you have attended at least one of those movies over the past year several years. So Kathleen Vunderburg is one of the chairs of the organization, and she's here to talk a little bit about what um is happening this summer. Hi, good evening. I'm Kathleen Vanderberg with Community in the Parks, and thanks for having me and for all the hard work that you guys do in our town as the council each year. Umity in the Parks is likely a name you all are not as familiar with. We are the nonprofit organization that hosts movies in the park every year. This is a beloved community building event that is celebrating our 15th year of free movies in Brunswick, and we're kicking off our movie season this Thursday. It might rain. Um but this evening I'm here to introduce you all to Community in the Parks. Our mission is to provide free events to enrich community development and promote use of Brunswick's parks. Brunswick has 66 parks and public spaces. I just learned that today. That's a lot. Um we at Community in the Park, Community in the Parks have come across some gems that we are looking forward to highlighting with free events this summer. In addition to our movies in the park on the third Thursday of June, July, and August, located at the vast pocket park of Nathaniel Davis Park this summer. We are collaborating all season long with Sundara Yoga to host monthly events at Pennett's Landing. This is a beautiful waterfront space in our community that so many of our town may have overlooked. Sandara will provide an instructor and create an environment of relaxing fun on the fourth Thursday evenings at 5:30, June 25th, July 23rd, and August 27th. Additionally, at this same Pennett's Landing. Community in the Parks is hosting a one-time incredible free dancing event. We are collaborating with Mary Meeting Adult Education and their professional dance instructors. We'll be providing an opportunity to have free dance lessons in both Chacha and Mamba on August 6th from 6 to 8. Uh community members can come try something that they've never done before.

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