Town of Sedgwick, Maine

Select Board Meeting Minutes Thursday May 14th, 2026

Town of Sedgwick

Select Board

MINUTES

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Opened the meeting and established a quorum: S. Ford, B. Duffy and D. Carter Present. D. Ford, L. Dow, T. McKechnie, S. Webb, B. Sherwell, J. Franklin and N. Moses all in attendance. R. Colburn online.

Motion and 2nd to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Approved 3-0 with correction.

Reviewed and signed the biweekly Treasurers’ warrant.

CEO REPORT:

Received a complaint on walker pond- Four Winds Lane about some very large spruce trees being taken down. Duane has not received any requests from anyone inquiring about this. He has taken some pictures and will put together some communications to let them know that they should have come to the town. There should be a fine assessed per tree plus a fee to replant.  It is unlawful to just remove trees without proper permission. Duane is still going around with the Glampground. Will continue to monitor. The planning board met and received an application for a business on Caterpillar hill for a flower shop. After review they felt that it was a lowkey project and approved without issue. Lots of shorefront projects going on. Duane attended a DEP training last week.

DISCUSSION and/or ACTION ITEMS:

1. Where is the budget for town report (as well as for budget committee): School Budget Update: The School Budget process has been completed and formally approved by the School Board. The approved budget has been posted on the Sedgwick Elementary School website under “School Resources.”

Tara presented the budget in its entirety and reviewed the various factors contributing to the overall increase. The preliminary draft budget reflected an increase of approximately 20%; however, through revisions and adjustments, the final proposed increase was reduced to 9.9%.

During the presentation, Tara discussed cost-saving measures implemented throughout the budgeting process, detailed the various operational and program-related increases, and reviewed projected expenditures. She also provided information regarding the plan to purchase buses for both the Sedgwick and Brooklin schools, as well as an extensive maintenance plan included within the budget. Additionally, teachers received negotiated wage increases in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements.

Budget sheets and school warrant articles were also provided for review.

1. New Treasurer: Treasurer Transition: The Board discussed that the Town’s current Treasurer is nearing the end of her employment agreement. To ensure a smooth and seamless transition, the Board has hired Rita Martynowski, who has already been working closely with Amy and will begin prior to Amy’s departure to allow for training and continuity of operations. 
2. New Deputy Tax Collector/Deputy Clerk: Office Staffing Update: Lyndsey has submitted her notice, with her final day being May 29, 2026. In preparation for the transition, Lyndsey approached Sydney Shaffer, whom she previously worked with in Blue Hill, and encouraged her to speak with the Board regarding the position.

Following a successful interview process and reference checks, the Board extended an offer of employment to Sydney, which she accepted. Sydney will begin on May 26, 2026, the day following Memorial Day, in order to shadow Lyndsey during her remaining days and assist in ensuring a smooth transition.

1. Walker Pond Potable water permits: Barry met with the Walker’s Pond Committee to discuss the rules and regulations surrounding the taking of water from the Mill Pond. He reviewed sample permission requirements and discussed possible guidelines for future use. A draft proposal will be prepared and shared with Brooksville for their input and consideration. The Committee intends to implement the process for a trial period of one year and then reevaluate the policy based on how it functions in practice. 
2. Amy redrafted the Town Meeting warrant articles using the most up-to-date financial information available. The Board reviewed the proposed articles and raised only a few questions prior to final approval of the warrant.

The Board requested to speak with David Carter regarding the Fire Department budget and the fire truck reserve account amounts. Board members also provided comments and suggestions concerning the structure and wording of several warrant articles.

Lyndsey will reformat the warrant accordingly and submit the Board’s questions and requested revisions to Amy. Lyndsey also asked the Board to compare the upcoming warrant to last year’s version to ensure that no articles or important items were inadvertently omitted.

UNRESOLVED BUSINESS:
Amy provided information to the Board regarding cash on hand balances and several very old outstanding taxes, both of which the auditors recommended be written off or cleared from the books. The “cash on hand” amounts were related to stale outstanding checks.

A motion was made and seconded to write off the stale check balances classified as “cash on hand” and to abate outstanding taxes dating from 1989 through 2009. The motion passed unanimously, 3–0.

ADJOURN:

Motion and 2nd to adjourn at 7:40pm. 3-0 approved.

June 9th Primary Snack Signup

Historically, the Town has provided snacks for voters and election workers during elections. At our last election, the Town purchased many snacks for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.

In an effort to help keep costs down, and with our new clerks still becoming familiar with the election process, we are hoping our community will band together and sign up to bring a snack to share.

I have created a short Google Form for anyone who would like to contribute baked goods, fruit, small meal items, beverages, or other snacks. Election days can be long, especially for our workers, and any contribution is greatly appreciated. Snack Signup Form

This is not mandatory, but your assistance and generosity are truly appreciated.

Sample Ballots/Notice of Election

Please review the Sample Ballots and Notice of Election for the 2026 June 9th Primary Election.

Notice of Election- June Primary

Democratic Sample Ballot

Republican Sample Ballot

Closed Monday 4/20

The office will be closed Monday 4/20 in observation of Patriots Day. Please plan to town office business regular hours the remainder of the week.