Skowhegan Select Board approves Snack Shack liquor license, awards sewer relocation contract and clears multiple municipal actions

The Skowhegan Select Board on Feb. 24 approved a liquor license for the Snack Shack, awarded a $211,602 contract to relocate sewer infrastructure ahead of a state road project and approved a series of routine administrative measures.

In a public hearing, Fabian, speaking for Prestigious LLC doing business as the Snack Shack at 100 Waterville Road, described plans for a fenced outdoor tiki‑bar area, ID checks and manager supervision if the board approved on‑premises sales of beer, wine and spirits. Fabian told the board the business plans to keep outdoor areas sectioned so customers must re‑enter through the building before leaving; the board approved the license by voice vote, 5–0.

Board members also voted to award the Madison Avenue/Elm Street combined sewer relocation construction contract to T.W. Clark for $211,602. Town staff said the work is tied to a Maine Department of Transportation intersection reconfiguration on Madison Avenue that requires moving two sewer basins and associated lines; the board approved using the capacity reserve fee account to fund the work. Because two members disclosed conflicts or other reasons to abstain, the motion carried with recorded support of three members and two abstentions.

Other approved items included permission for the town manager to sign a mortgage discharge for a loan recorded Dec. 1, 2016 (motion carried 5–0); authorization for the tax collector to accept full tax payments prior to foreclosure sale awards so properties can be returned to prior owners (5–0); and a $5,000 expenditure from the municipal building capital reserve to cover additional inspections and redesign work tied to an ongoing building repair (5–0). The board also approved consent minutes from its Feb. 10 meeting and treasurer’s warrants by voice vote.

Town Manager Nick told the board the new fire truck will be delivered Thursday and that the town has the green light to begin drawing down approximately $3,000,000 in CDS funds in March–April to support planned work once snow is gone.

The board scheduled town meeting for June 8, 2026 and the municipal/state/school election for June 9, 2026; nomination papers will be available Feb. 27 and are due April 10. The meeting ended after a budget workshop and discussion of several departments.

Votes at a glance
- Prestigious LLC d/b/a Snack Shack (100 Waterville Road) — on‑premises beer, wine, spirits: approved 5–0.
- Approve minutes (02/10/2026): approved 5–0.
- Expend up to $5,000 from municipal building capital reserve (repairs): approved 5–0.
- Authorize town manager to sign mortgage discharge (book 5106 p.304/306): approved 5–0.
- Award Madison Ave/Elm St combined sewer relocation to T.W. Clark ($211,602): approved (3 in favor, 2 abstain).
- Authorize tax collector to accept full payments prior to foreclosure sale award: approved 5–0.
- Set town meeting June 8 and election June 9, 2026: approved 5–0.
- Amend planning board appointment (remove full‑time appointment, leave alternate): approved 5–0.
- Waive planning fees for Main Street Skowhegan Boardwalk & River Park project (conditional): approved 5–0.
- Approve treasurer’s warrants: approved 5–0.

Public comment and consumer warning
Resident Harold Bigelow used the public comment period to describe aggressive door‑to‑door “free” water and air tests that turned into high‑priced sales pitches; the board acknowledged the cautionary report and urged residents to be wary.

What’s next
The Select Board will continue budget work during upcoming special meetings; staff flagged a multi‑department feasibility study proposal for transfer station and sewer funding options to be scoped for town‑meeting consideration.