Vinalhaven board approves appointments, hears downtown construction and ferry updates

The Vinalhaven Board of Selectmen on July 14 approved several routine motions, accepted a proposal for assessing services, and received updates on downtown construction, public works and ferry assignments.

On motions by Selectman Pam Alley, seconded by Selectman Leslie Dyer, the board accepted the Dirigo Assessing Group proposal and appointed Justin Poirier as Vinalhaven Assessor; both motions passed 5–0–0. Town Manager Marjorie Stratton said the prior contractor, Jacki Robbins, could not work remotely because of internet limitations, prompting the recommendation to hire Dirigo and work directly with Justin Poirier.

The board also approved the agenda as amended, approved the June 30 minutes and signed Treasurer’s Warrants #2; each procedural motion passed unanimously as recorded in the minutes.

Consultant updates: Gabe McPhail and Brent Bridges (Woodard & Curran) told the board that downtown construction scheduling has been challenging because of materials, crew and weather changes. They noted a temporary water line is in place on Main Street and nine businesses were affected by the changeover; water testing is ongoing and JBI continues to install storm-water catch basins. Brent Bridges of Woodard & Curran emphasized that hydrants would remain available for fire trucks during work.

Town Manager report: Marjorie Stratton said she received an email from EJ Dupont explaining the ferry Dinsmore will be based in Rockland because Rockland has the electrical infrastructure (amperage) to connect the Dinsmore’s hybrid system and to keep it near while crew become familiar with the hybrid system. The board asked follow-up questions about redeploying other vessels (the Thompson and the Spear) and what backup would be used if the Dinsmore is unavailable; the minutes record the questions but do not specify responses beyond the email rationale.

Other member items: Selectman Brandon Osgood asked the board to consider a parks ordinance or an amendment to the Quarry Preservation Ordinance to address camping at Booth’s Quarry. Selectman John Morton raised public-health and resource questions, including whether the town is preparing for a cyclosporiasis outbreak and concerns about the island’s water table and well drilling; he also asked about any town or county policy regarding ICE and was told Town Manager Stratton would re-ask the question to Captain Smith and consult the Health Officer. Selectman Leslie Dyer urged more guidance on dogs downtown during hot-weather events; Millie Martin said the Celebration Committee requests compliance but noted not all attendees follow guidance.

Procedural notes: The board entered executive session under 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A) to discuss a personnel matter at 6:14 PM and left at 6:30 PM, then adjourned the meeting at 6:30 PM.

What to watch next: staff will schedule a re-presentation by Woodard & Curran of the 2023 Vinal Cove Alternatives Analysis for new board members, submit the Folly Pond grant application before the end of August, and proceed with the Dirigo Assessing Group transition.