Select Board reappoints town manager, approves equipment purchases and hires MMA for manager search

The Select Board approved a slate of action items during the meeting. After a short procedural amendment to add the item to the agenda, a motion to reappoint Audra Kaylor as town manager through Dec. 31, 2026, under Article 3, Section 3.01 of the town charter carried with no opposition.

The board approved a seasonal renewal license for Harbor Dogs at the public landing after owner Jason Dopo explained a request to extend operations through October. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

Public works director Dave Saint Laurent described replacement needs for a 2002 GMC plow truck and an aging backhoe (nearly 7,000 hours). Staff recommended purchasing a lightly used 2023 plow truck (significant savings after outfitting) and a Case backhoe from Beauregard Equipment (staff noted Case would match a competitor's price); the motion to purchase both pieces of equipment and to authorize outfitting was approved by the board.

The board also approved a professional-services agreement with the Maine Municipal Association to assist with an upcoming town-manager search. The contract was amended in discussion to name the town manager (or finance director acting as primary administrative contact) rather than a single select-board chair as day-to-day liaison; the motion to approve the MMA engagement with that amendment passed unanimously. The board asked MMA to advise on best search procedures and to help form a vetting committee for finalists.