Ellsworth council adopts meeting rules, picks Bayside Road engineer

The Ellsworth City Council adopted revised rules of procedure for public comment and meeting conduct on a 5-2 vote, and awarded a Bayside Road engineering contract to Sebago Technics over a lower-priced rival firm. The council also tabled a contract award for the Merrill Lane extension near the Hancock County Judicial Center and approved a $480,177 local roads and sidewalks paving bid.

Key points

• The council voted 5-2 to adopt revised rules of procedure, which Chair Lyons said were based on Maine Municipal Association materials and cover public comment limits and meeting conduct.
• Councilor Hallam objected to the rules and to what he called a lack of transparency at City Hall; Chair Lyons disputed that, saying staff respond to all requests.
• The council awarded the Bayside Road design and engineering contract to Sebago Technics for up to $267,540, choosing it over Sewell Engineering's lower $219,100 proposal based on qualifications and public outreach plans.
• The council tabled the Merrill Lane extension contract award to allow review of amended proposals from three firms, with a special meeting planned for October 6.
• The council awarded the local roads and sidewalks paving contract to Northeast Paving for $480,177, the low bid among three firms.
• During public comment, resident John Linehan criticized the Bayside Road selection process and was asked by Chair Lyons to stop politicking; other residents also questioned the qualifications-based selection.

Next steps

• A special city council meeting is planned for October 6 to consider revised Merrill Lane proposals and a potential contract award.
• Staff will notify bidders about the amended Merrill Lane proposal process and dates.
• A workshop on the RV campground moratorium is scheduled for October 5 with planning staff and the Planning Board.
• The council will consider splitting the drinking water state revolving fund items into two separate agenda items, with an application deadline around October 1.

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