Kennebunkport Select Board Reviews Historic District Rules, Solar Plan

The Kennebunkport Select Board approved a police cruiser upfit, a road opening permit, Prelude parking operations, mooring regulations, and a town manager pay raise, while reviewing a draft historic district ordinance and a solar feasibility presentation. The historic district proposal drew concerns about vague language and a 1,000-foot review radius, and will go to the Planning Board next.

Key points

• The board awarded a $21,610 cruiser equipment bid to Nevo, the low responsive bidder, funded from the existing capital budget.
• The board approved a road opening permit on Old Cape Road with a condition that pavement be milled and repaved within 20 feet of the opening.
• A draft historic district overlay ordinance drew board and public concerns about vague standards and a 1,000-foot radius; the board asked to remove a reference to Secretary of the Interior standards and to keep the radius within district boundaries.
• The board approved nonprofit operation of the Dock Square parking lot during Prelude weekends with revenue shared 50-50, and said Kennebunkport nonprofits should get priority.
• The board adopted a mooring installation, removal, and relocation regulation as a policy, with a possible harbor ordinance amendment in June.
• The board approved a 5.6% base salary increase for the town manager plus a 15% town retirement contribution, effective July 1, 2026, and agreed to raise the 2027 bus drop-off and pickup rate to $100.

Next steps

• Send the historic district ordinance to the Planning Board for formal review before any public listening session.
• Develop a frequently asked questions document on the ordinance and review it with the town attorney.
• Have the Climate Resiliency Committee gather more detailed solar cost and roof condition information with town support.
• Notify bus companies of the $100 rate for the 2027 reservation season.

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