E-Newsletter
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
Snowy landscape
SNOW DAZE!
It's beginning to look a lot like winter, but there's no hibernating around here! As you will read, our town boards and committee members have been very busy, working diligently to enhance the quality of life for all Cape Elizabeth residents. From the Energy Committee's perseverance in developing a Climate Action Plan that will reduce the town's emissions, build resilience, and prepare for a changing climate to the Ad-hoc Privacy Advisory Committee's guidance on protecting citizens' digital information, these dedicated volunteers play a vital role in shaping our community. In close collaboration with town staff, the members of our boards and committees help shape policies, improve infrastructure, and public safety.
At the upcoming Town Council meeting on February 10, the council will consider adopting its goals for 2025. Once approved, this document will serve as a roadmap for the town’s future. In collaboration, the town’s boards, committees, and staff will strive to advance these goals and initiatives, ensuring our community remains a wonderful place to live and work. All that is requested in return is for Cape Elizabeth's citizens to stay informed and engaged in caring for our wonderful little town!
ENGERGY COMMITTEE'S
Climate Action Plan Status Report
The Cape Elizabeth Energy Committee provided the Town Council with a status report on the development of a Climate Action Plan for Cape Elizabeth at the February 3, 2025, council workshop. Facilities Director Dave Bagdasarian, Energy Committee Chair Sam Milton, and Sara Mills-Knapp, Director of Sustainability of Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG).
The town's interest in developing sustainability goals has a long history. Tasked with creating the town's first Climate Action Plan, the Energy Committee, with the assistance of GPCOG, is focusing on identifying strategies to reduce emissions and improve environmental resilience and bring Cape Elizabeth in line with neighboring communities.
In 2023, Cape Elizabeth joined the Maine Climate Resilience Partnership, securing a $50,000 grant for LED lighting upgrades in schools, and additional initiatives are in motion. A recent greenhouse gas inventory found that transportation and buildings are the primary emission sources, while municipal emissions account for less than 5% of the total.
The committee is considering ambitious reduction targets, including aligning with the state’s "Maine Won’t Wait" plan (45% reduction by 2030) or a more aggressive 65% reduction by 2030. Despite shifting federal funding, local and state resources provide opportunities for continued progress.
Public input has been strong, with residents engaging in discussions on achievable sustainability goals. The committee is also working closely with schools, recognizing their role in emissions reduction and long-term environmental planning.
Next Steps:
The committee will await Town Council direction on emission reduction targets and supporting policies.
Coordinate with schools, which are the major emission source in town.
Future discussion may include expanding the Energy Committee's role to oversee climate policy implementation.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN MEMO
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
EMISSION REDUCTION TARGETS
CARBON REDUCTION GOAL COMPARISONS
AD-HOC PRIVACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REQUESTS PI AUDIT
The Ad-Hoc Privacy Advisory Committee is recommending that the Town Council consider a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage a third-party consultant to assess the Town’s personal information (PI) handling and strengthen cybersecurity practices.
At the February 3, 2025 Town Council workshop, Privacy Advisory Committee members Greg Reid and Al Romano explained that the first of four charges assigned to the committee in March 2024—to “Audit current data collection, use, and disclosure policies, protocols, and practices of all town departments and report findings to the Town Council”—should be carried out by a third party to protect sensitive information from being accessed under FOAA public access laws. Chair Al Romano, participating remotely, stated, “While we had initially planned to undertake the work ourselves, it became clear that certain aspects, particularly those involving sensitive personal information, require an external consultant.” The audit, deemed “foundational” to the committee’s charge, prevents the committee from completing most of the remaining charges until the audit is finished.
The committee has met with the Town’s IT staff, whose request for an external evaluation predates its own. Led by IT Director Jason Lund, a comprehensive audit would provide the opportunity to identify security gaps and enhance data protection measures. Town Manager Pat Fox explained that if the council decides to proceed with issuing an RFP, the language will be reviewed by the Town’s attorney and IT Director. This includes details on safeguarding privacy information in the report and clear stipulations regarding who is granted access to the report's findings.
The Town Council expressed concern about ensuring that the audit does not expose sensitive information and that the Privacy Advisory Committee itself does not have access to individual records. “We will never see PI; we will never see what is stored,” Romano said. The report will provide the committee with guidance on policy structure and procedures. Town Councilor Andrew Swayze, an IT professional, showed support for the audit to protect personal information from data breaches and outdated security practices.
Recognizing the audit’s importance, the council must determine not only if the project will be funded but also how and when. The initial $20,000 budgeted for the committee’s work falls short of the $40,000 estimated cost for the RFP. Estimating a 6-8 month timeframe, the committee is eager to initiate the RFP process as soon as possible. Starting this process before the beginning of Fiscal Year 2026 would require drawing from the unassigned fund balance, which has already seen multiple withdrawals this year. Repeated draw from the unassigned fund balance was highlighted in the Town's Financial Audit Report, discussed below.
Manager Fox recommended that the Town Council wait until the FY 2026 proposed budget is finalized in March. “We need to consider this in the context of our budget constraints,” Fox said. At that point, the council can better weigh the best course of action.
In the meantime, the Privacy Advisory Committee can focus on gauging public interest in surveillance technologies such as drones and security cameras through community outreach efforts, surveys, and public discussions.
AUDIT ADDRESSES UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE DECLINE
The Town of Cape Elizabeth has received a clean bill of financial health following its 2024 audit, although the findings indicate areas needing improvement. The audit, which covered both the town and school department finances, revealed a stable financial position but highlighted concerns regarding declining fund balances and deficiencies in internal controls. Jennifer Connors, of Runyon Kersteen Ouellette, provided the Town Council and the School Board with a presentation of audit findings at a February 3, 2025 workshop.
Town Audit Results
The audit, conducted between June and January, resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on the town’s financial statements. However, two significant deficiencies were noted:
- Material Audit Adjustments: Errors due to the transition to a new accounting system required corrections.
- Portland Headlight Cash Receipts: Daily cash records contained discrepancies, with a lack of proper documentation attributed to volunteer-run registers.
Financially, the town’s general fund balance decreased by $662,000, with revenues and expenditures mostly aligning with budget projections. While investment income and permit revenues exceeded expectations, tax revenues and state reimbursements fell short.
One of the key concerns raised in the report is the town’s unassigned fund balance, which has dropped to 6% of annual revenues, well below the 12.5% target set by town policy. Finance officials noted that this decline is a result of funds being allocated toward capital projects rather than being retained as reserves.
“This is something that rating agencies look at when we issue debt,” the auditors warned, noting that a low fund balance could impact borrowing costs and limit financial flexibility.
School Department Audit Results
The Cape Elizabeth School Department also received a clean audit opinion, with no compliance issues related to federal grants. The department's financial management was praised for remaining within budget, resulting in $977,000 in cost savings (3% of the budget) due to lower-than-expected staffing, retirement, and utility costs.
The school’s unassigned fund balance stands at 8.7% of its budget ($2.9 million), just under the 9% limit allowed by the state.
However, concerns were raised over the school capital projects fund, which reported a $662,000 deficit due to planning costs associated with a new school building.
Looking Ahead
The audit results suggest that while Cape Elizabeth remains in good financial standing, efforts should be made to rebuild the town’s reserve fund to ensure long-term fiscal stability. Additionally, improvements in cash-handling procedures at Portland Headlight and continued oversight of capital project spending will be key priorities in the coming year.
AUDIT REPORTS FY 2024
TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Town Council will have four Consent Calendar items on the Monday, February 10, 2025 meeting. The consent calendar allows the council to consider items en bloc. Any town councilor may ask for any item to be considered separately. Typically, an item within the consent calendar is routine and/or procedural.
One of the items includes Acknowledging Receipt of the FY 2024 Audit. The council reviewed the Runyon Kersteen Ouelette audit report at a February 3 workshop. A summary of the report is provided above. The agenda item simply acknowledges receipt. The report, along with prior year audits, are located on the town website. AUDIT REPORTS
PUBLIC HEARING - TOWN CENTER AMENDMENTS
A public hearing will be held regarding the Ordinance Committee's recommended amendments to Chapter 19 of the Zoning Ordinance concerning Town Center Amendments. Following the hearing, it is anticipated that the Town Council will vote on the amendments.
The Town Council encourages residents to attend the public hearing with a complete understanding of the proposed amendments. Detailed information about the amendments can now be found in the "Town Spotlight" section on the town website's home page.
The proposed zoning ordinance amendments for a development 125' or greater from a public road are listed in the graph below.
AMENDMENTS TO CODE OF ETHICS
Annually, the Town Council approves the Code of Ethics with the attestation of each council member. This typically occurs in December, following the November municipal election. The Code of Ethics provides the council with guidelines ensuring each councilor attests to ethical conduct that will inspire public confidence in the integrity of the Town's government.
At the December 9, 2024 meeting, the council opted to review the Code of Ethics at a January 8, 2025 workshop. The Code of Ethics was last amended on April 9, 2018. Suggested amendments include adding that the policy is also guiding principles, clarifying the policy governs the council and its boards, commissions and committees and specificity to enforcement actions.
DRAFT CODE OF ETHICS
SUPPLEMENTAL LD 2003 AMENDMENTS
It is anticipated that the Town Council will vote to send the Supplemental LD 2003 Amendments to a Public Hearing and vote for March 10.
On December 9, 2024, the Town Council voted to refer Supplemental LD 2003 Amendments to the Planning Board. The Planning Board voted to recommend the amendments to the council at their January 21, 2025 meeting. The Town Council discussed the amendments at a February 3 workshop.
The Supplemental LD 2003 Amendments package is based on the LD 2003 amendments adopted by the council in November, 2023, which were later repealed and replaced on December 11, 2023. The proposed Supplemental LD 2003 Amendments update the Zoning Ordinance to comply with state law. References to compliance with LD 2003 are included in green box sidebars within the draft amendment. The amendments also include the following items for which the Town Council requested further policy review.
ADU maximum size recommendation 1,600 sq. ft. This maximum also addresses a request to provide flexibility for ADUs created in existing building space. State law establishes a minimum ADU size of 190 sq. ft, but no maximum size.
ADU maximum for existing spaces unchanged. The above recommendations address this component.
Existing ADU conversion restores the original maximum size exemption for existing accessory structures to convert to ADUs.
Maximum Building Coverage limit for nonconforming lots. This is a recommendation from the Code Enforcement Department to provide some relief for nonconforming lots that are limited to 25% (sewered lots) and 20% (subsurface wastewater disposal) building coverage.
PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTAL LD 2003 AMENDMENTS
SUPPLEMENTAL LD 2003 MEMO
ADOPTION OF 2025 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS
Beginning in December of 2024, the Town Council reviewed draft goals for 2025. A vote to adopt the 2025 Council Goals is anticipated.
The goals aim to address specific needs above and beyond the day-to-day services carried out by local government. The goals will have attainable and measurable results in the coming year and be revisited regularly throughout the year. Input from town staff has been utilized to develop the nine goals.
DRAFT 2025 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The last item on the Town Council agenda will be a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose beginning Labor Negotiations. No action is expected to follow the executive session. this evening.
The labor contracts for Cape Elizabeth Police Benevolent Association and Teamster Local Union No. 340 for the Public Works Department expire 6/30/2025 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025).
SCHOOL BOARD
PUBLIC FORUM FEBRUARY 11
6 PM
 The School Board will hold a Public Forum on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Town Hall to review the three school phased approach with Harriman Architects. The forum will be streamed live on CETV and offer remote participation.
At a School Board workshop on February 5, Harriman Architects presented the latest revisions to the Phased Three-School Building Plan, which includes refinements to the proposed new middle school.
The new middle school design continues to prioritize key spaces, including a spacious band and chorus room to support Cape Elizabeth's renowned music program, as well as a gymnasium large enough to accommodate high school-level athletic events.
Over the past six weeks, the School Board, in collaboration with Harriman Architects, has worked to scale down certain elements of the initial Middle Ground plan, ensuring that the final design meets the evolving needs of today’s students while preparing for the future of Cape Elizabeth's educational community. Throughout this process, the Board has remained committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all students, ensuring that safety is a top priority in every aspect of the project.
The Board also heard from Superintendent Dr. Record, Facilities Director Dave Bagdesarian, Pond Cove Principal Tiffany Karnes, and Cape Elizabeth Middle School Principal Sarah Rubin, who each discussed the needs and priorities of their respective schools as reflected in the updated proposal.
The Phased Three-School Building Plan, a project more than two years in the making, aims to create a long-term solution for all three of Cape Elizabeth school buildings, while minimizing taxpayer impact.
The School Board invites the public to learn more about the refined plan, and provide feedback on the plan and the referendum timeline at a public forum on February 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the Cape Elizabeth Town Hall.
Next Steps:
Determine and finalize scope reductions
Identify fundraising
Confirm referendum date
Continue working with facilities director on Facilities Maintenance and Repair Plan
February 5 Workshop Presentation from Harriman
February 5 Video Recording
BUSINESS SUMMIT REPORT
As promised, Paul Johnson of the Greater Portland Council of Governments has released the Cape Elizabeth Business Forum Report from the forum held on December 18, 2024. The forum aimed to tackle the challenges and opportunities faced by the local business community and to explore actionable solutions to create a more business-friendly environment. The report includes themes, perspectives, suggestions from local business owners who attended the forum, and potential actionable steps.
In addition to the report, all business forum attendees received an “Actionable Next Steps Survey." The survey invites business owners to evaluate potential actionable next steps on a scale of 1 to 10. Seven possible action items identified during the forum are listed in the survey. Responses will be sent directly to Johnson at GPCOG.
NEXT STEPS
Town Council & Business Community Workshop
Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6 PM
The workshop format will provide an expanded opportunity for public feedback from the business community, a review of the entire outreach process, and consideration of the results from the Actionable Next Steps survey.
If you are a business owner (former, current, or prospective) in Cape Elizabeth who has not yet engaged in the Town Council’s efforts to enhance the business climate in the area and would like to take the survey, please fill out this brief form to request that the Actionable Next Steps Survey be emailed to you.
GREAT POND SEASONAL BOAT STORAGE LOTTERY PROCESS UNDERWAY
Once again the Town is opening up the application for seasonal boat storage at Great Pond for town residents.
Any town resident who would like to store a boat at Great Pond can submit an application online or submit a form in person at the Assessing, Code Enforcement and Planning (ACP) Office, 2nd floor at the Town Hall by March 13th, 2025.
Only 1 application per household may be submitted.
Those who received a permit for the 2024 season and did not store a boat will only be eligible for a boat slot if supply exceeds demands.
The Conservation Committee Boat storage slots will be assigned using a lottery system. The lottery will be held on Tuesday, March 18th, at 9:00 a.m., in the ACP Office Conference Room, Town Hall, where 49 applications will be drawn. The lucky winners will be notified via email and will have until March 27th to make payment of $20.00 to receive their 2025 sticker. Payment must be made via check or cash. Any permits remaining after that date will be distributed in a second lottery drawing from the original application pool. Permit holders can start storing a boat on Saturday, March 29th.
LOTTERY APPLICATION
GREENBELT GAZETTE!
The lastest issue of the Greenbelt Gazette is now available. The Greenbelt Gazette is produced by the members of the Conservation Committee.
The current and prior issues are available on our website.
CURRENT GREENBELT GAZETTE
GREENBELT GAZETTE ARCHIVES
ADOPT A HYDRANT!
Have you ever seen firefighters shoveling the fire hydrant near your home? After every winter storm, Cape Elizabeth Firefighters will hand shovel ALL ~200 fire hydrants in town. Why? In an emergency, every second counts! Proactively clearing fire hydrants will ensure quick access during an emergency. The Adopt-A-Hydrant program encourages residents to "adopt" the fire hydrant near their house by clearing a path from snow and ice after winter storms and trees, shrubs, and grass in the summer months. Clearing a fire hydrant near your house will save firefighters time during emergencies.
PARKING BAN FAQs
In response to several recently issued parking bans, the following provides clarity on what it actually means!
What does a parking ban mean?
Vehicles may not park on a public street during a parking ban.
Where is a parking ban applicable?
Any public street within the Town of Cape Elizabeth
Why is there a ban?
Bans are issued in response to forecasted storms. Bans assist crew with snow removal.
REMINDER: Sand for Seniors
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Sand buckets to make driveways and sidewalks safe are available to Cape Elizabeth senior citizens. Please call or email Officer Darin Estes:
207-767-3323 EX 208 OR darin.estes@capeelizabeth.org
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FREE PROGRAMS AT COMMUNITY SERVICES!
The Community Center is offering a series of FREE Adult Programs in March and April. Call to learn more:
207-799-2868
- Building Better Balance - March 7
- Intro to Energy Work & Biofield Tuning - March 7
- Learn to Play Dominoes - March 31 & April 14
- Learn to Play Cribbage - April 28
THOMAS MEMORIAL LIBRARY'S FEBRUARY EVENTS!
Thomas Memorial Library continues to offer our community a wide range of classes and events for all ages. Including, the return of Technology Classes especially geared towards seniors. For example:
Telehealth - Connecting with Your Healthcare Provider from Home
Monday, February 10
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
FEBRUARY NEWS & EVENTS FLYER
TML WEBSITE
COMMUNITY LINKS
Cape Elizabeth Community Services • Cape Elizabeth School Department • CETV On Demand •. Thomas Memorial Library •. Meetings Calendar • Community Events
STAY INFORMED!
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To watch a live meeting from home, visit CETV LIVE on your computer, select the white "play" arrow, or access CETV through Apple TV or Roku (see below for instructions).
Remote participation is available for Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings. To participate remotely, please use the link embedded within each meeting's agenda. Please be advised that per the Remote Participation Policy, remote participation is offered as a convenience. In the event there is a disruption in service and the communication cannot be restored the expectation is the meeting will continue.
Not able to attend a live meeting? Visit CETV On Demand (cetv.capeelizabeth.org) to watch video recordings of meetings that take place in the Council Chambers.
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CETV LIVE
CETV On Demand
Apple & Roku Instructions
Did you know? Closed Captioning is available for both live stream and recorded meetings that occur in the council chambers. |
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