Your area Not set — showing everywhere
How it works Support this town
Weekly digest · Wells, ME

The week in ⁠Wells

Jun 22–28, 2026Week 26 · 2026
All weeks

3 public meetings analyzed this week.

3
Meetings analyzed
1
Public comments
0
Heated sessions
1
Unanswered
What's important ⁠this week

The Zoning Board of Appeals authorized a $12,500 contract with Applied Coastal Research and Engineering to challenge new FEMA flood maps that rely on flawed West Coast modeling. The Planning Board had already voted to hire its own expert after similar concerns surfaced at its June 15 meeting. ⁠This effort could prevent unjustified insurance hikes for more than 2,000 Wells properties.

The Select Board granted solid-waste disposal licenses to Pine Tree Waste and Seacoast Waste Services while forming a short-term oversight committee, though Chairman Karl Ekstedt abstained on both votes. It also authorized opposition to state bill LD1483 that would raise municipal landfill costs. Meanwhile the Planning Board approved a new town website contract and fee hikes that were never listed on the public agenda.

Residents should monitor the February 4 public hearing on beach parking passes and lodging fee increases. The Town will soon mail updates to affected property owners about the FEMA appeal process and post ongoing details on its website.

Meetings this week, in ⁠order of impact

Ranked by public engagement, decisional consequence, and whether speakers' concerns were addressed on the record.
All Wells meetings →
01
Planning Board2026-06-15

Planning Board · Jun 15

FEMA flood map review could force 2108 owners to buy insurance and raise houses if renovations occur due to inaccurate modeling.

Topics Solid Waste Disposal License· FEMA New Flood Maps Review· Beach Parking Pass Policy Amendment· Website Design and Development Contract· Mutual Aid Agreement: Wells Fire and WEMS
Talking points
  • The agenda promised land use and subdivision reviews. Instead, the Board spent the time on off-agenda items: a $23,865 website contract, police vehicle disposal, and significant changes to lodging fees. This is a failure of transparency.
  • When decisions like new fee structures or major contracts are made without prior notice, residents lose their ability to provide input. We deserve a meeting that follows its own posted agenda.
  • Beyond the transparency issues, the Board is tackling high-stakes items like inaccurate FEMA flood modeling that could cost homeowners thousands in insurance. Stay tuned as we follow these developments.
Read the full report →
Lively
1public speaker
1 not addressed
02
Zoning Board of Appeals2026-06-22

Zoning Board of Appeals · Jun 22

Board discussed FEMA maps affecting 2108 properties whose flawed modeling may require costly flood insurance and home raises.

Topics Spring Thaw Road Policy· CMP Transmission Line Road Damage Bond· Grant Match Fund Approvals· Liquor License and Entertainment Permit Applications· Financial Warrants
Talking points
  • The Town Manager reported that new FEMA maps rely on West Coast modeling that doesn't fit our coast. This error threatens the finances of 2,108 local properties. The ZBA has authorized a $12,500 contract with engineers to prove the modeling is flawed.
  • What’s next? The Town will mail affected owners and provide updates online. This is a critical fight to ensure residents aren't unfairly penalized by inaccurate data.
Read the full report →
Routine
03
Select Board2026-06-16

Select Board · Jun 16

Select Board tackled solid waste licenses while noting the state bill relies on old technology without a master plan.

Topics Emergency Fund Release· Solid Waste Disposal Licenses· Highway Department Recognition and Harbor Dredge Update· Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants· Highway Truck Bid Award
Talking points
  • The Board voted 4-0-1 to grant solid waste disposal licenses to both Pine Tree Waste and Seacoast Waste Services. Additionally, they voted 4-0-1 to form a new Solid Waste and Recycling Committee to monitor the Transfer Station. In both cases, Chairman Ekstedt abstained.
  • This comes as the Board unanimously authorized the Town Manager to oppose LD1483—a state bill that would impose fees on landfill-using towns to fund incinerator-using towns. This bill could directly increase costs for Wells residents. Stay informed on how your waste is managed.
  • Why is the Chairman abstaining from these critical waste management decisions? As the town navigates new committees and state legislation that affects our wallets, residents deserve clarity on the Board's direction.
Read the full report →
Routine
All weekly digests for Wells
Digest composed by grok-4.3 on 2026-06-28.