Select Board — June 16, 2026
Select Board reveals internal divisions over solid waste management and opposes state bill that could raise municipal costs.
The meeting was largely procedural, with most votes being unanimous and no public comment being recorded during the hearings.
Questions about this meeting? Just ask.
Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.
At the June 16 Select Board meeting, several decisions were made regarding solid waste management that could have long-term fiscal and operational impacts on the Town of Wells.
First, the Board voted to grant solid waste disposal licenses to Pine Tree Waste and Seacoast Waste Services. They also approved the formation of a new, short-term Solid Waste and Recycling Committee (SWRC) to assist with RFPs and monitor activities at the Transfer Station. Notably, Chairman Karl Ekstedt abstained from both of these votes, marking a clear division on the Board regarding how waste services are managed.
Additionally, the Board took a formal stance against state bill LD1483. This legislation proposes a fee structure that would charge municipalities using landfills to fund those using incinerators. If implemented, this could result in increased waste management costs for our community. The Board has authorized the Town Manager to sign a letter expressing opposition to this bill ahead of the January public hearing.
As these decisions involve both the oversight of local services and potential increases in municipal spending, residents should stay engaged with how the Board manages these critical transitions.
Public impact
Potential increase in municipal waste management costs.
The board unanimously authorized the Town Manager to sign an amended letter expressing the Town's opposition to the bill.
Testimony at the January 9 public hearing.
Topics discussed
The Board held a public hearing to release funds for a replacement snow blower and mandatory code compliance upgrades at Town Hall.
The public hearing was closed and the release of funds was approved unanimously.
Public hearings were held for two companies applying for solid waste disposal licenses: Pine Tree Waste and Seacoast Waste Services.
Both licenses were granted with 4-0-1 votes; Chairman Ekstedt abstained from both.
The Board recognized the Highway Department for storm response and celebrated a long-term employee, while reporting on the completion of the harbor dredge.
The Board noted the successful completion of the dredge and the movement of equipment out of the harbor.
Spring tides are expected to restore sand to the beaches.
The Board reviewed and approved various financial warrants including expenses, school payments, and payroll.
Both the main warrant and the General Assistance warrant were approved unanimously.
The Board reviewed bids for a new highway truck and associated equipment.
The Board unanimously approved the purchase for a total price of $174,426.00.
Discussion regarding the creation of a short-term committee to assist with RFPs and monitor work related to the Transfer Station.
The proposal to set up the committee and begin interviewing applicants was approved 4-0-1, with Ekstedt abstaining.
Interviewing applicants.
The Board discussed the Town's stance on a state bill regarding municipal solid waste disposal.
The Board unanimously authorized the Town Manager to sign an amended letter expressing the Town's position.
Testimony at the January 9 public hearing.
The Town Manager provided updates on harbor infrastructure, FEMA flood maps, and upcoming community events.
The report served as an informational update for the Board and public.
Public information meeting on January 14 regarding the high school project; Restaurant RFP proposals due January 17.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Solid Waste Disposal Licensing and Management
Split votes
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Creating this report cost real money.
MeetingWatch attended, transcribed, and analyzed this meeting on its own dime. If this work is valuable to you, chip in to keep covering Wells.
Follow Wells
One email when a new report is published from the Select Board — or one weekly digest.
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-22.
Members feature
Ask questions. Get answers with receipts.
Ask about anything covered on this page and get a plain-English answer that links to the report, the official records, and the exact moment in the meeting video.
Create a free accountFree with a MeetingWatch account — no card, no spam.
Already a member? Sign in
Ask questions about any meeting
Open a community, board, issue, or meeting and I can answer from its records — with links to the report, official documents, and the exact moment in the video.
Then reopen this button to start asking.
AI-generated from meeting records — verify against the linked sources. Conversations are stored (privacy).