Skip To Main Content

Council Outlook

2024 Council Goals

In January of each year, Town Council holds a goals workshop to develop their priority initiatives for the year ahead. Their goals for 2024 are as follows:

Financial Goals
  • Net Budget increase less than 5%
  • Update financial modeling, Cost-to-Serve analysis and Downs’ TIF/CEA Modeling
  • Review and/or update CEA Policy to align with council goals regarding expenditures, growth and housing options
  • Maintain an optimal credit/bond rating
  • Explore expanding tax rebate programs
Housing/Homelessness
  • Continue to support workforce and affordable housing options
Growth/Development
  • Update Impact Fees
  • Limit the expansion of growth initiatives outside of existing permitted land/zoning uses
Capital Improvements & Facilities
  • Partner with School Department, BOE and community to develop a plan for school facility needs and help facilitate it through a public process
  • Establish multi-year Capital Facilities prioritization list representing investment needs of $5M or more over the next 20 years.
  • Continue to support the Ad-Hoc Community Center Committee and their planning efforts
Conservation & Sustainability
  • Advance Land Bond for 2024 ballot to replenish open space/conservation funds
  • Continue to support efforts to increase open space/conservation efforts in town such as the 30x30 goal
  • Support a Climate Action Plan for Scarborough utilizing data from the Vulnerability Assessment
Traffic & Transportation
  • Identify priorities within the Town-Wide Transportation Study once completed and develop plan to implement the most significant and impactful changes to address traffic congestion and transportation improvements around town
  • Identify land use implications and impacts of the Gorham Connector
  • Continue support of the Gorham Connector as a way to reduce traffic congestion in Western & Northern Scarborough
  • Raise awareness around a multi-year investment plan to improve town infrastructure, streets, sidewalks and transportation initiatives
Communications
  • Raise awareness and effectively communicate the town revaluation process and impacts
  • Have all committee work conducted be available using the hybrid methodology (online & in person) as well as recorded and available for easy public consumption.
  • Improve Council/Town communications to enhance understanding around council decisions
  • Provide easier and clearer information to the public surrounding major topics within the community via the implementation of an “issue tracker sheet”.  The tracker sheet should contain information on the topic, hearing dates, and disposition for the public to easily follow issues of interest to them.
General
  • Phase out Cannabis cultivation with negative impacts to residential areas
  • Improve residential water quality standards – pursue a clean drinking water standard vs. potable standard


2024 Council Norms:

  • Begin and end with what is best for the community in mind (listening and acknowledging community input and considerations during the process). 
  • Be Present - Come to meetings prepared to be an active participant. Refrain from the use of cell phones and other distractions during public meetings.  
  • Practice civility and decorum in all interactions with each other, town staff, as well as members of the public.
  • Refrain from public criticism of individuals. 
  • Be familiar with, and actively adhere to, Council Rules and Robert's Rules of Order.

Town Council Corner

As the Town Council discusses relevant issues in Scarborough, learn more about their perspective and how you can join the conversation. Council Corner articles serve as a way for councilors to educate and expand upon these topics outside of the meeting setting. They often encourage public participation through sharing links to recent or upcoming meetings and inviting public comment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.


By Nick McGee, Town Council Chair

With 2023 in the rearview, we turn our attention to what is in store for Scarborough in 2024.  The council recently met to discuss our goals for the upcoming year. According to the survey, residents continue to be most concerned with the rate of growth, taxes, and traffic congestion in town.

By Jean Marie Caterina, Town Council 

After four years of allowing cannabis cultivation and manufacturing of related products in industrial zoned areas, we are learning that the aroma of the plant when harvested is very difficult to “scrub” and keep out of the air of neighborhoods that surround facilities. It is not a pleasant odor. Allowing it to permeate nearby homes is unacceptable. It is time to reconsider how to move forward. 

By April Sither, Town Council 

The results of the community wide survey are in! As expected, the 2023 community survey paints a complex picture. While the town boasts tremendous strengths in the areas of public services and public safety, and our town hall staff once again earned top marks, we also face challenges that will require policy changes, information campaigns, and introspection on the part of the council. It is not at all surprising to me that the highest priority issues to our residents are pace of growth, traffic, and taxes. All three have the power to create uncomfortable pressure points which negatively affect our quality of life.

By Jon Anderson, Town Council 

I am so grateful that I get to call Scarborough my home and give back as a Town Councilor. My objective is to preserve as much as we can of this exceptional town, while enhancing the quality of life for all. It’s not going to be easy, but my hope is to build on the past year’s successes and continue to make forward progress as we overcome inevitable hurdles together as a community. This time of year is always highly reflective, so here are some of the highlights in 2023 and opportunities for 2024.

By Karin Shupe, Town Council 

One of the Town Council’s 2023 goals was to conserve 30% of its land by 2030, referred to as "30x30". The Council decided to take on this federal initiative on a local level, given our town’s rapid rate of growth and unique natural resources. But not one group, organization, or town department can accomplish this goal alone. 

Council Chair Reports

Every few months, the Town Council Chair provides a full update to councilors on anticipated upcoming agenda items, current and future initiatives, and a general timeline for action items on current issues. These reports give a comprehensive look at the most timely issues under Town Council review.


April 2022 Chair Report


Past Chair Reports

February 2021 Chair Report

January 2021 Chair Report 

November 2020 Chair Report