This week calls for chocolates and flowers! As we look ahead, the Town Council is gearing up for a busy spring with a focus on the Town budget (more on that to come in early April), LD 1829 advancements, and Scottow Hill Road. We also share departmental news and give a preview at what it's like for our 911 dispatchers. Read on for more.

Closed Monday for Presidents' Day

Town offices are closed on Monday in honor of Presidents' Day. Trash pickup will remain on schedule. Town Hall reopens on Tuesday at 7:00am.

Attend a "Conversation With Councilors" 3 Remaining!

The Town Council made it a 2026 goal to engage with the public and meet them where they are. They've kicked these efforts off with a second round of "Conversations with the Councilors", a series they started last fall. They've been hosting the listening sessions at different meeting places through the month of February and still have a few left. We hope you'll attend and use this as an opportunity to get more connected to local issues affecting Scarborough. To make it easier for busy families, they've also added a weekend morning session and a virtual option.

Upcoming Sessions

• Monday, February 16: North Scarborough Fire Station, 6:00pm

• Saturday, February 21: Public Safety Building, 10:00am **Weekend morning session**

• Tuesday, February 24: **Virtual Only** 6:00pm (Join on Zoom)

Councilors Michelle Hayes, Scott Doherty, and Bill Donovan (not pictured) hosted the first Conversations with the Councilors session of the new year at Pleasant Hill School. They discussed the impacts of LD 1829, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and short term rentals. 

Workshop & Council Corner Live on Scottow Hill Road

The Town Council held a workshop on February 4th to learn about options available to address Scottow Hill Road (watch recording, timestamp 25:00-1:45:00). The timing was intentional to allow for staff to apply to grants and gather all information to present to the council and public ahead of the FY2027 budget process happening this spring. After hearing presentation from staff at the workshop, the council then held a Council Corner Live on the topic on February 12th to hear more from the public. There were 25 residents, staff, and councilors in attendance, and they had a constructive discussion regarding concerns and options for Scottow Hill Road. Over the next couple of months, staff and the council will work toward funding a solution as part of the FY2027 budget process.

Key Takeaways

• Four deteriorating culverts need to be addressed; replacing in-kind is not an option (needs to be upgraded in sizing)

• Beaver Brook is a protected waterway that runs underneath the road; tidal crossing work is restricted to between November and April

• There are 2 approaches:

1. Culvert replacement (minimum required or more resilient design)

2. Culvert removal and stream restoration (road closure, with optional additional measures like a bypass roadway or other traffic upgrades)

• There are 2 grant opportunities:

1. Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF) requires a resilient design for culvert replacement (application not open yet and is due in May; funding not available until 2027)

2. Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program (MNRCP) is for culvert removal and stream restoration, but requires permanent road closure; funding has been approved

The council emphasized that we are in the information gathering stage and no decisions are being made with the workshop and Council Corner Live. They expressed concern for the disruption to residents and weighed this consideration with other factors.

Town Provides Testimony on LD 1829

After authorization from the Town Council in their last meeting, the Town Manager provided formal written testimony to the state legislature on LD 1829 and its fix bill, LD 2173. Councilors will also attend a public hearing of the State's Housing and Economic Development Committee to provide verbal testimony on February 17th at 10:00am (rescheduled from February 10th). The testimony aims to provide further recommendations in the fix bill that would address Scarborough's concerns regarding the new law's effective date, rate of growth limits, density allowances, and financing on affordable housing projects. The full recommendations are outlined in a memo from Scarborough's Director of Planning and Codes.

Background

The Scarborough Town Council passed a resolution in early January to express concerns with LD 1829, legislation that significantly impacts a municipality's ability to regulate and manage growth. Passed in 2025 and set to go into effect in July 2026, LD 1829 "An Act to Build Housing for Maine Families and Attract Workers to Maine Businesses by Amending the Laws Governing Municipal Land Use Decisions", would significantly increase housing density and limit a community’s ability to control of the rate of growth.

Ordinance Committee Considers Short Term Rentals

In their February 11th meeting, the Ordinance Committee resumed discussions on creating a short term rental registration process. The ordinance contemplates caps on the annual number of permitted short-term rentals (STRs) and amendments the Zoning Ordinance to add new uses, establish where they are permitted, and exclusion zones where the cap doesn't apply.

Background

The Town first began discussing an STR ordinance in 2023 and held a Council Corner Live to gather feedback. The Ordinance Committee drafted a registration process in 2024 that included an inspection for safety purposes. It remained a council goal in 2025 and more public engagement opportunities were held. At this time there was mixed feedback and the committee requested removal of the inspection while keeping the registration portion. The Fire Chief requested it be added back in.

The proposal was ultimately denied by the Town Council in October 2025. Since then, additional concerns have been expressed and a revised proposal is being brought forward.

Access to Meeting Minutes Made Even Easier

Our meeting agenda software got an upgrade! Access materials anytime from the Quicklinks menu on our website homepage. It will bring you to another website with the schedule of meetings and agendas. A major highlight of this platform is the search feature. Enter any keyword (short term rentals, for example) and it will pull from all of the places it is referenced in any public meeting in the past couple of years. There is also a feature to subscribe to receive notifications when agendas for meetings become available (select which meetings to receive an automated email about).

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, February 18

Town Council Workshop: Radio Communications Project, 5:30pm

Regular Town Council Meeting, 7:00pm

Thursday, February 19

Board of Education Meeting, 7:00pm

Monday, February 23

Planning Board Meeting, 6:30pm

Tuesday, February 24

Transportation Committee Meeting, 6:30pm

All meetings are held in Council Chambers at Town Hall unless otherwise noted. Meetings are streamed on Zoom and YouTube unless otherwise indicated. Find links and times for all public meetings on the Town Calendar (links are typically added a few days prior to the meeting).

February 18 Workshop: Radio Communication Project

The Town Council will hold a workshop on February 18th to learn about a significant project that could potentially be on the Fall referendum. The Town is exploring a major municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for its public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. Scarborough currently provides emergency dispatch services for both Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach, and the communities are working together on a shared vision to modernize and integrate their communications systems. Many key components of the existing radio infrastructure have reached or exceeded their expected service life and are no longer supported by the manufacturers to repair or replace when failures occur. This presents a significant risk to system performance, increasing the potential for communication outages that could impact public safety operations.

Currently, a variety of radio systems are used across both towns by Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Schools, Community Services, Recreation, Lifeguards, the Sanitary District, and Wastewater. The goal of a system upgrade is to streamline these separate systems into a cohesive network to improve interoperability and simplify long-term support.

The Town Council will host a workshop on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30pm to learn more about the need, process to date, and proposed solution.

Day in the Life of a 911 Dispatcher

Featured in Scarborough Living Magazine's Latest Issue

Tom Selby is one of our dispatchers in the Police Department. He first joined Scarborough Fire in 2004 as a live-in student at Black Point Station and started with dispatch full-time nearly 20 years ago in 2007. He works the 6:00pm to 4:00am night shift, supporting our around-the-clock emergency response. Over the years, he’s learned how to handle high-stress calls and to stay calm. Even in what can be emotionally intense, Tom finds it rewarding to help people in the fastest time and to get resources to people who need them as efficiently as possible. He also reassures residents that, “You are never alone and to always call 911 for an emergency. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Regardless of the time of day, help will respond.”

Tom's "Day in the Life" is a featured article of the latest issue of Scarborough Living magazine, a free publication by, for, and about Scarborough residents. Pick one up at Town Hall or at one of the many distribution locations across town. Or read his full article (and others) on their website.

Think Spring: New Programs Brochure Out Now!

Scarborough Community Services has the right idea—they're looking ahead to spring😎 The brochure is divided into sections for youth, teen, and active adult programs. There are ongoing, weekly programs like Musicians Circle, Bingo, Chair Yoga, and Games & Gather for adults, as well as classes and trips. Teens can go on early release trips and youth programs include indoor soccer, lacrosse, cross country, and tennis. Save the date for some special spring events, too!

Kayak Storage Lottery Closes Soon

Tired of lugging your kayak to and from the beach? Community Services has the answer for you! We currently have 16 spaces at the Pine Point Co-Op, 16 spaces at Ferry Beach, and 24 at Clay Pits boat launch.

Due to the high demand and the limited amount of spaces, the spaces are leased out for the season using a lottery system. Scarborough residents and taxpayers may enter their name into the lottery for a chance to secure a space for the season. No fee will be assessed for the lottery enrollment. If you are selected, each kayak spot is $150 for the season. The lottery closes on February 25.

Complete your lottery entry by February 25th

Ongoing Pine Point Water Line Replacement Work

The Town is coordinating with Gorham Sand & Gravel and Maine Water on water main replacement work in Pine Point. Work will be conducted on:

• Jones Creek Drive

• Avenue 3

• Avenue 4

• Avenue 5 (section)

• Avenue 6

• King Street (section)

Phase I (February): Avenue 3

Road closed; local traffic only

Phase II (March): Avenue 4

Road closed; local traffic only

There will be no water service disruption for this initial work.

There is a July 1st completion deadline, with full paving work to follow in the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027.

February 28: Annual Spring Passport Day

Saturday, February 28, 2026

9:00am to 2:00pm

Community Services Hub, 418 Payne Road

Do you have travel plans in 2026 that require a passport? Now is the time to apply! Scarborough Community Services is holding their annual Spring Passport Day a bit early so that families can get passports in time for April school break. Call ahead to make an appointment, or just show up between 9:00am and 2:00pm and we will accept your application on a first come, first served basis. This event is open to residents and non-residents.

For details on what you must bring with you, please check passport application requirements on our website or call us at 207-730-4150.

Volunteer on a Town Board or Committee

Looking to broaden your professional experience or get more involved on the local level? We have openings on a few boards and committees and are seeking community members to contribute their expertise. Apply to be part of:

Planning Board: Review new residential, commercial, and industrial development. You'll be among the first to see and review the new applications in town.

Tree Care Advisory Board: Advise Town staff on tree care, develop a list of desirable trees for public properties, and support public awareness on trees. This is a new board; you'll be one of the first to be a part of it.

Conservation Commission: Increase awareness of the value of our natural resources and work to encourage stewardship. You'll have a lasting legacy on Scarborough's landscape.

Ok, I'm interested! Now what? The first step is to complete an online application (also linked on our Boards & Committees webpage). Select the board/committee(s) you're interested in joining. The Appointments & Negotiations Committee (Town Council) meets monthly and reviews applications on an ongoing basis. You will be notified after that time.

Council Corner: A Councilor's Take on Current Issues

By Scott Doherty, Town Council

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.

We sat down with Councilor Doherty to learn his take on the topics making their way through Scarborough government. 

LD 1829: A lot of people are opposed to the new law (effective July 1) because it makes development easier. But, it also makes it easier for residents to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). I’ve been saying all along that the ordinances in town should make it easier for residents to do ADUs, and maybe make it more difficult for developers. People are mad about the traffic that is caused by concentrated development areas. If anyone in town can build an ADU on their own property, that spreads it out from being in one area. 

I attended our first Conversations with Councilors event earlier this month and we heard from two people that said maybe LD 1829 is a good thing. They supported residents having more control of building ADUs on their property.

Short Term Rentals: At first I was a no when it came to further regulating with an ordinance. I thought it was best to let it be, let people rent them out. But I’ve changed my mind after getting calls from some residents having experiences with a house in their neighborhood being used as an Airbnb. Out-of-state firms are buying up houses with cash, sight unseen, and turning them into Airbnbs. I don’t think that’s right. When it comes to making decisions on how a STR ordinance would work, I do think that the beach areas of town feel different than the neighborhood areas. I also know people Airbnb their homes as a source of income, like if they are away on vacation and can rent it out. Maybe we have a compromise, that houses can be rented for a limited time in a year, like up to 4 or 8 weeks in a year but not all the time.

Scottow Hill: We should keep the roads open. We need to keep access to all areas of town. Let’s find a grant to help us replace the culverts.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: We have a goal to keep the increase as minimal as possible. That’s been my goal all along, a 0% increase. If you want to cut taxes, you have to cut spending (and account for inflation). Increases are inevitable, but every single year is kind of crazy. We also need to anticipate that the new school project will increase our taxes. Not much this year, but next year look out. But there’s not too much you can really do about that – the people voted for the school and have to be prepared.

Staying Engaged: Conversations with Councilors sessions are happening all month. In my experience so far, it was great and we gave people a chance to say what they wanted to say. People can also come to the council meetings to see what’s going on, or watch on TV. 

Scarborough Town Council

Cory Fellows (Chair) • Larry Cain (Vice Chair) • Jonathan Anderson • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Michelle Hayes • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month (third Wednesday only in July and August). Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Kindergarten Registration Open for 2026-27 School Year

We are so excited to welcome our newest class of students to Scarborough Public Schools! If your child is ready to start their educational journey with us in the Fall of 2026, here is what you need to know:

Eligibility: Your child must turn 5 years old on or before October 15, 2026.

Action Required: Please complete the New Student Enrollment Form right away to help us plan for all potential students!

Undecided? If your child meets the age requirement but you are still deciding due to their age or developmental level, please complete the Registration Form anyways! This helps us ensure we have the resources ready for everyone.

What's Next? More information will be provided throughout the spring, including appointments to review paperwork and notarize residency.

Need Help? We are happy to meet with you and provide an interpreter to help complete the forms. Call any of our school offices:

• Blue Point: 207-730-5300

• Eight Corners: 207-730-5200

• Pleasant Hill: 207-730-5250

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

The Library will also be closed on Monday, February 16th for Presidents' Day.

Maya Williams, Portland Poet Laureate

Tuesday, February 17, 5:30-6:30pm

Register

Maya Williams (ey/em, they/them, and she/her) is a religious Black multiracial nonbinary suicide survivor who is currently an Ashley Bryan Fellow, a Creative Fellow of the University of New England's Maine Women Writers Collection and was selected as the seventh Poet Laureate of Portland, Maine for a July 2021 to July 2024 term. 

Armchair Traveler: The Animals of Madagascar

Monday, February 23, 1:00-2:00pm

Register

A three-part series with Dr. Kristine Hoyt. We'll close out the series learning about the animals. Attend in-person or online.

Tax Diversification: Building a Smarter Financial Future

Tuesday, February 24, 6:00-7:00pm

Register (Online event)

Join us for an engaging and easy-to-understand session on Tax Diversification-- a key part of creating a well-rounded financial strategy. This approach can help you manage your money more efficiently, not just for retirement, but through every stage of life. You’ll learn how balancing taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts can help you minimize tax impact, add flexibility, and make your money work smarter for your goals.

Joys of Birdwatching (7-Part Series)

Tuesday, March 3, 12:00-2:00pm (Every Tuesday through April 14)

Register (Low seat count)

Are you curious about nature? Do you want to tune into the rhythms of the world around you? Birdwatching is an enjoyable, affordable, relaxing and rewarding way to connect more deeply with the outdoors. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this fun and interactive 7-part series will introduce you to the tools, techniques, and wonders of birding - from spotting your first chickadee to recognizing warblers by their songs. Each class stands alone and can be taken independently. Geared toward adults/teens, classroom-based, and for all experience levels!