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Home > Sears Island Initiative > Meeting Schedule > Summary May 30th

Sears Island Planning Initiative Steering Committee Meeting
First Congregational Church of Searsport
May 30, 2006

SUMMARY OF FIRST MEETING

I. Welcome and Introductions

Dianne Smith, of the Town of Searsport and Chair of the Sears Island Alternative Use Committee, welcomed the parties to the first meeting of the Sears Island Planning Initiative Steering Committee. Karin Tilberg of the Maine Department of Conservation (DOC) explained that state agencies, at the request of Governor Baldcacci, and in concert with the Town of Searsport,created this stakeholder process to develop a consensus plan for Sears Island. The goal of the process is to arrive at a set of recommendations through consensus that will be submitted to the Governor, the Transportation Committee of the Legislature and the Town of Searsport with action steps for implementation.

Tilberg reviewed prior steps in the process, including the Scoping Meeting in Augusta on January 23, 2006. Participants in that meeting helped design this process and how it might unfold, identifying potential participants and other process issues, including ample public participation opportunities. No substantive discussions took place at that initial meeting. Tilberg stated that today’s agenda should include the identification of missing perspectives on the Steering Committee – who else should be at the table? Tilberg added the importance of striving for a transparent and credible process with opportunity for all interested parties to discuss the issues and craft an outcome of which everyone will be proud.

Sue Inches from SPO offered her office as a resource to the process.

Jonathan Reitman, the facilitator chosen to guide this process was selected after review of six proposals. While acknowledging the difficult history of controversy around Sears Island, he encouraged participants to seize this unique “moment in time” to build dialogue leading to consensus.

Participants at the meeting then introduced themselves.

II. Agenda Review

The facilitator reviewed the agenda, noting that the original draft sent out by email had undergone some revision to reflect input received.

III. Steering Committee Goal and Governance

The parties reviewed the Draft of Proposed Goal and Governance Document, setting forth the proposed goal, Steering Committee and Resource Circle Membership, Facilitator role and responsibilities, decision-making process, and groundrules.

Agreement on Goal for the Process:
After group discussion, it was agreed that the Goal for this process would be revised to read: “It is the goal of the Steering Committee to develop consensus recommendations for future land use activities for Sears Island. The plan and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor of the State of Maine, the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation of the Maine Legislature and the municipality of Searsport.”

Agreement on Decision-making Process:
The facilitator distributed the document entitled Consensus to further explain the decision-making process of the group. A question was raised about what would happen in the event that most, but not all parties agree to a set of recommendations. The facilitator stated that the Steering Committee would decide at that time what action to take.

Agreement on Groundrules for Effective Communication and Dispute Resolution:
The parties reviewed and agreed that the “Principles of Constructive Participation” (Groundrules) set forth in the document would guide their future work together. The facilitator suggested an additional groundrule that parties place their cell phones on “vibrate” mode during proceedings to minimize disruption. He also suggested that he would not be a “groundrules cop,” and that it was the responsibility of each member of the group to abide by and enforce the groundrules.

IV. Composition of Steering Committee and Resource Circle

The facilitator invited parties to come forward who are interested in serving on the Steering Committee, noting that the composition of the Steering Committee and Resource Circle should be balanced, credible and of a manageable size.

He added that since the group had agreed to use the consensus process, no individual or idea could be “out-voted,” and therefore exact numerical consistency among interest groups should not be of primary concern.

A list of parties involved in the initial Scoping Meeting in January was distributed. Tilberg noted that some parties indicated they would stay on if the process goes forward. However, she added that this has always been viewed as a group of interested parties to initiate the process with the expectation that others would join to create the Steering Committee that would work together to develop the recommendations.

Concerns were raised that those involved in the Scoping Meeting were already considered to be members of the Steering Committee without group consensus. Many asked that the process of creating the Steering Committee begin “from scratch” today.

Issues raised included: The Searsport Comprehensive Plan took six years to complete. The abutting Town of Stockton Springs has a big interest in the future of Sears Island. There is an undercurrent of mistrust of this process due to past events. Trust within the Steering Committee will take time to develop. There was interest in whether parties were involved in the process voluntarily or as part of their paid employment. The need for regional representation was cited (e.g. Waldo County Commissioners)

It was agreed that the composition of the Steering Committee would be determined today, from scratch, with each interested stakeholder (including those in attendance at the January Scoping Meeting) coming forward to express the viewpoint they wish to represent and with the understanding that they will commit to the consensus process and adhere to the groundrules as discussed. The facilitator asked for interested parties to come forward and provide their name, stakeholder affiliation/group/view, and reason for wanting to serve on the Steering Committee.

The following parties came forward to express their interest in serving on the Steering Committee:

  1. Marietta Ramsdell of Protect Sears Island: a broad-based grassroots citizens’ coalition committed to working through the political system to permanently protect the natural heritage and public access legacy of Sears Island.
  2. Jan Flint, representing daily users of Sears Island, including causeway fishermen, artists, joggers, dog walkers, kayakers, birders, and educational researchers/users from elementary through college level.
  3. Harlan McLaughlin of Fair Play for Sears Island, representing conservation groups interested in keeping Sears Island forever wild.
  4. James Grossman of The Squaw Point Association representing twenty households on the southwestern portion of Cape Jellison, in Stockton Springs. One-half of the membership lives less than ½ mile from Sears Island and their quality of life and property values are affected by activities on the Island.
  5. Nancy-Linn Nellis, Chair of the Waldo County Marketing Association, representing tourism related businesses. Views Sears Island as a national treasure important to the region for its eco-tourism benefits and the economic benefits of leaving the Island unspoiled.
  6. Scott Dickerson, Executive Director of Coastal Mountains Land Trust, offering expertise in stewardship of Sears Island conservation land to the Sears Island Planning Initiative.
  7. Jim Freeman, President of Friends of Sears Island, a not-for-profit organization formed in response to the Liquified Natural Gas Initiative. FSI represents people from area towns and cares for Sears Island through activities including trail building, maintenance and trash clean-up.
  8. Jay and McCormack Economy, small business owners and landowners who regularly use Sears Island. Jay requested either member or alternate status on the Steering Committee.
  9. Lorin Hollander of Stockton Springs, representing families locally and globally to keep Sears Island and like places forever wild for the “future of humanity.”
  10. James Gillway, Searsport Town Manager, representing viewpoints of townspeople.
  11. Becky Bartovics of the Penobscot Bay Alliance, a member organization interested in preventing pollution, protecting public access to the shore, and managing marine and coastal resources for the support of present and future generations.
  12. Dianne Smith, Chair of the Sears Island Alternative Use Committee (SIAUC), representing the views of the SIAUC in addition to Searsport residents.
  13. Buck Bulkley of the Village at Stockton Harbor homeowners association, representing the view that Sears Island should be preserved as a natural resource and that no commercial development is acceptable.
  14. Larraine Brown a small business owner representing the creative community and Sears Island users.
  15. Karin Tilberg, Deputy Commissioner, Maine Department of Conservation, committed to a transparent and credible process resulting in consensus based recommendations for Sears Island.
  16. David Black, a lobster-fisherman in Zone D (Penobscot Bay).
  17. Robert Ramsdell of the Searsport Shellfish Management Committee representing the view that additional areas become open to shell-fishing. He said he is willing to serve as an alternate.
  18. Sue Inches of the State Planning Office, not representing any particular viewpoint, but advocating for an open process. The Director of the SPO, Martha Freeman, will also be involved in the process.
  19. Joan Saxe of the Sierra Club, representing the interest to protect and preserve Sears Island.
  20. David Gelinas of Penobscot Bay River Pilots Association, representing the interests of commercial mariners to assure that ports stay viable and economically sound to meet future needs and remain a vital link in Maine’s transportation infrastructure.
  21. Alan Stearns of the Governor’s Office offered to be part of the Steering Committee in order to help advance the dialogue. In response to concern about his participation on the committee (since his office would ultimately make the decision on any recommendations forwarded by the committee) he stated that the Governor is hoping that consensus will be achieved and is not seeking to make any independent decision regarding the future of Sears Island. He added that the State Legislature and the voting public ultimately have the greater authority.
  22. State Senator Dennis Damon representing District 28 in Hancock County with a great interest and stake in this process along with all Maine residents. As Senate Chair of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, he views the transportation infrastructure, including ports and marine transportation, very important to the state’s interests. Sen. Damon also sits on the Committee on Marine Resources.
  23. Astrig Tanguay, owner of Searsport Shores Campground, representing the small business, creative economy and tourism interests.
  24. Jonathan Daniels of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation, representing community and regional economic interests. He also offered expertise as a former port manager in Eastport and Baton Rouge, La.
  25. John Melrose of the private consulting firm of Maine Tomorrow, interested in the importance of the port to the economic development of outlying area such as Millinocket and Aroostook, the effects on development that emphasis placed on certain types of transportation will have, and the energy efficiency of marine transport (and rail) versus truck.
  26. Maria Fuentes, of Maine Better Transportation Association, representing the “Three-Port Strategy” transportation system and job creation in the private sector through shipping, rail, and aviation companies.
  27. Jeff Sosnaud was named by Phil Savignano to represent the Maine Department of Tourism, within the Department of Economic and Community Development.
  28. Andrea DeFrancesca, representing marine harvesters, offered service as an alternate member of the Steering Committee.
  29. David Cole, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, is also Chair of the Maine Port Authority.
  30. John Hyk, Chair of the Waldo County Commisioners, representing regional interests.
  31. Jim Therriault of Sprague Energy offered to be involved either as a Steering Committee or Resource Circle member, stating that he would remain engaged in the process.
  32. State Senator Carol Weston, representing Waldo County, is Assistant Minority Leader in the Senate. She xpressed interest in participating in the process.

Resource Circle: [Individuals/organizations to provide information and/or advice to Steering Committee as requested, but not expected to attend every meeting]

  1. Tim Love of the Penobscot Nation representing tribal interests in Sears Island.
  2. David Cole, Commissioner of MDOT and past Chair of the Maine Port Authority, also offered to serve on the Resource Circle.
  3. Steve Miller of the Islesboro Island Trust expressed an interest in monitoring and staying involved with the process, and is willing to serve either as an alternate or member of the Resource Circle.
  4. Joe Perry, a Searsport Selectman, offered to serve in any capacity that would be helpful, but since Dianne Smith and James Gillway are on the Steering Committee, he feels Searsport’s interests are adequately represented without him.
Others Identified as Potential Resource Circle members:


Jeff Madore, DEP
David Etnier, DMR
Steve Timpano, IFW
Kathy Fuller, DOT
Steve Spencer, DOC

General Issues which were raised during this discussion include:

  • Parties who will ultimately have the ability to obstruct this process should be involved as members of the Steering Committee early on.
  • What is the scope of this group - Is this a Sears Island issue only, or does it extend to the port?
  • Important that missing perspectives be identified now, or it could cause problems down the road. Those here today should actively seek-out missing perspectives to get them involved as soon as possible rather than well into the process.
  • The size of the Steering Committee is not as important as the commitment to consistently being there and sharing the information.
  • Accurate information is needed to make good decisions.
  • The Committee should not be closed today if this is to be an open process.
  • Interest groups should pool together to appoint a representative to pare down the multiple groups with like-minded viewpoints.
  • There should be some criteria for additional members of the Steering Committee after today to prevent more and more members with the same viewpoint.

It was proposed that the Steering Committee be comprised of all who self-select today and to leave open spaces on the Committee for others who emerge later.

“Missing viewpoints” were identified as follows:

  • Educational/Academic,
  • Scientific,
  • Marine transport/shippers,
  • Railroad, and
  • Regional representatives from areas/industries served by the port.

The following consensus was reached: The Steering Committee will move forward as the group posted (listed above), while leaving open spaces for the interests noted as missing, and the Steering Committee will welcome newcomers as they emerge. It is hoped that new members will join the Steering Committee no later than the next meeting.


V. Overview of Process

The facilitator suggested the following goals for the Steering Committee to accomplish:

  • Develop a first-cut list of issues to address that will be necessary in order to reach consensus (see below).
  • Compile educational materials from which to develop presentations and other resources for the Steering Committee and public. It is important that everyone involved is working from the same information if consensus is to be reached. The formation of an Education Subcommittee was suggested.
  • At the second and subsequent meetings, participants will share their visions of uses for the Island which address the issues listed and accommodate varying interests.

The facilitator outlined his role and responsibilities in the process, including: agenda planning; drafting meeting summaries; meeting with parties/groups privately to discuss ideas, etc.; and, circulating an email list (see Governance document for detail).

 

VI. Identification of Issues

 

It was agreed that resolving uncertainties will help to assure a successful process. Issues to be addressed by the Steering Committee in order to reach a consensus decision were identified as follows:

Port Issues: identified as a priority issue for the Education Subcommittee:

  • What constitutes the “Port of Searsport?”
  • Relationship of Sears Island to the Port of Searsport
  • To the extent that port expansion is warranted, where would it go?
  • On what basis will it be decided if expansion is necessary?
  • If there is port expansion, what is the impact on fisheries?
  • Port expansion and the changing world/externalities – what are the final costs and impact on communities, who pays for infrastructure, etc. (the “true” economic future)
  • Examination of Three-Port Strategy
  • What have other states done? (e.g. to define a “port buffer”)

Transportation Issues:

  • Clarify MDOT’s position on Sears Island/What are MDOT’s plans for Sears Island?
  • Examine legitimacy of MDOT’s reservation of 280 acres versus the whole island
  • General MDOT Plans for the state, mid-coast, and Gateway One
Steering Committee Resources:
  • How to best utilize the materials gathered re: Sears Island?
  • How to incorporate LD 277 and the Searsport Comprehensive Plan into the recommendations? (Note: Copies of the Comp Plan are available at the Searsport Town Office and Anne Crimando, Chair of Comp Plan Committee has offered to be a resource)
  • Has an Environmental Impact Statement been done, and, is it current?
  • Review list of information gathered to date – is it complete? How do members access the various reports?
Ecological Issues:
  • Application of/adherence to national laws protecting natural resources, threatened and endangered species
  • Update the Natural Resource Inventory
  • Impact of restoration of waterway (at causeway)
  • Impact of air pollution, water quality, noise and light pollution from any proposed development (and environmental impact of providing the same service in alternate way)
  • Opportunities for marine research?
Miscellaneous Issues:
  • What are Sprague Energy’s plans?
  • Clarify Governor’s position on Sears Island, as well as DOT & DOC.
  • Shared use
  • Does Sears Island need “betterment” and what would that look like?
  • Ecological economics of the Islands natural resources
  • Explore/Analyze the asset of Sears Island from standpoint of national and international economic and tourism trends
  • Impact of development of Sears Island on Stockton Springs and Stockton Harbor
  • Examine Sears Island in light of Land for Maine Futures Program – how does public property fit in and the trend of public voting for land conservation?
  • What legal tools exist in re: range of options for land use on Sears Island? (Legal overview of efforts elsewhere, including land banking and buffers)
  • Analysis of legalities surrounding Sears Island and the validity of the MOU/process to date/funds used/decision making process leading up to this point
  • Opportunities for marine research
  • What is happening at Sears Island now/between now and the decision point?
  • What are the tax implications of any development or lack of development on Sears Island?
  • How can we ensure that the work of the Committee is treated in a meaningful way and not marginalized? We should plan for implementation.
  • Implications of recommendations on Searsport’s tax base and structure
  • How to incorporate “traditional uses” into recommendations

VII. Next Steps

Proposed Timeline/Public Participation Events:

A Proposed Timeline for Sears Island Planning Initiative (May-July, 2006) was distributed and discussed. It was noted that this schedule was designed to be aggressive between now and mid-July, with a re-convening in September. The proposed timeline includes a site visit, two additional Steering Committee meetings, a public participation event, and meetings of the Education Subcommittee.

Sue Inches of the State Planning Office provided an overview of the Public Participation Event to be held in late June at Belfast’s Hutchison Center. The “Open Space Technology” is a unique process recognizing the “public” as a stakeholder. Designed to allow for maximum inclusivity, the participants (including members of the Steering Committee) develop their own agenda according the issues they are most passionate about and take the responsibility to convene and facilitate breakout sessions to further address those issues. It is intended that the results of this type of meeting will provide valuable guidance to the Steering Committee. An additional such public meeting will be planned later in the fall.

Concern was expressed about the times of day, days of the week, and locations of some of the proposed meetings. In response, the meetings were scheduled as follows:

  • Sears Island/Mack Point Site Visit to take place on June 7th at 10:00AM. Participants are asked to bring their lunch and to contact Steve Spencer at 287-4920 in case of weather concerns.
  • Second Steering Committee meeting, Searsport (with video link to Bangor), Thursday, June 15 (now changed to June 16), 1-6 p.m.
  • Public Participation event (Open Space meeting, invitation forthcoming) -- Saturday June 24, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • Third Steering Committee meeting, Searsport (with potential video links), Wednesday, July 12, 1-6p.m.
  • September dates will be suggested prior to the next meeting and determined at the next steering committee meeting.

Invitations to the meetings will be sent out to the Steering Committee and notices posted on the Department of Conservation website. In addition, press releases will be sent out and Steering Committee members are expected to inform their constituencies. Paid advertisements will be considered for the Open Space meeting.

Alternates can attend meetings, but are asked to come to meetings prepared and up to date on the issues.

Education/Joint Fact-Finding:
The facilitator asked for volunteers to attend a meeting for the purpose of shaping the educational/joint fact-finding component of the process to begin to address the issues identified above.

Volunteers agreed to meet as follows:
Education Committee, Searsport Town Hall, Monday, June 12, 2-4 p.m.

VIII. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 pm.

Meeting Summary Prepared by Kimberly Vogel and Jonathan Reitman.