City of Belfast

The Council meeting involved discussions and actions on various city business items. Key topics included an update on broadband expansion by GWI, a project status update on 126 Church Street, and the bidding process for tax-foreclosed properties. The Council approved the appropriation of funds for property tax assessment, authorized hourly pay for volunteer ambulance shifts, and approved a transfer of American Rescue Plan funds. Additionally, the Council reviewed reports on extreme precipitation, the tree inventory, and accepted several facility use applications for community events. Finally, the meeting addressed legal matters and city policy through executive sessions.

The council discussed various city projects, including the Congress Street and Wales Park sidewalk and storm water drainage project, and authorized the creation of new Community Development Advisory Committees for grant programs. Decisions were made regarding polling locations for the November election and the adoption of a Community Revitalization Plan. The council established a pricing policy for the Bridge Street electric vehicle charging station, authorized staff travel to a national conference, and selected a firm for the Shore and Harbor Grant/Breakwater Project. Additionally, the council directed the Planning Board to draft ordinance language regarding adult-use marijuana, approved appointments for library and committee positions, authorized bids for airport improvements, approved facility use requests for community events, and addressed legal expenses related to an ongoing real estate matter.

The Council discussed various administrative and municipal matters, including executive sessions on legal and personnel issues. Public hearings were held regarding license applications for a restaurant/lounge and a victualer. The meeting covered appointments to committees, zoning amendments, lease agreements for boat builders, and construction permits. The Council approved purchases for police equipment, accepted reimbursement funds for a K-9 program, set harbor usage fees, authorized grant applications for the Fire Department, and addressed personal property tax abatements.

The Council discussed various municipal items, including updates on the Wales Park/Congress Street Sidewalk project and community radio operations. They finalized several appointments to the Planning Board and RSU #71 School Board. Approvals were granted for amusement and liquor licenses for the Belfast Curling Club, the establishment of the School Street Affordable Housing Development and Tax Increment Financing District, and the agreement for the management of the City Park Pool. Additionally, the Council authorized the removal of a tree, accepted a Memorandum of Understanding for a School Resource Officer, approved an FAA grant for the airport, and authorized the purchase of a refurbished ambulance. Other actions included appointing a paramedic/firefighter, accepting a donation to the Fire Department, conducting an executive session regarding a personnel matter, and signing various Council Orders for fuel, equipment, and property interests.

The council meeting addressed several personnel appointments, including the new Fire Chief, Transfer Station Manager, Deputy Harbor Master, and Deputy Clerk/Deputy Tax Collector. Key discussions included the proposed walkway through Wales Park, updates to the Code and Planning Department fee schedule, and potential infrastructure funding. The council also approved multiple budget transfers for building maintenance and operations, authorized carry forward budget lines, approved an administrator for a Community Development Block Grant, and approved the placement of a memorial for fallen soldiers in Post Office Square.