City of Lewiston

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session concerning an Economic Development issue, followed by the regular meeting. Key actions included approving fund transfers between Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bond accounts: $77,000 for the Main Street Pump Station Upgrade project and $38,000 for the Granite/Lowell water line replacement project. The Council also approved creating a 4-way stop at the intersection of Rideout Avenue and Fisher Avenue, and authorized the City Clerk to sign mobile home park licenses for a specified term. An order was approved prohibiting vehicles over 23,000 pounds from certain roads during the spring thaw period (February 18 to May 1, 2026). Public hearings were held concerning a new liquor license for Fran's Restaurant and an emergency ordinance on Federal Immigration Enforcement, which received first and final passage. First passage was also given to a moratorium ordinance regarding rent increases in mobile home parks and an amendment to establish a Public Safety Committee. The Council received and reviewed recommendations for the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan, subsequently adopting the FY2027 City of Lewiston Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. Furthermore, the Council directed the City Administrator to seek legal review regarding a resolution addressing the needs of individuals affected by the October 25, 2023 mass shooting. An option agreement for Bates Mill #5 was amended to approve a six-month extension with required performance agreement development before a potential five-year extension vote. The City Administrator was authorized to execute a three-year collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local #785. Finally, Runyon Kersteen Ouellette (RKO) was appointed as the City's independent auditor for the fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and Amran Osman was appointed to the Public Health Committee. The meeting concluded after a final Executive Session.

The workshop focused on providing an update regarding solid waste collection in the city, transitioning to a new contract with Cassella Waste Systems, which began in July 2025. The presentation detailed a hybrid collection system combining manual rear-load collection for certain areas (due to factors like multi-unit buildings and on-street parking) and automated side-load collection for the majority of the city. Key discussion points included the distribution plan for approximately 27,000 new waste and recycling carts, detailed instructions on cart placement (e.g., lid down, handle toward the road), and the introduction of an accompanying mobile application to check collection schedules and identify acceptable recyclable materials via a 'recycle wizard'. Challenges identified, such as one-way streets and dead-ends, may require modifications to Chapter 62 of the solid waste ordinance, including rules regarding cart placement during storms and penalties for over-generating waste or improperly placing recycling bins. The rollout is tentatively scheduled for July/August, with initial weeks featuring enhanced assistance and reminders from Cassella personnel.

The meeting commenced with roll call and welcomed a fully appointed member to the Board. Key discussion points included adjustments to the agenda to add an amendment to the handbook under other business, and a reminder regarding the use of the new planning board email list to maintain public record integrity during correspondence. The primary focus was on the Lewon Capital Improvement Plan (LCIP) public hearing and subsequent board discussion. Director Connor addressed the Board to apologize for an oversight in abutter notification for a previously scheduled item (240 Bartlett Street), which was subsequently pulled and rescheduled. The Board then began the process of selecting top items to recommend for elimination or reduction from the LCIP due to the large request amount versus the bond amount, engaging in a roll call exercise where members cited concerns regarding take-home vehicles for the police department, educational space funding (potentially for administration), and significant deferred maintenance in specific residential street areas.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the minutes from the February 3rd meeting. Public comment addressed civic engagement, the importance of council attention, concerns about Flock camera data storage and potential discriminatory placement, and topics such as public safety, city transparency, and the need for audits regarding funding, including the Lewiston shooting fund. The Administrator provided an update on the challenging FY27 budget process, noting required cuts of approximately $6.2 million to achieve a target 5% increase over last year, with no new headcount requests. Updates were also provided on community surveys for branding/image improvement and CDBG planning. The council discussed upcoming events, new staff hires and promotions, and scheduled a workshop on the charter commission process and the presentation of the FY27 budget on March 10th. The consent agenda, which passed unanimously, included several finance-related orders authorizing fund transfers for water infrastructure projects, adding stop signs to create a four-way stop, authorizing clerks to sign mobile home park licenses, and prohibiting heavy vehicles on certain roads until May 1st, 2026. The meeting also included a public hearing and approval of a new liquor license for France Restaurant and a public hearing for an emergency ordinance pertaining to federal immigration enforcement.

The meeting involved a presentation by Ron Smith of RHR Smith & Company regarding the City of Lewiston's June 30th, 2025 audit. The auditor praised the city's financial reporting, noting that Lewiston is one of very few communities in Maine that prepares its own Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Key financial discussions included the consistent balance sheet, a $31 million assigned fund balance (a $7 million increase from the previous year, largely due to higher-than-expected investment earnings and state subsidy for the school system), compensated absences ($5.5 million obligation), and the workers' compensation liability which remains partially unfunded. The presentation also highlighted that governmental revenues increased significantly, primarily driven by the school's financial performance. Expenditures were generally within budget, with education expenses coming in under projection. The utility districts (water, sewer, stormwater) were noted as being in a healthy financial state, though the auditor advised paying close attention to future capital and infrastructure maintenance costs, especially as COVID relief funds dry up.