Ann Beverage

The Waterville City Council has established five shared priorities for 2026 to strengthen the city's economic outlook, improve quality of life, support families, and ensure effective local government. Key focus areas include strengthening housing stability and expanding homeownership, growing the tax base through strategic development, diversifying funding in a sustainable manner, improving customer service and communication, and enhancing quality of life through mobility, health, and community support. These goals underscore the Council's commitment to stability, growth, and community well-being.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the review and potential acceptance of minutes from the previous meeting held on October 9, 2025. The commission is scheduled to review an application concerning 52 Main Street (Smitty's Book Cellar), which involves placing a sign above the business entrance, requiring a Historic Preservation Certificate. Furthermore, the agenda specifies a discussion on next steps regarding the Victorian District, including reviewing a map with listed properties and discussing the creation or establishment of a historic district.

The board reviewed and acted upon two main items. The first item involved a request by SDG Investors, LLC, for Preliminary and Final Plan Review for a 20-unit multifamily development on Drummond Avenue, including detailed conditions related to fire access, driveway construction, water service, storm drainage, and sanitary sewerage connections. The board granted a one-year extension for project completion. The second item concerned Nova Nord, LLC, requesting revisions to the contract zone Ordinance 109-2022 for the former Sacred Heart church office building at 70 Pleasant Street, seeking to allow continued office use. The board recommended specific revisions to permitted uses and required design features for the office building.

The board conducted an election, appointing David Johnson as chairman and Tom DePre as secretary. Key discussions included reviewing proposed revisions to Section 6.2.E.(4) of the Zoning Ordinance concerning variances to improve residential accessibility for persons with disabilities. The board recommended adoption of the proposed language to the City Council, which would allow the Code Enforcement Officer to issue permits for handicap ramps that do not meet setback requirements without Zoning Board of Appeals approval. Additionally, discussion was held regarding requested revisions to Ordinance 109-2022, a contract zone for 70 Pleasant Street, but action was postponed to a subsequent meeting due to the developer's scheduling conflict.

The meeting addressed multiple requests and reviews. It included a Final Plan Review for a Rusty Lantern convenience store with gas pumps, which involved discussions on traffic, stormwater management, and public comments regarding potential impacts on local businesses and residences. Another Final Plan Review was conducted for a four-unit multifamily development, focusing on fire safety, traffic, water service, and storm drainage. Additionally, there was a request for rezoning a property to allow the reopening of an automotive repair shop and a site plan review for a florist to open at a specific location, with conditions set for traffic flow and signage.