Dena Libner

The committee discussed the Waterfront Working Group's recommendations for investing Waterfront Tax Increment Financing funds, focusing on dredging and infrastructure improvements such as Commercial Street upgrades. They also reviewed staff proposals to allocate City Tax Increment Financing funds toward workforce training, including a pilot program with Portland Adult Education and a solicitation process for employer-specific training initiatives to support under-employed populations.

The meeting included a recap of a successful art exhibition and discussion regarding the proclamation recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Subcommittee updates were provided regarding a speaker series covering the ADA assessment and future speaker presentations at City Hall. Extensive planning occurred for a proposed resource expo, including potential venues, themes, marketing strategies, and the invitation process. The committee also discussed plans for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ADA. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the accessibility and usability of voting machines, which will be further investigated.

The council meeting included an Annual Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Development Corporation where bylaws and Brownfields assessment program guidelines were amended. Key actions included the approval of municipal licenses for local businesses, a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment for fair elections, and the adoption of a 2018 cultural plan update. Significant discussions were held regarding amendments to the city code concerning marijuana regulations, including use and facility definitions. Additionally, the council approved agreements for city engineering and infrastructure construction, authorized general obligation bonds for capital improvement programs, and passed amendments regarding abandoned bicycles and an E-card program. A donation from the Maine Medical Center was accepted, and initial readings were held for zoning map and city code amendments.

The committee discussed an update on broadband access initiatives and reviewed proposed regulations for outdoor dining, including a pilot program for parklets. Members also voted to recommend the approval of an amended and restated lease agreement with the Casco Bay Island Transit District to the City Council. Further discussions included workforce development programs funded by TIF revenue, an update on the Office of Economic Opportunity's staffing and initiatives, and the planning process for the Amethyst Lot and Portland Landing project. Additionally, updates were provided regarding Bayside property sales and a review of the committee's 2018 accomplishments. Finally, an executive session was held to provide guidance on Riverside Street property sale negotiations.

The City Council conducted several annual meetings for the Portland Development Corporation and Creative Portland, including acceptance of fiscal year 2018 financial reports. Key business included the issuance of a proclamation for Officer of the Month, approval of various business license applications for local establishments, and a transfer of funds. Significant legislative actions involved amendments to the Portland City Code regarding impact fees, energy benchmarking, and extensive revisions to short-term rental regulations. Several other orders related to street light leasing and short-term rental policies were postponed or indefinitely delayed.