Erika Helgerson

The meeting commenced with technical checks and the pledge of allegiance. A presentation was made to recognize Paul Perkins as the Citizen Volunteer of the Year for his significant contributions to climate planning initiatives, including the city climate resolution, the formation of the climate commission, and the window dresser program which promotes energy efficiency. The manager's report addressed ongoing matters, including the future discussion of reinstating funding for a crossing guard position and an initial review to install crosswalk signage, primarily near schools. The council also heard updates on transportation initiatives presented at a public meeting. The primary new business item involved approving the bid for the construction of the new fire station, which came in significantly under budget, allowing for the inclusion of all three proposed alternates such as the maintenance bay and radiant heat flooring.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. Old business involved a request for site plan approval for 786 Middle Street (Wentworth Partners), which was continued until February to allow the applicant to provide more information. New business focused on several site plan approval requests from Cello Partnership DBA Verizon and Bath Iron Works (BIW). The Verizon request for 200 Congress Avenue involved collocating an antenna on an existing tower as an eligible facilities request, and the board approved it with conditions, including a six-month extension for completion. For Bath Iron Works, the board reviewed proposals for Lot F (700 Washington Street), which included reconstructing a parking area and constructing a temporary occupational health center. Discussions covered the project timeline, waivers, stormwater management (treatment via tree box filters to meet state standards), and design adjustments to incorporate landscaping islands and dedicated off-street bus pull-off spaces instead of on-street parking. The board found the application complete and approved it with proposed conditions, including the six-month extension.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a council roll call. Key discussions included public comments regarding the Bath Riverwalk report and extension project, specifically concerning process, engineering design, and compliance with setbacks and permits. The City Manager's report provided updates on an upcoming public meeting for the Harwood Street pump station and sewer project, the schedule for the second round of curbside leaf collection, and outcomes from the recent school zone safety forum, which initiated safety audits and bicycle/pedestrian safety programming. Committee reports covered the Bath Development Corps FitUp grant interest, donations for the Goddard's Pond project (planned with no taxpayer impact), status updates from the BA Water District regarding low lake levels and environmental testing results (UCMR5 non-detectable), progress from the Forestry Committee on releasing biocontrols for hemlock woolly adelgid, ongoing work on a reusable food service pilot and composting survey, and positive feedback from a public forum on the Lincoln Street demonstration project. During public hearings, the council addressed an ordinance regarding maximums for general assistance, and the creation of a short-term rental ordinance, which generated public comment regarding compliance verification methods and the need for future revisiting. The meeting concluded with the approval of the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and approval for games of chance renewals, followed by the second passage of the General Assistance Ordinance and the Short-Term Rental Ordinance.

The Regular City Council Meeting on January 7, 2026, included presentations from the Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency regarding K9 Chaos and a Community Navigator. Public hearings were held to consider a Land Use Code Amendment for the Marine Business District (C5) and liquor/special amusement license applications for Front Street Bar & Grill, LLC. New business items involved supporting funding for LD 1967, a Resolve to Design a Maine Home Energy Navigator and Coaching Pilot Program; approving the transfer of forfeiture funds from a 2022 criminal case; accepting a $15,000 grant from the Davenport Trust for the General Assistance Office; approving appointments and reappointments, including George Sprague to the Planning Board; and confirming council-nominated appointments to various municipal boards and committees. The council also handled an order setting the meeting schedule for 2026.

The special meeting featured a presentation from Bath Iron Works regarding transportation initiatives and the Washington Street improvement project. The presentation detailed Phase One, which focuses on ship parking improvements including a parking garage, expansion of surface lots (Fischer Court/Lot C, Lot F), and improvements to the Washington Street corridor for traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety. The representatives noted they removed the scope related to Transporter Road parking from the plans after community dialogue. Phase Two, scheduled for 2027-2028, will focus on employee amenities and office space improvements on the shipyard campus. Key community feedback addressed skepticism regarding long-term infrastructure maintenance and traffic impact from the projected 820 additional vehicles. Specific design modifications included preserving Wesley Court properties, adding gated restrictions to prevent employee traffic flow into residential areas, and incorporating bus pullover lanes. Code amendments regarding setback reductions for parking lots were reviewed. Further discussions involved the potential use of green space behind 658 Washington Street and the design of the Gateway Plaza area intended as a transitional parkway between Bath Iron Works and downtown Bath.