Jesse Brann

The agenda focuses on the municipal budget appropriation for the upcoming fiscal year, including funding for public education and debt service. Proposed ordinances include the amendment of loitering regulations concerning the obstruction of public pathways. Further business involves the approval of a cannabis dispensary license, the appointment of city representatives to the Kennebec Valley Council of Government, and the awarding of scholarship funds. Additionally, the Council will consider authorizing a contract for municipal rebranding services, the sale of surplus police vehicles, the auction of recovered firearms, and the acceptance of a memorial tree donation.

The City Council meeting included a presentation honoring culinary arts students, a proclamation for Municipal Clerk's Week, and the approval of financial accounts. Resolutions were adopted regarding grant funding for a Kennebec River marina feasibility study, the appointment of election clerks, the establishment of voter registration hours, and the authorization to sell unclaimed police department property. Additionally, the Council passed ordinances amending the schedule of stop signs and flashing red lights and adopting a new homeless shelter licensing ordinance, while also reviewing a proposed amendment to the loitering ordinance.

The City Council conducted a special business meeting to review and deliberate on the proposed municipal budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The council discussed appropriations for various city departments, including education funding, debt service, and public safety. Two amendments to the appropriations resolve were considered to adjust total appropriations and tax levy amounts; the first amendment was approved, while the second amendment failed.

The City Council conducted a public hearing regarding a Tax Increment Financing District for the Riverlands Affordable Housing Development. Key actions included the authorization of the TIF district, acceptance of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, and an appropriation for invasive species management in Togus Pond. The Council also established new procedures for modifying utility construction work hours and requested Planning Board review for land use ordinance amendments related to homeless shelters. Additionally, the Council adopted a new ordinance regulating homeless shelter licensing and a moratorium on ground-floor residential development within the Kennebec Business District 1.

The meeting featured a public hearing regarding the FY2027 City and School Budget before the council moved to adjourn the session.