Robert Belanger

The City Council conducted an executive session to discuss an economic development issue. Key agenda items included a public discussion regarding an assessment of needs for individuals affected by a mass shooting, the final passage of a moratorium ordinance on rent increases in mobile home parks, and the authorization of a financial guarantee agreement for the acquisition of the Colisée. Additionally, the Council approved amendments to the administrative code to establish a Public Safety Committee and held hearings regarding TIF district and development program approvals for 59 Park Street and the Lowell Street Omnibus District. The meeting also featured public comments on rent control, city budget concerns, and Council member conduct, alongside reports on city operations and future policy discussions.

The City of Lewiston's 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan outlines priorities for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to benefit low and moderate-income residents. The plan's objectives include providing essential public services, increasing safe and affordable housing, creating economic opportunities, and preserving and improving public facilities and infrastructure. Emerging priorities emphasize addressing homelessness, expanding wrap-around services for seniors and the homeless, improving rental property standards, enhancing youth programs and recreational facilities, supporting affordable childcare, increasing housing stock and accessibility, and fostering community collaboration for property improvements.

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.