Rodney Butler

The City Council Regular Meeting addressed several items, including the review of minutes from previous meetings (January 13, January 27, and January 29, 2026 meetings). Key discussions included a swearing-in ceremony for a new Police Patrol Officer and a presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report. Public hearings addressed an application for a Class A Restaurant/Lounge Liquor License and an amusement license for Mad Kat Restaurant and Bar, and consideration of extending the moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems. The Consent Calendar involved multiple orders authorizing payments (reimbursement to Town of Holden for police training), accepting donations and grant funds (for the Riverwalk Festival and wellness initiatives), authorizing the purchase of a replacement loader for Public Works, extending a landscaping services contract, accepting fees for the Riverwalk Festival, and declaring surplus technology equipment for disposal. Business also included appointing members to the Planning Board, amending the City Charter regarding the requirement for public comments on all agendas, reconsidering a previous order related to the Village Partnership Initiative BUILD grant cost share, issuing licenses to Mad Kat Restaurant and Bar, amending the ordinance concerning incompatibility of offices regarding nomination petitions, and convening in executive session to consult with legal counsel on City Council rights and duties.

The primary agenda item for this emergency meeting was a motion to convene in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation, as authorized by Title 1, M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E). The meeting utilized a hybrid format, combining in-person and remote participation.

The meeting commenced with a swearing-in ceremony for a new Police Sergeant, two Corporals, and a Patrol Officer. Key discussions included upcoming State Drug Legislation led by the Public Safety Director, City Council liaison updates, and the City Manager's Report. The Consent Calendar involved numerous orders, such as accepting a donation for the Holiday Cops & Contractors Charity, committing substantial water and sewer assessments to the Treasurer for collection, supporting a Maine Department of Transportation BUILD grant application for the Village Partnership Initiative (VPI), approving the renewal of CivicPlus website services, accepting funds from the dissolved Brewer Historical Society, and declaring a 2008 v-plow surplus for disposal. Unfinished Business included a continued discussion on the strategic vision and goals for the upcoming term, and an order to amend Chapter 20 concerning Transient Sellers of Consumer Merchandise. New Business featured an order to amend Chapter 1 to reinstate the requirement for a time of public comments on all City Council agendas, and a motion to convene in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding City Council rights and duties.

The committee meeting included discussions and planning for several events, including PAWS on the Penobscot, Tree Lighting, and Wreaths Across America. PAWS on the Penobscot was considered a success, with suggestions for improvements in the future. The Tree Lighting event plans were finalized, including crafts, music, and photos with Santa. Wreaths Across America is on track to meet financial goals, and volunteer opportunities were discussed. The committee also discussed fundraising guidelines, the selection of officers, and the establishment of annual events for the upcoming year.

The meeting included discussion on the Brewer City Council's strategic vision and councilor goals for the upcoming term. The council considered accepting a contribution from Brewer Little League to support porta potties at Dougherty Recreation Complex. They also discussed and authorized the purchase of replacement server hosts for the City of Brewer and Brewer Police Department.