Sanford Department of Public Works

The committee discussed the potential interim aeronautical use of 199B Airport Road by Southern Maine Aviation, including a flight school and food trucks, and the creation of a sub-committee for a restaurant Request for Proposal. They reviewed and considered approving a Condominium Association Land Lease Agreement and discussed the progress of land release for the shooting range acreage. Updates were provided on the Runway 14 Vehicle Service Road and Seacoast Taxilane 1 Reconstruction Design, as well as the Airport Master Plan Phase 2 Runway and Taxiway Study. Operational concerns were raised regarding Pine Tree Helicopters, and the Airport Manager's report included updates on new employees, the FY 26/27 budget overview, the Auburn Pavement Marking Project for Spring 2026, based aircraft, and construction activity.

The City Council adopted an ordinance to extend the moratorium on mobile home park lot rent increases for an additional 180 days, until May 31, 2026. This extension aims to address rapidly increasing lot rental rates, especially affecting seniors on fixed incomes. The council's action is in response to the pending enactment of a State Law and the development of a Model Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits any lot rent increases during the moratorium period, with violations subject to fines. The City Manager has been in discussion with the parties drafting the State model ordinance.

The Sanford Planning Board conducted a site walk to examine the frontage of a property, identifying the 100-foot front buffer, the location of a proposed access drive, and the limits of clearing on the northeast boundary line. Questions were raised regarding the adjacency of an access road on the Gorham Sand & Gravel property, the necessity of a logging permit, and the generation of wastewater on-site. The applicant clarified that no wastewater would be generated and a water truck would be used for dust control.

The Sanford Planning Board held a meeting to discuss several key items. They considered amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding submission requirements for renewal of mineral extraction operation permits. The board also reviewed an application from Central Maine Power Company, focusing on landscaping concerns raised by York Hospital. Additionally, they discussed a 14-lot subdivision proposal, addressing concerns such as construction distance from a cemetery, potential flooding, and odor from sewage ponds. The board revisited findings of fact related to a previous application from Gorham Sand & Gravel, focusing on groundwater contamination and slope standards. Updates were provided on preapplication meetings with Rubb Building Materials, Tom's of Maine expansion, and school renovation projects.

The Sanford Planning Board held a special meeting where they adopted amended by-laws. The Planning Director updated the Board on various topics, including the Tom's of Maine site change application, the Flemish Weavers addition, an amended letter from O'Reilly's, a workforce housing charrette, Design Review Committee Standards, a study on utility extension in the RD zone, recreational marijuana, an update on Owen Excavation, and a Kiwanis zone change request application.