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Brewer, Maine

Brewer public meetings in 2025

32 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 16, 2025

City Council

City Council authorizes $14,508 purchase of replacement server hosts

The council confirmed the City Manager’s appointment of Melissa Garrison as General Assistance Administrator. It accepted a $900 donation from Brewer Little League to fund two porta‑potties at Dougherty Recreation Complex for three months. It authorized a $14,508 purchase of replacement server hosts and Windows Server 2025 licenses for the City and Brewer Police Department, funded from the Technology Reserve and Capital Improvement Program. Councilors also discussed the council’s strategic vision and goals for the upcoming term.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $14,508 server purchase for city and police (4‑0 vote)

The council confirmed Melissa Garrison as General Assistance Administrator, accepted a $900 donation from Brewer Little League for porta‑potties, and authorized a $14,508 purchase of replacement server hosts for the City of Brewer and its Police Department. All three actions passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote. The meeting also included a discussion of the council's strategic vision for the upcoming term.

Mon Dec 15, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

Committee will elect new officers.

The Culture and Arts Committee will adopt the November 17 meeting minutes. It will review reports on the tree‑lighting event and the Wreaths Across America program. The committee will elect officers for the term. Public comments will be heard before adjournment.

minuteseventsofficerspublic-commentsculture-arts
✓ Decided: Committee voted to keep current officers in place until April

The committee unanimously approved the November 17 meeting minutes. It also voted unanimously to retain all current officers in their roles through April 2026, postponing a formal election. The meeting was adjourned unanimously. A public comment about the Brewer Days Car show was tabled for the next meeting.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

City Council

City Council to approve disposal of three snow blowers and fund replacement

The council will vote to declare three Parks & Recreation snow blowers surplus and authorize their disposal, using any proceeds plus Auditorium Banner Fund money to purchase a new snow blower. It will also accept a $1,400 donation from the Fisher Family Fund for youth programs and $87 in anonymous cash for the Culture and Arts Committee. Additionally, the council will authorize a lease for six parking spaces on Church Street and replace the General Assistance Ordinance.

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✓ Decided: Council approves donations, declares snow blowers surplus, names school committee leaders

The council unanimously accepted a $1,400 donation from the Fisher Family Fund and an $87 donation to the Culture and Arts Committee. It declared three snow blowers surplus, authorized their disposal, and approved using the proceeds to purchase a replacement. The council also accepted the minutes of the November 18 meeting and the monthly department reports. Mayor Morin announced Mark Farley as Chair and Kayla Dunn as Vice‑Chair of the Brewer School Committee.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

City Council

Brewer City Council to certify election results and hold annual meeting

The City Council will declare the results of the November 4 municipal and referendum elections. The body is also considering updates to the General Assistance Ordinance and mobile food business regulations.

electionszoningpublic-safetyordinancesgovernment
✓ Decided: Council adopts mobile food business ordinance amendments and certifies election results

The council unanimously accepted the minutes from the October and November meetings and the monthly department reports. It unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the official results of the November 4 municipal and referendum elections. The council approved amendments to the Land Use Code governing mobile food businesses. No other substantive actions were recorded.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

Culture and Arts Committee to discuss 2025/2026 event planning

The committee is meeting to review and plan local events. Discussions include a debrief of PAWS on the Penobscot and updates on the Christmas Tree Festival, Wreaths Across America, and the Riverwalk.

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✓ Decided: Culture & Arts Committee approved prior minutes and funded Tree Lighting expenses

The committee unanimously adopted the minutes from the October 20 meeting. It also approved a $100 payment to Santa Claus from the committee's funds. Additionally, the committee authorized payment to Soubanh for photo paper needed for the Tree Lighting event.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

City Council

Brewer City Council to decide on Macks Restaurant's entertainment license

The Brewer City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an application by Macks Restaurant and Taven, LLC for a City of Brewer Amusement License to allow dancing and live entertainment at 391 North Main Street.

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✓ Decided: City Council denies Macks Restaurant amusement license (4‑0 vote)

The Brewer City Council voted 4‑0 to deny the amusement license application for Macks Restaurant and Tavern LLC, located at 391 North Main Street. The council also adopted the written notice of decision confirming the denial, with a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 3:23 p.m. with a unanimous 4‑0 vote.

Tue Oct 28, 2025

City Council

Council authorizes $30,000 for HVAC upgrades at Public Safety Building

The Brewer City Council will consider two items. It will vote to appropriate $30,000 from the Capital Improvement Program to replace nine energy recovery ventilator cores in the Public Safety Building, contracting Thayer, LLC at a quoted price of $25,437. It will also vote to move the November 18, 2025 regular and annual council meetings from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The agenda includes a discussion with Penobscot County Commissioner Andre Cushing about the county budget.

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✓ Decided: City Council approves $30,000 for Public Safety Building HVAC upgrades

The council authorized $30,000 from the Capital Improvement Program to replace nine energy recovery ventilator cores in the Public Safety Building, voting 4‑0. It also resolved to move the November regular and annual council meetings to 3:00 p.m. on November 18, voting 4‑0. Additionally, the council approved a clearance letter for 75‑77 South Main Street and added a related resolve to the agenda, each passing 4‑0.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

Committee reviews upcoming cultural events and projects

The Brewer Culture and Arts Committee will discuss 2025/2026 event planning. Topics include a debrief of PAWS on the Penobscot, planning for the Christmas Tree Festival, an update on Wreaths Across America, and discussion of the Riverwalk project. No formal decisions are noted in the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Arts & Culture Committee adopts prior minutes, tables PAWS debrief, adjourns

The committee approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. The PAWS on the Penobscot debrief was postponed to next month after a unanimous motion to table it. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

City Council

City Council declares surplus pressure washer and authorizes disposal

The Brewer City Council meeting on Oct 14, 2025 will adopt several resolutions, including recognitions of community members and organizations. The council will accept a $1,000 donation to the public library, a $198 donation to the Culture and Arts Committee, and will declare a 1991 Alkota pressure washer/steamer trailer surplus, authorizing its disposal. Additional actions include funding three new fire department positions and amending ordinances related to the environmental code, fire prevention, signage, and mobile food businesses.

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✓ Decided: Council adopted resolutions and approved fire‑department hires and mobile‑food rules

The council accepted the minutes from three prior meetings and unanimously adopted four resolutions honoring community members and groups. It approved several donations, declared surplus city property for disposal, and made appointments and a resignation acceptance. The council also amended ordinances, including the Land Use Code for mobile food businesses, and authorized funding for three new fire‑department positions. An executive session was ordered to discuss a real‑property acquisition.

Fri Sep 26, 2025

City Council

Council will decide on the appeal of Elevate Child Care Center's license denial

The Brewer City Council will discuss and adopt a decision on the appeal of the denial of Elevate Child Care Center's Day Care Provider License application. No other agenda items are listed beyond standard procedural matters.

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✓ Decided: City Council unanimously denies Elevate Child Care Center license

The council denied Elevate Child Care Center LLC’s appeal and its application for a City of Brewer child‑care license. The council also adopted the written notice of decision outlining the denial. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

Tue Sep 23, 2025

City Council

Brewer Council to adopt General Assistance maximums and amend sign ordinance

The Brewer City Council will hold a public hearing on an appeal regarding a day care license and will consider adopting State of Maine General Assistance maximums for 2026. The Council also plans to amend the Brewer Sign Ordinance regarding changeable signs.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts state assistance maxes and postpones child‑care license appeal

The Brewer City Council adopted the State of Maine General Assistance Maximums for October 2025 through September 2026 (Resolution 2025‑B035). The Council also moved to continue the Elevate Child Care Center license appeal hearing to September 26, 2025, which passed unanimously. No other items were acted upon.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Planning Board

Public hearing on amendments to Chapter 24, Article 4, section 441 of the Land Use Code

The Brewer Planning Board will hold public hearings and reviews for two site‑plan applications submitted by the Brewer School Department: storage sheds at 92 Pendleton Street and additional parking spaces with site improvements at 79 Parkway South. The board will also conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 24, Article 4, section 441 of the City’s Land Use Code, with a recommendation to be sent to City Council. Additional agenda items include routine roll call, minutes approval, and other paperwork.

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Mon Sep 15, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

Brewer committee to plan events and discuss Oktoberfest role

The Culture and Arts Committee will review meeting minutes, discuss event planning for 2025/2026, and consider the committee's role in Oktoberfest. No formal decisions are scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Committee unanimously approved the August 18 meeting minutes

The Culture and Arts Committee adopted the minutes from the August 18 meeting after a motion by Ashlie and a second by Mandy. The motion passed unanimously. No other formal actions or votes were recorded in this meeting.

Tue Sep 9, 2025

City Council

Brewer City Council to consider solid waste and environmental ordinance amendments

The City Council will discuss updates to the city's solid waste, environmental, and fire prevention ordinances. The body is also deciding on several appointments to city boards and the acquisition of real property in executive session.

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✓ Decided: City Council approved a fiscal sustainability plan for the Sewer Department

The council adopted a series of consent‑calendar orders, including authorizing a sewer‑department sustainability study. It also approved purchases, accepted donations and grants, and set up assessments for water and sewer services. All items were approved without recorded dissent.

Mon Aug 18, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved up to $50 for event flyers

The Culture and Arts Committee adopted the July 21 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved spending up to $50 to print flyers for upcoming events, with the motion passing unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned with all members in favor.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves Levenseller tank contract, 499 Wilson St. sale, and bonds.

The council authorized a $49,000 engineering contract with Woodard & Curran for the Levenseller Storage Tank project. It approved the purchase and sale agreement to sell 499 Wilson Street to Matson Holdings. The council also authorized issuance of general obligation bonds to fund the FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan. Additional actions included awarding road contracts, increasing the code enforcement officer position, and amending charter provisions.

Tue Jul 22, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council extends solar moratorium and approves police vehicle purchases

The council voted to extend the existing moratorium on large‑scale solar energy systems for another 180 days, moving the expiration to February 28, 2026. It authorized the purchase of two replacement police vehicles, a 2025 Ford Utility Police Interceptor and a 2025 Chevy Tahoe SSV, with associated equipment costs. The council approved an amendment of the land‑use code to rezone a portion of Bennett Road from Rural and General Business to Low‑Density Residential, and added Section 219 “Annual Review” to the city charter. It also declared the properties at 39 Mill Street and on Harlow Street surplus and authorized their disposal.

Mon Jul 21, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved moving the 2025 Christmas Tree Festival to the auditorium

The Culture and Arts Committee adopted the prior meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to relocate the 2025 Christmas Tree Festival to the auditorium with a tree on the waterfront, passing with one abstention. Several subcommittees and limits were established for upcoming events.

Tue Jul 8, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves contracts, property sales, and charter amendments

The council unanimously accepted the minutes of three prior meetings. It authorized a $41,310 contract to replace a section of the Public Works facility roof, approved a $44,160 purchase of police firearms, and accepted $712 in fees for the Brewer Riverwalk Festival. The council also declared surplus city property for disposal, accepted a housing authority board resignation, and passed two charter amendments.

Mon Jun 30, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

✓ Decided: BCAC unanimously approved a new oval logo design

The committee adopted the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Kathleen Kramer was appointed Secretary and Mandy Clark was appointed Treasurer, each confirmed by unanimous vote. The board approved the oval logo design for the Brewer Arts and Culture Committee after a motion and unanimous vote. Planning for the Native American Heritage Event was tabled for a future meeting.

Tue Jun 24, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved $88,000 to make Deputy Code Enforcement Officer full‑time

The council unanimously approved a series of orders, including authorizing the donation of unclaimed bicycles, converting the Deputy Code Enforcement Officer position to full‑time with an $88,000 appropriation, and hiring a real‑estate broker to sell tax‑acquired properties. It also adopted an amended fee schedule for mobile food vendors and authorized an executive‑session on a personnel matter. Additionally, the council gave unanimous consent to consider appointing an Animal Control Officer.

Tue Jun 10, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved FY 2026 city and school budget appropriations

The council approved the City and School Budget Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026 along with the Water Pollution Control Facility and Water Department budgets for FY 2026. It also accepted $971 in asset forfeiture funds, a $200 donation to the fire department, $1,525 in craft‑fair table fees, and authorized a contract with Frost Septic for hauled wastewater. Additional actions included using School Capital Reserve funds for a restroom at the Brewer Athletic Complex, authorizing funding for 499 Wilson Street, and adopting rules governing public comment at council meetings.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $1.157M contract to repair Levensellar storage tank

The Brewer City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with Marcel A. Payeur for recoating and upgrades to the Levensellar storage tank for $1,157,000, with a contingency of up to $115,000, bringing total project funding to $1,272,000. The motion passed with a vote of 4‑0. No other substantive actions were taken at the meeting.

Mon May 19, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved April 17 minutes and adjourned unanimously

The committee adopted the April 17 meeting minutes after a motion by Mandy Ouellette‑Clark and a second by Edner Pelkey Fago, passing unanimously. A motion to adjourn was made by Susan Xirinachs, seconded by Lee Ohmart, and was approved by all members.

Tue May 13, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved a contract to replace the lower Wilson Street water main.

The council accepted minutes from several prior meetings and adopted a proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It recognized Ali Flagg’s 1,000‑point basketball career and approved multiple public‑works contracts, including the water‑main replacement.

Tue Apr 22, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved C3 AI appraisal contract and renewed eight amusement licenses

The Brewer City Council authorized a contract with C3 AI for a residential property appraisal platform. It also approved the renewal of eight city amusement licenses for local venues. The council accepted a donation from the Kiwanis Club, recognized Gold Star Cleaners for 120 years of service, and appointed a new member to the Library Board of Trustees.

Mon Apr 21, 2025

Culture and Arts Committee

✓ Decided: Committee tables Native American Heritage Event planning for one month

The committee formally adopted the minutes from the March 17, 2025 meeting. It decided to postpone further planning of the Native American Heritage Event for one month while members consult with the Wabanaki Council. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and carried.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council voted 3-0 to adjourn the special budget meeting

The Brewer City Council held a special meeting to discuss the FY 2026 budget workshop. No agenda items were voted on or acted upon. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which passed 3‑0. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

Tue Apr 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council voted 4-0 to adjourn the special meeting

Councilor Kimball moved to adjourn and Councilor Phanthay seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 4 to 0. The meeting was adjourned at 5:33 p.m. No other actions were taken.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council amends charter to remove subsection of Environmental Ordinance

The council unanimously adopted a resolution urging preservation of the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds. It approved two $100 donations for the Spring T‑Ball program and an Egg Hunt special event. The council authorized a $55,500 contract to adjust sewer manholes on Mill Street and purchased a new Ford F250 pickup truck for $50,862. It also amended the Environmental and Purchasing Ordinances and created a Charter Review Commission.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council adjourned the special meeting unanimously

The council held a special meeting on April 8, 2025. No minutes, consent items, reports, nominations, or new business were presented. The council discussed a proposed C3 AI residential property appraisal service but took no action. Councilor Morin moved to adjourn, which passed unanimously at 5:51 p.m.

Tue Mar 25, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved a $28,890 utility tractor purchase and a $100 park donation

The council unanimously accepted a $100 donation from Twin City Tire & Service for the Spring T‑Ball program. It also approved the purchase of a utility tractor, loader and mid‑mount mower for the Water Department at a total cost of $28,890. Both items were approved by a 4‑to‑0 vote.