Old Town public meetings in 2021

Council 06 21

The Old Town City Council approved a $3.3 million bond issuance for road rehabilitation, landfill closure, and broadband expansion. The Finance Committee also reviewed May 2021 financials. The meeting was brief and procedural aside from the bond approval.

• Approved $3.3M bond for roads, landfill closure, broadband (5-0)
• Approved June 7, 2021 regular council minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned special council meeting (5-0)

Council 12 20

The Old Town City Council and its committees met on December 20, 2021, approving several items. The Finance Committee voted to bring a fund balance transfer to the full council, and the Economic Development Committee advanced a solar initiative. The full council approved the consent agenda, adopted updated rules of order, accepted criminal forfeiture funds, and entered executive sessions for economic development and personnel matters.

• Approved motion to bring fund balance transfer to reserve funds to full council (4-0)
• Approved motion to bring Aviest drainage design proposal ($9,435) to full council (3-1)
• Approved motion to bring Ampen solar initiative and matching funds disbursement to full council (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Animal Control Agreement renewal and board/appointment reappointments (7-0)
• Adopted updated Rules of Order and Procedure (7-0)
• Accepted criminal forfeiture monies ($19,254) and two pistols (7-0)
• Approved executive session for economic development item (7-0)
• Approved executive session for personnel matter (7-0)

Council 09 20

The Administrative Services Committee approved forwarding five foreclosed residential properties to the full City Council for action. The Finance Committee discussed August 2021 financials, a MainePers enrollment window, and a pool repair quote, forming a sub-committee to study the pool repairs. The Public Works building addition and a Cemetery Trust fund were also moved to full council for further review. No final decisions were made on these items.

• Approved forwarding 5 foreclosed properties to full council (4-0)
• Approved forming sub-committee for Community Pool repairs (4-0)
• Approved moving Public Works building addition to full council (4-0)
• Approved moving Cemetery Trust fund to full council (4-0)

Council 04 20

The minutes for the Old Town, Maine Council meeting on April 20, 2021, are contained in a PDF portfolio and provide no substantive decisions. The document only includes instructions to open the PDF with specific software, indicating the actual minutes are not available in the provided text.

Council 07 19

The Old Town City Council held a special meeting on July 19, 2021, and approved several items. The most notable decision was appointing David Wollstadt to fill the vacant RSU 34 school board seat, following Teagan O'Toole Roy's resignation. The council also approved a consent agenda that included a minor special event permit for a gospel concert, and went into executive session for a personnel matter. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Appointed David Wollstadt to RSU 34 school board (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minor special event permit for United Baptist Church gospel concert (7-0)
• Approved June 7, 2021 regular council minutes (7-0)
• Entered executive session for personnel matter (7-0)

Council 01 19

The Old Town City Council held a special meeting on January 19, 2021, approving the minutes from January 4, 2021, and unanimously approving a consent agenda that included the reappointment of David Russell as Plumbing Inspector and Patrick Estey as alternate, a Victualer's and Liquor License renewal for Angelo's Family Restaurant, and a new Victualer's License for Rohzee K's pending inspection. The council also discussed the Experia vs. City of Old Town case, which the Maine Supreme Court will hear on Feb. 11, and received updates on airport RFQs, a presentation on Brunswick Street lots, and possible paving of South Main Street. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond the consent agenda and procedural approvals.

• Approved January 4, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Reappointed David Russell as Plumbing Inspector and Patrick Estey as alternate (7-0)
• Renewed Victualer's and Liquor License for Angelo's Family Restaurant (7-0)
• Approved new Victualer's License for Rohzee K's pending inspection (7-0)

Council 10 18

The Old Town City Council approved after-deadline redemptions for two foreclosed properties owned by Robert Leighton, accepting sewer fee payments for 2020-2021 and authorizing quit-claim deeds. The council also approved consent agenda items for liquor and victualer license renewals, and approved the October 4 regular meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Accepted after-deadline redemption for 2 Howard Street ($3,174.42) (7-0)
• Accepted after-deadline redemption for 31 Chapman Street ($2,304.94) (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to execute quit-claim deeds for both properties (7-0)
• Approved renewal of Victualer's permit and Malt & Vinous Liquor License for Governor's Restaurant (7-0)
• Approved renewal of Victualer's permit and Malt, Vinous & Spirituous Liquor License for VFW Post 3381 (7-0)
• Approved October 4, 2021 regular council minutes (7-0)

Council 05 17

The City Council held a special meeting following the Finance Committee. They approved a second reading of a zoning change for Tax Map 6, Lot 58, and Tax Map 8, Lot 17, both from Resource Protection to residential. They also scheduled a second reading for a $3.2M bond order for June 7, 2021, and approved a lunch wagon permit for Blue Smoke BBQ pending final inspection. The Finance Committee discussed a $65,270 funding request for upgrades at 160 Center Street, but no decision was recorded.

• Approved second reading of zoning change for Tax Map 6, Lot 58 to R-3
• Approved second reading of zoning change for Tax Map 8, Lot 17 to R-4
• Scheduled second reading of $3.2M bond order for June 7, 2021
• Approved lunch wagon permit for Blue Smoke BBQ pending final inspection
• Approved warrant for June 8, 2021 RSU 34 School Budget Validation Election
• Approved Registrar of Voters hours for June 8, 2021 election
• Authorized City Manager to sign utility permits for seven streets
• Accepted $5,800 bid from Anthony Cosenze for city-owned property Map 31, Lot 122

Council 08 16

The Finance Committee voted to bring a proposal to the full Council to fund resurfacing of the entire Airport access road, with costs split between the airport budget and the hanger reserve fund. The Special Council Meeting approved consent agenda items for liquor license renewals and accepted after-deadline redemptions for two foreclosed properties.

• Approved motion to bring airport road resurfacing proposal to full Council (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda: renewal of Victualer's and liquor licenses for Governor's Restaurant and VFW Post 3381 (7-0)
• Accepted after-deadline redemptions for properties at 2 Howard St and 31 Chapman St, authorizing quit-claim deeds

Council 02 16

The Old Town City Council held a special meeting on February 16, 2021, approving the consent agenda for a victualer's license and a fire grant, and confirming that a previous tie-vote on donating a flagpole to MYFGA stands, meaning the motion failed. The council also received updates on the Experia lawsuit and city projects, but took no other substantive actions.

• Approved consent agenda: Victualer's license and Special Amusement permit for Main Street Bookstore d/b/a Kanú (7-0)
• Approved 2021 Volunteer Fire Assistant Grant of $2,085.38 (7-0)
• Upheld tie-vote on flagpole donation to MYFGA, motion failed
• Approved February 1, 2021 regular council minutes (7-0)

Council 11 15

The Old Town City Council met on November 15, 2021, and considered a new liquor license application for Happy Thai Cuisine, pending final inspection. The council also approved entering executive sessions to discuss economic and legal matters. No final votes on the license were recorded in the minutes.

• Considered liquor license application for Happy Thai Cuisine (no vote recorded)
• Approved executive session for economic matter
• Approved executive session for legal matter

Council 03 15

The minutes for the Old Town, Maine Council meeting on March 15, 2021, contain only a note about opening a PDF portfolio in Acrobat X or Adobe Reader X. No agenda items, motions, votes, or decisions are recorded. The meeting appears to have been procedural or the minutes are incomplete.

Council 09 07

The Old Town City Council is meeting to consider routine approvals including event permits, liquor and victualer's licenses, and a proclamation. They will also hold a public hearing on updated General Assistance maximum amounts and vote on funding for airport road resurfacing and new community garden beds.

• Proclamation for Constitution Week, Sept 17-23, sponsored by DAR chapters
• Two minor event permits for Open Waters on Sept 11 (rain date Sept 12) at Fourth Street Boat Launch and Riverfront Park
• Renewal of liquor, victualer's, and special amusement permits for Elks Lodge, 37 Fourth Street
• New victualer's license for Luke Fredette d/b/a Jersey Subs and Sweets, 601 Stillwater Ave. #1
• Public hearing on amending Chapter 21 Welfare Appendices A, B & C for General Assistance amounts (Oct 1, 2021 - Sept 30, 2022)

The Old Town City Council approved funding for resurfacing the Airport waterfront access road at a cost of $95,150, paid from the hangar reserve account. It also approved designating an area off Perkins Avenue for community garden beds and a storage shed, with partial grant funding from the Old Town Rotary. The council approved the consent agenda, including liquor license renewals for the Elks Lodge and a new victualer's license for Jersey Subs and Sweet, and scheduled a second reading for October 4 on proposed changes to General Assistance maximum amounts.

• Approved $95,150 for Airport waterfront access road resurfacing, funded from hangar reserve account 09-520-65-7205
• Approved designating an area off Perkins Avenue for community garden beds and a storage shed, with partial Rotary grant funding
• Approved consent agenda: Constitution Week proclamation, two Open Waters event permits, Elks Lodge liquor/victualer/special amusement license renewals, and new victualer's license for Jersey Subs and Sweet
• Scheduled second reading for October 4, 2021, on proposed amendment to Chapter 21 (Welfare) General Assistance Maximum Amounts
• Approved carrying forward funds in Municipal General Fund and Pollution Control accounts
• Approved minutes from August 16, 2021 Finance and Special Council Committee meeting

Council 06 07

The Old Town City Council will hold a second reading and final vote on the FY 2021-2022 municipal, county, and school budget totaling $20,233,039, plus a separate pollution control budget. They will also consider a consent agenda with several licenses, permits, property sales, and a $65,270 funding increase for upgrades at 160 Center Street. New business includes a proposal to lease four electric vehicles at no cost and two executive sessions for personnel matters.

• Final approval of FY 2021-2022 budget: $20,233,039 total, net property tax requirement $9,459,810
• Final approval of Pollution Control Budget: $1,867,777 gross appropriations
• Additional $65,270 for upgrades at 160 Center Street (Synagogue) for fiber project
• Accept bid of $11,100 from Gary and Lorelei Kennedy for land at 612 West Old Town Road
• Lease four 2021 Hyundai Kona EV electric vehicles at $0/month via Efficiency Maine program

The Council approved the FY 2021-2022 Municipal, County & School Budget totaling $20,233,039, with a net property tax requirement of $9,459,810. They also approved the Pollution Control Budget with gross appropriations of $1,867,777. Consent items 1-5 and 7 were approved, including licenses, minor event permits, additional funding for the fiber project, and a land sale. Consent item 6, regarding a late redemption on foreclosed property, was tabled for further discussion.

• Approved FY 2021-2022 Municipal, County & School Budget of $20,233,039 (7-0).
• Approved FY 2021-2022 Pollution Control Budget with gross appropriations of $1,867,777 (7-0).
• Approved consent items 1-5 and 7, including licenses, minor event permits, $65,270 for 160 Center Street upgrades, and land sale to Gary and Lorelei Kennedy for $11,100 (7-0).
• Tabled consent item 6, accepting after-deadline redemption for Kaja Holdings 2, LLC, for further discussion (7-0).
• Approved leasing four 2021 Hyundai Kona EV electric vehicles at $0/month for 36 months (7-0).
• Approved entering executive session to discuss personnel matter regarding a fourth shift for the Fire Department (7-0).
• Approved entering executive session for another personnel matter (7-0).
• Approved minutes from May 17, 2021 Finance Committee and Special Council Meeting (7-0).

Council 12 06

The Old Town City Council held its organizational meeting on December 6, 2021, and a regular meeting on December 8, 2021. At the organizational meeting, the council elected Timothy Folster as Council President and Linda McLeod as Vice President, both unanimously. The council also adopted its Rules of Order and Procedure. At the regular meeting, the council approved the minutes from a prior committee meeting, supported the formation of a Regional Planning Commission, and appointed two representatives to its advisory committee.

• Elected Timothy Folster as Council President (7-0)
• Elected Linda McLeod as Council Vice President (7-0)
• Adopted the Old Town City Council's Rules of Order and Procedure (7-0)
• Approved the Nov. 15, 2021, Economic, Finance and Special Council Committee meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved support for EMDC to form a Regional Planning Commission and appointed EJ Roach and David Russell to the advisory committee (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-3 establishing a regular place and time for City Council meetings (7-0)

Council 04 05

The Old Town City Council will consider several financial and property items, including accepting criminal forfeiture funds, approving building improvements for fiber internet, and selling city property. They will also discuss new business such as property sales, bank accounts, a grant, and bond financing.

• Accept $2,503 in criminal forfeiture monies
• Approve $25,450 for improvements at 160 Center Street for fiber internet
• Sell Assessor's Map 26, Lot 242-A to Maynard for $7,700
• Sell Lincoln Street right-of-way to McPike, LLC for $4,184.63
• Authorize up to $1,000,000 deposits in two bank accounts

The Old Town City Council approved the sale of a portion of the Lincoln Street right-of-way to McPike, LLC for $4,184.63, with the buyer responsible for all transaction costs and granting a maintenance easement to the city. The council also approved several other items, including accepting criminal forfeiture funds, a fiber internet improvement grant, a property sale, opening two bank accounts, a COVID-19 grant, and authorizing an infrastructure bond RFP. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved sale of Lincoln Street right-of-way to McPike, LLC for $4,184.63 (7-0)
• Accepted $2,503 in criminal forfeiture funds (7-0)
• Accepted $25,450 for fiber internet improvements at 160 Center Street (7-0)
• Approved sale of Assessor's Map 26, Lot 242-A to Maynard family for $7,700 (7-0)
• Authorized opening ICS/checking account with Androscoggin Bank up to $1,000,000 (7-0)
• Authorized opening ICS/checking account with Camden National Bank up to $1,000,000 (7-0)
• Accepted MEMA 50% match grant of $22,206 for COVID-19 expenses (7-0)
• Authorized RFP for infrastructure bond for FY 2021-2022 (7-0)

Council 10 04

The Old Town City Council will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda, public hearings, and new business items. Key actions include approving a liquor and victualer's license for Kosta's, amending welfare assistance limits, and accepting several properties acquired through tax liens for disposal. The council will also consider writing off uncollectable taxes and adopting a MainePERS provision for eligible employees.

• Approve new liquor and victualer's licenses for Jeff Solari, d/b/a Kosta's, 266 Main Street
• Second reading and final approval of amendment to Chapter 21 Welfare, Appendices A, B & C (General Assistance Maximum Amounts)
• Accept properties at 85 Veazie St, 104 Veazie St, 91 Middle St, 802 Stillwater Ave, 846 Main St for disposal
• Write off uncollectable real estate taxes for mobile homes and personal property taxes totaling $4,840.63
• Authorize finance director to adopt MainePERS provisions for non-participating employees

The Old Town City Council approved a liquor and victualer's license for Kosta's, updated General Assistance maximums, authorized election warrants and registrar hours for the November 2 election, accepted five tax-acquired properties for disposal, and approved writing off uncollectable taxes for mobile homes. A motion to write off personal property taxes failed, but a subsequent motion to pursue legal collection passed. The council also authorized the finance director to adopt MainePERS provisions for eligible non-participating employees.

• Approved liquor and victualer's license for Kosta's, 266 Main St (7-0)
• Approved General Assistance maximums amendment for Oct 2021-Sep 2022 (7-0)
• Approved warrants and registrar hours for Nov 2, 2021 election (7-0)
• Accepted five tax-lien properties for disposal (7-0)
• Approved write-off of uncollectable mobile home taxes (7-0)
• Denied write-off of personal property taxes (0-7)
• Approved legal action to collect personal property taxes (7-0)
• Authorized MainePERS participation for eligible employees (7-0)

Council 01 04

The Old Town City Council approved relocating zoning boundary lines along portions of Perkins Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Wilson Street to include properties at 151 Perkins Avenue, 24 Wilson Street, and a vacant lot on Lincoln Street. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included accepting a $2,203.42 after-deadline redemption for sewer liens, accepting $4,847.93 in criminal forfeiture monies, renewing a liquor license for American Legion Post #75, renewing the Animal Control Agreement with Penobscot County, accepting a $10,200 CESF Grant, and approving a special event permit for a snow person building event. The council went into executive session to complete the City Manager's annual performance review.

• Approved zoning boundary relocation along Perkins Avenue, Lincoln Street, and Wilson Street (7-0).
• Accepted after-deadline redemption of $2,203.42 for sewer liens from Brad & Kristen Paradis (7-0).
• Accepted $4,847.93 in criminal forfeiture monies from State of Maine vs. Christopher Webber (7-0).
• Approved renewal of Malt & Vinous Liquor License for American Legion Post #75 (7-0).
• Approved renewal of Animal Control Agreement with Penobscot County for 2021 (7-0).
• Accepted 2020 CESF Grant of $10,200 from the Department of Justice (7-0).
• Approved Minor Special Event Permit for snow person building at Riverfront Park on Feb 6, 2021, waiving the fee (7-0).
• Approved entering executive session for City Manager's annual performance review (7-0).

Council 05 03

The City Council is conducting public hearings regarding the proposed municipal, county, and school budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The council will also hear proposals to change the Official Zoning Map for two specific lots and consider a new city flag design.

• Public hearing on FY 2021-2022 budget totaling $20,315,201
• Zoning change for Tax Map 6, Lot 58 from Resource Protection to Rural Residence & Farming
• Zoning change for Tax Map 8, Lot 17 from Resource Protection to Seasonal Residence
• Public hearing on FY 2022-2022 Pollution Control Budget with $1,867,777 in gross appropriations
• Acceptance of $10,775.50 tax lien redemption for property at 365 Gilman Falls Avenue

The Old Town City Council approved scheduling second readings for two zoning map changes, the FY 2021-2022 municipal/county/school budget, and the pollution control budget. They also accepted a new city flag design and approved consent agenda items, including a tax lien redemption. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved April 20, 2021 meeting minutes, 7-0
• Approved consent agenda appointing Damian Labree to Sewer Advisory Board, 7-0
• Approved consent agenda accepting $10,775.50 tax lien redemption for Lynn Knight, 7-0
• Scheduled second reading for zoning change on Tax Map 6, Lot 58 to R-3, 7-0
• Scheduled second reading for zoning change on Tax Map 8, Lot 17 to R-4, 7-0
• Scheduled second reading for FY 2021-2022 budget with $10,466,527 net tax requirement, 7-0
• Scheduled second reading for FY 2021-2022 Pollution Control Budget, 7-0
• Accepted 'Canoe City' city flag design, 7-0

Council 08 02

The Old Town City Council is holding a regular meeting with routine items including approval of minutes, reports, and a consent agenda. They will vote on special event permits for a Big Gig concert and a high school reunion, a liquor license for an outdoor concert at the Elks Lodge, and discuss an economic development matter in executive session. Election nomination details were also announced.

• Special event permit and fee waiver for Big Gig at Riverfront Park on Sept 28, 2021
• Special event permit and fee waiver for Old Town High School Class of 2016 reunion at Riverfront Park on Aug 14, 2021
• On-premises liquor license for Elks Lodge, 47 Fourth Street, for outdoor concert on Sept 18, 2021
• Executive session to discuss economic development matter
• Nomination papers available Aug 19, 2021; return by Sept 02, 2021; election Nov 02, 2021

The Old Town City Council approved a $3.3 million bond issuance to Bangor Savings Bank, approved three consent agenda items (special event permits and a liquor license), and entered executive session to discuss an economic development matter. The meeting was otherwise routine, with no other substantive decisions.

• Approved $3.3M bond to Bangor Savings Bank (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Big Gig special event permit with fee waiver (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda: OTHS Class of 2016 reunion special event permit with fee waiver (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Elks Lodge outdoor concert liquor license (6-0)
• Approved July 19, 2021 committee meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved executive session for economic development discussion (6-0)

Council 11 01

The Old Town City Council is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering three license applications: a Club Liquor License renewal for the American Legion Post 75, a Victualer's License renewal for Energy North Inc (Tradewinds), and a new Victualer's License for Happy Thai Cuisine. The meeting also includes routine items like approval of prior meeting minutes and reports from committees and officials. No public hearings or other substantive business are listed.

• Club Liquor License renewal for American Legion Post 75, 20 Water Street
• Victualer's License renewal for Energy North Inc, Tradewinds, 671 Stillwater Ave
• New Victualer's License for Happy Thai Cuisine, 151 Main Street
• Approval of minutes from October 18, 2021 meetings

The Old Town City Council approved three license renewals and one new license, all pending final inspection, and approved the October 18, 2021 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was brief and procedural.

• Approved October 18, 2021 Finance and Special Council Committee minutes (7-0)
• Approved Club Liquor License renewal for American Legion Post 75, 20 Water Street (7-0)
• Approved Victualer's License renewal for Energy North Inc d/b/a Tradewinds, 671 Stillwater Ave (7-0)
• Approved new Victualer's License for Victor Eastland d/b/a Happy Thai Cuisine, 151 Main Street (7-0)

Council 03 01

The Old Town City Council will hold a regular meeting via Zoom to consider several consent agenda items, including a liquor license renewal, acceptance of a fire department grant, purchase of phone equipment, and an after-deadline property redemption. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and reports from committees and officials.

• Renewal of liquor license for Old Town Bowling Center, LLC at 156 Center Street
• Acceptance of 2021 Volunteer Fire Assistant Grant of $2,085.38 for fire station items
• Purchase of phone system equipment from Crexendo for $22,244.50 total upfront cost
• After-deadline redemption for Glen and Tamra Philbrook at 69 Dartmouth Street for $1,480.00 in sewer fees
• Consideration of applying for Safer Grant for fire and emergency response staffing

Council 02 01

The Old Town City Council is meeting online via Zoom to consider several consent agenda items and new business. They will vote on a new food establishment license for Dunkin Donuts, accept after-deadline redemptions on two foreclosed properties, and consider donating a flagpole to a youth fishing group. The agenda also includes a presentation on a bus stop policy project and a request for the city attorney to review a building contract.

• Approval of Victualer's License for DMCP Group, LLC dba Dunkin Donuts at 975 Stillwater Avenue, contingent on final inspection
• Accept after-deadline redemption for Ann Pomeroy & Thomas Ammerman, 620 College Avenue, $100 for 2018 sewer fees
• Accept after-deadline redemption for James D. Parks (Life Estate), 2422 Bennoch Road, $1,400 for 2018-2019 property taxes
• Donate flagpole on Fourth Street by boat landing to MYFGA (Maine Youth Fish and Game Association)
• Authorize City Attorney Ed Bearer to review contract for Herbert Sargent Building at Rec. Center

The Old Town City Council met via Zoom on February 1, 2021, and approved the January 18, 2021 meeting minutes and a three-item consent agenda (a Dunkin Donuts victualer's license, and two after-deadline property redemptions) by 6-0 votes. A proposal to donate the Fourth Street flagpole to MYFGA failed on a tied 3-3 vote. The council also heard updates on the Experia mill lawsuit, the Herbert Sargent Rec. Center contract, and a BACTS bus stop policy presentation.

• Approved January 18, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Dunkin Donuts victualer's license, two property redemptions (6-0)
• Denied flagpole donation to MYFGA (tied 3-3, motion failed)
• Removed Herbert Sargent building contract item from agenda