Portland public meetings in 2025

Ethics Commission

The Portland Ethics Commission will meet to consider updates to the city's Code of Ethics and a new Conflict of Interest Policy. The commission will also approve minutes from its December 2 meeting. Public comment may be submitted in writing before the meeting.

• Discussion of draft Code of Ethics
• Discussion of draft Conflict of Interest Policy
• Approval of December 2, 2025 meeting minutes

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation will review and vote on a grant request and two business loan requests. The board will also receive updates from the Loan Criteria Evaluation Subcommittee and the Treasurer.

• Brownfields Grant Request for $285,750 for Youth and Family Outreach, 331 Cumberland Avenue
• Storefront Interest-free Loan Request for $20,000 from Bad Neighbors, 511 Congress Street
• Loan request for $35,000 from Nash & Co., 417 Congress Street

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will hold interviews for open board and commission seats. The interviews will take place in an executive session conducted remotely via Zoom, following the city’s Remote Meeting Policy.

• Interviews for Boards and Commissions (Zoom)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing to consider a hardship variance for a property on Hobart Street. The applicants seek permission to build a multi-family dwelling on an unimproved city street.

• Hardship Variance request for 162 Hobart ST (ZBA-003481-2025)
• Hybrid meeting held via Zoom and in-person at City Hall
• Public comment deadline is 12:00 pm the day before the meeting
• Appeal originally scheduled for November 20, 2025, was postponed

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will consider an appeal of the property assessment for 4 Greenwood Street submitted by owners Kevin and Elizabeth Samson. Written public comments on this item must be emailed by 12:00 pm the day before the meeting. The meeting also includes a placeholder for new business before adjournment.

• Assessment appeal for 4 Greenwood Street (owners Kevin and Elizabeth Samson)
• Public comment submission deadline: 12:00 pm day before meeting
• Placeholder for new business if necessary

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will consider several rent increase applications and tenant‑rights appeals, and will hold an executive session to discuss legal issues related to the Portland Tenants Union’s complaint about 33 State Street. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings, vote on the vice‑chair election, and receive an update on the 2026 Maintenance of Net Operating Income application.

• Approve November 19, 2025 and December 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Executive session on legal rights concerning the Portland Tenants Union complaint at 33 State St
• Rent increase application – Woodford Arms, Inc., 168‑180 Woodford St (18 units)
• Rent increase application – RSAA Properties LLC, 118 Providence St, Units 188 & 120
• Election of Vice Chair

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will elect its 2026 officers and set the 2026 meeting schedule. It will discuss a recommendation to refer golf‑cart regulatory changes back to the City Council’s Transportation Committee. A motion will allocate up to $500 for newspaper notices related to a Planning Board land‑use hearing, and the council will consider a possible amendment to the snow‑ban parking ordinance. An item also proposes a Zoom subscription.

• Election of 2026 officers
• Setting of 2026 meeting schedule
• Recommendation to refer golf cart regulatory changes to Transportation Committee
• Motion to allocate up to $500 for publishing newspaper notices for Planning Board hearing
• Recommendation to amend snow‑ban parking ordinance

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will meet remotely to approve minutes from a September meeting and review a legislative list and tracker. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Approval of September 26, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of legislative list and tracker (Bernstein Shur)

City Council

The Portland City Council will convene to hear the annual State of the City Address from Mayor Mark Dion. The meeting will also include a vote to suspend rules regarding public comment on non-agenda items.

• State of the City Address by Mayor Mark Dion
• Vote to suspend rules and move public comment to 5:30pm

City Council

The Portland City Council will vote on appointing constables from the Fire, Police, Parks, Permitting, Parking, and Housing Authority for 2026, and confirm Abbey Lombard as Interim City Clerk. They will also consider a golf cart ordinance amendment removing the cap on operators and establishing a waitlist, and receive several reports including the annual TIF report and Vision Zero progress update. Consent items include liquor license approvals for three establishments.

• Order 100-25/26: Appoints constables from Fire, Police, Parks, Permitting, Parking, and Portland Housing Authority for 2026, with specific enforcement duties and firearm restrictions
• Order 98-25/26: Confirms Abbey Lombard as Interim City Clerk between the departure of Ashley Rand and a new clerk's start
• Order 241-24/25: Amends golf cart regulations to remove the operator cap and create a waitlist for rental licenses
• Consent items: Liquor license approvals for Marquis Lounge (150 Park St), Live at Madrid's (144 Fore St), and Flask Lounge (117 Spring St)
• Communication 8-25/26: FY2025 TIF Annual Report detailing affordable housing TIF districts approved for multiple projects including Woodfords, COMB Block, and Atlantic Street

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee will discuss a multi-tiered fee system for the exchange. They will also consider a vote to recommend a new buyer, Quality Custom Packing Inc., to the full board. Additional agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes, the manager's report on expenses, revenue, and space, and a discussion on defining subcommittee roles.

• Discussion and possible vote on multi-tiered fee system for the Portland Fish Exchange
• Vote to recommend new buyer Quality Custom Packing Inc.
• Approval of November 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Fish Exchange Manager's report on expenses, revenue, cooler space, and billing
• Discussion and possible vote on defining subcommittee roles

CDBG Working Group

The Portland CDBG Allocation Committee will discuss its scoring process and review the rules governing allocations. Members will vote to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The group will also set its meeting schedule for the upcoming term.

• Discuss Scoring Process and Allocation Rules
• Vote on Committee Chair and Vice Chair
• Set Committee Meeting Schedule

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The subcommittee will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair and receive an update on the Civilian Police Review Board ordinance. Members will also discuss meeting procedures, the annual report, and the Professionalism SOP.

• Election of new Chair/Vice Chair
• Update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Discussion of final draft of meeting procedures, public comment and vote
• Discussion of recommendations regarding Professionalism SOP
• Report on citizen complaint form accessibility and availability

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will meet to discuss whether Single Room Occupancy (SRO) is a desirable delivery model. The body will also review housing bond information from Providence, Rhode Island, and conduct a stakeholder mapping discussion.

• Discussion on SRO as a delivery model
• Review of Providence, Rhode Island Housing Bond information
• Stakeholder mapping discussion led by Councilor Michniewicz
• Compilation of questions for Corporation Counsel, Bond Counsel, and Finance Director

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will consider an amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 34 concerning the Landcare Management Advisory Committee (LMAC). No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 34 regarding the Landcare Management Advisory Committee (LMAC)

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation's Loan Evaluation Criteria Subcommittee will discuss criteria for evaluating loans. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is solely for discussion.

• Discussion of PDC loan evaluation criteria

Planning Board

The Portland Planning Board will hold a hybrid public hearing to consider a 30-story mixed-use project at 45 Union Street. The agenda also includes board elections and reports from the November 18, 2025 meeting.

• Public hearing for 45 Union Street development
• Board elections
• Report of attendance from November 18, 2025
• Report of decisions from November 18, 2025
• Hybrid meeting format via Zoom

City Council

This is a workshop meeting with only one item: a motion to enter executive session to conduct performance reviews for the City Manager, Corporation Counsel, and City Clerk. No other business is scheduled; the agenda is entirely procedural and closed to the public.

• Executive session for performance reviews of City Manager, Corporation Counsel, and City Clerk

Parks Commission

This is a workshop session of the Portland Parks Commission. The commission will discuss special projects and consider commissioner requests for future agenda items. No public comment will be taken at this meeting. The next regular public meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2026.

• Discussion of special projects
• Commissioner requests for agenda items

Historic Preservation Board

This is a procedural meeting of the Historic Preservation Board. The primary action is the election of a new chairperson and vice chairperson. All other agenda sections—reports, public hearing, and workshop—are listed as having no items.

• Election of new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will approve minutes from its October 22 and November 12, 2025 meetings. It will review two unfinished rent increase applications submitted by SPAR Inc. for units at 72 Park Ave and 157 Grant St, both citing increased housing service costs. The board will also hear public comment on a rent increase appeal filed by the Portland Tenant's Union for 33 State St and a tenant rights appeal from Shelley Swift for Unit 2 at 193 York St.

• Approve October 22, 2025 minutes
• Approve November 12, 2025 minutes
• Review rent increase application for 72 Park Ave, units 1‑12 (owner SPAR Inc.)
• Review rent increase application for 157 Grant St, units 1‑26 (owner SPAR Inc.)
• Public comment on rent increase appeal by Portland Tenant's Union, 33 State St

The Rent Board approved the October and November minutes. It closed the public hearing on the 33 State St appeal and tabled both the 33 State St and the Tenant Rights appeals to the next regular meeting. The board then approved rent increase applications for 72 Park Ave and 157 Grant St, covering 38 units at $125.97 per unit. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved October 22 and November 12 minutes (4-0)
• Closed public hearing and record on 33 State St appeal (4-0)
• Tabled 33 State St appeal to the December meeting (4-0)
• Tabled Tenant Rights appeal to the next regular meeting (4-0)
• Approved rent increase applications for 72 Park Ave and 157 Grant St, 38 units at $125.97 per unit (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0)

Ethics Commission

The Portland Ethics Commission will approve minutes from its October 28, 2025 meeting and continue work on the Draft Code of Ethics. Unfinished business includes a draft Conflict‑of‑Interest Policy and a Confidentiality Policy. The commission will also set the date for its next meeting and consider any new business items.

• Approve minutes from the October 28, 2025 Ethics Commission meeting
• Continue drafting the Code of Ethics (Conflict‑of‑Interest Policy draft)
• Review the Confidentiality Policy draft
• Consider new business items (unspecified)
• Set next meeting date for Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Planning Board

The Westbrook Planning Board will hold its regular meeting on December 2, 2025, at Westbrook High School. The agenda includes the review of staff memos and the discussion of items to be presented.

• Review of Portland Staff Memo
• Review of Westbrook Staff Memo

City Council

The Portland City Council will certify the November 4, 2025 election results and swear in the newly elected at‑large councilor Pious Ali and District 3 councilor Regina Phillips. The council will consider three items: appointing Councilor Pious Ali as Mayor Pro Tempore, appointing standing committees, a Rules Committee, and a Library Trustee for 2025‑2026, and adopting council rules of procedure for 2025‑2026.

• Order 92-25/26: Appoint Councilor Pious Ali as Mayor Pro Tempore
• Order 93-25/26: Appoint standing committees, Rules Committee, and Library Trustee for 2025‑2026
• Resolve 6-25/26: Adopt Council Rules of Procedure for 2025‑2026

The council appointed Councilor Pious Ali as Mayor Pro Tempore with an 8‑0 vote. It approved the appointment of standing committees, the Rules Committee, and a Library Trustee for 2025‑2026 by a 7‑1 vote. The council also adopted its Rules of Procedure for 2025‑2026 unanimously. The meeting was adjourned with an 8‑0 vote.

• Appointed Councilor Pious Ali as Mayor Pro Tempore (8-0)
• Appointed standing committees, Rules Committee, and Library Trustee for 2025-2026 (7-1)
• Adopted Council Rules of Procedure for 2025-2026 (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will revisit the police department's request to acquire an unmanned aerial vehicle after it failed to pass in November. The Council will also consider appropriating a $27,450 mobility grant, a $6,000 anonymous donation for police holiday assistance, and a $15,520 highway safety grant for pedestrian enforcement. An amendment to allocate up to $1.4 million of opioid settlement funds to treatment and support programs will be read for the first time. A proposal to modify short‑term rental registration requirements will also be presented.

• Order 88-25/26 – Police Department acquisition of a drone (UAS) that failed to pass previously
• Order 91-25/26 – Accept and appropriate $27,450 Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity grant
• Order 94-25/26 – Accept and appropriate an anonymous $6,000 donation for police Secret Santa giveaway
• Order 95-25/26 – Accept and appropriate $15,520 Maine Bureau of Highway Safety grant for pedestrian safety enforcement
• Order 96-25/26 – Amend Order 62-24/25 to appropriate up to $1.4 million opioid settlement funds for remediation programs

The council voted 8‑0 to suspend the rules for public comment on non‑agenda items. Minutes from the November 17 meeting were approved unanimously. A police department UAV purchase was postponed until March 2, 2026 (5‑3). The city accepted and appropriated a $27,450 mobility grant and an anonymous $6,000 donation, both passing 8‑0, with the donation approved as an emergency.

• Suspended public‑comment rule timing (8‑0)
• Approved November 17 meeting minutes (8‑0)
• Postponed police UAV acquisition until 3/2/26 (5‑3)
• Accepted and appropriated $27,450 mobility grant (8‑0)
• Accepted $6,000 anonymous donation, waived second reading (8‑0)
• Approved $6,000 donation as emergency (8‑0)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will approve the September 18 and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes and review financial, facilities, and exchange updates. It will then vote on two actions: adding Glennfish Company (American Pride) as a new buyer at the Portland Fish Exchange, and signing a letter supporting the adoption of the Fisheries Optimization Engine. Additional discussion items include the exchange manager review process, lobster landings by legal federal vessels, derelict vessels tied to the pier, and next steps for Cozy Harbor.

• Approve September 18 and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to approve new buyer Glennfish Company (American Pride) at the Portland Fish Exchange
• Vote to approve Board President signing letter supporting Fisheries Optimization Engine
• Discussion of review process for the Portland Fish Exchange Manager (evaluation rubric attached)
• Discussion of derelict vessels tied to the Pier

The board voted 8‑0 to approve Glennfish Company as a new buyer at the Portland Fish Exchange. It also voted 8‑0 to table the Fisheries Optimization Engine proposal until the next meeting. The board entered executive session (8‑0) to review confidential lease information, then returned to the public session (9‑0) and adjourned (7‑0).

• Approved September and October 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Glennfish Company as new buyer (8-0)
• Tabled Fisheries Optimization Engine to next meeting (8-0)
• Entered executive session to review lease matters (8-0)
• Ended executive session and returned to public meeting (9-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on one item: a hardship variance application (ZBA-003481-2025) by William and Emily Dowd to reconstruct a single-family dwelling or build a two-family dwelling on an unaccepted and unimproved city street at 162 Hobart Street. No other substantive decisions are on the agenda.

• Hardship variance (ZBA-003481-2025) for 162 Hobart St, Tax Map 200 Block D Lot 002, B-5 Mixed-Use Zone and Shoreland Zone, to redevelop the property with a single- or two-family dwelling

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation will consider and vote on a $400,000 Brownfields Subgrant Request from Roux Institute at 1 Beanpot Circle and an $85,000 loan from Bachelder Holdings, LLC at 9 Bolton Street. The board will also approve meeting minutes from September and October 2025, and receive the October 2025 Treasurer's Report. The board may enter executive session to discuss proprietary loan information.

• Vote on $400,000 Brownfields Subgrant from Roux Institute, 1 Beanpot Circle
• Vote on $85,000 loan request from Bachelder Holdings, LLC, 9 Bolton Street
• Possible executive session for confidential loan information
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 18 and October 16, 2025
• Treasurer's Report for October 2025

The Portland Development Corporation board approved the September 18 and October 16 meeting minutes. It voted 7‑0 to approve a $400,000 Brownfields subgrant for the Roux Institute and later approved an $85,000 loan to Bachelder Holdings, LLC. The board also entered an executive session to review loan documents and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (4-3-0, three abstentions)
• Approved October 16, 2025 minutes (6-1-0, one abstention)
• Approved $400,000 Brownfields subgrant to Roux Institute (7-0)
• Entered executive session to review loan application (6-0)
• Approved $85,000 loan to Bachelder Holdings, LLC (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will review a draft Request for Proposal to commission artwork for the Portland Harbor Common waterfront park. The committee will also discuss using funds to repair a bus shelter and consider canceling its December meeting.

• Review draft RFP for Portland Harbor Common art commission
• Discuss using PPAC funds to replace graffiti-damaged bus shelter glass
• Consider canceling the December 2025 meeting
• Review relocation of granite posts around John Ford statue
• Receive updates on conservation assessments and maintenance projects

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a hybrid workshop to review draft updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual. The meeting will also include a roll call and a report on the election of a Vice Chair Pro Tempore.

• Workshop: Preliminary Review of Proposed Updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual
• Election of Vice Chair Pro Tempore
• 2026 Historic Preservation Board Filing Deadlines and Meeting Dates
• Review of New Construction and Sitework at 142 Free Street

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will review several rent‑increase applications for completeness, consider public comment on one application, and schedule tenant‑rights appeals. It will also receive a Q3 2025 rent‑control report and decide whether to reschedule the December meeting. Finally, the board will vote on approval of findings of fact and conclusions of law.

• Rent Increase Application – Completeness Review for Woodford Arms, Inc., 168‑180 Woodford St (18 units)
• Rent Increase Application – Completeness Review for RSAA Properties LLC, 118 Providence St (Units 188 & 120)
• Rent Increase Application – Public Comment for Saunders Street Apartments LLC, 23 Saunders St (5 units)
• Schedule Tenant Rights Appeals
• Approval of Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law

The board denied the rent‑increase application for 23 Saunders Street. It also approved scheduling of December meetings, completed several rent‑increase applications, adjusted fees and expenses, and tabled one item to the next meeting.

• Scheduled Dec 2, 2025 meeting at 5:30 pm and Dec 17, 2025 meeting at 5:00 pm (6‑0)
• Found Woodford Arms rent‑increase application complete (6‑0)
• Scheduled public hearing for RSAA Properties after completeness (6‑0)
• Struck $12,000 management fee, applied 5% labor figure (6‑0)
• Adjusted 2024 water expense to $15.98 (6‑0)
• Denied rent‑increase application for 23 Saunders St (6‑0)
• Tabled 489 Cumberland Ave to Dec 17, 2025 meeting (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

City Council

The District 2 annual meeting is scheduled to host a community question-and-answer session with Councilor Wesley Pelletier. The event is set to take place at the Reiche Community School.

• Community Q&A session with Councilor Wesley Pelletier
• Introduction by Councilor Wesley Pelletier
• City staff introductions

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will meet to receive presentations on financing options. The body will discuss the City of Portland Municipal Bond Program and the State Tax Exempt Bond Program.

• Presentation on City of Portland Municipal Bond Program by Finance Director Brendan O'Connell
• Presentation on State Tax Exempt Bond Program by MaineHousing Sr. Director Adam Krea

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will hold its monthly meeting, including presentations from city officials on emergency management and solar on schools. The council will also consider a motion to add electronic keypads to Parks and Rec entries and discuss pest control impacts on island pets. Routine business includes committee reports, old business on committee chairs, and public comment.

• Presentation by Caity Hager, Emergency Management Coordinator, City of Portland
• Presentation by Joey Brunelle, Portland Climate Action team, on solar on schools
• Motion for Parks and Rec to add electronic keypads to entry
• Discussion on pest control and its impact on island pets
• Old business: settling committee chairs with new council

The council approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting and the Treasurer's Report (with one abstention). Councilors voted unanimously to adopt a revised committee structure, including splitting the Environment, Sustainability, Parks & Recreation committee and creating a Safety Committee, and they renamed the Ferry Services committee to "Ferry Services and Access". The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved September 23 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's Report (abstention by Reiser)
• Adopted new committee structure (unanimous)
• Renamed Ferry Services committee to "Ferry Services and Access" (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board will hold a hybrid workshop to consider a major site plan and subdivision application for 410 Auburn Street submitted by GreenMars Real Estate Services. The proposal seeks a 13‑lot conservation residential development with 130 dwelling units on a 4.21‑acre parcel zoned Residential Neighborhood (RN‑1). A separate subdivision request for 138 Auburn Street by DBA First Lutheran Church is being tabled to the December 9, 2025 meeting. No public hearing items are scheduled for this meeting.

• Workshop to consider major site plan and subdivision at 410 Auburn Street (13‑lot CRD, 130 units, 4.21 acres, RN‑1)
• Public hearing scheduled for 5:30 PM (no items on agenda)
• Report of attendance at the November 4, 2025 meeting
• New business: subdivision request for 138 Auburn Street by DBA First Lutheran Church, tabled to Dec 9, 2025

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will review and vote on a recommendation for an entertainment license ordinance and discuss a proposed Large Venue Ordinance. The meeting will also include the presentation of the Office of Economic Opportunity's programs and the FYE2025 TIF Annual Report.

• Vote on entertainment license recommendation
• Discussion on proposed Large Venue Ordinance
• Review FYE2025 TIF Annual Report
• Receive 2025 HEDC Annual Accomplishments Report
• Executive session on lease negotiations for 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway

The Housing & Economic Development Committee accepted the minutes from the October 21 meeting (4‑0). It voted to forward a recommendation that codifies a 1.5%‑2% ticket fee for entertainment licenses to the City Council (4‑0). The committee also agreed to forward the FY2025 TIF Annual Report and its 2025 Annual Accomplishment Report to the City Council as communication items. Finally, it entered executive session to discuss lease negotiations for 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway (3‑0).

• Accepted October 21, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Forwarded entertainment license fee recommendation to City Council (4-0)
• Forwarded FY2025 TIF Annual Report to City Council (consensus)
• Forwarded 2025 Committee Annual Accomplishment Report to City Council (consensus)
• Entered executive session on lease negotiations for 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway (3-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider a reconsidered snow ban parking fee, the police department's purchase of a drone, and the acceptance of $167,741.80 in federal firefighter grant funding. The body will also approve two new liquor licenses and a tool house donation.

• Reconsideration of snow ban fee from $175 to $130
• Police Department to acquire an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone)
• Accepting $167,741.80 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding
• Approving two new Class A lounge licenses at 150 Park Street and 324 Fore Street
• Accepting donation of a $45,000 tool house for Western Cemetery

The council approved a $167,741.80 grant from FEMA for firefighters (7‑0). It also approved a deed covenant for Dougherty Commons Phase 3 (7‑0) and rejected the police department's UAV acquisition (3‑4). Several consent items were passed, and the Snow Ban Fee amendment was not reconsidered (4‑3).

• Postponed approval of Marquis Lounge (Class A lounge at 150 Park St) until Dec 15 2025 (7‑0)
• Approved Blue Barren LLC B/W/D at 324 Fore St (7‑0)
• Approved donation of a Tool House from Stewards of Western Cemetery (7‑0)
• Reconsideration of Snow Ban Fee amendment failed (4‑3)
• Police Department UAV acquisition rejected (3‑4)
• Indefinite postponement of Police UAV order rejected (4‑3)
• Approved deed covenants for Dougherty Commons Phase 3 (7‑0)
• Approved $167,741.80 FEMA fire grant (7‑0)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee will discuss and vote on recommending a new buyer, American Pride, to the full board. The agenda also includes approval of October meeting minutes, a manager's report with expense/revenue deviations and cooler space, and a discussion on defining subcommittee roles.

• Vote to recommend new buyer American Pride to the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board
• Approval of October 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Fish Exchange Manager's report on expense/revenue deviations from budget
• Update on available cooler space
• Discussion on defining subcommittee roles

The subcommittee approved the October 10, 2025 meeting minutes without dissent. It then voted unanimously to recommend that the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board approve Glenn Fish (American Pride) as a new buyer at the Fish Exchange. The meeting was adjourned by consensus.

• Approved October 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Glenn Fish (American Pride) as new buyer at Fish Exchange (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (consensus)

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will consider recommending new allocations of Opioid Settlement Funds, with public comment. The committee also anticipates a vote on the Emergency Operations Plan and a discussion on the Police Citizen Review Board. Public comment will be taken on these three items.

• New allocations of Opioid Settlement Funds (Item 4) — committee recommendation to City Council
• Emergency Operations Plan (Item 5) — committee vote anticipated
• Police Citizen Review Board discussion (Item 6) — committee vote anticipated
• Opioid Settlement Funds day space update (Item 3) — staff presentation
• Approval of minutes from October 14, 2025 (Item 2)

The committee unanimously approved a motion to amend Order 62-24/25 to allocate up to $14 million from opioid settlement funds for syringe redemption, day‑space, housing support, community paramedicine and substance‑use programs. It also unanimously moved the updated Emergency Operations Plan to the full council for consideration. Several amendments to the Police Citizen Review Board ordinance were adopted, including changes to disqualification timelines and complaint periods, and the ordinance was passed as amended with a 3‑1 vote. The meeting was adjourned after unanimous approval of the minutes.

• Approved October 14 minutes (4‑0)
• Amended Order 62-24/25 to allocate up to $14 M OSF funds (4‑0)
• Moved Emergency Operations Plan to full council (4‑0)
• Changed disqualification timeline from five years to one year (3‑1)
• Struck applicant arrest disqualification section (4‑0)
• Reduced complaint‑filing period from 10 years to 2 years (4‑0)
• Passed Police Citizen Review Board ordinance as amended (3‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission will meet to approve minutes from September, receive secretary and treasurer reports, and discuss updates on several open space projects including Davis Pines, Hope Ave., Murray Street, and Stroudwater Boat Launch. No new acquisitions or funding decisions are on the agenda.

• Consideration of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Secretary's report on the annual report
• Treasurer's report on allocations
• Project updates for Davis Pines, Hope Ave., Murray Street, Redlon, Rocky Hill, Stroudwater Boat Launch, Stroudwater Pedestrian Bridge, and 0 Gray Rd.
• Parks Division and Land Bank Commission reports

The Land Bank Commission accepted the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote and one abstention. It also voted 5‑0 to remove the allocation for Barry Parcels (Redlon). No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Accepted September 10, 2025 minutes (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Removed allocation for Barry Parcels (5-0)

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will review and approve minutes from October 8, receive sustainability program updates, and hear presentations on the Capisic Brook Watershed Management Plan, the annual energy benchmarking report, and an updated greenhouse gas inventory. The committee will also hold an executive session to consult with attorneys regarding regulation of cruise ship discharges.

• Presentation on Capisic Brook Watershed Management Plan
• Annual report on Energy Benchmarking
• Review of updated greenhouse gas inventory
• Executive session on cruise ship discharge regulation
• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2025

Rent Board

The Rent Board will conduct public hearings and completeness reviews on several rent increase applications covering multiple properties across Portland. Two applications by SPAR Inc. for 72 Park Ave (12 units) and 157 Grant St (26 units) cite increased housing service costs. The board will also consider approval of prior meeting minutes and a scheduling request for a tenant rights complaint at 33 State St.

• Public comment on rent increase application for 58 Federal St, Unit 58-2 (owner: 56&58 Federal LLC)
• Public comment on rent increase application for 489 Cumberland Ave, all 4 units (owner: Dennis Fuller)
• Public comment on rent increase application for 218 Ocean Ave, Units 218, 220 & 222 (owner: Fredricka Kapothanasis Testamentary Trust)
• Completeness review for rent increase application at 168-180 Woodford St, all 18 units (owner: Woodford Arms, Inc.)
• Two rent increase applications by SPAR Inc. citing increased housing service costs: 72 Park Ave (12 units) and 157 Grant St (26 units)

The Portland Rent Board approved several rent‑related motions, setting a $44,400 Base Year rent, adjusting base rents for three units to $1,846.92 each, and increasing rents by $393.46 for four units. It also removed the Professional Association Membership fee and rejected a proposed Base Year and CPI adjustment. Additional motions addressed capital‑improvement financing, disallowed certain owner‑performed labor costs, and set conditions for future rent adjustments.

• Approved $44,400 Base Year rent based on 2020 amounts (6-0)
• Approved Base Rent adjustment to $1,846.92 for each of three units (6-0)
• Approved rent increase of $393.46 for each of four units (6-0)
• Approved removal of Professional Association Membership fee (5-1; Carreras votes no)
• Rejected adjustment of Base Year and CPI adjustment (5-1; Carreras votes no)
• Approved capital‑improvement adjustment using 8.7% interest and specified amortization (6-0)
• Disallowed owner‑performed labor amount in Section 13 (4-2; Carreras & Lax vote no)
• Failed motion to keep Professional Association Membership fee (1-5; Lax, Walker, Moore, Razat, Bolduc vote no)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review updates on the Civilian Police Review Board ordinance and the citizen complaint process. Members will discuss final drafts for meeting procedures, IA case presentation and voting, and the annual report. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss case IA2025-12.

• Update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Discussion of final draft of meeting procedures, public comment and vote
• Discussion of final procedures for IA case presentation and voting process
• Recommendations regarding Professionalism SOP
• Executive session to discuss IA2025-12

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will discuss a rough financial model for potential social housing approaches, presented by Matt Peters. The meeting also includes review and approval of October 22 minutes and updates on the 12-month work plan.

• Review and approve minutes from October 22, 2025 meeting
• Draft 3.0 12-Month Work Plan and Scratch Pad for administrative updates
• Rough Financial Model for Potential Social Housing Approaches presented by Matt Peters

City Council

The Portland City Council will meet virtually via Zoom. An executive session will discuss collective bargaining with Local 740 International Association of Firefighters and consider joining a class action lawsuit over PFAS contamination at the Jetport and other city properties. The council will consider Resolve 5-25/26, which would authorize the corporation counsel to retain a consortium of law firms to pursue PFAS-related litigation. A public comment period on non‑agenda items will be provided.

• Executive session to discuss negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement with Local 740 International Association of Firefighters
• Executive session to consult about joining a class action suit regarding PFAS contamination at the Jetport and other city properties
• Resolve 5-25/26 authorizing the city to enter litigation concerning PFAS contamination
• Approval of a legal services agreement with SL Law Group PC and additional law firms
• Public comment period on non‑agenda items

The council voted to enter an executive session at 5:30 pm, then to adjourn that session and reconvene a special meeting at 7:41 pm. It approved a resolution authorizing litigation over PFAS contamination and hiring SL Law Group PC for legal services. Finally, the council adjourned the regular meeting at 7:47 pm.

• Recessed into executive session at 5:30 pm (8‑0)
• Adjourned executive session and set reconvening special meeting at 7:41 pm (8‑0)
• Authorized PFAS contamination litigation and approved legal services agreement with SL Law Group PC (7‑0)
• Adjourned regular council meeting at 7:47 pm (7‑0)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will review the Capital Improvement Plan and hold a vote on it. They will also consider contributions for the Back Cove Festival and accept the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Additional items include officer elections, committee updates, and reports from the Parks Division and Land Bank Commission.

• Vote on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Discussion of Back Cove Festival contributions
• Acceptance of September 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Officer elections
• Committee updates and reports

Finance Committee

This meeting is a discussion-only session with no scheduled votes. Key items include a 20% increase in Metro's assessment for Portland (approximately $600k), a review of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan process, and a draft Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) policy. Staff will present details on each topic for committee input.

• Metro 2026 budget includes a 20% assessment increase for Portland (about $600k)
• Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) timeline and project selection criteria for 2026
• Review of draft PILOT policy with calculations after a $10M exemption
• Proposed service fee ordinance related to PILOT
• Update on American Rescue Plan Act spending and future PPS MOU discussion

The Finance Committee held its regular meeting on November 6, 2025. The minutes only note statutory recording requirements and the public archive location. No motions, votes, approvals, or denials were documented.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on November 6, 2025. At the meeting the board will review a request to reconsider a previously denied hardship variance (ZBA-003455-2025) for 1220 Brighton Avenue, owned by West Realty Inc., located in the TOD‑2 Transit‑Oriented Development zone. The board will decide whether to overturn the earlier denial and take any related action.

• Reconsideration of Hardship Variance (ZBA-003455-2025) for 1220 Brighton Avenue, TOD‑2 zone

City Council

Councilor Regina Phillips hosts the District 3 annual meeting, including a presentation by staff on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, followed by an extended community Q&A session. No formal votes or binding decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation on CDBG Grant Information by Mary Davis, Director of Housing & Community Development Division
• Community Q&A session lasting 70 minutes

Creative Portland Corporation

The Creative Portland Board will vote on the consent agenda for October financials and minutes, renew the 2025‑2026 Executive Committee slate, and appoint five new board members recommended by the nominating committee. The meeting also includes an executive director update on grants, marketing, art activation, and upcoming FY26 board meeting dates.

• Vote to accept October financials and minutes (consent agenda)
• Vote to renew 2025‑2026 Executive Committee slate
• Vote to appoint five board members: Clare E. Hannan, Haj Carr, Sampson Hamilton, Heidi Dikeman, Lee Hartman
• Executive Director update on grant pursuits, marketing analytics, and art activation plans
• Adoption of FY26 board meeting dates

Planning Board

The Board will review a major site plan and subdivision application for a nine‑lot conservation residential development at 57 Castine Avenue in the RN‑1 zone. The meeting will also include a report on decisions made at the October 28 meeting, including approval of the 161 York Street major site plan. Public comment will be accepted via Zoom.

• Report and approval of major site plan for 161 York Street (vote 7‑0)
• Waiver of Technical Manual Section 1.10.7 minimum drive aisle width for 161 York Street
• Adoption of draft approval letter for 161 York Street
• New business: review of major site plan and subdivision for 57 Castine Avenue (nine‑lot CRD)
• Remote workshop scheduled to consider the 57 Castine Avenue application

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider several resolutions and orders, including amendments to council rules and a climate‑adaptation partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. It will also act on a fee‑waiver request for the Maine Irish Heritage Center, accept a $30,460 waste‑reduction grant, and approve a new collective bargaining agreement for city technical employees. The most consequential items are the designation of the Lambert Woods South Affordable Housing Development and Tax Increment Financing District at 165 Lambert Street and the appropriation of a $2.2 million loan from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund to fund the project.

• Resolve 3-25/26: Amend Council Rules on proclamations, speaking, and committee referrals.
• Resolve 4-25/26: Support collaboration with Gulf of Maine Research Institute on climate adaptation.
• Order 93-23/24: Waive 50% of $1,406 annual indoor entertainment fee for Maine Irish Heritage Center at 687 Forest Avenue ($703).
• Order 77-25/26: Accept $30,460 Maine DEP waste‑reduction grant for covered compost kiosks.
• Order 79-25/26 (with Orders 80‑26 and 81‑26): Designate Lambert Woods South Affordable Housing Development and Tax Increment Financing District at 165 Lambert Street and appropriate $2.2 million loan from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund.

The City Council unanimously approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes and passed several resolutions and proclamations. It approved multiple orders, including a $2,200,000 appropriation for the Lambert Woods South affordable‑housing project, a $30,460 state grant, and the collective bargaining agreement with the Professional and Technical City Employee Association. The council also adopted code amendments for hotel inclusionary zoning and reduced the snow‑ban fee from $175 to $130.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (9‑0)
• Waived Class III & IV indoor‑entertainment fees for Maine Irish Heritage Center (amended) (9‑0)
• Accepted and appropriated $30,460 Maine DEP waste‑reduction grant (9‑0)
• Approved collective bargaining agreement with PTCEA (9‑0)
• Designated Lambert Woods South Affordable Housing Development district (9‑0)
• Approved Lambert Woods South Affordable Housing Credit Enhancement Agreement (9‑0)
• Appropriated $2,200,000 from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund to Lambert Woods South (9‑0)
• Amended snow‑ban fee, reducing it from $175 to $130 (8‑1)

City Council

Councilor Kate Sykes is holding an annual meeting for District 5 residents. The session includes a presentation on CDBG Grant information and a community question-and-answer period.

• CDBG Grant information presentation by Mary Davis, Director of Housing & Community Development Division

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will consider a motion to go into executive session to discuss complaints against an appointed board or committee member, as permitted by state law. This is the committee's only substantive action at this meeting.

• Motion to enter executive session to discuss complaints against an appointed board/committee member (pursuant to 1 M.R.S. section 405(6)(A) & (E))

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a workshop to discuss a large-scale residential and commercial development. The board will also hold a public hearing regarding a multi-family dwelling project on York Street.

• Workshop for 45 Union Street: 30-story, 199,803 square-foot building with 73 condos and an 88-room hotel
• Public hearing for 161 York Street: development of two lots with three-family dwelling units and 10 parking spaces

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission will hold a remote meeting primarily to continue its review of the Draft Code of Ethics, focusing on the Intro Section and the Conflict of Interest Section. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comment on agenda items.

• Continued review of Draft Code of Ethics – Intro Section and Conflict of Interest Section

Rent Board

The Rent Board will conduct completeness reviews and hear public comment on several rent increase applications. The board will also review applications for increased housing service costs for two properties owned by SPAR Inc.

• Rent increase public comment: 58 Federal St, Unit 58-2
• Rent increase public comment: 489 Cumberland Ave, all 4 units
• Rent increase public comment: 218 Ocean Ave, Units 218, 220 & 222
• Rent increase completeness review: 168-180 Woodford St, all 18 units
• Rent increase applications for increased housing service costs: 72 Park Ave (Units 1-12) and 157 Grant St (Units 1-26)

The Rent Board lacked a quorum, so all agenda items were tabled. A motion to move the regular November meeting to November 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM was approved 3‑0. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Rescheduled regular November meeting to Nov 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)
• All agenda items tabled due to lack of quorum

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will first review and approve the minutes from its September 24, 2025 meeting. It will then consider and approve the City’s Remote Participation Policy for the task force. Finally, the group will discuss the Social Housing Matrix and related resources to determine a path forward for social housing initiatives.

• Approve minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting
• Approve City of Portland Remote Participation Policy for the task force
• Discuss the Social Housing Matrix
• Review assorted resources and articles on social housing models

City Council

This is an informational annual meeting for District 4 residents, hosted by Councilor Anna Bullett. City staff from multiple departments will give presentations, followed by a community Q&A session. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled.

• Presentations by City Manager's Office, Housing, Public Works, Parks, Planning, Sustainability, Health & Human Services, Police, and Fire
• Community Q&A session with Councilor Bullett
• Emergency preparedness survey open until November 30, 2025

Peaks Island Council

The September 24, 2025 Peaks Island Council meeting did not have a quorum, so the council could not approve the August 27 minutes. Without a quorum, no old or new business was discussed and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025.

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will first approve minutes from three prior meetings. It will then discuss a proposed entertainment‑license ordinance amendment, a Performance Hall moratorium, and a rent‑control ordinance policy. Finally, the committee will enter executive session to receive staff direction on a possible sale of city‑owned property at Portland Technology Park.

• Review and accept minutes from September 23, October 7, and October 15, 2025 meetings
• Discussion of proposed entertainment license ordinance amendment
• Discussion of Performance Hall moratorium
• Discussion of Rent Control Ordinance policy (memo attached)
• Executive session to consider possible negotiation for sale of City‑owned property at Portland Technology Park

The Housing and Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the September 23, October 7, and October 15 meetings. It then voted unanimously to enter an executive session to consider negotiations for the sale of city‑owned property at Portland Technology Park. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:30 p.m.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 7:06 p.m. to discuss property sale (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:30 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is deciding on several high-value appropriations for the Portland International Jetport and affordable housing. The body will also consider appointments for city constables and the Portland Widows' Wood Society.

• Order 66-25/26: $9.3 million from Jetport Unrestricted Funds to expand public surface parking lots
• Order 65-25/26: $5.5 million from Jetport Unrestricted Funds for a Battery Energy Storage System
• Order 64-25/26: $360,000 from Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Lambert Woods North LLC
• Order 63-25/26: $2,000,000 in USEPA funding for the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
• Order 67-25/26: Amendment to City Code Chapter 25 regarding the naming of City assets

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The board will discuss and vote on a draft purchasing policy for the Portland Fish Exchange and accept proposed responsibilities for subcommittees. They will also consider applying for a Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP) grant and discuss a lease amendment request from Waterfront ME, which may involve an executive session. Financial, facilities, and Fish Exchange updates will be presented.

• Discussion and possible vote on Draft Portland Fish Exchange Purchasing Policy
• Discussion and possible vote to accept proposed Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee Responsibilities
• Discussion regarding applying for a Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant
• Discussion on request from Waterfront ME for lease amendment
• PFPA Board to conduct review of General Manager at next regular meeting

The board voted 9‑0 to adopt the draft Purchasing Policy for the Portland Fish Exchange, which sets quote requirements for purchases over and under $20,000. It also approved an 8‑0 motion to enter Executive Session to review confidential lease information, then a 9‑0 motion to end Executive Session and return to the public meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved draft Portland Fish Exchange Purchasing Policy (9-0)
• Entered Executive Session to review lease matters (8-0)
• Exited Executive Session and returned to public meeting (9-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)
• Motion to accept proposed Subcommittee responsibilities withdrawn (no vote)

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will consider two funding requests: a Brownfield subgrant from the Portland Housing Authority for the property at 70 E Oxford Street (COMB Block) and a $125,000 loan to Health Resonates, LLC for its location at 773 Congress Street. The board will also receive the Treasurer's report covering the September 2025 administrative budget, cash management, and loan receivables. The meeting will conclude with any other items the directors wish to raise and set the next regular meeting date.

• Review and vote on Brownfield Subgrant Request from Portland Housing Authority for 70 E Oxford Street – COMB Block
• Review and vote on $125,000 loan request for Health Resonates, LLC, 773 Congress Street
• Treasurer's Report – September 2025 administrative budget, cash management, and loan receivable schedule

The board voted unanimously to approve a $450,000 Brownfield subgrant for the Portland Housing Authority’s COMB Block affordable housing project. It also approved a $125,000 loan to Health Resonates LLC at a 7.75% interest rate for five years. The next regular meeting was scheduled for December 18, 2025, with a Business Award Event on November 20, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

• Approved $450,000 Brownfield subgrant to Portland Housing Authority (vote 8-0)
• Approved $125,000 loan to Health Resonates LLC, 5‑year term at 7.75% interest (vote 8-0)
• Set next regular meeting for December 18, 2025 (Business Award Event on November 20, 2025)
• Adjourned meeting at approximately 5:05 p.m. (vote 8-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on October 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 24 of Portland City Hall. The board will consider New Business item A, an Undue Hardship Appeal (ZBA-003453-2025) for 75 Northport Dr., filed by Northport Investments LLC. The applicant is requesting a Hardship Variance from Section 19.6.3(E)(1) that limits the lot to one electronic message sign. The owners are represented by Preston Peabbles.

• Undue Hardship Appeal (ZBA-003453-2025) – 75 Northport Dr., Northport Investments LLC – request for Hardship Variance from Section 19.6.3(E)(1) on electronic message sign limit (representative: Preston Peabbles)
• Hybrid public hearing via Zoom and in‑person at 6:00 p.m., Oct 16, 2025, Room 24, Portland City Hall
• Adjournment

The Board reviewed an undue hardship appeal (ZBA-003453-2025) from Northport Investments LLC seeking relief from a sign limitation at 75 Northport Dr. The Board voted unanimously, 4‑0, to deny the appeal. No other matters were decided.

• Denied hardship variance for 75 Northport Dr (4-0)

City Council

The District 1 Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Portland High School. The agenda includes presentations on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) information and an upcoming community survey, followed by a 70-minute question-and-answer session with Councilor Sarah Michniewicz.

• District 1 Annual Meeting hosted by Councilor Sarah Michniewicz
• Presentation on CDBG Grant Information by Mary Davis
• Information regarding upcoming City of Portland Community Survey
• 70-minute Community Q&A session with Councilor Michniewicz

Public Art Committee

The committee will discuss the proposed relocation of six granite posts surrounding the John Ford sculpture as part of the Gorham’s corner roadway improvement project. Members will also receive updates on subcommittee activities and the Harbor Common new acquisition RFP.

• Discussion of relocating six granite posts around the John Ford sculpture for the Gorham’s corner roadway improvement project
• Public art fund balance reduction of $3,560 for Rustle Dyptych II lighting installation
• Update on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new acquisition at Portland Harbor Commons on the Eastern Waterfront
• Report on the installation of new conduit and power for Rustle Diptych II by Casco Bay Electric

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a hybrid meeting to review a new construction and sitework plan for the Portland Museum of Art at 142 Free Street. The agenda also includes a report on attendance and procedural rules from the September 3, 2025 meeting.

• Review of New Construction and Sitework at 142 Free Street
• Report of attendance at the September 3, 2025 meeting
• Adoption of Historic Preservation Board Procedural Rules
• Updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will review and vote on a recommendation to the City Council for the 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement. Public comment on this item was already taken at the October 7 meeting.

• Review and vote on recommendation to City Council for 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement

The Housing & Economic Development Committee approved, by a 3-1 vote, forwarding the revised 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement to the City Council for approval. The vote reflected one dissenting member, Councilor Sykes. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 4-0 vote.

• Forward 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement to City Council (3-1)
• Adjourn meeting (4-0)

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will meet remotely to discuss the Police Department's use of drones, the next steps for a resolution on federal immigration enforcement, and the Police Citizen Review Board. The committee will also receive updates on the Syringe Services Program and Opioid Settlement Funds.

• Discussion on use of police drones
• Resolution on federal immigration enforcement tactics
• Police Citizen Review Board discussion
• Syringe Services Program update
• Opioid Settlement Funds update

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee is meeting to review a draft purchasing policy and may vote on a recommendation to the Board. The meeting also includes a manager's report on budget deviations and cooler space.

• Review and possible vote on the Portland Fish Exchange Draft Purchasing Policy
• Manager's report on expense/revenue items deviating from the budget
• Report on available cooler space
• Report on changes in existing buyers and sellers

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the August 14 and September 11 meetings unanimously. It voted 4-2 to recommend the Draft Purchasing Policy to the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board, with a review of expenditures under $20,000 at the January 2026 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned by consensus.

• Approve August 14, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous
• Approve September 11, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous
• Recommend Draft Purchasing Policy to Board – approved 4-2
• Adjourn meeting – approved by consensus

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will hold a remote meeting on October 8, 2025, to discuss several items. Key topics include a resolution supporting collaboration with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for coastal resilience, proposed amendments to snow ban parking regulations, and the location of the Amtrak Downeaster station. Public comment will be taken on each discussion item.

• Resolution supporting collaboration with Gulf of Maine Research Institute for coastal resilience and marine economy
• Amendments to Chapter 28-51 regarding snow ban parking regulations
• Discussion on Amtrak Downeaster Station location with NNEPRA executive director
• Public comment will be taken on the three main agenda items

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee voted unanimously to raise the citation fee for leaving a vehicle on the street during a snow‑removal ban from $40 to $175. The committee also unanimously approved moving the resolution supporting collaboration between the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the City of Portland to the full City Council agenda.

• Raised snow‑ban parking citation fee to $175 (unanimous)
• Approved forwarding Gulf of Maine Research Institute collaboration resolution to full council (unanimous)
• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will hear public comment on several rent increase applications submitted by Forty Nine, LLC and SPAR Inc. for increased housing service costs at various properties. The meeting also includes updates from the Rent Increase Notice Subcommittee, the MNOI Rent Increase Application Form Subcommittee, and a discussion on rescheduling previously tabled applications. An annual report update will be presented before adjournment.

• Rent increase application – 82 Hanover St owner Forty Nine, LLC – 89 Spruce St, Units 1‑12
• Rent increase application – 82 Hanover St owner Forty Nine, LLC – 105 Forest Ave, Units 001‑007
• Rent increase application – 82 Hanover St owner SPAR Inc. – 72 Park Ave, Units 1‑12
• Discussion of rescheduling tabled applications from September 24, 2025
• Rent Increase Notice Subcommittee update

The Rent Board approved a rent increase for four Port Property units at a blended amount of $117.54. The amount was set after an earlier approval motion failed and a subsequent motion to set the amount passed. The board also scheduled a special meeting for November 12, 2025 and took additional actions such as tabling an application and suspending rules.

• Recusal of Matthew Walker from Port Property deliberations failed (0-5)
• Blended $117.54 approval motion for four units failed (2-4)
• Approval of rent increase application for four units passed (4-2)
• Motion to set amount at $117.54 passed (4-2)
• Motion to reject 157 Grant St and 72 Park Ave application failed (1-5)
• Motion to table that application passed (6-0)
• Motion to suspend Rent Board rules to continue meeting passed (5-1)
• Motion to schedule special meeting for Nov 12, 2025 passed (6-0)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The subcommittee will receive updates on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance and the citizen complaint and commendation process. Members will discuss draft meeting procedures and the voting process for Internal Affairs case presentations. The meeting includes a report on data sharing and an overview of the Police Department Behavioral Health Unit.

• Update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Update of the citizen complaint/commendation process
• Discussion of revised draft of meeting procedures
• Draft procedures for IA case presentation and voting process
• Overview of Portland Police Department Behavioral Health Unit

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will review and provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding an agreement for the 2026 Back Cove Festival.

• Review and recommendation to City Council for 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement

The Housing & Economic Development Committee discussed the 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement but withdrew motions to refer the item to City Council and to amend the agreement to a one‑year term. The committee then approved a motion to postpone further action on the agreement to a meeting the week of October 13, passing 3‑0. The meeting was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.

• Postponed action on 2026 Back Cove Festival agreement (3-0 vote)
• Withdrawn motion to refer the item to City Council
• Withdrawn motion to amend the agreement to a 1‑year term
• Adjourned meeting (2-0 vote)

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee Waiver Committee is meeting to deliberate and decide on a specific application to use fertilizer or pesticides. The decision concerns the property located at 400 Woodford St.

• Waiver application for pesticide or fertilizer use at 400 Woodford St

City Council

The City Council will consider accepting $400,303 from MaineHousing to operate an overnight winter warming shelter at 166 Riverside for the 2025-2026 season, activated when temperatures drop to 15°F or below or snow accumulates 10 inches or more. The Council will also take up a first reading of a $2,000,000 EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund recapitalization for contaminated property cleanup. Other items include approval of a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 481-00, acceptance of donations to the Fire Department, and an amendment to affordability covenants at Dougherty Commons.

• Accept $400,303 MaineHousing grant for winter warming shelter at 166 Riverside
• Accept $2,000,000 EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund for contaminated property cleanup
• Approve collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 481-00 (July 2025–Dec 2027)
• Accept $22,500 donation from Louise Adams estate for Fire Department conference room
• Amend Dougherty Commons condominium declaration to allow mortgage financing for affordable units

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee Waiver Committee is meeting to deliberate on a specific request. The body will decide whether to grant a waiver for the use of fertilizer or pesticides at 400 Woodford St.

• Application to use fertilizer or pesticide at 400 Woodford St

Parks Commission

The Portland Parks Commission will hold a workshop on October 2, 2025, to review the Portland Parks Conservancy's strategic planning and discuss special projects. The meeting will be held in person at 212 Canco Rd. Suite A, with no public comment recorded.

• Portland Parks Conservancy Strategic Planning Presentation
• Special Projects discussion
• Commissioner requests for Agenda Items

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss a hardship variance request for a property in the TOD-2 Transit-Oriented Development Zone. The board will determine if the applicant can bypass specific zoning prohibitions and building requirements.

• Hardship Variance (ZBA-003455-2025) for 1220 Brighton Avenue regarding drive-through prohibitions
• Request for relief from minimum build-to zone, minimum height, and minimum building length requirements at 1220 Brighton Avenue

On October 2, 2025, the Portland Zoning Board of Appeals met in a hybrid session. The board considered a hardship variance request for 1220 Brighton Avenue in the TOD-2 zone. The board voted 7‑0 to deny the appeal. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

• Denied Hardship Variance for 1220 Brighton Avenue (7-0)

Creative Portland Corporation

The Creative Portland Board of Directors will meet to vote on accepting August financials and September minutes, hear updates on Hear Here and Maine Music & Wavefront Festival, and review nominations for board members.

• Vote to accept consent agenda (August financials & September minutes)
• Review nominations for board members: Matt Schwach, Elyse Grams, Mike Bove, Lucy Comaskey, Sampson Hamilton, Haj Carr
• Update on Hear Here and Maine Music & Wavefront Festival
• Grant pursuits include Amazon sponsored application and CP application to Justin Alfond Fund
• FY26 Board meeting dates set for Nov 5, Jan 7, Feb 4, Apr 1, May 6, and June 3

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will receive presentations on housing development contexts from the Greater Portland Council of Governments and City of Portland staff. The meeting includes a review of the 2024 Portland Housing Report and housing approvals and completions.

• GPCOG presentation on Regional Housing Development Context
• City of Portland presentation on Housing Approvals and Completions
• Review of Housing Resources and Subsidized Housing Development
• Review of the 2024 Portland Housing Report

Ethics Commission

The Portland Ethics Commission will hold a remote meeting to continue its unfinished business on the Draft Code of Ethics. The commission will also discuss the public comment process and approve minutes from the previous meeting. No final votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Continued review of Draft Code of Ethics
• Discussion of Public Comment Process for future meetings
• Approval of minutes from August 27, 2025 meeting
• Next meeting set for October 28, 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold an executive session, closed to the public, to discuss the disposition of city-owned Midtown properties at 25, 59, and 75 Somerset Street and 0 Elm Street. No other business is on the agenda for this workshop meeting.

• Executive session under state law to discuss sale or transfer of Midtown properties
• Properties addressed at 25, 59, 75 Somerset Street and 0 Elm Street

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will meet remotely to discuss legislative priorities and receive a legislative update from Bernstein Shur. The committee will also take up General Assistance as other business. Approval of minutes from September 18, 2025, is on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from September 18, 2025
• Legislative update from Bernstein Shur
• Discussion of legislative priorities
• General Assistance discussion

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will hear public comment on multiple rent increase applications and review new applications for completeness. They will also discuss the 2026 allowable rent increase percentage, receive updates from subcommittees, and consider the annual report. The board will approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Communication on 2026 Allowable Increase Percentage
• Public comment on rent increase at 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102 (owner Matthew Davies)
• Public comment on rent increase at 58 Federal St, Unit 58-2 (owner 56&58 Federal LLC)
• Completeness review for rent increase at 168-180 Woodford St, all 18 units (owner Woodford Arms, Inc.)
• Completeness review for rent increase at 118 Providence St, Unit 120 (owner RSAA Properties LLC)

The board approved the August and September minutes and the written findings for 12 Kellogg St, Unit 1. It denied a Base Year rent increase for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102, then approved the application and set the increase at $275.41. The board also tabled all remaining agenda items and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved August 27 and September 3 minutes (4-0)
• Approved written findings for 12 Kellogg St, Unit 1 (4-0)
• Denied Base Year rent increase request for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102 (4-0)
• Approved rent increase application for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102 (4-0)
• Set rent increase amount at $275.41 for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102 (4-0)
• Tabled all remaining agenda items (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will review minutes, receive administrative updates, and discuss a comparison document, various concepts for social housing, and a proposed work plan developed by the co-chairs. No public comment will be taken at this meeting.

• Review and approve minutes from August 18, 2025 meeting
• Discussion of Social Housing Comparison Document (Social Housing Matrix)
• Discussion of Concepts of Social Housing for Portland (assorted resources and articles)
• Discussion of Proposed Work Plan developed by co-chairs

Jetport Noise Advisory Committee

The committee will review 2025 passenger and operations data and August 2025 flight discrepancy reports. Members will also receive updates on proposed flight approach and RNAV revisions.

• Review of Jetport 2025 Passenger and Operations Data
• Update on the Proposed Overlay of the Harbor Visual Approach
• Update on Proposed Revisions to HSKEL THREE and NUBLE FOUR RNAV
• Review and Discussion of August 2025 Flight Discrepancy Reports

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will hold its monthly meeting, discussing several items including updates on needs-based tickets, land use code amendments, scheduling for the November election, restructuring a committee, and public water access. The meeting includes public comment periods at the start (limited to specific issues) and at the end (any topic, 3 minutes per speaker). No final decisions are indicated on the agenda; items are listed for discussion and updates.

• Update on Needs-Based Tickets
• Land Use Code Amendments
• Elections Committee scheduling for November election
• Restructuring Environment, Sustainability, and Parks & Rec committee
• Public water access discussion – boat storage, public dingy dock

The council unanimously approved the July 23 minutes and the Treasurer’s Report. A motion passed to let Rees and Glendening bring the PIC land‑use code amendment to the Planning Board. Councilors agreed to invite Jerzy Sylvester to chair the upcoming Elections Committee and to reassess committee responsibilities. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved July 23 PIC meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report (unanimous)
• Authorized Rees and Glendening to submit PIC land‑use amendment (unanimous)
• Agreed to invite Jerzy Sylvester to chair the PIC Elections Committee
• Agreed to reassess committee responsibilities and structure
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold workshops for two major site plan applications and a public hearing regarding hotel inclusionary zoning requirements. Staff will also present a new interactive map of local historic designations.

• Workshop for 30-story mixed-use building with 73 condominiums and an 88-room hotel at 45 Union Street
• Workshop for eight new dwelling units across two lots at 16 Purington Way
• Public hearing on text amendments to Article 17 of the Land Use Code regarding hotel inclusionary zoning
• Presentation of the new interactive web-based map of local historic designations

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will review several items and make recommendations to the City Council, including a loan request from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Lambert Woods North/622 Auburn Street and an RFP for a licensed early childhood education provider at city-owned BC2 property. The committee will also consider a request to waive the VFW's poker license fee and an agreement for the 2026 Back Cove Festival. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the disposition of city-owned property at 21 Randall Street.

• Request for loan funding from Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Lambert Woods North/622 Auburn Street
• Review and recommendation on RFP for Licensed Early Childhood Education Provider at city-owned BC2 property
• Review and recommendation on request by VFW to waive Poker License Fee
• Review and recommendation on Agreement for 2026 Back Cove Festival
• Communication only: Quarter 2 Rent Control Report

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee Waiver Committee will deliberate and decide on a waiver request to apply pesticides at 125 Pinecrest Rd. The agenda includes a photo of the Asiatic bittersweet related to the request. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom and will end with adjournment.

• Waiver request to apply pesticides at 125 Pinecrest Rd
• Review of photo of the Asiatic bittersweet
• Adjournment

City Council

The Portland City Council will meet in a closed executive session to discuss the condition and future use of the City’s Police Department building and the Expo building. No decisions are recorded in the agenda; the session is for discussion only.

• Executive session on condition and use of the Police Department building
• Executive session on condition and use of the Expo building

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will meet remotely via Zoom on September 18, 2025. The agenda includes a discussion of the upcoming legislative session and a review of legislative priorities presented by city staff. No formal actions or votes are listed.

• Discussion of upcoming legislative session (Bernstein Shur)
• Review of legislative priorities from city staff

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Board of Directors will review financial and facilities updates. Members will discuss the Portland Fish Exchange refrigeration system, procurement processes, and the responsibilities of the Fish Exchange Subcommittee.

• Discussion on Portland Fish Exchange refrigeration system and refrigerant
• Definition of Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee responsibilities
• Discussion of Portland Fish Exchange procurement process
• Review of financial update from the Finance Department
• Review of facilities update from Project Manager Phil DiPierro

The board voted 7‑0 to approve the August 21 and September 8 meeting minutes. A Finance Subcommittee approved an additional $170,000 equipment purchase to keep the facility cold. The board then voted 8‑0 to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved August 21 and September 8 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Finance Subcommittee approved $170,000 equipment purchase (reported)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (8-0)

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee is deliberating and will decide on a waiver request to apply pesticides at 28 Tremaine Street. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Deliberation and decision on waiver application for pesticide use at 28 Tremaine St

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation Board will review a Brownfields loan request and the FY2025 draft annual report. The meeting includes the annual election of officers and a review of award event nominations.

• Vote on $750,000 Brownfields Loan Request for Fathom Companies
• Vote to forward FY2025 Draft Annual Report to City Council
• Election of President, Treasurer, and Secretary
• Vote on PDC Award event nominations
• Setting the Annual Meeting of the Corporator for October 6, 2025

The Portland Development Corporation Board approved a $750,000 Brownfields loan for Fathom Companies to redevelop the M&T Bank building into a hotel. The Board also approved the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes, accepted the draft annual report and set the annual meeting for October 6, 2025, and elected new officers. All votes were unanimous except the minutes approval, which passed 4‑2‑0 with two abstentions.

• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4-2-0, 2 abstentions)
• Entered executive session to discuss loan (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved $750,000 Brownfields loan to Fathom Companies (6-0)
• Accepted and forwarded Draft Annual Report, set Oct 6, 2025 meeting date (6-0)
• Elected Kierston Van Soest as President, Beverly Werber as Treasurer, Sam Dargan as Secretary (6-0)
• Approved recommendations for PDC Award event nominations (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0, 1 member left before vote)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on September 18, 2025, to decide on an undue hardship variance request for 84 Auburn Street. The applicant, 84 Auburn, LLC, seeks relief from limits on building-mounted and freestanding directional signs in the B-1 Mixed-Use Zone.

• Undue Hardship Variance (ZBA-003449-2025) for 84 Auburn St.: relief from maximum number of building-mounted signs (Table 19-G) and maximum area for freestanding directional signs (Table 19-S).

The board reviewed an undue hardship variance request for 84 Auburn Street, seeking relief from sign limits. The board voted unanimously (5-0) to deny the appeal. No other actions were taken and the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

• Denied undue hardship variance for 84 Auburn St (5-0)

Public Art Committee

The Portland Public Art Committee will vote on two proposals for a conservation assessment of the city's public art collection: Tuckerbrook Conservation (up to $12,000) and Taggart Objects Conservation ($11,576). The committee will also vote on the annual plan report and proposed budget for FY26, and on a proposal to install conduit and light fixtures for the artwork "Rustle Diptych II." Additionally, a subcommittee will develop a request for proposals for a new acquisition at Harbor Common on the Eastern Waterfront.

• Voting on conservation assessment proposals: Tuckerbrook Conservation (estimate $10,800–$12,000) and Taggart Objects Conservation ($11,576)
• Vote on FY26 annual plan report and proposed budget
• Vote on proposal for Rustle Diptych II installation of conduit and light fixtures (Casco Bay Electric quote)
• Subcommittee to develop RFP for new acquisition at Harbor Common
• Staff report: public art fund balance unchanged since August 20

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee is meeting for a training session, not for decisions or votes. Lieutenant Titcomb will present an overview of the Internal Affairs (IA) process, and Associate Corporation Counsel Nicole Albert will cover basics of criminal procedure. The agenda also includes discussion of SOP 90 and IA Orientation.

• Training on the Internal Affairs (IA) process presented by Lieutenant Titcomb
• Presentation on basics of criminal procedure by Associate Corporation Counsel Nicole Albert
• Review of SOP 90
• IA Orientation (PCRS) discussion

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will consider continuing an appeal of the property assessment at 37 Casco Street, filed by Ambassador LLC. They will also discuss next steps for remaining appeals and approve minutes from the July 10, 2025 hearing.

• Approve minutes of the July 10, 2025 Board of Assessment Review Hearing
• Continuation of appeal of assessment of 37 Casco Street (owner Ambassador LLC, filed by agent David Bergeron with Reveler LLC)
• Discussion on next steps for remaining appeals

The board approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes and admitted several assessor exhibits. It voted 3‑0 to deny the appeal of 37 Casco Street, and 3‑0 to authorize the board attorney to draft a written decision within 10 days. The board set October 20, 2025 for the applicant to state whether to waive other pending appeals, and the remaining appeals were deemed denied. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.

• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Admitted Assessor’s Exhibit 25 (unanimous, no objection)
• Admitted Assessor’s Exhibits 26‑29 (3-0)
• Denied appeal of 37 Casco Street (3-0)
• Authorized board attorney to prepare written decision within 10 days (3-0)
• Scheduled October 20, 2025 for applicant to decide on waiver of other appeals
• Deemed remaining appeals denied (outcome)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider several consent items, including a liquor license upgrade for Argenta Brewing at 82 Hanover Street and a scrap metal recycling license renewal for Schnitzer Northeast at 568 Riverside Street. Councilors will also discuss a proposed amendment to taxi fares and a partnership with MaineDOT for pedestrian crossing improvements on West Commercial Street, which requires a city contribution of $17,078.30. The meeting includes the first reading of a $118,184 health and wellness grant for police and fire departments and the first reading of a collective bargaining agreement with Labor & Trades, AFSCME Local 481-00 covering July 2025 through December 2027.

• Order 49-25/26: Approve collective bargaining agreement with Labor & Trades, AFSCME Local 481-00 (July 1 2025 – Dec 31 2027)
• Order 46-25/26: Approve pedestrian crossing improvements on West Commercial Street; city pays $17,078.30
• Order 47-25/26: Approve Class III & IV liquor license upgrade for Argenta Brewing Company at 82 Hanover Street
• Order 48-25/26: Approve renewal of scrap metal recycling license for Schnitzer Northeast at 568 Riverside Street
• Order 48-25/26: Accept and appropriate $118,184 health and wellness grant for Portland Police and Fire Departments

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee will discuss amending its bylaws to match the City of Portland Purchasing Policy, with a possible vote on a recommendation to the full Portland Fish Pier Authority Board. The meeting also includes a manager's report on September 2025 fish exchange operations, expense/revenue deviations, and available cooler space. Updates on regulatory changes affecting herring, groundfish, lobster, and pogies will be reviewed. The subcommittee will also address old business and changes in existing buyers and sellers.

• Discussion and possible vote on amending Fish Pier Exchange bylaws to mirror the City of Portland Purchasing Policy
• Fish Exchange Manager's Report covering September 2025 operations, budget deviations, and cooler space
• Review of upcoming regulatory changes from NMFS (herring, groundfish) and DMR (lobster, pogies)
• Changes in existing buyers and sellers at the fish exchange
• Old business including public relations of the Portland Fish Exchange

The subcommittee created a working group of four members to develop a hybrid procurement policy for the Portland Fish Exchange. A motion to adopt the City of Portland’s purchasing process was withdrawn. The meeting was adjourned by a consensus motion.

• Formed working group (Mendelson, Pearce, Vanmeter, Gonzalez) to draft procurement policy
• Motion to mirror City of Portland procurement policy withdrawn
• Motion to adjourn approved by consensus

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the FY26 mill rate and tax billing process. Members will also discuss options for expanding the Portland Senior Tax Equity Program (PSTEP) and review a draft Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) policy. No formal actions are scheduled for these items.

• FY26 mill rate set at $11.98
• FY26 property tax due dates: October 17, 2025 and March 20, 2026
• Discussion on expanding the Portland Senior Tax Equity Program (PSTEP)
• Review of draft Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) policy

The Finance Committee met on September 11, 2025 and recorded the session as required by Maine law. The minutes note that the city records meetings, streams them online, and will post a vote summary if any votes occur. No motions, votes, or substantive actions were recorded for this meeting.

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee will consider a waiver request to allow pesticide application at 23 Danforth Street. The committee will deliberate and decide on the request. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.

• Waiver request to permit pesticide application at 23 Danforth St

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Finance Subcommittee will review revenues, expenses, and infrastructure needs. The body is scheduled to vote on the replacement and financing of the Portland Fish Exchange operating system for cold storage refrigeration.

• Vote on replacement and financing of the Portland Fish Exchange cold storage refrigeration operating system
• Review of Portland Fish Pier Authority revenues, expenses, and cash reserve
• Review of infrastructure expenses and pier conditions presentation by Tec Associates

Land Bank Commission

The Land Bank Commission will meet to review reports and discuss old and new business. The agenda includes a discussion on the Sumner Court proposal and updates regarding Murray St. and Redlon.

• Sumner Court Proposal
• Murray St. updates
• Redlon updates
• Secretary's and Treasurer's reports

The commission approved the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes with six votes in favor and one abstention. It then voted 7‑0 to postpone indefinitely the proposed sale of the Sumner Court property, meaning no further action will be taken on that matter at this time. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted August 13, 2025 meeting minutes (6 yes, 1 abstention)
• Postponed indefinitely the Sumner Court property sale proposal (7-0)

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will meet to review program updates and several policy proposals. The agenda includes discussions on parking and naming policies as well as environmental regulations for cruise ships.

• Approval of funds for Jetport parking expansion
• Environmental regulation of cruise ships in port workshop
• Vision Zero Quick Action Plan Implementation
• Snow ban parking policy
• Adopting a naming policy for public facilities

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved a naming and renaming policy ordinance for city assets. The motion was moved by Councilor Ali, seconded by Councilor Phillips, and passed unanimously, sending the policy to the full City Council for final action. The committee also approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Adopted naming policy for public facilities (unanimous)
• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee will approve the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes and receive an update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance. Members will discuss the citizen complaint process, revised meeting procedures, and draft procedures for internal affairs case presentations. The agenda also includes checks on complaint data sharing, in‑person meeting plans, training requirements, public comment, and an executive session to consider IA2025-008 and IA2025-011.

• Update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Discussion of the citizen complaint process
• Discussion of revised draft of meeting procedures
• Presentation of draft procedures for IA case presentation and voting process
• Executive session to discuss IA2025-008 and IA2025-011

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Portland Legislative/Nominating Committee will conduct interviews for board and commission positions via Zoom. The meeting includes an executive session for the interviews and allows for public comment via phone or computer.

• Interviews for Boards and Commissions
• Executive Session for interviews
• Remote meeting via Zoom
• Public comment via phone or computer

Planning Board

The Planning Board will decide whether to reconsider its August 12 decision to postpone the public hearing for a major site plan and Traffic Movement Permit for a new music hall at 385 Congress Street (65,340 sq ft, 3,300 capacity). If reconsidered, the board will hold a public hearing on the application. Separately, the board will hold a public hearing on a major site plan for contaminated soil disposal and field improvements at Dougherty Sports Field (76 St. James Street). Reports of decisions from the August 12 meeting include approval of a site plan at 1125 Brighton Avenue.

• Reconsideration request (PL-003179-2024) for 385 Congress Street music hall
• Public hearing on major site plan for 76 St. James Street (Dougherty Sports Field, PL-003391-2025)
• Conditional public hearing for 385 Congress Street if reconsideration passes
• Approval of major site plan at 1125 Brighton Avenue (Developer Collaborative, 5-0 vote)
• Tabling of 385 Congress Street to March 26, 2026 (from August 12 meeting)

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will meet remotely to review police and emergency management operations. The session includes a discussion on the use of drones and a review of the City Emergency Operations Plan.

• Discussion on use of drones with Police Chief Mark Dubois
• Review of City Emergency Operations Plan with Keith Gautreau
• Public Safety Update from Fire Chief Chad Johnston
• Approval of July 8, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee approved the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (3‑0). It voted to recommend that the city’s drone program be forwarded to the full City Council, with the motion passing unanimously (4‑0). The committee also approved a motion to adjourn the meeting, passing 3‑0. The Emergency Operation Plan remains in draft form with no decision taken.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
• Recommended drone program be passed at full Council (4‑0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (3‑0)

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee will meet remotely to deliberate and decide on a request to apply pesticides at 400 Woodford Street. The committee will review the waiver request, a map of the application area, and a letter of support from adjoining property.

• Decision on pesticide waiver at 400 Woodford Street
• Review of waiver request and application map
• Review of adjoining property letter of support

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority will hold a special meeting to discuss compressor failures at the Fish Exchange. The Board will consider next steps and options for financing the necessary repairs.

• Discussion and possible vote on Portland Fish Exchange Refrigeration System repairs and financing

The board voted 9‑0 to authorize the Portland Fish Exchange to procure a new refrigeration condenser for $113,000. It also approved delegating the decision on a new operating system to the finance subcommittee at the September 10 meeting, with a 6‑3 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m. by an 8‑0 vote.

• Authorized PFEX to procure condenser for $113,000 (9-0)
• Delegated authority on operating system to finance subcommittee (6-3)
• Adjourned meeting at ~5:02 p.m. (8-0)

City Council

This workshop meeting consists solely of an executive session to consult with attorneys about the City's legal rights and duties concerning the Family Shelter and the condition and use of that property. No other business is scheduled.

• Executive session under 1 M.R.S.§ 405(6)(C) and (E) to discuss legal rights and duties regarding the Family Shelter

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will accept the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes, hear a presentation on the Back Cove Festival, and review an overview of FY27 capital improvement projects. The commission will also receive committee reports, updates from the Parks Division and the Land Bank Commission, and consider any commissioner‑requested agenda items. The meeting will be held in person at 212 Canco Rd., Suite A, and public comments may be submitted in writing or in person.

• Acceptance of May 1, 2025 meeting minutes
• Back Cove Festival presentation
• FY27 Capital Improvement Projects overview
• Committee reports (old business)
• Parks Division and Land Bank Commission updates

The Parks Commission approved the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes with an 11‑0 vote. The commission tabled the Communications and Updates report, the Parks Division report, and the Land Bank Commission report. It decided the October meeting will be a workshop. The commission will prepare a recommendation to the City Council on the Back Cove Festival.

• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (11-0)
• Tabled Communications and Updates report
• Tabled Parks Division report
• Tabled Land Bank Commission report
• Decided October meeting will be a workshop
• Will prepare recommendation to City Council on Back Cove Festival

Creative Portland Corporation

The Creative Portland Corporation Board of Directors will meet virtually via Google Meet on September 3, 2025. They will vote on the consent agenda approving July financials and minutes, receive an executive director update covering several upcoming events and programs, and discuss board business including a sponsorship plan for the FFAW event and governance recruitment.

• Vote on consent agenda: July financials & minutes
• Arts Activation Fund balance: $5,000 remaining
• Fiscal sponsorship request for Maine Tech Week (Oct 21-23)
• Amazon-sponsored grant pursuit through GP Regional Chamber, due Sept 11
• Discussion of Justin Alfond's application for 92 Parris Street building/lot

Historic Preservation Board

The Board will hold a workshop to review proposed updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual. The meeting also includes a staff presentation of a new interactive web-based map of local historic designations.

• Workshop: Preliminary review of proposed updates to the City of Portland Historic Resources Design Manual
• Presentation: New interactive web-based map of Portland's local historic designations
• Update: Effective date of procedural rules adopted on June 18, 2025
• Report: Approval with conditions for alterations at 133 Spring Street (Plan HP-000014-2025)

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider a range of items, including appointments, proclamations, grant appropriations, and code amendments. Key decisions include confirming an associate corporation counsel with a salary of $121,225, accepting a $96,400 community paramedicine grant for the fire department, and appropriating $2,448,173 from HOME ARP funding for affordable housing and supportive services. The council will also vote on several Class I food‑service establishment applications and adopt amendments to taxi fare regulations and vacant commercial property rules.

• Confirm appointment of Mary Christie as Associate Corporation Counsel, salary $121,225 (Order 39-25/26)
• Accept and appropriate $96,400 State of Maine Community Paramedicine Grant for the Portland Fire Department (Order 161-24/25)
• Appropriate $2,448,173 HOME ARP funding for affordable rental housing and supportive services (Order 34-25/26)
• Amend Chapter 30 of the City Code to update taxi fares (Order 35-25/26)
• Amend Chapter 6 of the City Code to add provisions for vacant commercial properties (Order 36-25/26)

The council approved the Ecomaine revenue bond, accepted four state and federal grants totaling over $2.5 M, and passed several code amendments. The $2,448,173 HOME American Rescue Plan allocation and a $96,400 paramedicine grant were adopted unanimously. Two code changes were adopted (vacant commercial properties amendment and PAD overlay zone amendment) while a taxi‑fare amendment was postponed.

• Approved Ecomaine Revenue Bond Financing (8-0)
• Accepted and appropriated $96,400 State of Maine Community Paramedicine Grant (8-0)
• Accepted and appropriated $25,000 Resilient Communities Grant (8-0)
• Accepted and appropriated $156,378 Parks Lighting Pilot Grant (7-1, Councilor Sykes opposed)
• Appropriated $2,448,173 HOME American Rescue Plan Funding (8-0)
• Postponed amendment to Taxi Fares (8-0)
• Amended Code Chapter 6 on Vacant Commercial Properties (5-3, Councilors Ali, Phillips, Mayor Dion opposed)
• Amended PAD Overlay Zone in Code Chapter 14 (7-1, Councilor Phillips opposed)

Rent Board

The Rent Board will consider a tenant rights complaint filed by Elise Morano regarding 12 Kellogg St, Unit 1, owned by Stephanie and Angela Dambrie. The board will also hold an executive session to consult with legal counsel on the matter.

• Tenant rights complaint: Elise Morano vs. Stephanie Dambrie & Angela Dambrie at 12 Kellogg St, Unit 1 (CBL: 017-F-015-001)
• Executive session to consult with legal counsel under 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(E)

The Rent Board entered an executive session (6‑0) and voted it has jurisdiction to hear the 12 Kellogg St tenant complaint (5‑0). It also determined the tenant’s June 12 accommodation request is a complaint under the code (5‑0), found the landlord failed to rebut the presumption of retaliation (4‑1) and that the landlord retaliated (4‑1). The board approved a $500‑per‑day fine for the landlord (4‑1), amended the lease‑term language, and concluded it lacks jurisdiction to grant the additional relief the tenant sought (5‑0).

• Enter executive session – passed 6‑0 (Sims abstains)
• Find Board has jurisdiction to hear complaint – passed 5‑0 (Sims and Carreras absent)
• Find tenant’s accommodation request letter is a complaint under 6‑237(a) – passed 5‑0 (Sims and Carreras absent)
• Find landlord did not rebut presumption of retaliation – passed 4‑1 (Lax no, Carreras and Sims absent)
• Find landlord retaliated against tenant – passed 4‑1 (Lax no, Carreras and Sims absent)
• Recommend landlord fine $500 per day for retaliation – passed 4‑1 (Lax no, Carreras and Sims absent)
• Amend “previous lease’s term” to “substantially similar terms to the previous lease” – passed 5‑0 (Sims and Carreras absent)
• Find Board lacks jurisdiction to provide additional relief requested – passed 5‑0 (Sims and Carreras absent)

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission will hold an in-person site visit to review Lot 013 K013 at the end of Sumner Court. The meeting is for background purposes only; no action or votes will be taken.

• Site visit to Lot 013 K013 at Sumner Court for background review of open space potential

Rent Board

The Rent Board will conduct completeness reviews for four rent increase applications and hear public comment on one rent increase and one tenant rights complaint. The board will also discuss the rent increase application backlog and provide updates on the annual report and a subcommittee.

• Public comment on rent increase for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102
• Completeness review for rent increase at 58 Federal St, Unit 58-2
• Public comment on tenant rights complaint for 12 Kellogg St, Unit #1
• Completeness review for rent increase at 489 Cumberland Ave (4 units)
• Completeness review for rent increases at 218 Ocean Ave (Units 218, 220, 222) and 168 Woodford St, Unit 5

The Rent Board approved the July 23, July 31, and August 11 meeting minutes (5‑0). It found the 58 Federal St rent‑increase application complete and set a public hearing for the next regular meeting (6‑0). The Board also scheduled public hearings for 489 Cumberland Ave and 218 Ocean Ave, tabled a Kellogg St case to a September special meeting, suspended rules for two agenda items, and set a special meeting for Oct 8, 2025 (all 6‑0 votes).

• Approved July 23, July 31, Aug 11 minutes (5-0)
• Found 58 Federal St application complete, scheduled hearing (6-0)
• Tabled Kellogg St deliberation to Sep 3 special meeting (5-1)
• Moved 489 Cumberland Ave application to public hearing in September (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for 218 Ocean Ave in September (6-0)
• Suspended rules for agenda items e and f (6-0)
• Tabled Woodford St completeness check pending documents (6-0)
• Scheduled special meeting for Oct 8, 2025 at 5:30 pm (6-0)

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission will meet remotely via Zoom to review ethics legal frameworks, sample codes, and the city's ethics commission ordinance and charter provisions. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and setting the next meeting date. No votes on specific projects or expenditures are scheduled.

• Review of ethics legal landscape and sample ethics codes
• Review of Ethics Commission ordinance and charter provisions
• Approval of minutes from July 29, 2025 meeting

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will hold its monthly meeting on August 27, 2025. Items for discussion include old business on boat removal, new business on land use updates, impacts of tourism, Tolman Heights zoning, and swim buoys. Committee reports will cover Housing & Zoning grant updates, ferry services, and parking.

• Tolman Heights zoning discussion
• Land use update by Karsten
• Impacts of tourism on Peaks Island
• Boat removal (old business)
• Swim buoy placement consideration

The council unanimously approved the May 28th meeting minutes. The Treasurer’s Report showing a $45,000 account balance was also approved unanimously. Council members voted unanimously to file a letter with the Corporations Council Office requesting clarification and new guidance so that Peaks Island Council land‑use recommendations can be presented to the City Council. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 28th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer’s Report showing $45,000 balance (unanimous)
• Filed letter with Corporations Council Office to request land‑use guidance (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider several orders, including amendments to the Complete Streets Policy, the Vision Zero Quick Action Plan, and a housing development agreement for 165 Lambert Street. It will also vote on multiple grant appropriations, such as a $179,300 community‑action grant, an $80,000 paramedicine grant, and a $156,378 tennis‑court lighting grant. The council’s most significant action is the appropriation of $2,448,173 from the HOME American Rescue Plan to support affordable housing and related services. All items require affirmative votes after public comment, with some requested as emergency measures.

• Approve amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for 165 Lambert Street, including a $2.2 million city loan
• Approve amendments to the Complete Streets Policy
• Approve the Vision Zero Quick Action Plan
• Accept and appropriate a $179,300 Community Action Grant for climate‑vulnerability assessment
• Appropriate $2,448,173 HOME ARP funding for affordable housing and services

The City Council voted to appropriate a $179,300 Community Action Grant and an $80,000 Paramedicine Grant, both as emergencies. It also approved amendments to the Complete Streets policy, the Vision Zero Quick Action Plan, and a purchase‑sale agreement amendment. A wage‑schedule amendment passed, an order to set an election date was postponed indefinitely, and an amendment to the Fugitive Coal Dust ordinance was approved as an emergency.

• Approved $179,300 Community Action Grant (9-0, emergency)
• Approved $80,000 Paramedicine Grant (9-0, emergency)
• Approved amendments to Complete Streets Policy (9-0)
• Approved Vision Zero Quick Action Plan (9-0)
• Approved Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement (9-0)
• Passed Wage Schedule amendment (6-3)
• Postponed Order 26-25/26 indefinitely (9-0)
• Approved Fugitive Coal Dust ordinance amendment (9-0, emergency)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority board will approve minutes from July 17 and August 8, 2025. They will receive a financial update and a facilities update. The board will discuss and vote on a lease amendment for Waterfront ME and on fee‑structure changes recommended by the Fish Exchange subcommittee. The meeting will also include a Portland Fish Exchange update and set the next regular meeting date.

• Approve July 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve August 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial update presentation by Kaela Gonzalez
• Vote to accept Waterfront ME lease amendment
• Vote on fee‑structure changes recommendation

The board voted 6-0 to approve the Fifth Amendment to the lease agreement with Waterfront Maine BT LLC and authorized the president to execute it. It also approved a 4‑cent increase for both buyer and seller fees at the Portland Fish Exchange, effective September 8, 2025. Earlier, the board approved the July 17 and August 8, 2025 meeting minutes, also by a 6-0 vote, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved August 8, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved Fifth Amendment to lease with Waterfront Maine BT LLC and authorized President to execute (6-0)
• Approved increase of buyer and seller fees by 4 cents each at Portland Fish Exchange, effective Sep 8, 2025 (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will review and vote on a loan application from Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists at 619 Brighton Ave, Suite 103. The board will also approve minutes from July 17, 2025, and receive the July 2025 treasurer's report. An executive session may be held to discuss proprietary loan information before the public vote.

• Vote on loan application from Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists, 619 Brighton Ave, Suite 103
• Approval of July 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Treasurer's Report for July 2025 including cash management and loans receivable
• Possible executive session under Maine law for confidential loan details

The board approved the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑2‑0 vote. It entered an executive session to discuss proprietary loan information and then unanimously approved a $100,000 loan to Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists, subject to collateral, with a 7‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 4:56 p.m. by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes (5-2-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss loan (7-0)
• Approved $100,000 loan to Maine Foot and Ankle Specialists (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:56 p.m. (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for August 21, 2025, was cancelled. All listed agenda items were withdrawn.

• Withdrawn: Practical Difficulty Variance for 59 Highland Avenue regarding street frontage for a yurt
• Withdrawn: Conditional Use application for 59 Highland Avenue to operate a campground

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will review the Portland Water District’s approved easement and maintenance agreement for the public art gift from Judith Kendrick and Jim DiBiase, which the City Council accepted on July 14, 2025. The meeting will also cover the FY25 annual plan budget report and FY26 draft updates, as well as subcommittee updates and status reports on maintenance projects such as the Rustie Diptych II lighting replacement and the Portland Bricks work. No new fund expenditures or acquisitions are reported.

• Review of easement and maintenance agreement for public art gift from Judith Kendrick and Jim DiBiase
• Annual plan report FY25 proposed budget and FY26 draft updates
• Update on Rustie Diptych II inground light fixture replacement quote
• Portland Bricks project update from artist Ayumi Horie
• No updates on public art fund balance or new acquisitions

City Council

The City Council will hold a virtual executive session to discuss legal rights and duties regarding Jetport grant agreements. The meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 5:30 PM.

• Executive session to discuss Jetport grant agreements
• Remote participation via Zoom
• Consultation with attorneys regarding legal rights and duties

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee Waiver Committee is meeting to deliberate and decide on a specific application to apply pesticides. The discussion focuses on a waiver request for the property located at 6 Partridge Cir.

• Waiver request for pesticide application at 6 Partridge Cir

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will elect a chairperson and decide how future meetings will be scheduled, including whether to set a standing date or allow remote attendance. Members will also discuss what information and resources are needed to develop a path forward for social housing initiatives. The meeting includes remarks from Mayor Mark Dion and a review of public meeting procedures.

• Elect Task Force Chair
• Discuss information and resources needed for a path forward
• Decide on future meeting schedule and remote participation options
• Public meeting instructions overview by Corporation Counsel
• Mayor Mark Dion’s opening remarks

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors will discuss and possibly vote on changes to the fee structure for buyers and sellers. The meeting also includes approval of July meeting minutes, updates on public relations and lobster landings, and the manager's report covering fish exchange operations, cooler refrigeration, and budget variances. A public comment period is scheduled for the fee-structure action item.

• Discussion and possible vote on fee structure (action item with public comment)
• Approval of July 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public relations update for Portland Fish Exchange
• Manager's report on cooler refrigeration control system and budget deviations
• Upcoming regulatory changes for herring, groundfish, lobster, and pogies

The subcommittee approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes by consensus. It passed a motion recommending that the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board raise buyer and seller fees by four cents per pound, effective September 1, 2025, also by consensus. The meeting was then adjourned by consensus.

• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (consensus)
• Recommended 4‑cent per pound fee increase for buyers and sellers (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (consensus)

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission will vote on a funding request for the Hope Avenue acquisition and consider a purchase proposal for Sumner Court. Other business includes officer appointments, approval of past meeting minutes, and updates on properties like Murray Street.

• Hope Ave. acquisition funding request
• Sumner Court purchase proposal
• Officer appointment vote
• Acceptance of April 9 and July 9 meeting minutes
• Murray Street parcel update

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review a draft training SOP and discuss the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance. Members will also discuss the complaint presentation process and communication with the police department following votes.

• Review and approval of draft training SOP
• Update on the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Discussion of complaint presentation process and data reception
• Discussion of citizen complaint process improvements
• Executive session to discuss IA2025-008

The subcommittee approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted a revised Police Citizen Review training SOP with four conditions. Members decided to hold quarterly in‑person meetings and will book a conference room in October. The committee entered executive session to discuss IA2025-008, then postponed that vote to the September meeting. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved Training SOP with revisions and conditions (4‑0)
• Decided to hold quarterly in‑person meetings (decision)
• Entered executive session to discuss IA2025-008 (4‑0)
• Postponed vote on IA2025-008 to September meeting (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on two major site plans: a 50-unit affordable housing building at 1125 Brighton Avenue and a 65,340-square-foot entertainment venue at 385 Congress Street. A previously tabled item for 76 Saint James Street will be carried to the September 9 meeting.

• Major Site Plan for 50 affordable dwelling units at 1125 Brighton Avenue (B-2 zone)
• Major Site Plan and Traffic Movement Permit for 65,340 sq ft entertainment venue at 385 Congress Street (B-3 zone)
• Tabled Major Site Plan for 76 Saint James Street to September 9 meeting

City Council

The City Council will discuss a 180-day moratorium on theaters with over 2,000 capacity and a proposal for 50 affordable housing units at 1125 Brighton Avenue. The body will also consider the continued operation of the Portland Tourism Municipal Development District for FY2026.

• Order 9-25/26: 180-day moratorium on theaters/performance halls exceeding 2,000 people
• Order 10-25/26: Option to lease city land at 1125 Brighton Avenue to Prosperity Housing, LP for $75,000
• Order 11-25/26: Creation of AHTIF District for 50 affordable housing units at 1125 Brighton Avenue
• Order 239-24/25: Setting election date for a minimum wage increase amendment
• Orders 4-6-25/26: FY2026 development program and assessments for Portland Tourism Municipal Development District

The City Council approved several food‑service establishment permits, postponed an election‑date amendment, and formally created the Portland Tourism Municipal Development District with its development program for fiscal year 2025‑2026. It also approved related implementation assessments, a manager agreement with Visit Portland, and a lease of city land at 1125 Brighton Avenue. Two amendments to the tourism district measures were adopted, and a motion to pass the item as an emergency failed.

• Approved five food‑service establishment applications (Gills Bar, Oun Lidos, Aomori Market, Aomori, Minibar) – 9‑0
• Postponed election‑date amendment to Aug 25 2025 – 9‑0
• Designated the Portland Tourism Municipal Development District and adopted FY 2025‑2026 development program – 9‑0
• Approved implementation assessments for the tourism district – 9‑0
• Approved Development Program Manager Agreement with Visit Portland – 9‑0
• Approved lease agreement with Prosperity Housing LP for city land at 1125 Brighton Avenue – 8‑1 (as amended)
• Amendment #1 (business‑impact language) passed – 5‑4
• Amendment #2 (effective date) passed – 8‑1

Rent Board

The Rent Board is meeting to conduct a roll call and address communications. The board will consider the approval of written findings of fact and conclusions under unfinished business.

• Approval of Written Findings of Fact & Conclusions

The Rent Board approved the decision forms for 28 Saint George St, 655 Congress St, and 59 State St as written. Each approval passed with unanimous votes among members present, with some members recused or absent. The board then moved to adjourn the meeting, which also passed unanimously.

• Approved 28 Saint George St decision form (4-0)
• Approved 655 Congress St decision form (5-0)
• Approved 59 State St decision form (4-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (5-0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will meet to continue a hearing regarding the assessment appeal for 37 Casco Street. The board will also discuss the next steps for remaining appeals.

• Continuation of assessment appeal for 37 Casco Street (037-D-007-001)
• Approval of July 10, 2025 meeting minutes

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will discuss the Portland Fish Exchange's financial situation and potentially vote to pay down its line of credit and establish a cash reserve for Exchange operations. The meeting includes a public comment period on this action item.

• Discuss and potentially vote to pay line of credit and establish cash reserve for Portland Fish Exchange operations

The Portland Fish Pier Authority board voted 6‑0 to approve a $250,000 payment to the Portland Fish Exchange, allocating $200,000 to reduce its line of credit and $50,000 to create a cash reserve. The motion was moved by Mendelson and seconded by Odlin. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous census vote.

• Approved $250,000 payment to Portland Fish Exchange (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (census approval)

Parks Commission

This is a workshop session of the Portland Parks Commission with no public comment. The commission will discuss new commissioner introductions, committee structure, a debrief of the Party in the Park event, and the yearly calendar. No formal decisions or votes are scheduled.

• New commissioner introductions
• Committee structure overview discussion
• Party in the Park event debrief
• Yearly calendar review

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider two conditional use requests for a property at 14 Sherman St. The board will also review a legal memo regarding variance application standards.

• Conditional Use Appeal (CU-003420-2025) for Neighborhood Nonresidential Reuse of Office at 14 Sherman St
• Conditional Use Appeal (CU-003423-2025) to operate a lodging house at 14 Sherman St
• Review of Corporation Counsel memo on legal standards for variance applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a conditional use for a Neighborhood Non‑Residential Reuse of Office at 14 Sherman St for three years, voting 5‑0 (with Board member Black recused). It also approved a conditional use to operate a lodging house at the same location for three years, also voting 5‑0 (Black recused). No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Conditional Use CU-003420-2025 (Neighborhood Non‑Residential Office reuse) for 3 years (5‑0, Black recused)
• Approved Conditional Use CU-003423-2025 (Lodging house) for 3 years (5‑0, Black recused)

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a public hearing for proposed alterations at 133 Spring Street, with Cecile Stadler as applicant (Plan HP-000014-2025). The board will also receive reports of attendance and decisions from the July 16 meeting, which included approval of an addition at 710 Stevens Avenue (All Souls Universalist Church) and election of a vice chair pro tempore. No other communications or reports are scheduled.

• Public hearing for alterations at 133 Spring Street; applicant Cecile Stadler, Plan HP-000014-2025
• Report of decisions from July 16: approval of addition at 710 Stevens Avenue (All Souls Universalist Church) with conditions
• Report of decisions from July 16: election of member Bassett as Vice Chair Pro Tempore
• No communications or reports under item 4

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board meeting will consider unfinished business item a: approval of written findings of fact and conclusions of law. No other agenda items are listed beyond procedural notices and public comment instructions. The board will vote on whether to adopt those written findings.

• Approval of written findings of fact & conclusions of law (unfinished business item a)

The Rent Board voted to schedule a special meeting on August 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The motion passed with a 4‑0 vote; Chair Sims, Vice Chair Carreras, and member Moore were absent. The board then voted to adjourn the meeting, also passing 4‑0 with the same members absent.

• Schedule special meeting for Aug 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. – passed 4-0 (Sims, Carreras, Moore absent)
• Adjourn meeting – passed 4-0 (Sims, Carreras, Moore absent)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Temporary Art Review Panel will hear a presentation by applicants Kellan Simpson and Nancy Grant for the Grace Street Painting project. The panel will review the application, allow public comment, and then discuss and vote on approval. The meeting is held via Zoom on July 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

• Presentation by applicants Kellan Simpson and Nancy Grant
• Review of the Grace Street Painting application
• Public comment period
• Discussion and approval vote on the project

Ethics Commission

The Portland Ethics Commission is meeting to adopt a remote meeting policy, elect a chair and secretary, and receive FOAA training. No substantive complaints or enforcement actions are on the agenda; the meeting is entirely procedural as the commission organizes itself.

• Adopt a Remote Meeting Policy
• Elect a Chairman and Secretary
• FOAA Training for commissioners
• Future meeting to review and adopt Rules & Procedures

The Portland Ethics Commission adopted a Remote Meeting Policy with a 7-0 vote. Commissioners elected Peter Goldman as Chair (6-1, Goldman abstained) and Carolyn Braun as Secretary (6-1, Braun abstained). The commission set its regular meeting schedule for the last Tuesday of each month, with the next meeting on August 27, 2025 via Zoom, passing 8-0.

• Adopt Remote Meeting Policy (7-0)
• Elect Peter Goldman as Chair (6-1, Goldman abstained)
• Elect Carolyn Braun as Secretary (6-1, Braun abstained)
• Set regular meeting schedule; next meeting Aug 27, 2025 via Zoom (8-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop that consists solely of an executive session to discuss and receive guidance on collective bargaining agreements with three city employee unions: Local 740 Firefighters, AFSCME Local 481-00, and the Professional and Technical City Employees Association. The session is closed to the public.

• Executive session under 1 M.R.S. section 405(6)(D) for collective bargaining guidance
• Discussions involve Local 740, International Association of Firefighters
• Discussions involve Labor and Trades, AFSCME Local 481-00
• Discussions involve Professional and Technical City Employees Association

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the proposed Civilian Police Review Board ordinance. This is a discussion-only item, with no votes or decisions expected at this meeting.

• Discussion of the Civilian Police Review Board ordinance

Creative Portland Corporation

The Creative Portland Corporation Board will vote to accept the June financials and minutes as part of the consent agenda. They will hear updates on the First Friday Art Walk (FFAW) resuming August 1st, the Arts District Banner, the Arts Activation Fund ($5K balance), Maine Music Weekend Festival (Sept 5-7, 2025), and Hear Here 3 (Sept 7, requiring board volunteers). Board business includes a sponsorship plan for FFAW, governance and board recruitment discussions, and approval of FY26 meeting dates.

• Vote to accept consent agenda (June financials and minutes)
• Arts Activation Fund with $5K balance discussed
• Maine Music Weekend Festival (Sept 5-7, 2025)
• Hear Here 3 on Sept 7 requiring board volunteers
• Grant pursuit for MOT & MAC, Levitt Music Series, NEA

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will hold public comment on two rent increase applications from Saunders Street Apartments LLC and 9 Powsland Street Portland LLC. A new rent increase application from Matthew Davies for 135 Sheridan St will be reviewed for completeness. The board will also schedule a special meeting.

• Public comment on rent increase application for 23 Saunders St (5 units) by Saunders Street Apartments LLC
• Public comment on rent increase application for 9 Powsland St (units 1-3) by 9 Powsland Street Portland LLC
• Completeness review of rent increase application for 135 Sheridan St, Unit 102 by Matthew Davies

The Rent Board elected Matthew Walker as temporary chair and approved the June 11 and June 25 meeting minutes. Three rent‑increase applications were tabled until later dates. The board set a public hearing for the Matthew Davies application and scheduled a special meeting for July 31, 2025 at 5 PM. The meeting was adjourned.

• Elected Matthew Walker as temporary chair (4‑0)
• Approved June 11 and June 25 minutes (4‑0)
• Tabled Saunders Street Apartments rent‑increase application (4‑0)
• Tabled 9 Powsland Street rent‑increase application until Jan 2026 (4‑0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Matthew Davies application at next regular meeting (4‑0)
• Scheduled special meeting for July 31, 2025 at 5 PM (4‑0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4‑0)

Peaks Island Council

The three councilors present proceeded with a public workshop because a quorum was not met, so the meeting could not approve minutes or make official decisions. Reports and updates were shared on the needs‑based ticket balance, park improvements, a $10,000 grant, and upcoming golf‑cart licensing discussions. Items such as payment for Zoom/Mailchimp and traffic‑management planning were discussed but not voted on.

Planning Board

The Portland Planning Board will hold a hybrid meeting to discuss a major site plan for 50 affordable units at the Barron Center and consider text amendments to hotel and pedestrian zoning. The board will also review past decisions and a new 13-lot subdivision proposal.

• Workshop: Major site plan for 50 affordable units at 1125 Brighton Avenue
• Public Hearing: Text amendment to hotel inclusionary zoning
• Public Hearing: Text amendment to Pedestrian Activities District (PAD) Overlay
• Public Hearing: Major site plan and subdivision for 13 residential lots at 1877 Congress Street
• Reports: Approvals for Master Development Plan at 385 Congress Street and Major Site Plans at 203 Fore Street and 1584 Forest Avenue

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority will meet to approve minutes, review financial and facility updates, and discuss a possible reduction of the Line of Credit for Buyers at the Portland Fish Exchange. The board will also discuss a lease amendment request from Waterfront ME.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes from April 28, May 15, and June 12, 2025
• Financial Update for June 2025
• Discussion on reduction of Line of Credit for Buyers at the Portland Fish Exchange
• Discussion on request from Waterfront ME for a lease amendment
• Next Regular Meeting Date: August 21, 2025

The board approved a motion to reduce the Portland Fish Exchange’s line of credit for buyers to $10,000, with an 8‑0 vote. The board also approved the April 28 and June 12, 2025 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 vote; the May 15 minutes received no action due to lack of quorum. A motion to enter executive session was approved 4‑3‑0, with three members abstaining. The meeting was adjourned with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved reduction of buyer line of credit to $10,000 (8-0)
• Approved April 28, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 12, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• No action on May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (no quorum)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (4-3-0)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (7-0)

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will review and vote on several loan and grant requests. Items include a loan modification for the 89 Elm Street brownfields site, a lien release for the Rosemont Market at 580 Brighton Avenue, and multiple microenterprise grant applications. The board may hold executive sessions to discuss proprietary details before voting in the public session.

• Loan modification request for 89 Elm Street brownfields project
• Release of lien on 580 Brighton Avenue (Rosemont Market) requested by Maine Community Bank
• Microenterprise grant applications: Luna LLC dba Leda (265 Marginal Way), Hope Home Care LLC (640 Brighton Ave), Kaboss Market (21 Portland Street)
• Loan request from Another Round, 545 Congress St., Unit 1A
• Loan request from Cognitive Care LLC, 415 Congress Street, Suite 418

The board approved several loan and grant requests, including two $100,000 loans to Aomori and Aomori Market, a $45,000 loan to Eduardo’s Brazilian Grill One, an $8,000 loan to Another Round, and a non‑recourse modification for the 89 Elm Street brownfields loan. It also released a lien on 580 Brighton Avenue, approved a $5,000 ARPA micro‑enterprise grant to Kaboss Market, denied a $100,000 loan to Cognitive Care LLC, and wrote off the remaining balance of the True Fin loan. All actions were taken with recorded vote tallies.

• Approved Avesta non‑recourse Brownfields loan modification (5-3-0)
• Approved release of lien on 580 Brighton Avenue (7-1-0)
• Approved ARPA Microenterprise Grant up to $5,000 to Kaboss Market (7-0)
• Approved $8,000 loan to Another Round, 545 Congress St Unit 1A (6-1-0)
• Denied $100,000 loan to Cognitive Care LLC (0-7)
• Approved $45,000 loan to Eduardo’s Brazilian Grill One (6-1-0)
• Approved two $100,000 loans to Aomori and Aomori Market (6-1-0)
• Approved discharge and write‑off of True Fin loan (~$20,000) (6-1-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on a proposal to increase Portland's minimum wage to $20, following a first read by the City Council. The committee will also review the status of American Rescue Plan Act projects, with nearly 90% of funds spent and a December 2026 spending deadline. No votes are scheduled at this meeting; the minimum wage item will go to the City Council for a second read and vote by August 11, 2025.

• Public hearing on Order 239-24/25 to amend Chapter 33 of the City Code increasing the minimum wage to $20
• Review of ARPA project status: 100% of funds obligated, 90% spent, spending deadline December 31, 2026
• Approval of May 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Future topics: FY26 Budget and Tax Commitment Update, PILOT, P-STEP expansion (September meeting)

The Finance Committee meeting on July 17, 2025 was documented to satisfy Maine's public‑meeting law. No motions, votes, or decisions were recorded in the minutes. The recording is available on the city’s public archive.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on July 17, 2025 to consider a Practical Difficulty variance request for 62 Hicks Street. The applicant seeks to lower the required rear yard setback from 25 feet to 11 feet to build a 16‑by‑21‑foot attached deck. The board will hear arguments and public comments before deciding.

• Practical Difficulty Variance Appeal (ZBA-003405-2025) for 62 Hicks Street, RN‑1 zone
• Request to reduce rear yard setback from 25 ft to 11 ft for a 16 ft × 21 ft deck

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to grant a practical difficulty variance for 62 Hicks Street, reducing the required rear yard setback from 25 feet to 11 feet. The variance allows the owner, Stephanie Golden, to build an attached 16‑by‑21‑foot open deck. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

• Granted practical difficulty variance for 62 Hicks Street (5-0)

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a public hearing to review a proposed addition at 710 Stevens Avenue, the All Souls Universalist Church, submitted by the University of New England. The remainder of the agenda includes routine reports and approvals of decisions from the previous meeting, including adoption of procedural rules and approval of revisions at 1 Bean Pot Circle.

• Public hearing for Review of Addition at 710 Stevens Avenue (All Souls Universalist Church), applicant University of New England, Plan HP-00005-2025

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold public hearings and vote on recommendations to the City Council for several projects, including a $2.2 million allocation from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Lambert Woods South, a TIF district for that project, and a covenant amendment for Dougherty Commons. The committee will also discuss HOME-ARP funding recommendations, potential amendments to the Rent Control Ordinance, and a proposed RFP for a child care facility at the Barron Center.

• Dougherty Commons: Amendment to allow Phase 3 as for-sale condominiums instead of rental housing
• Lambert Woods South/165 Lambert St: $2,200,000 from Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund
• Lambert Woods South: 75% tax increment financing return over 30 years for developer
• Public hearing on HOME-ARP funding recommendations
• Review of proposed RFP for child care facility at Barron Center

The Housing & Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to recommend the City Council approve an amendment allowing condos at Dougherty Commons Phase 3 and a third amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Lambert Woods South project. It also voted 4‑0 to recommend $2,200,000 in funding from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund and to confirm the Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District for Lambert Woods South. A separate 3‑1 vote recommended the HOME‑ARP funding awards. The committee postponed consideration of a childcare‑facility RFP.

• Accepted July 1, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Recommended amendment to Dougherty Commons covenants for condos (4‑0)
• Recommended third amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement for Lambert Woods South (4‑0)
• Recommended $2,200,000 funding for Lambert Woods South from HTF (4‑0)
• Recommended confirming AHTIF District and Credit Enhancement Agreement for Lambert Woods South (4‑0)
• Recommended HOME‑ARP funding awards (3‑1)
• Postponed review of RFP to lease space at Barron Center for child care facility
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

City Council

The City Council is deciding on a successor collective bargaining agreement for the Police Benevolent Association and the creation of an affordable housing development district at 35-41 W. Presumpscot Street. The body will also discuss amendments to the Portland Business Assistance Program and golf cart rental regulations.

• Order 240-24/25: Collective bargaining agreement for Police Benevolent Association (Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2027)
• Order 237-24/25: Affordable Housing Development District for 8 units at 35-41 W. Presumpscot Street
• Order 236-24/25: Appropriation of $20,000 Homeland Security Grant for Portland Fire Department
• Order 220-24/25: Parking reassignments on Pearl Street and Cotton Street
• Order 2-25/26: Closure of Federal Street (Hampshire St to India St) Aug 8-9 for St. Peter's Bazaar

The council approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Association by a 5‑3 vote. It also approved a $20,000 Homeland Security grant for the fire department and adopted the Front Street affordable‑housing district and credit‑enhancement agreement. Several items, including the minimum‑wage amendment and a golf‑cart code change, were postponed.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with Police Benevolent Association (5-3)
• Approved $20,000 Homeland Security grant for Portland Fire Department (8-0)
• Approved Traffic Schedule Amendment for Pearl and Cotton Streets, waiving second reading (8-0)
• Approved Front Street Phase 3/35 and 41 W. Presumpscot Street Affordable Housing Development District and Tax Increment Financing District (8-0)
• Approved Front Street Affordable Housing Credit Enhancement Agreement with Front Street Condominium, LLC (8-0)
• Postponed minimum‑wage amendment to Aug 11, 2025 and referred to Finance Committee (8-0)
• Postponed Golf Carts code amendment to Dec 15, 2025 (7-1)
• Approved consent items declaring St. Peter's Bazaar festival and accepting sculpture (8-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will consider approving the Portland Tourism Municipal Development District for FY2026, including a $75,000 lease for affordable housing at 1125 Brighton Avenue, and a 180-day moratorium on large theaters. The body will also vote on a settlement agreement for the Federated/MiDTOWN project and a public hearing for a fugitive coal dust amendment.

• Approving Portland Tourism Municipal Development District for FY2026
• Approving $75,000 lease for affordable housing at 1125 Brighton Avenue
• Approving settlement agreement for Federated/MiDTOWN project ($15M)
• Setting 180-day moratorium on theaters with capacity >2,000
• Holding public hearing on fugitive coal dust amendment

The council approved a settlement agreement and mutual release with FEDEQ DV004, LLC and FEDEQ DV005, LLC, waived the second reading, adopted an amendment, and passed it as an emergency with an 8‑0 vote. A public hearing was set for a citizen initiative amendment to City Code Chapter 17. Several items, including the Portland Tourism Municipal Development District designations and a proposed moratorium on large theater projects, were postponed to August 11, 2025.

• Approved Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release with FEDEQ DV004, LLC and FEDEQ DV005, LLC (8-0)
• Waived second reading requirement on the settlement (8-0)
• Adopted "Dion Amendment #1" to the settlement (8-0)
• Approved the settlement as an emergency (8-0)
• Set public hearing on citizen initiative amendment to City Code Chapter 17 (8-0)
• Postponed designating Portland Tourism Municipal Development District to Aug 11, 2025 (8-0)
• Postponed establishing implementation assessments for Portland Tourism Municipal Development District to Aug 11, 2025 (8-0)
• Postponed 180‑day moratorium on theater and performance hall projects to Aug 11, 2025 (8-0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review is meeting to review a property assessment appeal and discuss the process for remaining appeals. The board will also vote to approve minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting.

• Assessment appeal for 37 Casco Street (037-D-007-001) filed by David Bergeron for owner Ambassador LLC
• Approval of May 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion on next steps for remaining appeals

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors will meet remotely to discuss old business including a line of credit (action item with public comment), updates on public relations (food truck day, website), and lobster landings. The Fish Exchange Manager will report on regulatory changes for herring, groundfish, lobster, and pogies, as well as budget deviations and cooler space availability. The board will also discuss changes in existing buyers and sellers.

• Line of credit discussion and action item with public comment
• Upcoming NMFS and DMR regulatory changes affecting herring, groundfish, lobster, and pogies
• Expense/revenue items deviating from budget
• Available space in coolers
• Changes in existing buyers and sellers

The subcommittee approved the May 8 and June 12 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 vote. It also approved a recommendation that the Fish Exchange Manager may negotiate a line of credit down to $10,000, passing 7‑0‑1 with one abstention. The meeting was adjourned after a 6‑0‑1 vote.

• Approved May 8 and June 12 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved recommendation to let manager negotiate credit limit down to $10,000 (7-0-1, Foster abstained)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (6-0-1, Foster abstained)

Land Bank Commission

The Land Bank Commission will meet to conduct routine business. The agenda consists of procedural items and reports.

• Acceptance of May 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Officer appointments
• Secretary's and Treasurer's reports
• Parks Division and Parks Commission reports

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The committee will discuss amendments to Chapter 30 to increase taxi fares, with public comment taken. Presentations include an overview of Central Maine Power's Portland Area Grid Project and a review of the naming policy for public facilities. Updates on sustainability programs and the Portland International Jetport infrastructure project will also be provided.

• Amendments to Chapter 30 – Vehicles for Hire (taxi fare increase) – public comment taken
• Presentation and discussion of CMP's Portland Area Grid Project
• Issue review: naming policy for public facilities
• Portland International Jetport Infrastructure Improvement Project update
• Approval of minutes from June 16, 2025

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee unanimously approved proposed amendments to Chapter 30 Vehicles for Hire, which would raise taxi drop charges, per‑mile rates, wait‑time charges, and the minimum fare. The motion, moved by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Bullett, was accepted unanimously and will be forwarded to the full City Council for final action. The committee also approved its meeting minutes and adjourned.

• Approved amendments to Chapter 30 Vehicles for Hire (taxi fare increase) – unanimous
• Approved meeting minutes – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – vote 3-0

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee will discuss an update on the new Civil Police Review Board ordinance and consider a related letter to the City Council. The agenda also includes approval of past meeting minutes, a training standard operating procedure, and an executive session to review three internal affairs cases (IA2025-008, IA2025-009, IA2025-010). No other substantive decisions or proposals are on the agenda.

• Update on the new Civil Police Review Board ordinance
• Draft letter to City Council regarding the Civilian Police Review Board ordinance
• Training standard operating procedure (SOP) review
• Executive session to discuss internal affairs cases IA2025-008, IA2025-009, and IA2025-010
• Approval of June 11 and June 23, 2025 meeting minutes

The subcommittee approved the June 11 and June 23, 2025 meeting minutes and unanimously approved a letter to the City Council supporting the new Civilian Police Review Board ordinance. Members postponed a vote on IA2025‑008 until the August meeting and voted on IA2025‑009, finding it thorough, fair, timely and objective despite a single dissent on each item. The committee then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved June 11, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved June 23, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0, Kaylin abstaining)
• Approved letter to City Council on Civilian Police Review Board ordinance (6-0)
• Postponed vote on IA2025-008 until August meeting (6-0)
• Found IA2025-009 thorough (5-1)
• Found IA2025-009 fair (5-1)
• Found IA2025-009 timely (5-1)
• Found IA2025-009 objective (4-2)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a workshop on inclusionary zoning for hotels and then public hearings on several development proposals. Key items include a text amendment to the Pedestrian Activities District overlay, a master development plan amendment at 385 Congress Street to allow heights up to 250 feet and more parking, a new 132-room hotel at 203 Fore Street, and a 50-unit multifamily project at 1584 Forest Avenue. The board will also adopt reports from the June 24 meeting, including approval of a major site plan at 61 Preble Street.

• Master development plan amendment at 385 Congress Street to increase building heights from 150 to 250 feet and parking from 337 to 449 spaces
• New 132-room Home2 Suites hotel with three retail spaces and valet parking at 203 Fore Street
• 50-unit multifamily development with 50 parking spaces at 1584 Forest Avenue
• Text amendment to the Pedestrian Activities District (PAD) Overlay of Article 8
• Workshop on potential amendments to hotel inclusionary zoning requirements in Article 17

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will hear staff updates on the Municipal Emergency Operations Plan, opioid settlement fund spending, and the HIRE and Portland Opportunity Crew employment programs. Police Chief Mark Dubois will provide a public safety update. The committee will also approve minutes from June 10, 2025.

• Process update on the Municipal Emergency Operations Plan
• Staff update on Opioid Settlement Funds
• Update on Helping Individuals Regain Employment (HIRE) and Portland Opportunity Crew (POC)
• Public Safety Update from Police Chief Mark Dubois
• Review and approval of June 10, 2025 meeting minutes

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Committee will review a proposal for a temporary art installation titled 'Painting Outside the Box' by Cary Tyson and Betsy Boyd. The meeting will include a presentation by the applicants, a review of the application, and a period for public comment before a discussion and potential approval.

• Review of 'Painting Outside the Box' application
• Public comment period
• Discussion and approval of temporary art

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing and vote on recommending three Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to the City Council. The projects are Prosperity Place at 1125 Brighton Avenue/Barron Center, and two phases (2 and 3) of 70 E. Oxford Street by the Portland Housing Authority. The committee may enter executive session to discuss proprietary information.

• Affordable Housing TIF request for Prosperity Place, 1125 Brighton Avenue/Barron Center
• Affordable Housing TIF request for Cumberland Housing – Portland Housing Authority – 70 E. Oxford Phase 2
• Affordable Housing TIF request for Mayo Housing – Portland Housing Authority – 70 E. Oxford Phase 3
• Public hearing on all three TIF requests before vote
• Approval of previous meeting minutes from June 17, 2025

The Housing & Economic Development Committee accepted the minutes from the June 17 meeting. It voted 3-0 to recommend the City Council approve Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing districts and credit enhancement agreements for Prosperity Place, Cumberland Housing, and Mayo Housing projects. The committee then adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m.

• Accepted June 17, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve AHTIF district & credit enhancement for Prosperity Place (1125 Brighton Avenue) (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve AHTIF district & credit enhancement for Cumberland Housing project (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve AHTIF district & credit enhancement for Mayo Housing project (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the Portland Housing Authority's project funding, the Green Building Ordinance, and environmental issues. The meeting will also include an executive session to consult with the attorney regarding the City's legal rights and duties at the Jetport.

• Executive session regarding Jetport operations
• Portland Housing Authority project funding
• Amending the Green Building Ordinance
• City Feed Offset Scarce Gap Funding
• Environmental Issues discussion

Legislative/Nominating Committee

This is a routine meeting of the Portland Legislative/Nominating Committee. The agenda includes approval of minutes from June 3, 2025, and a legislative update. No specific proposals or votes are listed.

• Approval of June 3, 2025 meeting minutes
• Legislative update (details not specified)

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will review and accept the March and May meeting minutes. It will then vote on approving and recommending the 2025 Business Assistance Program (BAP) grant guidelines to the City Council. The board will also consider a loan application from Cognitive Community Care LLC and an ARPA micro‑enterprise grant for Babb's Ceramics. A Treasurer's report on the May 2025 budget and loan portfolio will be presented.

• Vote to approve and recommend the 2025 Business Assistance Program grant guidelines
• Review and vote on loan application for Cognitive Community Care LLC, 415 Congress Street, Suite 418
• Review and vote on ARPA Microenterprise Grant for Babb's Ceramics, 62 Mellen Street
• Treasurer's Report: May 2025 administrative budget, cash management, loan receivables
• Potential executive session to discuss proprietary loan and grant information

The board approved the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (6‑0) and voted 7‑0 to recommend the revised Business Assistance (BAP) job‑creation guidelines to the City Council, adding the word “each” to the grant terms. It also tabled the loan request from Cognitive Community Care LLC (6‑0), approved a $5,000 ARPA micro‑enterprise grant for Babb’s Ceramics (6‑0), and adjourned the meeting (6‑0).

• Approved May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended Business Assistance (BAP) job‑creation guidelines to City Council with amendment (7-0)
• Tabled loan request from Cognitive Community Care LLC (6-0)
• Approved $5,000 ARPA micro‑enterprise grant to Babb’s Ceramics (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Rent Board

The Rent Board will hold a public hearing on a rent increase appeal filed by the Trelawny Tenants Union for 655 Congress St. The board will also review several rent increase applications for completeness, including at 23 Saunders St, 9 Powsland St, and 142 Massachusetts Ave. Approval of past meeting minutes and written public comment are also on the agenda.

• Rent increase appeal hearing for 655 Congress St (Trelawny Tenants Union vs. Trelawny 657 LLC)
• Completeness review of rent increase application for 23 Saunders St Unit 5 (Saunders Street Apartments LLC)
• Completeness review of rent increase application for 9 Powsland St Units 1-3 (9 Powsland Street Portland LLC)
• Completeness review of rent increase application for 142 Massachusetts Ave (Timothy Trujillo & Daniel Alrick)
• Approval of minutes from May 15, May 28, and June 5, 2025 meetings

The Rent Board approved all prior meeting minutes and referred a public comment to a two‑member subcommittee. It adopted decision forms for 29 Parris St, 25‑27 Montreal St, and 63‑65‑69 Grant St, and found 657 Congress St LLC in substantial non‑compliance. The board prohibited all rent increases at 655 Congress St since Dec 1 2022, ordered a $120,000 fine for the landlord, and scheduled public hearings for pending rent‑increase applications.

• Approved May 15, May 28, June 5 minutes (5-0)
• Adopted decision form for 29 Parris St (5-0)
• Adopted decision form for 25‑27 Montreal St (4-0)
• Adopted decision form for 63‑65‑69 Grant St (5-0)
• Found 657 Congress St LLC in substantial non‑compliance (5-0)
• Prohibited rent increases at 655 Congress St since Dec 1 2022 (5-0)
• Imposed $120,000 fine on landlord of 655 Congress St (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Saunders Street Apartments rent‑increase application (6-0)

Public Art Committee

The Portland Public Art Committee will discuss its FY25 annual plan report and the draft FY26 budget. It will consider a City Council agenda item to accept a public‑art gift from Judith Kendrich and Jim DiBiase. Updates on several conservation projects, including the Jewell Box and Rustle Diptych II, will also be provided.

• FY25 annual plan report and FY26 draft budget presented for review
• City Council agenda request (July 14) to accept gift of public art from Judith Kendrich & Jim DiBiase
• Jewell Box project – discussion of remediation options for vandalism
• Rustle Diptych II – quote for electrical conduit replacement and inground light fixture
• Portland Bricks – artist Ayumi Horie provides project updates

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a major site plan for the redevelopment of 60 Elm Street. The proposal involves replacing a two-story commercial building with a 10-story residential building featuring 217 units and ground-level retail.

• Major Site Plan: 60 Elm Street, 10-story residential building with 217 units and ground-level retail
• Major Site Plan: 1584 Forest Avenue, 50-unit multi-family development (tabled to July 8, 2025)

City Council

The City Council is deciding on several emergency orders to implement the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This includes approving administrative fees, human resources agreements, and a $365,626,127 recommended budget. The body will also consider various board appointments and outdoor dining applications.

• FY26 City Manager's Recommended Budget of $365,626,127
• Order 202-24/25: Administrative fees for City Clerk, Fire, Parking, Parks, Planning, and Public Works
• Order 211-24/25: $45,000 for specific Peaks Island services, including $25,000 for Island Taxi
• Order 210-24/25: 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for non-union employees and elected officials
• Outdoor dining applications for 43 Wharf Street, 549 Congress Street, and 431 Congress Street

The City Council voted 9‑0 to remove Jessica Rossingburg from the Portland Housing Authority due to a potential conflict. The council also approved four outdoor‑dining permits on Wharf Street, St. John Street, and Congress Street, and passed a series of FY 2026 budget orders—including administrative fees, HR agreements, a self‑insured liability program, and a $15.9 M fund‑balance appropriation—each by a 9‑0 vote.

• Removed Jessica Rossingburg from Portland Housing Authority (9‑0)
• Approved outdoor dining for Bodkin Enterprises, dba Hot Liquor Tank at 43 Wharf Street (9‑0)
• Approved outdoor dining extension for Karibu Kwetu LLC, dba New Bujabelle at 265 St. John Street (9‑0)
• Approved outdoor dining for Another Round LLC at 549 Congress Street (9‑0)
• Approved outdoor dining parklet for Flores Restaurant LLC at 431 Congress Street (9‑0)
• Approved FY 2026 administrative fees for multiple city departments (Order 202‑24/25) (9‑0)
• Authorized City Manager agreements for FY 2026 HR and fringe benefits budget (Order 203‑24/25) (9‑0)
• Appropriated $15,900,000 from fund balance for FY 2026 (Order 212‑24/25) (9‑0)

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee will vote on approving its 2024 Annual Report. It will also discuss a new draft ordinance and consider sending a related letter to the City Council. Public comment will be accepted on agenda items.

• Approval of the 2024 Annual Report
• Discussion of a new draft ordinance and letter to the City Council regarding the same

The subcommittee approved the 2024 annual report with a 6‑0 vote. Members agreed to draft a letter to the City Council about the new CPRB ordinance and set a timeline for its preparation. The meeting was adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved 2024 annual report (6-0)
• Agreed to draft subcommittee letter on CPRB ordinance (consensus)
• Set draft timeline: complete draft by 7/2, agenda with draft on 7/3, feedback by 7/9, final edit before 7/21 submission
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a public hearing to consider adopting new procedural rules and to review a Certificate of Appropriateness application for rehabilitation and interpretive elements at the B & M Cannery Building at 1 Bean Pot Circle. The board previously denied a certificate for 308 Danforth Street at its June 4 meeting.

• Adoption of Historic Preservation Board Procedural Rules
• Certificate of Appropriateness for revisions to rehabilitation and interpretive elements at 1 Bean Pot Circle (B & M Cannery Building); applicant The Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Science; Plan Number HPBR-002723-2023

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a discussion-only meeting, taking no action or public comment on agenda items. Staff will review FY26 state budget status and known amendment requests from council members. Other discussions include the Portland Downtown district assessment and its fiscal impact on property owners, a Payment in Lieu of Tax policy, and the fiscal impact of a proposed $20 minimum wage. Public comment on the minimum wage item is scheduled for the July 2025 meeting.

• FY26 budget updates and known amendment proposals from council members and staff
• Portland Downtown district assessment and fiscal impact estimates for property owners
• Development of a Payment in Lieu of Tax policy (PILOT) — continued from 2024 goal
• Review of fiscal impact of proposed $20 minimum wage — public comment to be taken in July
• Selection of July meeting date

The June 18, 2025 Finance Committee meeting addressed only procedural requirements for public meeting records under Maine Revised Statutes § 403. No motions, votes, or policy actions were taken. The committee noted that recordings are archived online for public access.

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will review and vote on a recommendation to the City Council for the FY2026 agreement establishing the Portland Tourism Development District. It will also consider a proposed commercial vacancy ordinance and lease options for city property at 1125 Brighton Avenue and the Barron Center child‑care space. Public comment will be taken on the vacancy ordinance and the Barron Center RFP. The meeting will conclude with confirmation of the summer meeting schedule.

• Vote on FY2026 Agreement for the Portland Tourism Development District (includes Development Plan)
• Consideration of proposed commercial vacancy ordinance and outreach plan
• Review and recommendation to lease sections of 1125 Brighton Avenue to Developers Collaborative Predevelopment LLC and Propserity/ME
• Review and recommendation to lease space at the Barron Center for a child‑care facility (RFP)
• Update on Portland Adult Education FY2025 TIF‑funded workforce training programs and FY2026 planning

The Housing & Economic Development Committee approved the minutes from the April 15, May 12 and May 20 meetings. It voted 3‑1 to forward a recommendation approving the FY26 Portland Tourism Development District agreement, with a request for a spending report. The committee unanimously recommended the proposed Commercial Vacancy Program to the City Council. It also approved forwarding an option‑to‑lease for 1125 Brighton Avenue with conditions and postponed the Barron Center childcare RFP.

• Accepted April 15, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Accepted May 12, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Accepted May 20, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Forwarded FY26 Tourism Development District agreement to City Council (3‑1)
• Recommended Commercial Vacancy Program to City Council (4‑0)
• Entered executive session to discuss lease option (4‑0)
• Forwarded Option to Lease for 1125 Brighton Avenue with parking and tree safeguards (3‑1)
• Postponed Barron Center childcare RFP (4‑0)

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

The Civil Service Employment Subcommittee will discuss and consider proposed changes to the Fire Department's civil service rules. Public comment will be accepted during the meeting. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Review proposed changes to Fire Department Civil Service Rules

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will first approve the May 14 minutes. It will then give updates on transportation projects and sustainability programs. The meeting includes public comment on a complete streets policy update, a Vision Zero Quick Action Plan, and a proposed moratorium on theater and performance halls.

• Review and approve minutes from May 14, 2025
• Transportation project updates
• Sustainability program updates
• Complete streets policy update (public comment)
• Proposed moratorium on theater and performance halls (public comment)

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved the June 16 meeting minutes unanimously. The committee also approved, by unanimous vote, the revised Complete Streets policy after incorporating councilor Bullett's edits. A unanimous vote approved the Vision Zero Quick Action Plan to move forward to the full City Council. Staff recommended that the proposed moratorium on large theaters and performance halls is not justified, but no formal vote was taken.

• Approved June 16 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to Complete Streets policy (unanimous)
• Approved Vision Zero Quick Action Plan (unanimous)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will vote on a proposed Bristol License Agreement and a $200,000 deficit payment to the Portland Fish Exchange. The meeting is a remote special session via Zoom. Both items are up for a vote; no discussion items are listed.

• Vote on proposed Bristol License Agreement
• Vote on $200,000 deficit payment to Portland Fish Exchange

The board voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the License Agreement between the Portland Fish Pier Authority and Bristol Seafood Inc., authorizing the President to execute the agreement and permitting revocation with 60 days’ notice. The board also approved a $200,000 deficit payment to the Portland Fish Exchange to sustain operations after the line of credit was fully utilized, with the vote again 6-0. No public comments were made and the meeting adjourned at 3:19 p.m.

• Approved Bristol Seafood license agreement (6-0)
• Approved $200,000 deficit payment to Portland Fish Exchange (6-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (6-0)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee will meet to review the manager's report and budget deviations. The body will discuss regulatory changes impacting various fish species and changes among buyers and sellers.

• Review of NMFS regulations for Herring and Groundfish
• Review of DMR regulations for Lobster and Pogies
• Discussion of expense and revenue items deviating from the budget
• Report on available cooler space
• Discussion of changes in existing buyers and sellers

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. Members decided to postpone further discussion of lowering the $15,000 cash‑deposit/line‑of‑credit requirement to a future subcommittee meeting before taking it to the full board. The meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved April 10, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
• Deferred cash‑deposit limit discussion to a future subcommittee meeting
• Approved adjournment (5‑0)

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission will meet on June 11, 2025 for its annual field trip, traveling to Hope Avenue, North Deering Park, and Stroudwater Park. After the site visits, the commission will receive a communication update about the Stroudwater Park gasline relocation. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Field trip itinerary visiting Hope Avenue, North Deering Park, and Stroudwater Park
• Communication update on Stroudwater Park gasline relocation

Rent Board

The Rent Board will hold a public hearing on a rent increase appeal filed by the Portland Tenant's Union for a unit at 28 St. George St. The property owners are John Clemons and Abigail Harper. No other business is scheduled.

• Public hearing on rent increase appeal for 28 St. George St, Unit 3

The Rent Board found the landlord of 28 St George St, Unit 3, in substantial non‑compliance for raising rent more than 10 % in 2024 and for presenting optional fees as mandatory. The Board ordered all banked rent at the property to be forfeited and directed repayment of $18,860 to the affected tenants, with the rent for Unit 3 reduced to $1,100. Additional penalties include fines of $100 per month for overcharged rent ($1,200 total), a $500 fine for failure to register the unit in 2024, and a daily $200 fine per unit for retaliatory actions until resolved. Several procedural motions, including closing the public record and expanding the definition of rent to include common areas and pets, also passed unanimously.

• Close public record motion passes (4-0)
• Expand definition of rent to include common areas and pets (4-0)
• Landlord found in substantial non‑compliance for >10% rent increase in 2024 (4-0)
• All banked rent at 28 St George St forfeited (4-0)
• Repay tenants $18,860 and reduce Unit 3 rent to $1,100 (4-0)
• Failure to register Unit 3 in 2024 violates 6‑233(a) (4-0)
• Recommend fines $100/month overcharge ($1,200) and $500 for registration failure (4-0)
• Recommend landlord fined $200 per day per unit for retaliatory act until resolved (4-0)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee will receive an update on the new Civil Police Review Board ordinance, review a draft, and consider a letter to the City Council regarding the ordinance. The meeting also includes approval of May minutes, the 2024 Annual Report, and an executive session to discuss five internal affairs cases.

• Update on new Civil Police Review Board ordinance with draft ordinance attachment
• Letter to City Council regarding the Civil Police Review Board ordinance
• 2024 Annual Report
• Executive session for internal affairs cases IA2025-002, IA2025-006, IA2025-008, IA2025-009, and IA2025-010
• Approval of May 14, 2025 minutes

The subcommittee approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes and entered executive session to review four IA cases. Members voted that IA2025-002 was thorough, fair, and timely but not objective, and that IA2025-006 was thorough, fair, timely, and objective. The group also decided to hold an additional June meeting to discuss a letter to the City Council and the annual report.

• Approved May 14, 2025 minutes (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Entered executive session on IA2025-002, IA2025-006, IA2025-008, IA2025-009 (7-0)
• Found IA2025-002 thorough (7-0)
• Found IA2025-002 fair (6-1)
• Found IA2025-002 timely (7-0)
• Found IA2025-002 objective (failed 4-3)
• Found IA2025-006 thorough (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Found IA2025-006 objective (6-0, 1 abstention)

City Council

The committee will review the City Council's Rules of Procedure, take public comment, and vote on recommending any amendments for full council adoption.

• Review and recommend changes to the City Council's Rules of Procedure

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

The Remote Temporary Art Review Panel will hear a presentation and review an application for 'Art Outside On The Trail'. The panel will discuss and decide on the approval of the project.

• Presentation by Lindsay Conrad (Portland Trails) and Ashigh McKown (Portland Museum of Art) regarding 'Art Outside On The Trail'

Planning Board

The Board will approve the subdivision and major site plan applications for 9 Boyd Street that were voted on May 27. It will also adopt the approval letter authorizing the Chair to sign the decision. New business includes a hybrid workshop to consider a major site plan for a 50‑unit multifamily development at 1584 Forest Avenue, with 50 off‑street parking spaces. The meeting is being held remotely via Zoom under the Board’s Remote Meeting Policy.

• Approval of subdivision application for 9 Boyd Street (Cumberland Housing, LP; Mayo Housing, LP; Portland Housing Development Corp) – vote 7‑0
• Approval of major site plan for 9 Boyd Street – vote 7‑0
• Adoption of approval letter authorizing Board Chair to sign – vote 7‑0
• Hybrid workshop to consider major site plan for 1584 Forest Avenue – 50‑unit multifamily, 66,650 sq ft, 50 off‑street parking spaces, zoned RN‑5 and B‑1, accessed via Belfort Street, Plan No. PL‑003161‑2024
• Meeting conducted remotely via Zoom per Remote Meeting Policy

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will review the HHS Annual Report and the HOPE program update. Members will also discuss investments in street light maintenance and installation, as well as sprinkler requirements for single-family homes.

• Investment in Maintenance and Installation of Street Lights
• HHS Annual Report
• Housing Options for People in Encampments (HOPE) Program Update
• Sprinkler Requirement for Single Family Homes

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting, with a 3‑0 vote. No other formal actions or approvals were taken during the session. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will conduct a workshop on rent control. Attendees will hear feedback from the Portland Tenants Union, Trelawny Tenants' Union, and the Rental Housing Alliance of Southern Maine. The council will also review ordinance administration and enforcement, discuss the enforcement/judicial process, and hold a Q&A session.

• Stakeholder feedback from Portland Tenants Union
• Stakeholder feedback from Trelawny Tenants' Union
• Stakeholder feedback from Rental Housing Alliance of Southern Maine
• Presentation on ordinance administration and enforcement by Jessica Hanscombe
• Discussion of enforcement/judicial process by Corporation Counsel

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on June 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 24, City Hall. The board will consider two hardship variance applications: ZBA-003336-2025 for an electronic message sign at 25A Forest Ave in the Downtown Sign District, and ZBA-003354-2025 for a single‑family home at 148 Cumberland Ave in a B‑1 zone. The board will decide whether to grant each variance. The meeting allows remote participation via Zoom and public comment submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the meeting.

• Hardship variance ZBA-003336-2025: electronic message sign at 25A Forest Ave (Downtown Sign District)
• Hardship variance ZBA-003354-2025: single‑family home at 148 Cumberland Ave (B‑1 zone)
• Hybrid public hearing via Zoom with remote participation instructions
• Public comment deadline: 12:00 pm the day before the meeting
• Appeal documents available through the city’s self‑service portal

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a hardship variance for Portland Stage Company to install an electronic message sign at 25A Forest Avenue, voting 5-0. It also approved a hardship variance for John Colton to build a single‑family home at 148 Cumberland Avenue, also voting 5-0. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Granted hardship variance for electronic message sign at 25A Forest Ave (5-0)
• Granted hardship variance for single‑family home at 148 Cumberland Ave (5-0)

Rent Board

The Rent Board is meeting to address unfinished business regarding rent increase appeals. The board will consider appeals filed by the Trelawny Tenants Union for two specific properties.

• Rent increase appeal for 59 State St (Owner: 59 State Street LLC)
• Rent increase appeal for 655 Congress St (Owner: Trelawny 657 LLC)

The Rent Board voted 4‑0 to find 59 State Street LLC substantially non‑compliant with sections 6‑234(b)&c of the city code and to prohibit all rent increases imposed since Dec. 1 2022, requiring refunds to tenants. It also ordered the forfeiture of banked rent from that date and set a fine of $50,500 for the violations. The board scheduled further deliberations for the 655 Congress Street appeal on June 25, 2025, and adjourned the meeting.

• Found 59 State Street LLC in substantial non‑compliance of sections 6‑234(b)&c (4‑0)
• Prohibited rent increases since Dec. 1 2022 and required refunds (4‑0)
• Ordered forfeiture of banked rent from Dec. 1 2022 onward (4‑0)
• Set fine amount at $50,500 for landlord violations (4‑0)
• Scheduled 655 Congress Street appeal deliberation for June 25 2025 (4‑0)
• Motion to suspend rules to continue past 9:30 failed (2‑2)
• Board adjourned the meeting (5‑0)

Creative Portland Corporation

The Board of Directors will meet to approve the fiscal year 2026 Work Plan and Budget, review staff updates, and discuss board governance and recruitment.

• Vote to approve FY26 Work Plan & Budget
• Review of FY26 Board Meeting Dates
• Discussion on Board Governance & Recruitment
• Review of FFAW June 6 highlights
• Consent Agenda: April financials & minutes

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will revisit a tabled application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for revisions to alterations at 308 Danforth Street. The board previously voted to table review at its May 21 meeting.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for revisions to alterations at 308 Danforth Street (Plan HPBR-003052-2024)

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee is reviewing several state bills submitted by the city, including LD 453 which would require the state to pay 90% of General Assistance expenses. They will also discuss LD 639 on law enforcement training, LD 1017 on emergency shelter food reimbursement, and LD 1041 on preserving affordable housing. Other business includes a review of bonds and an executive session for interviews.

• LD 453 - requires state to pay 90% of municipalities' General Assistance costs
• LD 639 - aims to improve training opportunities for law enforcement officers
• LD 1017 - includes food provided at emergency shelters in General Assistance reimbursement
• LD 1041 - preserves affordability in publicly assisted housing
• Review of list of bonds and executive session for interviews

Ad Hoc Committee

The Portland Technology Park Annual Board of Directors will vote to approve minutes from January 2025 and ratify the estimated FY2026 budget. The board will also set the date for the next annual meeting. The meeting is open for public comment via Zoom.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes of January 8, 2025
• Vote to ratify estimated annual budget for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
• Setting date for next annual meeting as June 2, 2026

City Council

The City Council will vote on a new revolving loan program for downtown storefront improvements and the appointment of Phil Doughty as IT Director. Several budget-related orders are on the agenda, though staff recommends postponing most to June 23.

• Order 224-24/25: $250,000 revolving loan program for Downtown TOD TIF District storefronts
• Order 225-24/25: Appointment of Phil Doughty as IT Director with a salary of $137,533
• Order 223-24/25: Amendment to Portland Development Corporation Bylaws regarding voting majorities
• Order 211-24/25: Designation of $45,000 for specific Peaks Island services
• Order 226-24/25: Combined entertainment application for Hardshore Distilling Company at 53 Washington Avenue

The council approved several Portland Development Corporation actions, appointed a new IT director, and passed multiple consent items for local businesses. All FY 2026 budget items were postponed to June 23, 2025, and the council approved an $11.5 M appropriation from Jetport unrestricted funds. Additional items, including a state grant and a traffic‑schedule amendment, were also postponed.

• Amended Portland Development Corporation bylaws (Order 223‑24/25) – approved 9‑0
• Approved Portland Development Corporation Storefront Improvement Revolving Loan Program (Order 224‑24/25) – approved 9‑0
• Appointed Phil Doughty as Information Technology Director (Order 225‑24/25) – approved 8‑1
• Approved consent items for Hardshore Distilling (Order 226‑24/25), Lucky Cheetah (Order 227‑24/25), and Big Tree Catering (Order 228‑24/25) – each approved 9‑0
• Postponed all FY 2026 budget orders (Orders 202‑24/25 through 216‑24/25) to June 23, 2025 – approved 9‑0
• Appropriated $11.5 M from Jetport unrestricted funds (Order 221‑24/25) – approved 9‑0
• Postponed $96,400 State of Maine Community Paramedicine Grant (Order 161‑24/25) to Sep 3, 2025 – approved 9‑0
• Postponed traffic‑schedule amendment for Pearl & Cotton Streets (Order 220‑24/25) to June 23, 2025 – approved 9‑0

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will conduct interviews for various boards and commissions during an executive session. No specific candidates or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Move into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S 405 (6) (A) for interviews

Rent Board

The Rent Board will discuss rent increase appeals filed by the Trelawny Tenants Union and a rent increase application for 29 Parris St. The board will also hold an executive session with legal counsel regarding the State St and Congress St appeals.

• Executive session regarding legal rights and duties for 59 State St and 655 Congress St appeals
• Rent increase appeal for 59 State St (Appellant: Trelawny Tenants Union)
• Rent increase appeal for 655 Congress St (Appellant: Trelawny Tenants Union)
• Rent increase application for 29 Parris St, Unit 3 (Owner: Anna Guare)
• Completeness review for 218 Ocean Ave, Units 218, 220 & 222

The Rent Board denied the base‑year rent adjustment request for the 29 Parris St unit (4‑1 vote). It then approved a rent increase of $117.08 per month for that unit (5‑0 vote). The Board also scheduled a rent‑increase appeal hearing for June 11, 2025 and a special meeting for backlogged applications on July 9, 2025.

• Approved April 23, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Denied base‑year rent adjustment for 29 Parris St unit (4-1)
• Adopted $1620 regular assessed charge (5-0)
• Approved $117.08 monthly rent increase for 29 Parris St unit (5-0)
• Failed motion to suspend rule to continue deliberation (1-3)
• Tabled items V.f. and V.g. to June 5, 2025 special meeting (4-0)
• Scheduled rent‑increase appeal hearing for June 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Scheduled special meeting for backlogged applications for July 9, 2025 (5-0)

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will meet to receive reports from various committees and discuss new business. Key discussion items include land use amendment recommendations and a report on parking enforcement.

• Land Use Amendment recommendations
• Karsten and Shelagh Report on Parking Enforcement
• Discussion on Golf Carts
• Report from Chief Dubois

City Council

The City Council is holding a remote meeting to select members for the Social Housing Task Force. The selection will occur during an executive session under state law, with public comment limited to the motion to enter that session.

• Executive session under 1 M.R.S 405(6)(A) to select Social Housing Task Force members

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a multi-family affordable housing project and a workshop regarding a large entertainment venue. The board will also report on a previously approved Master Development Plan Amendment for 315 Cumberland Avenue.

• Public hearing for 9 Boyd Street: 92-unit and 27-unit affordable housing buildings with no on-site parking
• Workshop for 385 Congress Street: 65,340 square foot entertainment venue for up to 3,300 patrons
• Report of 5-0 vote to approve Master Development Plan Amendment at 315 Cumberland Avenue

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will discuss procedural matters and establish a schedule for future meetings and submissions. The Board Chair has temporarily waived Rule 6 submission deadlines for all pending appeals listed on the agenda.

• Procedural discussion for 15 Bramhall Street
• Procedural discussion for 439 Congress Street
• Procedural discussion for 699 Congress Street
• Procedural discussion for 707 Congress Street
• Procedural discussion for 304 Eastern Prom

The Board of Assessment Review approved the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes by a 2‑0 vote, with one member recused. The board then approved a draft procedural order for upcoming cases by a 3‑0 vote. Finally, the meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved May 5, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved draft procedural order for upcoming cases (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Public Art Committee

The Portland Public Art Committee will review and seek committee feedback on the FY25 annual plan report and the proposed FY26 budget draft, with a deadline of May 29. The committee will also discuss meeting format options and receive updates on conservation projects, including lighting repairs at Passing the Torch and Loring Memorial. Previously, the committee voted 9-0 to accept a gift of public art from Judith Kendrich and Jim DiBiase.

• Request for committee feedback on FY26 proposed budget and FY25 annual plan report by May 29.
• Committee voted 9-0 to accept gift of public art from Judith Kendrich and Jim DiBiase; item to go to City Council.
• Invoices paid: light replacement at Passing the Torch ($780), in-ground light product ($2,565.18), and in-ground light install at Loring Memorial ($1,164).
• Update on conservation assessments: RFP to be distributed to potential conservators.
• Conservation project updates for Jewell Box (vandalism remediation), Passing the Torch (lighting), Rustle Diptych II (conduit replacement), Langlais Birdhouse Heads, and Portland Bricks.

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board met on May 21, 2025 to review several preservation applications. Members voted to conditionally approve a window replacement project at 248 Congress Street. The board also tabled review of other applications and held a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness for 308 Danforth Street. A workshop was announced to update the city’s Historic Resources Design Manual.

• Adopted procedural rules (6‑0 vote to table review)
• After‑the‑fact review of window replacement at 187 Danforth Street (6‑0 vote to table review)
• Conditional approval of window replacement at 248 Congress Street (6‑0 vote)
• Conditional approval of amendments for 58 Fore Street (5‑0 vote, 1 recused)
• Public hearing on Certificate of Appropriateness for 308 Danforth Street

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee will meet remotely on May 21, 2025. It will first review and vote on the minutes from the April 2 meeting. The agenda also includes a brief check‑in, an outreach and education report, a discussion of the Waiver Committee representative, and adjournment.

• Review and approve minutes from the April 2 meeting
• Check‑in
• Outreach and Education report
• Waiver Committee Representative discussion
• Adjournment

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will consider four city-submitted state bills: LD 453 (90% state reimbursement for General Assistance), LD 639 (law enforcement training), LD 1017 (food at emergency shelters in GA), and LD 1041 (affordable housing preservation). The committee will also approve minutes from April 29, 2025, and receive a legislative update on hearings and new bills. No final decisions are made at this meeting; the committee discusses and may recommend positions.

• LD 453: Requires state to pay 90% of General Assistance expenses for municipalities and tribes
• LD 639: Improves training opportunities for law enforcement officers
• LD 1017: Includes food served at emergency shelters in General Assistance reimbursement
• LD 1041: Preserves affordability in publicly assisted housing
• Approval of minutes from April 29, 2025 meeting

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will discuss the 2024 Annual Housing Report and Q1 Rent Control Report, then vote on recommendations to the City Council for several items: the FY2025 Tourism Development District agreement, a Minimum Wage Policy, a Commercial Vacancy Program, and an Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District and Credit Enhancement Agreement for Front Street Phase III. They will also receive an update on HUD allocations for CDBG, HOME, and Emergency Solutions grants.

• Vote on recommendation for FY2025 Portland Tourism Development District agreement
• Vote on recommendation regarding Minimum Wage Policy
• Vote on recommendation for Proposed Commercial Vacancy Program
• Vote on recommendation for Affordable Housing TIF and Credit Enhancement Agreement for Front Street Phase III
• Discussion of 2024 Annual Housing Report and Q1 Rent Control Report

The Housing and Economic Development Committee voted 3-1 to recommend that the City Council amend Chapter 33 to raise the minimum wage, moving the effective date to January 1 2026. The committee also postponed the tourism district agreement (4‑0) and approved a recommendation for an Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing District for the Front Street Phase III project (4‑0). The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Recommend amendment to raise minimum wage, effective Jan 1 2026 (3-1)
• Postpone tourism district agreement to next meeting (4-0)
• Recommend approval of Affordable Housing TIF District for Front Street Phase III (4-0)
• Adjourn meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will hold a second reading and public hearing on the $162.8 million FY26 school budget, including orders to approve state/local funding, debt service, and additional local funds. The council will also conduct a first reading on the $365.6 million municipal budget, with related fee changes for various departments. Consent items include liquor licenses for new eateries and a proclamation calendar.

• Second reading and public hearing on FY26 school budget ($162,800,974) with orders 181-187, including $127M from property taxes; referendum set for June 10, 2025
• First reading of FY26 municipal budget ($365,626,127) and administrative fee changes for City Clerk, Fire, Parking, Parks, Planning, Public Works (Order 202)
• Consent items: Class I restaurant license for Terlingua Outpost at 34 Washington Ave, indoor entertainment license at 631 Stevens Ave, and restaurant with outdoor dining at 84 Commercial St
• Proclamations recognizing Mary Bonauto for civil rights, National EMS Week, Arbor Week, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Older Americans Month
• Order 205 authorizing Parks Director to set fees and sign rental agreements for city facilities including Merrill Auditorium, Expo, Ice Arena, golf course

The council approved the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting and passed several consent items, including the declaration of the July 26, 2025 Greater Portland Festival of Nations and approvals for three private‑sector entertainment venues. The council also approved multiple school‑budget orders for FY 2026, covering state/local EPS funding, construction debt service, and the total operating budget, each with an 8‑0 vote. All votes were unanimous with Councilor Fournier absent.

• Approved minutes of May 5, 2025 meeting (8-0)
• Approved Order 198-24/25 declaring July 26, 2025 Greater Portland Festival of Nations (8-0)
• Approved Order 199-24/25 granting municipal approval for El Luchador Holdings LLC, dba Terlingua Outpost, 34 Washington Avenue (8-0)
• Approved Order 200-24/25 granting municipal approval for DC Baxter Woods II LLC, dba DC Baxter Woods II LLC, 631 Stevens Avenue (8-0)
• Approved Order 201-24/25 granting municipal approval for Lukes Lobster XL LLC, dba Dry Dock, 84 Commercial Street (8-0)
• Approved Order 181-24/25 approving State/Local EPS funding for Portland Public Schools FY 2026 (8-0)
• Approved Order 182-24/25 approving non‑state funded school construction debt service FY 2026 (8-0)
• Approved Order 184-24/25 approving total school operating budget for Portland Schools FY 2026 (8-0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Ad Hoc Committee will hold an executive session to select members for the Social Housing Task Force. Public comment is permitted only on the motion to enter executive session. The meeting is otherwise procedural, consisting of a call to order and adjournment.

• Executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S 405 (6)(A) to select Social Housing Task Force members
• Public comment limited to the motion to move into executive session

Portland Fish Pier Authority

This is a special meeting of the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors. The board will receive a financial update for May 2025, a facilities update, and a report from the Portland Fish Exchange manager. They will also discuss a presentation by Tec Associates that was made at the April 28, 2025 meeting. No votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion and information.

• Financial statement for May 2025 presented by Kaela Gonzalez
• Facilities update from project manager Phil DiPierro
• Portland Fish Exchange manager report for May 2025 from Robert Vanmeter
• Discussion of Tec Associates presentation from April 28, 2025 meeting
• Board and staff discussion on items not on the agenda

The board received a financial report and a facilities update, including progress on the shore‑power upgrade and upcoming harbor dredging. Members reviewed a presentation on repairs for Service Piers 1 and 3 and considered forming a subcommittee, but no actions were approved or voted on. The meeting ended with no new decisions recorded.

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will consider and vote on a recommendation to the City Council about TIF‑funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines. It will also review and recommend approval of a proposed bylaws amendment to the City Council. Additional items include discussion of Brownfields program flexibility, votes on three micro‑enterprise grant applications, and the Treasurer’s financial reports.

• Vote on recommendation to City Council for TIF‑funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines
• Recommendation to City Council for approval of proposed bylaws amendment
• Discussion of Brownfields program flexibility after EPA grant exhaustion
• Review and vote on microenterprise grant applications: Maine Surfers Union LLC, Al‑Badoo Community Association of Maine, Felina LLC
• Treasurer’s Report covering monthly budget, cash management, loan receivables, and delinquency updates

The board voted unanimously to recommend the City Council adopt revised TIF‑funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines, which raise the maximum loan to $20,000 and add eligible activities such as security cameras and outdoor furniture. The board also approved a bylaws amendment changing the voting threshold wording to “a majority.” It authorized issuance of Brownfields remediation commitment letters before EPA funds arrive and gave staff authority to spend up to $5,000 per site per year without further board approval. Finally, the board granted a $5,000 ARPA microenterprise grant to Felina Design Company (now Four West Studio LLC) and approved the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-4)
• Recommended City Council adopt revised TIF‑funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines (8-0)
• Approved bylaws amendment to change voting language to “a majority” (7-0)
• Approved issuance of Brownfields remediation commitment letters and staff authority to use up to $5,000 per site per year (7-0)
• Approved $5,000 ARPA microenterprise grant to Felina Design Company (now Four West Studio LLC) (6-0-1)
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting (7-0)

Rent Board

The Rent Board will hold public comments and consider multiple rent increase applications for properties at 25-27 Montreal St, 63 Grant St, 65 Grant St, 69 Grant St, and 10 Walnut St. The proposed increases are based on increased housing service costs and capital improvement costs. The board may vote on the applications after public comment.

• Public comment on rent increase for 25-27 Montreal St (Units 1-8, legal address 304 Eastern Prom) by Eastern Residential Inc.
• Public comment on rent increases for 63 Grant St, 65 Grant St, and 69 Grant St (Units 1-6 each) by Grant Street Realty Group LLC
• Rent increase application for 10 Walnut St (Units 1-8, legal address 304 Eastern Prom) by Eastern Residential Inc.
• All applications involve increased housing service costs; 25-27 Montreal St also includes capital improvement costs
• All properties are in the Bayside neighborhood near Eastern Promenade

The board approved a $65.95 monthly increase for eight units at 25‑27 Montreal Street and a $93.46 increase for 19 units at 63, 65, and 69 Grant Street. Both motions passed unanimously with one member recused. A prior motion to combine the decisions was withdrawn. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved $65.95/month rent increase for 8 units at 25-27 Montreal St (5-0; Walker recused)
• Approved $93.46/month rent increase for 19 units at 63, 65, and 69 Grant St (5-0; Walker recused)
• Withdrew motion to combine decisions on final three applications (5-0; Walker recused)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Finance Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget and related budget orders. City officials will answer remaining questions from earlier reviews. Future meeting dates for additional budget readings and updates are also noted.

• Public hearing and vote on FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
• Presentation by CFO and department heads to address outstanding questions
• Review of future finance committee meeting dates and agenda items

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to recommend the City Manager’s FY26 budget to the full City Council for consideration. The motion was made by Grant and seconded by Pelletier. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3-0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommend FY26 City Manager budget to City Council (passed 3-0)
• Adjourn meeting (passed 3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider two new business applications. The board will review a request to exceed height limits on Fore Street and a request to operate a care facility on Randall Street.

• Hardship Variance (ZBA-003323-2025): Request to exceed the 50 feet height limit by 2 feet 3 inches at 203 Fore Street
• Conditional Use (CU-003324-2025): Request to operate a small Residential Care Facility at 14 Randall Street

The provided minutes consist solely of coded numeric entries and do not contain any readable decisions, approvals, denials, or motions. Consequently, no concrete actions can be reported from this meeting. The record appears to be a placeholder or corrupted format.

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will approve minutes from the April 9 meeting, receive program updates, and host a Transit Leaders Forum panel with regional transit agencies. The committee will consider amendments to Chapter 30 concerning golf carts on Peaks Island, with public comment allowed. It will also review the city’s taxi fare policy. The meeting concludes with a review of the work plan and upcoming meetings.

• Approve minutes from the April 9 meeting
• May updates on the Sustainability and Transportation program
• Transit Leaders Forum panel with representatives from PACTS, MaineDOT, and local transit agencies
• Amendments to Chapter 30 regarding golf carts on Peaks Island (public comment will be taken)
• Policy review of taxi fares (no public comment)

The committee approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It approved the consideration of amendments to Chapter 30 that would remove the cap on golf‑cart operators and create a waitlist, moving the proposal to the full City Council. The motion was moved by Councilor Ali, seconded by Councilor Bullett, and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous motion.

• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved consideration of Chapter 30 golf‑cart amendment, moving it to City Council (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The Police Citizen Review Subcommittee will meet to discuss a new Civil Police Review Board ordinance and a related letter to the City Council. The body will also review a draft of the 2024 Annual Report and a complainant introduction letter.

• Discussion of new Civil Police Review Board ordinance and letter to City Council
• Review of 2024 Annual Report update or tentative draft
• Review of PCRS introduction letter to complainants
• Executive session to discuss IA2025-002 and IA2025-004
• Discussion of training opportunities and NACOLE

The subcommittee adopted the Police Citizen Review Subcommittee introduction letter with a 6‑0 vote. It entered executive session to discuss IA2025‑004 and later voted that the case was timely (5‑1), thorough (6‑0), fair (4‑2) and objective (4‑2). The meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approve April 9, 2025 minutes (4‑0, 1 abstention)
• Adopt PCRS introduction letter (6‑0)
• Enter executive session to discuss IA2025‑004 (6‑0)
• Find IA2025‑004 timely (5‑1)
• Find IA2025‑004 thorough (6‑0)
• Find IA2025‑004 fair (4‑2)
• Find IA2025‑004 objective (4‑2)
• Adjourn meeting (5‑0)

Planning Board

The board will hold a workshop on a major site plan for a 10-story residential building with 217 units and ground-floor retail at 60 Elm Street. It will also hold a public hearing on an amendment to the 315 Cumberland Avenue master development plan to adjust phasing, building location, and unit distribution.

• Workshop: Major site plan for 10-story, 217-unit building at 60 Elm Street (zoned B-3 Downtown Business)
• Public hearing: Master development plan amendment for 315 Cumberland Avenue to change phasing, relocate Phase 1B building, and reallocate unit counts across phases

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will meet remotely to review meeting minutes, discuss a childcare concept proposal, and receive a public safety update from the Police Chief.

• Review and approval of April 10, 2025 minutes
• Panel discussion on 'Built for Zero' homeless response
• Childcare concept proposal for general discussion
• Public safety update from Police Chief Mark Dubois

The committee approved the minutes from the April 10, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote. No formal actions were taken on the Built for Zero discussion, public‑safety statistics, or the childcare concept proposal. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will consider two responses to an RFP for leasing/developing up to two sites at 1125 Brighton Avenue and vote on a recommendation to the City Council. The committee may also enter executive session to discuss proposals for 1125 Brighton Avenue and the Lambert South project at 165 Lambert Street.

• Review and accept minutes from May 6, 2025
• Consideration of two RFP responses: Community Housing of Maine and Developers Collaborative/ProsperityME
• Vote on recommendation to City Council for an option to lease with the successful respondent
• Possible executive session to discuss 1125 Brighton Avenue proposals and Lambert South project negotiations

The committee approved the minutes from the May 6 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. It entered an executive session and later exited it. The committee voted 3‑1 to recommend that the City Council approve a lease‑development agreement with Developers Collaborative and Prosperity Maine. The meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved May 6 meeting minutes (4‑0)
• Entered executive session (4‑0)
• Exited executive session
• Recommended lease/development agreement with Developers Collaborative and Prosperity Maine (3‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee will review and vote on meeting minutes from March 13, 2025, and discuss the Fish Exchange Manager's report. Key topics include upcoming regulatory changes affecting herring, groundfish, lobster, and pogies, as well as expense/revenue items deviating from budget and available cooler space. The committee will also discuss changes in existing buyers and sellers.

• Review upcoming regulatory changes from NMFS (herring, groundfish) and DMR (lobster, pogies)
• Discuss expense/revenue items deviating from budget
• Review available space in coolers
• Discuss changes in existing buyers and sellers
• Vote on approval of March 13, 2025 meeting minutes (attached as April 10, 2025 minutes)

The Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee met on May 8, 2025, but could not approve the April 10 minutes due to lack of quorum. Members reviewed a management and financial report noting equipment failures and a planned accounting contractor change that could save about $25,000. The committee noted the upcoming "Walk the Working Waterfront" event on May 31. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous consent)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will continue its detailed review of the City Manager’s Recommended FY26 Budget. Department heads from Portland Downtown, Portland Public Library, Parking, Human Resources, and Housing and Economic Development will present their budgets. A public hearing will be held. No final vote is scheduled; the committee plans to vote on May 15.

• Department budget presentations: Portland Downtown, Portland Public Library, Parking, Human Resources, and Housing and Economic Development
• Public hearing on the FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
• Future meeting scheduled for May 15 for budget review, public hearing, and vote
• Budget review began on April 15, April 29, and May 1
• Council referred the budget to Finance Committee on April 14

The Finance Committee reviewed the statutory requirements for public meeting records under M.R.S. § 403. It confirmed that all meetings are audio/video recorded and archived on the city website. No motions were presented and no votes were taken.

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a public hearing to adopt its procedural rules. The board will also review three property projects: an after-the-fact window replacement at 187 Danforth Street, a window replacement at 248 Congress Street, and amendments to a previous approval at 58 Fore Street (Block 6). Minutes from the May 1 meeting noted approval of an addition at 58 Atlantic Street.

• Public hearing to adopt Historic Preservation Board procedural rules
• After-the-fact review of window replacement at 187 Danforth Street; applicant Thomas Doherty
• Review of window replacement at 248 Congress Street; applicants Kayheight House Associates, LP & The Wishcamper Companies, Inc.
• Review of amendments at 58 Fore Street (Block 6); applicant Portland Foreside Development Company

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will consider responses to an RFP for leasing and developing up to two sites at 1125 Brighton Avenue and vote on a recommendation to the City Council. The committee may also enter executive session to discuss negotiations for the Lambert Woods South project at 165 Lambert Street.

• Vote on recommendation to City Council for lease/development of 1125 Brighton Avenue sites
• Public comment and possible executive session on 1125 Brighton Avenue RFP responses
• Executive session to discuss City property disposition for Lambert Woods South (165 Lambert Street)
• Approval of previous meeting minutes from April 15, 2025

The Housing & Economic Development Committee approved a motion, 4‑0, to go into executive session to review the lease and development proposals for 1125 Brighton Avenue. The Committee directed staff to invite CHOM and DC/PM to a special meeting on May 12, 2025 to discuss those proposals. A separate motion to postpone the Lambert Woods South (165 Lambert Street) project was also approved 4‑0. The meeting was adjourned at about 8:36 p.m. by a 4‑0 vote.

• Motion to go into executive session on 1125 Brighton Avenue lease proposals passed 4-0
• Directed staff to invite CHOM and DC/PM to a special meeting on May 12, 2025
• Postponed discussion of Lambert Woods South (165 Lambert Street) project 4-0
• Adjourned meeting at approximately 8:36 p.m. by vote 4-0

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review is meeting to elect its officers and set a date for abatement appeals hearings. The board may also enter an executive session to discuss legal rights and duties with attorneys.

• Election of Officers
• Scheduling of Hearing Date for Abatement Appeals
• Executive session regarding legal rights and duties of the Board

The Board voted 3-0 to appoint Eric Larsson as Chair and Dale Knapp as Secretary. It then voted 3-0 to go into Executive Session under M.R.S.A. 405(6)(E). The meeting was adjourned by a 2-0 vote.

• Appointed Eric Larsson as Board Chair (3-0)
• Appointed Dale Knapp as Board Secretary (3-0)
• Moved into Executive Session per M.R.S.A. 405(6)(E) (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

City Council

The City Council holds a first reading of the FY26 School Budget ($162,800,974) and related budget orders, with public comment accepted. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for May 19. The municipal budget public hearing originally on this agenda is postponed to May 19. Other business includes a proposed 180-day extension of the hotel moratorium and a new police union contract.

• First reading of FY26 School Budget ($162,800,974); $127,225,989 to come from property taxes; referendum June 10
• Proposed 180-day extension of moratorium on new hotel projects (Order 177-24/25)
• Approval of collective bargaining agreement with Portland Police Superior Officers Association (2025-2027)
• Adoption of FY25-26 Annual Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs ($7,830,113 total)
• Acceptance of $28,000 Gulf of Maine Research Institute climate resilience grant and $5,995 donation for Police Dive Team sonar

The City Council approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Portland Police Superior Officers Association (7‑2). It also extended the moratorium on new hotel projects for 180 days (9‑0). Additional actions included adopting the FY 2025‑2026 Annual Action Plan, amending the city code on vehicles for hire, and approving several housing and development measures.

• Approved police collective bargaining agreement (7-2)
• Extended hotel project moratorium 180 days (9-0)
• Adopted FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (9-0) and approved amendment (8-1)
• Amended City Code Chapters 15 & 30 on vehicles for hire (9-0)
• Accepted 2025 Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund Annual Plan (9-0)
• Approved 2025 affordable housing development and tax increment financing (9-0)
• Accepted easement from Portland Housing Development Corp. at 17 Riverton Dr. as emergency (9-0)
• Approved $28,000 Gulf of Maine Research Institute grant (9-0)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will accept the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. A new business item includes a presentation by Parks Director Alex Marshall on the Capital Improvement Plan. Old business will cover the Party in the Park program. The commission will also receive a Parks Division report and a Land Bank Commission report.

• Accept March 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Presentation on Capital Improvement Plan by Parks Director Alex Marshall
• Discussion of Party in the Park (old business)
• Parks Division report
• Land Bank Commission report

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will review and decide on two applications: a garage at 23 Waterville Street, which was previously voted non‑contributing, and an addition at 58 Atlantic Street. The meeting includes a public hearing for comments on these items. Attendance and prior decisions from the April 2 meeting will be reported.

• Vote on garage at 23 Waterville Street (Plan HPBR-003262-2025) – previously found non‑contributing
• Public hearing on addition at 58 Atlantic Street (Plan HPBR-003265-2025)
• Report of attendance and quorum for the April 2 meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget and hold a public hearing. Department heads from Public Works, Police, and Health and Human Services will present their budget details. No vote or other action is scheduled at this meeting.

• Public hearing on FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
• Budget presentations by Public Works, Police, and Health and Human Services departments
• Review of future Finance Committee meeting dates: May 8 and May 15, 2025
• Discussion of the FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget (no action scheduled)

The Finance Committee met on May 1, 2025. The minutes record only procedural compliance with Maine law and do not list any motions, votes, or decisions. No substantive actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to review a request for reconsideration regarding a previously granted hardship variance. The board will decide whether to revisit its March 20, 2025, decision.

• Reconsideration of Hardship Variance (ZBA-003242-2025) for 148 Cove Side DR, Coveside LLC, regarding a non-water dependent use within the 75’ Shoreland Zone setback

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will discuss five specific bills. These include proposals regarding state payment for general assistance, law enforcement training, and public housing affordability.

• LD 453: State payment of 90 percent of general assistance expenses
• LD 639: Law enforcement officer training opportunities
• LD 1017: General assistance reimbursement for emergency shelter food
• LD 1041: Affordability in publicly assisted housing
• LD 1713: Health care provider contracts with insurance carriers

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY26 Portland Public Schools Board Recommended Budget. The committee will also review the FY26 City Manager's Recommended Budget with department presentations, but no action will be taken on that item. Future meeting dates are set for continued budget review and additional public hearings and votes.

• Public hearing and scheduled vote on FY26 Portland Public Schools budget (first read at City Council May 5, final action May 19)
• Review of FY26 City Manager's Recommended Budget (discussion only; departments include Permitting and Inspections, Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Housing and Economic Development, Planning and Urban Development)
• Future meeting schedule: May 1 public hearing and vote on City Manager's budget (departments include Public Works, Sewer/Stormwater, Police, Health and Human Services)
• Hold dates: May 8 and May 15 for further budget review and potential votes

The Finance Committee held a public hearing on the FY26 Portland Public Schools Board‑recommended budget and voted 3‑0 to recommend it to the full City Council. No action was taken on the City Manager’s FY26 budget, which was discussed only. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Recommend FY26 school budget to City Council (passed 3-0)
• Adjourn meeting (passed 3-0)

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority board will hold a remote special meeting to vote on several action items, including subcommittee appointments, an amended lease agreement, a shore power upgrade, a new buyer for the fish exchange, and the FY2026 budget. They will also discuss a financial update, a presentation on pier conditions, and a request from Bristol Seafood. Public comment will be taken on most action items.

• Vote on amended and restated lease with 10 Portland Fish Pier LLC for Lot #10
• Vote on Portland Fish Exchange Shore Power Upgrade Project
• Vote on proposed new buyer Atlantic Offshore Fishery
• Vote on proposed FY2026 Portland Fish Exchange Budget
• Presentation by Tec Associates on fish pier condition and prioritized projects

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board approved a series of motions, including the FY2026 budget for the Portland Fish Exchange, a $400,000 shore‑power upgrade, and overnight parking at the Front Fish Pier Lot. It also approved a new buyer, Atlantic Offshore Fishery, and an amended lease with 10 Portland Fish Pier LLC. All motions were adopted with recorded vote tallies.

• Approved Tracy Pearce nomination to Finance Subcommittee and Meredith Mendelson to Finance & PF Exchange Subcommittees (7-0)
• Approved entry into executive session (7-0)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved $400,000 shore power upgrade at Portland Fish Exchange (6-0)
• Approved overnight parking at Front Fish Pier Lot (6-0)
• Approved Atlantic Offshore Fishery as new PFEX buyer (6-0)
• Approved PFEX FY2026 Budget (4-1-1, Odlin abstained)
• Approved amended and restated lease with 10 Portland Fish Pier LLC (6-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will vote on a 180-day moratorium on new theaters and performance halls with a capacity over 2,000 people. The council will also receive the Portland Board of Public Education's proposed FY2026 budget and set public hearings, and consider the $7.83 million FY2025-2026 Annual Action Plan for CDBG, HOME, and emergency housing grants. Additionally, several grant acceptances are up for final votes, including $96,400 for community paramedicine, $205,000 for contaminated soil cleanup at Fitzpatrick Stadium, and $10,000 for pedestrian safety enforcement.

• 180-day moratorium on theater/performance hall projects exceeding 2,000 seats (Order 165-24/25)
• Referral of Portland Public Schools FY2026 budget to Finance Committee with public hearings May 5 and May 19 (Order 173-24/25)
• Adoption of $7,830,113 Annual Action Plan for federal housing and community development grants (Resolve 9-24/25)
• Acceptance of $96,400 state grant to expand community paramedicine services (Order 161-24/25)
• Acceptance of $205,000 brownfields sub-grant to dispose of contaminated soil at Fitzpatrick Stadium (Order 164-24/25)

The Portland City Council approved several consent items, including outdoor dining permits and the July 4 festival declaration, with unanimous votes. It accepted multiple grant appropriations, such as a $205,000 EPA brownfields sub‑grant and a $10,000 highway safety grant passed as an emergency. The council postponed a state community paramedicine grant to May 19, 2025. It also referred a 180‑day moratorium on theater and performance‑hall projects over 2,000 seats to the Sustainability and Transportation Committee.

• Approved Orders 169‑24/25‑172‑24/25 (outdoor dining permits and July 4 festival) (9‑0)
• Approved Order 173‑24/25 referring PBP FY2026 budget to Finance Committee (9‑0)
• Approved Order 164‑24/25 $205,000 EPA Brownfields sub‑grant for Fitzpatrick Stadium cleanup (9‑0)
• Approved Order 163‑24/25 $60,000 John T. Gorman Foundation grant for Professional Connectors Program (9‑0)
• Approved Order 166‑24/25 $10,000 Maine Highway Safety grant as emergency (9‑0)
• Postponed Order 161‑24/25 $96,400 State Community Paramedicine Grant to May 19, 2025 (9‑0)
• Referred Order 165‑24/25 180‑day moratorium on theater projects >2,000 capacity to Sustainability & Transportation Committee (8‑1)
• Approved Order 170‑24/25 Granting approval for Bread and Friends outdoor dining at 505 Fore Street (9‑0)

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will discuss legislative updates and consider LD 1713, a state bill that would prohibit certain provisions in health care provider contracts with insurance carriers. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and delegation coordination.

• Discussion of LD 1713, An Act to Prohibit Certain Provisions in Health Care Provider Contracts with Insurance Carriers

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will review a public comment on a rent increase request for units at 33 Deering St. It will conduct a completeness check on a separate rent increase application for 29 Parris St, Unit 3. The board will also consider a conditional approval for 36 Alder LLC’s rent increase request for units at 36 Alder St. Additional items include elections for chair and vice chair, scheduling a special meeting, and presenting the 2024 annual report.

• Public comment on rent increase application for 33 Deering St (units 2F, 2C, 2R, 3)
• Completeness check of rent increase application for 29 Parris St, Unit 3
• Conditional approval of rent increase application for 36 Alder LLC, 36 Alder St, units 1‑2
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair of the Rent Board
• Schedule a special meeting and present the 2024 Rent Board Annual Report

The Rent Board approved the March 26 and April 9 meeting minutes and tabled a rent increase request for 33 Deering St. It found the 99 King St application complete, approved the 36 Alder rent increase, elected a new Chair and Vice Chair, and set a special meeting for May 15. The 2024 annual report was adopted pending edits, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approve March 26 and April 9 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Table rent increase application for 33 Deering St (6-0)
• Find Anna Guare’s 99 King St application complete (6-0)
• Approve rent increase application for 36 Alder St (6-0)
• Elect Matthew Lax as Chair and Austin Sims as Vice Chair (6-0)
• Schedule special meeting for May 15, 2025 (6-0)
• Adopt 2024 Rent Board Annual Report pending edits (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Portland City Council will meet remotely on April 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM via Zoom for an executive‑session workshop. Council members will consult with attorneys about the city’s legal rights and duties related to Maine Department of Health and Human Services rulemaking on general‑assistance reimbursement. The session will also address pending litigation concerning the department’s audit of the city’s general‑assistance program. A recording will be posted in the Agenda Center after the meeting.

• Executive session to consult attorneys on legal rights and duties regarding MDHHS rulemaking for general assistance reimbursement
• Discussion of pending litigation concerning MDHHS audit of the city's general assistance program

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will discuss a Land Use Amendment, hear reports on needs-based tickets and parking enforcement, and receive updates on the Sandy Beach guardrail and access to the community room. Committee reports and public comment are also scheduled.

• Land Use Amendment under new business
• Norm+Karsten Report on Needs Based Tickets
• Karsten + Shelagh Report on Parking Enforcement
• Guardrail at Sandy Beach under Housing & Zoning committee update
• Sandy Beach Update and supporting access to community room as old business

The council voted to accept the February 26 meeting minutes and approved the Treasurer’s financial report. A motion to send a letter about community‑room access was postponed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted February 26 minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Treasurer’s report (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will review four state bills proposed by the City Council, including LD 453 requiring the state to pay 90% of general assistance costs, and discuss upcoming hearings and new bills. The committee may recommend positions on these bills to the full Council.

• LD 453 – An Act to Require the State to Pay 90% of All General Assistance Expenses of Municipalities and Indian Tribes
• LD 639 – An Act to Improve Training Opportunities for Law Enforcement Officers
• LD 1017 – An Act to Include Food Provided or Served at Emergency Shelters in General Assistance Reimbursement
• LD 1041 – An Act to Preserve Affordability in Publicly Assisted Housing
• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2025 meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a hybrid workshop to consider a Master Development Plan amendment for 315 Cumberland Avenue. The application by Reveler Development proposes changes to the phasing plan, relocation of the Phase 1B residential building, and a redistribution of unit counts across project phases. No public hearing items are on the agenda.

• Workshop on Master Development Plan Amendment at 315 Cumberland Avenue (Plan PL-003223-2025) by Reveler Development

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors will hold a special meeting to nominate and vote on additional board members for its Finance and Portland Fish Exchange subcommittees. No other substantive decisions are scheduled.

• Nomination and vote for additional members to the Finance Subcommittee
• Nomination and vote for additional members to the Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will vote on an amended and restated lease agreement with 10 Portland Fish Pier LLC for Lot #10. Other action items include approving a shore power upgrade, overnight parking rules, a new buyer for the fish exchange, and the FY2026 budget. The board will also review a request from Bristol Seafood to install a concrete pad for refrigeration equipment.

• Vote on amended lease agreement with 10 Portland Fish Pier LLC (Lot #10)
• Vote on Portland Fish Exchange Shore Power Upgrade Project
• Vote on proposed overnight parking at Front Fish Pier Lot
• Vote on proposed new buyer Atlantic Offshore Fishery
• Vote on Portland Fish Exchange FY2026 Budget

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will review and vote on several recommendations to the City Council, including TIF-funded downtown improvement loan guidelines and a proposed bylaws amendment. The board will also consider micro‑enterprise grant applications, a subordination request from Kennebec Savings Bank, and the Treasurer's financial reports. Some items may move to executive session for confidential discussion.

• Vote on recommendation to City Council for TIF‑funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines
• Vote on recommendation to City Council for proposed bylaws amendment
• Review and vote on micro‑enterprise grant applications (Maine Surfers Union LLC; Al‑Badoo Community Association of Maine)
• Vote on subordination request from Kennebec Savings Bank for Biodiversity Research Institute UCC filing
• Treasurer's Report – March 2025 (budget, cash management, loans receivable, delinquency update)

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The LMAC Waiver Committee will deliberate and vote on an application to apply pesticides at 690 Seashore Avenue. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Deliberation and decision on waiver application to apply pesticides at 690 Seashore Avenue

Zoning Board of Appeals

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate. No specific appeals, projects, or decisions are listed for action.

Finance Committee

The committee will discuss the FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget, featuring an overview from Finance Director Brendan T. O’Connell. Department heads for City Council, Executive, Jetport, City Clerk, Assessor, and Fire are expected to present. No action will be taken at this meeting.

• Discussion of FY26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
• Budget presentations from City Council, Executive, Jetport, City Clerk, Assessor, and Fire departments

The minutes only detail statutory recording requirements and the public archive link. No motions, votes, approvals, or denials were documented. Therefore, the committee did not make any substantive decisions during this session.

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will discuss the Hotel Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance and identify policy concerns for the Planning Board. They will also vote on recommendations to the City Council regarding the FY2026 Tourism Development District agreement and special assessment, a Minimum Wage Policy, and a proposed Commercial Vacancy Program. Additionally, the committee will review the FY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discussion of Hotel Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance and potential amendments
• Vote on FY2026 Tourism Development District agreement and special assessment
• Review of FY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan
• Vote on recommendation for Minimum Wage Policy
• Vote on proposed Commercial Vacancy Program

The Housing & Economic Development Committee accepted the March 18 minutes with a 4‑0 vote. It voted 4‑0 to recommend extending the current 180‑day hotel moratorium by an additional six months while staff revises the inclusionary zoning ordinance. The committee also voted 4‑0 to postpone the FY2026 Portland Tourism Development District agreement to the next meeting. Staff presented the FY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan, but no vote was taken.

• Accepted March 18 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended extending hotel moratorium by six months (4-0)
• Postponed FY2026 Tourism Development District agreement to next meeting (4-0)
• Reviewed FY2026 HUD Annual Action Plan (no vote)

City Council

The City Council will decide on bond authorizations and funding for the FY2026 Capital Improvement Program. The body will also receive the proposed FY2026 Municipal Budget and consider a regional traffic safety plan.

• Order 146-24/25 and 147-24/25: Appropriating up to $41,070,000 and authorizing bonds up to $30,370,000 for the FY2026 Capital Improvement Program
• Order 159-24/25: Receiving and referring the City Manager's Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Budget to the Finance Committee
• Resolve 8-24/25: Adopting the Greater Portland Council of Government's Regional Vision Zero Action Plan
• Order 160-24/25: Accepting a $200,000 State of Maine EMS Grant for Fire Department ambulance staffing and equipment
• Order 151-24/25 and 152-24/25: Agreements with MaineDOT for road improvements including Woodford Street, Route 9, Deering Avenue, Route 25, Route 22, West Commercial Street, and Fore River Parkway

The Council approved the FY2026 Capital Improvement Program, authorizing up to $41.07 million in bond proceeds and $30.37 million in general‑obligation bonds. It also adopted the Greater Portland Council of Governments’ Regional Vision Zero Action Plan. Additional approvals included a $200,000 state EMS grant for the fire department and a $50,000 state housing grant.

• Approved FY2026 Capital Improvement Program bond proceeds up to $41,070,000 (8-0)
• Approved $30,370,000 General Obligation bonds for FY2026 Capital Improvement Program (8-0)
• Adopted Greater Portland Council of Governments Regional Vision Zero Action Plan (8-0)
• Appointed Tony Wirkus, Mathew Pendexter, and Elisabeth Salisbury as Constables for the Parking Division (8-0)
• Approved consent items for parklet and outdoor‑dining applications at 11 Moulton St, 219 Anderson St, 155 Riverside St, and 147 Cumberland Ave (8-0)
• Approved $50,000 State Housing Opportunity Program grant for a housing policy evaluation study (8-0)
• Approved $200,000 State EMS grant for the Portland Fire Department (8-0, emergency waiver)
• Approved collective bargaining agreement with the Communications Employees Association (8-0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Subcommittee will first approve the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It will then review the April 2025 Portland Fish Exchange Management Report and discuss changes to existing buyers and sellers. The committee will discuss and vote to recommend Atlantic Offshore Fisheries as a new buyer and Ocean's Balance as a new tenant for the pier. The “Walk the Working Waterfront” event scheduled for May 31, 2025 will also be discussed.

• Vote to accept March 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review Portland Fish Exchange Management Report for April 2025
• Recommend approval of new buyer Atlantic Offshore Fisheries
• Recommend new tenant Ocean's Balance for the pier
• Discuss the “Walk the Working Waterfront” event on May 31, 2025

The subcommittee unanimously approved the prior meeting minutes and voted 5‑0 to recommend Atlantic Offshore Fisheries as a new buyer to the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board. The committee also agreed the proposed tenant Ocean’s Balance was not a good fit and did not recommend it. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved March 13, 2025 PFEX Subcommittee minutes (5-0)
• Recommended approval of new buyer Atlantic Offshore Fisheries (5-0)
• Recommended against new tenant Ocean’s Balance (agreement, no vote tally recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous consent)

HHS and Public Safety Committee

The Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee will discuss and vote on an amendment to Chapter 35. The body will also review a childcare proposal and warming and cooling shelter planning.

• Vote on Chapter 35 amendment to allow onsite non-alcoholic beverage preparation
• Discussion of Childcare Proposal
• Warming and Cooling Shelter Planning presentation
• Public Safety Update from Fire Chief Chad Johnstone

The committee approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting unanimously (4‑0). It approved amendments to Chapter 35 that let Higher Grounds of Maine at 45 Wharf Street prepare non‑alcoholic beverages and raise the fee from $142 to $230, also by a 4‑0 vote. The childcare voucher program was discussed and the committee agreed to forward recommendations to the finance committee, but no vote was taken. Options for warming and cooling shelters were reviewed, with no immediate action decided.

• Approved March 11 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved Chapter 35 licensing amendments for Higher Grounds (4‑0)
• Discussed childcare voucher program; no vote taken
• Discussed warming and cooling shelter options; no decision

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission is holding a regular meeting to approve previous meeting minutes, receive secretary and treasurer reports, and discuss updates on several open space parcels including Hope Ave., Redlon Woods, Gray Rd., and University Park. No major decisions or financial actions are listed on the agenda.

• Acceptance of meeting minutes from February 12, 2025
• Secretary's and Treasurer's reports
• Updates on Hope Ave., Redlon Woods, Gray Rd., and University Park parcels
• Parks Division and Parks Commission reports

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will review requests to amend parking restrictions and traffic schedules on specific city streets. The body will also receive a presentation on Vision Zero implementation and update its work plan.

• Petition to amend parking restrictions on Deerfield Road
• Traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street and Oxford Street
• Traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street
• Vision Zero Implementation presentation

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved a traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec and Oxford Streets and a traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street, both unanimously. Councilor Phillips approved postponing the petition to amend parking restrictions on Deerfield Road. The committee also agreed to forward its Vision Zero implementation resolution to the full City Council.

• Approved traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec and Oxford Streets (unanimous)
• Approved traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street (unanimous)
• Postponed Deerfield Road parking restriction amendment petition (approved by Councilor Phillips)
• Forwarded Vision Zero implementation resolution to City Council

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will hold public comment on five rent increase applications from two landlords. The applications cite increased housing service costs and capital improvement costs as reasons for the increases. No votes are scheduled; this is a hearing item.

• 10 Walnut St Units 1-8 (Eastern Residential Inc.) — Increased Housing Service Costs
• 25-27 Montreal St Units 1-8 (Eastern Residential Inc.) — Increased Housing Service Costs, Capital Improvement Costs
• 63 Grant St Units 1-6 (Grant Street Realty Group LLC) — Increased Housing Service Costs
• 65 Grant St Units 1-6 (Grant Street Realty Group LLC) — Increased Housing Service Costs
• 69 Grant St Units 1-6 (Grant Street Realty Group LLC) — Increased Housing Service Costs

The Rent Board, despite lacking quorum, held a vote in which Matthew Walker nominated Kristen Carreras as interim Chair. The motion was seconded by Carreras and passed 2‑0. The board then adjourned the meeting by a 2‑0 vote. No rent‑increase applications were decided.

• Nominated Kristen Carreras as interim Chair (2-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (2-0)

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

The subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting to elect a chair and vice‑chair and to approve the March 12, 2025 minutes. It will then review a draft Police Citizen Review System (PCRS) introduction letter to complainants, consider training opportunities, and provide an update on the 2024 annual report and the new Civil Police Review Board ordinance. The meeting will also include discussion of a PCRS email, public comment, and planning for next month’s agenda.

• Election of chair and vice‑chair
• Approval of the March 12, 2025 minutes
• Review draft PCRS introduction letter to complainants
• 2024 Annual Report update or tentative draft
• Update on the new Civil Police Review Board ordinance

The subcommittee elected Kaylin Kerina as Chair and Joey Brunelle as Vice Chair, each with a 6‑0 vote. The March 12, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by a 3‑0 vote. The complainant letter was adopted pending two changes, passing 6‑0. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Elected Kaylin Kerina as Chair (6-0)
• Elected Joey Brunelle as Vice Chair (6-0)
• Approved March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adopted complainant letter pending two changes (6-0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (6-0)

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will meet to discuss and plan positions on several state legislative bills. The agenda includes updates on bills regarding general assistance funding, law enforcement training, emergency shelter food reimbursement, affordable housing preservation, eminent domain on tribal lands, repeal of the Gorham connector, Good Samaritan law exclusions, and Maine Turnpike Authority highway fund contributions. No final decisions are expected at this meeting; it is a legislative update and planning session.

• LD 1020 - Repeal of laws authorizing Gorham connector construction and resale of acquired land to previous owners
• LD 1041 - Preserving affordability in publicly assisted housing (work session not yet scheduled)
• LD 453 - Requiring state to pay 90% of municipal general assistance expenses (public hearing April 7)
• LD 639 - Improving law enforcement training opportunities (voted 'Ought to Pass' 8-4, floor vote pending)
• LD 958 - Prohibiting eminent domain on tribal lands within Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Houlton Band, and Mi'kmaq territories

Ad Hoc Committee

This subcommittee will review and vote on accepting the March 27 meeting minutes and on recommending the Portland Fish Exchange's proposed FY2026 budget to the full Portland Fish Pier Authority Board. A next meeting date will also be set. The meeting is remote via Zoom.

• Vote on recommending the Portland Fish Exchange FY2026 Budget to the full board
• Review and approval of March 27, 2025 meeting minutes

The meeting recorded the date, time, and location as required by Maine law. No motions, votes, or decisions were documented in the minutes. The board noted that recordings are posted online for public access.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a hybrid workshop to discuss two major development proposals: a 50-unit multi-family project at 1584 Forest Avenue and a 130-unit conservation residential subdivision at 1877 Congress Street. No public hearings or final decisions are scheduled; these are working sessions for board review.

• Major Site Plan for 1584 Forest Avenue: 50-unit multi-family development with 50 off-street parking spaces, accessed via Belfort Street, zoned RN-5 and B-1.
• Major Site Plan and Subdivision for 1877 Congress Street: 13-lot subdivision with 13 ten-unit residential buildings (130 units total) as a conservation residential development, zoned RN-1.

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The LMAC Waiver Committee will review an application for a waiver to apply otherwise prohibited pesticides at 690 Seahore Avenue on Peaks Island. The meeting includes an applicant presentation and committee discussion, with possible action on the waiver request.

• Application for waiver to apply otherwise prohibited pesticides at 690 Seahore Avenue, Peaks Island

Parks Commission

The Portland Parks Commission will meet on April 3, 2025 as a workshop. No public comments will be taken. The agenda lists only the workshop item and contains no specific proposals, contracts, or ordinances.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote public hearing on March 20, 2025, to consider two hardship variance applications for 148 Cove Side Drive by Coveside LLC. One variance seeks to reduce the required base flood elevation from 21 to 14 feet for a substantial improvement in the VE zone. The other seeks an exception to the 75-foot shoreland zone setback requirement that uses be water dependent. The board will also discuss its own rules and procedures.

• Hardship variance to reduce BFE from 21' to 14' for substantial improvement at 148 Cove Side Dr (ZBA-003176-2024)
• Hardship variance to allow non-water-dependent use within 75' shoreland zone setback at 148 Cove Side Dr
• Discussion of ZBA Rules and Procedures

Creative Portland Corporation

The Creative Portland Board will vote to accept the February minutes and financials as a consent agenda. It will discuss a Live Nation proposal, referencing a statement sent to the Planning Board. The board also plans a spring retreat for May 28 and sets tentative dates for FY25 meetings on May 7 and June 4.

• Vote to accept Consent Agenda (February minutes and financials)
• Live Nation proposal discussion (statement sent to Planning Board)
• Spring retreat scheduled for May 28, 12‑6 pm
• Preparation for City Council Workshop on June 23
• FY25 Board meeting dates set for May 7 & June 4 (TBC)

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will hold a public hearing to review the presumed contributing classification of a garage at 23 Waterville Street. They will also receive reports on attendance and decisions from the March 19, 2025 meeting.

• Public hearing: Review of Presumed Contributing Classification for Garage at 23 Waterville Street (Plan HPBR-003262-2025)
• Previous meeting decision: Certificate of Appropriateness approved for addition at 16 Vesper Street (Plan HPBR-003243-2025)

Landcare Management Advisory Committee

The Landcare Management Advisory Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and hold a general discussion. The body is scheduled to designate a Chair and a Waiver Committee and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approval of March 4 minutes
• Designation of Chair
• Designation of Waiver Committee

City Council

The City Council is holding a workshop to receive guidance on negotiations for collective bargaining agreements. The session is designated as an executive session.

• Negotiations with Labor and Trades, AFSCME Local 481-00
• Negotiations with Portland Police Benevolent Association
• Negotiations with Portland Police Superior Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge ME 109
• Negotiations with Professional and Technical City Employees Association
• Negotiations with LOCAL 740, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO

Ad Hoc Committee

The CDBG Allocation Committee will receive recommendations from City Manager Danielle West on Community Development Block Grant funding. The committee will then discuss next steps for the allocation process. No public comment will be taken at this meeting.

• City Manager Danielle West presents CDBG recommendations
• Discussion of next steps for fund allocation

Ad Hoc Committee

The Finance Subcommittee of the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will meet remotely on March 27, 2025. They will discuss the status of the Fish Exchange's line of credit, review the FY25 budget, and begin setting assumptions for the FY26 budget. Public comment is available via Zoom.

• Discuss FY25 Fish Exchange finance, line of credit status, and future outlook
• Review FY25 Fish Exchange budget and discuss FY26 budget assumptions
• Set next meeting date

The minutes only document procedural compliance with Maine statutes and the public recording of the meeting. No motions, votes, or decisions were recorded.

Finance Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing and vote to recommend FY26 funding appropriation and bond authorization orders to the full City Council. Staff will present the City Manager’s Recommended Capital Improvement Plan for FY26‑FY30, including follow‑up Q&A. The joint City/School Finance Committee will discuss the FY26 Portland Public Schools budget (no action). The committee will also receive a presentation of FY24 audit results (no action) and schedule future meeting dates.

• Public hearing and vote on FY26 funding appropriation and bond authorization orders
• Presentation of City Manager’s Recommended Capital Improvement Plan (FY26‑FY30)
• Discussion of FY26 Portland Public Schools budget (no action)
• Presentation of FY24 audit results (no action)
• Future Finance Committee meeting dates and topics

The Finance Committee voted 3‑0 to adopt an order appropriating up to $41,070,000 in bond proceeds and an order authorizing up to $30,370,000 in general obligation bonds for the FY26 capital improvement program. No action was taken on the FY25 school budget discussion or the FY24 audit presentation, which were discussion items only. The meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved order appropriating bond proceeds up to $41,070,000 (3-0)
• Approved order authorizing general obligation bonds up to $30,370,000 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will conduct completeness checks on two rent increase applications: one for multiple units at 33 Deering St and another for a unit at 23 Saunders St. The board will also review the 2025 rental data report and hold elections for chair and vice chair at the April meeting.

• Rent increase application completeness check for Fredric Shotz at 33 Deering St, Units 2F, 2C, 2R, and 3
• Rent increase application completeness check for Saunders Street Apartments LLC at 23 Saunders St, Unit 5
• Presentation of 2025 rental data
• April meeting chair and vice chair elections

The board approved the February 12 and February 26, 2025 meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote. It also approved scheduling a public hearing for the April regular Rent Board meeting, again by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved February 12 and February 26, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for April Rent Board meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Peaks Island Council

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the January 22 meeting and accepted the Treasurer's report. Councilors voted to submit the PIC expense items for the FY26 budget to the city council. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved January 22 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Approved motion to submit PIC FY26 budget expenses to city council (passed)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Legislative/Nominating Committee

The Legislative/Nominating Committee will discuss several city-submitted and staff-identified bills, including LD 1017 which would include food provided at emergency shelters in General Assistance reimbursement. The committee will also receive a legislative update from Bernstein Shur on recent bills and upcoming hearings. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for review and discussion.

• LD 1017: include shelter food in General Assistance reimbursement (public hearing not yet scheduled)
• LD 1041: preserve affordability in publicly assisted housing
• LD 639: improve training opportunities for law enforcement officers
• LD 1053: ensure prescription drug rebates are passed on to patients
• LD 609: appropriations and allocations for state operations

Ad Hoc Committee

The Temporary Art Review Panel will meet to hear a presentation and review an application for the 'Winged Kelp' project. The panel will take public comment before discussing and voting on the application's approval.

• Application review for 'Winged Kelp' by Gillian Christy Studio, LLC

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a hybrid workshop to consider a major site plan and traffic movement permit. The proposal is for a 65,340 square foot entertainment venue in the B-3 Downtown Business zone.

• Major site plan and traffic movement permit for 385 Congress Street
• Proposed 65,340 square foot entertainment venue with capacity for up to 3,310 patrons
• Proposed food and beverage services, administrative offices, and lounge areas

Ad Hoc Committee

The committee will review proposed changes to the City Council's Rules of Procedure, take public comment, and then vote on whether to recommend that the full Council adopt the amended rules. This is a procedural meeting focused on internal governance rules.

• Review and recommend changes to the Rules of Procedure of the City Council
• Public comment on proposed rule changes
• Vote to recommend adoption of amended rules (if applicable)

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss an amendment to Chapter 9 regarding Proportional Ranked Choice Voting. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers on March 24, 2025.

• Discussion of Amendment to Chapter 9 RE: Proportional Ranked Choice Voting
• City Council Workshop
• Public participation and recording available

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board will discuss financial and facilities updates, review a draft annual report for FY2025, and consider a salary reimbursement request of approximately $61,476 for the City Waterfront Coordinator position. Also on the agenda are preliminary shore power concepts, a facility condition presentation by TEC Associates, and a discussion on overnight parking at the Front Fish Pier Lot. The board may enter executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding the Portland Fish Exchange.

• Financial update and facilities report including shore power concept maps and condition assessment from TEC Associates
• Review and vote on draft annual report for FY2025 to be forwarded to the City Council
• Discussion on potential overnight parking at the Front Fish Pier Lot
• Salary reimbursement request for $61,476 to fund 50% (stated as fifty (30) percent) of FY2026 compensation for the Waterfront Coordinator position
• Executive session for personnel matters related to the Portland Fish Exchange

The PFPA Board approved the use of authority funds to cover up to 30% of the Waterfront Coordinator's salary. It also approved the Draft Annual Report for FY2025 as a communication to the City Council and authorized an executive session on Portland Fish Exchange personnel matters. The Board set the next regular meeting for April 17, 2025 and directed the Fish Exchange Subcommittee to explore a new business opportunity.

• Approved March 20 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved Draft Annual Report FY2025 as communication to Corporator (7-0)
• Approved 30% salary reimbursement for Waterfront Coordinator (6-0)
• Approved executive session on PF Exchange personnel (6-0)
• Tabled TEC Associates Fish Pier Condition presentation
• Directed Fish Exchange Subcommittee to explore Ocean’s Balance proposal
• Set next regular meeting for April 17, 2025
• Scheduled first Finance Subcommittee meeting for March 25, 2025

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will vote on a recommendation to the City Council regarding TIF-funded Downtown Improvement Loan Guidelines. The board will also consider a proposed Bylaws amendment for council approval. Other business includes approving February 2025 meeting minutes and receiving the treasurer's report on loans and finances.