Biddeford meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Biddeford roundup: No decisions published; Planning Board to review Popeyes, pier extension

No decisions have been published from Biddeford's recent government meetings, as minutes have not yet been released. The most consequential upcoming action is the Planning Board's Aug. 19 review of several land-use applications, including a proposed Popeyes restaurant and a request from the University of New England to extend approval for a marine research pier.

Recent meetings (agendas only)

All recent meetings were held on schedule, but minutes have not been published, so no outcomes are confirmed. Key items on the agendas included:

• **City Council (Aug. 4):** The council was scheduled to accept the resignation of Ward 4 Councilor Dylan Doughty and vote on liquor licenses for Hakuna Matata and Martini's on Main. A public hearing for Hakuna Matata was also listed, along with a presentation on combined sewer overflow projects by Public Works Director Jeff Demers.
• **Planning Board (Aug. 5):** The board was set to review a home day care application by Bakhita Saabino at 123 Summer Street, a shoreland zoning permit for Ashley LeBlond at 8 Yates Street, a 3-lot subdivision amendment for Pine Point Heights, LLC at 240 Granite Street, a private way request by Longboard Construction at 380 Guinea Road, and a preliminary site plan for Mystery Springs at 532 Elm Street.
• **Other bodies:** The Sustainability Commission discussed Project Canopy and Garbage to Garden; the Institutional Zone Review Committee reviewed ordinance and map updates; the Cable TV Committee covered director qualifications and streaming; the Finance Committee handled routine warrants; the DEI Committee reviewed public art and restroom surveys; the Charter Revision Commission held a public hearing; the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed a remodel at 12 Pearl Street; the Capital Projects Committee met with a mostly procedural agenda; and the Public Art Commission discussed goals, the Five Points sign, and Fringe Fest.

Upcoming meetings

• **Finance Committee (Aug. 18):** The committee will receive a final update on the Fire Department's Maine EMS Sustainability Grant #2, sign the expenditure warrant, and approve minutes from Aug. 4.
• **City Council (Aug. 18):** The council will vote on two mayoral appointments, a second reading of an amendment to council rules on executive sessions, and a special event fee waiver for Recovery Revival. An executive session for a personnel matter is also scheduled.
• **Planning Board (Aug. 19):** The board will re-review the home day care at 123 Summer Street (tabled Aug. 5), consider a conditional use permit for a sober living house at 13 Crescent Street, review a shoreland permit for a rebuilt dwelling at 67 Fortunes Rocks Road, and hear UNE's request for a 1-year extension on the Marine Science Research Pier at 11 Hills Beach Road. Site plans include a 54-space parking lot at 41 Main Street and a Popeyes restaurant at 584 Alfred Street.
• **Staff Review Committee (Aug. 25):** The committee will review a conditional use permit for the relocation of Rift Arcade to 5 Washington Street, Suites 2 and 3, in the MSRD-1 Zone and Historic District.

Coming up

• **Finance Committee** – Aug. 18, 2026
• **City Council** – Aug. 18, 2026
• **Planning Board** – Aug. 19, 2026
• **Staff Review Committee** – Aug. 25, 2026

All meetings are open to the public; check the city's website for agendas and participation details.

Biddeford boards take up liquor licenses, city manager search, zoning changes

Biddeford city boards and committees met over the past two weeks on items ranging from a city manager search to liquor licenses and zoning changes. No minutes have been published yet, so no decisions are recorded. Upcoming meetings include a council workshop on parking and a public hearing on the charter.

City Council

The City Council met twice. On July 28, it received a presentation from Don Gerrish regarding the search for a City Manager. The agenda also included a fiscal year 2026 carry-over request, acceptance of criminal forfeiture assets, a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Old Orchard Beach for general assistance vacation coverage, and an amendment to council rules on executive sessions.

On August 4, the council considered accepting the resignation of Councilor Dylan Doughty (Ward 4) and voted on liquor licenses for Hakuna Matata and Martini's on Main. A public hearing for the Hakuna Matata license was also held. Public Works Director Jeff Demers gave a presentation on combined sewer overflow (CSO) projects.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met on August 5 to review several applications. These included a home day care application by Bakhita Saabino at 123 Summer Street (R-2 zone), a shoreland zoning permit for Ashley LeBlond at 8 Yates Street (Coastal Residential Zone), a 3-lot subdivision amendment for Pine Point Heights, LLC at 240 Granite Street (R1-A zone), a 1-lot private way creation request by Longboard Construction at 380 Guinea Road (RF zone), and a preliminary site plan review for Mystery Springs at 532 Elm Street (B-2 zone) for an indoor adventure experience.

Other committees

The Sustainability Commission met on August 3 to discuss ordinance changes for Project Canopy, a presentation on the Garbage to Garden initiative by Tyler Frank and Sean Heckethorn, and updates on coastal sensing, beach management, and EV charging ordinances. The commission also noted a Beach Management Plan/Design review and an EV Charging Ordinance review scheduled for August 24.

The Institutional Zone Review Committee met the same day for a final review of Article 16 of the Institutional Zone Ordinance and the Institutional Zone Map. The committee also reviewed minutes from its May 21 meeting.

The Cable TV Committee reviewed director qualifications, website streaming updates, and building maintenance status.

The Finance Committee met on August 4 for procedural items, including approving minutes, signing expenditure warrants, and reviewing fiscal year 2026 revenues and expenditures. No substantive decisions were listed.

Coming up

• **Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee** – August 10: Review of September and October proclamations, public restroom survey, and feedback on the Public Art Master Plan.
• **Charter Revision Commission** – August 10: Public hearing on commission functions, review of public input, and approval of meeting schedule.
• **City Council workshop** – August 11: Presentation and discussion on parking at Lester B Orcutt. No votes scheduled.
• **Historic Preservation Commission** – August 12: Review of a remodel proposal by Coastal Oaks, LLC at 12 Pearl Street (Tax Map 40 Lot 72).
• **Public Art Commission** – August 13: Discussion of 2026-2027 goals, Five Points Sign Project, City Hall Gallery exhibit, and August Fringe Fest.

Biddeford boards weighed city manager search, liquor licenses and land use; outcomes still pending

Biddeford's City Council and several advisory boards met between July 21 and July 28, 2026, with agendas covering the search for a new city manager, liquor license requests, fiscal year 2026 finances, and land-use reviews. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes and vote tallies are not available in the record.

City Council

The Council held or scheduled multiple sessions during the period. On July 21, one agenda listed a presentation by Don Gerrish regarding the City Manager Search, with no other business listed. A second July 21 agenda included a public hearing and approval item for a Hakuna Matata liquor license, an FY26 Carry Over Request from Finance (2026.111), a General Assistance Vacation Coverage memorandum of understanding with the Town of Old Orchard Beach (2026.109), a Capital Projects and Operations Committee recommendation on Community Center Leases (2026.113), and an amendment to Council Rules on executive sessions (2026.98).

On July 28, the Council agenda again listed the presentation by Don Gerrish on the City Manager Search, the FY26 Carry Over Request (2026.111), the Town of Old Orchard Beach General Assistance Vacation Coverage MOU (2026.109), and the Council Rules executive session amendment (2026.98). That agenda also included acceptance of Criminal Forfeiture Assets (2026.113). Because minutes are not yet published, it is not known which items were voted on or approved.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission met July 22 to review two applications: an Aiden Lane proposal to expand the second floor at 11 Smalls Court, and a Coastal Oaks proposal to remodel the building at 12 Pearl Street for residential use. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting. Outcomes are not yet available.

Citizens' Advisory Committee

Also on July 22, the Citizens' Advisory Committee was scheduled to review FY26 Citizen Survey Results and the FY26 Annual Action Plan Budget, and to discuss tree planting for the Community Center Playground. No decisions are confirmed in the record.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met July 22 to review updates to the Comprehensive Plan, discuss transitional zones on the Future Land Use Map, and examine whether Colonial Era road widths are a factor for future land use. The agenda also included approval of minutes from May 27 and June 24, 2026. Results are pending.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled August 3 through August 10, 2026:

• **Aug. 3 — Cable TV Committee:** Review of director qualifications, website streaming update, and building maintenance status.
• **Aug. 3 — Institutional Zone Review Committee:** Final review of Article 16 Institutional Zone Ordinance and review of the Institutional Zone Map.
• **Aug. 3 — Sustainability Commission:** Garbage to Garden presentation by Tyler Frank and Sean Heckethorn, ordinance changes for Project Canopy, and updates on beach management and EV charging ordinances.
• **Aug. 4 — Finance Committee:** Approval of minutes, signing of expenditure warrants, and review of fiscal year 2026 revenues and expenditures.
• **Aug. 4 — City Council:** Acceptance of the resignation of Councilor Dylan Doughty (Ward 4); votes on liquor licenses for Hakuna Matata and Martini's on Main; public hearing for Hakuna Matata; and a CSO presentation by Public Works Director Jeff Demers.
• **Aug. 5 — Planning Board:** Review of a home day care application at 123 Summer Street, a shoreland zoning permit at 8 Yates Street, a 3-lot subdivision amendment at 240 Granite Street, a 1-lot private way request at 380 Guinea Road, and a preliminary site plan review at 532 Elm Street.
• **Aug. 10 — DEI Committee:** Review of September and October proclamations, public restroom survey, and public art master plan feedback.
• **Aug. 10 — Charter Revision Commission:** Public hearing on Charter Commission functions and approval of a meeting schedule.

Biddeford Planning Board to Weigh 76-Unit Affordable Housing Extension; City Manager Search Advances

The Biddeford Planning Board is scheduled to consider an extension request for 76 affordable housing units at 37 Barra Road, the most consequential land-use item on a busy two-week calendar of city meetings. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions can be confirmed from the available record.

Planning Board: Barra Road Housing, Walmart Expansion, Alfred Street Mixed-Use

On July 15, the Planning Board agenda includes an extension request for the final site plan and subdivision approval at 37 Barra Road (contract zone #24). The original approval expires August 7, 2026; the proposed extension would move that deadline to August 7, 2027. The project calls for 76 affordable housing units.

The board is also scheduled to review:

• A subdivision amendment for Michael Mininni on River Road to split a lot into two residential lots.
• A subdivision amendment for Jennifer Egan at 16 Benson Road to split a lot into two residential lots — tabled per staff request.
• A site plan review for Walmart Stores, Inc. to expand the pickup area at 50 Boulder Way.
• A preliminary site plan for 574 Alfred, LLC: a mixed-use development with two buildings containing quick-service food drive-thrus and retail/office space at 574 Alfred Street.

City Council: City Manager Search and Social Bar Liquor License

The City Council met July 7 and July 9. The July 7 agenda lists a public hearing and consideration of a liquor license for Social Bar, approval of a mayoral appointment to a citizen committee, and approval of November 2026 City Council meeting dates. Proclamations for 2026 Park and Recreation Month and Age-Friendly Biddeford's 2026 Spirit of America Award are also listed.

On July 9, the council reviewed the search process for a new City Manager, including a presentation by Gerrish Municipal Consulting Services and a public comment period on challenges facing Biddeford over the next five years and desired qualifications for the role.

Capital Projects / Operations Committee: Budget Balance and Community Center Leases

The committee's July 8 agenda includes approval of June 10, 2026 minutes, discussion of community center leases as old business, discussion of the balance of the capital budget as new business, and an executive session under MRS 405 (6) E for legal matters.

Charter Revision Commission: Officers and Public Hearing Date

On July 16, the Charter Revision Commission is scheduled to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary; review commission roles; set a date for the required public hearing on charter revision; and adopt a meeting schedule.

Other Boards and Commissions

• **Sustainability Commission** (July 6): Discussion on bringing Project Canopy work under its purview, an update on the June 9 Beach Management Plan workshop, status updates on Landscape and EV Ordinances, notification of the approved Solar Ordinance, and coordination for the July 10 "Sensing the Coast" Art Show.
• **Cable TV Committee** (July 6): Update on Public Access Director recruitment, channel programming discussion, maintenance updates, and approval of June 1, 2026 minutes.
• **Shellfish Conservation Committee** (July 8): Routine procedural meeting with no specific proposals, ordinances, or decisions listed.
• **Public Art Commission** (July 9): Review of 2025-2026 goals, Five Points Sign Project discussion with DDC, City Hall Gallery July ArtWalk member assignments, and an FY26 budget request presentation to Council on July 21.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (July 13): Approval of May 4, 2026 minutes and review of the Zoning Board of Appeals Ordinance, with no specific changes detailed.
• **Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee** (July 13): Review of proclamations for September and October, discussion of Public Art Master Plan feedback, and review of Public Restroom Survey results.

Coming Up

• **July 21, City Council**: Presentation by Don Gerrish regarding the City Manager search.
• **July 21, City Council**: Public hearing and vote on a liquor license for Hakuna Matata; FY26 carry-over request (2026.111); General Assistance vacation coverage MOU with the Town of Old Orchard Beach (2026.109); Capital Projects and Operations Committee recommendation on Community Center Leases (2026.113); and amendment to Council Rules on executive session (2026.98).
• **July 22, Conservation Commission**: Comprehensive Plan update, Future Land Use Map transitional zones, and discussion of Colonial Era road widths.
• **July 22, Historic Preservation Commission**: Review of a second-floor expansion at 11 Smalls Court by Aiden Lane and a remodeling at 12 Pearl Street by Coastal Oaks for residential use.

Biddeford roundup: FY27 funds, city manager search on council agendas; all minutes pending

Biddeford's City Council and several boards and committees met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any session. Outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet available in the public record. Based on published agendas, the most consequential items scheduled included second readings on multiple FY27 fund approvals, a 104,000-square-foot manufacturing addition, and a public hearing on a liquor license.

City Council

The Council met three times. On June 29, the agenda listed second readings on FY27 fund approvals for the Airport Fund (2026.69), Ambulance Fund (2026.70), Recreation Fund (2026.73), and additional funds including Mooring, Sewer Operations, Pool Beach Permit, and Public Access. Second readings of chapters of the Biddeford Comprehensive Plan (2026.105) were also scheduled, along with a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of Independence on July 4, 2026.

On July 7, the Council scheduled a public hearing and consideration of a liquor license for Social Bar, approval of a mayoral appointment to a citizen committee, and approval of November 2026 City Council meeting dates. Proclamations for 2026 Park and Recreation Month and Age-Friendly Biddeford's 2026 Spirit of America Award were also on the agenda.

On July 9, the Council met to review the City Manager search process, including a presentation by Gerrish Municipal Consulting Services and public comment on challenges facing Biddeford over the next five years and desired qualifications for the next City Manager.

Planning Board

On July 1, the Planning Board agenda included waiver reviews for Biddeford Auto Wash at 547 Alfred Street, a 104,000-square-foot manufacturing addition for Fiber Materials Inc. at 389 Hill Street, a Main Street demolition for 54 parking spaces at 41 Main Street, and a private way application for Robert Laverriere at 34 Proctor Road.

Other boards and committees

The Traffic Committee met June 30 to discuss parking at 33 Round Hill Street, prohibited parking on Parkside Drive, a pedestrian crossing at Rt. 1 and Elm Street, and two DOT concept plans for the Biddeford Alfred St Sidewalk/Complete Streets project.

The Cable TV Committee met July 6 to discuss Public Access Director recruitment, channel programming, and maintenance. The Sustainability Commission met the same day to discuss bringing Project Canopy work under its purview, receive an update on the June 9 Beach Management Plan workshop, and review status of Landscape, EV, and Solar Ordinances.

The Shellfish Conservation Committee met July 8 with only standard procedural items — roll call, minutes, and Harbor Master reports — and no specific proposals listed.

The Capital Projects/Operations Committee met July 8 to discuss community center leases and the balance of the capital budget, with an executive session scheduled under MRS 405 (6) E for legal matters.

The Public Art Commission met July 9 to discuss the Five Points Sign Project with DDC, assign members for the City Hall Gallery July ArtWalk, and review ongoing public art projects. The agenda noted an FY26 budget request presentation to Council on July 21.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee:** Review of Public Art Master Plan feedback and Public Restroom Survey results.
• **July 13 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Review of the Zoning Board of Appeals Ordinance; no specific changes detailed.
• **July 15 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Review of a second-floor expansion at 11 Smalls Court by Aiden Lane and a remodeling at 12 Pearl Street by Coastal Oaks for residential use.
• **July 15 — Planning Board:** Extension request for 76 affordable housing units at 37 Barra Road (original expiration August 7, 2026; proposed extension to August 7, 2027), site plan review for Walmart Stores, Inc. to expand pickup area at 50 Boulder Way, and a preliminary site plan for a mixed-use development with drive-thrus and retail/office space at 574 Alfred Street.

Biddeford committees weigh FY27 funds, development reviews, and historic designation changes

Biddeford's city bodies turned to budget approvals, land-use reviews, and historic preservation questions over the past two weeks, though official minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings. What follows is drawn from the agendas; outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available in the public record.

City Council: FY27 fund approvals and Comprehensive Plan

The City Council met June 29 for second readings on several FY27 fund approvals, including the Airport Fund (2026.69), Ambulance Fund (2026.70), and Recreation Fund (2026.73). Additional second readings covered Mooring, Sewer Operations, Pool Beach Permit, and Public Access funds. The council also scheduled second readings on chapters of the Biddeford Comprehensive Plan (2026.105). A proclamation for the 250th anniversary of Independence on July 4, 2026, and a presentation on the city manager search process were also on the agenda. Because minutes are not yet published, the results of these votes are not confirmed.

Planning Board: Auto wash, fiber expansion, Main Street parking

The Planning Board met July 1 to review three site plan applications and one waiver request. The agenda included waivers for Biddeford Auto Wash at 547 Alfred Street, a 104,000-square-foot manufacturing addition for Fiber Materials Inc. at 389 Hill Street, a Main Street demolition to create 54 parking spaces at 41 Main Street, and a private way application for Robert Laverriere at 34 Proctor Road. No decisions are confirmed in the available record.

Historic Preservation Commission: John Tarr House

The commission held a special meeting June 24 to review a request to remove the John Tarr House at 29 Ferry Road from the National Register of Historic Places. The agenda also included a recap of a May 13 site walk and a response to concerns raised by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission on April 2. Outcomes are not yet available.

Conservation Commission: Comprehensive Plan and zoning

The Conservation Commission met June 24 to discuss Comprehensive Plan updates and the Future Land Use Map, including transitional zones, Colonial-era road widths, and zoning for Barra Road/Thacher Brook. The agenda listed no votes; items were for discussion only.

Traffic Committee: Parking and sidewalk concepts

On June 30, the Traffic Committee reviewed parking updates at 33 Round Hill Street, prohibited parking on Parkside Drive, and a pedestrian crossing at Rt. 1 and Elm Street. Members also reviewed two DOT concept plans for the Biddeford Alfred St Sidewalk/Complete Streets project.

Veterans Committee

The Veterans Committee met June 22 in a largely procedural session, with approval of April 27 minutes and an update on the status of a City Council final vote regarding a committee matter. New business included discussion of committee members, format, and topics.

Coming up

• **July 6 — Cable TV Committee:** Public Access Director recruitment update, channel programming, and maintenance.
• **July 6 — Sustainability Commission:** Discussion on bringing Project Canopy work under its purview, plus updates on the Beach Management Plan and Landscape, EV, and Solar Ordinances.
• **July 7 — City Council:** Public hearing and consideration of a liquor license for Social Bar, a mayoral appointment to a citizen committee, November 2026 meeting dates, and proclamations for Park and Recreation Month and Age-Friendly Biddeford's 2026 Spirit of America Award.
• **July 8 — Capital Projects/Operations Committee:** Discussion on community center leases and the balance of the capital budget, plus an executive session for legal matters under MRS 405 (6) E.