Brewer public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding an emergency meeting with a single agenda item: convening in executive session to consult with legal counsel about City Council rights and duties. No other business is scheduled. The closed-door session is authorized under Maine law to discuss legal matters.

• Order 2024-A225: executive session with legal counsel under Title 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E)

The Brewer City Council held an emergency meeting on December 19, 2024, with all members present. The only substantive action was a unanimous vote to convene in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding City Council rights and duties. No other decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

• Approved order to convene in executive session for legal consultation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:20 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation from Jim Dunning, Market Area Manager of Casella Waste Systems, followed by discussion. No other business is on the agenda.

• Presentation by Casella Waste Systems representative Jim Dunning
• Discussion regarding Casella Waste Systems

The Brewer City Council held a special meeting on December 17, 2024, with no substantive decisions made. The only agenda item was a presentation by Casella Waste Systems' Market Area Manager Jim Dunning on automated side load waste collection, followed by discussion about the upcoming conclusion of the city's contract with Casella in June 2025. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 3:37 p.m.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0)

Culture and Arts Committee

The Brewer Culture and Arts Committee will decide on adopting November meeting minutes, amending its bylaws to change city council reporting from monthly to bimonthly, and adopting the updated bylaws. They will also receive updates on the Wreaths Across America event, discuss the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and hear an update on the Riverwalk Festival. Public comments will be accepted.

• Adopt minutes from November 18 meeting
• Amend committee bylaws to report to city council bimonthly instead of monthly
• Adopt amended and updated bylaws
• Finalize volunteers for Wreaths Across America events on Dec 13-14
• Review and discuss Tree Lighting Ceremony/Holiday event

The Brewer Arts & Culture Committee unanimously adopted amended bylaws, changing the City Council report from monthly to bimonthly, and will present them for formal adoption. The committee also reviewed the successful Wreaths Across America and Tree Lighting events, and discussed improvements for the Riverwalk Festival.

• Adopted November 18 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted amended bylaws with bimonthly City Council report (unanimous)
• Agreed to present bylaws to City Council for formal adoption
• Assigned coordinator for June 2025 Tree Lighting planning
• Action item: Send Google Form for event feedback

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and a recap of the 2024 National League of Cities City Summit. No votes or formal actions are scheduled; the agenda consists only of discussion items.

• Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget
• Discussion of the 2024 National League of Cities City Summit held November 13-16

The Brewer City Council met in a special session on December 10, 2024, but took no substantive actions. The only agenda item discussed was the Fiscal Year 2026 budget timeline, presented by Finance Director Karen Fussell, with no votes or decisions made. The meeting adjourned at 5:32 P.M.

• No decisions made; meeting was procedural only

City Council

The City Council will vote on awarding a $250,000 contract to Hughes Bros. for road reconstruction, paving, and stormwater work on Pleasant Street, Central Avenue, and Glenwood Avenue. They will also consider waiving foreclosure on three mobile homes, approving fiber optic cabling contracts, extending landfill hours, and purchasing a dump truck/plow. Unfinished business includes amendments to the purchasing ordinance and land use code, and creation of a new ethics ordinance.

• Award $250,000 contract to Hughes Bros. for Pleasant Street Reconstruction Project including repaving Central Avenue and Glenwood Avenue and a plow turnaround
• Waive foreclosure on three mobile home properties (25 Black Bear Road, 7 White Tail Road, 6 Balsam Drive) with unpaid 2023 taxes on leased land
• Authorize contract with Hawkeye Fiber for installation of fiber optic cabling from Hayes Treatment Plant to pump station
• Unfinished business: amend Land Use Code (Sections 306, 307, 413) and create Chapter 53 Code of Ethics Ordinance
• Authorize extended Landfill hours for compost, brush, metals and non-freon containing appliances

The Brewer City Council approved a $250,000 contract with Hughes Bros., Inc. for the Pleasant Street Reconstruction Project, which also includes repaving Central Avenue and Glenwood Avenue and constructing a plow turnaround. The council also passed a consent calendar that included contracts for fiber optic installation, a new dump truck, and animal control services, among other items. Three ordinance amendments were enacted, including a new Code of Ethics Ordinance and changes to the Land Use Code. A resolve recognizing the Brewer High School Field Hockey team was tabled.

• Approved $250,000 road reconstruction contract with Hughes Bros., Inc. (4-0)
• Approved $47,883.60 contract with Hawkeye Fiber for fiber optic cabling (4-0)
• Approved $42,100 contract with Wright Pierce for fiber optic project oversight (4-0)
• Approved up to $141,000 for a new dump truck/plow from Allegiance Trucks (4-0)
• Authorized up to $20,000 contract for animal control services (4-0)
• Enacted amendments to Purchasing Ordinance, Land Use Code, and new Code of Ethics Ordinance (4-0)
• Tabled resolve recognizing Brewer High School Field Hockey team
• Approved extended landfill hours for compost, brush, metals, and appliances (4-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and review proposed amendments to the City's Land Use Code, specifically adding a new section to Performance Standards and updating Definitions. The board will also consider an extension of site plan approval for a project on Wilson Street and review a site plan application for a parking lot expansion at 15 Dirigo Drive. Recommendations on the ordinance amendments will be forwarded to the City Council.

• Extension of site plan approval for Legacy CP Holdings at Wilson Street (Tax Map 13 Lot 20)
• Site plan review for parking lot expansion by Keeper Bay Real Estate at 15 Dirigo Drive (Tax Map 13 Lot 28D)
• Public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 24 (Land Use Code): adding Section 445 to Performance Standards and updating Article 14 (Definitions)

City Council

The City Council will hold a regular meeting and the 2024 Annual Meeting. The regular meeting includes a public hearing on changes to the Remote Participation Policy and a consent calendar with numerous orders and resolutions. Key new business items include the appointment of a city manager, creation of a Code of Ethics Ordinance, and amendments to the Land Use Code and Purchasing Ordinance. The annual meeting will swear in elected officials, elect a mayor and deputy mayor, and establish committee liaisons.

• Public hearing on changes to the City Council Remote Participation Policy
• Appointment of a new City Manager
• Adoption of a new Code of Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 53)
• Amendment to zoning districts (Chapter 24, Sections 306, 307, and 413)
• Authorization of payment to Hopkins Landscape and Paving for milling and paving on North Main Street

Culture and Arts Committee

The committee will meet to adopt previous meeting minutes and review committee bylaws. Members will provide updates on the Wreaths Across America event, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Riverwalk Festival.

• Review of Committee Bylaws
• Update on Wreaths Across America event
• Update on Tree Lighting Ceremony/Holiday event
• Update on Riverwalk Festival

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and review proposed amendments to the Brewer Land Use Code, specifically Articles 3 (Zoning Districts) and 4 (Performance Standards). The board will then make a recommendation to the City Council. Other agenda items include approval of October meeting minutes and designation of an associate member to vote if needed.

• Public hearing on amendments to Chapter 24 (Land Use Code) – Article 3 sections 306 and 307 (Zoning Districts) and Article 4 section 413 (Performance Standards)
• Review and recommendation to City Council on the proposed ordinance amendments
• Approval of minutes from October 7, 2024 meeting
• Possible designation of an associate board member to vote in place of an absent member

City Council

This special meeting includes an order to authorize the city's participation in a net energy billing tariff program for larger electrical accounts, potentially saving on over $700,000 in annual electricity costs. The council will also vote on a resolution confirming Christine Lamson as election warden for the November 5 election. Additionally, the council plans to convene in executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding council rights and duties.

• Order to authorize net energy billing tariff program for large commercial accounts (2024-A197)
• Resolution confirming Christine Lamson as election warden (2024-B045)
• Executive session to consult with legal counsel on council rights and duties (2024-A198)
• City spent over $700,000 on electricity in FY2024
• 20-year subscription agreement with nonappropriation clause

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a special meeting to vote on several consent calendar items, including a contract for pump station generator installation, a change of vendor for Capri Street Park improvements, and acceptance of a grant for the fire department. The council will also consider an ordinance to restrict parking on Vista Way to improve emergency vehicle access, and will enter executive session to consult with legal counsel.

• Authorize $34,790 contract with Hampden Electrical for generator installation at Water Department Pump Station
• Rescind prior order and approve up to $40,000 gravel purchase from Gardner Construction for Capri Street Park improvements
• Accept $11,970 grant from Gloria C. MacKenzie Foundation for Brewer Fire Department
• Amend Traffic Code to restrict parking on Vista Way (420–560 feet south of Wilson Street) for emergency access
• Convene executive session to consult with legal counsel on City Council rights and duties

Culture and Arts Committee

The Brewer Culture and Arts Committee will hold a meeting to elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary, adopt prior meeting minutes, and review its 2024 meeting calendar and bylaws. The committee will also receive an update on the Wreaths Across America event and begin planning the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

• Elect officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary
• Adopt September 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review 2024 Meeting Calendar
• Review Committee By-Laws
• Update on Wreaths Across America Event

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting a completely revised General Assistance Ordinance. They will also vote on several consent calendar items, including a $250,000 contract for sidewalk and storm drain work on Elm Street and Pierce Road, acceptance of donations, and appointment of election clerks. The council will then convene in executive session to consult with legal counsel.

• Public hearing and order to replace Chapter 11GA (General Assistance Ordinance) by complete substitution.
• Award contract to Wellman Paving for Elm Street and Pierce Road Sidewalk and Storm Drain Project not to exceed $250,000.
• Approve use of $66,500 from School Capital Reserve Fund for Brewer Community School track improvements.
• Accept $2,000 donation from Bruce Moore to Brewer Public Library for preservation and programming.
• Appoint additional Democratic and Republican election clerks for upcoming elections.

City Council

The City Council is meeting to consider two orders to enter executive session. These sessions involve consulting legal counsel regarding Council rights and duties and discussing a personnel matter.

• Order 2024-A179: Executive session to consult legal counsel on City Council rights and duties
• Order 2024-A180: Executive session regarding a personnel matter

City Council

The City Council will set the warrant and poll hours for a November 5, 2024 United Technologies Center referendum on a $1,874,300 bond for equipment modernization. It will also convene in executive session to consult on council rights and duties, and consider a full replacement of the General Assistance Ordinance.

• Order countersigning warrant for UTC referendum election on Nov 5, 2024, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a $1,874,300 bond question
• Resolve setting Registrar of Voters hours for Oct 30, 2024 (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and regular business days before the election
• Order to convene in executive session under Title 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E) for consultation on council rights and duties
• Order to replace Chapter 11GA (General Assistance Ordinance) by complete substitution

Culture and Arts Committee

The Brewer Arts and Culture Commission will hold an organizational meeting to elect a chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary, and to adopt a 2024 meeting calendar. The commission will also begin a review of its by-laws and receive an update on the Wreaths Across America event. The meeting includes FOAA training and public comments.

• Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary
• Discussion and adoption of a 2024 meeting calendar
• Begin review of Commission By-Laws
• Update on Wreaths Across America event from Susan Xirinachs
• FOAA training for commission members

The committee elected Amanda Ouellette-Clark as Secretary (8-0) and adopted a regular meeting schedule for the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (8-0). The election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman was tabled (8-0). The committee also began reviewing draft by-laws and received updates on the Wreaths Across America event and FOAA training.

• Elected Amanda Ouellette-Clark as Secretary (8-0)
• Adopted regular meetings on third Monday at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (8-0)
• Tabled election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman (8-0)

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a special meeting to consider a complete replacement of the city's General Assistance Ordinance. The council will also issue a warrant and set poll hours for the November 5, 2024 United Technologies Center (Region 4) referendum, which asks voters to authorize up to $1,874,300 in bonds for equipment modernization. Additionally, the council will convene in executive session to consult on legal rights and duties, and set the registrar of voters' schedule for the election.

• Order to replace Chapter 11GA (General Assistance Ordinance) by complete substitution
• Order to countersign warrant for UTC referendum on Nov 5, 2024 (polls 7am-8pm) with bond question up to $1,874,300
• Resolve to set registrar of voters hours: 8am-4pm on last 5 business days before election, plus 5pm-7pm on Oct 30
• Order to convene executive session under Title 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E) for consultation on council rights and duties

The Brewer City Council unanimously approved a complete replacement of the city's General Assistance Ordinance, updating eligibility rules, benefit maximums, and administrative procedures. The council also unanimously approved election orders for the November 5, 2024 UTC referendum, setting poll hours and registrar schedules. The council convened in executive session to discuss its rights and duties.

• Approved complete substitution of Chapter 11GA General Assistance Ordinance (unanimous)
• Countersigned warrant for Nov 5, 2024 UTC referendum election; polls open 7 AM, close 8 PM (unanimous)
• Adopted registrar of voters schedule for Nov 5 election: 8 AM-4 PM last 5 business days, plus 5-7 PM Oct 30 (unanimous)
• Approved order to convene in executive session for consultation on Council rights and duties (unanimous)

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two related orders: convening in executive session on a personnel matter and approving the separation of City Manager Stephen Bost. The main action is an order authorizing Mayor Jenn Morin to execute a separation agreement with Bost and transfer funds from the unassigned fund balance to cover the costs.

• Order (2024-A160) to convene in executive session on a personnel matter.
• Order (2024-A161) to approve separation of City Manager Stephen Bost, including authorization for the Mayor to execute a separation agreement.
• Transfer of funds from Unassigned Fund Balance (0109800-300901) to account 0115300-500000 (Manager Salary & Benefits) to support the separation agreement.
• Emergency preamble to make the order effective immediately upon approval.

The Brewer City Council held a special meeting and voted 4-0 to approve an order authorizing Mayor Jenn Morin to execute a separation agreement with City Manager Stephen Bost. The order includes an emergency preamble to make it effective immediately and authorizes transferring funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to cover the agreement's costs. The council also voted 4-0 to convene in executive session for a personnel matter before the separation vote.

• Approved order to convene in executive session on personnel matter (4-0)
• Approved separation agreement with City Manager Stephen Bost (4-0)
• Authorized fund transfer from Unassigned Fund Balance to Manager Salary & Benefits for separation costs (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on extending the moratorium for large-scale solar energy systems. The body is also deciding on several contracts, property sales, and the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund city improvements.

• Authorization of up to $1,944,000 in general obligation bonds for the FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan
• Public hearing on extending the moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems
• Sale of City Property (Tax Map 7, Lot 1A) to Panther Development
• Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives for 1 & 11 Union Street
• Ratification of the Brewer Firefighters’ collective bargaining contract

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding a special meeting primarily to enter an executive session with the city attorney to discuss council rights and duties under Maine law. The closed session is authorized by 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(E). No other business is listed.

• Executive session under 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(E) for city council rights and duties with city attorney

City Council

The City Council will consider amending the Environmental Ordinance regarding sewer rates. The agenda also includes authorizing a flood prevention wall at the Brewer Cove pump station and a five-year contract for police cameras. Additionally, the council plans to recognize the Army National Guard for their work on the police shooting range.

• Construction of a flood prevention wall at Brewer Cove pump station
• Amendment to sewer rates in the Environmental Ordinance
• Five-year contract with Motorola Solutions for police cameras
• One-year extension of Frost Septic wastewater hauling contract
• Recognition of Army National Guard contributions exceeding $130,000

City Council

The City Council is considering the $19,802,281 City and School budget appropriation for Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting also includes a public discussion regarding proposed water rate increases and the approval of several department budgets.

• $19,802,281 City and School budget appropriation for FY 2025
• Proposed 3% increase in residential water rates
• Public hearing for Smokey’s BBQ liquor license at 500 South Main Street
• Ratification of Brewer Police Department collective bargaining contracts
• $4,462,811 budget for the Water Pollution Control Facility

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 City and School budgets and to hear public comments. The council will also consider two orders: one to extend the street paving contract to include the Green Point Road Facility for up to $160,000, and another to authorize repairs to the Public Works Facility for up to $59,000. Both orders are on the consent calendar and are expected to be voted on as a group.

• Presentation of FY2025 City and School budgets
• Order 2024-A103: Extend street paving contract to include Green Point Road Facility (up to $160,000)
• Order 2024-A104: Authorize repairs to Public Works Facility (up to $59,000)
• Public comments period

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding a special meeting with two executive sessions: one on council rights and duties with the city attorney, and one on a personnel matter. No public decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Executive session on City Council rights and duties with City Attorney (1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(E))
• Executive session on personnel matter (1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A))

City Council

The Brewer City Council is holding public hearings to consider renewing amusement licenses for 10 local businesses and to dedicate land off Hardy Street for highway purposes. The consent calendar includes numerous routine orders for purchases, contracts, and fee adjustments, plus a continuation of a hearing on a potentially dangerous building at 499 Wilson Street. The council will also vote on creating a Culture and Arts Committee and several ordinance amendments, including one on short-term rentals.

• Renewal of amusement licenses for 10 venues including Mason's Brewing Company, 15 Hardy Street, and Penny Lane Bar & Grill, 534 Wilson Street
• Dedication and acceptance of land off Hardy Street (Map 28, Lots 176, 177, 179) for highway purposes
• Adoption of Dangerous Building Decision and Order for 499 Wilson Street
• Amend Chapter 20 to add Section 222 'Short-Term Rentals'
• Authorize purchase of replacement motor grader for Public Works and play equipment for Fling Street Park

City Council

The Brewer City Council is deciding on two new business items at this special meeting. The first authorizes a $575,000 grant from Tax Increment Financing funds to city-owned SBR Real Estate Holdings, LLC for the purchase, environmental remediation, and redevelopment of the former Getchell Brothers property at 1 and 11 Union Street. The second awards a contract not to exceed $19,970 to Desuilt Contracting for riprap installation off 202 South Main Street to protect an adjacent cemetery.

• Appropriation of $575,000 in TIF funds to SBR Real Estate Holdings, LLC for former Getchell Brothers property at 1 and 11 Union Street
• Contract award to Desuilt Contracting for riprap installation at 202 South Main Street, not to exceed $19,970
• Emergency preamble to close on Getchell Brothers property by April 30, 2024
• Use of city-owned LLC to shield city from environmental liability on Getchell Brothers site

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a public hearing to determine if the building at 499 Wilson Street is structurally unsafe or a hazard, and will consider a consent calendar with multiple orders including donations, contracts, and ordinance amendments. The agenda also includes recognition of two student athletes and several routine administrative items.

• Public hearing on 499 Wilson Street (Tax Map 13, Lot 19) for potential structural safety issues
• Accept donations totaling $1,300 for Parks and Recreation Spring Program and Egg Hunt
• Award contract for Parker Street Phase III and FY2024 City Street Paving
• Award contract and accept grant funds for Oak Grove Area Sanitary Sewer Remediation Project
• Amend Land Use Code and add Short-Term Rentals section to Licenses and Permits

City Council

The Brewer City Council will declare results from the March 5 special election and presidential primary, including William Kimball's win for a one-year council term. They will also honor the late Thomas Kelly III with a resolution of respect and vote on a resolution supporting the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility. The agenda includes a public hearing on a club liquor license for the Brewer Eagles, and a consent calendar with numerous routine orders, such as accepting donations, awarding contracts, and approving appointments.

• Declare results of March 5, 2024 special election and presidential primary; William Kimball elected to City Council with 798 votes.
• Resolution of respect for Thomas Kelly III, a Brewer native and decorated Navy veteran.
• Resolution supporting the USPS Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility against proposed consolidation.
• Public hearing on club liquor license for Fraternal Order of Eagles, d/b/a Brewer Eagles, 22 Atlantic Avenue.
• Order to proceed with dangerous building notice for 499 Wilson Street, with a public hearing set for April 9.

City Council

The Brewer City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on extending the moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems, and will consider several orders including accepting grants and donations, authorizing purchases for bridge and street light repairs, and amending the environmental ordinance. The agenda also includes a resolution of respect for former councilor Jerry Goss and updates on the audit, Hampden Waste Facility, and ARPA funds.

• Extend moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems (2024-B004)
• Approve $25,000 for Joshua Chamberlain Bridge light fixture replacement (2024-A014)
• Approve $17,500 for Dirigo Drive light pole replacement (2024-A015)
• Accept $3,680 wellness funds from Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust (2024-A009)
• Amend Environmental Ordinance regarding building sewers and force mains (2024-C001)

City Council

The Brewer City Council is meeting to vote on several orders and resolutions, including a $550,000 property purchase for redevelopment, acceptance of grant funds for a fire department device, and a proposed ordinance amendment establishing disruptive property rules and sex offender residency restrictions. The agenda also includes routine items like accepting donations, approving a school fund transfer, and appointing a trustee.

• Purchase of 1 Union Street and 11 Union Street for $550,000 using TIF funds
• Accept $15,000 grant for Lucas Device, with $11,170 city match, total $26,170
• Amend Chapter 10 to add disruptive property and sex offender residency restrictions (750-foot buffer)
• Accept $912.90 in asset forfeiture funds
• Approve $100,000 transfer to School Capital Fund Reserve