Presque Isle public meetings in 2021

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding changes to the Comprehensive Plan and the condemnation of a building at 38 Elizabeth Street. The body will also review credit enhancement agreements and a marijuana ordinance.

• Changes to the City of Presque Isle Comprehensive Plan
• Credit Enhancement Agreements for Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, Griffith Honda and Presque Isle Holding, LLC
• Condemnation hearing for building at 38 Elizabeth Street
• Warrants #42 - #45 totaling $1,590,867.53
• Solid Waste Hauler Licenses for Gil’s Sanitation, Inc., McNeal’s Trucking, Pine Tree Waste & Star City Sanitation, Inc.

The Council adopted changes to the Presque Isle Comprehensive Plan with requested revisions. It approved $1,000 bonuses for full-time and $250 for part-time workers from surplus before Christmas. The Council also approved several real estate actions, including accepting an offer for 16 Judd St., approving credit enhancement agreements for Griffith Honda and Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, and approving the sale of land to Aroostook Trusses, Inc. A hearing on a dangerous building at 38 Elizabeth Street resulted in an order for the owner to abate conditions within 30 days or face penalties.

• Adopted changes to the Comprehensive Plan with council-requested revisions (7-0).
• Approved $1,000 bonus for full-time workers and $250 for part-time workers from surplus (7-0).
• Approved the consent agenda, including warrants totaling $1,509,867.53 and solid waste hauler licenses (7-0).
• Accepted the $140,000 bid for third-floor renovations at City Hall (7-0).
• Authorized the City Treasurer to waive foreclosures on listed properties if 2019 tax liens are paid by Dec. 16, 2021 (7-0).
• Authorized the City Manager to sign an easement for Versant Power (7-0).
• Approved the sale of 16 Judd St. to Rebekah Trombley for $25,250.00 (7-0).
• Approved Griffith Honda CEA with 10% increase, pending verification from DECD (7-0).

Budget Workshop

The city will conduct a workshop to review the 2022 City Budget. The body will also schedule a public hearing for CEA Agreements and approve a warrant of election for MSAD#1/RSU#79.

• 2022 City Budget workshop
• Scheduling of CEA Agreements public hearing for December 1, 2021
• Approval of Warrant of Election for MSAD#1/RSU#79
• Executive session to discuss real estate

The Presque Isle City Council approved the 2022 budget as presented during the budget workshop. They also scheduled a public hearing for December 1, 2021 on Credit Enhancement Agreement applications for PI Inn and Convention Center, Griffiths Ford, and Tom Ellis. The council approved the warrant for a runoff election for MSAD #1/RSU #79 Section 15 between John Johnston and Susan Johnston, who each received two write-in votes. The meeting adjourned after an executive session on real estate with no action taken.

• Approved minutes from September 29, 2021 (5-0).
• Scheduled public hearing for December 1, 2021 for pending CEA applications (5-0).
• Approved warrant and notice of election for MSAD #1/RSU #79 Section 15 (5-0).
• Approved the 2022 Budget as presented (5-0).
• Entered executive session at 6:27 PM to discuss real estate; no action taken.

Budget Workshop

This is a budget workshop meeting where the Presque Isle City Council is discussing the 2022 city budget. The agenda contains only the budget workshop item and adjournment, with no specific budget details or proposals listed.

• 2022 City Budget discussion

The Presque Isle City Council held a budget workshop on November 4, 2021, to review the proposed 2022 budget for multiple departments, including police, fire, parks, library, public works, and others. No formal decisions or votes were made during the workshop; it was a discussion session. The meeting adjourned with a 6-0 vote.

• Held budget workshop for 2022 proposed budget (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Council

The City Council is conducting a second public hearing on the 2022 municipal budget. The body will also consider a medical marijuana license and a special permit for an event center.

• 2022 Municipal Budget second public hearing
• Medical Marijuana License for Jonathan Martin d/b/a Cloud 9 at 28 Houlton Road
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #36 - #41 totaling $5,186,181.89
• Special Permit for Music, Dancing and Entertainment for Stone Ridge Event Center at 150 Maysville Road
• Appointment of Tim St. Peter as Code Enforcement, Building, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspector

The Presque Isle City Council approved a medical marijuana license for Jonathan Martin d/b/a Cloud 9 at 28 Houlton Road (7-0). The council also approved moving forward with bids to demolish dangerous buildings at 36 Elm Street, approved a special permit for music and entertainment at Stone Ridge Event Center, and tabled the CEA Agreement for the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center until December 1, 2021. The 2022 Municipal Budget public hearing was held with no action taken.

• Approved medical marijuana license for Cloud 9 at 28 Houlton Road (7-0)
• Authorized city manager to extend road closure for Holiday 1/2 Miler and Parade (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $5,186,181.89 and appointment of Tim St. Peter as Code Enforcement Officer (7-0)
• Instructed staff to obtain bids to demolish buildings at 36 Elm Street (7-0)
• Approved special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment for Stone Ridge Event Center (7-0)
• Tabled CEA Agreement for Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center until December 1, 2021 (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for December 1, 2021 to consider Comp Plan changes (7-0)

Budget Workshop

The city is conducting a workshop to review the 2022 budget. Discussions will cover specific departments and city services.

• Public Safety Building budget
• Utilities budget
• Debt Service
• Echo Lake
• IT and City Clerk budgets

The City Council held a budget workshop to review the 2022 proposed budget for several departments, including Utilities, Debt Service, Echo Lake, IT, City Clerk, General Assistance, and Airport. Department heads presented their budget requests, but no formal motions or votes were made during the meeting. The meeting adjourned without an executive session.

• Reviewed 2022 budget request for Utilities (Dept. 17)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for Debt Service (Dept. 18)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for Echo Lake (Dept. 19)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for IT (Dept. 23)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for City Clerk (Dept. 25)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for General Assistance (Dept. 26)
• Reviewed 2022 budget request for Airport (Dept. 33)

Budget Workshop

The body is conducting a workshop to review the 2022 budgets for several city departments. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss negotiations.

• Police Department budget review
• Public Works budget review
• Rec & Parks budget review
• Solid Waste budget review
• Industrial Council budget review

The City Council held a budget workshop where department heads presented their 2022 budget requests for Police, Public Works, Rec & Parks, Solid Waste, Industrial Council, and Public Safety Building. No formal votes were taken on the budget amounts; the workshop was informational. The Council also held a unanimous executive session to discuss negotiations.

• Entered executive session to discuss negotiations (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget Workshop

The city is conducting a workshop to review the 2022 budget. Discussions will cover several municipal departments and services.

• Assessing budget review
• Economic & Community Development budget review
• Finance budget review
• Fire Department budget review
• Library and General Government budget reviews

The Presque Isle City Council held a budget workshop on October 12, 2021, where department heads presented their 2022 budget requests. No formal votes or decisions were made during the workshop; it was purely informational. The meeting adjourned without a motion or vote.

• No formal decisions or votes were made during the budget workshop

Council

The City Council is conducting public hearings on the 2022 budget and several ordinance amendments. The body will also consider business licenses for medical marijuana and liquor sales.

• First public hearing for 2022 Municipal Budget
• Medical Marijuana License for Richardson Remedies – Presque Isle, LLC at 719 Main Street
• Liquor Licenses for Mai Tai Inc (449 Main Street) and Lotus Lounge (149 State Street)
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #32 - #35 totaling $1,140,788.79
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 48 General Assistance Ordinance and building standards

The Presque Isle City Council approved amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance and building codes, granted medical marijuana and liquor licenses, and held the first hearing on the 2022 municipal budget. In executive session, the council authorized the purchase of two properties: the Griffith's House at 228 State Street for $169,000 and 7.31 acres at 109 Parsons Street for $322,000. All votes were unanimous.

• Amended Chapter 48 General Assistance Ordinance Appendix A-H (4-0)
• Adopted changes to Chapter 31 National Electrical Code and Chapter 38C Property Maintenance Code (4-0)
• Approved medical marijuana license for Richardson Remedies-Presque Isle, LLC at 719 Main Street (4-0)
• Approved liquor license for Xian Ping Cao d/b/a Mai Tai, Inc. at 449 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for Bethany Graves d/b/a Lotus Lounge at 149 State Street (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrants totaling $1,140,788.79, and audit contract (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for dangerous buildings on December 1, 2021 (6-0)
• Authorized purchase of Griffith's House at 228 State Street for $169,000 (6-0)

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings for several business permits and licenses. The body is also reviewing warrants totaling $1,725,073.67 and discussing the 2022 budget calendar.

• Liquor license for Sodexo America, LLC at 181 Main Street
• Special Permit for Music, Dancing and Entertainment for University of Maine at Presque Isle at 181 Main Street
• Automobile Graveyard Permit for Cowett’s Used Auto Parts at 75 Davis Street and 259 Fort Road
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #28 - #31 totaling $1,725,073.67
• Reappointment of Stephen Richard to Presque Isle Housing Authority

The Presque Isle City Council approved a resolution authorizing up to $1,750,000 in general obligation bonds for acquiring property at 4 Ryan St., capital improvements to that property and City Hall, and associated costs. The council also approved a marijuana license for Northern Euphoria LLC, tabled a special permit for Stone Ridge Event Center due to unresolved fire marshal issues, and approved several other licenses and permits. Additionally, the council authorized the Airport Director to enforce regulations on ride-hailing services and to sign a courtesy vehicle agreement with the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center.

• Approved a marijuana license for Chad Junkins d/b/a Northern Euphoria LLC at 11 Davis Street (6-0).
• Tabled a special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment for Stone Ridge Event Center at 150 Maysville Road until deficiencies are corrected (6-0).
• Approved a liquor license renewal for Sodexo America, LLC at 181 Main Street (6-0).
• Approved a special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment for the University of Maine at Presque Isle at 181 Main Street (7-0).
• Approved an automobile graveyard permit for Paul Jalbert d/b/a Jalbert Auto & Salvage at 204 Chapman Road (7-0).
• Approved an automobile graveyard/junkyard permit for Cowett's Used Auto Parts d/b/a C.A.R. Parts at 75 Davis Street and 259 Fort Road (7-0).
• Approved the consent agenda including minutes, warrants totaling $1,725,073.67, a housing authority reappointment, and drug forfeitures (7-0).
• Authorized the Airport Director to enforce regulations on ride-hailing services and to sign a courtesy vehicle agreement with the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center (7-0 and 6-1).

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the CDBG Rural Housing Preservation Program and the CDBG Ignite PI Resolution. The body will also discuss the ARPA County Agreement and provide updates on City Hall renovations.

• Public hearing: CDBG- Rural Housing Preservation Program
• Public hearing: CDBG- Ignite PI Resolution
• Discussion on ARPA County Agreement
• City Hall Renovation updates
• Discussion on Automobile Graveyard

The Presque Isle City Council approved two CDBG grants: a Rural Housing Preservation Program application and an Ignite PI resolution to administer funds for revitalizing the Northeastland Hotel. They also approved consent agenda items, authorized the city manager to execute Maine Bond Bank paperwork, and approved an ARPA county agreement. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved CDBG-Rural Housing Preservation Grant application (7-0)
• Approved CDBG-Ignite PI resolution for Northeastland Hotel revitalization (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items #5-#6 (7-0)
• Authorized city manager to execute Maine Bond Bank paperwork (7-0)
• Approved ARPA county agreement service contract (7-0)
• Approved Public Works and Valt contract after executive session (7-0)
• Authorized city manager to sign paperwork for 12 Judd Street (7-0)

Joint Planning Board & Council Meeting

The Planning Board and City Council will review a proposed Residential Rental Registration Ordinance. This program would require owners of non-owner-occupied rental properties to register their units with the Code Enforcement Office to ensure safety and sanitary conditions.

• Residential Rental Registration Ordinance review
• Ignite PI Request Letter of Compliance for Community Development Block Grant Project

Council

The Council will consider marijuana licenses for Star City Wellness and Richardson’s Remedies. The meeting also includes discussions on City Hall renovations, the Forum HVAC system, and library landscaping.

• Marijuana License: Star City Wellness at 694 Main Street
• Special Permit: Music, Dancing and Entertainment for The Northeastland Hotel at 436 Main Street
• Marijuana License: Richardson’s Remedies - Presque Isle LLC
• Dangerous Building hearing: 36 Elm St
• 2021 Warrants #20 - #23 totaling $1,316,107.39

The Presque Isle City Council approved two marijuana licenses, a special permit for music and entertainment, and declared 36 Elm Street a dangerous building with a 120-day timeline. It also approved a $503,343 HVAC proposal, two loans to Neighborhood Books totaling $35,000, and several appointments. All votes were 6-0.

• Approved marijuana license for Star City Wellness at 694 Main Street (6-0).
• Approved special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment for Northeastland Hotel at 436 Main Street (6-0).
• Approved marijuana license for Richardson's Remedies-Presque Isle LLC at 745 Main Street (6-0).
• Declared 36 Elm Street a dangerous building, giving owners 120 days to complete work (6-0).
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrants totaling $1,316,107.39, and MSAD#1 referendum results (6-0).
• Approved $503,343 HVAC proposal from Mechanical Services Inc., using Solid Waste funds if available (6-0).
• Approved $10,000 micro loan and $25,000 FAME loan to Laura Hale d/b/a Neighborhood Books (6-0).
• Appointed Griffin St. Peter as Code Enforcement Officer and related inspector roles, with George Howe as deputy (6-0).

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings on liquor licenses for two Main Street locations. The body will also review warrants totaling $1,457,193.55 and discuss a Tax Anticipation Note.

• Liquor license hearing for Ignite Presque Isle at 436 Main Street
• Liquor license and entertainment permit hearing for Presque Isle Inn at 116 Main Street
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #16 - #19 totaling $1,457,193.55
• Discussion of tax acquired property at 12 & 16 Judd Street
• Review of Downtown TIF Policy and Presque Isle Development Fund Loan

The Presque Isle City Council approved two liquor licenses, adopted the Rental Housing Report with a joint public hearing scheduled, adopted the Downtown TIF Policy, approved a development fund loan, and authorized up to $625,000 in CARES Act funding for airport advertising. The council also placed tax-acquired properties at 12 & 16 Judd Street with a Realtor and approved up to $3,500 for fireworks.

• Approved liquor license for Ignite Presque Isle d/b/a Presque Isle Hotel Company (5-0)
• Approved liquor license and special permit for Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,457,193.55 and 2021 Tax Anticipation Note (5-0)
• Placed tax-acquired properties at 12 & 16 Judd Street with Black Bear Realty for 30 days (4-1)
• Adopted Presque Isle Rental Housing Report and scheduled joint public hearing for July 15, 2021 (5-0)
• Adopted Downtown Tax Increment Financing District Policy (5-0)
• Approved Presque Isle Development Fund loan to Bruce Guerrette d/b/a Crown of Maine Motor's, Inc. (5-0)
• Authorized up to $625,000 in CARES Act funding for airport advertising (5-0)

Council

The Presque Isle City Council is holding a workshop to conduct a public hearing. The session focuses on the approval of a Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI.

• Public hearing regarding Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI

The council held a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI with no citizen comments, then entered executive session to discuss negotiations. After exiting, they approved a motion to offer an amount not to exceed $75,000 for the purchase of 171 and 187 Chapman Street, contingent on DEP review and chemical removal. The vote was 4-1. The meeting adjourned immediately after.

• Approved motion to offer up to $75,000 for 171 and 187 Chapman Street, contingent on DEP review and chemical removal (4-1)
• Entered executive session to discuss negotiations (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings regarding a Community Development Block Grant and a marijuana license. The body will also review several business licenses and discuss infrastructure items including the Echo Lake Sewer System and a truck by-pass.

• Warrants #12 - #15 totaling $1,111,141.19
• Marijuana License for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street
• Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI
• Dangerous Buildings discussion regarding 14 Park Street
• Taxi Cab License for Jeff’s Taxi

The council approved a Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI and a marijuana license for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street, both by 7-0 votes. It also approved hiring Trombley Construction Inc. to demolish 14 Park Street (6-1, one abstention) and approved the consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,111,141.19. Several items were discussed or tabled, including the Tuck By-Pass, Echo Lake Sewer System, Forum HVAC, and tax-acquired property.

• Approved Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI (7-0)
• Approved marijuana license for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #12-#15 totaling $1,111,141.19 (7-0)
• Hired Trombley Construction Inc. to demolish 14 Park Street (6-1, 1 abstention)
• Tabled tax-acquired property discussion until June meeting
• Agreed to fund movies in the park at $1,200, same as previous year
• Approved union contracts as presented (6-0)

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on marijuana business ordinances and a specific license application. The body is also reviewing several business licenses and warrants totaling over $1.3 million.

• Proposed changes to Chapter 59A – Adult Use and Medical Marijuana Businesses Ordinance
• Marijuana License application for Full Bloom Cannabis at 483 Main Street
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #8 - #11 totaling $1,350,591.88
• Changes to Rec & Parks Advisory Board By-Laws
• Licenses for taxi services, a pawnbroker, and a bowling alley

The Presque Isle City Council approved changes to the adult use and medical marijuana ordinance, granted a marijuana retail license to Full Bloom Cannabis at 483 Main Street, and approved the RFP for City Hall remodeling (5-2). All other agenda items, including consent agenda licenses and warrants totaling $1,350,591.88, were approved unanimously.

• Approved changes to Chapter 59A Adult Use and Medical Marijuana Businesses Ordinance (7-0)
• Approved marijuana retail license for Full Bloom Cannabis at 483 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved RFP for City Hall remodeling (5-2)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,350,591.88 and various licenses (7-0)
• Approved purchase and sale agreement (7-0)
• Approved Griffin St. Peter as Deputy Licensed Plumbing Inspector (7-0)
• Approved $3,200 for iPads for EMS from reserve account (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Community Development Block Grant for Ignite PI on May 5 (7-0)

Goal Settings Workshop

The City Council is meeting for a goal settings workshop. The agenda includes a discussion on a trackless sidewalk machine and an executive session regarding negotiations.

• Trackless Sidewalk Machine
• 2021 Goal Settings Workshop
• Executive session regarding negotiations pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(E)

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a marijuana license for a business at 540 Main Street. The body will also review warrants totaling over $1.8 million and discuss updates to city ordinances and reserves.

• Marijuana license application for Northern Maine Flower at 540 Main Street
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #4 - #7 totaling $1,831,908.62
• Proposed changes to Chapter 59A – Adult Use and Medical Marijuana Businesses Ordinance
• Proposed changes to Rec & Parks Advisory Board By-Laws
• Fire Capital Reserve Adjustment

The Presque Isle City Council approved a marijuana license for Northern Maine Flower at 540 Main Street by a 5-0 vote. The council also approved consent agenda items, including minutes, warrants totaling $1,831,908.62, and an appointment. Several items were tabled or scheduled for future hearings, and the council entered executive sessions with no action taken.

• Approved marijuana license for Northern Maine Flower at 540 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved minutes from February 3, 2021 (6-0)
• Approved 2021 Warrants #4-#7 totaling $1,831,908.62 (6-0)
• Appointed Christy Daggett to Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee (6-0)
• Tabled City Hall update until April 7, 2021 (6-0)
• Engaged Big Bear Realty to list two tax-acquired properties (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on Rec & Parks Advisory Board By-Laws changes for April 7, 2021 (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on Chapter 59A marijuana ordinance changes for April 7, 2021 (6-0)

Goal Settings Workshop

The City Council will conduct a workshop to establish goals for the year. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss economic development and real estate.

• Executive session regarding Economic Development
• Executive session regarding Real Estate
• 2021 Goal Settings Workshop

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings on three liquor license applications. The body will also review budget actuals for 2020 and discuss several infrastructure and property items.

• Liquor license and entertainment permits for Presque Isle Country Club (35 Parkhurst Siding Road) and Irish Setter Pub (710 Main Street)
• Liquor license for Mainely Mexican (6 State Road)
• Approval of 2020 and 2021 warrants totaling $1,836,600.35
• Discussion of Davis Street Extension Discontinuance
• Review of Forum HVAC Upgrade RFQ and Public Safety Building dispatch console

Council

The City Council will administer oaths to new members, elect leadership, and fill various board and city official appointments. The meeting includes a public hearing to re-pass 19 ordinances and a hearing regarding a dangerous building.

• Public hearing to condemn dangerous building at 9 Allen Street
• Approval of 2020 Warrants #47 - #50 totaling $3,903,806.67
• Request to re-pass 19 ordinances including Traffic Regulations and Fire Prevention code
• Appointment of Richard Currier as City Attorney and Thomas King as City Clerk
• Approval of Solid Waste Hauler Licenses for Gil’s Sanitation, Inc., McNeal’s Trucking, Pine Tree Waste, and Star City Sanitation, Inc.