Presque Isle public meetings in 2022

Council Workshop

The Presque Isle City Council will hold a workshop on Monday, December 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM at the Sargent Family Community Center. The only agenda item is an executive session to discuss real estate, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). The meeting will then adjourn. No public decisions or votes are scheduled on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss real estate (1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C))
• Meeting at Sargent Family Community Center
• No public action items listed

The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a revised Memorandum of Understanding with Housing Us. This agreement concerns the potential development of 30 Federal Street.

• Authorized City Manager to execute revised MOU with Housing Us for 30 Federal Street (6-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate (6-0)

Council

The council will hold a public hearing on NMCC's application to accept CDBG funds, then consider the 2023 budget, approve warrants totaling $3,683,440.59, and schedule hearings on ordinance renewals and a lodging license. Several appointments to city boards and committees are also on the consent agenda.

• Public hearing on NMCC application to accept CDBG funds
• Approve 2022 warrants #39-#44 totaling $3,683,440.59
• Consider 2023 budget
• Schedule public hearing to repass ordinances due to sunset provision
• Schedule public hearing for proposed Chapter 63 Lodging Establishment License Ordinance

The City Council approved the 2023 budget with a net spending budget of $8,023,269 from the General Fund. The council also authorized the waiver of foreclosure on eight properties and approved a proposal for a Rotary Club amphitheater project.

• Approved 2023 city Budget appropriations (6-1)
• Approved resolution accepting CDBG funds for NMCC Public Service Project (7-0)
• Authorized City Treasurer to waive foreclosure on 8 properties (7-0)
• Approved Rotary Project for Riverside Drive amphitheater (7-0)
• Approved 2022 Warrants #39-#44 totaling $3,683,440.59 (7-0)
• Approved $6 pay scale increase for Sergeants and Police Union (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for Jan 4, 2023, regarding sunset ordinances and Lodging Establishment License Ordinance (7-0)
• Scheduled Feb 1, 2023, public hearing for dangerous buildings at 1 Mechanic St., 23 St. John St., and 257 Houlton Rd (7-0)

Budget Workshop

The Presque Isle City Council is holding a budget workshop to discuss the 2023 city budget. The meeting also includes an executive session for negotiations under Maine law. No specific budget figures or decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• 2023 City Budget discussion
• Executive Session for negotiations (1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D))

The council held a budget workshop and entered an executive session to discuss negotiations. They decided to implement a $3 wage increase for 2023 instead of a 3% increase, including Public Works.

• Approved $3 increase to 2023 wages in lieu of 3% increase (7-0)
• Approved $3 increase for Public Works in lieu of planned $1 increase (7-0)

Budget Workshop

The City Council will conduct a workshop to review the 2023 budget. Discussions will focus on specific departments and operational costs. The council will also consider the administration of an EDA Grant by NMDC.

• 2023 Budget Workshop: Airport, Resource Management, Employee Benefits, and Insurance
• Approval for EDA Grant administration by NMDC
• Executive session regarding negotiations

The City Council approved a contract for the administration of an EDA grant and authorized additional funding for an FAA grant design schedule. The council also entered an executive session to discuss negotiations.

• Authorized City Manager to contract with Northern Maine Development Commission for up to $56,250 (6-0)
• Approved $358,000 from Solid Waste Reserves for FAA FY23 BIL/ATP grant design schedule (6-0)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss negotiations (7-0)

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on a Tier 3 adult-use cultivation facility at 55 Industrial Street, a malt/spirituous/vinous license for Ferris BBQ at 79 Parsons Street, and the 2023 municipal budget. The council will also consider a road closure for the Holiday Parade, a dangerous building abatement order, a WARM loan for Fieldstone Leasing & Development at 477 Main Street, and a fund transfer to the WARM Loan Program.

• Public hearing: Adult Use Cultivation Facility, Tier 3 – James Bacon, Bacon Holdings, LLC at 55 Industrial Street
• Public hearing: Malt, Spirituous and Vinous License – Anthony Sullivan d/b/a Ferris BBQ, Inc. at 79 Parsons Street
• Public hearing: 2023 Municipal Budget (second hearing)
• WARM Loan – Chad Graham d/b/a Fieldstone Leasing & Development at 477 Main Street
• Warrants #38 totaling $247,374.93

The City Council approved a Tier 3 adult use cultivation facility and a new liquor license for a restaurant. The council also ordered the abatement of two dangerous buildings and authorized several real estate and contract agreements.

• Approved Adult use Cultivation Facility, Tier 3 Application for James Bacon, Bacon Holdings, LLC at 55 Industrial Street (6-0)
• Approved Malt, Spirituous and Vinous Liquor License for Anthony Sullivan d/b/a Ferris BBQ, Inc. at 79 Parsons Street (6-0)
• Raised Sister O’Donnell Shelter budget request to $14,538 (6-0)
• Approved September 28, 2022 minutes, 2022 Warrants #38 totaling $247,374.93, and Holiday Light Parade road closure (6-0)
• Declared 13 Judd Street and 14 Water Street dangerous properties and ordered abatement within 30 days or demolition (6-0)
• Authorized contract with Northern Maine Development Commission up to $56,250 using Covid Relief funding (6-0)
• Approved sale of 32 Lincoln for $12,400 and 36 Elm for $10,000 to John Harrison (6-0)

Budget Workshop

The City of Presque Isle is holding a budget workshop to discuss the 2023 budget. Items on the agenda include debt service, the public safety building, utilities, Echo Lake, IT, the city clerk, and general assistance. This is a working session, and no final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

The Presque Isle City Council held a budget workshop on October 13, 2022, where department heads presented their 2023 budget requests. No formal motions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No decisions were made; the workshop was for presentation and discussion only

Budget Workshop

The body is conducting a workshop to review the 2023 budgets for several municipal departments. Discussions will focus on funding for public services and local councils.

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

The Presque Isle City Council held a budget workshop on October 12, 2022, where department heads presented their 2023 budget requests. Presentations were made for Police, Public Works, Rec & Parks, Solid Waste, and the Industrial Council. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Budget Workshop

The city is conducting a workshop to review the 2023 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 where department heads presented their proposed 2023 budgets. No votes or decisions were taken; the session was informational only.

• No formal motions or votes taken during the workshop

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings on two façade loans for Main Street businesses. The body will also review warrants totaling over $1.6 million and discuss a WARM loan for properties on Skyway Street and Academy Street.

• Façade loan for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street
• Façade loan for Fieldstone Leasing & Development at 477 Main Street
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #34, #35, #36, #37 totaling $1,615,608.85
• EDA grant award for Aerospace Research Park in the amount of $5,629,128
• WARM Loan for Thor Enterprises, LLC (290 Skyway Street) and Thor Properties, LLC (24 Academy Street)

The council approved two Presque Isle Development Fund facade loans, one for Royal Leaf Apothecary and one for Fieldstone Leasing & Development, each 5-0. It also approved a WARM loan of $33,750 to Kevin Thorstenson for energy-efficient boiler upgrades, with Chairman Freeman abstaining. The council authorized up to $36,300 for engineering services on the BIL Airport Terminal Project, and noted an EDA grant award for the Aerospace Research Park.

• Approved facade loan for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved facade loan for Fieldstone Leasing & Development at 477 Main Street (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #34-#37 totaling $1,615,608.85 and drug forfeiture of $1,775 (5-0)
• Approved WARM loan of $33,750 to Kevin Thorstenson at 2.25% for 10 years (4-0-1, Freeman abstained)
• Authorized city manager to use Hoyle Tanner and AECOM for BIL Airport Terminal Project up to $36,300 (4-1)
• Entered executive session for negotiations (5-0)

Council

The council approved three items after public hearings: an automobile graveyard permit for Jalbert Auto & Salvage, a marijuana license for Northern Euphoria LLC, and amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance. All votes were 6-0. The council also authorized an IRAP grant application for rail expansion and approved the sale of industrial land to Dasco, Inc.

• Approved automobile graveyard permit for Jalbert Auto & Salvage at 204 Chapman Road (6-0)
• Approved marijuana license for Northern Euphoria LLC at 11 Davis Street (6-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter 48 General Assistance Ordinance Appendix A-G (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrant #33 ($155,156.77), and safety policy updates (6-0)
• Authorized IRAP grant application for rail spur at intermodal yard (6-0)
• Approved sale of 1.91 acres to Dasco, Inc. for $62,050 (6-0)

Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding marijuana license renewals and entertainment permits. The body will also consider grant applications and approve city warrants.

• Marijuana license renewals for Richardson Remedies-Presque Isle LLC (719 Main Street) and Jonathan Martin d/b/a Cloud 9 (28 Houlton Road)
• Special Permit for Music, Dancing and Entertainment for University of Maine at Presque Isle (181 Main Street)
• Liquor license and entertainment permit for Bethany Graves d/b/a Lotus Lounge (149 State Street)
• Automobile Graveyard Permit for Cowett’s Used Auto Parts (75 Davis Street and 259 Fort Road)
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #26 through #32 totaling 2,670,189.53

The council approved seven items including medical marijuana license renewals for Richardson Remedies and Cloud 9, a special permit for UMPI events, a liquor license and entertainment permit for Lotus Lounge, a junkyard permit for Cowett's Used Auto Parts, and CDBG grants for ACAP housing and NMCC workforce development. They also approved the consent agenda, a Spirit of America award, a public hearing for dangerous buildings, and the sale of 257 Chapman Street for $15,000. A poverty abatement was denied, and a public works employee retention proposal was approved.

• Approved medical marijuana license renewal for Richardson Remedies at 719 Main St (7-0)
• Approved marijuana license renewal for Cloud 9 at 28 Houlton Rd (7-0)
• Approved special permit for music/dancing/entertainment for UMPI at 181 Main St (7-0)
• Approved liquor license and entertainment permit for Lotus Lounge at 149 State St (7-0)
• Approved automobile graveyard/junkyard permit for Cowett's Used Auto Parts at 259 Fort Rd (7-0)
• Approved resolution accepting ACAP's CDBG grant for 13-unit supportive housing at 1 Edgemont Dr (7-0)
• Approved submitting NMCC's CDBG workforce development application (7-0)
• Approved sale of 257 Chapman St for $15,000 to David and Laurie Lichko (5-0)

Workshop

The City Council will hold a workshop featuring an executive session. The session is dedicated to discussing negotiations under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D).

• Executive session regarding negotiations

Council

The City Council will consider liquor license applications for SureStay Hotel by Best Western and Pizza Hut. The agenda also includes approving warrants totaling $1,971,816.54 and receiving an update on City Hall renovations.

• Liquor license application: All Star Hospitality LLC d/b/a SureStay Hotel by Best Western (71 Main Street)
• Liquor license application: American Dream Restaurants LLC d/b/a Pizza Hut (814 North Main Street)
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #23, #24 & #25 totaling $1,971,816.54
• Utility Location Permits for Mechanic Street and Carmichael Street
• City Hall Renovation Update

The council approved the purchase of a new dispatch console and radios using reserve funds, and approved two liquor licenses, two facade loans, and the consent agenda. It also accepted the 23.75 mils tax rate and increased police union pay by $6 per hour. The meeting included a public hearing and an executive session for negotiations.

• Approved liquor license for SureStay Hotel (6-0)
• Approved liquor license for Pizza Hut (6-0)
• Approved $25,000 facade loan to Ignite PI and $25,000 to Mike and Sons (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items #4-#12 (7-0)
• Authorized $133,605.23 from Landfill Closure Reserve and $4,678.08 from Dispatch Console Reserve for dispatch console and radios (7-0)
• Accepted 23.75 mils tax rate for 2022 (7-0)
• Increased Sergeants and Police Union pay scale by $6 (7-0)

Council

The City Council will address the Annual Tax Commitment. An executive session is scheduled to discuss real estate matters.

• Annual Tax Commitment
• Executive Session regarding Real Estate

The council unanimously approved the 2022 city budget with $14,961,266 in appropriations and $7,287,001 net from the General Fund, and set the mill rate at 23.75. It also set tax due dates, interest rates, and authorized advance tax collection. After executive session, the council agreed to purchase properties at 53 and 55 Chapman Street for $165,000 plus taxes and legal fees, in a 5-2 vote.

• Approved 2022 budget with $14,961,266 appropriations and $7,287,001 net General Fund (7-0)
• Set 2022 mill rate at 23.75 mils (7-0)
• Set tax due date for 2022 as July 13, 2022 (7-0)
• Authorized advance collection of 2023 taxes (7-0)
• Set interest on unpaid taxes at 4.00% per annum, accruing from October 18, 2022 (7-0)
• Set interest on tax overpayment reimbursements at 3.00% per annum (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 53 and 55 Chapman Street for $165,000 plus 2022 taxes and legal fees (5-2)

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings regarding a marijuana license renewal and a credit enhancement agreement. The body will also review several warrants for payment and discuss tax commitments and an MDOT PPI agreement.

• Marijuana License Renewal for Star City Wellness at 694 Main Street
• Credit Enhancement Agreement for F.W. Webb Company
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #18-22 totaling $2,197,688.85
• Return of Votes Casts for MSAD #1 Budget Validation Referendum
• MDOT PPI Agreement

The Presque Isle City Council approved a general credit enhancement agreement for F.W. Webb at 105 Parsons Street with a tiered tax rate schedule through 2032. The council also authorized initial property purchase offers for Chapman Street properties and approved a $10,000 purchase and sale agreement for 36 Elm Street. Several other items were approved, including a marijuana license renewal and consent agenda items.

• Approved medical marijuana license renewal for Star City Wellness at 694 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $2,197,688.85 and EMS billing contract change (7-0)
• Tabled annual tax commitment until July 13, 2022 (7-0)
• Authorized city manager to pursue MDOT PPI Initiative (7-0)
• Approved $1,200 transfer for Movies in the Park (7-0)
• Approved F.W. Webb credit enhancement agreement with tiered rates (7-0)
• Authorized initial offer of $85,000 for 57 Chapman Street, up to $90,000 (4-3)
• Authorized initial offer of $150,000 for 51 and 53 Chapman Street, up to $160,000 (4-3)

Council

The City Council will consider liquor license and special permit applications for the Presque Isle Hotel Company and Presque Isle Inn. The meeting includes discussions on marijuana ordinance changes, a dangerous building at 45 Elm Street, and updates on City Hall renovations.

• Liquor license and entertainment permits for 436 Main Street
• Liquor license and entertainment permits for 116 Main Street
• Changes to Chapter 59A Marijuana Ordinance
• 2022 Warrants #14 - #17 totaling $2,204,980.08
• Dangerous Building discussion regarding 45 Elm Street

The Presque Isle City Council approved two liquor licenses with entertainment permits, adopted revisions to the marijuana ordinance (Chapter 59A), and authorized a $189,841.33 transfer from reserves for an Enterprise Leasing contract. The council also adjudged 45 Elm Street a dangerous property, ordering abatement within 30 days and potential demolition. All votes were 6-0 except the quitclaim deed to Aroostook Trusses, which passed 5-0-1 with one abstention.

• Approved liquor license and entertainment permit for Presque Isle Hotel at 436 Main St (6-0)
• Approved liquor license and entertainment permit for Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center at 116 Main St (6-0)
• Adopted revisions to Chapter 59A marijuana ordinance (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrants totaling $2,204,980.08, and appointments (6-0)
• Approved Versant Power utility pole permit near Carmichael and Rice Streets (6-0)
• Authorized $189,841.33 transfer from Police, Rec, and DECD reserves for Enterprise Leasing (6-0)
• Approved quitclaim deed to Aroostook Trusses for Missile Street property (5-0-1, Nelson abstained)
• Adjudged 45 Elm Street a dangerous building, ordering abatement within 30 days and $100/day penalty (6-0)

Council

The City Council will consider several items including liquor license approvals and housing assistance. The agenda includes a consent agenda for warrants totaling $797,920.37 and updates on the Downtown Façade Program.

• Liquor License approval for Confectionately Yours at 2 Reach Road
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #11-13 totaling $797,920.37
• Appointment of Pamela Palm to the Zoning Board
• ACAP Housing Assistance Grant discussion
• Downtown Façade Program update

The Presque Isle City Council approved a $250,000 loan from PIDF to start the Downtown Facade Loan Program, to be repaid from future TIF revenues. They also approved a liquor license, a CDBG housing grant application, and a consent agenda. A public hearing for the marijuana ordinance was scheduled for June 1, 2022. The council authorized settlement negotiations and set the EMS per capita rate at $65.00.

• Approved $250,000 PIDF loan for Downtown Facade Loan Program (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for Confectionately Yours at 2 Reach Road (5-0)
• Approved ACAP CDBG Housing Assistance Program application (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $797,920.37 (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for marijuana ordinance on June 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved support letter to USDOT for Maine Street funding (5-0)
• Authorized City Solicitor to enter settlement negotiations (5-0)
• Set EMS per capita rate at $65.00 (5-0)

Council

The City Council will consider several public hearings regarding music permits and marijuana license renewals. The agenda also includes a consent agenda for warrants totaling $1,821,169.58 and various committee appointments.

• Special Permit for Music, Dancing and Entertainment for Lotus Lounge at 149 State Street
• Marijuana License renewals for Royal Leaf Apothecary and Full Bloom Management LLC
• 2022 Warrants #6 - #10 totaling $1,821,169.58
• Re-passing of Chapter 1 Ordinance City Seal
• Credit Enhancement Agreement for Ignite Presque Isle

The Presque Isle City Council approved the Nordic Heritage Center Operator Agreement with a 6-1 vote, authorizing the city to operate the facility. The council also approved a credit enhancement agreement for Ignite Presque Isle after executive session, and approved the revised comprehensive plan, several licenses, and a $236,209 transfer for street overlay work.

• Approved special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment for Lotus Lounge at 149 State Street (7-0)
• Approved adult use marijuana license renewal for Royal Leaf Apothecary at 415 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved adult use marijuana license renewal for Full Bloom Management LLC at 483 Main Street (7-0)
• Approved re-pass of Chapter 1 Ordinance City Seal (7-0)
• Approved revised comprehensive plan as approved by the State of Maine (7-0)
• Approved Nordic Heritage Center Operator Agreement (6-1)
• Approved transfer of $236,209 to Street Overlay Reserve and expenditure of $134,000 for asphalt paving (7-0)
• Approved credit enhancement agreement for Ignite Presque Isle at 436 Main Street (7-0)

Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a marijuana license renewal for Northern Maine Flower. The meeting also includes the approval of several warrants and discussions on city hall updates and information technology.

• Renewal application of marijuana license for Northern Maine Flower
• Approval of 2022 Warrants #3, #4 and #5 totaling $1,388,248.41
• MDOT Overlimit Permit for Construction
• Public Hearing for Dangerous Building
• Executive Session to discuss Real Estate and Negotiations

The Council approved the renewal of a marijuana license for Northern Maine Flower at 540 Main St. (7-0) and approved the consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,388,248.41. After discussion, the Council voted 6-1 to authorize the City Manager to sign the Enterprise vehicle agreement. The Council also approved support for an ATV grant application, scheduled a dangerous building hearing for June 1, 2022, and set up a work group for school board redistricting.

• Approved marijuana license renewal for Northern Maine Flower (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $1,388,248.41 (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to sign Enterprise vehicle agreement (6-1)
• Approved support for Star City ATV municipal grant application (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for dangerous building at 45 Elm St. on June 1, 2022 (7-0)
• Set up work group to reapportion SAD #1 school board districts (7-0)

Workshop

The body is meeting for a 2022 goal setting workshop. The agenda includes the approval of a quitclaim deed.

• Approval of quitclaim deed
• 2022 goal setting

Council

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings on liquor licenses and updates to the marijuana, taxi cab, and land use ordinances. The body will also consider the approval of warrants totaling $2,179,238.43.

• Liquor licenses for Presque Isle Country Club (35 Parkhurst Siding Road), Irish Setter Pub (710 Main Street), and Mainely Mexican (6 State Road)
• Review of Marijuana Ordinance and Taxi Cab Ordinance
• Changes to Chapter 16 Land Use and Development
• Approval of 2021 and 2022 warrants totaling $2,179,238.43
• Approval of 2021 Budget Actuals

The Presque Isle City Council approved revisions to Chapter 16 (Land Use and Development), changes to the Taxi Cab Ordinance, and reviewed the marijuana ordinance without making changes. It also approved three liquor licenses, the consent agenda, 2021 budget overspending, and grant applications. The Enterprise Agreement was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved liquor licenses for Presque Isle Country Club, Irish Setter Pub, and Mainely Mexican (7-0 each)
• Adopted revisions to Chapter 16, Land Use and Development (7-0)
• Adopted changes to Taxi Cab Ordinance (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $2,179,238.43 (7-0)
• Tabled Enterprise Agreement until next meeting (4-3)
• Authorized 2021 departmental overspending (7-0)
• Authorized grant applications for 2022 (7-0)
• Approved PIHA deed and PILOT agreement (6-0)

Council

The City Council will elect its 2022 Chair and Deputy Chair and administer oaths to new councilors. The meeting includes various municipal appointments, the re-passing of several ordinances, and a request to schedule a public hearing for land use changes.

• Election of 2022 City Council Chair and Deputy Chair
• Re-passing of multiple ordinances including Land Use, Shoreland Zoning, and Building Code
• Approval of 2021 Warrants #46 - #48 totaling $1,969,572.74
• Public hearing scheduling for Chapter 16 Land Use and Development changes
• Discussion of Taxi Cab Ordinance

The Presque Isle City Council held its annual organizational meeting, electing Kevin Freeman as Chairman and Jerry Shaw as Deputy Chairman for 2022. The council approved numerous appointments to boards and committees, set the 2022 meeting schedule, and approved the consent agenda. It also scheduled public hearings for February 2, 2022, on taxi cab ordinance changes and Chapter 16 Land Use and Development amendments, and recommended United Airlines for the airport's two-year air service contract. The council authorized the city manager to accept a $60,000 offer for Griffin Street properties.

• Elected Kevin Freeman as Chairman for 2022 (6-0-1, Freeman abstained)
• Elected Jerry Shaw as Deputy Chairman for 2022 (6-0-1, Shaw abstained)
• Approved city, board, and committee appointments (6-0)
• Set 2022 regular meetings for first Wednesday at 6:00 PM (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, warrants totaling $1,969,572.74, and policies (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Feb. 2, 2022 on taxi cab ordinance changes (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Feb. 2, 2022 on Chapter 16 Land Use and Development changes (6-0)
• Recommended United Airlines for airport air service contract (6-0)