Presque Isle public meetings in 2023

Council Meeting

The City Council meeting includes scheduled executive sessions to discuss private matters. These sessions will cover contract negotiations, real estate transactions, and personnel matters.

• Executive session regarding negotiations
• Executive session regarding real estate
• Executive session regarding personnel matters

Council Meeting

The City Council will meet to approve recent financial warrants and solid waste hauler licenses. The agenda also includes discussions on the 2024 budget and updates regarding the airport.

• Approval of 2023 Warrants #37 through #43 totaling $6,201,178.91
• Solid Waste Hauler Licenses for Gil’s Sanitation, Inc., McNeal’s Trucking, Pine Tree Waste & Star City Sanitation, Inc.
• Discussion of 2024 Budget
• Airport Architect Update
• Scheduling public hearings to repass ordinances due to sunset provision

Council Workshop

The City Council is meeting to discuss various components of the 2024 budget. Topics include debt service, utilities, IT, and general fund revenue.

• Discussion of 2024 Budget items including Debt Service, Utilities, and Capital Reserve
• Review of departmental allocations for City Clerk, General Assistance, and Resource Management
• Executive Session to discuss negotiations pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D)

Council Meeting

The Council will hold a public hearing on an adult use cultivation facility and consider approving several liquor licenses, ARPA grant contracts, and the 2024 budget.

• Public Hearing: Adult Use Cultivation Facility at 55 Industrial Street
• Approval of Malt, Spirituous and Vinous License for Ferris BBQ, Inc. at 79 Parsons Street
• Approval of Malt, Spirituous and Vinous License for Maple Pig Bar and Grill at 710 Main Street
• Approve ARPA Grant Award Contract Agreement
• 2nd Hearing on 2024 Municipal Budget

Council Workshop

The City Council is conducting a workshop to review the 2024 budget across various departments, including Police, Fire, and Public Works. The agenda also includes a vote on the Echo Lake proposal and discussion regarding real estate tax abatement.

• Approval of Echo Lake proposal
• Real Estate Tax Abatement discussion
• 2024 Budget review for all city departments

Council Meeting

The City Council will conduct a first hearing regarding the 2024 Budget. The meeting also includes public hearings for an automobile graveyard permit and an amendment to the General Assistance Ordinance Appendix A – H.

• First hearing for the 2024 Budget
• Automobile Graveyard Permit for Jalbert Auto & Salvage at 204 Chapman Road
• Amendment to Chapter 48 – General Assistance Ordinance Appendix A – H
• Approval of 2023 Warrants #35 totaling $396,353.20
• Marijuana License approval for Northern Euphoria LLC at 11 Davis Street

Council Meeting

The Presque Isle City Council will meet to review proposals regarding the recruitment of a new City Manager. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Review of City Manager recruitment proposals

Council Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings on several business license renewals and permits. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the budget calendar, a five-year fee schedule, and an update on the City Hall Committee.

• Marijuana license renewals for 719 Main Street, 28 Houlton Road, and 11 Davis Street
• Approval of warrants #28 through #34 totaling $4,161,681.87
• Special Permit for Music, Dancing and Entertainment at University of Maine at Presque Isle
• Automobile Graveyard/Junkyard Permit for Cowett’s Used Auto Parts at 259 Fort Road
• Discussion of Echo Lake Proposal and Excess Funding

The City Council approved several charter amendments for the ballot, including reducing candidate signature requirements and allowing remote meetings. The council also renewed multiple marijuana licenses and approved a special permit for the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

• Approved reducing council candidate signature requirements from 75 to 50 (7-0)
• Approved placing remote meetings on the ballot (7-0)
• Removed rainy-day fund changes from the ballot (7-0)
• Approved medical marijuana license renewal for Richardson Remedies-Presque Isle LLC (7-0)
• Approved marijuana license renewal for Jonathan Martin d/b/a Cloud 9 (7-0)
• Tabled marijuana license renewal for Chad Junkins d/b/a Northern Euphoria LLC (7-0)
• Approved special permit for music, dancing and entertainment for University of Maine at Presque Isle (7-0)
• Approved taxi cab service license for Shiretown Solutions (5-0)

Council Meeting

The agenda contains only procedural items and an executive session. The council will meet to discuss personnel matters in a closed session.

• Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters

Council Meeting

The City Council will hold public hearings on several liquor license applications for local businesses. The council will also consider approving three warrants totaling $1,855,390.93.

• Liquor license application for Pizza Hut at 814 North Main Street
• Liquor license and special entertainment permit for Lotus Lounge at 14DIS 149 State Street
• Liquor license application for Pat’s Pizza of Presque Isle at 9 North Street
• Approval of 2023 Warrants #25, #26, and #27 totaling $1,855,390.93
• Amendment to Chapter 43 Planning Board Ordinance

The City Council approved three liquor licenses and adopted amendments to the Chapter 43 Planning Board Ordinance. The council also approved a taxi service license and 2022 warrants totaling $1,855,390.93. A proposed employee handbook update was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved liquor license for American Dream Restaurants, LLC d/b/a Pizza Hut (5-0)
• Approved liquor license and special permit for music, dancing & entertainment for Bethany Graves d/b/a Lotus Lounge (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for TALK Pizza, LLC d/b/a Pat’s Pizza of Presque Isle (5-0)
• Adopted changes to Chapter 43 Planning Board Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved 2022 warrants #25-#27 totaling $1,855,390.93 (5-0)
• Approved taxi cab service license for Shiretown Solutions (5-0)
• Tabled employee handbook updates (4-1)
• Moved October 4th meeting to September 27th (5-0)

Council Meeting

The Council established the 2023 tax commitment and mill rate of 0.02260. They also approved several business licenses and authorized two airport reserve fund transfers for equipment and advertising.

• Approved 2023 budget appropriations with net spending of $7,823,269 (5-1)
• Set 2023 mill rate at 0.02260 (5-1)
• Approved marijuana license renewal for Star City Wellness (6-0)
• Approved lodging licenses for Martin’s Manor Rentals and Clark’s Lodge (5-0-1 each)
• Authorized $30,000 transfer from airport reserves for a new ATV (6-0)
• Authorized $125,000 transfer from Airport CARES Act funds for advertising (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $2,003,618.31 in warrants (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Planning board ordinance amendments for Aug 2 (6-0)

Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several liquor license applications and lodging establishment licenses. The agenda also includes the approval of four warrants totaling $1,442,037.58 and updates on the airport terminal.

• Liquor license and special permit for Northern Maine Catering LLC at 35 Parkhurst Siding Road
• Liquor license and special permit for Ignite Presque Isle at 436 Main Street
• Approval of 2023 Warrants #16, #17, #18, and #19 totaling $1,442,037.58
• Lodging licenses for Martin’s Manor Rentals, LLC at 42 Winter Street and Clark’s Lodge at 22 Pleasant Street
• Approval of PIDF Loan

The City Council approved funding for the preliminary design and development of a new passenger terminal. Other key actions included approving two liquor licenses, a cable franchise agreement, and a $20,000 business loan.

• Authorized $502,000 for preliminary design and $541,100 for design development of new passenger terminal (5-1)
• Approved $11,000 sale of 32 Lincoln St. to Erick Tompkins (6-0)
• Approved $20,000 revolving loan for Joseph Collins d/b/a Star City Flooring (6-0)
• Approved liquor licenses and entertainment permits for Northern Maine Catering LLC and Ignite Presque Isle (6-0)
• Authorized City Manager to sign cable franchise agreement with Charter (6-0)
• Approved 30-day lodging license extensions for Martin’s Manor Rentals and Clark’s Lodge (6-0)
• Approved Main Street closure for Firefighters Parade on September 9, 2023 (6-0)
• Adopted City cyber security policy (6-0)

Council Meeting

The Presque Isle City Council is meeting to consider a single item: approving election warrants. The agenda contains no other business, making this a procedural-only session.

• Approve Election Warrants

The City Council approved the warrant and notice for the May 31, 2023 school budget election. Council also authorized the Director of Presque Isle International Airport to apply for and manage grant funds from the Northern Border Regional Commission.

• Approved warrant and notice of election for MSAD #1 Budget Validation Referendum (5-0)
• Authorized Scott Wardwell to apply for and expend up to $1,000,000 in NBRC grant funds for the Airport Terminal Project (5-0)

Council Meeting

The City Council will consider several lodging establishment licenses and utility location permits. The agenda also includes the approval of 2023 warrants totaling $1,369,602.07 and a proposed purchase of an All Terrain Vehicle for the Fire Department.

• Approval of lodging licenses for Charles & Traci Halverson and Sure Stay
• Approval of 2023 Warrants #12, #13, #14 and #15 totaling $1,369,602.07
• Utility Location Permit application for State Street
• Purchase of All Terrain Vehicle for Fire Department
• Executive Session to discuss Real Estate

The council authorized the city manager to make an offer of $300,000 (not to exceed $360,000) for 140 Mountain Rd for possible land conversion by the Land and Water Bureau. They also approved a $46,500 demolition and site work contract for multiple Chapman Street properties, a $314,525 roof replacement for the Forum, and a $40,000 UTV for the Fire Department. Two lodging establishment licenses were approved, and the consent agenda including minutes, warrants, and appointments passed unanimously.

• Authorized city manager to offer $300K-$360K for 140 Mountain Rd (6-0-1, Willette abstained)
• Approved $46,500 demolition and site work contract for Chapman Street properties (7-0)
• Approved $314,525 Forum roof replacement from fund balance (7-0)
• Approved lodging license for Charles & Traci Halverson at 12 Church St (7-0)
• Approved lodging license for SureStay by Best Western at 71 Main St (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $1,369,602.07 in warrants (7-0)
• Authorized purchase of UTV for Fire Department not to exceed $40,000 (6-0-1, Freeman abstained)
• Approved Memorial Day Parade contingent on application (7-0)

Council Meeting

The Presque Isle City Council will hold public hearings on several business licenses and a facade loan. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the 2024 solar eclipse and updates on city goals.

• Approval of Land Use and Code Development Chapter 16 amendments
• Authorization of a new Land Bank
• Presque Isle Development Fund Façade Loan for KHM Music at 412 Main Street
• Approval of 2022 Warrants totaling $2,114,712.63
• Renewal of marijuana licenses for Royal Leaf Apothecary and Full Bloom Management LLC

The City Council created a Municipal Land Bank Authority to address blighted areas and affordable housing shortages. The council also adopted updated land use and development code ordinances and approved several business licenses.

• Established City of Presque Isle Land Bank Authority (7-0)
• Adopted changes to Chapter 16 land use and development code ordinance (7-0)
• Approved $25,000 façade loan for KHM Music (7-0)
• Authorized purchase of 2.68± acre parcel from MDOT for $5,000 (7-0)
• Approved renewal of marijuana licenses for Royal Leaf Apothecary and Full Bloom management LLC (7-0)
• Approved conditional lodging licenses for Clark’s Lodge and Martin’s Manor Rentals LLC (7-0)
• Approved free library membership for all MSAD #1 staff (7-0)
• Approved support for Star City ATV municipal grant application (7-0)

Council Workshop

This is a procedural workshop meeting. The only substantive item is a discussion of the city's 2023 goals. No decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of 2023 goals

Council Meeting

The council will hold public hearings on a marijuana license renewal for Northern Maine Flower, a liquor license renewal for Confectionately Yours, and amendments to the Development Fund By-Laws and Land Use Ordinance. They will also consider warrants totaling $1,510,593.80 and discuss broadband, economic development, and waste solutions.

• Public hearing on marijuana license renewal for Northern Maine Flower
• Public hearing on liquor license renewal for Confectionately Yours
• Amendments to Presque Isle Development Fund By-Laws
• Amendments to Chapter 16 Land Use and Code Development Ordinance
• Approval of warrants totaling $1,510,593.80

The City Council adopted revisions to the Presque Isle Development Fund By-Laws and approved marijuana and liquor license renewals. A proposed amendment to the Land Use and Code Development Ordinance was tabled, and a public hearing for a new Land Bank Authority was scheduled.

• Approved marijuana license renewal for Northern Maine Flower (6-0)
• Approved on-premises liquor license renewal for Confectionately Yours (6-0)
• Adopted revisions to Presque Isle Development Fund By-Laws (6-0)
• Tabled Land Use and Code Development Ordinance amendments (4-2)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 5-9, including 2023 Warrants #2-5 totaling $1,510,593.80 (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Land Bank Authority resolution for April 5, 2023 (6-0)
• Proclaimed April 2023 as Presque Isle Historical Society Month
• Proclaimed the week of April 24, 2023, as Presque Isle Rotary Week

Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a special permit for music, dancing, and entertainment at the Presque Isle Country Club. They will also consider a liquor license for a new Mexican restaurant and vote on amendments to the license fees and general assistance ordinances. Other business includes a hearing on a dangerous building, a grant application, and scheduling future hearings on land use and development fund changes.

• Public hearing and vote on special permit for music/dancing/entertainment at Presque Isle Country Club (35 Parkhurst Siding Road)
• Public hearing and vote on malt/spirituous/vinous liquor license for Mainely Mexican LLC at 6 State Road
• Approval of amended Chapter 9 (License and Public Hearing Fees) and Chapter 48 (General Assistance) ordinances
• Hearing on a dangerous building under old business
• Approval of warrants totaling $1,206,169.29

Council Meeting

The Presque Isle City Council will administer oaths to newly elected councilors, make appointments to various boards and committees, set meeting times for 2023, and hold public hearings on re-passing ordinances due to sunset provisions and adopting a new lodging establishment license ordinance. The council will also approve warrants totaling $1,649,142.11 and schedule hearings on fee and general assistance ordinance amendments.

• Administer oath to newly elected City Councilors
• Appoint City Attorney (Richard Currier), City Clerk (Kimberly Finnemore), and Code Enforcement Officer (Tim St. Peter)
• Re-pass ordinances due to sunset provisions: Chapter 53 (Disbursement Warrant), Chapter 54 (All Terrain Vehicle), Chapter 60 (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
• Adopt Chapter 63 Lodging Establishment License Ordinance
• Approve warrants totaling $1,649,142.11

The City Council elected Jacob Shaw as Chairman and K. Freeman as Deputy Chairman for 2023. The council adopted a new Lodging Establishment License Ordinance and approved a slate of city board and committee appointments. Additionally, the council determined the disposition of five tax-acquired properties.

• Elected Jacob Shaw as Chairman (4-3) and K. Freeman as Deputy Chairman (7-0)
• Adopted Chapter 63 Lodging Establishment License Ordinance (7-0)
• Approved 2022 Warrants #45-48 totaling $1,649,142.11 (7-0)
• Approved the 2023 slate of City Charter, Board, Committee, and Ex-Officio appointments (6-0)
• Authorized retention of 73 Chapman Rd and the sale of 74 Exchange St, 10 Delmont St, and 25 Turner St (7-0)
• Authorized a payment plan for 51 State Street (7-0)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate with MDOT for 1.03 acres of land (6-0)
• Authorized City Manager to finalize contract with Charter Communications (7-0)