[1:09] Your acceptance of the minutes, regular council meeting August 5, 2025, food, second, and second from Chris discussion. All in favor? Motion passes. Five to zero. We'll go to open to the public. Public comment is provided at the discretion of mayor and city council. If you want to speak to the council, I would ask you to come to the podium and state your name and city of residence. I'll give you three uninterrupted minutes. And we don't talk back. So don't ask us any questions.

[1:38] But if there's anybody who wishes to speak, now's your chance.

[1:43] Yeah, but we're ahead.

[1:46] Good evening.

[1:47] My name's Matt Clipperid, I'm the resident of Belfast.

[1:50] And tonight, I'm here on behalf of the Housing and Property

[1:53] Development Committee with a quick comment.

[1:55] So I thought I could sneak it in just now.

[1:58] So we're following the progress at 74 High Street,

[2:02] also known as the Bradbury Manor, and note

[2:04] the item H on tonight's agenda regarding property cleanup

[2:08] up there and elsewhere in the city.

[2:11] We're excited at the committee for the potential

[2:13] of maybe using this parcel of land for workforce housing

[2:18] here in Belfast.

[2:20] When we talk about workforce housing,

[2:22] we meet also known as the missing middle.

[2:24] We're talking about those folks whose incomes are just

[2:26] above the established limits to avail themselves

[2:30] of federal and state programs,

[2:32] but nonetheless they're finding themselves

[2:34] shy out of the housing market due to cost.

[2:36] So, you know, AMIs, the measure to determine that and affordability, those able to avail

[2:44] themselves of the federal and state programs generally have to earn less than 80% of local

[2:50] AMI.

[2:51] So when we're talking about workforce housing, we're talking about that group of people

[2:55] just above that 80 to 120 or above that level.

[3:00] We're looking at different strategies that might help this group to mitigate the cost

[3:06] For example, the feasibility of establishing land banks and land trusts that might help to bring down the cost of housing.

[3:14] And we hope to be back in the future with some news there.

[3:17] In the meantime, we look forward to continued progress on the parcel and the opportunity to collaborate on its best use for the citizens of Belfast.

[3:27] Thank you.

[3:28] Thank you.

[3:31] Anyone else?

[3:37] Hello.

[3:41] If you see three minutes, I'll just gently let you know.

[3:45] Oh, sure, I think I'll be good.

[3:46] Okay.

[3:46] Hi, my name is Christine Solett and I live at Bridge Street in Belfast, and thank you for the opportunity tonight to share my concerns.

[3:55] I am here to request two new safety measures be implemented in my part of the neighborhood.

[3:59] The first is for temporary speed bumps to be installed on bridge, pierce, and front streets wherever it is appropriate to do so without interfering with shipyard business.

[4:08] The second is the installation of police monitored cameras in the parking lot at 59 bridge

[4:12] street where the EV charging stations are and also at the lot at the end of Pierce at

[4:17] the footbridge.

[4:18] My request to our reaction to the increase of incidents of reckless driving, cars speeding,

[4:23] racing, and cruising back and forth around these roads, squilling tires, very loud groups

[4:28] of vehicles and people congregating in these areas as well, well into the morning hours.

[4:33] It is happening more frequently over the course of the year and has become unbearable at times.

[4:38] The summer seems to be the worst since my husband and I bought our house in town 10 years ago.

[4:42] And I do believe that we need to work together to do what we can to get this under control and not allow our recurrence next summer.

[4:48] The Belfast Police Department has been very visible in the area.

[4:52] Their response to calls is very fast and effective and they have consistently welcomed discussion about these concerns.

[4:58] However, they cannot be everywhere all at once.

[5:01] I believe the speed bumps will make our neighborhood unwelcoming to those that are racing

[5:05] and cruising up these streets and the police monitored cameras would discourage loitering

[5:09] in the lots as well as capture real-time data that the police can use to maintain public

[5:13] safety.

[5:14] Several of my neighbors have said that they are unable to sleep or watch television or

[5:18] read with their windows open at night due to the intensity of the loud noise.

[5:21] I include myself in that.

[5:23] One person said she doesn't go out for walks down the footbridge or around the harbor walk

[5:28] more with her partner because of fear because of the people congregating in the parking lots.

[5:33] She said it feels unsafe.

[5:35] I'm hopeful that we can work together to make a change to keep both fast,

[5:38] the fun, safe community that we all love.

[5:41] And I'm happy to help in this pursuit in any way that I can.

[5:44] Thank you.

[5:45] Thank you.

[5:46] Nice to meet you.

[5:47] You too.

[5:52] Anyone else?

[5:55] Yep, the red answer.

[5:59] Be a little shorter than Christine. That's my wife.

[6:02] So, we reiterate what she just said, have the same complaints.

[6:08] I would just have a simple request to designate the parking lot at the bottom of pure street adjacent to the foot bridge.

[6:17] With the same designation as the newer parking lot that's on bridge street, it has the EV chargers.

[6:23] Basically, it says no loitering, it has limits to link the parking, no camping, stuff like that.

[6:29] So that's not that was all I wanted to add thank you. Thank you both it has been a noisy summer

[6:39] Yes, sir

[6:40] Are you the cause of the noise?

[6:45] My name is Lawrence boy. I live at 26 bridge Street to Christine and Aaron and yes

[6:50] I do agree with everything they said and as Aaron was talking about the sign at the parking lot at

[6:58] 59 bird street actually took a picture of it, which does state the parking lot is closed

[7:04] from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., no smoking, vaping or littering of any kind, no loitering, which

[7:11] would be the point I would like to make is that since this park has gone in, and I want

[7:17] to say the city bought the lot in 2014, and I want to say the improvements were made in

[7:22] 2015, 2016, there's been an awful lot of loitering and at times it gets loud and you can go

[7:31] by and when it's getting loud and the smell speaks for itself.

[7:36] You can only guess what people are doing there.

[7:38] In addition to that, I would say that the speeding on Front Street and Bridge Street and

[7:43] Pierce Street has increased significantly year over year.

[7:48] The speeding is more dangerous on these roads due to the number of pedestrians who frequently

[7:52] walk actually in the middle of the road, some of them are locals, but many are not.

[8:00] Bridge Street poses an increased risk of accidents due to the speeders not noticing the

[8:06] blind spot.

[8:07] There's a curve in Bridge Street, right at Green Street, and it kind of dips down, so

[8:10] whether they're coming down or going up, you cannot see what's on the other side of that

[8:15] rise.

[8:16] When the speeding occurs during the day, there are children that play in the street, and

[8:21] And there's also a lot of people who walk their dogs and stuff, so it is getting more

[8:26] and more dangerous.

[8:28] I've been taking a lot of video recently, and I noticed today when I was going through

[8:32] some of the videos there days, I've taken up to 15 videos of cars speeding by and I actually

[8:37] put a spreadsheet together, saved the videos and pictures on a car, probably be more appropriate

[8:44] to give it to the police department.

[8:46] But as Christine said, they have been responsive, but they can't be there all the time.

[8:50] So my request would be that the city of Belfast has a speed board, I think it would be appropriate to put the speed board on board street somewhere my opinion would be near that intersection of green street because that way you can catch them coming or going and you know I also listed on here the times of when I notice that the speeding is increased is usually during the week between 4 and 8 p.m.

[9:17] And on weekends, usually between 5 and 10 p.m., so I'll add one more thing.

[9:28] I don't believe that the speed limit is posted on Front Street or Bridge Street.

[9:34] And I think that should be an issue that should be looked into as well.

[9:40] Thank you.

[9:41] Thank you.

[9:46] Anyone else?

[9:48] We have an open to the public at the end of the session as well.

[9:51] Having said that, closing the opening of the public, thank you for the comments.

[9:57] Organization and Department Reports, City Manager Herbert, thank you Mr. Mayor, just a

[10:01] few things.

[10:02] One, just one out of mind, everyone, that we do have an open call for committee applications

[10:06] for the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee.

[10:09] It is the due date, is Monday, September 8th.

[10:12] We have received one application so far, but we do have a few spots to fill.

[10:17] We advertise this in a lot of different places, even organizations like the main island

[10:23] trail association, but no amount of advertising is good as personal connections.

[10:30] So if anyone knows someone who might be interested in serving, who would be good, it is a really

[10:36] important committee in the city, making a lot of decisions about our public spaces, and I

[10:42] I wouldn't say a tremendous time commitment,

[10:45] but a very good use of your time

[10:47] to make a contribution back to this committee.

[10:49] So anybody that has any questions

[10:50] or would like to submit an application,

[10:52] please reach out to Eva Kelly in my office.

[10:54] You can reach your communications at citybelfast.org.

[10:58] And then the other item I have is just a reminder

[11:00] that we're currently in the middle

[11:02] of our annual report photo contest.

[11:05] The each year when we do our annual report,

[11:07] we ask citizens from the community to send photos in.

[11:11] And so you have the opportunity to be featured, the front of our annual report, which is quite

[11:16] an honor, I think, to those that have been awarded it in the past.

[11:20] And so those are due September 15th, and those can also be submitted to Ava in my office

[11:27] at Communications at cityofbelfast.org.

[11:30] Thank you.

[11:31] Thank you.

[11:32] Any other organizations, department reports?

[11:35] Hi.

[11:36] Hi, everybody.

[11:37] Amanda Cunningham, Executive Director of Artsound Belfast.

[11:40] With a couple quick things to say, first I want to say we put both of those items in our

[11:45] newsletter last week and they were both especially the photo contest was the most clicked

[11:49] on, clicked on link.

[11:52] Next Wednesday, September 10th, from 530 to 730, I'm inviting you all to come down to the

[11:58] boat house.

[11:59] We are celebrating our 15th anniversary.

[12:02] Tickets are $15.

[12:03] They can be purchased there at the door or you can buy them at our townbelfast.org.

[12:07] We will be having food from the moody dog, co-op, carousel cheese, and sweet monkey business.

[12:16] We're going to also have music from Huddled Masses and a cash bar.

[12:21] So we'll also be drawing the $1,500 winner from our summer raffle that's been going on.

[12:28] Secondly, I'm here with volunteer Craig Watson, who has been working on a break project

[12:33] that our town is a part of and he wants to tell you about that and about the

[12:39] programming that we've got coming up with it. Great. Thank you. Craig Watson,

[12:43] Belfast, resident. The event we're talking about is September 12th. In fact

[12:47] later on the agenda you'll see an item asking for approval of cross-street just

[12:52] between Maine and Pendleton because we expect a big turnout for an event called

[12:58] Americans who tell the truth. Those of you who know the work of Robert

[13:03] a main artist is doing this project internationally now and he'll be coming that night and we'll

[13:11] be using the white wall that faces brambles as a projection screen. So our goal is to put

[13:16] the portraits. He's done over 208 amazing portraits of Americans ranging from John Lewis

[13:22] to Richard Blanco to Rachel Carson. So these are both living Americans, those who've passed,

[13:28] But all with the the notion that they have something to say important to America right now and in fact

[13:35] He shares it in each of these portraits an important quote that comes with that portrait

[13:40] But imagine at large-screen Robert Shudderley talking that night from a stage that was approved to be built

[13:46] just last week by your

[13:48] In-town design committee and

[13:50] Danny Waldron at White Cap is

[13:53] Gradest building a platform where Robert will speak from that platform will also be used for these

[13:59] Belfast Poetry Festival, come October, so we'll be

[14:03] noticed.

[14:04] Brigham and Green, and that's maybe a name that you're not familiar with, but Alex,

[14:09] and Kendra Brigham bought that piece of land and have dedicated it for public use even

[14:15] though they have the rights to develop it.

[14:17] So I've been working with them and with our town Belfast to see if we can activate that

[14:22] space on Main Street.

[14:23] So again, delighted to tell you about it, delighted to get your support,

[14:28] closing the street just for a couple hours that night,

[14:31] and hope you'll join us on September 12th.

[14:34] And if I could, just hand you out.

[14:36] Oh, sure.

[14:39] Okay.

[14:40] You have a place to post.

[14:42] Oh, thank you.

[14:44] You know, please do so.

[14:46] We've wanted to errand to make sure that this gets to be worth seeing.

[14:53] Thank you.

[14:54] That's it.

[14:55] Thank you.

[14:56] Thank you.

[14:59] Thank you.

[15:00] Thank you all very much. Good to see you.

[15:08] Any other organization in department? Seeing then, we'll move to communications council, the floor is yours. Rendos and Neil. Thank you. I'm going to read a letter. That's okay.

[15:23] Dear Belfast community. As some of you may already know, after careful consideration, I have decided not to run for a fourth term as War III Councillor for the City of Belfast.

[15:33] in the upcoming November election.

[15:36] This decision was not made lightly.

[15:39] It has been an incredible honor to serve the people

[15:42] of Belfast over the past six years.

[15:45] In addition to the fact that my husband and I

[15:47] are making plans that are not compatible

[15:49] with the duties of the office,

[15:51] I also want to see other Belfast residents

[15:53] have the chance to serve.

[15:55] I strongly support term limits for elected officials.

[15:59] Being a City Councilor has taught me a great deal

[16:02] about the inner workings of city government and giving me a deeper appreciation for the

[16:06] people who dedicate their professional lives to keeping Belfast safe, beautiful, and prosperous.

[16:12] While our city faces several challenges, similar to those of many other cities in the country,

[16:18] it is not lost on me that Belfast is loved by its citizens, attracts year-round visitors,

[16:24] and has a vibrant downtown and business community. Belfast truly is a special place.

[16:31] When I decided to run in 2019, I did so because I wanted to help make sure that the city

[16:36] I loved would continue to move in a direction that was sound, sustainable and appropriate.

[16:43] Trying to figure out the best way to move forward on the top issues that Belfast faces has

[16:48] been a humbling experience as well as a crash course on how the democratic process works.

[16:54] My hope is that now another Belfast citizen residing in Ward 3 will take it upon themselves

[16:59] to run for city council with similar intentions.

[17:02] An applicant must take out nomination papers

[17:05] at the city clerk's office and obtain at least 25,

[17:08] but not more than 100 signatures

[17:10] of qualified registered Belfast voters.

[17:14] The completed paperwork must be submitted by five o'clock

[17:17] on September 8th, 2025, which is Monday.

[17:21] Lastly, I want to thank the Belfast community

[17:23] for its support over the past six years

[17:25] and additionally would like to thank my colleagues

[17:27] on the City Council, all the employees of the City of Belfast, with much gratitude.

[17:33] Thank you.

[17:34] Thank you for coming and let us know what's going on.

[17:44] And when I was listening to you, I thought this sounds exactly what we were here in a couple

[17:50] of years ago, or so, from people at Union Street and around the common.

[17:54] these problems just when you solve them one where it seems like they like mushrooms popping up, you know,

[18:00] they just whack them all, comes up somewhere else, and now it's your turn, and I'm sure we'll all want to see it.

[18:06] It makes very good suggestions, you know, we're going to have to city management, we'll be talking to the police department,

[18:13] and public works about signage, and I think we'll do what we can, and then we'll get ready for it to figure out,

[18:20] But maybe we can try to figure out in advance where the next place is going to be.

[18:24] But by your example of coming here and bringing it to us, maybe when it does, when we do get

[18:30] a handle out there and it starts to pop up on another street, maybe people there will say

[18:35] when this happened over there, the people went out and spoke and they got something done

[18:39] about it.

[18:40] So, thank you very much for coming tonight.

[18:44] And the other thing, and I want to bring up here is because I got some facts I want to

[18:48] get right.

[18:48] Is I wanted to it doesn't have to use my face ID and then it doesn't recognize my face. Okay

[18:56] That's a bad it's yeah, it's pretty bad your phone doesn't even want to look at your face

[19:00] I wanted it to mention the passing of a very prominent

[19:05] Belfast citizen

[19:07] Manly Rogers who died last month at the age of 98 and

[19:12] He was from away. Yeah, he was from water bill

[19:15] But he moved during his retirement and was very active, the rotary, first church, senior

[19:23] college, very, very impressive guy, about seven feet tall, you couldn't miss him.

[19:32] But I was reading the victories in several of the papers.

[19:36] And some of the things in the background that I didn't know are just staggering.

[19:43] Just a quick rundown about his military career, he joined the Army right at the end of

[19:52] World War II in the Army Corps of Engineers.

[19:57] He attended West Point, and then he got a Master's in Civil Engineering from Cal Tech.

[20:05] A lot of people don't believe anybody in the Army Corps of Engineers, and he took the engineering

[20:10] in glass. Well, obviously he did. And then he taught at West Point. And he was the charge

[20:21] of admissions.

[20:24] And this is what really struck me, if you don't know. He served in Vietnam

[20:30] as well. But as the head of admissions at West Point, he instituted the minority outreach

[20:40] recruitment program. Prior to his work in the history of the military academy, going back

[20:47] to the American Revolution, there had been 68 black conges. In the first year of his

[20:55] program, there were 47 in the first year. And in 1976, I believe it was, he

[21:03] He presided over opening the military academy to women.

[21:08] Those are incredible achievements.

[21:11] This man lived among us in our community, and I bet most of us didn't know.

[21:15] And I just, with the way things are going in our country right now, what a loss.

[21:23] And hopefully some other people, a little younger generation, will step up and have the kind

[21:30] of achievements he had.

[21:32] The service is October 18th.

[21:35] Thank you, Mary.

[21:36] First church.

[21:37] First church.

[21:37] 17th.

[21:38] 17th.

[21:38] Thank you very much.

[21:40] I would like to add this one thing to that.

[21:42] Absolutely.

[21:44] Manley was an active Rotarian for many years, and he began the scholarship fund.

[21:52] I can't tell you which year, but it's been for a number of years, it's been over 25

[21:57] years.

[21:57] And he started it from scratch with his knowledge from West Point and one of the features that he put in place was that the awards would be collected by the students when they graduated from college.

[22:13] So that it did not affect their ability to get other grants awards, et cetera.

[22:22] And there's always the opportunity where they come back and speak to the Rotary Club,

[22:29] which it's always a fabulous day. It's fabulous when they get the award,

[22:32] but it's also fabulous when they come back. This past year,

[22:36] so this scholarship program has grown over the years. This past year,

[22:40] which was the 100th anniversary of Belfast Rotary Club,

[22:44] we gave $100,000 in scholarships to 10 students.

[22:50] And it is a day that you feel like the stupidest person on earth when these students come

[22:56] and you hear what they have accomplished at 17 or 18 years of age.

[23:02] It is unbelievable.

[23:04] And you just feel so stupid.

[23:07] It's incredible.

[23:08] If you listen, if you hear and read about these young people that apply, all of them that apply,

[23:17] the country's in good hands.

[23:20] If I could add one thing to what you just said, Mary, the obituary also includes a note

[23:25] that in lieu of flowers they would like donations made to the Manly Rogers Leadership

[23:30] Scholarship, as though that's what we call it.

[23:32] If anyone would like to contribute, that would be a great honor.

[23:36] Thank you both.

[23:38] Any other communications?

[23:41] I'll just add that once again, Henry asked me to tell you that he'll be submitting his photo

[23:46] again for the cover.

[23:49] And he awaits to decision. He's barking up the wrong tree.

[23:57] We cut that

[23:59] one down. Old business and city committee reports.

[24:05] Permits, petitions, licenses, consent,

[24:07] agenda may I move second? All in favor? Motion passes 5-0. Now on to business.

[24:37] A is a

[24:37] The City Council is not yet appointed, a tree warden for fiscal year 2526.

[24:42] Councilor Mortier, request of this item be added to the agenda.

[24:46] The City of Belfast code warden says chapter 50 streets, sidewalks and other public places

[24:51] covers the appointment of a tree warden, stating the following.

[24:55] Tree warden and an alternate shall be appointed annually by the City Council, each for a term of one year.

[25:01] The alternate tree warden shall serve in the absence of the tree ward.

[25:04] The City of Velfas has recently worked with Carol, who serves as a Velfas Garden Club member as well as on the Tree Working Group.

[25:12] She's a fabulous work for the City and has volunteered that time.

[25:16] Over the course of the last several months, we have asked if Carol would give assessments of the trees that were coming up for consideration before the City Council.

[25:25] And I've heard from almost all of you what an incredible asset that has been.

[25:28] and her assessments have been thorough and thoughtful

[25:33] and have definitely made the decision process.

[25:35] We have a thorough process for the removal of city trees

[25:38] and the city of Belfast and involves tagging the tree,

[25:41] advertising it for two weeks.

[25:42] And I feel like we are just so fortunate

[25:44] to have someone who lives in this community

[25:46] and cares so much about it who's interested

[25:48] in providing this valuable information

[25:50] as the council deliberates these.

[25:53] Thank you.

[25:54] Would anybody like to make a motion?

[25:56] Mary.

[25:56] I would like to make the motion that we approve the

[26:02] Recommend recommendation for Carol Herwig to become the city tree warden for the fiscal year 2526

[26:09] Second and discussion, you know, yeah, I was wondering it also costs for an alternate if you might consider

[26:16] Is if you have any suggestions of who you want to nominate for an alternate?

[26:21] I will think about that. Yeah, I mean, I've been thinking about the fact that that I only want to do it for a year

[26:26] here. I'm trying to do a successor. Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

[26:33] Brenda. Thank you. So, um, you saw my question, but that's okay, because I have another question

[26:38] which or not a comment, actually a comment is what I totally agree with what Erin said. And

[26:44] also not only that, are we able to make decisions more easily with a dedicated person, but again,

[26:49] and I've said this before, you are so knowledgeable, you have all the credentials every one of

[26:54] them at eight a. Z. So that is also a super triple portable bonus to you taking the position

[27:01] so thank you. And I'm so glad that we're finally getting this on the books. It's really

[27:07] good news. Thank you. Can I say just a couple of things?

[27:12] Yes, ma'am.

[27:13] Good. First of all, I mean I see this as kind of a step one in something that we have talked

[27:20] I talked about in previous meetings which is to get a tree commission and the whole idea of a management plan for the trees that belong to the city in the right of ways in the parts everywhere actually.

[27:36] And very interestingly, yes, today I got an email from the state of Maine asking for comments

[27:45] about improving the licensing procedures and the education procedures of state arborists.

[27:55] So I mean this is, you're not alone, we're not alone, they'll fast in terms of thinking,

[28:02] starting to think ahead about how to care for our trees.

[28:05] So yeah, this is an honor. Thank you. Well, I'll thank you. If I could add a decade and a half or whatever that I've been around here, we've had either people

[28:18] swing in the acts every chance they get, like in a better phrase, you know what I'm saying? Or people that would never ever cut down a tree. I mean, we've had both.

[28:31] But what I like about you is your studied approach, and consistent approach, and called

[28:39] demeanor in a factual way about the realities of that tree and our town and our environment

[28:46] that is given to us as non-experts in a way that is very easy to understand.

[28:54] Good.

[28:55] So thank you for that.

[28:56] That's the goal.

[28:56] So, I just wanted to say that because I think this is really, really a great decision.

[29:02] So, at that point, let's take it to a vote.

[29:05] Paul in favor?

[29:06] Motion passes, 5-0.

[29:08] Thank you.

[29:14] Well, now item B is a request to remove street city streets.

[29:18] Look up that.

[29:21] Okay, all righty.

[29:22] Oh boy, okay.

[29:24] Yes, so the city received a request for three city street trees for removal.

[29:30] one trees located the corner of Court and Miller Street and two trees are on

[29:34] Green Street. Ms. Herwig, who is now our tree warden, provided some

[29:41] analysis that was included in your packet. I'm not sure if you have any other

[29:45] comments to make or if Council to see questions.

[29:47] I would add this point.

[29:52] Okay, so there were two trees on Green Street and one was

[29:58] Um.

[30:00] A split tree that was pretty clearly needs to go. The second one I kind of said, I thought that we needed to see the first street gone before we could assess, and that was a sugar maple. And I had gone back and looked at it again in a different light, and my inclination would be to not take it down. So I just wanted to add that to that particular thing. And then on the Miller street one, I'm pretty, I'm going to be pretty

[30:31] I don't understand why it was even, I know there's construction going on but I just don't understand it.

[30:44] That's an example of some of the stuff we need to do in terms of tree care and planning that there should be protection for trees like that.

[30:54] Beyond just no, we don't cut it down, but actually making if there's construction making a tree protection zone around a tree

[31:02] That and that's I mean that's long term, but that is definitely something that we want to

[31:08] And I like your idea of adding it to the legacy trees. Yes. Yeah, that pretty much told me all I mean

[31:15] Council your thoughts

[31:16] All right, I think the recommendation makes sense and I

[31:21] would make a motion that we follow to see what the Tree Warden's recommendation and take down the ash on Green Street and

[31:33] another tree.

[31:35] Yeah, and I could add to that on the Green Street, I came back and I found another pair of trees across so it might be cost-efficient

[31:45] And to take those two and this one down together, just thinking about, you know, getting

[31:52] your truck out just once instead of twice.

[31:55] Well, those are coming before you on the 6th.

[31:57] Yeah, they'll be coming.

[31:58] They'll be coming in a later date.

[32:00] We'll schedule this.

[32:00] Yeah.

[32:01] So we're making a motion to do what we're not doing you went.

[32:04] Right.

[32:04] Exactly.

[32:05] All right.

[32:06] Got a second on that?

[32:07] We'll bring it with a second.

[32:08] Any other discussion?

[32:09] I just have a lot of questions.

[32:10] So, could you just explain what made you sort of change your mind?

[32:13] I mean.

[32:16] The first time I went, it was, you know, if you know Green Street, you know, there's just

[32:22] a lot of, what I call garbage trees there, a lot of Norway maples in there.

[32:27] So it was kind of hard for me to see what was the Sugar Maple Canopy as supposed to

[32:34] the Norway Maple Canopy.

[32:37] So when I went back, I had, the light was just better, and I could see that the Sugar Maple

[32:41] canopy. The canopy itself looks pretty solid. It's got this significant wound on the base,

[32:51] but looking at the sugar maples around town, a lot of them look a little rough. And by

[32:58] their nature, the bark on those trees also is unlike the other maples. I mean, I always

[33:07] kind of like it looks like old men, you know, with the rough skin and the bark is furrowed

[33:14] and, you know, has, I don't know what you want to go.

[33:18] Are you looking at me or just saying that?

[33:21] I don't know.

[33:24] I know what you're talking about, this way, I don't like to put my hands under the blow

[33:27] dryers in the rest of the day.

[33:33] But anyway, once I got back there, and there's definitely been some insect damage.

[33:41] There is a wound, but the tree is straight.

[33:44] It has a full canopy, and it's like, that's kind of belt fast.

[33:52] Heritage is those old sugar maples.

[33:54] You don't want to just take them down because they look, they're not pretty, so I'm just curious, thank you.

[34:01] All right, let's vote all in favour. Motion passes, five is zero.

[34:05] Thank you. You're quite welcome. Thank you.

[34:08] Item C is a request from the Cemetery Superintendent to reduce the sale price of the old Doke Road Cemetery fence.

[34:15] And joining us, ladies and gentlemen,

[34:20] how are we all doing today?

[34:22] I'm doing good, everything's dried up so everything's slowing down so I don't know

[34:34] do you guys want me to talk a little about the cemetery or get it right to business.

[34:37] I'll talk a little bit about it.

[34:39] I just want to let everyone know everything's been going good in the cemetery like I was

[34:43] saying and we're just some of the things you know what's going on.

[34:47] We have the project with the the chapel repair effort on the to get the safe out. We've got to repair the deck

[34:55] So that's going to be happening within the next week by bell fast carpentry. So that project will be going

[34:59] Then we can get that safe out of there and

[35:02] Just like to thank the crew for everything they do, which is number one thing

[35:06] You know we're a team the cemetery. I like to preach that a lot and

[35:11] If you guys have any questions about anything on the cemetery, I'm here to help you out anything you need to know

[35:15] how then that I can get right into this Dock Road fence.

[35:19] All right, so today we're talking about the Dock Road fence, the old Dock Road fence

[35:25] which are the sections that we've been selling.

[35:28] And right now the section is sell for $200 a section and when I'm asking you as to see if

[35:32] we can lower the price because it's been over a year, well they've been there for a few

[35:37] years now but in the last year we haven't sold any of the pieces.

[35:40] So I think really the prices are really high.

[35:43] So I'm asking if we can lower the price down to either $50 a section or whatever you all might have an idea you could throw at me.

[35:52] And so I'd like to get that lowered and then if give it time say until next spring or the summer if they don't sell, then I'd like to get permission to be able to bring them to a scrap yard and get value we can add them that way.

[36:04] That's just another option that I'm asking.

[36:06] And then also that I didn't put in here that was noted because I got a call from someone

[36:12] which you all know who Mike Hurley he reminded me that the VFW with Jim wants to get four

[36:19] pieces of the defense so I'm guessing donated to them and they're going to be putting this

[36:24] over on the east side around a memorial that they have over there.

[36:28] So I want to make sure that gets approved too.

[36:31] So in short, basically I'm asking you all if we can lower the prices or bring them to the

[36:37] scrapyard in the spring and also eliminate the cap on how many one person can purchase

[36:42] because we had a cap on that set at four pieces so if someone can come in and buy them

[36:47] all, that's up to you all but the reason I'm lowering it also is what we have left for

[36:52] pieces that are not in the best condition like some of the tops are bent, you know, and

[36:58] missing some of the bottom braces on them, so that's basically all I have on that for you all.

[37:04] Please thank you. A meal? Yeah, I was going to bring up whether or not you

[37:08] got the email from Mike. I don't think that, yeah, we absolutely should donate. So I was having,

[37:13] like you said, been a year since anybody's donated any interest in them.

[37:18] Fair. I'd like to make the multi-point motion.

[37:21] Please do. First, I'd like to make a motion that we reduce the price of each section of fence to

[37:28] $50.

[37:29] Number two, that we do not have a maximum or minimum, a maximum that people can buy that

[37:36] we do away with that.

[37:39] Number three, that if by next Memorial Day, there are still sections left in storage at

[37:48] the cemetery.

[37:49] We give permission for them to go to scrap and get the money for that.

[37:54] and last number four, that we donate four sections,

[38:00] four nice sections, to the VFW for a very nice frame

[38:07] around their Veterans Memorial on the east side

[38:11] at the head of Footbridge Road and Route 1.

[38:16] Thank you.

[38:17] Well, then a second from Brenda, any other discussion?

[38:20] All in favor?

[38:24] Thank you.

[38:25] Thank you.

[38:26] Thank you.

[38:27] Good to see you.

[38:28] Item D is a request by Bellfast main pickleball for approval of a facility

[38:34] used request for use of the city park pickleball courts for a scramble on Saturday, September 27,

[38:41] 2025 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

[38:45] Is that 3 p.m.?

[38:47] I can't see.

[38:48] Should be 2 p.m.

[38:49] Thank you.

[38:50] Pam, good evening.

[38:51] Yes.

[38:51] Good evening, Council Members.

[38:52] This is a first-time request from our main pickleball group.

[38:57] They have been doing some scrambles both last summer and this summer, which are small tournaments.

[39:04] And the sponsor of this food truck, excuse me, the owner of the food truck is a sponsor of

[39:10] this tournament.

[39:11] So they are not asking to cook and sell any food to the public.

[39:15] they are asking for this vendor to be able to bring their truck and cook for the participants.

[39:19] They always have a post-scrub of picnic. So we're asking because we have an ordinance on file that

[39:27] doesn't allow food trucks in our city parks typically and so we would like to request if City Council

[39:33] would consider this one. All right. Council? I'll make a motion that we approve the facility use

[39:41] request by the office, May and Pickleball for use at City Park.

[39:45] Pickleball, of course, for Scramble on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

[39:50] Thank you.

[39:51] And that we allow the food truck to set up and feed people without charging.

[39:57] All right, is there a second?

[39:59] No, a second.

[40:00] Any discussion?

[40:02] Mary?

[40:03] I just think that there's a little teeny piece of the motion that we need to add a mend.

[40:10] that the Belfast Parks and Rec Director will work with the event organizer to ensure that the food truck has the appropriate permits and insurance.

[40:18] Thank you. I amend my motion.

[40:22] All right.

[40:23] And the second is amended as well.

[40:25] Yeah, go ahead.

[40:26] Go ahead.

[40:26] Yeah.

[40:27] PM Woodball, you said the food truck would be selling the food to the participants.

[40:33] Not selling, cooking.

[40:34] Okay, so we'll be cooking.

[40:35] Okay, for the participants only.

[40:36] So they're not even sewing in that way?

[40:39] No, this is a way as the sponsor to bring in some fun at the end of the tournament, show

[40:45] off that food truck a little bit, I guess, get a reputation going.

[40:49] So I wanted to clarify, they are not selling to the public at all, so this is just for our

[40:54] tournament participants.

[40:56] I wanted to clarify.

[40:57] Thank you.

[40:57] You're welcome.

[40:59] All right.

[40:59] Scramble it is.

[41:00] All in favor?

[41:02] Motion passes.

[41:03] Five is zero.

[41:04] Thank you.

[41:04] Item E.

[41:05] Thank you, request from the Parks and Recreation Director to extend up to $22,424.85 to purchase

[41:11] and install two maintenance sheds to support daily operations.

[41:15] Yes, you have a really long memo in your packet.

[41:19] I will not cover all of that, but we are looking to purchase two sheds.

[41:23] One shed, the largest one is for Welsh field.

[41:26] That would be a second storage shed for our Parks Maintenance Team.

[41:30] That is out of the capital improvement program.

[41:32] and then the second shed is a smaller shed that was approved through the budget process for exterior storage at steamboat landing so we can move outside or outside tables, outside chairs, tents, things that people use on a regular basis so we're not juggling around rentals.

[41:49] We think we can really maximize a small 10 by 12 shed at steamboat landing.

[41:55] I have provided you details we were able to get three quotes from vendors close by, relatively

[42:02] close by, so your lowest vendor is Hillview Mini Barnes for both the ten by twelve and

[42:09] the thirteen nine by thirty six and you can see the other two quotes there as well in

[42:16] the packet.

[42:17] I've also included the extras if there was a delivery fee, if there is any shed prep

[42:22] That is necessary. We've estimated that as well. Most of your shed site prep is going to be in house here with the city

[42:30] All right

[42:32] I'd like to make a motion

[42:34] That we approve the purchase of a 13 foot 9 inch by 36

[42:41] feet shed cost 14,487 dollars and 85 cents and a 10 foot by 12 foot shed

[42:49] cost $4,297 from Hillview Mini-Barns in Mount Edna for a total of $18,784 and $85.3,640 for

[43:05] the gravel pads for a total project cost of $22,424.85 with $3,500 of funding to come

[43:16] from account 610-537, Parks and Recreation Equipment Capital Reserve, and $18,924.85 to come

[43:28] from account 720-004, Capital Improvement Project, Parks and Recreation.

[43:34] So, okay.

[43:35] Thank you.

[43:36] And thanks for the second discussion, Brenda.

[43:38] Hi.

[43:38] Thank you, Pam.

[43:39] Yes.

[43:39] So, I just was, I want to talk specifically about the smaller shed steamboat landing because

[43:45] because you know that people are going to have some questions.

[43:47] Yeah, public, and that's fair.

[43:50] Just things like blending in with the surrounding vistas and views.

[43:59] I just was wondering if there's any thought to that,

[44:01] because it's kind of a place where people often walk by.

[44:05] I know that people are at Walsh field a lot,

[44:08] but I feel like there's so much activity on the harbor walk that we don't want it

[44:14] to be with lack of a determined eye sore.

[44:17] And that's one question.

[44:19] The other question is, in terms of interfering

[44:21] with any of the activities that might go on there,

[44:24] particularly in thinking of, you know,

[44:26] how sometimes they do that stage,

[44:28] they kind of, for summer nights,

[44:29] it's kind of in that area.

[44:31] It looked like on the map where they're drawing,

[44:33] but that's kind of where this shed will be located.

[44:35] Yeah, talk about that a little bit.

[44:37] Yes, I'm glad you brought that up.

[44:39] So it was a purposeful thought to choose that location

[44:42] because in that location, we place a power box that almost every festival at that light pole.

[44:49] And then for both summer nights, they utilize a lot of tables and chairs and tents for that event.

[44:56] And that may change in the future if equipment changes.

[45:00] But right there is convenient for most of the needs of most of the events that take place there, which is why I thought keeping it closer to the Boat House being in that corner, we can keep an eye on it. Plus, if I have to move anything back and forth, it's close by. We are planning to lock that shed, it would have a combination lock just like the Boat House Boat House gate and or electronic locks on the door, so I can change that combo frequently.

[45:27] We also were considering colorizing this shed to match the boat house.

[45:33] That is something we considered.

[45:35] So that pale yellow, creamy white with a green roof.

[45:41] So that actually makes it more visible, but I thought it would blend down there.

[45:47] So I would love your feedback.

[45:49] I would blend better than the porta potty.

[45:51] That's my feedback.

[45:53] There we go.

[45:54] Well, thank you. So I just wanted to sort of bring that up because we're going to ask

[45:58] and you know, might get questions and just want it you to sort of speak to that in the

[46:02] public realms.

[46:03] I thought it would be well out of the way of the bigger event. So for example, Wiener

[46:08] Fest is coming up this coming weekend. I know. So they do a lot in that central area

[46:12] of that field.

[46:13] And if we talk then in the corner, I thought that would still maximize the space.

[46:17] Thank you.

[46:17] Yeah, you're welcome.

[46:18] Good question.

[46:19] Thank you.

[46:20] Paul?

[46:22] The larger shed is going to be able to wall field.

[46:25] Can you explain the uses of that?

[46:28] Yes, so we currently have a 13 foot 9 inch by 24 foot shed.

[46:34] And we have an 8 by 8 shed that is currently infested with

[46:38] slithering and stinging things.

[46:41] And it's also now leaking.

[46:45] So we really need to get our supplies out of there.

[46:47] So, this 139 by 36 will be beside the 24-foot shed, it'll share equipment which will allow

[46:55] us to actually access everything else we need in there, right now we have to step over

[47:01] and around equipment.

[47:03] By spreading that equipment out, we'll be able to better utilize our overhead storage

[47:07] and also utilize our work desk.

[47:10] We have a work desk that we actually can't work on right now, so in that 36-foot shed

[47:15] we are planning to electrify it so we would have some work lights so on rainy days or dark days

[47:21] we will turn some lights on and work internally whether it's building picnic tables or repairing

[47:26] something so that that long shed has a work bench in the back as well as two possibly two overhead

[47:33] lofts right now we have one designed in the back so it is storage of equipment storage of supplies

[47:39] and then all of the pieces and parts we need to repair things.

[47:43] No heating, at all?

[47:45] Okay.

[47:46] No heating.

[47:47] All right.

[47:48] And you'll be storing equipment supplies.

[47:50] Yes.

[47:51] The gasoline.

[47:52] Yes.

[47:53] So, both sheds, yes, and we're required to have far extinguishers in there for all of that.

[47:59] So fuel, mowers, weed eaters, chainsaw, blowers, all of that equipment, as well as paper products

[48:08] for restaurants, et cetera, so.

[48:11] Will you have a chance to talk with the required chief

[48:14] on maybe having a look at the building

[48:17] and get you some input on the state application?

[48:21] Absolutely, and our insurance hazard inspector

[48:25] was just down, gosh, two months ago now, I think.

[48:28] And he looked at our current shed

[48:30] and made recommendations for how to store things

[48:33] and keep them in certain locations.

[48:36] Thank you.

[48:37] Yeah.

[48:37] City Manager Erwin?

[48:39] Yeah.

[48:39] I think it's also worth mentioning.

[48:40] Good questions.

[48:41] I think these sheds will go through the code in planning process as well.

[48:46] Thank you.

[48:47] We're all in the effort not when it comes to safety and meeting all those things.

[48:51] So thank you for that.

[48:52] Any other comments or discussion?

[48:55] All in favor?

[48:56] Motion passes, 5 to 0.

[48:58] Thank you very much.

[48:59] Thank you.

[49:01] Item F is a request by our town bill fast to approve a facility.

[49:05] use request mentioned earlier for a closure of cross-street between Main Street

[49:11] and Pendleton Avenue Pendleton Lane for a presentation on Friday, September

[49:16] 12, 2025 from 7 to 9 pm. You've had a great review. Sorry, you had a great

[49:21] review for that and it's a simple closure for us with some barricades.

[49:26] Okay, second. Any discussion on that? All in favor? Motion passes. Thank you very much.

[49:32] Thank you.

[49:33] Thank you.

[49:34] Item G, request from the Economic Development Directorate to award the request for proposals

[49:38] to TRC Environmental Corporation to Service the Qualified Environmental Professional for

[49:44] the 2025 U.S. EPA Brownfield's assessment, Gleena, joining us, Thomas Kittridge.

[49:50] Good evening, sir.

[49:51] Good evening.

[49:52] Earlier this year, the city received a notification that we had been awarded $500,000 in EPA.

[49:58] a Brownfield's grant funding to continue to see

[50:02] as Brownfield's assessment program,

[50:03] which we use to provide owners and or future purchasers

[50:07] of the Brownfield properties for environmental

[50:08] utilities, for bank financing,

[50:11] to document the environmental liabilities

[50:13] and associate cleanup costs,

[50:15] to help revitalize these properties

[50:16] and or to protect the environment and public health.

[50:20] A period of performance for this grant

[50:21] is July 1st of 2025 to September 30th of 2029.

[50:25] To carry out the actual cooperative agreement

[50:27] oversight activities, community outreach and engagement activities, inventory, phase 1 environmental

[50:32] site assessment and phase 2 environmental site assessment activities and cleanup site reuse

[50:38] slash redevelopment and area wide planning activities. The city needs to identify and contract

[50:43] with a firm to perform these activities. US EPA refers to them as qualified environmental professionals.

[50:50] 356,500 dollars out of the $500,000 grant has been budgeted for a qualified environmental

[50:56] professional performance activities. The C's existing ground field selection committee

[51:00] had the responsibility of developing and managing the process by which such a professional

[51:05] was identified and evaluated and recommended for hire. The C's economic development director

[51:09] issued a request for proposals on July 7th with a proposal submission deadline on August 6th.

[51:15] Four proposals were received by the deadline. Members of the proposal review group, which

[51:19] consisted of myself, Deputy Economic Development Director Joel Morn, and ground field selection

[51:25] committee member in our town bell fast executive director Amanda Cunningham and individually

[51:29] reviewed and scored all four qualifications sorry four proposals and then met on August 19th

[51:35] discuss those reviews and scores and to make recommendations at the conclusion of that meeting

[51:40] the proposal review group made the recommendation to hire the TRC environmental corporation.

[51:47] Have any answering questions? Thank you for saying that Paul. I have two two-part motion I like to

[51:54] make it this time, one is to approve the Brownfield

[51:58] Slection Committee's recommendation to hire the TRC

[52:02] Environmental Corporation as the City of

[52:05] Belfast Qualify Environmental Professional for

[52:09] its fiscal year 2025, U.S.E.P.A.

[52:14] Brownfield's assessment grant.

[52:17] Second part being authorize the City Manager to

[52:20] winter into a contract with the TRC Environmental

[52:23] cooperation to provide these services and to sign any in all documentation required for the exact execution of this contract.

[52:34] Thank you Paul. So second.

[52:37] Second from Neil discussion.

[52:40] Mayor Thomas.

[52:43] Can you just explain a little bit about how the difference between this fee and the total grant is used.

[52:54] Okay, yeah. So the grant is for $500,000. We use that, that covers a certain group of activity categories, the biggest one being the qualified environmental professional who will actually, you know, help implement the grant, write all the reports that are part of the environmental assessment.

[53:13] The remainder could be, I believe, and I don't have the budget in front of me.

[53:17] Some of that we reimburse a little bit of city staff time spent on the grant, supplies, travel.

[53:24] Also, we have plans to do some cleanup studies or

[53:29] cleanup planning activities, potentially one related hotel development.

[53:34] And that would be a separate cost that's outside of the QEP because it'd be a firm other than the QEP doing that work.

[53:40] So there would be the types of things that would encompass that difference between those two figures.

[53:46] Thank you.

[53:47] You're welcome.

[53:48] Any other discussion?

[53:51] We get a motion in a second.

[53:52] Seeing none, I'll take it to vote.

[53:53] All in favor?

[53:54] Motion passes 5-0.

[53:56] Thank you.

[53:57] We're going to go into H, which reads the same, but it's for a different amount, request from

[54:02] the Economic Development Director to award the request for proposals to TRC environmental

[54:07] corporation to serve as the qualified environmental professional for the 2025 U.S. EPA brown fields assessment

[54:14] grant.

[54:15] So it meant, for whatever reason, that was supposed to be cleanup grant not the assessment

[54:20] grant.

[54:20] So otherwise, it's exactly the same.

[54:22] So we're here to discuss, at the same time, we found out about our $500,000 around the assessment

[54:28] grant.

[54:29] We also received word from EPA that we were awarded a $2 million cleanup grant.

[54:34] This will be to pay for cleanup activity as in two properties owned by the city on the former well-dough kind of superior courthouse

[54:40] Just next door one for the seven church street into the former Bradbury manner at 74 high streets

[54:46] This grant is the same period of performance July 1st, 2025 to September 30th, 2029

[54:51] To care up the actual

[54:54] Cooper the agreement oversight activities can you now reach an engagement activities site specific activities and site cleanup activities site cleanup oversight activities

[55:02] Again, we need to identify and contract with a qualified environmental professional.

[55:07] Out of this $2 million grant, $125,000 has been budgeted for the qualified environmental professional performing these activities.

[55:15] The lion's share of that $2 million grant is for the actual contractors who will do the various cleanup activities.

[55:21] The QEP will not be the ones demolishing a building or removing asbestos. They do the analyzing, they do the reporting, they do the oversight.

[55:28] So that's why it's a fraction of that $2 million grant.

[55:32] Again, the Brownfield selection committee was responsible for identifying and recommending this qualified environmental professional.

[55:39] We issued a request for proposals on July 6th with a deadline on August 5th.

[55:43] We received two proposals by the deadline.

[55:46] Same proposal review group reviewed and scored these proposals and met on August 19th to discuss those reviews and make recommendations.

[55:54] And at the conclusion of that meeting, the proposal review, made the recommendation to also hire the TRC environmental corporation for this particular way.

[56:04] Mary, I'd like to make a motion in two parts.

[56:06] That we approved the Brownfield Selection Committee's recommendation to hire the TRC environmental corporation as the city of Belfast,

[56:15] QEP or qualified environmental professional for its fiscal year 2025,

[56:22] 2025 slash 26, USEPA Brownfield's assessment grant.

[56:29] And two, that we authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with the TRC

[56:34] environmental corporation to provide these services and

[56:37] design any and all documentation required for the execution of the contract.

[56:44] Any other discussion for questions?

[56:47] This is great news.

[56:49] All in favor?

[56:50] Motion passes 5-0.

[56:52] Thank you.

[56:53] Good work, by the way.

[56:55] Thank you, Chair.

[56:56] Itemize a request from the airport manager to implement proposed landing fee and fuel purchase

[57:00] schedules.

[57:01] Can?

[57:02] Good evening.

[57:03] Good evening, Mayor.

[57:04] Council?

[57:14] We've been monitoring fuel sales as we go along, it's been healthy, it's been good.

[57:22] But it has been a little frustrating, particularly with the jet A sales, getting the word out

[57:30] to all of the corporate and charter folks coming in,

[57:34] that number one that we have fuel,

[57:37] and then for them to get out to their individual pilots,

[57:41] that same information.

[57:43] We seem to be on the Cuspic success

[57:46] in terms of getting that information.

[57:48] I talk with pilots when they come in,

[57:50] make sure the information they have is correct,

[57:52] and more often than not now, it is.

[57:56] However, one of the things the council asked

[57:59] need to do would be to talk with the advisory committee looking at other ways of raising revenue

[58:06] for the airport and one of the things we talked about one of the low hanging fruit areas

[58:13] was looking at a landing fee if certain aircraft did not purchase fuel and so we have fortunately

[58:24] A couple of folks on our advisory committee that have flown commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft,

[58:31] and have some experience with other airports.

[58:34] We also did solicited information from a number of airports around Belfast,

[58:40] and have come up with the proposal that you see before you.

[58:44] There are a lot of reasons, sometimes the very legitimate ones,

[58:47] why an aircraft coming into Belfast is not going to be interested in buying fuel.

[58:52] They may have a very quick turnaround, they just don't have the time.

[58:55] It could be that it's a very short hop, it just doesn't make sense for them to purchase

[58:59] a fuel.

[59:00] It could be they're dead heading back to their headquarters, plane scents which comes

[59:05] in pretty frequently, has a headquarters in Port Smith, New Hampshire, Pilots land the

[59:11] aircraft, they have overnight crew that fuel and take care of those kinds of things.

[59:16] And in some cases, we have large enough aircraft that come in that adding the additional weight

[59:21] a fuel would not allow them to meet what's called the balance field takeoff requirement which is when

[59:28] they reach rotation speed they have to be able to stop before you get to the end of the runway

[59:32] and the more weight that you have the more momentum you have the longer it takes to do all of that.

[59:37] So there are a lot of very legitimate reasons why people might not want to buy fuel. However,

[59:42] we would like to encourage them to buy fuel whenever possible and if not, we would like to offset

[59:48] that some of the costs incurred is a result

[59:50] of having some of these larger aircraft coming in.

[59:53] When we looked at the options,

[59:55] there are some very complicated ones,

[59:57] larger airports with full-time staff.

[1:00:00] Lots of people monitoring what's going on. Have some pretty complicated ones. The recommendation

[1:00:05] before you is something that's relatively straightforward, relatively simple, relatively easy

[1:00:10] to enforce. And we thought this would be a place to start. And then we can monitor how

[1:00:15] well it goes. And if we, if there are reasons why we think it needs to be refined or tweaked

[1:00:20] or modified, we'll come with that recommendation to the council at a later date. So what we're proposing

[1:00:26] Now is basically three categories of aircraft.

[1:00:30] It would be the charter and the corporate aircraft coming in that are

[1:00:34] turbine or jet engine up to 10,500 max gross between 10,500 and 12,500 max

[1:00:42] gross and above 12,500 max gross.

[1:00:45] And what we're saying is if you buy at least for the first category 50 gallons

[1:00:49] a fuel, then we'd waive the landing fee.

[1:00:52] Otherwise, we'd like you to pay us $50.

[1:00:53] dollars and the second case 100 gallons or pay us $75 in the third case 150 gallons or

[1:01:00] pay us $100. One of my concerns in the very beginning was I'm only part time. So I'm

[1:01:07] not there all the time when these aircraft come in. But my concerns about that had been mitigated

[1:01:11] for two reasons. One is most of the time if we have corporate or chargers coming in, I get

[1:01:18] a phone call from the company that is doing that and they're checking out a variety of

[1:01:22] things. One of which is asking about landing fees. So I have responded up until now that we

[1:01:29] don't have them, but this will give me an opportunity to let them know that. The other

[1:01:32] is because of technology, we have what's called ADSB and that's an electronic monitoring system

[1:01:38] and the aircraft that are coming in, the corporate and charter, the jet and the turbines are flying

[1:01:44] in the ATC system and so that's all recorded. So even if I'm not there, we would have a record

[1:01:51] of the aircraft coming in and the ownership.

[1:01:54] And so, and there's a limited number of these charter companies is sort of a sub-elfast area.

[1:01:58] So being able to send out billing to a limited number is, I think, is pretty reasonable.

[1:02:04] So the proposal before you this evening is to endorse what the advisory committee is recommending.

[1:02:10] I and the advisory committee are recommending, which is to implement the landing fees

[1:02:17] these that would be imposed if fuel purchases are not made by these type of aircraft.

[1:02:23] Thank you.

[1:02:25] Oh, no, motion to approve is presented.

[1:02:31] Second, from Chris' discussion, Brenda and Mary, or Mary and Brune.

[1:02:36] I just want to add effective October 1st, 2025 to the motion.

[1:02:40] No?

[1:02:44] Right?

[1:02:44] Okay.

[1:02:44] Thank you.

[1:02:45] So, just a couple of things.

[1:02:46] So, this is sort of along the lines of a little bit different than, of, of, of, of

[1:02:51] For example, when crafts come in and whatnot, the only two small questions I have are,

[1:02:56] and you know the research in this better and so does the committee, obviously, the fees

[1:03:00] are not egregious, such that their craft of the deterred or pilots would be deterred from

[1:03:05] coming, right?

[1:03:05] They're not like out of the ordinary, right?

[1:03:08] I don't know if I'm asking.

[1:03:10] No, that's a great question.

[1:03:13] And there are two answers to it.

[1:03:15] one is because these numbers are being recommended by an individual who flies into a lot of airports

[1:03:22] like ours and came from primarily that experience. So these are numbers that are consistent with

[1:03:29] what he has found in his flight. But the other is these aircraft are coming into Belfast because

[1:03:36] that's where the customer wants to be and so the charter companies obviously are catering to their

[1:03:44] customers. So you and I are driving down the road and we see two gas stations. One is two cents

[1:03:50] a gallon less on one side of the road and two cents more on the other side. We probably are going

[1:03:55] to decide to stop at the one where it's two cents per gallon less. And that is true for the

[1:04:02] hundred low-led sales that we have. But for GEDA, most of that is this corporate or charter

[1:04:09] and they don't really have a choice of which gas station to go to or which airport to go to. They

[1:04:13] have to go where their client is asking them to go. Now, if our fees were so

[1:04:19] exorbitant that the company were to encourage their customers to go someplace

[1:04:23] else, then we'd run into that problem. Those two things make me feel very

[1:04:27] comfortable with this. Thank you. And the other small question I have is if you're

[1:04:31] not there to charge the fee or whatever you work it and you have to send an

[1:04:38] invoice, just trying to make sure that that time that you spend doing that and

[1:04:43] and the invoicing, I don't think it's going to be, you know, completely all the time,

[1:04:47] but, you know, just trying to think about things of your time in terms of invoicing and

[1:04:52] that how that fits into the phase, and that's just, I'm sure you thought of that all of

[1:04:57] this.

[1:04:57] No, I appreciate that question, because when we had, and we'll be talking about more about

[1:05:02] this later, because there'll be some other recommendations that come out of this, when

[1:05:06] the FAA came and asked us to look at ways in which we might increase fees, some of their

[1:05:12] suggestions bumped up against that very issue, would we end up spending more in staff time

[1:05:18] than we would actually generate in revenue?

[1:05:21] You got to look at both sides of that.

[1:05:24] In this particular case, because there are, for the most part, four or five companies that

[1:05:31] are typically fine into our airport, once the address has been determined, the billing

[1:05:39] office has been determined that it's just that I'll be stored in the computer just plug

[1:05:44] in the amount and we'll send it off so it should be pretty straightforward.

[1:05:47] Okay, thank you very much.

[1:05:48] Thank you.

[1:05:49] Paul?

[1:05:51] No, again, how often do you think you'll be coming back asking to go through updating these

[1:05:58] figures on a regular basis and the ideas?

[1:06:03] Yeah, no, we gave some thought to that.

[1:06:04] But we haven't, this is our first proposal to actually have landing fees.

[1:06:11] On the basis of our experience looking at other airports around us, given the fact that we are not exorbitant, we're right in the middle, we're being appropriate, we're being fair.

[1:06:24] I don't think there'll be any adjustments to this, but again, this whole thing has only been going on since May 2023.

[1:06:32] And we want to be creative and be thoughtful about ways in which we can generate revenue that offsets costs to our taxpayers.

[1:06:41] And so it could be that we've come across something that says, ooh, this is a better idea or a modification.

[1:06:49] In that case, I come back to you.

[1:06:51] But we tried to think this thing through, so I don't anticipate that you'll be seeing us with respect to this particular issue.

[1:06:56] We are looking at other fee issues as well, so I may be coming back to you for those, but I don't

[1:07:02] it is becoming back on this anytime real soon.

[1:07:05] Thank you.

[1:07:06] Mary.

[1:07:08] So we review fees for the harbor and for code and planning on an annual basis.

[1:07:15] I think that would be an appropriate timing so that we're consistent amongst and between

[1:07:22] in our departments in terms of fees for you.

[1:07:25] And I also think that this conversation started during budget discussions and I certainly

[1:07:30] commend Ken and the airport committee for taking up this section, but I think also looking

[1:07:35] at our fuel cost rates and things of that nature, I feel like that would be something that would

[1:07:40] be a good idea to dig into sooner rather than later.

[1:07:45] Good.

[1:07:46] Any other discussion?

[1:07:48] All in favor?

[1:07:49] Motion passed.

[1:07:50] This 5 to 0.

[1:07:51] Thank you.

[1:07:52] Thank you.

[1:07:53] Item J is a request to approve the Certificate of Commitment of Sewer User Rate for the period

[1:07:59] of January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025.

[1:08:04] Yes, so the Certificate of Commitment of Sewer User Rate certifies and commits a true list

[1:08:10] of the sewer rates established by pursuant to 38 MRSA Section 3406 for those properties,

[1:08:18] units and structures required by local and state law to pay a sewer rate to a municipality.

[1:08:23] This really just fortifies the decision that was made at the previous council meeting regarding

[1:08:28] this year's sewer rates that are set. Bill's already gone out but this just really puts it into

[1:08:34] the process. I will be doing this process by annually. And I think that it is good because it will be

[1:08:41] very clear as to what the rate is, what the interest rate is, and we'll be following that state's

[1:08:47] Thank you to the team.

[1:08:48] Yeah.

[1:08:48] Can I get a motion in a second?

[1:08:53] Yeah.

[1:08:55] Second.

[1:08:56] Okay.

[1:08:57] Get a motion in a second and a discussion.

[1:09:00] All in favor?

[1:09:02] Motion passes 5 to 0.

[1:09:03] You weren't expecting like a big exciting discussion about through it.

[1:09:07] Your accuracy or just asking guys, just asking for motions in seconds.

[1:09:12] Thanks for the commenting though.

[1:09:14] Request from the Fire Chief to accept a $200 donation from First National Bank.

[1:09:19] item K. Yes, this is in recognition of National EMS week from First National Bank. So this is a $200 donation. Only the City Council and accept these on behalf of the City of Belfast. I recommend that this line be placed in the jaws of life account number 1-2100-00.

[1:09:39] Thank you. Motion from Brenda? Yep. Second discussion. All in favor? Motion passes 5-0. And then

[1:09:47] request from the fire chief to accept a $1,000 donation from Rennie's Charitable Foundation.

[1:09:52] Yes, Rennie's Charitable Foundation. To the same cause, certainly appreciate their generosity.

[1:09:58] The recommendation would be to accept the funds, $1,000 in place of donation,

[1:10:02] the show is like count 1-2-1-0-0.

[1:10:06] Thank you.

[1:10:06] Motion second.

[1:10:08] All in favor?

[1:10:10] Skip to discussion.

[1:10:11] We're good to go.

[1:10:12] Signing of council orders is happening.

[1:10:15] Open to the public looks good to me.

[1:10:19] Communications?

[1:10:20] Yeah.

[1:10:21] Yes.

[1:10:21] Having just been educated that it is this week is the EMS

[1:10:29] That's appreciation week or whatever, well then I think we should take a moment to express our appreciation to our very excellent, very professional EMS staff.

[1:10:41] My family has been, had need of their services and we know what a terrific job they do, not just a competent but compassionate job.

[1:10:56] Yes, so kudos to them and happy the ms. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. I

[1:11:05] would like to add the bridge street comments from the neighbors. I just wanted

[1:11:10] to say that when we first set up the Harbor Walk 10 years ago, whatever was long

[1:11:18] around. But we had a discussion about cameras and we had we had things put in

[1:11:24] for camera placement holders, we didn't put cameras in.

[1:11:29] I've heard complaints or concerns from people,

[1:11:34] and although I don't watch TV, I see a lot,

[1:11:38] there's a lot, everything is,

[1:11:40] everywhere you go now there's cameras.

[1:11:42] So I'm saying it's not,

[1:11:44] the idea 12 years ago seemed a little foreign to me,

[1:11:47] but today it does seem like a very cost efficient,

[1:11:49] I know we've used them, or various places in the city,

[1:11:52] And I just hopefully council takes note of that and maybe we can work on something for

[1:11:55] in general, the harbor walk and that area, it does seem to be a summer of peeling out and burning rubber on the street.

[1:12:05] Every summer is and but this year is remarkable.

[1:12:08] And I think that, like they said, the police forces all over it but they can't be everywhere.

[1:12:13] So just my two cents to firm up what they said.

[1:12:16] So I just wanted to add that.

[1:12:18] Any other communications?

[1:12:19] I was sort of thinking it was nice to get their feedback and to hear what their experience

[1:12:24] has been and detail and some good recommendations, some of them which we can certainly accommodate.

[1:12:32] I'm wondering if maybe give us a couple of weeks and we can bring perhaps some sort of low-cost

[1:12:40] solutions that we can propose and bring that up maybe at the first meeting and after or

[1:12:44] something like that.

[1:12:45] Absolutely.

[1:12:46] And as far as sort of cameras and things like that, you know, I can really make that

[1:12:50] recommendation.

[1:12:50] I mean, that is a very good kind of capital improvement sort of expenditure that,

[1:12:55] you know, there are costs associated with those things, and it has not been a discussion.

[1:13:00] It's certainly something we can put into place, you know, just it'll take a little bit longer.

[1:13:05] Could I suggest that we discuss with Front Street Shipyard any problems that might, I can

[1:13:13] I was seeing a big yacht on a trailer hitting a speed bump and I'm a little wary about that so could we get an opinion from them?

[1:13:23] I'm thinking more just along the lines of signage.

[1:13:26] Oh, I didn't like that but we were asked about speed bumps.

[1:13:28] Speed limit signs.

[1:13:29] Speed limit signs.

[1:13:30] But we were asked about speed bumps.

[1:13:32] So I'd like to just be able to tell them what the front street has to say on that issue in case it should come up later.

[1:13:40] Okay. Okay. One solution doesn't work and we want to do more. Keep in mind that we mentioned several streets.

[1:13:46] Yeah. Keep in mind that when the original agreement with the 17 different planned swaps with Front Street happened,

[1:13:54] they agreed to do an annual review with us as well in August of every year. So I know we haven't had one and things have changed down there,

[1:14:01] but I'm sure there would be more than happy to come up and give their two cents. So good.

[1:14:05] All right, motion to adjourn.

[1:14:08] That will.

[1:14:08] Second.

[1:14:09] All in favor?

[1:14:11] Motion passes 5 to 0.

[1:14:12] Have a good evening, everybody.

[1:14:13] Thank you.

Sep 02, 2025 City Council

Transcript