[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] I call to order the city council regular meeting Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, will clerk please call the roll.
[0:07] Councillor Pantsy, Councillor Daniels, Councillor Haloran, here, Mayor Moran.
[0:13] I declare reforms present. We please join me in citing the pledge of allegiance.
[0:38] The minutes of the August 11th, 2026, the regular meeting, the chair recognizes Council at
[0:44] time will you please move the meeting minutes?
[0:46] I'm in the minutes please.
[0:48] Please have it in place on file.
[0:50] A second that.
[0:51] All those in favour?
[0:54] Okay.
[0:54] It's unanimous.
[0:55] The minutes are approved and will be placed on file.
[0:59] Awards petition and public comment.
[1:01] I have a proclamation.
[1:04] A lengthy proclamation.
[1:05] The read.
[1:07] September is substance use disorder awareness and recovery month.
[1:11] So, whereas, substance use disorder continues to be a major public health crisis, affecting individuals
[1:18] of all ages and backgrounds, creating significant medical, societal, and economical challenges.
[1:26] Whereas, of 2025, Maine has expanded its network of recovery community centers with 22 active centers supported by the Maine Recovery Hub,
[1:39] providing vital recovery resources statewide, and whereas in 2024, Maine recorded 494 fatal
[1:49] overdoses, a slight reduction from the previous year but still a devastating loss.
[1:55] 8,124 non-fatal overdoses were reported, continuing to underscore the need for robust
[2:02] intervention and resources. In 2025 data through June showed 158 fatal overdoses, a 21% reduction
[2:12] compared to the same period in 2024 and 2,842 non-fatal overdoses. This is from the main drug
[2:21] data. And whereas synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, remain the leading driver of overdose
[2:30] deaths with fentanyl contributing to 80% of fatalities in 2024 and whereas the state of
[2:36] Maine has increased efforts in providing access to Naloxin and drug and drug use supplies
[2:45] including the Maine Naloxin Distribution Initiative which distributed 65,000 Naloxin
[2:56] A 130,000 doses in 2024, marking a 12% increase over the prior year from the main public health.
[3:08] The main syringe access program, which distributed 2.8 million syringes in 2024 as a part of its commitment to harm reduction from the main syringe program.
[3:23] And whereas the City of Brewer recognizes that substance use disorder requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only treatment and recovery support, but also education, prevention and enforcement efforts.
[3:39] Through education, we can reduce the stigma associated with recovery and encourage those in need to seek treatment.
[3:46] by supporting law enforcement initiatives focused on reducing the illegal distribution of drugs and addressing criminal justice implications.
[3:57] We can help mitigate the impacts of substance misuse on the community.
[4:03] And whereas the City of Brewer has been long committed as a partner in supporting local effects to reduce substance use,
[4:12] promote recovery and improve overall community health.
[4:17] This includes supporting education and prevention programs,
[4:21] 8, 8.
[4:23] And preventing the onset of substance use,
[4:28] while ensuring that effective accessible treatment and recovery resources
[4:32] are available for those in need.
[4:35] And whereas the city of Brure or recognizes that recoveries
[4:41] Bring life where there was darkness, hope where there was despair and accomplishment where there was struggle.
[4:50] Recovery restores a sense of health and purpose and is attainable with the right support and personal commitment.
[4:57] And whereas the City of Brewer encourages all individuals impacted by substance use disorder to connect with local resources,
[5:05] join the recovery community and seek the health they need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
[5:13] Now, therefore, I, Jen Moore and Mayor of the City of Brewer, on behalf of the City Council and Citizens of Brewer,
[5:19] do hereby proclaim the month of September 2026 as substance use disorder awareness and recovery month.
[5:27] Within the City of Brewer and encouraging all residences, agencies, organizations, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, too.
[5:37] Honor and support individuals in recovery therefore they're encouraging accomplishments.
[5:42] Advocate for continued access to treatment and recovery support services.
[5:46] Expand and strengthen local recovery resources, including recovery community center centers, such as the Bangor area recovery network.
[5:57] Also known as barn.
[6:00] Promote education and prevention efforts to reduce stigma and encourage healthier lifestyles.
[6:07] Support law enforcement initiatives and target the illegal distribution of drug and work to reduce the harm caused by substance misuse.
[6:14] And foster a community culture of hope, recovery, and compassion.
[6:20] In witness where I have, here on to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of
[6:27] Rourer to be imprinted at this eighth day of September, 2026,
[6:34] as a long one.
[6:36] We also have an additional
[6:40] proclamation in recognition of
[6:46] firefighters recognition day.
[6:50] Whereas, in order of the brave men and women
[6:52] who protect the life and property of main people,
[6:55] the state of Maine and its citizens observe the first
[6:58] Saturday in October as firefighters recognition day
[7:02] in accordance with Title I, MRSA 135.
[7:06] And whereas Maine has over 330 fire departments across the state dedicated to keeping community
[7:14] safe through fire response, medical emergencies, searching rescue, fire prevention, and
[7:21] code enforcement.
[7:22] And whereas the city of Brewer has 19 professional firefighters dedicated to protecting
[7:28] the life and the well-being of Brewer.
[7:30] Rule residents, and the surrounding communities. In whereas, Brewer firefighters face risk and potential
[7:36] dangers every day in the performance of their duties to ensure that safety and well-being of
[7:41] Brewer residents. In whereas, Brewer firefighters have faithfully responded to over 3,500 incidents
[7:50] over the last year. Whereas, the Brewer City Council recognizes the hard work, sacrifice,
[7:57] professionalism and dedication that Brewer Firefighters demonstrate on a daily basis.
[8:03] Now therefore, I, Jen Moore, Mayor of the City of Brewer, on behalf of the City Council
[8:07] and Citizens of Brewer, do hereby proclaim the first Saturday of October 2026 as Firefighter
[8:15] Recognition Day.
[8:16] In witness whereof, I have here on to set my hand and cause the seal of the City of
[8:22] to be imprinted this eighth day of September, 2020.
[8:34] We'll be on to the agenda here.
[8:36] We have City Council liaison updates.
[8:40] Do any of our counselors have some updates that they're ready to share?
[8:44] Council dings?
[8:46] I attended the trustees meeting on August 18th.
[8:50] They had a balance of 24,000 and $12.16.
[8:54] The brick pillars are finished with the signs on them
[8:57] and they went over by $9,000, which was taken out of the summer project budget, which still had
[9:03] $4,300 available to it. The Brewer Community Schools repairs to the roof are finished,
[9:10] however, it did end up with a few weeks after the fact, which are now being corrected.
[9:16] On August 24th, 2026, they attended the Housing Authority. The full board was present.
[9:22] They are still missing one residential member, but we have no applications for it, so they are going to their residents and going to ask if anybody is willing to serve on it.
[9:34] HUD visited that in early August.
[9:38] They took them around, showed them the day here, the housing in their weekly farmers market that they have for the residents there.
[9:47] The summer lunch program ran in conjunction with a bank warehousing authority this year.
[9:52] It ran for four weeks, for four days a week, and they have a food pantry that runs
[9:55] four days for seven weeks.
[9:59] The brewer housing authority has been experiencing an e-bike issue, which we're all familiar
[10:05] with.
[10:06] Several of the issues going on in brewer, there are no residential children that have
[10:10] the e-vites.
[10:10] they are someone who was using that area and causing a bit. I did let them know that we are
[10:17] familiar with the situation and that we are also working on that. And they also were contacted
[10:22] by other housing authorities in the area to join a contact for solar. They had some questions,
[10:29] so I suggested they get in touch with City Manager Glidden and finance director,
[10:33] or a puzzle, a puzzle, a puzzle, sorry, and they have a meeting scheduled to go over
[10:44] that to help with it.
[10:47] Points from the August 19th, County Commissioner's meeting, they have $4 million left
[10:55] in their budget, they then refer to it as the fund balance, so I'm not quite sure if that
[11:02] is the fund balance because I didn't think they had one. So as a little confused by that,
[11:11] they have some other work to be done. They did find $4,779,479,000 dollars
[11:22] that came in during COVID. That was supposed to be part of a project that was separate from COVID
[11:27] like a pilot, payment and load of taxes from the federal government, and so I, they're looking
[11:36] into how that should have been central why that that's still there.
[11:42] They did get their opioid committee, which has $400,000 in opioid funds, is now set and
[11:49] they've had their meetings, they are taking applications shortly.
[11:52] They did approve 200, approximately $200,000 for two night and weekend maintenance people.
[12:04] Starting the hiring immediately, so $50,000 for this budget to be added in and then 200 on the next budget for the jail and other facilities but mostly for the jail.
[12:20] They're also asking for an RFP for security for the facility where they will have security
[12:29] at the door, whether it involves metal detectors or whatever it will be that they're asking
[12:35] for that to go through an RFP and that was approved.
[12:38] September 2nd, the Together Plays came before them and asked for $3,521.
[12:46] They said if they got bang war to donate $7,000, if they would donate $7,000 to it,
[12:52] they're going to come back to them meeting with bang wars tomorrow.
[12:58] And the opioid committee gave an update, and I believe that is all I have.
[13:05] Thank you.
[13:08] I was out of town for both of you.
[13:10] I think it's housing authority.
[13:12] She did.
[13:13] She forgot for me yes.
[13:15] Council, I haven't.
[13:17] Didn't have anything.
[13:20] Okay.
[13:21] So reporting out for cultural and arts, chair, Marissa,
[13:28] Worcester and co-chair and Colson,
[13:31] have been busy bebers putting together what's going to hopefully be a real fun October event for
[13:38] the community. So from 3 to 6 in the Children's Garden all hoping not just kids show up in
[13:46] costumes but families and there's going to be all kinds of really fun things happening that day.
[13:52] And so things are going really well with that. And then as soon as that one's done they'll be on
[13:57] for working on the holiday one that will happen and I think late November.
[14:06] And then the Pinopscott County Jail, there's a coalition group, we're just starting to
[14:13] get back on track. There was some break during the summer month. One of the things that the
[14:19] group is looking to do is find supporters who are willing to do some education around the need
[14:27] for new correctional facility,
[14:32] it continues to be top project or top of mine, I think, for
[14:36] lots of community members because the Penopsis County Jail, the budget continues to
[14:41] go up. The jail is in desperate need of being replaced, and so there is a core group
[14:48] of people who are working on really trying to find out ways in which we can do more education
[14:54] around the community to hopefully stop the financial leading.
[15:00] To all of the folks in Panaskat County.
[15:04] And that's what I have to report out. So I think that finishes our liaison report and that moves us on to city manager.
[15:11] Thank you, Mayor Moran. A quick reminder, we've already sent us some correspondence about this, but the household hazardous waste program.
[15:21] This is really important for members of the public, we're listening. It's very important to pre-register for that event, which will be held October 3rd.
[15:29] Saturday, October 3rd from 8 a.m. to noon. If you want more information, there's more information on the city website about
[15:37] what's allowed and there's a pre-registration forum and some other information on there as well. So this week there will be some more
[15:44] correspondence going out about that, but just a reminder to the public on that.
[15:50] And I have to say extremely efficient. The first time I used it last year, I gathered up all my stuff. I registered it and I was in an out of there
[15:59] in probably a minute and a half.
[16:02] It's like just, and I have five of us, though.
[16:06] There aren't a very tight ship, so thank you for that.
[16:09] I mentioned this last month, but again, it just has a reminder.
[16:12] Once again, it's the city continues.
[16:14] It's a paving program.
[16:16] Some residents may have concerns about the transitions
[16:18] between the new pavement and their driveway apron.
[16:21] So if you do have any concerns,
[16:24] have any issues, please contact public works,
[16:26] and they will assess the driveway and that transition and they'll evaluate it and potentially
[16:36] make some repairs if warranted.
[16:39] For the new peer park project, Acorn Engineering has been on site and has they have finalized
[16:44] their field work.
[16:45] They've put together a concept plan that will now go to city staff to review, so they will
[16:51] be meeting with city staff later this month.
[16:54] And once this meeting occurs, I will keep the city council prized of next steps in the need
[17:01] development on that front.
[17:04] The Maple Street Stormdrain replacement work, what force has been delayed, my understanding
[17:08] is that the contractor had another project that they kind of got diverted to and so that
[17:15] will now take place in the spring and is expected to be now completed by mid-June.
[17:24] In the next few weeks, portions of Green Point Road, I'm street on those one road that the
[17:31] paving will be happening on those roads or portions of those roads, we will be sending
[17:35] out of notified for a message once this work has been definitively scheduled.
[17:40] And as Mayor Morgan mentioned, the Culture and Arts Committee has been very diligent, and
[17:45] I want to thank the chair and co-chair, Marissa Worcester, and Anne Colson for their work on
[17:51] but they have an event on October 10th titled, The Brewer Hall, that's more of a Halloween theme,
[17:58] and so they have a lot of fun activities planned between 3 and 6.
[18:02] They're going to have a candy apple buffet, pumpkin painting, a children's, a movie in the children's garden at 615.
[18:11] So a lot of fun activities for kids and families, so we'll be sending us a more information on that as the event gets closer.
[18:19] The South Main Street, Chembro Crosswalk Insolation and Signal Project is underway.
[18:27] The project actually should be completed by the end of the week and in fact today the
[18:32] ramps and the posts we're being installed so you may have seen that we're happening
[18:37] earlier today.
[18:40] One of the initiatives that, let's say one of the goals that the City Council discussed earlier
[18:47] This year was making city government more accessible, making it more transparent.
[18:55] So one of the initiatives that we've undertaken over the last couple of weeks is the digitization
[19:01] of city licenses.
[19:03] So your business licenses and amusement licenses, all the different licenses that are
[19:09] required in the city of Brewer, those have now been digitized.
[19:12] So you can apply for those licenses through the city website and you can also make payments
[19:17] for those. So just trying to make easier for folks to do that. Now there's still the option
[19:22] to submit a art-to-download rather the PDF license and to submit that and then to make
[19:29] payments to the city clerk. But we're trying, again, we're trying to make it as easy as possible
[19:35] for our business owners and our residents.
[19:40] And finally, I'll be wrapping up a grant in conjunction with a public safety through the
[19:48] this year they're offering for up to $50,000, and they're limiting the application
[19:53] to just public safety and library projects, and so we're putting together an application
[20:02] for the Stephen and Tabitha.
[20:03] King Foundation for an ask of $50,000 to outfit the new ambulance with necessary equipment.
[20:10] This grant is doing October, and I have to say in my opinion that our grant application certainly aligns with the foundation's priority for public safety related projects for this year.
[20:24] So a lot of things happening right now throughout the city, as always, if anyone in the public has any questions feel free to call my office and happy to discuss.
[20:36] So we're moving on to public comment, thank you for that, Eric.
[20:43] This week, the Council was sent to learn of the passing of a former city councilor
[20:47] and I are at the age of 90.
[20:49] And served two terms as mayor in the late 1970s, so I think it was 76 to 78 around there.
[20:59] And so, at this time, the chair recognizes City of Brewer Public Safety Director Chris Martin.
[21:09] Good afternoon.
[21:10] Good evening, Madam Mayor, distinguished members of Brewer City Council.
[21:13] I'm Christopher Martin, I'm the Public Safety Director from the City of Brewer.
[21:18] I'm here to issue a public comment on the status of licensed plate readers in the City of Brewer.
[21:24] In 2019, the city began participation in a pilot program with Leonardo, ELSAG, that's the company.
[21:34] This pilot program involved an automated license plate recognition system at one location in Bruer at the intersection of Route 1A and I-395.
[21:44] In 2020, the city subsequently purchased a mobile LPR for use on a police cruiser with grant funding.
[21:51] This system captures licensed plate data and has the capability to store data to assist law enforcement in criminal investigations.
[22:00] Prior to the installation of this system, a main law was passed that limits how automatic licensed plate recognition systems may be used,
[22:08] and prohibits retaining data for more than 21 days unless the data is tied to a specific investigation.
[22:15] When the system was installed, the required agreements were obtained from the appropriate state agencies.
[22:22] The system designed an auto to lead data, not flag for retention.
[22:27] This is how the system continued to operate.
[22:30] On August 31, the Police Department learned, because of a software issue, the vendor system was retaining
[22:37] license plate data on its servers beyond the 21-day limit established by main law. The city immediately
[22:44] reported the issue to the vendor, and the system was disabled within 24 hours. And the mobile LPR was
[22:51] removed uninstalled on Wednesday of last week, September 2. The company had not previously notified
[22:58] the city of the software issues or the extended data retention.
[23:04] The police department also notified other agencies in Maine that used the same LPR system.
[23:10] The perir place department was unaware that the data being retained beyond the legally
[23:14] permitted period until the issue was independently discovered by us next week.
[23:20] Before this issue was discovered, city officials had already decided not to
[23:24] on the licensed plate recognition system in this year's budget because of its cost and
[23:29] other competing priorities.
[23:31] The system has been provided through a pilot program and grant funding.
[23:36] At this time, the city no longer participates in an LPR program and has no plans to spend
[23:41] additional funds on this system.
[23:44] The city understands that residents may have questions about how this technology has been
[23:48] used.
[23:49] Broward is committed to addressing those questions openly and transparently.
[23:54] We remain committed to preserving public safety and maintaining the trust of the community.
[24:02] Thank you, Chair.
[24:02] Thank you.
[24:03] Thank you.
[24:04] Councillor, does anybody have any comments?
[24:08] I appreciate on your work and there are your action towards a, towards a, towards a discovery
[24:15] and also spreading the information to other departments.
[24:19] Thank you.
[24:21] Thank you for all your good work.
[24:22] I realized that, you know, when we first learned of this, that this has been a tool that had been used for some important things.
[24:30] But I appreciate your swift work on identifying that it wasn't compliant with the 21 days and taking the necessary steps.
[24:37] So thank you.
[24:38] Thank you.
[24:45] So we will now hear comments from the public.
[24:47] Please be advised that no action may be taken at tonight's meeting for any public comments.
[24:52] And public comments will be referred to the city staff to respond when appropriate.
[24:56] If you wish to share a comment or concern, please step up to the microphone and state your name and address.
[25:10] Moving on.
[25:13] Those that have come for a words of petition and public comment, you're welcome to say for the rest of meeting, but if you'd like to step out of this time.
[25:20] Thank you for coming.
[25:27] All right, so moving on to the consent calendar.
[25:30] Will the clerk please read the consent calendar?
[25:34] Order A172.
[25:35] Authorize appropriation of funds for sewer enterprise account wellness program.
[25:41] Order A173, authorize appropriation of funds for water enterprise account wellness program.
[25:50] Order A174, authorize funds to cover annual resurfacing contract overage.
[25:57] Order A175,
[25:58] except donation of Ice Harvesting Heritage Monument from Doug and Nikki Farham for River
[26:05] Walk Trail.
[26:07] Order A176, authorized purchase of winter sand, Order A177, authorized purchase of
[26:16] backhoe for public works.
[26:19] Order A178, approved carry forward in conference of appropriated but not expended fiscal year
[26:26] 2026 funds for approved projects.
[26:30] Order A179, award-change order for Stone Street to co-street slip line repair.
[26:38] Order A180 authorized de-rooting of sewer collection system.
[26:44] Order A181, commit water assessment to treasure for collection.
[26:49] Order A182, commit sewer assessment to treasure for collection.
[26:56] Order A183, grant approval to Brewer Eagle's Club to allow patrons to consume alcohol
[27:02] at special outdoor event. Order A184, grant approval to Brewster's fine food
[27:09] and drink to allow patrons to consume alcohol at special outdoor event.
[27:15] Are there any items for your move from the consent calendar for individual consideration?
[27:21] No, but I'd like to take a moment to thank the Farms for their gracious donation.
[27:25] It is beautiful and we're very lucky that I have them donated to us.
[27:31] Really quick, there will be a sign that's going to be installed very soon.
[27:36] You're actually just picked it up today.
[27:37] It just gives a quote from Doug and Nicky Farmer and just explaining them all.
[27:40] I think it's so cool to have that and be able to have people to kind of stop and just read about the history and very cool.
[27:51] Okay, so the chair recognizes council Daniels. Will you move the consent calendar please?
[27:55] I move that the orders on the consent calendar have passage.
[28:00] All those in favor?
[28:03] The orders on the consent calendar have an anonymous passage.
[28:07] It's moving on to monthly reports. The chair recognizes council.
[28:09] How are these local number reports?
[28:12] I move this monthly reports to be accepted and placed on file.
[28:16] Okay, second that.
[28:17] All of those in favor.
[28:20] Nico, by unanimous vote, the monthly reports are accepted.
[28:23] We'll be placed on file.
[28:26] Moving on to nominations, appointments, elections, consent calendar.
[28:31] Will the clerk please read the consent calendar?
[28:35] Resolve B032, except resignations from City of Brewer, Culture and Arts Committee.
[28:39] Order A185, appoint member to City of Brewer Culture and Arts Committee. Order A186, appoint member to Library Board of Trustees. Order A187, appoint member to City of Brewer Parks and Recreational Advisory Commission.
[28:58] Are there any items to remove in the consent calendar for individual consideration?
[29:04] Okay, seeing none, share right in the name of the council.
[29:06] I moved up your orders on the consent calendars have passed it, and that the result be adopted.
[29:12] Next, second up. Great. All those in favour?
[29:15] Thank you, unanimous. The orders on the consent calendar have passed it, and the result is adopted.
[29:20] We're moving on to unfinished business, 2026-A188 order authorized retention of SL environmental
[29:30] log group and participation in the PFAS litigation council Daniels, I move that the order
[29:36] have passage.
[29:38] Hi, second.
[29:40] All those in favor?
[29:43] Okay, by way of unanimous vote, the order has passage here with the right through here.
[29:50] Okay, so moving on to new business. Will the clerk please read the consent calendar?
[29:57] Order C022.
[29:59] A men's chapter 20.
[30:00] Before the charter codes and ordinances of the city of Brewer, entitled Land Use Code, Article 3, zoning districts, sections, 305.6, schedule of uses, Article 4, performance standards, section 406, camping park, and Article 14, definitions.
[30:20] Order C023, amend chapter 19 of the charter codes and ordinances of the City of Brewer, entitled traffic code, Article 3, stopping standing and parking, section 304 to address minimum parking distances from intersections and stop signs.
[30:38] Order C024, amend chapter 20 of the charter codes and ordinances of the City of Brewer, entitled licenses and permits, Article 1 and Article 2.
[30:49] Are there any items to be removed from the consent calendar for individual consideration?
[30:56] Could you chair recognize this council tower?
[30:58] Will you please move the consent calendar?
[31:00] Yes.
[31:01] I'm with the amendments on the consent calendar.
[31:03] Be certified and filed with the City Clerk for posting.
[31:06] That's okay.
[31:06] Excellent.
[31:07] All those in favor?
[31:10] By unanimous vote.
[31:11] The amendments on the consent calendar are certified.
[31:13] And we'll be filed with the clerk for posting.
[31:23] They're with new items and leave of council.
[31:26] There are no new items with leave of council.
[31:28] I will now entertain a motion to adjourn and move to adjourn.
[31:32] Second.
[31:33] All those in favor?
[31:36] By unanimous vote?
[31:37] And we will adjourn for these.
[31:39] Meeting adjourn.