Public Meetings - Bangor, Maine

This was a regular workshop of the Bangor City Council held on Monday, September 22, 2025. The meeting included updates from the city solicitor and city manager, discussions on vacant building registration, Bangor Mall litigation, ARPA fund spending, a historical timeline installation, and a police photo incident. The council unanimously voted to enter executive session. City Solicitor's Update - The city solicitor reported that a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the city's legal department website has been accessible since August 12, 2025. Topics include the Freedom of Access Act, accessibility, quitclaim fees, fields and variances, vacant building registration, legal assistance, and rights and responsibilities of residential tenants. - Vacant building registration enforcement: Since the last update in July 2025, five properties were removed from the vacant list (no longer vacant) and two were newly identified. The total is now 65 vacant properties, three fewer than before. Registered and current properties dropped from 53 to 30, while unregistered properties increased from 15 to 35, due to many registrations expiring after six months and code enforcement renewals not yet resulting in NLP (Notice of Landlord? Possibly) issuance. The solicitor noted that new Rule 80k (land use enforcement) actions regarding trash/junkyard properties are being prepared or are already in litigation. - Bangor Mall Rule 80k case: The hearing continued from earlier proceedings and took place all day on September 22. The mall presented evidence of abatement efforts, showing significant progress particularly on stormwater structures, but violations have not been fully abated. The judge has inquired about finishing the remainder of witnesses by deposition, and the proceeding's continuation date remains uncertain. - The solicitor noted an increasing volume and complexity of Freedom of Access Act requests, which the legal department is managing. City Manager's Update - The airport runway refurbishment has been completed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for October 2025. Council members were invited to indicate preferred dates or conflicts. - A historical timeline installation is being developed for the back wall of council chambers in collaboration with the historical society. A mock-up was reviewed earlier in the week, and installation is expected sometime in 2025. - ARPA grant recipients: Many have begun spending funds more aggressively in the last three months, reducing unspent balances. However, a handful of recipients still have not spent their funds. The city manager will begin meeting with them to secure firm spending plans to avoid returning money to the federal government. Grant recipients must spend their funds by the end of 2026. - Police Chief Hathaway addressed a photo of a council candidate taken with officers on a bridge. He explained that officers frequently receive requests for photos and rarely know the individuals. He stated that the officers did not know the person was a candidate, there was no intent to influence an election, and the department does not endorse any candidate. The officers were present for traffic safety and public safety during a flag-waving event on the previous Friday or weekend. The chief noted that three officers were there: a supervisor, a trainee supervisor, and an officer from the street. He did not know the exact size or scope of the event. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously voted to enter executive session under two statutes: 1 MRSA §405(6)(C) (disposition of real property or economic development) and 1 MRSA §405(6)(A) (personnel, public official). Roll call: Councilor Beck (yes), Councilor Crumble (yes), Councilor Mailer (yes), Councilor Dean (yes), Councilor Fish (yes). No further agenda items were addressed after the motion.

This special meeting of the Bangor City Council was called to order by City Solicitor David Sepchak at 5:15 PM on September 15, 2025. The sole agenda item was the election of a council chair for the remainder of the 2024-25 council year. Discussion Items - Councilor Tremple nominated Councilor Fournier for chair. Councilor Beck nominated himself. Both nominees were given the opportunity to present statements of qualifications. - Councilor Fournier noted that he previously served as mayor for two years. - Councilor Beck highlighted his participation in community events (e.g., Teresa's Place ribbon cutting, Cedar Falls Mobile Home celebration, Bright Beginnings Child Care Center groundbreaking, first pitch at Taylor Field), his engagement with listening sessions on substance use recovery and unhoused neighbors, and his attendance at the Maine Affordable Housing Conference. He emphasized his dedication to policy and procedure and offered steady, fair, collaborative leadership. Key Outcomes - The city clerk read the nominee names and called the roll. The vote resulted in 5 votes for Councilor Fournier and 2 votes for Councilor Beck. Councilor Fournier was elected as chair for the remainder of the 2024-25 council year. - Councilor Fournier stated that there are three more meetings remaining, primarily focusing on housing, and expressed a goal to move forward on that topic. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Bangor City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with a proclamation declaring September as National Recovery Month, followed by public comments, consent agenda approvals, passage of two ordinance amendments, and action on several orders including opioid settlements, appointment of a new finance director, property transactions, and referral of a council communication issue to the ethics board. Proclamation: National Recovery Month - Mayor Cara Pelletier (read by Michael Beck) proclaimed September 2025 as National Recovery Month in Bangor, citing 490 overdose deaths in Maine in 2024 (down from 606 in 2023) and an estimated economic impact of $1,400 per person annually in Penobscot County. Scott Party, president of Fresh Start Inc., accepted the proclamation. Public Comments & Testimony - Ricky Hall (property owner, 121 Fourth Street) raised concerns about an abandoned property owned by US Bank that is now in city hands, requesting the city clear the overgrowth and allow him to purchase the lot. He noted the overgrowth creates a rat habitat and described unsanitary conditions at an adjacent property. - Scott Party (Bangor resident) urged the council to prioritize homelessness and substance use disorder, stating the crisis is a financial burden on taxpayers. He cited the decreasing number of overdose deaths but increasing overdoses, and called for investment in long-term solutions like supportive housing and treatment. - Susan Falun (Bangor resident) thanked the council for the proclamation and urged education on substance abuse. She reported that the Bangor fire chief told her the department responds to five or six overdose calls daily. She also criticized a council member’s actions that she said cost the city about $100,000, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility. - Hillary Simmons (Bangor resident) criticized the selective approval of proclamations under Council Chair Cara Pelletier, specifically noting that Black History Month was denied while Pride Month and other proclamations were approved. She argued this undermines the council’s role to represent all residents and urged a fairer process. - Jamie Beck (Bangor resident, wife of Councilor Michael Beck) urged proactive action on homelessness and housing. She cited a Bangor Daily News article and expressed frustration that the council is reactive rather than proactive. She warned that people will die outside this winter due to the loss of a warming center, and called for the council to create housing solutions. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the August 25, 2025 meeting. - Order 25-259: Authorizing the city engineer to discontinue a portion of Miller Street. - Order 25-260: Authorizing a contract with CTR Maine for a new parking revenue control system ($283,559.10). - Order 25-262: Authorizing partnership agreements with Bangor and Brewer school departments for school-based tobacco treatment. - Order 25-263: Authorizing purchase of three police patrol vehicles from Darling’s ($151,527). - Item 25-264 (custodial services contract) was removed from consent and moved to new business. Unfinished Business - 25-256 (ordinance to designate Taylor Field as a safe zone with elevated drug penalties) passed unanimously (9-0). - 25-257 (ordinance amending land development code to allow private schools, training facilities, and recreational uses on major arterials in the rural-residential district) passed unanimously (9-0). New Business - 25-264 (custodial services contract with SJ Services/Star Janitorial) was postponed to the September 22 council meeting after a motion by Councilor Dean, seconded by Councilor Tremble. Councilor Tremble raised concerns about the company’s alleged labor practices in other states, including payroll and field labor standards issues. The motion passed without objection. - Public Hearings (Special Amusement License Renewals) - Cross Insurance Center (Global Spectrum LP) – license renewed unanimously. - The Terratine (81 Park Street LLC) – license renewed unanimously. - 25-265 (order authorizing settlement in opioid litigation with eight small pharmaceutical manufacturers, adding $1.1 billion nationally) passed unanimously. Councilor Beck confirmed that the advisory committee on opioid settlement funds will advise on these funds. - 25-266 (order authorizing settlement with Sackler family and approval of Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan, totaling $6.5 billion over 15 years) passed unanimously. Councilor Beck confirmed the same advisory committee will advise on these funds. - 25-267 (order authorizing appointment of Stephanie Kimball as Finance Director, with a starting salary of $116,605 and a three-year term) passed unanimously. Ms. Kimball expressed gratitude and commitment to process improvements. - 25-268 (order authorizing reassignment of lease at 110 Hildreth Street to Maine Recycling Corporation) passed unanimously (9-0). Councilor Mallor expressed concern about the below-market lease rate, but was assured by Economic Development Officer Begita Hernandez Smith that the lease would be renegotiated if the sale (next item) falls through. - 25-269 (order authorizing sale of 110 Hildreth Street to Maine Recycling Corporation for $2,091,600) passed 8-1, with Councilor Mallor voting no. He reiterated his concern about the lack of earnest money deposit. - 25-270 (order referring the issue of private communications between city councilors after the May 7 budget workshop to the Board of Ethics for an advisory opinion) passed 7-2, with Councilors Fournier and Tremble voting no. Councilor Leonard, who brought the order, explained he wanted a clear standard on what constitutes a walking quorum and private communications. Public comment from Scott Party supported transparency. Councilor Hawes and others noted the matter had already been reported in the newspaper. Key Outcomes - Proclamation for National Recovery Month approved. - Consent agenda items approved (one item postponed to new business). - Ordinance designating Taylor Field as a safe zone passed (9-0). - Ordinance amending rural-residential district to allow private schools and training facilities on arterials passed (9-0). - Custodial services contract (25-264) postponed to September 22, 2025. - Special amusement licenses for Cross Insurance Center and The Terratine renewed. - Opioid settlement orders with small manufacturers (25-265) and Sackler family/Purdue (25-266) both passed unanimously. - Stephanie Kimball appointed as Finance Director (25-267) unanimously. - Lease reassignment to Maine Recycling (25-268) passed unanimously. - Sale of 110 Hildreth Street to Maine Recycling (25-269) passed 8-1. - Referral of council communication issue to Board of Ethics (25-270) passed 7-2. - Meeting adjourned after closing comments, including congratulations to Ms. Kimball and a report on a tour of American Cruise Lines.

The Bangor City Council met on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance led by Parks and Rec Director Tracy Blett, public comment periods, approval of a consent agenda, referral of two ordinances, and a censure vote against Councilor Joe Leonard. The meeting concluded with additional public comment and councilor closing remarks. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the August 11, 2025, City Council meeting and the August 18, 2025, Finance Committee meeting. - Approved order 25-253 authorizing the city manager to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration airport terminal program grant not to exceed $22 million. - Approved order 25-254 authorizing a contract with Sargent Corporation for Bangor International Airport stormwater system maintenance in the amount of $382,700. - Approved resolve 25-255 ratifying staff action to apply for a Maine Department of Transportation discretionary transit funds competitive grant for FY 2026 in the amount of $468,682. Public Comments & Testimony Initial Public Comment (items not on the agenda): - A speaker (name not given) discussed magnetic field lines and criticized universities and NASA. - Leslie Brigham, a Bangor resident, opposed the establishment of another recovery home at 168 Cedar Street, stating that approximately eight drug and alcohol recovery centers are already within close proximity. She noted that children's school pickup is at Fifth and Cedar, directly across from the address. She argued that the property was sold for $150,000 (below market) and that a cap on recovery homes in the area is needed. She expressed support for recovery homes in general but not in an area already saturated. - Steve Farron, owner of 198 Broadway, described his prolonged effort to obtain a certificate of appropriateness for replacing a slate roof with slate facsimile. He accused Councilor Wayne Meller of lying to the Board of Appeals about historic preservation rules and of improper conduct at the August 14 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting. He stated that HPC Commissioner Matthew White Camp, a part owner of Blackstone Restoration, should have recused himself due to a conflict of interest. He also noted that Commissioner Rebecca Krupke had missed six of ten HPC meetings since October 2024, which affected the vote requirement (four affirmative votes needed). - Rick Violet, a general contractor and shareholder in a property in the historic district, stated that he and other property owners are proposing amendments to the historic preservation ordinance. He noted that cost does matter, citing a slate roof replacement estimate of $1.225 million for an assessed property of about $500,000. Public Comment on the Censure Order (25-258): - Brian Ray, a Bangor resident, criticized the finance director's delays in completing the 2024 audit and questioned the motivation behind the censure, referencing leaked text messages among councilors. - A former city council member supported the censure, stating that previous ethical discussions did not cost the city $100,000 (referring to severance and investigative fees). - Another speaker defended Councilor Leonard, arguing that his questions about the audit were reasonable and that the censure would discourage transparency. - Scott Party, a Bangor citizen, stated that Councilor Leonard's frustration was born of accountability and that sanctioning him sends a chilling message. - An independent observer questioned why the employee involved was not identified and whether they would have an opportunity to speak. - A speaker applauded Councilor Leonard for asking hard questions but disapproved of his methods. - Wendy Dana, a taxpayer and citizen, expressed concern about the lack of answers and criticized the council for not being strong. Public Comment After Business Meeting (30-minute period): - Speaker Blender (a lawyer) raised a compliance issue regarding Tyler v. Hennepin County and Maine law (36 MRS 943C) requiring municipalities to return surplus equity from tax-acquired properties, and urged caution against excluding elected councilors from votes. - Jacob Leonard (agent of family restaurant, lawyer) echoed the same compliance issue. - Hillary Simmons, a Bangor resident, reminded the council and taxpayers that elections are coming and that voters should choose representatives who follow through. - Adam Baker, a Bangor resident, thanked Councilor Leonard for his work on homelessness and criticized the censure. - A speaker thanked Parks and Rec for the men's over-40 softball league and mentioned the five-mile road race. Discussion Items Censure Order 25-258 (Councilor Joe Leonard): - Councilor Fournier moved the order, which censures Councilor Leonard for inappropriate public remarks made at the May 7, 2025, budget workshop, allegedly violating an employee's right to confidentiality under state law and acting outside his authority as a city councilor. - Councilor Beck raised a point of order, arguing that the censure was not preceded by a proper hearing as required by the city's Code of Ethics (Chapter 33, Section 3). The city solicitor responded that the hearing was occurring at that moment. Councilor Beck appealed the chair's ruling, and the council voted 6-3 to proceed (Beck, Leonard, Mallor voted no; Dean, Fish, Fournier, Haas, Trumbull, Pelletier voted yes). - After public comment, Councilor Beck moved to postpone the hearing to September 8, 2025, citing lack of proper notice and a conflict of interest. The motion failed 3-6 (Beck, Leonard, Mallor voted yes; all others voted no). - Councilor Leonard was given an opportunity to speak. He apologized for his bombastic tone but did not apologize for the substance of his statements. He claimed his freedom of speech and due process were violated and announced he had filed an ethics investigation request against the council for alleged violations of Maine's public meeting law (MRS 403) regarding text messages. He was then ruled out of order and removed from the chamber after continuing to speak. - Council members (Trumbull, Fish, and others) expressed that the censure was about protecting employee rights and following state law, not about the merits of Councilor Leonard's questions. Key Outcomes - Censure Vote: The council voted 6-2 to approve the censure of Councilor Joe Leonard. Councilor Leonard was not permitted to vote on the order. Councilor Beck and Councilor Mallor voted no; Councilor Leonard's vote was not counted. The censure was passed as Order 25-258. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Ordinance Referrals: Two ordinances (25-256 and 25-257) were referred to committee for first reading. - Postponement Motion: Failed 3-6. - Next Steps: The council will continue to address historic preservation ordinance amendments and other business at future meetings. The censure is now in effect.

The Bangor City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 7 PM in the newly remodeled council chambers at 73 Harlow Street. The meeting included public comments, approval of a consent agenda, a failed first reading of a $70 million parks bond, passage of airport improvement grants, and approval of $550,200 in opioid settlement funds for an HIV intensive case management program. The council also renewed a special amusement license for a local pub. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the July 28, 2025, council meeting and August 4, 2025, finance committee meeting. - 25-247: Authorized contract with ESIN Environmental Group Inc. for an urban forest management plan. - 25-248: Ratified application for a $75,000 CARES grant for the one-stop shock program. - 25-249: Ratified application for a $29,250 homeland security grant for computer security keys. - 25-250: Ratified application for a $103,000 homeland security grant for police and fire training and equipment. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott (resident): Commented on the council's successes in housing (e.g., 75 workforce housing units on Grandview Avenue, increased housing unit approvals) and criticized delays in opening Teresa's Place supportive housing, lack of property tax relief, and the absence of a winter warming center plan. Urged concrete action on homelessness, including affordable housing bonds and leveraging CDBG funds. - Michael Norton (resident): Discussed the need for accurate education about why the sky is blue, linking it to potential revenue for Bangor through aviation and healthcare sectors. Advocated for local educational accountability. Discussion Items - 25-251 (First Reading) – $70 Million Parks and Recreation Bond: Councilor Trumbull supported first reading but indicated he would not support the final version unless the amount was substantially reduced. Councilor Fournier and Councilor Mallor opposed due to lack of financial projections and taxpayer impact. After a roll call vote (4 yes, 4 no), the motion failed. - 25-252 – Opioid Settlement Funds for HIV Case Management ($550,200): - Background: The order awards funds to Bangor Public Health and Community Services to create an intensive case manager program for individuals with HIV. Since early 2024, Penobscot County has had 27 confirmed HIV diagnoses among people who use drugs, with most also diagnosed with hepatitis. The sole provider of intensive case management recently discontinued services. - Public Comment: Amy Clark (resident) opposed, arguing the proposal lacked transparency and was drafted by a committee member with city staff connections, undermining the opioid settlement committee's integrity. Dr. Scott Melton (section chief, EMMC) supported, stating that case management is critical for keeping patients in care and achieving viral suppression (treatment as prevention). Dale Hamilton (executive director, CHCS) supported, calling it a collaboration. - Council Discussion: Councilor Trumbull supported, noting the direct link to the opioid crisis and calling it a responsibility. Councilor Beck disagreed that closing Camp Hope worsened the outbreak, arguing it dispersed people and hindered services. Councilor Leonard supported, citing the moral and fiscal imperative. Councilor Mallor supported but suggested seeking county involvement to share costs. - Outcome: Motion passed. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Passed unanimously. - 25-251 (Parks Bond): Failed on first reading with a 4-4 tie vote (Yes: Adene, Fish, Leonard, Pelletier; No: Abbeck, Fournier, Mallor, Trumbull). - 25-244 (Airport Runway Grant): Passed – accepts $4,275,136 from FAA and $112,503 from MDOT for runway rehabilitation. - 25-245 (Airport BIL Grant): Passed – accepts $31,605 from FAA and $831 from MDOT for runway PAPI lights. - Special Amusement License Renewal: Granted to Timka Inc. (Gagan's Pub and Brewery, 570 Main Street) after a public hearing. - 25-252 (Opioid Settlement Funds): Passed – $550,200 awarded to Bangor Public Health and Community Services for HIV intensive case management. The program is intended to become self-funding after two years. Closing Remarks Councilors praised the newly renovated chambers, noted the passing of school finance director Jerry Heyman, and thanked city staff for the successful move-in.

The Bangor City Council held its regular meeting on July 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included public comments on property taxes and homelessness, followed by unanimous approval of the consent agenda, several zoning ordinances, state grants, special amusement license renewals, and a fire truck purchase. Councilor Mallor left the meeting before the final items were voted on. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the July 14, 2025 City Council meeting, July 21, 2025 Finance Committee meeting, and June 16, 2025 and July 21, 2025 Government Operations Committee meetings. - Authorized an agreement with Maine DOT for traffic signal operation and maintenance. - Accepted donation of an outdoor gazebo for the Bangor Fire Department. - Amended City Hall hours from 8 AM–4:30 PM to 8 AM–4:15 PM, effective August 11, 2025. - Authorized a temporary lease with the Bangor Water District for communication devices on a new water tower. - Authorized contracts with Padigas US LLC and Remedy Alliance LLC for naloxone purchase. - Approved a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 92609 for customer service representatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Norton (Bangor resident): Spoke about a movie script concerning a court case and the periodic table; statement was not directly related to city business. - Scott Hardy (Bangor resident): Expressed strong concern about rising property taxes and their direct link to increasing homelessness. He questioned the property tax collection rate, criticized city oversight citing cost overruns (e.g., wiring at City Hall, ADA compliance for public outhouses), and urged transparency and accountability. He noted a woman living in a public outhouse by the library as a human consequence of the crisis. - Amy Baldwin (Bangor resident, realtor): Emphasized the burden of rising property taxes on fixed-income and retired residents, forcing them to choose between medications, groceries, or losing their homes. She argued that Bangor bears a disproportionate share of homelessness due to its role as a regional service hub, and urged the council to explore tax deferral programs or expanded homestead exemptions to allow seniors to age in place. - Unnamed resident: Mentioned putting money into their home and facing higher property taxes; requested assistance with a neighbor’s trash issue. Discussion Items - Ordinance 25-231 (Rezoning 509 Conduske Avenue): Rezones 2.08 acres from a mix of high-density residential and urban residence one to high-density residential. Unanimously recommended by the Planning Board on July 15, 2024 (note: transcript says 2024, likely a verbal error for 2025). Passed 8-0 (Councilor Mallor voted yes but later left). - Ordinance 25-232 (Rezoning 1017 Union Street): Rezones a 0.22-acre portion from government/institutional to shopping/personal service district. Unanimously recommended by the Planning Board on July 15, 2024 (corrected to 2025 by council). Passed 8-0. - Resolve 25-233 (Overdose Prevention Grant): Accepts $1,706,934 from Maine DHHS for naloxone distribution and overdose prevention across five counties for FY2026-2027. Reviewed by Finance Committee on July 21, 2025. Passed. - Resolve 25-234 (Firefighter Health Screenings): Accepts $160,045 from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal for specialized cardiac and metabolic screenings for public safety employees. Reviewed by Government Operations Committee on July 21, 2025. Passed. - Resolve 25-235 (School Budget Amendment): Corrects an administrative error in Resolve 25-201, reducing the local appropriation in excess of the minimum spending target from $11,756,656 to $10,610,573, with no impact on the total school budget or tax rate. Reviewed by Finance Committee. Passed. - Special Amusement License Renewals: Three public hearings were opened and closed with no public testimony. Renewals granted for Pike & Hufford LLC d/b/a Barleyment (2 Hammond Street), Smoke & Steel LLC (471 Stillwater Avenue), and Sea Dog Ventures Inc. d/b/a Sea Dog Brewing Company (26 Front Street). All passed. - Order 25-246 (Fire Truck Purchase): Authorizes sole-source purchase of a Pierce fire engine from Allegiance Fire and Rescue for $1,158,294. Maintains fleet consistency with existing Pierce apparatus. Approved as part of FY2026 budget. Passed. Key Outcomes - All action items on the agenda were approved. - Councilor Mallor left the meeting before the vote on the Sea Dog license and subsequent items; his absence was noted. - The council looks forward to moving back into the renovated City Hall in two weeks.