Public Meetings - Biddeford, Maine

The meeting covered appointments, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) presentation, a liquor license approval, public comments, minutes approval, second readings on Federal Immigration Enforcement and Veterans Committee amendments, and several key orders including landscape standards, community center leases, a MaineDOT overlimit permit, paving carryover funds, and the Public Art Commission Master Plan. The council also heard public testimony on memorials, communication issues, and voting concerns. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of minutes from the September 8, October 6, and October 13, 2026 city council meetings. - Unanimous approval of mayoral appointments: Dylan Dowdy as an associate member of the Planning Board and Eric Burmeister as a commissioner for the Biddeford Housing Authority. - Unanimous approval of the Golden Apple Buffet liquor license. Public Comments & Testimony - An unaffiliated speaker urged the council to contact the Attorney General regarding the investigation into the death of Johan Guerrero, called for the arrest of the involved ICE agent, and requested a permanent memorial. - Kelsey (Ward 5) expressed frustration with city communication, citing a tree removal affecting her business and lack of responses from her councilor. She demanded the city hire a communications liaison. - Sam Picor (Ward 7), vice chair of the Charter Revision Commission, announced a public meeting on October 29 at 6 PM to discuss the city manager's role and encouraged public participation. - Evan Lockwood (Ward 5) supported the landscape ordinance but criticized the city for not replacing removed trees. He also urged the Public Art Commission to engage local artists. - Holly Culliton (Ward 6) supported the landscape ordinance and suggested planting clover lawns and trees in vacant lots. - Diane Sear (Ward 6), president of the Biddeford Cultural Heritage Center, opposed converting exclusive community center leases to shared space, asking for a workable transition plan and more time. - Catherine Crowley (Ward 4) thanked the council for the Federal Immigration Enforcement Ordinance and expressed concern about ICE presence at polling places. - Elena Betts (Ward 4/5) echoed election safety concerns, criticized simultaneous paving projects, and questioned school safety during polling. Discussion Items - CDBG Presentation (Item 5): Jessica Wilson, Community Development and Grant Manager, presented the PY26 Action Plan process. She explained CDBG eligibility, national objectives (70% must benefit low/moderate income persons), eligible activities, and the annual timeline. Over the past three years, the city spent $346,000 combined on a pocket park and the J. Richard Martin Community Center playground. No action was taken; a public hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2026. - Landscape Standards Ordinance (Item 11a): Max Zakyan, vice chair of the Sustainability Commission, presented a proposed ordinance requiring a minimum 15% landscaped area for most new developments (as amended by the Policy Committee). The ordinance includes flexibility for waivers and incentives for exceeding minimums. Councilor Pearson supported the flat 15% for simplicity. Councilor Lassard voiced technical concerns (e.g., bud break definition, costs to developers) but supported the intent. Public comment included support and calls for city accountability. The ordinance was approved unanimously for a second reading at the first November meeting. - Community Center Leases (Item 11b): Recreation Director Thompson presented two options for the J. Richard Martin Community Center: charging rent for exclusive leases or converting to shared-use spaces. The Capital Projects and Operations Committee and the Recreation Commission recommended shared-use. After debate, Councilor Boston moved to amend the order to pilot the St. Louis Alumni room as flex space for six months after it becomes available, then report back. The amendment passed 5-3 (President Beaupre, Boston, Meuse, Kurtz, Badnay in favor; Pearson, Cody, Lassard opposed). The amended order passed 6-2 (Pearson and Cody opposed). - Public Art Master Plan (Item 11f): Councilor Meuse and Deputy Director Duby presented the Public Art Commission's Master Plan, which establishes a framework for temporary and permanent public art, emphasizing community input and cultural equity. No immediate budget impacts were noted. The plan was approved unanimously. - Paving Carryover Funds (Item 11e): The council approved $300,000 in carryover funds from the prior year's capital paving budget to pave Old Hollis Road, Western Avenue, and Lambert Street. Public Works Director DeMers emphasized that delaying would increase costs due to road deterioration. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Federal Immigration Enforcement Ordinance (Item 10a): Approved (second reading), effective in 30 days. - Veterans Committee Amendment (Item 10b): Approved (second reading), effective in 30 days. - Landscape Standards Ordinance (Item 11a): Passed to second reading (unanimous). - Community Center Leases (Item 11b): Approved as amended (pilot project for St. Louis room, six-month flex space trial with report) (vote: 6-2). - Edward R. Byrne JAG Grant (Item 11c): Accepted (unanimous). - MaineDOT Construction Overlimit Permit (Item 11d): Approved (unanimous). - Paving Carryover Funds (Item 11e): Approved (unanimous). - Public Art Master Plan (Item 11f): Approved (unanimous). - Executive Session: The council entered executive session under 1 MRS 405(6)(C) for a real estate matter; no further action was anticipated.

The Biddeford City Council convened on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a detailed update on homelessness and city operations, a public hearing, and action on several major ordinances, including a federal immigration enforcement policy and amendments to the building moratorium and veterans committee. Proclamation & Appointments - Mayor Liam LaFountain proclaimed Monday, October 12, 2026, as Indigenous People's Day in Biddeford, recognizing the ancestral homelands of the Wabanaki peoples. - The council unanimously approved appointments of Raquel Miller (Ward 2) to the Public Art Commission and Tim Black (Ward 1) to the Policy and Harbor Committees. Presentation: Homelessness and City Operations Update -General Assistance Administrator Jake Hammer presented data from FY27 (since July 1, 2026) quantifying the workload across five departments. - Data Reported: - Code Enforcement: 52 days of encampment interactions by a single officer (retiring April 2027). - Police: 35 calls to Seeds of Hope, 45 to Williams Court Park, 18 to Horgan's Court, and 12 to the Eastern Trail since July 1. - Fire: 73 EMS calls involving unhoused individuals (51 medical, 14 psychiatric, 8 drug-related). - Public Works: Over $5,000 spent on 10 clean-up events. - General Assistance: $54,400 spent on Seeds of Hope in July/August ($15,000 reimbursed). $104,000 spent on homelessness prevention/rental assistance. 1,000 overnight stays paid. - Proposed Action: Staff proposed a pilot "resolution team" pairing codes enforcement with a housing navigator, repurposing an existing funded position (replacing a retiring officer) without seeking new funds. - Discussion: Councillors debated the efficacy of the pilot and the implications of reallocating headcount. Chief Fisk confirmed the position is a replacement for a retiring officer, not a loss of a sworn officer. The proposal was directed to the Personnel Committee for further review. Public Hearing & Orders of the Day Public Hearing: General Assistance Maximums - No public testimony was received. The council later unanimously approved the state-mandated maximums. 10A: Federal Immigration Enforcement Ordinance - The council considered an ordinance limiting city cooperation with ICE/CBP. Councillor Lassard proposed an amendment for a mandatory six-month review, citing concerns about setting a dangerous precedent. The amendment failed (4-5). The original ordinance passed unanimously on first reading and will require a second reading. Councillor Kurtz stated the ordinance aligns with Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition requests but acknowledged it may not prevent future tragedies. 10D: Community Center Leases -Recreation Director Lisa Thompson proposed transitioning six zero-cost leases to shared community spaces by January 2028. The item was tabled to the October 20 meeting (6-2) to allow public review of the proposal. 10E: Bike Lane Demonstration MOU -Public Works Director Norris raised concerns about undefined staff obligations for maintenance. The council tabled the item back to the Traffic Committee (7-2). 10F: Building Moratorium Amendment -The council voted 7-2 to remove two specific University of New England projects from the institutional moratorium, citing their final approvals from the Planning Board and SRCC. 10G: Veterans Committee Amendment -An amendment to allow non-resident veterans from local posts to serve as advisory members passed unanimously. The word "shall" was amended to "may" in the committee's makeup language. 10H: Poverty Abatement Case 9502 -The council entered executive session and returned to vote unanimously to deny the abatement request. Public Addressing the Council - Speakers expressed frustrations over the tabling of the flock camera ordinance, unsafe conditions at Mechanics Park, and drug use/vandalism at the Williams Court Community Garden. A representative from Access Direct Recovery Network announced a future RFP submission. A speaker requested direct dialogue on the community center lease proposal before the next meeting. City Manager & Committee Reports - City Manager Cornell: Provided updates on wastewater billing credits, absentee voting (1,915 ballots requested), shellfish conservation, school financial software reconciliation, and judicial court buffer landscaping. - Committee Updates: The Policy Committee tabled a flock camera ordinance. The Traffic Committee will hold a community meeting on Lester B. York Boulevard. BSOOB Transit is in a payment dispute. The Public Art Commission advanced its master plan. - Other Business: Councilor Lassard warned of a combined $150-170 monthly increase in housing costs. Councilor Woods apologized for a reaction during the meeting and highlighted a regional homelessness forum. Key Outcomes - Approved: Immigration Enforcement Ordinance (1st reading), GA Maximums, Building Moratorium Amendment (7-2), Veterans Committee Amendment, Blanket Games of Chance Letter, Proclamation & Appointments, Denial of Poverty Abatement. - Tabled: Community Center Leases (to Oct 20), Bike Lane MOU (to Traffic Committee). - Defeated: Six-month review clause for Immigration Ordinance (4-5). - Next Steps: Homelessness resolution team to Personnel Committee. INZ ordinance to Planning Board on Oct 21. Community center lease proposal to be publicly shared.

The Biddeford City Council met at 6:00 PM on September 15, 2026, in City Hall Council Chambers and via Teams. Mayor Liam LaFountain presided and Councillor Kurtz joined virtually. The council adopted proclamations, confirmed appointments, heard presentations from Efficiency Maine and the city solicitor, approved several orders, heard public comment, received committee reports, and entered executive session. Proclamations - The council recognized the 50th anniversary of Greater Biddeford-Saco Altrusa, founded in 1976, and honored charter members Denise Doyon and Judith Catarat. - The council proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Biddeford, using the 2026 theme 'Together We Are More / Unidos Somos Más.' Appointments - Appointments were approved unanimously: Councillor Jessica Mews to the Public Art Commission and to the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce; Councillor Abigail Woods to the Waste Management Commission and to the Biddeford Education Foundation. Presentations - Andy Meyer of Efficiency Maine presented the state energy efficiency program's incentives, green bank financing, online tools, and a database of over 600 installers. He cited an instant discount of $1,150 for heat pump water heaters and invited the city to distribute program brochures. - City Solicitor Harry Center presented a memorandum on municipal obligations and options regarding immigration enforcement. He explained the Supremacy Clause, anti-commandeering doctrine, the difference between civil ICE warrants and court warrants, and LD 1971. He noted Biddeford police have not assisted ICE and outlined 11 possible municipal responses, including ordinances similar to Portland, Rockland, and Lewiston, resolutions like South Portland and Westbrook, and zoning restrictions. He also expressed personal disgust at referring to people as 'catch of the day' and concern about impacts on local schools. In response to Councillor Boston, Center said emergency medical response to an injured person would not be considered ICE enforcement. Public Comments & Testimony - During the first comment period, Sterling Roop (Ward 7) urged the city to adopt local dark-sky legislation; a Ward 4 resident supported the proposed beach task force; and Marnie Black (Ward 1, Biddeford Pool Improvement Association) supported referring Lester B. Orcutt Boulevard issues to the Traffic Committee. - During the second comment period, Fatuma Hussein, director of the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine and board chair of the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, asked the city to center immigrant voices, avoid misplaced anger, and support existing immigrant-led mutual aid, volunteer hotlines, transportation, fundraising, training, and school programs. - Other speakers supported cultural humility, praised Center's presentation, and requested a plan if ICE appears at polls or schools. Several residents called for more public communication and earlier posting of council documents. A resident said meetings should feel like a two-way conversation and asked that school grounds and parking lots be considered safe spaces. Ken Griffin (Ward 7) asked for the status of the FY25 audit and comprehensive plan. Minutes Approval - Minutes of the September 1, 2026 City Council meeting were approved unanimously. - Minutes of the September 2, 2026 special City Council meeting were approved unanimously; Councillor Boston asked that the template be updated from Zoom to Teams. Second Reading - The Industrial Pretreatment Program Fee Ordinance Update (2026.124) was approved unanimously. The council first approved an amendment offered by Councillor Boston to strike paragraph 70-32 H1, removing quarterly rate review language. Director Demurs said the update helps make the program self-funded. Orders of the Day - 2026.132 – Approved the purchase of a 2026 Caterpillar 908 compact wheel loader with plow package for $169,900, with a $25,000 down payment from the parking reserve and the balance under a five-year lease-purchase agreement. Public works staff described uses for snow clearing, road edge work, and manhole repair, citing $2,500 per manhole on projects such as Pike Street. Public comment included questions about whether the loader was solely for parking lots and concerns about stretching public works staffing. - 2026.128 – Approved a resolution establishing the Ad Hoc Biddeford Beach Management Task Force. The mayor said it builds on the June 9 beach management workshop and includes staff, co-chairs Councillor Boston and Director Fecto, and public members. - 2026.129 – Approved referring Lester B. Orcutt Boulevard safety and public access improvements to the Traffic Committee. The Traffic Committee is scheduled to take it up September 22, with a November deadline. - 2026.130 – The agreement between the City of Biddeford and the Maine Judicial Branch was not acted on because no motion was offered. Councillor Boston asked that it be placed on the next agenda, with a second. - 2026.131 – Approved the sale of 162 Hills Beach Road to Hills Beach Community Center, Inc. Attorney Seth Peruza said the purchase price is $100,000; documented improvements of $113,000 reduce the required payment to $25,000 because the credit is capped at $75,000. The deed restricts the property to community center use and provides for reversion to the city. City Manager Report - The city manager said tax bills have been mailed with no citywide revaluation; e-check payments carry a $0.60 vendor fee. The 88% assessed ratio produces a $22,000 homestead exemption for qualifying owners. A printed debt total error will be corrected to $33,233,184 on the second-half bill. - About 100 calls were received about wastewater overcharges. Monthly and quarterly bills will include the 31.2% rate increase and full credits for owners since 2019, plus a 4% interest-rate rebate. - Work on the FY25 audit continues; staff met with the superintendent and will meet again in two weeks. - The city manager said the city's judicial center issues involve removal of the buffer zone and lighting, with the state's proposal increasing from 10 to 32 trees and lighting corrected; the matter is being brought to open session for transparency. Committee Updates and Other Business - Councillor Boston reported the institutional zone review committee meets Thursday at 1:00 PM; the fire department held a September 11 memorial; and household hazardous waste day was well attended. - Councillor Woods said the recreation commission resumes September 16 at 6:00 PM and the state has begun reviewing the comprehensive plan. - Council President Beaupre said the policy committee will meet late September (the transcript lists both September 28 and September 29) to consider a Flock restriction ordinance and committee consolidation; the Traffic Committee meets September 22. The veterans committee needs members. - Councillor Pearson marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, honoring the 2,977 victims with a moment of silence. - Councillor Kurtz thanked the mayor and solicitor for the immigration memo, stressed listening to immigrant communities, and noted a library event where veterinary services were provided for 30 pets. - Mayor LaFountain reported on meetings with the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition and the Maine Restorative Justice Institute, a back-to-school drive distributing over 500 backpacks, the Recovery Center's event, a September 30 recovery softball game at Martell Field, and City Hall tours. Executive Session - The council voted unanimously to enter executive session under 1 MRS 405(6)(E) for a legal matter and 1 MRS 405(6)(C) for a real estate matter, with no votes anticipated afterward. Key Outcomes - All votes taken in open session were unanimous. - The wheel loader purchase was approved with specified funding: $169,900 total, $25,000 from the parking reserve, and the balance financed through a five-year lease purchase. - The Industrial Pretreatment Program fee ordinance was amended and approved; the 70-32 H1 paragraph was removed. - The beach task force was established; LBO was referred to the Traffic Committee; and the Hills Beach Road sale was approved. - The Judicial Branch agreement was deferred to the next agenda. - The council entered executive session on legal and real estate matters.

The Biddeford City Council met Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and via Teams. Councillors Woods and Lessard were excused and the Ward 4 seat was filled during the meeting. The Council appointed a new Ward 4 Councilor, heard the FY24 audit and opioid settlement fund reports, approved all six orders on the agenda, and heard public testimony about the Mechanics Park memorial and other city issues. All votes taken during the open session were unanimous. The meeting was extended to 10:00 PM and ended with a unanimous vote to enter executive session. Appointments - Council unanimously appointed Jessica Mews to fill the vacant Ward 4 City Council seat. Councillor Woods, who was excused, sent a statement of enthusiastic support. Mews was sworn in by the Interim City Clerk and joined the Council for the rest of the meeting. - Council unanimously confirmed Louise Merriman, Ward 1, to the Historic and Preservation Commission. Presentations - James Wilkinson of CBIZ presented the FY24 financial statement audit results. CBIZ expected to issue a clean/unmodified opinion but was completing its internal quality review and subsequent-event procedures. He reported no fraud or legal violations, but identified a material weakness in delayed year-end closing (a repeat finding) and several material error corrections. The wastewater billing error was quantified: an increasing block-rate structure had been incorrectly applied to seven of eight customer types since 2019. The city restated the wastewater fund with a $970,000 provision for 2019 through June 30, 2023, plus $200,000 for FY24; total exposure through FY25 billing cycles was about $1.35 million. There were about 4,420 total accounts; roughly 450 minimum-tier accounts were not impacted; about 3,400 accounts were overbilled by more than $50, with an average of about $390. The highest overcharge was $2,572; the lowest was $7.52. The general fund ended FY24 with about $25.1 million in fund balance, including about $7 million unassigned. The budget-to-actual comparison showed general fund revenues of $86.8 million against an $83.3 million budget and expenditures of $85.7 million against an $87.1 million budget. - Jake Hammer, General Assistance administrator, presented the annual opioid settlement fund report. Since FY23, the city had received $830,184.72. Total spending was $206,659.70: $176,760.15 for recovery/treatment microgrants through the GA office and $29,899.55 for Fire Department narcotic safes. The remaining balance was $623,525.02. He said the city expected about $100,000 per year for roughly five to six years, with a state-estimated total of about $1.8 million through 2038. Public comment from Ryan Page of Access Direct Recovery Network strongly supported Biddeford's approach; Joshua Wolf expressed concern that too much remained unspent and opposed spending $100,000 on a consultant-style RFP. Orders of the Day / Discussion Items - CY27-28 Opioid Settlement Funds Strategic Use Plan: The plan approved $100,000 per year for microgrants and added a one-time RFP of up to $100,000 for recovery community infrastructure, such as a recovery center. The Council unanimously approved it. - Police Department Administrative Assistant 1 Reclassification: Chief Fisk asked to convert a part-time 24-28 hour non-union administrative assistant position to full-time to support administrative operations and CALEA accreditation. The Council President amended the motion to state "part-time to full-time" rather than specifying 36 hours. Personnel Committee had unanimously supported it. The amendment and order passed unanimously. - York County EMA MOU/Commitment Letter: Director Robbie Fecto explained the MOU would allow the city to use county-obtained congressional grant funds for engineering and design of dune systems at Biddeford Pool/Gilbert Boucher Park and Middle Beach. Total engineering cost was $295,680, with a required 25% match of $73,920; UNE pledged $29,663 in-kind, city staff/committee in-kind was $2,500, leaving $28,756.66 to be proposed from FY27 contingency. The project covers design, not construction. Multiple public speakers, including UNE faculty member Will Kotitsky, supported the MOU. Council unanimously approved. - Oktoberfest Special Event Permit: The event on Lincoln Street was approved unanimously. The applicant did not request a fee waiver. - Industrial Pretreatment Program Fee Ordinance Update: Wright-Pierce consultants presented a new cost-recovery model for industrial users, splitting program costs 50% BOD / 50% TSS, adding a $1,000 annual administrative fee, and updating high-strength wastewater surcharges to $2.70 per pound for BOD and TSS above 250 mg/L. The old BOD surcharge was $5.50 per 100 pounds. Four of eight current industrial users would meet the high-strength definition based on 2025 data. The Council unanimously approved the ordinance update. - New Cingular Wireless Lease Fourth Amendment: Attorney Seth Perusa presented a 10-year extension of a cell equipment lease on the former Merck Tower. Rent would decrease at the start of the new term, and the amendment added an abandonment provision and other city protections. Councillor Kurtz noted the tenant had a unilateral renewal option and no city exit during that term. The Council unanimously approved the lease amendment. Public Comments & Testimony - During the first public comment period (3-minute limit), several residents spoke about the Mechanics Park memorial for Johann Sebastian Duran Guerrero. Speakers criticized the removal of memorial barriers at 6 a.m., lack of transparency and community input, and the absence of public updates on the investigation. One speaker, Doug Emerson of Portland, asked the city to restore the memorial structures and protect the park as a gathering space. Eve McFeeders supported the protests but objected to profanity on a flag. Kelsey of Ward 5 proposed a mosaic/plaque and requested a special council meeting. Elena Betts criticized the early-morning removal and the Council President. - During the second public comment period (5-minute limit), John Collins of Ward 6 raised election-integrity concerns and urged the city to prepare a public plan to keep federal agents away from polling places. Evan Lockwood of Ward 5 criticized the Council for being reactive rather than proactive on ICE enforcement and other issues. City Manager Report - City Manager Cornell Knight addressed the wastewater billing issue and rate increase. Customers would receive credits for overcharges; the total was $1.35 million and would take several months to apply manually. The city also planned to credit interest lost, but was still working with the billing provider. He reported that a previously approved 20% wastewater rate increase had never been implemented, and the newly approved 11.2% increase took effect September 1, 2026; many bills would therefore show a 31.2% increase along with credits. A customer letter and FAQ were being prepared. - He also reported FY25 audit progress, City Hall ramp work, a tax commitment rate of $15.76 (8 cents below the Council's projection), and a temporary closure of the Middle Beach public access path beginning September 8 for fence installation. Committee Updates and Other Business - Councillor Mews said the Public Art Commission was updating its public art master plan, including memorial guidelines, and would meet September 10. - Councillor Boston updated the Institutional Zone Review Committee's work, with a next meeting September 17. - Councillor Kurtz noted the Citizens Advisory Committee's CDBG meeting was rescheduled to Thursday and would help guide approximately $400,000 in federal funds. - Council President Beaupre gave updates on the Traffic Committee, Policy Committee, EV ordinance (tabled), landscape ordinance (returned for more work), and the city's new Purple Heart Community designation. He proposed moving Council rules out of the code of ordinances so changes could take effect immediately, and suggested Policy Committee review flock camera language. - Councillor Vadney asked for an October presentation on Seeds of Hope, encampments, and cold-weather shelter capacity. The Mayor said staff would work on it. - Councillor Kurtz relayed resident questions about the Mechanics Park memorial decision, offered to hold a citizen meeting, thanked York County EMA, and raised earlier budget items including a $25,000 homelessness-response appropriation and possible quarterly budget updates. Key Outcomes - All agenda votes in open session were unanimous: appointment of Jessica Mews; appointment of Louise Merriman; approval of Aug. 18, 2026 minutes; CY27-28 opioid settlement plan; police administrative assistant reclassification; York County EMA MOU/commitment letter; Oktoberfest permit; industrial pretreatment fee ordinance; and New Cingular Wireless lease amendment. - The Council voted unanimously to extend the meeting until 10:00 PM. - The Council voted unanimously to enter executive session under 1 MRS §405(6)(E) (legal matter) and 1 MRS §405(6)(C) (real estate matter). The Mayor initially said the real estate matter would be removed, then corrected that it would remain; no action was expected after the session.

The Biddeford City Council met in person at City Hall Council Chambers and remotely via Teams on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All council members were present except for the vacant Ward 4 seat. There were no agenda adjustments. The council confirmed appointments, approved minutes and an executive-session rule amendment, waived a special event fee, heard extensive public comment about the Mechanics Park memorial and federal immigration enforcement, received staff and committee reports, heard remarks from the Council President and Mayor, and entered executive session. Consent Calendar - Mayoral appointments to citizen committees: Paulitarian (Ward 7), Frederick Oliver (Ward 7), and Eric Gates (Ward 3) to the Veterans Committee; confirmed unanimously. - Councilor appointments: Pat Boston (Ward 1) to the Finance Committee; Jacob Pearson (Ward 6) to the Capital Projects and Operations Committee; and Council President Roger Beaupre (Ward 3) as a non-voting member of the Veterans Committee; confirmed unanimously. - City Council minutes from August 4, 2026, approved unanimously. - Second reading of 2026.98, an amendment to Council Rules regarding executive session, approved unanimously. Orders of the Day - Under 2026.116, the council approved a special event fee waiver for the second annual Recovery Revival, organized by the Biddeford Community Recovery Center. Chet Adams, board president, described the event as a community gathering for people in recovery, treatment providers, and advocates, with food, games, and speakers including the Mayor. He also shared the goal of building a recovery community center in Biddeford. The waiver covered a $100 fee; the organization committed to cleaning up the park, and city officials said there would be no impact on city services. The waiver was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - First public comment period, with a 3-minute limit per speaker: Kathy Griffin (Ward 7) thanked the Mayor for his grace and eloquence under pressure. Evan Lockwood (Ward 5) opposed automated license plate recognition/Flock cameras, citing civil-rights violations, errors, and misuse elsewhere; said he received a hostile response from the chief of police after emailing opposition; urged the council to pass an ordinance against such cameras; and objected to the city citing a woman at Mechanics Park who is maintaining a memorial protest. Elena Betts (Ward 5) criticized the Council President for mispronouncing Johan Sebastian Duran Carraro's name and for discussing removal of the Mechanics Park memorial and protesters; asked whether council members had visited the park; asserted the community wants the memorials to remain; and called a potential memorial ordinance a First Amendment violation. Kelsey Cummings (Ward 5) said the memorial protests are peaceful, called code enforcement priorities disrespectful, and urged the city to release a permanent memorial plan approved by the family or create a plaque/mosaic. Gerard Okana (Ward 5) supported the previous speakers, rejected claims that people at the park are homeless, and said families and children are present. - Second public comment period, with a 5-minute limit per speaker: John Collins (Ward 6) demanded accountability, asking why the state attorney general had not issued an arrest warrant for the ICE agent who killed Johan, and urged the city to sue the federal government, DHS, and ICE for damages. He said he feared a federal agent could kill with no accountability. Tate Duby (Ward 1) opposed citing or trespassing protesters for having a temporary shelter/canopy at the park, calling it politically motivated intimidation and a waste of resources. Catherine Crowley (Ward 4) supported Katie at the park, thanked councilors for meetings, requested better public communication before and after council meetings, and asked the council to discuss the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition's policy recommendations. Lauren Wilbur (Ward 5), who lives across from Mechanics Park, said the park felt more welcoming because of the memorial community, called the people there 'true heroes,' and described efforts to cite them as shameful. Discussion Items - City Manager Report: Memorial items at Mechanics Park will be moved to the MacArthur Library archives to preserve them for the family; Jersey barriers will be removed the next morning. Summer recreation camp ends this week, and the community center will close for annual maintenance. The manager gave a beach-guarding schedule, including all beaches unguarded from August 31 to September 3 and guarded weekends at Rotary Park and Bath House Beach, with Fortunes Rock Beach unguarded. The fiscal year 2024 audit update was postponed because the auditor had not responded; the manager planned updates on the FY24/FY25 audits at the next meeting. For the City Theater ramp, lead testing was required before sandblasting, primer must be applied within 72 hours after sandblasting, and the engineer was confident the ramp can be reused with bracing and welding, causing delays. In response to a councilor's question, the manager said replacing the ramp was not priced and rehab was assumed to be quicker. - Committee Updates: Councilor Kurtz reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, August 26, to vote on budget recommendations based on a community survey, followed by a 30-day public comment period. A CDBG presentation is requested for the September 1 council agenda, with a public hearing targeted for October 6. Councilor Woods reported that the Public Arts Commission met and discussed integrating memorials into the public arts master plan; the meeting was recorded and available online. - Other Business: Councilor Boston praised the congressional hearing in Biddeford, noting it is available on Rep. Pingree's website and that the Mayor's comments made him proud. Councilor Kurtz thanked Heart of Biddeford for Fringe Fest and River Jam, congratulated Port Property on opening Lofts North, and said the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition was the first organization to respond to his request for action items. Councilor Woods echoed thanks, called the hearing intense, noted Johan's father's testimony, and read from a comment card about local time and money being spent to support terrified neighbors. - Council President Remarks: Beaupre apologized for mispronouncing Duran Carraro's name at the previous meeting and said he is not afraid to be corrected after 42 years as police chief. He said the federal response to the killing left Biddeford 'holding the bag,' citing roughly $35,000 in police overtime so far, and proposed that the city manager calculate all city costs and send a reimbursement request to Sen. Collins's office; he was not asking for a vote. He said he did not believe there is a plan to use Flock cameras in Biddeford, noted the state legislature may regulate them, and contrasted privacy concerns with cameras in stores and on the turnpike. He also described work with the Public Arts Commission to streamline public art approval; language would be introduced at the policy committee on August 24. - Mayor Remarks: The Mayor thanked Reps. Pingree, Thompson, Clark, and Carver and the school department for hosting the congressional hearing. He acknowledged criticism that the hearing was partisan, but defended his participation as nonpartisan, saying he would have attended if Republicans or a federal agency had invited him. He said he remains in contact with the Guerrero family and the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition, and has asked the city solicitor to prepare a public legal memorandum on local options regarding federal immigration enforcement before the next council meeting. On Flock cameras, he said Biddeford does not have them and, as far as he is aware, has no intention to use them, and he will ask the legal team and policy committee to consider stronger ordinance language. He also discussed the Lester B. Orcutt workshop, noting one neighbor had already removed rocks from the right-of-way and announcing a site walk on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. For the city manager search, applications close in one week, and he plans a special council meeting on September 3 at 5:30 p.m. to review applications in executive session. He closed with community updates on back-to-school safety, the August 21 football community event at Waterhouse Field, and the Vacationland Film Festival at City Theater. Executive Session - The council unanimously voted to enter executive session under MRS 405(6)(A) for a personnel matter, on a motion by the Council President seconded by Councilor Lassard. No votes were taken after returning because the meeting did not reconvene. Key Outcomes - All votes taken were unanimous: appointments confirmed; minutes approved; executive-session rule amendment approved; Recovery Revival fee waiver approved; and motion to enter executive session approved. - The Council President recommended that the city manager tally city costs from the federal enforcement incident and seek reimbursement from Sen. Collins's office; no vote was taken. - The Mayor asked the city solicitor to prepare a legal memorandum on federal immigration enforcement options and scheduled a special council meeting for September 3 to review city manager applications. - The Public Arts Commission will continue work on memorial policy, with language to be considered by the policy committee on August 24. - Council took no formal action on Flock cameras, but the Mayor said the city does not have them and would ask legal and policy committees to review possible ordinance language. - The city will proceed with moving Mechanics Park memorial items to the library archives, removing Jersey barriers, and continuing planning for the Recovery Revival event.

The Biddeford City Council held a workshop on August 11, 2026, to discuss a proposal to add parking and pedestrian safety improvements on Lester B. Orcutt Street. The meeting included presentations from city staff, the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association (BPIA), and Maine Audubon, followed by public comment and council deliberation. No votes or decisions were made. Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple residents expressed strong opposition to the city's proposal, arguing it is an unnecessary expenditure, would ruin the character of the area, and that adequate parking already exists. Mary Merkel called it a "waste of taxpayers' dollars." Rick Trottier suggested alternative uses for the funds. Julie Smythe asked the council to preserve the area as-is. - Becky Marshall and Chris Powers stated they had never struggled to find parking while visiting. John Conroy presented a survey showing an average of 11 cars parked on the street, questioning the need for additional spaces. - Ken Vicks commended the city for tackling the issue, noting that the original focus of the Traffic Committee was safety for pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Discussion Items - City Staff Proposal: Public Works Director Jeff Demers presented a concept plan to create 52 new parallel parking spaces and a five-foot paved pathway along Lester B. Orcutt from Ocean Avenue to 9th Street. He emphasized the plan was driven by public safety and designed to move vehicles entirely off the travel lanes. The plan was structured as Phase 1, with a potential for future phases on surrounding streets. Director Demers estimated the cost using city crews and recycled materials would be significantly lower than a private contractor, potentially $70,000 to $75,000 for a fully paved version. - BPIA Presentation: Chris from the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association strongly opposed the city's concept. He presented their own data arguing there are approximately 400 public parking spaces in Biddeford Pool and 82 fully off-street spots on Lester B. itself. He proposed an alternative: designate 15 existing spaces for Biddeford residents only via a sticker system and improve signage to direct visitors to other available nearby streets. The BPIA expressed concern that widening the road could increase vehicle speeds and worsen safety. - Maine Audubon Concerns: Judy Camuso, President of Maine Audubon, stated their primary concern is the potential overuse of the East Point Sanctuary. She noted 5,000 visitors per month in July and August of 2025 and reported 11 informal "sneak trails" causing erosion. She committed to working with the city and BPIA but warned against "loving the resource to death." - Council Values & Deliberation: - Mayor LaFountain framed the history, noting the issue originated from safety complaints brought to the Traffic Committee by BPIA members. - Councillors generally agreed that public safety and public access were the core values. Councillor Pearson emphasized that safe parking means being off the roadway. Councillor Cody requested data on safe spots (off-road parking). Councillor Lassard framed it as safe and free access to recreation, a key affordability issue. - Councillors Badney and Boston noted that vegetation and boulders in the city right-of-way currently obstruct potential parking, creating a false perception of scarcity, and Councillor Boston requested a site walk. - Councillor Kurtz stated the proposal seemed like a "solution in search of a problem" without compelling data. Council President Beaupre cautioned against a divisive approach, recalling past conflicts over the street. - Director Demers clarified that the plan is a starting point for discussion and that the city is open to modifying it based on council and public feedback. Key Outcomes - The council took no votes, as this was a workshop session. - The council agreed to hold a future site walk of the area, likely in August, to better understand the parking and traffic conditions. - BPIA committed to sharing its street-by-street parking survey data with the council. - Maine Audubon will share specific trail usage data from their counter. - Director Demers will gather data on the total number of currently available off-street (safe) parking spaces in the neighborhood. - The city will continue public engagement on the topic before any formal proposal is brought forward for a vote.

The Biddeford City Council met on August 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered employee recognitions, acceptance of a councilor resignation, a combined sewer overflow (CSO) update, a bond market presentation, public hearings on liquor licenses, public requests for a permanent memorial and support for a local business, and approval of a DEA-compliant medication safe purchase. Consent Calendar - None explicitly listed; meeting minutes for July 21 and July 28, 2026 were considered separately and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - First public address period (3-minute limit, 15 minutes total): Multiple residents spoke about the fatal shooting of Johann Sebastian Duran Guerrero at Hill and Pool Streets on July 13, 2026. Speakers requested the city install a permanent memorial at the intersection. Some expressed grief, frustration with the city’s response, and called for accountability and transparency. Other speakers advocated for The Rift arcade, a small local business facing financial challenges due to fees, and urged council to help keep it open. - Second public address period (5-minute limit): Residents continued calls for a memorial, justice, and transparency regarding the shooting. One speaker detailed specific questions about law enforcement actions during the incident. Presentations - Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Update – Public Works Director Jeff Demers and retiring engineer Tom Milligan The city’s 2025 CSO report shows a dramatic reduction: from 146 overflows in 2012 to 8 in 2025, and from 141 million gallons discharged to 3.6 million (a 99+% reduction). Biddeford had the lowest CSO volume on record among comparable communities. The Elm Street storm-drain project removed 5.3 million gallons of overflow. Over $10 million in grant funds have been received. - Bond Market Update – Bond Counsel Joseph Cutera Cutera explained bond-salling options (negotiated vs. public bid), the importance of timely audits for bond ratings, and the current state of Biddeford’s credit. Moody’s withdrew the city’s rating in 2024 due to lack of current financial information. He warned that without the 2024 and 2025 audits, the city cannot access the bond market and is currently relying on a third one-year bank note extension, which expires in July 2027. He urged the council to prioritize audit completion. Key Outcomes - Resignation of Councilor Dylan Doughty (Ward 4): Approved 7–1, with Doughty opposing his own resignation. The mayor outlined an appointment process: applications due, interviews, and a nominee to be presented on September 1, 2026. - Administrative Items: - Minutes of July 21 and July 28, 2026, approved unanimously. - Liquor licenses for Hakuna Matata and Martini’s on Main approved unanimously (7–0). - Fire Department DEA-Compliant Controlled Substance Management System (Order 2026.114): Approved unanimously. The $29,899.55 system, funded through opioid settlement money, is required by the DEA’s Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medication Act. The city’s solicitor initially questioned eligibility but later confirmed it is defensible. - No formal action was taken on the public requests for a permanent memorial or support for The Rift arcade. The council president raised the need for a parks ordinance governing memorials, and the mayor shared that the victim’s family has not requested a permanent memorial at this time. Other Business and Council Reports - Councilor Woods noted ongoing housing affordability concerns. - Councilor Lassard raised differing opinions about the temporary memorial at Mechanics Park and asked for a policy decision. - Council President Beaupre recommended establishing an ordinance for temporary and permanent memorials in public parks, noting that the current code is silent on the issue. - Mayor LaFountain provided extensive updates on the city’s response to the July 13 shooting: working with the Attorney General’s office, coordinating with the Public Rights Project, reaffirming that Biddeford does not cooperate with ICE for civilian immigration enforcement, and preparing a public memo for the council. He also announced that the victim’s family has asked that no permanent memorial be placed at this time. The mayor invited residents to submit information to the family via a secure online link. Committee Updates - Councilor Boston reported that the Institutional Zone Review Committee has nearly completed its draft ordinance, which will next go to the Planning Board and then to the City Council. - Councilor Lassard praised the committee’s work, emphasizing that the ordinance is not specific to the University of New England but applies to any future institution. - The mayor reminded residents of the Charter Commission public hearing on August 11, and the Lester B. Orcutt Workshop on beach access on August 12, 2026.

The Biddeford City Council met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and via Teams. All council members were present. The meeting covered appointments, a presentation on the city manager search, public comments, approval of carryover funds, forfeiture assets, an interlocal agreement, a rule amendment, and extensive discussion on immigration enforcement following a recent tragedy. Consent Calendar - Appointments: Bill Amheiser (Ward 1) to the Biddeford Housing Authority and Samuel Picore (Ward 7) to the Recycling and Solid Waste Commission were unanimously approved after Councilor Kurtz confirmed no conflict of interest. - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the July 7, 2026 City Council meeting were unanimously accepted. - Approval of FY26 Carryover Requests (8a): Unanimously approved. The city manager corrected a typo ("community center generator" to "communication center generator") and explained carryover items, including unallocated CIP, Main Street pump station, commissions, planning consulting, mobile radios for a new ambulance (three radios total, $20,000), and contingency balances for building repairs. The unallocated CIP balance was $451,422, consistent with earlier estimates. - Acceptance of Criminal Forfeiture Assets (8b): Unanimously approved. Chief Fisk confirmed the assets are from a 2020 state criminal drug trafficking case, not federal civil forfeiture; the listed weapon will be destroyed. - General Assistance Vacation Coverage MOU (8c): Unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding between Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach. - Amendment to Council Rules on Executive Session (8d): Unanimously approved. The item was removed from the table. Councilor Kurtz proposed an amendment adding: "No motion to extend a meeting is required while the council is in executive session." The amendment and the amended order were both unanimously adopted. Public Comments & Testimony - First Public Comment Period (3-minute limit): Catherine Crowley (Ward 4) thanked council members who responded to her follow-up email and praised Councilor Brad Cody for meeting with her. She expressed ongoing community fear following the killing of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero by federal agents, urging the city to collaborate with other cities, seek transparency, independent investigation, and accountability. She asked for action to keep residents safe from aggressive ICE enforcement. - Second Public Comment Period (5-minute limit): Ken Griffin (Ward 7) requested updates on the timeline for the city's outstanding fiscal audits (two fiscal years behind and one upcoming), noting that bonded projects (sewer separation, parks) depend on completed audits. Discussion Items - City Manager Search Presentation (5a): Consultant Don Gerrish presented a search update. He summarized input from department heads, the public, and the council, noting strong alignment on needs. Key discussion points: - Residency Requirement: The charter requires the manager to move within six months unless exempted by the council. After debate, the council agreed to include the charter language as-is, preserving flexibility for exceptional candidates. Councilors Dowdy, Lassard, Kurtz, and Boston supported this approach. - Advertising Locations: Gerrish recommended placing ads on the city website, Maine Municipal Association, International City/County Management Association, and Massachusetts/New Hampshire associations. No objections. - Salary Range: Gerrish proposed $185,000–$215,000, noting recent comparable hires. No objections. - Candidate Experience: Councilor Pearson raised concerns that the ad's language on minimum experience (five years municipal executive management or similar) was too open-ended and that the ad lacked specifics on immediate challenges. Several councilors (Woods, Dowdy, Council President) supported keeping the ad general to attract a wide pool, with Gerrish noting that a public document on city issues is available and that good candidates will research and ask tough questions. Councilor Lassard urged trust in the professional consultant's judgment. Councilor Woods questioned whether "proven background in economic development" was necessary given the separate economic development director, but the council did not revise it. No vote was taken on the ad text; Gerrish will make minor corrections and run it. - Timeline: The schedule was shifted one week due to the prior meeting being canceled; Gerrish will send weekly updates on applicant numbers. - Council President's Address: He announced that the Biddeford Police Department had been re-accredited for four more years by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Biddeford is one of only three nationally accredited agencies in Maine (with Auburn and South Portland). He also reminded the council to develop a standard nonprofit application and review process before the next budget cycle, placing it on the policy committee agenda. - Mayor's Address: The mayor thanked residents who attended the previous meeting. He outlined city actions since increased immigration enforcement in January: regular meetings with police, superintendent, and community partners; advocacy for an independent investigation into Johan Sebastian's death; consultations with national organizations and mayors from Minneapolis, Houston, Portland, and Waterville. He announced a forthcoming fact sheet from the city solicitor explaining municipal authority limits under state and federal law. He clarified that the city cannot block federal enforcement but can limit voluntary cooperation (Biddeford Police already do not voluntarily participate). He encouraged residents to contact federal and state legislators and support organizations like the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. He stressed that the victim's family's voice must remain central. - Other Business: - Councilor Kurtz welcomed the new executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority. He thanked residents for their comments at the last meeting and noted he had reached out to organizations for ordinance ideas to protect immigrant residents but received no responses yet. He added that Johan Sebastian may not be the first death related to federal immigration enforcement, citing high mortality in detention facilities and deportations despite credible asylum claims. - Councilor Boston reported that the Eastern Trail Management District completed the "Close the Gap" project connecting Saco to South Portland ahead of schedule, with a ribbon cutting on August 6. - Councilor Woods urged residents to continue reaching out via email and thanked them for their presence. Key Outcomes - Appointments approved unanimously. - FY26 Carryover Requests approved unanimously ($451,422 unallocated CIP, plus specific items). - Criminal Forfeiture Assets accepted unanimously. - General Assistance MOU approved unanimously. - Council Rules amended unanimously to remove the requirement for a motion to extend a meeting during executive session. - City Manager Search: The ad will be finalized and published with agreed parameters; next steps include reviewing resumes. - Executive Session: The council unanimously voted to enter executive session (1 MRS §405(6) – Legal Matter) with no further votes contemplated afterward. The meeting then adjourned.

This was an irregular special meeting of the Biddeford City Council convened primarily to read a proclamation regarding the fatal shooting of Biddeford resident Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero by a federal immigration enforcement agent on July 13, 2026, and to allow public comment. No regular business was conducted; the council heard emotional testimony from over 30 speakers and delivered remarks. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Proclamation - Mayor Liam LaFountain read a comprehensive proclamation titled "Demanding Justice and Accountability for the Fatal Shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, and Calling for Humane Immigration Reform." The proclamation detailed that Guerrero had a federal work permit, Social Security number, and was following legal procedures; condemned the shooting as a result of reckless federal enforcement; called for a thorough, impartial, independent investigation with full cooperation from Maine law enforcement; demanded Congress reform the immigration system; and declared that Biddeford would not accept any death as acceptable collateral for enforcement. The proclamation was entered into the official record. Public Comments & Testimony - Dozens of residents, advocates, and representatives from organizations such as Presente Maine and the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition spoke. Almost all expressed grief, anger, and a sense of inevitability given months of ICE presence in Biddeford. - Kelsey Cummings (renter/business owner) expressed frustration that prior warnings about ICE were ignored, stating the community has been asked to bear too much and demanding real action. - Amy Kearns (Ward 5) emphasized that transparency, accountability, and compassion are community values, not partisan ones, and urged continued unity. - Tofi Thorne (Presente Maine) said ICE has no place in communities, called for total dismantling of the agency, and noted that 22 individuals have died in ICE custody this year alone. He stated that the January ICE occupation was a warning that went unheeded. - John Collins (Ward 6) cited statistics from across the country: "29 shootings, six deaths, zero arrests" from ICE operations, and argued that federal investigations are cover-ups. He described a video showing a supervisor instructing the shooter immediately after the killing, suggesting the start of a cover-up. - Victor Forsley (resident) asked the mayor whether he has been collaborating with mayors from other cities that faced similar incidents. - Sam Polick (Ward 4, neighbor) described months of ICE surveillance at bus stops, children pulled from school, and neighbors pulled from cars, calling the killing a "tragic inevitability." - Alan Dutremble (74-year-old resident) said the problem lies in Washington and urged everyone to vote for Democrats in November to change the majority in Congress. - Mufalo (Executive Director, Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition) stated that the community is exhausted and leaders must act, emphasizing that history will remember what they did. - Kayla Lewis (Ward 3) proposed forming an ad hoc committee and networking with Sanford, Saco, and Lewiston to coordinate action steps. - Jeremy Sims (Ward 5) questioned the responsibility of local law enforcement to intervene against lethal federal agents, and called for the council to consider using all available powers to protect residents. - Several speakers requested preserving the memorial site with a permanent stone flower bed, and many called for the council to move beyond words to concrete actions such as restricting ICE cooperation, requiring body cameras for federal agents, and enhancing community policing. - The public hearing was emotionally charged, with many speakers expressing love for the community and demanding justice for Guerrero's family. Councillor Remarks - Councillor Cody: Called the death an absolute tragedy and urged everyone to focus on right vs. wrong, not left vs. right. Encouraged donations to the family and volunteer work to support immigrants. - Councillor Badney: Thanked speakers and commended the mayor's calm demeanor. Said leadership sometimes involves quiet behind-the-scenes work, and that reform cannot be achieved with violence. - Councillor Woods: Apologized for not speaking out earlier from this seat, noting ICE has been terrorizing streets for months. Committed to action and urged collective effort. - Councillor Kurtz: Stated that not having a Social Security number is not a capital offense and called the shooting an execution by the federal government. He mentioned that Jewish community members are discussing the case. - Councillor Dowdy: Thanked the mayor for changing the meeting scope. Acknowledged anger and grief, and pledged to push for transparency and accountability. - Councillor Pearson: Criticized the council for suspending regular business items (city manager search, committee appointments, liquor licenses, etc.), stating that delaying these core municipal functions harms the community and apologizing for not living up to promises. - Mayor LaFountain: Thanked community organizations and promised to commit to action, not just words, moving forward. Key Outcomes - The proclamation was read and entered into the official record (no vote required, as it was a ceremonial proclamation). - No formal votes or decisions were taken on any substantive policy changes. - The council did not address the regularly scheduled agenda items (city manager search, liquor licenses, budget carryovers, etc.); Councillor Pearson noted these were postponed to a future meeting. - The meeting adjourned after councillor remarks, with a unanimous voice vote to adjourn.