Biddeford City Council Meeting: December 16, 2025

The City Council of Biddeford met on December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting covered appointments, a proclamation, presentations on recreation bond engagement and the Eastern Fire/EMS substation, public comments, approval of equipment purchases, adoption of council rules, and establishment of an institutional zone review committee. The council concluded with an executive session and adjourned at 9:57 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved liquor license for Ichibau Japanese Restaurant (public hearing held with no comments, unanimous vote).
• Confirmed mayoral appointments: City Manager to PACTS, citizen committee members (Talia Kowalski, Patrick Mamoris, Kenneth Griffin, John McCurry), and City Solicitor Harry B. Center (unanimous).
• Approved council nomination of Councilor Roger Beaupre as City Council President (unanimous roll call).
• Approved mayoral appointments of councilors to committees (Finance, Personnel, Policy, Capital Projects, Traffic, among others).
• Approved minutes of November 18 and December 1, 2025 (unanimous).
• Approved second reading of Code of Ethics ordinance (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kayla Lewis (Ward 3) expressed hope for transparency, accountability, and rigorous, data-driven decision-making.
• Sam P. Corps (Ward 7) requested advanced posting of presentation materials and urged leveraging Efficiency Maine incentives for recreation bond projects (e.g., HVAC, lighting).
• A citizen (unnamed) criticized city officials for failing to respond to documented allegations of discrimination and retaliation; requested a formal response.
• Mark Robinson (Ward 1) urged the council to address high property tax increases and adopt a more strategic, data-focused approach.
• After a motion to suspend council rules (passed 6-3), citizens spoke on the recreation bond presentation:
  • Juliana Dismasso (recreation commission) advocated for strategic, accessible investments beyond basic maintenance.
  • Holly Cullaton (Ward 6) suggested incorporating solar panels and natural materials, and revisiting existing park design plans to save costs.
  • John Collins (Ward 6) argued for prioritizing the skate park, noting that its removal led to user loss.
• In the second public addressing (5-minute limit):
  • Mark Robinson commended the city’s lawsuit against the Saco River Corridor Commission and cited historical meeting minutes showing UNE’s commitment to a 250-foot no-development buffer.
  • Sam P. Corps supported Councilor Cody’s call for lifecycle cost analysis on major purchases and questioned the city’s inventory of over 100 owned parcels.
  • Richard Grahams (Ward 3) argued that development does not necessarily lower taxes and urged comprehensive fiscal impact studies.

Discussion Items

Recreation Bond Public Engagement Plan

Recreation Director Lisa Thompson presented a plan to engage the public on spending the $6 million general obligation bond approved in November 2025. Needs were outlined for multiple facilities, including Biddeford Ice Arena (new Zamboni, bleachers, ice rink floor repairs) and Westbrook Skating Rink (exterior concrete dam issues, interior upgrades). Councilors discussed engagement methods, timing, coordination with LWCF and Maine Trails grants, and the need for clear priorities. Councilor Lessard suggested focusing on desired recreation outcomes rather than specific locations. Councilor Boston asked about including cost estimates in public surveys. No decisions were made; staff will report back.

Eastern Fire/EMS Substation Phase 1-B Land Due Diligence

Fire Chief Larry Best provided an update, emphasizing no action was requested at this time. He reviewed the project’s history, response-time goals (under 6 minutes, 90% standard), and due diligence on 16 Old Pool Road (preferred site), which found the site buildable with some wetland impacts. Councilors Cody, Vadnais, and Lessard expressed concerns about spending ~$150,000 on due diligence without owning the land, losing negotiating leverage, and the need for alternatives such as the Biddeford Pool station. Chief Best acknowledged these concerns and will explore interim options.

Public Works Equipment Purchases

The council considered two capital purchases: a loader/plow ($124,238) and a mini excavator. Public Works Director Demers explained the loader would replace a 19-year-old unit essential for winter operations and flare mowing; the excavator would increase in-house capacity. Funding came from reallocating CIP cash options and trade-ins. Councilor Cody opposed both due to the lack of a comprehensive, citywide needs assessment. Councilor Lessard and others supported the purchases, citing equipment age, winter urgency, and the competitive SourceWell bidding process. The loader/plow passed 8-1 (Councilor Cote opposed). The mini excavator passed 6-3 (Councilors Boston, Cote, and Pierson opposed). Second readings were waived (loader: 8-1, mini excavator: 7-2).

Council Rules

Approved unanimously without debate.

Institutional Zone Review Committee

The council voted unanimously to establish a committee to review the Institutional Zone ordinance governing UNE development. Ed Slavone (UNE) requested adding UNE and Hills Beach Association representatives and considering Ward 1 Councilor Boston due to her historical knowledge. Public speakers supported the initiative. Councilor Boston noted the need to clarify and streamline the language. The committee will include four resident members; applications will be opened.

Key Outcomes

• Liquor license, appointments, minutes, and Code of Ethics approved unanimously.
• Recreation bond engagement plan presented; council will guide the public input process.
• Fire substation update received; no action taken; chief to further evaluate interim use of Biddeford Pool station.
• PW loader/plow and mini excavator purchases approved (8-1 and 6-3).
• Council Rules adopted unanimously.
• Institutional Zone Review Committee established unanimously.
• Meeting extended past 9:00 PM.
• Executive session conducted (real estate and legal matters) from 9:05 to 9:57 PM.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:57 PM.