Biddeford City Council Meeting: April 7, 2026 - Budget Hearing, Cable TV, and Waste Ordinance

The Biddeford City Council met on April 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The four-hour meeting featured a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, proclamations, a cable TV committee presentation, several appointments, a second reading of a waste ordinance that was tabled, and a committee of the whole on council goals that was deferred. The council heard extensive public input on the budget, with many speakers advocating for increased funding for MacArthur Library and others calling for constrained tax increases.

Public Comments & Testimony (FY27 Budget Hearing)

• Mr. Crowtell (taxpayer) urged a maximum 3% tax increase, citing rising costs and inability to increase his own income.
• A recent retiree on a fixed income asked for a tax increase, suggesting alternative revenue sources such as circuit breakers, graduated local income taxes, and progressive real estate transfer taxes to shift burden away from low-income households.
• Matt Boutet (Ward 1) spoke in favor of raising taxes, viewing it as an investment in city services and infrastructure.
• Sarah Lambert Bloom (Lofts on the Levee) advocated for full funding of MacArthur Library, describing its services, programs, and community value.
• Holly Cullaton (director, Biddeford Community Gardens) requested funding for food access programs, noting the organization donates over 2,000 pounds of food annually and partners with local groups.
• Ken Griffin (Ward 7) commented on housing affordability and compared the city's recovery to a sailboat righting itself; he urged telling the story of the city's progress.
• Jen Zavala (library employee and resident) supported library funding, emphasizing it as a free third space for families.
• Sophia Michael (resident) supported community gardens and library funding, stressing the growing need for food access.
• Michelle Cody (resident and library patron) spoke in favor of MacArthur Library, detailing its programs and personal impact.
• Alex Myers (resident) shared a personal memory of libraries and advocated for funding.
• Marilyn Rosignal (resident) praised library services, including audiobooks and memory care kits.
• Rocky Andrews (former councilor) expressed concern about tax increases but strongly advocated for MacArthur Library funding.
• Nicole Clark (MacArthur Library director) thanked the council and community for support, noting 47 children attended story time that morning and that the library is a free resource.

Proclamations

• National Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month (April 2026): Proclaimed to increase awareness of the disease, which affects nearly 14,000 in Maine. A local support group was acknowledged.
• National Community Development Week (April 6–10, 2026): Proclaimed by Councillor Woods, highlighting $1,208,890 in CDBG funding over three years for projects including a playground, pocket park, and food pantry support.

Presentation: Cable TV Committee Recommendation

• Danica Lamontang (staff liaison) introduced the item, noting the retirement of the long-time public access director.
• Richard Ames (committee chair) presented the committee's unanimous recommendation to reinvigorate the PEG access program by following the city ordinance, including hiring a public access director. He detailed the history of neglect, misallocation of franchise fees (over $517,000 surplus diverted to general fund over four years), and lost equipment. He argued the program adds value to the community.
• Council discussed resources: Danica Lamontang reported that franchise fees total about $210,000 annually, but spending has been lower. Councilor Dowdy requested data on usage and costs before deciding. Councilor Pearson suggested tabling until a cost breakdown of needed equipment is provided. The mayor clarified the committee seeks council support to proceed with hiring a director. No vote was taken.

Appointments

• Councillor Pat Boston (Ward 1) appointed to the Eastern Trail Management Board (term through December 2027). Unanimous.
• Patricia Rames (Ward 3) appointed to the Shellfish Commission. Unanimous.
• Richard Reynolds (Ward 5) appointed to the Board of Assessment Review. Unanimous.
• Lisa Ward appointed interim municipal election clerk and registrar of voters (pursuant to 21-A MRS 505). Unanimous.
• Brian J. Clark confirmed as Director of Economic Development. Unanimous. Clark thanked the council and expressed commitment to engaging the community and increasing city revenue.

Second Reading: Approval to Amend Household Waste Definition and 2-Bag Overflow Limit

• Public Works Director Jeff Demers presented the ordinance, aimed at enforcing a two-bag limit per week for overflow waste and clarifying definitions (adding “food waste” to the definition of “offal”). He noted that staff picked up 282 commercial bags of roadside trash in one week and that automated trucks are less efficient when handling many bags.
• Council discussion revealed confusion over the specific version being voted on. Councillor Dowdy suggested tabling to consider raising the bag price instead of limiting bags. Councillor Beaupre moved to table the ordinance back to the Policy Committee. The motion passed 6-3. Voting in favor: Council President Beaupre, Councilor Boston, Councilor Woods, Councilor Dowdy, Councilor Kurtz, Councilor Badnace. Opposed: Councilor Pearson, Councilor Cody, Councilor Lesard.

Orders of the Day

• Acceptance of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG): Unanimous approval.
• Elimination of three disability parking stalls on Adams Street: Unanimous approval, as the stalls were installed for the now-closed courthouse and are no longer needed.

Committee of the Whole: Council Goals

• The mayor presented a compiled list of 12 categories of goals submitted by councilors. After discussion about timing and public input, the council agreed to defer detailed discussion to a dedicated workshop with public participation. No action taken.

City Manager Report

• City Manager Devar confirmed the appointments of Brian Clark and Lisa Ward.
• Audit update: Finance director met with auditors; target completion for FY24 audit is April 15. Councilor Lesard requested a timeline document of milestones.
• Deputy city manager interviews are progressing.
• Alfred Street sewer separation project begins next week, with traffic impacts expected through November.

Other Business

• Councilor Lesard noted that waiting for a better bond rating could save approximately $140,000 per year on a $6 million recreation bond, but cautioned that no rating improvement is guaranteed.

Executive Session

• The council voted unanimously to enter executive session under MRS 405 (6)(E) for legal matters. No votes were expected afterward.