Good evening.

I will call the May 5th, 2026 City Council meeting to order.

Council President Beaupre is excused.

All other members are present.

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I

pledge

allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands.

Underground, indivisible

with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

That takes us to adjustments to the agenda, which I have two.

One will be adding an executive session for legal matters to the end of the meeting.

Additionally, we will be moving the presentation 6A FY24 audit presentation to after the orders of the day, as the auditor is not yet arrived.

And with that, we have a busy meeting tonight.

Thanks all for joining us, and we'll begin with a series with the employee recognition report for April of 2026.

And we have several recognitions to for our city employees, beginning with an anniversary, 40 years for Captain Raymond LaRue from the Call Force Fire Department.

Thank you for your service.

Additionally, Sergeant Philip Greenwood from the police department has retired after 39 years of service with Biddeford Police Department.

So thank you to uh Sergeant Greenwood.

I know they did a celebration for him last week.

Want to thank his for his service as well.

In terms of uh individuals moving on from service with the city are former clerk Robin Patterson and Karen Carey from the recreation staff.

In terms of new employees, Lori Speed is coming on as an account clerk.

Brian Clark, coming on as our new director of economic development.

Andrew Scripek as a code enforcement officer, Susan Gorman as working with our downtown flowers, Jeff Carter, also for flower maintenance, Jonah Martin, a new firefighter, and Ryan McCann for a public safety dispatcher.

Thank you all for choosing Biddeford.

We appreciate

it.

That takes us to four proclamations, beginning with the Kids to Parks Day, which I will ask Councillor Woods, who serves as our recreation commission liaison to read for us.

Thank you, Counselor Woods.

Absolutely.

All right.

There we go.

So Kids to Parks Day in the City of Biddeford, May 16th, 2026.

Whereas May 16th, 2026 is the 16th Kids to Parks Day organized and launched by the National Park Trust held annually on the third Saturday of May.

And whereas Kids to Parks Day empowers kids and encourages families to get outdoors and visit local parks, public lands, and waters, and whereas we should encourage children to lead a more active lifestyle to combat issues of childhood obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

And whereas Kids to Parks Day will broaden children's appreciation for nature and outdoors, and whereas Kids to Parks Day will recognize the importance of recreating responsibly while enjoying the benefits of the outdoors, and whereas the City of Biddeford celebrates Kids to Parks Day every year with the annual Spring Pollinator Festival held annually on the third Saturday in May at Rotary Park.

Now therefore, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, does hereby proclaim May 16th, 2026 as Kids to Parks Day in Biddeford,

Maine.

Thank

you, Councillor Woods, and happy Kids to Parks Day.

Honoring the heritage achievements and cultural contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across the United States.

And whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders represent a vibrant and growing part of Maine's population, approximately 1.5% of Maine's populations identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, with Biddeford home to a steadily increasing number of families from those backgrounds.

And whereas AA and HPI communities have enriched every facet of American society from arts and sciences to education, business, public service, and continue to play a vital role in shaping our collective future.

And whereas cultures celebrated under the AANHPI umbrella include peoples from more than 75 countries across the Asian continent, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, and whereas the City of Biddeford is committed to recognizing and celebrating the diverse heritage of all its residents and fostering a welcoming, inclusive community for all.

Therefore, I, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Biddeford, and encourage residents to learn more about the history, culture, and contributions of AA and HPI communities, both locally and nationally.

Thank you.

That also brings us to a National Police Week proclamation, which I've asked Councillor Pearson, who serves on our public safety commission to read.

Recognizing National Police Week 2026.

Whereas National Police Week, observed from May 10th through May 16th, 2026, honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the United States.

And whereas Biddeford Law Enforcement Officers ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors alike with courage and professionalism.

And it is incumbent upon us to recognize the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices made by local law enforcement officers and their families.

And whereas each year during National Police Week, communities across the country honor the memory of those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognizing the ongoing efforts of those who continue to serve with honor.

And whereas

the

City of Biddeford extends its heartful gratitude to the men and women of the Biddeford Police Department for their continued service, integrity, and commitment to the well-being of our community.

And now, therefore, be it resolved that Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, does hereby proclaim the week of May 10th through 16th of 2026 as National Police Week in the City of Biddeford and encourages all residents to join in honoring and expressing appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our local law enforcement officers.

Thank