Biddeford City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026: FY27 Budget, Recreation Bond, and Ordinance Changes

The Biddeford City Council convened on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and via Microsoft Teams. Councillors Lassard and Cody were excused. The meeting included a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, a presentation on recreation bond community engagement data, a public hearing on the bond, second readings of the FY27 city budget and several ordinances, and committee discussions. Major actions included approval of an amended FY27 budget (6-1), updates to open burning and parking ordinances, and codification of the Veterans Committee.

Consent Calendar

• EMS Week Proclamation: The mayor read the proclamation highlighting the 2026 theme "Improving Outcomes Together." A moment of silence was observed for Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, who died in the line of duty during a response in Searsmont.
• Appointments:
  • Councillor Pearson appointed to the MMA Legislative Policy Committee (term July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028).
  • Eric Humiller (Ward 2) to the Shellfish Conservation Commission, and Mona Grandoise (Ward 2) to the Tri-City Transit Committee.
  • Approval of election clerks for 2026–2027.
• Liquor License: Approval for Banded Horn Brewing Company, LLC for the La Kermesse festival.
• Minutes: Unanimously approved minutes from the April 23, April 28, May 7 (special meetings), and May 5 (regular) council meetings.
• La Kermesse Special Event Permit and Fee Waiver: Approved a special event permit and a $3,000 fee waiver for the festival.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Session (3-minute limit, for items not on agenda):

• Delilah (Ward 5): Invited the council to "Local Plates, Local Stories" – a free potluck and storytelling event at Rotary Park on June 3.
• Yachizi Pakati (Ward?, registered nurse, immigrant, American Red Cross volunteer): Urged the council to adopt policies and public statements affirming healthcare settings as safe spaces for all residents regardless of immigration status. Argued that fear of enforcement drives people away from care, increasing public health risks and costs.
• Sam Pico (Ward 7): Thanked organizers of the Pollinator Fest at Rotary Park.
• Patrick Conlin (Ward 3): Reported on a successful temporary bike lane from downtown to Rotary Park for Pollinator Fest. Noted high car speeds and strong public desire for a permanent bike lane. Thanked city departments and volunteers for their support.

Second Session (5-minute limit):

• An unnamed resident thanked the council for their budget work and asked for more frequent ward meetings to build public trust. Expressed frustration with a comment implying she should accept tax increases because she owns a nice home.

Recreation Bond Community Engagement Data

Director Thompson and Deputy Director Duby presented results of community engagement following the November 2025 voter approval of a $6 million recreation bond. Engagement included interactive surveys at ward meetings (attendance 12–40 residents per ward) and online. The online survey (January–March 31) drew 716 participants. Key survey findings:

• Top-ranked amenities: Rotary Park, Community Center, Clifford Park, Ice Arena, Mayfield Park (Memorial Park), Westbrook Skating Rink, St. Louis Field, skate park, Doran Field, Chevenel Park.
• Demographics: Majority aged 41–59; under‑representation of youth. 47% of respondents had no children at home.
• Top needs identified: Public restrooms (56% "more needed"), accessible walking trails (46%), outdoor event space (35–36%), indoor gyms (33% "more needed"), and expanded summer/after‑school programming.
• Adequate resources: Playgrounds for young children, tennis courts, and ice skating rinks were generally considered sufficient.

Public Hearing on the Bond: Matt Haas (Ward 1) questioned the modest response rate (716 of ~22,000 residents) and urged prioritizing deferred maintenance over new facilities.

FY27 Budget Second Reading

City Government Appropriations

Public Comments:

• Scott Whiting (Ward 2): Warned against last‑minute budget cuts during second reading; supported the social services package ($1 million, 2% of total budget) as a compromise.
• Tammy Belanger (Ward 3): Argued that public safety (fire and police) should take priority over library funding, pointing to cuts in fire equipment and police cruisers.
• La Kermesse representative (presented written materials): Described a historic embezzlement of $39,000 that took the organization 15 years to overcome, and past donations to the city. Requested the full $15,000 annual contribution or half that amount.
• Josh Wolf (speaking as individual): Strongly criticized the council for cutting $11,000 for firefighter oxygen tanks and $240,000 from the fire administration budget.

Council Deliberation and Votes:

• Restorations: Council President Beaupre moved to restore $60,000 for a police cruiser and $25,000 for fire department SCBA/operating supplies. Both motions seconded by Councillor Dowdy. Passed unanimously.
• Additional funding for La Kermesse: Councillor Woods moved to add $7,500 to the social services line for La Kermesse, seconded by Councillor Kurtz. Council President Beaupre noted double‑dipping with the $3,000 fee waiver; several councillors opposed. Motion failed (2 in favor, 5 opposed).
• Fuel adjustment: Tabled pending updated figures.
• Motion to table entire appropriation: Councillor Pearson moved to delay the vote until June 2 to allow absent councillors to participate. Failed (1 in favor, 6 opposed).
• Final vote on FY27 City Government Appropriations (as amended): Approved 6-1 (Councillor Badney opposed). City Revenues FY27: Approved unanimously. Property Tax Dates and Interest FY27: Changed to October 8, 2026 (first installment) and April 8, 2027 (second installment). Approved unanimously.

Other Second Readings (unanimous)

• Master Fee Schedule Ordinance: Approved.
• Parking Ordinance Amendments (Ch. 42-92 Limited Parking): All three sections approved; the third section (A‑3) was amended by Councillor Woods to reflect the Traffic Committee’s decision (two 44‑foot spaces replacing one 22‑foot space, removing the 15‑minute limit).

Open Burning Ordinance Update

Fire Chief Best presented updates to align the city code with state law. Key changes: campfires under 3’×3’ require no permit; beach campfire rules were tightened; permit process clarified. Councillor Woods offered clarifying amendments (allowing in‑person permit applications). The amended ordinance was unanimously approved.

Veterans Committee Ordinance

Second reading to codify the Veterans Committee as a permanent committee (replacing the ad‑hoc body expiring June 30). The committee chair need not be a councilor; a council liaison ensures continuity. Councillor Woods moved three technical amendments (striking a redundant word, correcting staggered‑term wording, and updating residency language). Approved unanimously.

Committee of the Whole – Policy Committee Role

Councillor Pearson led a discussion on the expectations for policy committees. Council consensus: committees should provide vote tallies and summaries with their recommendations; the council should give clearer directives when referring matters; committee liaisons should report regularly to the full council. Councillor Boston suggested a comprehensive review of all committees to reduce overlap. Councillor Badney appreciated clarification on her liaison role. Councillor Pearson noted the Policy Committee is drafting a uniform committee ordinance. No formal vote was taken.

City Manager Report

• Compensation Study: The non‑union classification and compensation study is on schedule; preliminary findings will be shared with the Personnel Committee in June, with full recommendations in July. May enable recruitment/retention wage adjustments.
• CDS Grant Cash Match Waiver: The city qualifies for a federal waiver of the 20% cash match on the $6 million Community Development Set‑Aside sewer infrastructure grant. An application letter will be sent to the EPA; if granted, the city can seek reimbursement for already‑expended funds, including the Main Street pump station.

Other Business and Council Updates

• Councillor Woods: Announced monthly open office hours starting Sunday, May 31, 2026, 1–4 PM at the Sullivan Street Hub (46 Sullivan St), open to all residents.
• Councillor Kurtz: Shared a resident’s perspective that current revitalization returns the city to its vibrant mill‑era past, but noted the tension between tourism‑driven property values and the need for affordable housing and diverse employment. Called for sustained focus on economic development.
• Council President Beaupre: Reported from the Tri‑City Transit Committee (Bus fare caps: $6 daily, $60 monthly). Advocated for establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission and a formal social‑service agency application process before the next budget cycle. Also thanked staff for public works and recreation maintenance.
• Mayor: Thanked city staff for the successful Pollinator Fest and park upkeep. Invited councilors to walk in the Memorial Day Parade (Monday, May 26, starting at 9:45 AM at Saco City Hall). Encouraged residents to apply for the Charter Commission positions (two mayoral appointments requiring council confirmation).

Executive Session

The council voted unanimously to enter executive session for real estate (MRS §405(6)(C)), personnel (MRS §405(6)(A)), and legal matters (MRS §405(6)(E)), with no return for votes.

Key Outcomes

• FY27 City Budget (Appropriations): Amended and approved 6-1. $60,000 restored for police cruiser, $25,000 for fire department SCBA/operating supplies. Additional $7,500 for La Kermesse was rejected (2-5). Motion to table failed (1-6).
• Budget (Revenues & Tax Dates): Approved unanimously.
• Master Fee Schedule: Approved unanimously.
• Parking Ordinance Changes (3): Approved unanimously; Section A‑3 amended to align with Traffic Committee.
• Open Burning Ordinance: Approved with amendments to permit process.
• Veterans Committee Ordinance: Approved as amended, making the committee permanent.
• La Kermesse Special Event Permits and Fee Waiver: Approved unanimously.
• EMS Week Proclamation: Observed; moment of silence for fallen firefighter.
• All Appointments and Minutes: Unanimously approved.