Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
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.
Good evening. I will call the Tuesday, September 15th City Council meeting to order. Thanks all for being here this evening. Councillor Kurtz is joining us virtually. All other members are present in person. 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 one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Thank you. We have a pretty packed agenda this evening, so I look forward to hearing all your comments this evening. We do have a couple of proclamations that I will be reading. First of all, no adjustments to the agenda, and our first proclamation is 4A, which is a proclamation to recognize the Greater Biddeford Socco Eltrusa 50th anniversary. Whereas for 50 years, Eltrusa International of Greater Biddeford Sacco has brought people together through a shared commitment to leadership, partnership, service, and literacy, working to improve the lives of others throughout Biddeford, Socco and the surrounding area. And whereas, since its founding in 1976, generations of Eltrusa members from different backgrounds and walks of life have given their time and talents to meet needs both large and small, finding friendship and common purpose through service to others. And whereas literacy has remained at the heart of that tradition, with Eltrusa sharing thousands of books with local children and families, participating in beloved events, including Winterfest, River Jam, Harbor Fest, and the Sacco Arts Festival, maintaining ten little free libraries throughout Bidiford and Socco, and supporting storywalks at Clifford Park. And whereas Eltrusa's service reaches across our cities, from serving meals at Bonapet and supporting local food pantries, to providing backpacks and school supplies for adoptive and foster families, assembling newborn assistance program bags, distributing kindness bags, hosting gatherings for residents of the Saint Andre and the Ward well, and providing academic awards and scholarships. And whereas through these efforts, Eltrusa has demonstrated that service is not defined by any single project, but by the steady accumulation of books shared, meals served, students encouraged, families supported, and relationships built over five decades. And whereas this anniversary also honors the generations of members who have built and sustained the organization, with special recognition given to Charter members, Denise Doyon, and Judith Catarat, who helped begin this tradition in 1976 and have remained members throughout all 50 years of Altrusa International, Greater Bidiford Saco's history, representing an extraordinary lifetime of service and an enduring connection between the organization's founding and its work today. And whereas, as Eltrusa celebrates its 50 years, its enduring spirit of service provides a strong foundation for the next 50 years. When new generations will inherit both the example and the opportunity to find their own ways to serve Biddeford, Socco, and their neighbors. Therefore, be it resolved that I, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Eltrusa International of Greater Biddeford Sacco and extend the city's gratitude to its current and former members for five decades of generosity, fellowship, and service with every confidence that the next 50 years will bring new members, new ideas, and new acts of kindness while carrying forward the same enduring commitment to others. And I know we have several members of Altrusa for Bidiford SACO. If you would be willing to stand up and would love to recognize you, and if you're and we'd love to have uh Denise, if you could wave your hand as a 50-year member. Thank you, Denise, all 50 years. And Mrs. Cadarat as well. Thank you. And I know if there's a member who would like to speak as well, you're welcome to share a few words about the committee at this point, about Eltrusa at this point. But no pressure. We're good. Okay. Thank you. Well, we have a few copies of these proclamations that we'd love to get to several of your members. Thank you. Thank you. And our second proclamation this evening is for Hispanic Heritage Month. Whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15th through October 15th to honor the histories, cultures, achievements, and enduring contributions of Hispanic Americans. And whereas the 2026 theme, Together We Are More, Unidos Somos Mass, reflects the strength found in the diverse cultures, experiences, language, traditions, and perspectives that enrich our nation. And whereas here in Biddeford, Histamic Res Hispanic residents are our neighbors, co-workers, classmates, students, business owners, leaders, friends, and families whose service, labor, entrepreneurship, creativity, and civic engagement strengthen our city. And whereas Hispanic residents are an essential part of Biddeford's identity and future. And every person who lives, works, learns, worships, or raises a family here deserves to feel safe, respected, welcome, and valued. Now, therefore, I, Liam LaFountain, Mayor of the City of Biddeford, do hereby proclaim September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Biddeford and encourage residents to recognize the cultures, accomplishments, and lasting contributions of Hispanic Americans and to help build a city where every resident knows they belong. And this will now bring us to a series of appointments that are for City Council members. Councillor Jessica Mews, Ward 4 to the Public Art Commission, that would be as a city council representative, that would be replacing Councillor Woods, as Jessica Mews was previously the chairperson of the committee. Councillor Jessica Mews, Ward 4 to the Biddeford Sacco Chamber of Commerce as a City Council liaison, replacing Councillor Boston. And Councillor Abigail Woods, Ward 2, to the Waste Management Commission as City Council liaison, replacing former Councillor Dylan Dowdy, and Councillor Abigail Woods Ward 2 to the Biddeford Education Foundation replacing Councillor Boston. Thank you all for your service.