Saco City Council Meeting Summary: February 2, 2026

The Saco City Council met on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a range of topics including recognition of the Thornton Academy football team, updates on the purchasing policy, public concerns over a proposed road diet on Route 1, the status of mediated rent negotiations at Blue Haven Mobile Home Park, and financial concerns regarding the Ecology School. The meeting also included the swearing-in of new Ward 3 Councilor William P. Doyle.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from December 15, 2025, January 5, 2026, and January 12, 2026 passed 6-0.
• Consent items included certification of election results, confirmation of several mayoral appointments to boards and commissions, the council schedule for April–June 2026, and a combined massage therapist and establishment license. These passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Bryant (attorney for Blue Haven MHP LLC): Reported that a mediation between the park owners and a resident committee on January 26, 2026, was successful. A memorandum of agreement would implement the December 1 rent increase with monthly credits over an extended period, contingent on 51% of households signing and the city council rescinding the current moratorium by the February 23 meeting.
• Bud Hurst (business owner): Expressed opposition to the proposed reduction of Route 1 from four lanes to one lane each way with a center turn lane and bike lanes. He argued that construction would cause summer traffic problems, that left turns into businesses would become difficult and dangerous, and that bike lanes are unnecessary given the nearby Eastern Trail.
• Kevin Cormier (Funtown owner): Strongly opposed the road diet, stating that traffic count studies underestimate actual volumes and that the only solution is to add a fifth turning lane, as Scarborough did. He warned that reduced lanes would cripple businesses during the 10-week summer season and noted his family's 70-year business history and significant tax contribution.
• Hope Lambert (14 Pheasant Road, volunteer with Blue Haven committee): Raised concerns about the mediation, stating the resident committee has not received proof of ownership or identification of all parties with at least 20% interest in the park, and requested additional time on the rent-freeze moratorium to obtain this information.
• Deb Lombard (Portland Road resident, sixth-generation): Stated she received no notice of the Route 1 project despite living there for 102 years. She argued that the road diet would worsen congestion during turnpike accidents and that the Eastern Trail already provides a safe bicycle route.
• Inga Brown (161 Simpson Road): Submitted documents alleging that the Ecology School's construction loan agreement (signed May 2024, with completion by October 2025) and the Business Partnership Initiative (BPI) are in breach. She argued that the school is mischaracterizing delays and urged the council to review the contracts.
• Deb Hilton (143 Simpson Road, CPA): Presented detailed financial concerns about the Ecology School (TESS), citing operating losses in three of the last five years, a $1.1 million loss in 2024, negative cash flows, $12.3 million in debt ($8.4 million in default with USDA), and only $70,000 in operating cash. She stated that TESS has breached construction agreements and that the city risks taxpayer funds.
• Unidentified speaker (regarding Deering Trust): Questioned the city's executive session practices, the handling of trust finances, and the lack of public disclosures, calling for a forensic audit and removal of trustees.
• Gary Prolman (743 Portland Road, attorney): Read condensed written statements from several Route 1 business owners (Seacoast RV, Shed Happens, Jack automotive dealerships, Wagon Wheel Motel, Seesaw Restaurant) all voicing strong opposition to the road diet. Common themes: no public notice was received, the change would harm businesses, impede large trucks, and create safety hazards, and the Eastern Trail already serves bicyclists. He noted the lack of notice and requested that future meetings include all affected property owners.

Discussion Items

• Purchasing Policy Update (Greg LaRue): Presented a preliminary overview of a revised purchasing policy. Key changes include raising department head informal bidding authority to $10,000, requiring a sole-source justification form with a conflict-of-interest certification, adding alternative project delivery methods (construction manager at-risk, design-build), and expanding cooperative purchasing and online bid platforms. The formal redline version will be presented in a few weeks to a month. Councilor Gale asked whether a "best value" criterion could be added to ensure the lowest bid is not always selected; Mr. LaRue responded that evaluation criteria are already part of the RFP process.
• Route 1 Road Diet (raised in public comments and council discussion): Many speakers opposed the proposed reduction from four lanes to one lane each way with a center turn lane and bike lanes. Councilor Johnston noted that the plan is actually three lanes (with a center turn lane), not two, and acknowledged a lack of outreach to businesses. The council agreed to verify the notice list and improve future communication. The traffic safety committee is also developing standard operating procedures for traffic calming devices.
• Blue Haven Mobile Home Park Mediation: Richard Bryant reported a successful mediation and outlined conditions for a final agreement. Hope Lambert raised concerns about lack of ownership documentation. Councilor Doyle requested an update on the moratorium extension, which will be on the agenda for February 9.
• Ecology School Financial Concerns: Inga Brown and Deb Hilton presented evidence of contract breaches and financial instability, urging the council to review the situation.
• General Discussion: Councilor Johnston thanked volunteers for appointments, recognized DPW for snow removal, and requested an update on board vacancies. Councilor Doyle thanked voters and called for consideration of a citywide rent stabilization ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearings Closed: The public hearing on Chapter 169 (recreational vehicles) was closed 7-0; the final reading is scheduled for February 9, 2026.
• Special Entertainment Permit Approved: The renewal for Saco Eagles #3792 was approved 7-0.
• New Councilor Sworn In: William P. Doyle was sworn in as Ward 3 Councilor, restoring the council to full membership.
• Next Steps: The Route 1 road diet notice list will be reviewed. The Blue Haven moratorium extension will be on the February 9 agenda. The purchasing policy redline will be presented in a few weeks. The council will consider a rent stabilization ordinance in the future.