Saco City Council Meeting – April 27, 2026

The Saco City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Jody L. McPhail presiding. All councilors were present except Councilor Onan, with Councilor Doyle arriving later. The meeting featured proclamations, extensive public comment from organizations seeking funding, presentations from city-supported entities and departments, approval of a housing grant first reading, and administrative updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from April 13, 2026, passed unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doug Doherty (President, Saco Pathfinder Snowmobile Club) requested $5,000 annually (20% of the club’s operating budget) for trail maintenance, noting the club has been active since 1972, maintains 42 miles of trails, and logged nearly 1,000 volunteer hours this year.
• Sandy Gay, Steve Scheiman, Mary Thompson, Genevieve Costello Spears, Lindsay Pylon, and Jeff Coburn spoke in support of the Dyer Library and Saco Museum, highlighting increased programming, historic archives, and community engagement. Jeff Coburn cited a user survey showing 61% want more rotating exhibits and 53% want more community events.
• Sheldon Nightingale promoted Age Friendly Saco, the Saco Food Pantry, and the Saco Meals Program, emphasizing the all-volunteer nature and growing need, including support for J1 visa holders.
• Jennifer Foy (York County Community Action) requested $7,500, noting that 875 Saco households received services totaling $2,043,446 in the most recent fiscal year, including 304 households with heating assistance.
• Laura Branstetter (Saco Arts Commission) described the commission’s evolution from small projects to the community center mural, and requested budget support for future murals at Pepperell Square.
• Emily Gormley (Caring Unlimited) requested funding for domestic violence services, reporting that 10% of the 1,800 individuals served last year were Saco residents.
• Lynn Steed and David Steed (Age Friendly Saco) presented achievements including expanded volunteer transportation, home repairs, and social programs, noting that 18% of Saco residents are 65 or older and that the state projects 25% of Maine residents will be over 65 by 2030.
• Alan Shepard (Saco Bay Trails) thanked the city for partnership in maintaining trails and highlighted the Laurel Hill Cemetery bird walks.
• George Morton (volunteer driver for the assisted rides program) emphasized the medical necessity of the program, describing severe conditions among riders and the risk of deterioration without the service.
• Dan Moran (Day One) requested $1,500 for youth mental health and substance use services, noting that the organization served 20 Saco residents this year (half under 18) and is the only state residential program for youth regardless of insurance.
• A representative from the Springvale Veterans Cemetery requested donations and noted 96 Saco veterans are buried there.
• John Gold (Age Friendly Saco shuttle driver) shared a personal story about a 95-year-old rider, illustrating the program’s impact on socialization and caregiving.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Mayor McPhail read proclamations for Autism Awareness Month, National Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026), and National Bike Month (May 2026), including Bike to Work Day on May 15.
• Committee Correspondence: Councillor Hewitt announced the Saco Pre-K through 8 Student Art Show at the Saco Museum, with an opening reception May 1 from 5–7 p.m., running through May 29.
• First Reading – CDBG Housing Grant at 12 School Street: Councilor Johnston presented a proposal for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $500,000 to support Project Home’s redevelopment of 12 School Street into seven deed-restricted affordable units, with two units reserved for new city employees. The developer is responsible for a 20% match; no city match required. A public hearing and final reading are scheduled for May 11, 2026. Councilor Johnston noted the developer has experience with affordable housing projects in Portland. The motion passed unanimously (5-0).
• Supported Entity Presentations:
  • Age Friendly Saco (Joe Morshed) requested $151,000 to continue services, including a 32-hour operations coordinator. The organization reported 7,800 volunteer hours, 2,200 rides, 1,275 meals distributed, and 1,656 unique clients served. They discussed a future community hub with a sustainable thrift store model, citing examples from other counties raising $350,000–$500,000 annually.
  • Saco Main Street (Angie Presby) highlighted the downtown’s economic impact, with a reinvestment rate of $1:$23, new businesses such as Mako's Treasure and Vita Blue, and 25 years of accreditation. The organization is adjusting to reduced sponsorships and is seeking continued support.
  • Dyer Library & Saco Museum (Sophie Smith) reported a 52% increase in foot traffic (14,000 monthly visitors) since FY24, a 1,200% increase in interlibrary loans after joining the Minerva Consortium, and a request for flat funding with a request to reinstate cost-of-living adjustments for staff. They aim to expand Saturday hours to 2 p.m.
  • Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (John Savage) requested a 12% increase, with total expenses rising to $4.4 million, driven by labor and fuel costs. The system provided 285,000 passenger trips, including 4,000 Quick Ride trips and 1,500 Camp Ellis Trolley trips. EV charger installation (no local cost) and bus stop improvements ($88,000) were highlighted.
• Department Presentations:
  • Communications (Andrew Dickinson) proposed a $13,000 Flash Vote survey tool for statistically valid public feedback and a semi-annual mailed print newsletter ($7,000 per run) to reach non-digital audiences. The department’s budget is down 5.3% due to reorganization, and they continue to work on digital accessibility compliance.
  • Human Resources (Hunter Cox) presented the HR budget (up 12.2%) and fringe benefits (up 14.4%, driven by 12% health insurance increase). The city’s turnover rate dropped to 11.1% from 17%. The department recommended repealing Section 9.3 of the employee handbook (Parental Leave) due to conflicts with Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, effective May 1, 2026, noting employees will receive better benefits under the state program.
  • Public Works (Director Moore) requested one additional full-time truck driver for winter plow coverage. The department’s budget increases 6.3% ($390,000), largely due to solid waste contract increases (5%) and tipping fees (4%). The city maintains 134.5 miles of roadway and 61.5 miles of sidewalk.
  • Capital Improvement Plan (Samantha Bryant) projected $34–35 million in capital spending over five years, including North Station fire station renovations, the downtown gateway project, ladder truck replacement, and Pepperell Park destination park funding.
• Fee Schedule Review: Council discussed the FY2027 fee schedule. Councillor Johnston questioned the increase in mattress disposal fees from $10 to $25 (to match actual cost). Councillor Gale suggested increasing parking violation fees for safety. Councillor Johnston noted that many fees are tied to code and would require code amendments. The fee schedule will be revisited after the public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• CDBG Housing Grant First Reading: Approved unanimously (5-0). A public hearing and final reading are set for May 11, 2026.
• Approval of Minutes: Passed 5-0.
• Repeal of Parental Leave Policy: Council will consider the repeal of Section 9.3 of the employee handbook at a future meeting, with formal action pending.
• Administrative Updates: City Administrator Pelletier announced a six-month pilot for public works hours (early Friday closings), the start of Army Corps jetty spur construction at Camp Ellis (expected completion August 2027), and the launch of the Saco Community History Project (funded by a $22,000 historic preservation grant).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m. with a 6-0 vote.