OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Saco City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026: Recognitions, Public Comments, and Rent Stabilization Ordinance Update

City CouncilMonday, June 1, 2026
BodySaco, Maine
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, June 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:38:42
Transcript — Verbatim
7:32

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Sacco City Council meeting for Monday, June first, twenty twenty-six at six thirty PM.

7:39

Would like to make note of all members of council present this evening, with the exception of Councillor Doyle, who has been excused, and with us tonight we do have City Administrator Pelletier.

7:49

Would you please stand and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance?

7:54

Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

7:58

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.

8:08

Okay, moving on to item number four under general tonight.

8:11

We do have several very special recognitions this evening.

8:29

For winners of the Class A state Ice hockey state championship.

8:39

And the boys' hockey team includes Ross Todd, Colton Cross, Austin Goodman, Trent Lesur, Oliver Thompson, Ryan Gagnan, Brennan Tabor, Ryan Johnson, Casey Letart, Andrew Reike, Max Siebert, Braden Dwayne, Owen Dorsey, Jake Skillens, Grady Hersey, Tucker Bailey, Jake Ailaire, Devin Duby, Corbin Poussan, Trevor Belangeron, Austin Roy, Dominic Martin, Bo Hubbard, Aiden Leighton, Dalton Cole, Cole Fernand, and Senior Jake Skillings is the recipient of the Travis Rory Award this year, recognizing Maine's most outstanding player.

10:00

Placing third in the Class A for points and second in Class A for goals.

10:04

It was only the second time in the trophy's history that teammates were finalists.

10:09

It was the first time in the trophy's history that players from the same program won the award in back to back seasons.

10:17

And with that, we would like to congratulate the hockey team.

10:29

All right, and next up in swimming.

10:32

Both the girls and the boys team excelled at the Class A State Swim Championships at Colby College on March sixth, twenty twenty-six, with the girls placing third and the boys placing second.

10:46

Special congratulations to Kenzie Shield, the state champion in both the two hundred yard freestyle and the five hundred yard freestyle, as well as to Lucy Prairie Lucy Perry, state champion in the two hundred yard individual medley, and the one hundred yard breaststroke.

11:04

Members of the boys swim team included Jacob E.

11:07

Blanchett, Aaron Garland, Wyatt Libby, Giorgio Merjean, I'm sorry, Hein, Alex Cuelto, Asher Shunky, Pierce Shields, Noah Smith, Jackson Vincent, Tucker Vincent, and Aaron Williams.

11:26

And members of the girls' swimming team included Charlotte Mean, Julia Blanchette, Emily Davis, Lena Ducky, Allison Garland, McKenzie Hebert, Alison Jacob Mixey, I'm sorry.

11:42

And that is the girls' swim team, and congratulations.

12:02

We also have Mariah Katsu, Jane Kim, Isabel Knox, Anna Lefebre, Ann Perry, Lucy Perry, Alana Poirier, Alison Riggins Smith, Jacqueline Scully, McKenzie Shields, Jen Wayne's Sun, Madison Tripp, and Stella Wells.

12:20

Thank you.

12:29

Okay.

12:30

And third, last but certainly not least.

12:33

In wrestling, Evan McMahon represented Thornton Academy in the New England Wrestling Championship in Providence after earning second place at the Maine State qualifier at a hundred and six pounds.

12:46

These achievements represent not only athletic excellence, but also the dedication, discipline, and community pride that defines Thornton Academy students.

12:57

I, along with the members of the Sacco City Council, would like to thank the students, the coaches, families, and all of the supporters who contributed to their success.

13:07

Congratulations and great job, everyone.

13:10

Thank you.

13:24

With that, I would like to recognize and ask the players who are here from all to meet us out front for a quick photo.

13:32

And I would like the counselors as well.

17:15

Okay, welcome back, everyone.

17:17

Thank you for that short recess.

17:20

It's always a special honor when we can uh um recognize our students and the accomplishments that they provide.

17:26

So we did have a second recognition for the Weiway store, but unfortunately Peter Scontras fell ill today, and that will be rescheduled to a later date.

17:36

Moving on to item number five, committee correspondence to council.

17:39

Are there any committee members wishing to speak?

17:44

Not seeing anyone.

17:46

Moving on to item number six, that is public comment.

17:52

And we do have three members of the public signed up first.

17:55

We will go through those three, and then we'll open it up to the floor.

17:59

When your name is called, please step to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and you will have three minutes to address the council.

18:06

First up, we have Kathy Dobbins.

18:12

Good evening, Kathy Dobbins, twenty-eight Meserve Circle.

18:15

Nice to see you all.

18:16

I've taken a break.

18:17

Back.

18:17

I didn't realize we were going to be on the agenda tonight, but I came prepared.

18:21

Um we first came to here back in September with two clear requests an emergency moratorium to protect the residents and a rent stabilization ordinance.

18:30

The moratorium was enacted, and we appreciate that.

18:33

But we are nine months later and we are still waiting on an ordinance.

18:36

Meanwhile, cities and towns across Maine have continued moving forward to protect their residents from out of state equity firms doing exactly what they're doing is increasing the rent.

19:24

So we've been seeing pieces of that, but they still have not sat down to a table with us to negotiate the purchase of this park.

19:43

That if we did not get to terms, Frank was putting it on the market within the next 30 days, whether we agreed to it or not.

19:51

So we still don't have an agreement or a purchase a sale agreement, and we're still working on that.

20:00

Um the owners, if they don't accept our offer, we are going to make sure they follow the state law with first of right of refusal, and we are going to go that route if we have to.

20:07

They are new protections in place as of June 15, uh July 15th to protect the loopholes so they cannot transfer their ownership to another entity.

20:15

So we are making sure that all laws are followed, but the residents shouldn't be left vulnerable while we wait for the protections to be put in place should they not sell to us.

20:25

So thank you for your time.

20:28

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████77%
Affordable Housing██████11%
Youth Programs██4%
Cannabis Regulation██3%
Engineering And Infrastructure2%
Public Engagement2%
Community Engagement1%
Summary of Proceedings

Saco City Council Meeting - June 1, 2026

The Saco City Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM. All members were present except Councillor Doyle (excused). The meeting included recognitions for student athletes, public comments on the Blue Haven Mobile Home Park rent stabilization, approval of minutes, action items for vehicle leasing and a special entertainment permit, a detailed update on the proposed lot rent stabilization ordinance, and an administrative update.

Recognitions

  • The council recognized the Class A State Ice Hockey Champions (Thornton Academy boys' team), highlighting senior Jake Skillings receiving the Travis Rory Award. Both boys' and girls' swim teams were honored for their Class A performances, with Kenzie Shield and Lucy Perry as state champions. Wrestler Evan McMahon was recognized for placing second at the Maine State qualifier and competing at the New England Championship.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Kathy Dobbins (28 Meserve Circle): Expressed frustration that nine months after requesting an emergency moratorium and rent stabilization ordinance, the city has not finalized an ordinance. She noted that Blue Haven residents are negotiating to purchase the park but face resistance from owners. She urged the council to enforce state law on right of first refusal.
  • Barb Thomas (Blue Haven Mobile Home Park): Reported that the Blue Haven Resident Cooperative has incorporated and is negotiating a purchase. She acknowledged movement on the ordinance but stressed the need for a robust, enforceable policy with teeth, not a watered-down version, to protect working families.
  • Lisa DeRoscher (18 Pinehaven Street): Pleaded for immediate action on a rent stabilization ordinance, calling the situation an emergency and stating that rent increases are already out of hand.
  • Dan Newman (Portland, union organizer with Maine AFL-CIO): Offered support and connections to other municipalities that have passed lot rent stabilization ordinances. He noted that citizen initiatives in Old Orchard Beach (70% approval), Searsport (85%), and Jay (100%) demonstrate overwhelming public support.
  • Richard Glossman (7 Meserve Circle, Blue Haven): Raised concerns about fixed-income residents, rent increases split over two years, and lack of park maintenance (dead trees, potholes). He asked the council to help negotiate a sale.
  • Kevin Roch (18 Vines Road, president of SOS Saco Bay): Expressed support for Blue Haven residents and advocated for corporate disclosure regulations. He also provided an update on the Camp Ellis jetty project, noting that rocks are arriving in South Portland and will be barged to Saco Bay soon.

Discussion Items

  • Mobile Home Park Lot Rent Stabilization Ordinance Update (Deputy Administrator Prescott): Presented a draft outline for a new ordinance (likely Section 145). Key features include: limitation on number of rent increases per year, base rent increase tied to CPI plus 1%, vacancy-based rent increases, notification requirements, and a two-tier process for rent increases (with and without a public hearing). The decision-making body could be a rent stabilization board or the council. Next steps: complete draft within 2-3 weeks, distribute to council, engage affordable housing task force, and legal review. Councilor Edwards asked whether a resident-owned park (e.g., Blue Haven cooperative) would be exempt; Prescott noted exemptions could be written for owner-occupied parks. Councilor Gale inquired about the CPI index and alternatives; Prescott said CPI is common and aligns with state guidance. Councilor Hewitt asked about vacancy-based rent—it allows higher rent for new tenants on vacant spaces. Councilor Onan requested a deadline for council comments; Prescott suggested within a week and a half and will re-send the ordinances for reference.

Key Outcomes

  • Approval of Minutes (May 18, 2026): Motion passed 6-0.
  • Order to Authorize Lease Purchase of Five Municipal Vehicles (up to $1.9 million): Motion passed 6-0.
  • Special Entertainment Permit for Townhouse Pub (5 Store Street): Public hearing opened and closed, no public testimony. Motion to grant the permit concurrent with the new liquor license passed 6-0. Councillor Gale noted fortune telling is a permitted use.
  • Council Discussion: Councillor Edwards reported a recent accident at Spring and North Street and noted the Traffic Safety Commission is investigating. Councillor Onan commended Public Works for completing the Camp Ellis road culvert project on time and thanked SOS Saco Bay for advocacy on the jetty.
  • Executive Session: The council voted 6-0 to enter executive session at 7:16 PM for consultation with the attorney regarding the Kimball Health Trust and public easements (per MRSA Title 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1, Subsection 4056, E). They exited at an unspecified time.

Administrative Update (City Administrator Pelletier)

  • Absentee voting deadline for June 9 primary/school budget election is June 4. Clerk's office hours extended. Polls open at Thornton Academy.
  • Community History Project walking tour on June 26 (registration required, limited to 40).
  • Summer Road Safety Demo Project pop-up event on June 4 (4-6 PM at City Hall).
  • Maine Water discount program for income-eligible customers.
  • Deputy Fire Chief Clifton Whiton received the 2026 Maine EMS Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Upcoming council meetings: June 8, June 15, July 6.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Sacco City Council meeting for Monday, June first, twenty twenty-six at six thirty PM. Would like to make note of all members of council present this evening, with the exception of Councillor Doyle, who has been excused, and with us tonight we do have City Administrator Pelletier. Would you please stand and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance? Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all. Okay, moving on to item number four under general tonight. We do have several very special recognitions this evening. For winners of the Class A state Ice hockey state championship. And the boys' hockey team includes Ross Todd, Colton Cross, Austin Goodman, Trent Lesur, Oliver Thompson, Ryan Gagnan, Brennan Tabor, Ryan Johnson, Casey Letart, Andrew Reike, Max Siebert, Braden Dwayne, Owen Dorsey, Jake Skillens, Grady Hersey, Tucker Bailey, Jake Ailaire, Devin Duby, Corbin Poussan, Trevor Belangeron, Austin Roy, Dominic Martin, Bo Hubbard, Aiden Leighton, Dalton Cole, Cole Fernand, and Senior Jake Skillings is the recipient of the Travis Rory Award this year, recognizing Maine's most outstanding player. Placing third in the Class A for points and second in Class A for goals. It was only the second time in the trophy's history that teammates were finalists. It was the first time in the trophy's history that players from the same program won the award in back to back seasons. And with that, we would like to congratulate the hockey team. All right, and next up in swimming. Both the girls and the boys team excelled at the Class A State Swim Championships at Colby College on March sixth, twenty twenty-six, with the girls placing third and the boys placing second. Special congratulations to Kenzie Shield, the state champion in both the two hundred yard freestyle and the five hundred yard freestyle, as well as to Lucy Prairie Lucy Perry, state champion in the two hundred yard individual medley, and the one hundred yard breaststroke. Members of the boys swim team included Jacob E. Blanchett, Aaron Garland, Wyatt Libby, Giorgio Merjean, I'm sorry, Hein, Alex Cuelto, Asher Shunky, Pierce Shields, Noah Smith, Jackson Vincent, Tucker Vincent, and Aaron Williams. And members of the girls' swimming team included Charlotte Mean, Julia Blanchette, Emily Davis, Lena Ducky, Allison Garland, McKenzie Hebert, Alison Jacob Mixey, I'm sorry. And that is the girls' swim team, and congratulations. We also have Mariah Katsu, Jane Kim, Isabel Knox, Anna Lefebre, Ann Perry, Lucy Perry, Alana Poirier, Alison Riggins Smith, Jacqueline Scully, McKenzie Shields, Jen Wayne's Sun, Madison Tripp, and Stella Wells. Thank you. Okay. And third, last but certainly not least. In wrestling, Evan McMahon represented Thornton Academy in the New England Wrestling Championship in Providence after earning second place at the Maine State qualifier at a hundred and six pounds. These achievements represent not only athletic excellence, but also the dedication, discipline, and community pride that defines Thornton Academy students. I, along with the members of the Sacco City Council, would like to thank the students, the coaches, families, and all of the supporters who contributed to their success. Congratulations and great job, everyone. Thank you. With that, I would like to recognize and ask the players who are here from all to meet us out front for a quick photo. And I would like the counselors as well. Okay, welcome back, everyone. Thank you for that short recess. It's always a special honor when we can uh um recognize our students and the accomplishments that they provide. So we did have a second recognition for the Weiway store, but unfortunately Peter Scontras fell ill today, and that will be rescheduled to a later date. Moving on to item number five, committee correspondence to council. Are there any committee members wishing to speak? Not seeing anyone. Moving on to item number six, that is public comment. And we do have three members of the public signed up first. We will go through those three, and then we'll open it up to the floor. When your name is called, please step to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and you will have three minutes to address the council. First up, we have Kathy Dobbins. Good evening, Kathy Dobbins, twenty-eight Meserve Circle. Nice to see you all. I've taken a break. Back. I didn't realize we were going to be on the agenda tonight, but I came prepared. Um we first came to here back in September with two clear requests an emergency moratorium to protect the residents and a rent stabilization ordinance. The moratorium was enacted, and we appreciate that.

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