Government at a Glance: Lewiston

Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday night

Shared software

Issue: New government-specific software would automate many scheduling and tracking jobs currently handled by city staff. The programs, made by Georgia-based EnerGov Solutions, would be shared by the cities of Lewiston and Auburn. It would let them share staff, ordinances and operations.

The scoop: The Auburn City Council on Monday approved an agreement with Lewiston to purchase the package. It would cost $353,980, and the cost would be split evenly between the two cities.

Up next: The two cities will meet to make sure zoning, code enforcement rules and fees match as much as possible. Representatives from EnerGov should be on hand early in 2010 to begin designing a specific system for the Twin Cities. It could be in use by July 2010.

 Storm-water management

Issue: New state and federal environmental protection rules require the city to begin monitoring private storm-water systems. Those systems collect rain and snow runoff and direct them into the Androscoggin River.

The scoop: The plan would have the city monitor new construction that creates disturbed land or hard, water-resistant surfaces larger than an acre. It would require those property owners to have plans in place to mitigate storm-water runoff from their hard surfaces and for those systems to be inspected each year. Landowners would pay for those inspections.

Councilors reviewed the monitoring plan in October but said they were concerned it was too much of a burden on property owners and developers. They asked the city's Planning Board to review the monitoring plan. On Tuesday, councilors were told they would face a lawsuit or other state penalties if they didn't adopt the monitoring plan. It amounts to an unfunded burden on taxpayers, Councilor Denis Theriault said.

Up next: Councilors approved the plan on first reading but added some language. They required a performance bond for developers seeking to pay for future testing and possible work that could be required. They also limited the plan to the city's urban area. They'll vote on it again next month.

Franco sign

Issue: Saying the current sign in front of the Franco-American Heritage Center is old, ugly and in need of being replaced, members are asking to put a modern, electronic sign in front of the building. They wanted councilors to change city zoning to allow signs of up to 72 square feet in the downtown.

The scoop: Councilor Tom Peters said he was concerned that changing the zoning would allow other property owners to put in neon signs that were gaudy or that didn't fit with community standards.

Up next: Councilors approved the zoning change, but they asked staff to come up with design standards before requests for future signs come in.

Youth councilor

 Issue: The city has a Youth Advisory Council made up of high school students. The group tackles special projects for the city. In the past, they've created anti-drunk-driving videos, raised money to repair the city hall clock and to install an electronic sign in front of Lewiston High School. 

The scoop: Councilor Denis Theriault suggested giving them a new job, letting members sit with the City Council at regular meetings. They would get council packets and would be allowed to ask questions but would not get a vote or get to sit in on closed-door executive sessions. Councilor Tom Peters said it was a good idea, but added some caveats. Councilors would vote every two years to continue seating LYAC members at their meetings, and would set a 9 p.m. curfew for the students.

Up next: Councilors voted 4-3 to approve. 

Liquor licenses

Issue: Local restaurants and bars must reapply for liquor licenses and amusement permits each year. Liquor licenses permit the establishments to serve alcohol; amusement permits allow them to play music, have a DJ, host karaoke or have games on site.

The scoop: Councilors approved a new liquor license and special amusement permit for the Ramada Conference Center, 490 Pleasant St. They renewed a special amusement permit for Travelodge/Club Zero, 1243 Lisbon St.

Next meeting:  The next regular meeting of the Lewiston City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday , Dec. 1.

Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via e-mail at staylor@sunjournal.com.