Issue: The Lewiston Fire Department is scheduled to take delivery of a new firetruck with a 105-foot-tall Pierce ladder apparatus on March 12. That will force the venerable Ladder One, a 1984 Pierre Thibault with a 100-foot ladder, out of service.

The scoop: The city usually offers its used fire equipment for sale to smaller departments. That’s what they’ll do with the old Ladder One, and they’re starting the bidding at $45,000.

Up next: They’ll start advertising the truck for sale nationally and the city’s Finance Committee hopes to settle the deal later this summer.

New name for park

Issue: Lewiston lists two former police officers as killed in the line of duty. They are Paul Simard and David Payne. Police Chief William Welch is asking to rename Railroad Park in their honor.

The scoop: The new park will be called Simard-Payne Memorial Park. It connects via the walking bridge to Auburn’s Bonney Park, named in honor of Auburn police officer Rodney “Rocky” Bonney, also killed in the line duty.

Up next: Councilors agreed. The newly renamed park will be dedicated in May.

Mill 5 future

Issue: Bates Mill No. 5, the massive saw-toothed-roofed building at the southeastern corner of Main and Lincoln streets, is the only part of the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex still owned and maintained by the city. Discussions have made it a likely spot for everything from a civic center to a convention center. However, maintenance costs the city $400,000 every year.

The scoop: The city will form a 15-member task force to study the building and come back with alternatives by next February.

Up next: The city is taking applications for the new task force, and they should begin filling slots this spring.

Lewiston PD gets drug-bust money

Issue: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency shares the proceeds from drug busts with the other police agencies involved. In Lewiston’s case, that money is put into a special account to help pay for drug enforcement actions.

The scoop: Councilors accepted proceeds from three drug arrests last year. The total is a percentage of about $30,000.

Liquor licenses

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

The scoop: Councilors approved a new liquor license and special use permit for the Double Deuce at 855 Lisbon St.

They approved a special amusement permit for the Carlton Club, Inc. at 25 Sabattus St.

Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via E-mail at [email protected]