Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday night

Voters out of Hillview

Issue: The city has consolidated some polling places in the past few years. In last month’s primary vote, Ward 1 and Ward 3 voters shared space at the Lewiston Memorial Armory. Wards 5 and 7 voters shared the Multi-Purpose Center. Voters in wards 2, 4 and 6 have had their own polling places. Ward 2 voters typically have voted at Montello School, Ward 4 voters have gone to the Hillview Community Center and Ward 6 voters have voted at the Elk’s Lodge on Lisbon Street.

The scoop: Councilors Tuesday voted to send Ward 4’s voters to the Multi-Purpose Center, which has more parking. They’ll look at the other polling places for all seven wards after November’s presidential election.

Up next: City Clerk Kathy Montejo said the changes will come into play during the upcoming presidential election, and her staff will begin spreading the word to cut down on confusion in November.

Plaza naming

Issue: City councilors in 2005 had planned to discuss naming Courthouse Plaza, the Lisbon Street park across the street from District Court on Lisbon Street, in honor of former Chief Justice Armand A. Dufresne, Jr. He died in 2004, but the group pressing for the honor was unable to make the council meetings.

The Franco American Heritage Center has agreed to take up the request again this year and is asking councilors to name the plaza for Dufresne.

The scoop: Dufresne, who began serving as chief justice in 1970, is credited with modernizing Maine’s judicial system.

Up next: Councilors agreed to name the plaza in his honor.

Franco Fun

Issue: Organizers of the Festival Franco Fun asked councilors for a $1,000 sponsorship for the event. City staff denied that request earlier this year.

The scoop: Councilor Tom Peters said he wants to discuss no longer funding special events but said it would be unfair to start with the Franco Festival. Councilors donated the $1,000 but put a moratorium on future event support. They directed staff to bring the matter back to councilors.

Up next: The festival is scheduled for Aug. 1-3.

Church trash

Issue: The city has collected trash for some churches and private schools free of charge since 1990. Churches or schools not specifically named in city ordinances didn’t qualify. Councilors voted to change that during budget discussions this spring.

The scoop: A new ordinance requires all churches and private schools to pay for trash collections.

Up next: Councilors approved the change on first reading by a 7-0 vote. They’ll vote on it again in August.

Event signs

Issue: Community groups need city permission to put up special signs directing visitors to special events.

The scoop: Two groups were asking to use city rights-of-way for direction signs this summer: the Lewiston Farmer’s Market and the Festival Franco Fun.

Up next: Both received council approval. The farmer’s market signs will go up at six city intersections on Tuesdays through October. The festival will place one sign in Hewlett Square, the grassy median at the Main and Chapel streets intersection, through Aug. 3.

Committee appointments

Issue: City government relies on several support and advisory committees. Most have limited authority to make or interpret city rules and decide policy.

The scoop: Councilors reappointed Ron Bissonnette to a three-year term on the Citizen’s Commission on Lewiston-Auburn Cooperation and Councilor Betty Dube as the council’s representative on the Energy Savings Committee.

Drug arrest funds

Issue: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency shares 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 on Tuesday accepted proceeds from 13 drug arrests Lewiston police were involved in. The total seized was more than $133,628 plus the sales of some cars and other equipment. Lewiston’s share will end up being more than $25,000.

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 Franco American Heritage Center at 46 Cedar St., and the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, 190 Birch St.

They approved a special amusement permits for the Lewiston Social Club at 339 Lisbon St. and the Acme Social Club at 255 Park St.

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