Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday night

Storm fee credit

Issue: Large property owners typically pay higher storm water fees than homeowners and small owners in most cases. Fees on smaller properties are set at $40 to $45 per year, while fees for lots with large areas of asphalt can range in the $1,000s.

Since the fee is based on untreated storm water that travels through the city’s sewer system, large property owners can get a 50 percent credit if they keep most of that water on their property or steer it away from the city’s storm water system. City Administrator Jim Bennett said 25 properties qualify for that credit.

The scoop: Some properties drain all of the storm water collecting on their property directly into the Androscoggin River, never touching the city system. Staff is suggesting increasing the credit to 100 percent for those properties and making it retroactive to July 2006.

Up next: Councilors agreed to increase the credit. Councilor Larry Poulin suggested offering that credit to homeowners. Others said that is worth studying and Bennett said he could be ready to discuss that idea next month.

Hunting at the dump

Issue: Employees at the city’s landfill have encountered hunters wandering the 196-acre area. The landfill is outside of the city’s no discharge zone, meaning that firing weapons is legal. It worries staff, who are frequently out inspecting the grounds around the landfill.

The scoop: Staff proposed banning all hunting using handgun, rifle, shotgun or bow-and-arrow, and trapping on the landfill grounds.

Up next: Councilor Tom Peters said he favored less restrictive signs, telling hunters they must get permission first. Councilors voted in support of the total ban on city land.

Online to-do list

Issue: A new online system, which will let residents alert the city to issues and problems, debuted this week, according to Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau. He demonstrated the proposed “City Action Line” system for councilors Tuesday.

The scoop: The system will let residents track progress on requests they’ve made for help or service. They can ask for help plowing snow in their area, road maintenance concerns and questions about drinking water or most other city services.

Up next: The system began operating Monday. It’s available as a link off of the city’s Web site, ci.lewiston.me.us.

Lamp post banners

Issue: The city usually reserves space on the lamp posts around town for public use.

The scoop: Andover College has approached the city, hoping to install advertising banners on posts around its Lisbon Street campus. Bennett said it could be a source of revenue for the city but could create issues from other potential advertisers.

Up next: Councilors were not interested in the idea.

Public health group

Issue: A group of health care and city officials from Lewiston and Auburn become the hub for answering concerns about public health and emergencies for both cities, councilors agreed Tuesday.

The scoop: Auburn councilors ratified their members Monday. The Lewiston council appointed Councilor Robert Reed and Bates College adjunct professor Heather Lindkvist to spots on Tuesday.

Up next: There are two open seats remaining on the committee, one for an at-large Auburn resident and another for a Lewiston-Auburn business person. Volunteers should contact Nadeau, the committee coordinator, at 513-3012.

Junkyard permits

Issue: City ordinances tightly regulate the way property owners are allowed to keep junk and bulky waste. That includes places that keep old automobiles and burnable wood, like the KTI Biofuels facility on Plourde Parkway. The city reviews each registered junkyard annually, making sure they meet state and federal environmental standards and keep the area screened from neighbors.

The scoop: Councilors renewed permits for five automobile graveyards or junkyards: Maine Heavy Equipment, 1445 Sabattus St.; Grimmel’s Industries, 50 River Road; Dana’s Garage, 193 Crowley Road; the Lewiston Public Works Department, 424 and 482 River Road; and KTI Biofuels, 38 Alfred Plourde Parkway.

Drug funds

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

The scoop: Councilors on Tuesday accepted proceeds from two drug arrests, claiming a share of $1,735 in seizures.

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 amusement permit for The Filling Station Cafe, 30 Lowell St.

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