Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday night

Dogs and smoking

Issue: Councilors this summer were bothered by smokers, dog waste and litter at the city’s parks, and asked staff to erect a signs banning all three. That prompted a review of city rules and ordinances governing what is allowed in parks and athletic fields.

Dogs were allowed at most city parks and fields, with limits. They are banned in others prior to athletic events. Littering is already banned on all fields and smoking is banned on Lewiston School Department properties, but not other places.

The scoop: First, councilors banned dogs from busy playgrounds, and required staff to create a list of places where domestic animals are allowed.

Then councilors banned smoking around all playgrounds and for 30 minutes before and after any sporting event at any city athletic fields.

Up next: Both ordinances will be back before councilors for a final reading at their next meeting.

Councilors also asked staff to come with a plan to create a dog park, where domestic animals can play off-leash. City Administrator Jim Bennett said that would come back to the council during capital budget discussions.

Land purchases

Issue: Councilors approved the purchase of two Lincoln Street properties, choosing to set them aside for future city projects.

The scoop: The first was the four-story apartment building at 87 Lincoln St., which is also the home to Patrick’s Burritos. City Administrator Bennett said the property was being foreclosed and the city placed the winning bid for $115,000. The city can expect to spend an additional $35,000. That includes $14,000 to relocate the four tenants and the restaurant. Councilors agreed to the sale.

Councilors also approved purchasing a vacant warehouse across the street at 70 Lincoln St. City Administrator Bennett said he negotiated purchasing that lot for $199,000. It had been on the market most recently for $249,000.

Up next: Bennett said his staff plans to move tenants out of the 87 Lincoln St. building within 60 days, finding new homes for the tenants and Patrick’s Burritos.

Strategy

Issue: A strategic plan that outlines the city’s strengths and weakness and draws attention to potential threats and rewards could help guide city growth and decisions for the next five years, according to City Administrator Jim Bennett.

The scoop: He suggested councilors work with him and staff to create just such a plan, and quickly. He hopes to have the plan finished and presented to councilors in a final form by March.

Up next: The planning process kicks off Dec. 1 at Montello School, when the city hosts a public input session.

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 reapproved special amusement permits for Fishbones American Grill, 70 Lincoln St., and Rodeway Inn, 124 Lisbon St.

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