Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday, March 15

Veterans Park

Issue: The city made the park at the foot of the Great Falls, on the Lewiston side of Longley Bridge, the official home for local veteran memorials and remembrance gatherings beginning in 2003. Since then, the park has become home to numerous granite memorials, markers and memorabilia.

The Scoop: City officials own the land, but the Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Council is in charge of procuring new memorials. The city wanted a formal agreement to spell out that relationship.

According to the new contract, the city agrees to take responsibility for maintaining the grounds and all of the memorials. The Veterans Council takes responsibility for finding and paying for new memorials. Both groups agree to check with each other before changes are made to the park or its surroundings.

Up Next: Councilors approved the contract 6-0 as part of the consent agenda.

Overnight parking

Issue: Councilors have spent several meetings this year changing city rules concerning overnight parking downtown. Those rules originally existed to make sure streets were clear, allowing city crews to do street-sweeping operations overnight. Most street-sweeping operations occur during the daytime, so those rules are not needed.

Last month, councilors voted to remove posted overnight parking prohibitions for the summer. Those limited overnight parking to one hour or three hours every night, depending on the location.

Earlier in March, councilors expanded the wintertime parking program to include summer nights. Now owners who leave their cars to interfere with city road work — including plowing, sanding or repairs — face paying a fine.

The Scoop: Councilors voted to exempt drivers of emergency vehicles, taxi cabs and other vehicles from the overnight parking fine.

Up Next: Councilors approved the exemptions by a 6-0 consent agenda vote.

Lincoln Street work

Issue: The State Highway Department, working with the city, plans repairs and widening work along Lincoln Street this summer between Locust Street and South Avenue.

The Scoop: Before it can do the work, the state needs to get right-of-way ownership along that stretch. It want to purchase two parcels from the city: 371 Lincoln St. and the municipal boat launch. The state has agreed to pay $5,000 for 371 Lincoln St. and $12,000 for the boat launch.

Up Next: Councilors approved the sale.

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 for Moose Creek Grille, 757 Main St.. They renewed special amusement permits for Fuel, 49 Lisbon St., and the Derby Athletic Association, 40 Walnut St.

Next meeting: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.

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