LISBON — Councilors got a glimpse Tuesday night of how the town may change in the future: A proactive citizens group is forming, and a new economic development report highlights growth opportunities that may increase the town’s tax base.

Economic and Community Development Director Scott Benson introduced the report, while Ross Cunningham briefed council members on what the newly formed citizens’ group hopes to accomplish.

“We’re used to hearing a lot of negatives,” council member Gina Mason said following the announcement of the citizens’ group.

“We, as a town can do a better job of getting people outside of government involved,” she said. “Thank you all for stepping forward. We, as a council are happy to have you and we thank you for coming tonight. We really appreciate it.”

“I’ve got to say, as a councilor we get tired of getting beat up, so this is a very positive change,” Chairman Fern Larochelle said.

The group is calling itself Positive Change Lisbon and will seek nonprofit status. Cunningham said the idea of getting some business people and residents together to make the town a better place to live resulted from a meeting he attended with Benson.

“I learned that other communities have made great progress by having the citizens and business people partner with government, instead of leaving it all up to the government,” Cunningham said.

Benson introduced a recently completed report that revealed what growth opportunities the town may have in the retail sector. The report was developed by Eaton Peabody consultant John Holden with the help of the University of Maine School of Economics.

One idea advanced in the report is to seek out home and garden businesses to compliment the two large furniture and floor covering businesses already located on Route 196.

“This could become a niche area for people shopping for these types of products,” Holden said.

The report noted that for a town with more than 9,000 people, there aren’t a lot of restaurants.

“Lisbon is between two large markets,” Holden said. “Topsham-Brunswick is on one side and Lewiston-Auburn on the other side. Lisbon is basically a bedroom community for both of these areas.”

Holden urged the town to develop one or two action items that can be completed in the next six to 18 months. Benson noted that the newly formed citizens group may play an important role in this respect.

Copies of the report are on the town’s website and printed copies are available at the town office.

In other business, Dependable Builders was awarded the contract, subject to a reference check, to replace the roof at the E.T. Smith Hose Company firehouse on Village Street. The Hampden-based company’s bid was $12,000. In a letter to the council, town engineer Ryan Leighton said the department had budgeted $15,000 for the job.

Other bids were submitted by Williams Roofing Co. Inc. of Brewer, $13,560; Restorations Home Remodeling, Livermore, $15,000; F.C.I. Construction, Lisbon, $15,334; R.L. Strout & Son, Lisbon Falls, $18,870; and F.C.I. Construction, Lisbon, $15,334.