Lewiston City Council Workshop and regular meeting

March 16, 2016

Lewiston City Hall 

Antennas, profit or clutter?

What it means: The city could generate $125,000 in new revenue over the next 10 years if it’s willing to triple the number of cellphone antennas on top of the Lewiston Memorial Armory.
What happened: The city leases space on the roof of the Armory to U.S. Cellular for $22,000 per year, letting the company put six cellphone antennas on the building’s roof. The lease has at least 10 years left, but the city has been approached numerous times by other companies interested in buying it out and expanding it. A recent offer would have increased the city’s take by about $125,000 in exchange for three times as many antennas.
Deputy City Clerk Phil Nadeau said he’s inclined to reject those offers, but wanted to check with councilors first. Neighbors have not complained about antennas bristling from the building roof, but that could change if the numbers begin to multiply.
What’s next: Councilors had no comment, so staff will continue to turn down offers to buy out the U.S. Cellular contract or expand the number of antennas on the roof. 

Fitting in downtown

What it means: Big fitness centers will be welcome all around the city and especially at Bates Mill Building No. 5, exactly where the YMCA hopes to expand.
What happened: City staff found a glitch in the YMCA’s plan last month. According to city zoning codes, the YMCA can’t expand downtown, and neither can anybody else. A legacy zoning code allows large-scale fitness centers in two areas — the industrial park land near the Maine Turnpike interchange and along East Avenue.
Councilors voted Tuesday to let zoning allow fitness centers in several parts of the downtown.
What’s next: Councilors will vote on it a second and final time at their April 5 meeting. 

Held up in HUD

What it means: Phyllis St. Laurent plans to build 29 new apartment units — replacements for units she lost in May 2013 fires — and they are ready to go, pending approval from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is taking longer than expected.
What happened: Councilors approved the sale of three lots to St. Laurent’s Pierce Place Associates in 2015, which is financed through arrangements with HUD. Councilors set a March 31 deadline on their sales option back in 2015, but they agreed Tuesday to push that deadline to Aug. 31 to give the project more time to finish the federal process.
Mayor Robert Macdonald said he understand sometimes the federal government moves slowly.
What’s next: Developer Jim Hatch said he expects the project to get underway early this summer, pending HUD’s approval. 

Amphitheater rules

What it means: The city gains a new outdoor amphitheater in Simard-Payne Memorial Park this summer, primed for cultural and community events. They gained some new rules on how it’s operated Tuesday night.
What happened: The new amphitheater was built last summer on the northern edge of the park alongside the river. Councilors approved a policy Tuesday night saying it will be reserved for cultural and arts events, intercultural communication and government-sponsored programs. Users can register with the city to use the space, but will need to pay a fee and possibly provide insurance.
What’s next: With the policy approved Tuesday, users can contact the city administrator’s office to use or rent the space now. 

Drug forfeitures

What it means: Lewiston police could find itself sharing in almost $42,000 in drug crime proceeds, plus a share in the sale of a seized mobile home, once the federal drug cases are settled.
What happened: Councilors agreed to accept the proceeds from eight federal drug cases currently being judged in federal court. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine Attorney General’s office share proceeds from drug busts with the other police agencies involved. The money is used to support law enforcement, especially drug enforcement operations.

Drinks and amusements

What it means: Apple Valley golfers and fans of Thai cuisine on College Street, rejoice: Your establishments can serve drinks, per city councilors.
What happened: Councilors approved new liquor licenses on Tuesday for the Apple Valley Golf Course, 315 Pinewoods Road, and Pure Thai Kitchen, 65 College St. They also renewed a special amusement permit for Carlton Club, 25 Sabattus St.
City councilors approve liquor licenses and special amusement permits for bars and restaurants. While liquor licenses do not expire unless the business closes or changes hands, special amusement permits must be renewed by councilors each year. The special amusement permits allows on-site entertainment, including music from a DJ or a live band, karaoke and dancing.

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staylor@sunjournal.com