Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2011

Winter road plans
Issue: Councilors in 2010 cut the winter road budget, ending the city’s practice of bringing private contractors to help clear snow during winter storms. As a result, the city added about 8 miles to each snow plow route. That extended each route by about two hours, but saved the city $50,000 last winter.

The Scoop: Councilors didn’t increase the winter road budget this year, so the same system will be used again in 2011-12, Public Works employees told city councilors Tuesday night.

Operations Manager Jon Elie told councilors staff has tried to balance out the runs somewhat to make them more efficient but councilors and residents should expect plow times similar to last winter.

Mayor’s pay

Issue: Salaries for the city’s elected officials haven’t been changed since 1991, and outgoing councilors suggested it was time to increase them. They voted on the issue at their Nov. 1 meeting.

The Scoop: Councilors voted to approve a stipend increase for the next mayor from $4,200 to $4,500 on first reading at that meeting. They couldn’t get the support at that meeting to increase the stipends for councilors or School Committee members, however, and those stipends will stay at the 1991 levels. City councilors currently get $2,700 per year and School Committee members get $1,200.

Up Next: Councilors approved the mayoral pay raise by a 4-1 vote, with Larry Poulin dissenting. The increased stipend will be valid for the next mayor, elected Dec. 13.

Homeland security cash

Issue: Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the federal government has worked to make more money available to local first responders. That money continues to flow into communities such as Lewiston.

The Scoop: In the latest round of grants, Lewiston will receive $207,206.39 in Homeland Security money. Of that, $116,423.34 will come from the Maine State Homeland Security Program and $90,783.05 will come from the federal Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program.

The city plans to spend that money on an uninterrupted power supply system for City Hall, new breathing apparatus for the Fire Department, new 911 communications equipment, a service plan for the city’s emergency identification system, training and other equipment.

Up Next: The city’s spending plans need to be approved by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

Library money rules

Issue: The Lewiston Public Library’s Board of Trustees can operate independently of the City Council in some cases. Councilors said they wanted to discuss creating some new rules for when trustees can accept grant money and donations.

The Scoop: According to new proposed rules, trustees can take donations and direct the library director to seek grants, but they need permission from the city administrator and the City Council to spend money and commit to grants that include matching requirements.

Up Next: Councilors approved the new rule on final reading unanimously.

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 Niky’s Greek Restaurant, 29 Lisbon St.

Next meeting: The next regular meeting of the Lewiston City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

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