HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-05 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, May 5, 2025 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Beck, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Leonard, Mallar, Pelletier.
City Staff Present: Collette, Hernandez-Smith, Krieg, Laurie, Robbins, Stanicki,
Willette.
Chair Fournier called the meeting to order at 6:37 P.M.
1. LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE PROPOSED CHANGES, Action requested
to forward recommendation to full Council
A. MANUFACTURED HOME PARK ORDINANCE
B. TEMPORARY SALES
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Planning Officer Anja Collette presented to the Committee and provided an
overview of the proposed changes.
Councilor Leonard moved to forward recommendation regarding the manufactured
home park ordinance to full Council, seconded by Councilor Hawes. Vote unless
doubted, no doubt.
Councilor Leonard moved to forward recommendation regarding temporary sales
to full Council, seconded by Councilor Hawes. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM —
CONSOLIDATED PLAN UPDATE AND REVIEW OF PROPOSED 2026
ACTION PLAN, No action requested
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Community Development Officer Robyn Stanicki presented to the Committee and
provided updates on the Consolidated Plan and proposed 2026 Action Plan.
Councilor Fish asked for clarification regarding a portion of the public feedback —
Community Development Officer Stanicki responded and clarified how this data
was collected.
Councilor Leonard asked for clarification regarding budgeted funds for parks &
playgrounds, and how this aligns with current CDBG goals — Community
Development Officer Stanicki responded and clarified. Leonard expressed concern
regarding this use of funds, and recommended that they be used towards action
more closely related to the primary goals for this year. Stanicki provided additional
clarification regarding the budget. Development Director Krieg provided additional
clarification regarding HUD guidelines for CDBG fund usage.
Councilor Beck echoed Councilor Leonard's concerns regarding the budget, and
asked for additional clarification regarding the amount of funds budgeted. City
Manager Debbie Laurie and Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette responded
and clarified regarding the use of CDBG funds for park projects, and how these
funds are calculated.
Chair Fournier asked for additional clarification regarding the public feedback
addressed by Councilor Fish, specifically which neighborhood meeting it arose
from — Community Development Officer Stanicki responded that she was not sure.
3. CENTRAL KITCHEN UPDATE, No action requested
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith presented to the
Committee and first provided additional information previously requested by
Councilors regarding the foreign trade zone. Hernandez-Smith then provided an
update on the central kitchen project.
Assistant Airport Director Frances Robbins presented to the Committee and
provided information regarding staff's recommendation to maintain the location of
the central kitchen at 50 Cleveland Street.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(C)— DISPOSITION OF REAL
PROPERTY OR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 1 item
Councilor Hawes moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §
405(6)(C), seconded by Councilor Leonard. Roll call vote conducted — all in favor,
none opposed. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED