Board: Lewiston City Council
Met: Tuesday, Nov. 9
Sewer claims
Issue: A heavy July rainstorm in 2009 flooded several streets around Bates College. The city began an appeals process in March 2010 for residents whose homes were damaged but who had been denied claims by the city’s insurance company.
The Scoop: That appeals process essentially ended Tuesday night, with councilors considering $28,160 in claims for three residents. Councilors voted to approve a $15,000 claim for Charles Bournakel of 68 Bardwell St.; $8,592.04 for Gabriel and Kathleen Giguere of 39 White St.; and $4,567.97 for Mike Reidy and Odelle Bowman of 34 White St.
Up Next: Councilors approved the claims as part of their consent agenda.
City liability
Issue: Maine tort rules limit the city’s liability when citizens or other groups decide to sue. Even so, City Administrator Ed Barrett suggested the city adopt a policy to handle liability claims leveled at the city.
The Scoop: The policy spells out the steps for individuals or groups to file a claim against the city. They start by contacting the finance director, who gathers documentation concerning the claim and forwards it to the city’s insurance company.
But the policy creates a new step, an appeals process for those the insurance company rules against. It directs city administration to review the claim and the insurer’s decision and request them to reconsider the plan, if necessary. But the new policy does not allow staff to overturn the insurer’s decision and refers further appeals to the courts.
Up Next: Councilors liked the addition of the appeals process and approved the policy unanimously.
Extending approvals
Issue: Larger development projects can take longer to complete, sometimes surpassing the deadlines set by the city. Councilors were asked Tuesday to extend deadlines to five years for projects that have been reviewed and approved by the city.
The Scoop: The city’s current rules require developers to begin “substantial development” within 24 months of city approval, otherwise those approvals expire. City boards have determined substantial development to be near completion.
The new rule requires them to have begun within two years, but gives them five years to complete the work before city approvals expire.
Up Next: Councilors approved the change unanimously.
School borrowing
Issue: A pair of projects aim to fix the heat and air quality at two Lewiston schools next year. Councilors were asked to approve $2.5 million worth of bonds for projects at Lewiston Middle School and Montello Elementary School.
The Scoop: The first bond considered was a $459,271 Qualified School Construction bond to replace a boiler at Lewiston Middle School and convert the school to natural gas.
The second was a $2.08 million project to replace a boiler at Montello School and convert the building from steam heat to hot water. It’s designed to improve air quality at the school. According to the city, $609,456 of that debt will be forgiven by the state.
Up Next: Councilors approved the bonds unanimously.
Holidays kickoff
Issue: Each year, the Twin Cities share a holiday celebration with a parade that begins in one city and moves to the other. This year’s celebration is scheduled for Nov. 29. The parade will end in Lewiston, with the city hosting the official celebration.
Councilors had to approve a special permit for an outdoor music concert for the celebration.
The Scoop: The parade kicks off with a Christmas Tree lighting at 6 p.m. in Auburn’s Festival Plaza. From there, the parade winds its way across Longley Bridge and up Main Street to Lisbon Street’s Dufresne Plaza, formerly Courthouse Plaza, for the official Lewiston tree-lighting and a holiday celebration.
Up Next: Councilors approved the permit for the live concert at Dufresne Plaza.
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 Baxter Brewing Co., 130 Mill St. They renewed special amusement permits for Fish Bones American Grill, 70 Lincoln St., and the Ramada Conference Center, 490 Pleasant St.
Next meeting: The next regular meeting of the Lewiston City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23.
Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via e-mail at staylor@sunjournal.com.
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