City Council meeting, January 21
- January 24th 2025
- City News
Parking Bans, State Money, Solid Waste Disposal
Photo: City of Sanford website
By Barbara Sutcliffe
The City Council met for its regular bimonthly meeting on Tuesday, January 21.
Mayor Becky Brink’s report focused on the importance of parking bans during winter snowstorms and their significance for safety, not only for members of the public, but also the public works plowing staff. During the last storm, complaints came in to the city about cars being plowed in but that is to be expected if they are left parked on the street. Cars will be towed, but they may be safely parked overnight at the Benton Park, Roberts Street, and Heritage Crossing parking lots. Parking ban information can be found on the city’s and Police Department’s Facebook pages or you can sign up for direct text or email alerts on the city’s website here.
City Manager Steve Buck’s report covered the Governor’s biennial budget proposal and its specific good news for the city. The proposal includes $156.5M (over two years) for education in local communities, and $561.2M to maintain 5% revenue sharing for municipalities. The state will continue providing free meals for all children in Sanford schools and two years of free community college education to Maine students will continue without the need for annual reauthorization.
The Homeless Task Force did not meet this week because of the holiday. The intent going forward is for the task force to focus on homelessness prevention.
Jordan Wilson, the city’s communication coordinator, has announced her resignation as she is moving out of state. City Manager Buck and Mayor Brink both expressed what an outstanding job she has done, how much she will be missed and how difficult it will be to find her replacement.
A proposal from the Solid Waste Subcommittee to consider a two-year contract extension with WasteZero for the Pay-As-You-Throw bag program was considered. The council debated this issue focusing on the equity aspect of the program. Those disposing of less trash using the orange bags paid less than those disposing of more. In addition, it was noted that the program saves the city money. Without it taxes would increase and it also encourages recycling. The proposal passed 6 to 1.
Another solid waste issue was brought up and involved whether to authorize the city manager to enter into a contract for a 30-year participating municipality agreement for solid waste and recycling with EcoMaine. This contract is in draft format and is pending finalization by legal counsel for both EcoMaine and the city. Additional contracts are pending with Casella Waste Systems for trash hauling and the above-mentioned trash metering program with Waste Zero. Buck recommended tabling these three contract approvals until the second February council meeting so an informed decision could be made on these three interrelated issues.
