[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6389045,"mediaKeyId","2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece","parentId",2113635,"title","Lewiston Planning Board begins multi-meeting review of Capital Improvement Plan; staff asks members to send written questions","audioSeconds",230,"startMs",2180095,"endMs",2410720,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece&start=2180&end=2410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece/thumbnail_2180095.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6389045/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Lewiston-Planning-Board-begins-multi-meeting-review-of-Capital-Improvement-Plan-staff-asks-members-to-send-written-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389045-c7365d7e89c381e061e3829bda159b10/orig.mp4?Expires=1776064505&Signature=hD1E4OATzVP2ZyMsot99fpSfNuhUeJweH41C3eAW4OlJuhPciuFCZ4sYzsCO9O5PbQLhIt6tqdbvRQ4K40lL8DOn011RO0LB2paG2ob3nUWLO0azYxqTcAQmHFgbHaNKQ3KYgThRhpxH8KVeflr6o0bSq9Went1SdCV005V4e2-g4aXBrtUIS4JidToCb9vrokGVfe8-74aft5WQj0eSfvRwh4CtXaKLGWmQwDUKTYlUTVqmfLmQqwPBtSUCBlnEYeHmoh-Sa2rngaS0VdP2Rp2ZuWxDxFylNw7AAuyjp-rQi-HN3r3~SAFBTjBk3MYIpTRfmpO4BoE8D~aQqVRGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lewiston","date","2025-01-15T13:40:49Z","article","The Lewiston Planning Board began a multi-meeting review of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (LCIP) at its Jan. 13 meeting, focusing on how projects align with planning goals and the board’s advice to City Council. Planning staff emphasized this will be a multi-step process: members should send specific questions to staff ahead of the next meeting so department heads can prepare answers and visuals.

Why it matters: The LCIP guides near-term capital spending, debt and bonding decisions that shape infrastructure, public facilities and city services. The board’s recommendation to the City Council is a required step before Council acceptance of the plan.

Schedule and process details discussed

- Staff requested that Planning Board members submit specific questions for department heads by the end of the day Wednesday (staff asked for submissions to arrive in the staff inbox by the start of business the following day). The Planning Board will hold a dedicated meeting on Jan. 27 to hear department responses and will use its Feb. 10/11 meeting to finalize a recommendation to Council (staff noted the formal recommendation is due on the 11th). Staff said they would distribute collected questions to departments and share answers with the board prior to the Jan. 27 meeting.

- Staff advised members to identify questions tied to specific LCIP line items (page numbers or project IDs) to make review efficient and avoid discussing items by email with more than two members (which could constitute a meeting under open‑meeting rules).

Substantive topics and examples members asked departments to address

Board members asked for additional information, visuals or clarifying documentation on many LCIP items, including:
- Public works projects: renderings and design documents for East Ave and Central Ave rehabilitation; the Lincoln Street parking garage deck repairs and whether cracks indicate structural problems; alignment of storm drain repairs and street maintenance projects; documentation for Jordan Road bridge design/permits.
- Facility projects: schedules and last‑done dates for armory gym floor work and municipal garage investments; downtown municipal parking signage and its maintenance strategy.
- Operational/fleet questions: whether electrification or low‑emission equipment options were studied for vehicle and equipment replacement programs and whether state or federal grant opportunities were pursued for low-/no‑emission vehicles or charging infrastructure.
- Water/wastewater/stormwater: status of enterprise funds that support sewer, water and storm projects and whether separate enterprise borrowing affects the city bonding limit; SCADA cyber‑security and fiber interconnection details; pipe replacement materials and expected lifetimes for distribution main replacements.
- Schools and recreation: renderings or design work for school space planning and tennis court reconstruction; whether school projects have been assessed in a 10‑year facilities plan and whether solar or energy‑efficiency grant options were explored for roof and HVAC work.

Large-ticket highlights flagged by the board

- Riverfront Island implementation (economic development): board members asked staff to map LCIP spending items to the Riverfront Island master plan implementation matrix so the large investment can be tracked against the plan’s actions.
- Public Works facility and enterprise projects: board members discussed the city’s bonding capacity (cited an 80% guideline that staff described historically) and asked for a summary comparison: prior five fiscal cycles’ closeness to the 80% limit, the bondable amount for FY26 and the gap between requests and that limit.

Next steps

- Members were asked to send specific, item‑referenced questions to staff by the next morning deadline so departments can prepare targeted answers and visuals for the Jan. 27 meeting.
- Acting City Administrator and the Public Works Director were expected to attend the Jan. 27 meeting to answer department‑level questions that the board compiles.
- The board will use a subsequent meeting (listed in the packet schedule) to finalize its recommendation to the City Council; that recommendation is due on the 11th as noted in the meeting.

Speakers (selection): Shelley Norton, Jonathan Connor, Acting City Administrator (to attend Jan. 27), Public Works Director (to attend Jan. 27), multiple Planning Board members including Alex Pine, Michael Marcotte and others.

Ending: The board scheduled a focused Jan. 27 session for LCIP Q&A and told members to submit narrowly scoped, line‑referenced questions in writing so departments can provide the requested detail and visuals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Board Meeting 01/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Lewiston Planning Board began a scheduled, multi‑meeting review of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan on Jan. 13 and asked members to send specific, project‑referenced questions in writing so department heads can prepare answers and visuals for a Jan. 27 Q&A session.","taxTitle","Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine","taxId",2584,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389050,"Planning Board sends favorable recommendation to City Council on disposition of tax-acquired properties",821,1319345,2141060,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece&start=1319&end=2141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece/thumbnail_1319345.jpg","/articles/6389050/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Planning-Board-sends-favorable-recommendation-to-City-Council-on-disposition-of-tax-acquired-properties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389050-240bdd104c96740c5f3a3897fc8c898b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776064505&Signature=GzVzfVLwsPrFFjakS1s3gAl1wDpPSdeaBJIf8zz1OX9JaKmsRrg08hRMawXoAqdYg~rXiyscwyKlSKkvkNMWoC736mwvyAmgzCIZqA8VJpt5mXhaem4gEl0f-TNm1ezWvK8adsCOWVoK41gY7KRzc6FaxjIXu3o86STdHV0tKtX4lBjSLdkQtHgszlGdULiLfqB0bfyPasX44f3wpdYv8qfaFUTxiOnPRkRIulSHXA1FWvMSqk7iJGlAJkvJ4gwpCiM~Q3zmgEJbmZzlcw-NvvFJoeVkvrb~rWByjYxuw95~PqN1hJwQ6NJbXlfGa9PHkHY4zNBRgOFl7wfbGH83uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lewiston Planning Board on Jan. 13 voted to send a favorable recommendation to the Lewiston City Council for the disposition of a list of city‑owned properties described in its packet. The recommendation was made pursuant to the board’s role under the city’s zoning and land use code (cited in the meeting as Article 7, Section 4(h)).

Why it matters: Disposing of tax‑acquired or city‑owned parcels can return land to the tax rolls, affect adjacent property owners and influence small-area development patterns. Board recommendations inform how the City Council proceeds with marketing, sale method and conditions.

What the board voted to send

A motion was forwarded asking the Planning Board to recommend that the City Council approve the disposition of the attached properties. The board debated questions about individual parcels — including whether each parcel was tax‑acquired, whether liens or back taxes remain and how proceeds are handled under state law — and then voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Council.

Key clarifications and staff responses discussed at the meeting

- Source data gaps: Staff told the board that the packet labeled several parcels as “tax acquired” but that finance had question marks for some entries on back taxes and acquisition details. For several parcels the spreadsheet showed question marks for lien amounts and years acquired; some parcels had documented due‑process or lien errors that staff said are being reconciled with the county.

- State rules on proceeds: Board members discussed state law and practice on tax‑foreclosure proceeds: the city may recover reasonable fees and the assessed taxes it is owed before remitting excess funds to prior owners. Staff said the City had sought legal counsel and that final disposition steps (including marketing method, price and title assurances) would be addressed as each parcel moves forward.

- Pricing and marketability: Staff noted that for many parcels the city does not have full title or development viability established and that pricing will depend on title research, potential remediation and whether an adjacent property owner is the likely buyer. Some parcels are “paper streets” or very small and may be most useful as lot consolidations.

Board action and vote

The board made a motion to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council pursuant to Article 7 Section 4(h) of the zoning and land use code. The motion passed on a roll-call vote; members on the record voted in favor and the chair declared the motion passed and that the item would move to the City Council for final disposition action.

What board members asked and requested

Board members asked staff to:
- Provide clearer evidence of tax acquisition and lien status for each parcel before Council action where records are incomplete.
- Confirm whether any parcels contain due‑process or title defects that require legal corrective action prior to sale.
- Provide guidance on pricing approach (assessed value, market value or negotiated price) and how any proceeds will flow under state law.

Speakers (selection): Shelley Norton (deputy director, staff), Jonathan Connor (director of planning), multiple Planning Board members including Roger Dupree, Mark Roy, Michael Marcotte and Lucy Bissman.

Ending: The board authorized staff to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council; staff said further title and tax‑status work and legal review will guide any subsequent marketing or sale.","The Lewiston Planning Board voted Jan. 13 to send a favorable recommendation to the City Council for the disposition of a packet of city‑owned parcels described in the meeting materials. Staff told the board some tax and lien details were incomplete and legal counsel guidance will be used when the city markets or disposes of individual parcels.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389055,"Lewiston Planning Board elects officers, adopts 2025 handbook and names Forestry Board liaison",530,17825,548495,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece&start=17&end=548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113635-ceaa196786a8ae3594859620285cdece/thumbnail_17825.jpg","/articles/6389055/Lewiston/Androscoggin-County/Maine/Lewiston-Planning-Board-elects-officers-adopts-2025-handbook-and-names-Forestry-Board-liaison","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389055-b5cba67bbae9fa47d841e217f92c9d5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776064505&Signature=jJVRKSlPnosFdFMWiDgTYLyJisZZewstuaXzf1mKd1Z6dKrLRpPdP~aFwBTmGifVRafwV-0yayc5wDGrdgu~MCm5AYtsmnK4EtCqaTT52MybZrQdphcxYfvvMVD6lhSyph0N8zvXL84BoJXF7uoie1b78PrHoA-fFnWWkjAPo~4Dy2VV-YH6AgtITGq9wDHxzDjof-mQwp3LYEjh3HuX~9f5wCx6mc2-oqBXYf7-K1ir8tkhxyV9Sc7k7tC0U7Ny2rPZz4O7k5qyIX31md93Rmr4CQtbwcTrpo86ACKj~61U9-cZ34DWwVTXGVUXzFwLsV2i-YOcE6nPoGP-nU~5-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shanna Cox was elected chair of the Lewiston Planning Board at the board’s Jan. 13 meeting. The board also elected Mark Roy as vice chair and Amy Smith as secretary, adopted the 2025 policies and procedures handbook and appointed Zoe Lindstrom as the Planning Board’s liaison to the Forestry Board. The board tabled approval of its Dec. 9, 2024 minutes for later amendment.

The nominations and elections were conducted by roll call after members nominated candidates from the floor. Members discussed the handbook excerpted duties for chair, vice chair and secretary before taking the adoption vote. Staff member Shelley Norton reviewed the handbook election procedures and the board voted to adopt the policies and procedures and protocols for 2025.

Why it matters: Leadership and process rules shape how the board will operate through the year. Appointing a liaison to the Forestry Board restores the Planning Board’s representation on that body and can increase coordination on tree and vegetation matters; the handbook adoption establishes the formal procedures the board will use for officer elections and related duties.

Details of the elections and administrative votes

- Election of chair: After a nominations period, members voted by roll call and announced their choices. The presiding member called the votes and declared Shanna Cox elected chair. The transcript records statements from both nominees accepting the nominations.

- Election of vice chair: Members nominated Mark Roy for vice chair. A roll-call vote was held; the transcript records a roll-call count discussed aloud (\"That's 5 for Mark and 2 for Mike\") followed by the presiding member declaring Mark Roy elected vice chair.

- Election of secretary: Two nominations were on the table and members voted by roll call; Amy Smith was declared elected secretary after the roll call.

- Adoption of 2025 policies and procedures and protocols: Lucy Bissman moved to adopt the handbook; Michael Marcotte seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion passed. Members on the record said “yes” during the vote; no substantive changes were recorded other than minor formatting and a handful of spelling corrections noted in discussion.

- Forestry Board liaison: Zoe Lindstrom offered to serve as the Planning Board’s liaison to the Forestry Board. The board moved and seconded a motion to appoint Lindstrom as the Planning Board representative; the motion passed on a recorded roll call. Lindstrom explained the Forestry Board meets monthly (third Thursday, 6 p.m., Senior Center at Pettengill Park in Auburn) and that she has served there as an at-large member and a professional forester.

- Minutes: A member raised concerns about wording in the Dec. 9, 2024 minutes related to a public discussion and asked for an amendment. The board voted to table adoption of the Dec. 9 minutes so the suggested language can be drafted and circulated prior to approval.

What board members said (selected)

Shelley Norton, Deputy Director, Planning (staff): reviewed the election procedures and reminded members of officer eligibility rules and the order of elections (chair, vice chair, secretary).

Shanna Cox (nominated, then elected chair): \"I appreciate the nomination and would be happy to serve.\" (accepting nomination)

Zoe Lindstrom, Planning Board member (appointed Forestry Board liaison): described the Forestry Board’s schedule and said she would be willing to serve as the Planning Board’s liaison.

Next steps and context

- The board’s new officer slate will preside over future meetings and is responsible for carrying forward agenda priorities and the LCIP (capital improvement plan) review schedule.

- The appointment of a Planning Board liaison to the Forestry Board restores formal representation; staff said they will send a letter to the mayor to notify about the vacancy the appointment creates on the at-large roster.

- The Dec. 9 minutes will be revised off-line per the board’s direction and returned for approval at a future meeting.

Speakers (selection): Lucy Bissman (presiding/officer), Shanna Cox (elected chair), Mark Roy (elected vice chair), Amy Smith (elected secretary), Zoe Lindstrom (appointed liaison), Shelley Norton (staff), Jonathan Connor (Director of Planning), Roger Dupree, Michael Marcotte, Alex Pine, Penthea Burns.

Ending: The board concluded administrative business and moved on to consider the city’s disposition list and the capital improvement plan review later in the meeting.","At its Jan. 13 meeting the Lewiston Planning Board elected Shanna Cox chair, selected Mark Roy as vice chair and chose Amy Smith as secretary; the board adopted its 2025 policies and procedures handbook and appointed Zoe Lindstrom as its liaison to the Forestry Board. The board tabled approval of its Dec. 9 minutes for later revision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lewiston Planning Board begins multi-meeting review of Capital Improvement Plan; staff asks members to send written questions

Planning Board sends favorable recommendation to City Council on disposition of tax-acquired properties

Lewiston Planning Board elects officers, adopts 2025 handbook and names Forestry Board liaison