[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6353225,"mediaKeyId","2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e","parentId",2221538,"title","City signs $726,000 design contract for Saco Island multimodal bridge; police department accreditation assessment scheduled","audioSeconds",161,"startMs",3811000,"endMs",3972000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e&start=3811&end=3972","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e/thumbnail_3811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6353225/Maine/City-signs-726000-design-contract-for-Saco-Island-multimodal-bridge-police-department-accreditation-assessment-scheduled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353225-b3b65ae19d9c037e7b46b9ee981d1ca9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776024149&Signature=TYPRQa0k2scWyOpF4E-IGphtf8K8k8LH6y~VLq1GxSrCxkLb36n6BgKMe8Cqix5zmNHX7vlblMkVvRIm-tbStYws61Ih4LemriCRGV7W0-to2TMCquYhS3B4msblNLkLzYCCpamqQjyTdsF5MBZLQQGNw1E9ga2dKFj-Ipgkv87~OHOQSMEGBPtUcxsKlwlk91XdivwFX5jZMu7Px7xT9VaQmkXzeeUdWxSb9yaemi9Hi5imgiBO8mQtQ~pR7RBN8oV5Ym8~afOvZjg-OyBoLCCYpXtZwMtLu-~TWuqEuFedIWZu5Yz2fZycirVYZFNRKask5vTnbkbI7HR2DAJCZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-04T13:58:19Z","article","SACO, Maine — In administrative updates at the Feb. 3 meeting, the city administrator reported Saco and neighboring Biddeford signed a contract with Thornton Tomasetti for preliminary and final design services for a multimodal bridge across the Saco River (maximum contract amount $726,000), and noted federal funding will cover 75% of project costs with a 25% local share.

The administrator said the Economic Development Director will serve as the lead project administrator for the bridge design contract. No additional council action or vote was requested at the meeting; staff presented the contract amount and funding share to keep the council informed.

Staff also reported that the Saco Police Department will undergo an on‑site assessment by the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program on Thursday, Feb. 6; if successful the department will be granted accreditation. The administrator congratulated Police Chief Jack Clements on his acceptance to the New England Regional Command College in March and noted the training's importance to leadership and interagency partnerships.

These items were presented under administrative updates; no formal council action was taken during that segment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Saco City Council Meeting - February 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City administration reported that Saco and Biddeford signed a contract with Thornton Tomasetti for design of a multimodal bridge across the Saco River (contract maximum $726,000) and noted a Maine law‑enforcement accreditation assessment is scheduled for Feb. 6.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings , Saco City, York County, Maine","taxId",69267,"location","Maine","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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353226,"Council waives $3,000 building permit fee for new Saco splash pad; Rotary involvement disclosed",57,3721000,3778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e&start=3721&end=3778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e/thumbnail_3721000.jpg","/articles/6353226/Maine/Council-waives-3000-building-permit-fee-for-new-Saco-splash-pad-Rotary-involvement-disclosed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353226-1a37b1bcc6e5f227ffa8bea2981b46f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776024149&Signature=VkEjFKJnPDbeajxMzBZJVjMufDcxHrgIfPrIh4dvD~vuezHBI-SM8h~qeaUjDU4xS9vK2zxQWdOGXaRzeG6Rl54F25i7YgZ0ZUeHxvDdSat046w-kJTIIlDhfnifxQKgSL6IPibOqWH6Vhrf5mupfL7aJ4cdFV5g3zL7lLnV9sA2qs4J1kHq~Ob6DovBEvc5SwHgDOnoK-hHbaBMtho4cUKGy~psuW0PQnNiQHDWt4mFQrZ2MXtAb9x6c6VgkGV~zl5hzGrUMmpoFjVRiz4uzyi623lV57zgkKSqRfVaKmepGShfnqgiAtYV737-R6xyhB4FxIASr56cMz~CXH3EfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SACO, Maine — The Saco City Council on Feb. 3 approved a waiver of a $3,000 building permit fee for the construction of a new splash pad, a project led by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco and primarily funded through donations.

\"The Parks and Recreation Department is asking for the building permit fee of $3,000 for the construction of the splash pad to be waived,\" a council presenter said. Councillor Gunn moved approval; Councillor Edwards seconded. During discussion Councillor Berman disclosed he is a member of the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco and asked whether the council preferred he recuse himself; the council raised no objection and he voted in favor. A roll call recorded unanimous approval, 6‑0.

Council documents state the splash pad project is a partnership with the Rotary and is being funded largely through donations. The waiver applies only to the city building permit fee; other applicable fees or requirements were not discussed in detail at the meeting.

The motion passed 6‑0.","The City Council voted 6‑0 to waive a $3,000 building permit fee for the construction of a splash pad funded largely by donations and partnered with the Rotary Club of Biddeford and Saco; Councillor Berman disclosed membership in the Rotary and the council allowed him to vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353234,"Council tables amendments to virtual‑participation policy for further edits and returns item March 10",0,4014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e&start=4014&end=4014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e/thumbnail_4014000.jpg","/articles/6353234/Maine/Council-tables-amendments-to-virtualparticipation-policy-for-further-edits-and-returns-item-March-10","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353234-a6f91e90f2ea64e7a44d85f3cb34cb81/orig.mp4?Expires=1776024149&Signature=c-QTrOP9dnU7X-D9MnDWMgxFOnzuISAR-5EDjEdktG3TOP2UdYZoUSAPsQ5yHtCCT01tTImS9FVfakWxwjpJz5kqPUS9ebq1UOy80CkQQ6tLQkNllUTgJO2zCi-vhEKB5ydf7--NacGk7YeQ2wtWXh~Rre2514RQaPBXlp6o~7aXWVtXsHFQmQjFy1A2KHUg-lwnNtLRqZlljk7lPLn-6WeAneVc1XIBowgD2QteNeKlJWZ5IndjBY5VRdCKM38NuoHvEDxSmrRvYq4WoOG8dqajGpJiHuoFks1ufTE6osgkEymuLaWjje79ZxS-sF~buO5ITRbgyaXtYYO~5RjHgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SACO, Maine — The Saco City Council on Feb. 3 tabled proposed amendments to the city's virtual participation policy after extended discussion over the scope and management of hybrid meetings, limits on remote attendance and technical and staffing costs.

Councillor Hatch outlined concerns about internal inconsistencies in the draft, the complexity and staffing required for hybrid meetings and the need to define temporary geographic distance and limits on remote participation to prevent abuse. \"I think the hybrid component is gonna be fairly challenging to manage, and implement,\" he said during the discussion. Councillor Berman and others said the council had intended to create a two‑tier approach: most boards would be either fully remote or fully in‑person, while the City Council and Planning Board would be allowed hybrid meetings if supported by staffing and technology.

City staff told the council a redline version had removed material to keep the policy simple and offered to prepare another redline for members' comments. Councillor Hatch moved to table the item and return it as new business; Councillor Edwards seconded. The council voted 6‑0 to table the proposal and agreed to revisit the item on March 10 so members could submit suggested edits to the city administrator.

The draft referenced LD 32 and 1 M.R.S.A. §403‑B and said council chambers had been updated to comply with state requirements; staff noted a quote to update other meeting spaces will be considered during the FY26 budget process.","After extended discussion about hybrid meetings, limits for remote participation and technical staffing, the City Council voted 6‑0 to table a draft amendment to the city's virtual participation policy and asked staff to produce another redline for further review, with a planned return on March 10.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353238,"Council waives local permit fees for Saco Elementary School; state fees, peer‑review costs still apply",340,2530000,2870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e&start=2530&end=2870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e/thumbnail_2530000.jpg","/articles/6353238/Maine/Council-waives-local-permit-fees-for-Saco-Elementary-School-state-fees-peerreview-costs-still-apply","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353238-5d69c7674399f2aa8fd19604b1d0d127/orig.mp4?Expires=1776024149&Signature=LCzFnmKBhoPPO0wj5J8FqYWIV63~P39qaPhPLoiaEDJy27cHUNzeO8vNZZsTK7L5Sf6U4vdR09Xwe8p3TmkvPtPblv02TGOh2uqwcJP3GLeotWAJnUaHDkwKTUpGkWlAHeempoRwL1eHpLXoggNl9SG6tLLrcdmfgG-nEC3jvcyWY8ps-nYXynJm4XRPkd2UPSILVKBTNklffSkwVvlbkYUKrT5f3uMPbU2WX15ezAtfsT2-1~vJizSMzm9DECpetvaFvEw4gsEQb3tupTv0F0A5QQehluWIqgfl7F4YgNCk-GkGIklpmRXbTZ4ZSCm9KYxBDxPAoIJ4Gu1hLgPTBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SACO, Maine — The Saco City Council on Feb. 3 voted unanimously to waive local planning and code enforcement application fees for the Saco School Department's proposed elementary school site off Portland Road and Millbrook Road, while noting the school must still pay state permit fees and any city peer‑review consultant costs.

\"Be it ordered that the city council hereby waives the local planning department application fee for site plan review, and the local code enforcement application fees for building, electrical, and plumbing applications. I move to approve the order,\" Councillor Gunn said as she moved the item; Councillor Hewitt seconded. A roll call vote recorded yes votes from Councillors Edwards, Parks, Gunn, Berman, Hatch and Hewitt.

City staff clarified the waiver covers only local application fees; the Saco School Department remains responsible for relevant state permit fees and for peer‑review consultant costs under the city's Chapter 83 cost‑recovery ordinance, and for any other applicable fees. The council noted similar waivers have been granted in the past for municipal projects such as the Saco Public Works facility and the Saco Water Resource Recovery Facility.

The motion passed 6‑0.","The City Council voted 6‑0 to waive local planning and local code enforcement application fees for the Saco School Department's proposed Saco Elementary School site off Portland Road and Millbrook Road; state permits and city peer‑review costs remain the school's responsibility.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6353242,"Saco planners, GPCOG outline vision for Portland Road subarea; public engagement next step",1236,496000,1732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e&start=496&end=1732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2221538-1f4f4f05eeebb74a61eeade8ed898a0e/thumbnail_496000.jpg","/articles/6353242/Maine/Saco-planners-GPCOG-outline-vision-for-Portland-Road-subarea-public-engagement-next-step","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353242-1044bd01c874ffae37c0ef450a35ce92/orig.mp4?Expires=1776024149&Signature=OQszVwhgAqSWmAs~QZE7KDfVKXWLkX3Jueq1OIXIh1CQ9yWxT4S9tUd6NrYZXV2ANMVQo11-sE2em~~zDm0Zv3Ts2KiRcDcAHptmMy85qnLluXCYWFuP63DQlhZCdA-19YUPlUA0OUH6eXB6feAThYe2wh9l3PEw9B2clUErqKHHMqX~O779Ftn3oNoT0l5jvZHxWTnWEgdBQG9tr1O8RnPTDT1P13M3qOGpsCGsjnSjTaGWcS6zhWafkBlxlALwy63-iJguqX7EKP-vp8Jzo3XV9FqLiITQuOm1VTRb-xDvK636q7543evSWhu2rJdXeLddAvhCSV2i9HglU4daBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SACO, Maine — City planning staff and a consultant from the Greater Portland Council of Governments on Feb. 3 presented an initial vision and data review for a Portland Road subarea plan covering Route 1 between the I‑95 overpass and the Scarborough town line, emphasizing the effect of a proposed new school site and a coming round of public engagement.

The presentation, given by Christian Rodman of the Greater Portland Council of Governments and planning staff, framed Portland Road as a corridor that now functions chiefly as an automobile thoroughfare and lacks a cohesive identity. \"We will build a new community‑oriented identity for Portland Road by fostering places where people of all ages wish to connect, create, enjoy, and live,\" the Long Range Planning Committee's vision statement said during the presentation.

The presentation matters because the study area contains the proposed new school site \"smack dab in the middle,\" a factor planners said will drive thinking about safety, pedestrian access and traffic patterns. City staff and consultants said they are still in a data‑collection and visioning phase and will return later in the spring with concrete recommendations after community engagement.

Consultant Christian Rodman described the study area as the segment of Route 1 between the I‑95 overpass and the Scarborough line and said planners are building on a 2019 joint study between Saco and Scarborough that examined Complete Streets ideas for the broader corridor. Planning staff noted other ongoing efforts—the Transportation Master Plan, the Housing Action Plan and the larger Reimagining Route 1 corridor study led by GPCOG—and said the Portland Road subarea work will be coordinated with those efforts and the city's adopted comprehensive plan.

Planners outlined two primary opportunity areas: the so‑called \"auto mile,\" where many parcels are used by auto dealerships, and the area nearer Scarborough where recent residential development is increasing the local population. Planners flagged the Eastern Trail as an underused asset that could be better connected to Portland Road to support walking and biking.

At the workshop councilors and Long Range Planning Committee members asked whether the city is seeking matching zoning or policy changes with Scarborough; consultants responded the subarea plan focuses on Saco only but that cross‑border compatibility is a reasonable follow‑up question. Councilors also pressed the team on implementation tools; planners said recommendations could include zoning changes, incentives, public‑private partnerships and targeted outreach to property owners, including dealerships, but noted some transportation changes would require state Department of Transportation concurrence and supporting traffic data.

Planners described the timeline as multi‑year and incremental, with short‑term \"small wins\" recommended while the city pursues 3‑, 5‑ and 10‑year objectives. They emphasized that community engagement—targeted outreach to dealerships, property owners and corridor stakeholders, plus a general public campaign—will shape final recommendations.

Christian Rodman and planning staff asked the council to expect a draft with specific recommendations in late spring or early summer so the council and Long Range Planning Committee can review and refine the plan before staff prepares a final report.

The presentation contained no request for action and council took no vote; it concluded with council questions and committee comments.","City planning staff and a Greater Portland Council of Governments consultant presented an early vision for a Portland Road (Route 1) subarea plan, stressing the influence of a proposed new school site and calling for targeted public engagement and coordination with existing plans; no recommendations were made at the workshop.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City signs $726,000 design contract for Saco Island multimodal bridge; police department accreditation assessment scheduled

Council waives $3,000 building permit fee for new Saco splash pad; Rotary involvement disclosed

Council tables amendments to virtual‑participation policy for further edits and returns item March 10

Council waives local permit fees for Saco Elementary School; state fees, peer‑review costs still apply

Saco planners, GPCOG outline vision for Portland Road subarea; public engagement next step