[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6086489,"mediaKeyId","2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b","parentId",2895136,"title","Council at-a-glance: minutes approved; Golden Rooster special entertainment permit renewed; meeting adjourned","audioSeconds",110,"startMs",720000,"endMs",830000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b&start=720&end=830","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b/thumbnail_720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086489/Maine/Council-at-a-glance-minutes-approved-Golden-Rooster-special-entertainment-permit-renewed-meeting-adjourned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086489-6ce89d509819f101b08ca350de41f679/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757617&Signature=nIIvF6YuGGC3y8XDFbNpZnZ99MeuVEG-l5aKZh5c77VPtLoR9sRfHVKadnY4RcYZ3Tlael57H0u2AiGrr~LgWz7McQNdrythY5BHNCxNaeqCW9LquWCxOuFk7ZfOS-gG7LwG9DxSl0sodAypykzNbkVrBp8oxthpgUoAueRpKKx4Znjp0qyXGNJ97G1GJK1Yju-iqMKLZ4EqnOAgqiP2ZEJnGW4PN~sFa-S3xfJml9jg6vtXTiLd59WbKqoCdbppOLJwPkYllsEABbohqCq8SxEy~Clbm4lH9XDJF~009pgvYHWp62OTl-ok-x8Ry4b5wddW6AfeMVnKxQnQAf6YBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-07T19:48:49Z","article","The Saco City Council recorded several routine procedural votes and one permit decision at its April 7 meeting.

The council voted to approve minutes for the March 17 and March 24, 2025 meetings. \"Motion passes 7 0,\" the clerk recorded after a roll call.

On the Golden Rooster restaurant (236 Main Street) the council opened a public hearing, received no public comment, then moved to close the hearing and grant the renewal of the establishment's special entertainment permit concurrent with its liquor license. Councilor Johnston made the motion to grant the renewal; Councilor Hatch seconded. The clerk recorded the roll call and the motion passed 7–0.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of minutes (03/17/2025 and 03/24/2025): Motion by Councilor Berman, second by Councilor Huitt; roll call recorded as unanimous, outcome passed 7–0.
- Open public hearing (Golden Rooster special entertainment permit): motion and second on record; roll call passed 7–0.
- Grant renewal for Golden Rooster special entertainment permit (to be concurrent with liquor license): motion by Councilor Johnston; second by Councilor Hatch; roll call passed 7–0.
- Motion to adjourn: carried 7–0 at 9:25 p.m.

Context: City staff reported that the application had paid fees and that police, fire, code enforcement and finance had no outstanding concerns; the public did not speak at the hearing. Staff cited compliance with local notice requirements under the Saco City Code, Chapter 93, Entertainment (Section reference noted in staff comments).

Ending: The council moved on to department budget presentations following the permit vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Saco City Council Meeting - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 7 meeting the Saco City Council approved minutes for March 17 and March 24, opened and closed a public hearing and granted a renewal of the Golden Rooster's special entertainment permit; actions passed unanimously where recorded.","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},6086493,"Economic development director outlines TIF-funded projects, small-business grants and Brownfields work",2532,6971000,9503000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b&start=6971&end=9503","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b/thumbnail_6971000.jpg","/articles/6086493/Maine/Economic-development-director-outlines-TIF-funded-projects-small-business-grants-and-Brownfields-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086493-3de161ed00082cbeef9036e81ecb1d11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757617&Signature=hFgRhmX7NIaLoV2Y4C0y4eyxpAuvskVE5hdNutZWjg1r1NAZsJRJhpO56ZLEVZNMU2y~NCFKEaOumJi3aB6zwxB~uP5~jwWP9QE6MmOwgFV8eR65HmhvDF1~IOqjvwdrNMUhZSqgT4Og48AwcKY3ZzAF1l8KLY9l6J46n3glqv~qiCxRF~vGD99xB2kUZ9rxeVTksVBzEQHDNWjiKguAX473e0NQoUcjVfCdBZOL~~WaXn-9IhbzP5RAd43l4uCtaTcPYhF0gYnq7cToV~XWbmMqs9tr6gtRKebCwYePT4-dV8ppUDolfsiqScuVhqsTionLyWNsW15kybbzd0e54g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tracy Desjardins, Director of Economic Development, briefed the council April 7 on fiscal programs funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, grant programs and business outreach.

Desjardins said the city collected about $7,775,000 in TIF revenues in the past year and used roughly $1,986,000 of TIF funds for capital projects. She reported 27 new business registrations, seven ribbon cuttings and active revolving‑loan program activity (23 active loans totaling more than $460,000 distributed to date). The department administers facade grants, small business grants and recently closed a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant to support a local company’s equipment purchase and a planned 20 new jobs.

Why it matters: Desjardins emphasized that TIF funds do not come from taxpayers’ general revenues and can be used to fund infrastructure and other economic development projects that support private development. She said the city has up to 2027 to spend certain Brownfields funds and that the department will notify council before asking for approval on redevelopment plans. \"A TIF is basically a tool for an economic development,\" Desjardins said.

Desjardins described outreach to the business community and partners, including a bankers' session to link business owners with financing options, and work to connect employers with new‑comer job candidates through Catholic Charities liaison efforts. She said the Arts Commission is pursuing public art projects and wayfinding sign installation is expected soon. She also described the Saco Island multimodal bridge preliminary and final design work in coalition with Biddeford.

Ending: Desjardins said the department will continue to promote grant and loan programs, bring the Route 1 (Portland Road) master plan and a citywide housing plan through public engagement, and return to council with program details and any TIF guideline updates as needed.","Director Tracy Desjardins reported $7.775 million in TIF revenue for the year, nearly $2 million in capital projects funded from TIFs, active revolving‑loan program activity, downtown façade and small‑business grants and Brownfields site assessment work with EPA funding.",{"_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":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086497,"New City facilities department outlines maintenance, generator and school‑support work",3667,3303000,6970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b&start=3303&end=6970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b/thumbnail_3303000.jpg","/articles/6086497/Maine/New-City-facilities-department-outlines-maintenance-generator-and-schoolsupport-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086497-bb2d34b77b5bdd254e4d61ac4b487f69/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757617&Signature=X6M8wLftMesxUC0bJLH~kiJml2wZ44Lyduhw-VFViBCzuqRIDHJjk8809Z1FUyd84JYTN1i14BMb~E6aL5pbFbyKC6u2VDdzcF88lhUqhT6YS~4BPgjo9xoXtvD5wyv5ac25d767wXFCP1QysoXoun~RwG5I-56KMm~SuuzVqRWHnYYrVpCXyvy8CKK6zxJJniCII8d8PRLRlcLSPifsAMGmGA8swoR0CJGGFa~9YFSpYyWjCRkxJFRgsVoPF~CEXMb-LprLqv7LxNiG-7zNZ~UAzFLqxMj2a4471aOfvfqNYYkQWAU1YLJMXsgclDijw9rgLChdkSZrbDV3OsVGiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Roth (Facilities) told the City Council on April 7 that the newly formed Facilities Department—merged in the past year to combine municipal and school facilities support—has been handling a heavy workload and implementing several projects to improve maintenance and resilience.

Roth said the department moved into a combined structure in September and that the schools cover 60% of the director and deputy director positions; custodial and maintenance staff remain paid through school budgets while Facilities provides supervision and technical support. He said the consolidation allows more centralized purchasing and oversight of utilities and equipment.

The nut graf: Roth outlined completed and planned work including City Hall clock tower repairs, conversion of an old firearms range into a fitness and training area after lead abatement, construction of a new maintenance bay for Parks & Rec, LED lighting upgrades at school buildings, and a new 30x60 facilities building at the middle school for inventory and equipment storage. The department has added a second custodian and a deputy director since the reorganization.

Roth emphasized resilience investments: the city now maintains roughly 10 generators across municipal facilities (with four more planned) and has begun remote monitoring; the middle school received a new 400 kW generator to keep critical systems running during outages. He also described plans to roll out MaintainX, a computerized maintenance management system that will track assets, preventive maintenance and spare‑parts inventory.

Councilors praised the transition and noted time savings on event setup, snow response at school sites and faster response times. Roth said the department is preparing spare‑parts inventories for new school buildings (noting hundreds of fixtures in two new buildings), training staff on geothermal and heat‑pump systems and pursuing energy‑efficiency projects.

Ending: Councilors called the facilities transition a success and urged continued attention to capital planning and preventive maintenance; Roth said the new maintenance building should break ground in late spring and that the department expects measurable savings over time.","Director Roth described the newly merged facilities operation, work on City Hall and schools, generator upkeep, a new maintenance facility and the upcoming MaintainX asset system that will track equipment and preventive maintenance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086504,"Saco Police highlights hiring gains, accreditation and IT upgrade plans in FY2026 presentation",1623,3174000,4797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b&start=3174&end=4797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b/thumbnail_3174000.jpg","/articles/6086504/Maine/Saco-Police-highlights-hiring-gains-accreditation-and-IT-upgrade-plans-in-FY2026-presentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086504-629fdd261d4c82ff59ff37714de1fa9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757617&Signature=h3ADPGHmBipkpAXM89nFSf~rnoQVNycLREP3u-y64u1AZ1A6U9DX313m18HL9y-LjJmEWohOPaNQXtvZxyCDfK3TxnIFiVhkA7DbE5C6PzN~jV7lf8fxDE7qmTWSnTFM7JedYClOpGQVbcuSL9At22dFWNr2e5IUSCK8cDMsne~OfIC9CPWZEV~Szxt2rXk3EzHUiUJtSEsW0fJaVdTuGjxtO-Qu5ju5m3~Dui7xUgQV7nfSix0WziJBYoOYKzfFTFpdC7nk88v7qqb4z3nusuQ-q0HLi6Zur~DPEszyt3hdcZjZPCFpIy00ZZI79EbczdxcSR4xR1JigyHLLYu1Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Jack Clements told the council on April 7 that the Saco Police Department is making progress on recruiting and staff retention, highlighting newly achieved statewide accreditation and planned technology upgrades.

\"We're doing actually much, much better,\" Clements said, adding, \"our employees are our most valuable asset.\" He reported the department is funded for 57 full‑time employees (sworn and civilian), has several candidates deep in background checks and is actively recruiting for a school‑resource officer position.

Why it matters: Clements said most of the department’s FY2026 net increase is personnel and benefit costs tied to cost‑of‑living and market adjustments. He told council the operating budget was trimmed where possible—resulting in a reported 1.7% increase to operating costs—while absorbing pay adjustments without asking for emergency contingency funds in 2025.

Clements described two multi‑year projects: a radio system upgrade being installed on local towers and a planned countywide replacement of an antiquated computer-aided dispatch and records management system (CAD/RMS) in collaboration with York County; Saco has set aside capital funds and is selecting a vendor for the countywide purchase and phased integration.

Councilors asked about service details and revenue lines. Councilor Berman asked about Camp Ellis Fund transfers and whether a harbor patrol would restart; Clements said Camp Ellis funding historically covered harbor‑patrol boat fuel and that a restart would be contingent on staffing both in Saco and partner Biddeford.

Chief Clements also said Freedom of Access Act requests (public records requests) have increased—particularly for video and body‑worn camera footage—and that the department’s social worker reported 1,140 outreach attempts year‑to‑date with 850 contacts. He described a newly converted former firearms range now used for fitness and training after decontamination.

Ending: The council thanked the chief and city administrator noted the council’s decision to fund pay adjustments in 2025 helped recruitment. Clements said he expects to request additional resources if operational pressures such as redaction and records workload continue to grow.","Chief Jack Clements reported improved recruiting, statewide accreditation, radio system upgrades and a countywide records-management technology project; most FY2026 cost increases are personnel and benefits tied to market adjustments.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6086507,"Saco Parks and Recreation proposes $2.6 million budget, seeks one full-time programmer",2096,1075000,3171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b&start=1075&end=3171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2895136-0f383b7c15c6a06495444c186fc0a61b/thumbnail_1075000.jpg","/articles/6086507/Maine/Saco-Parks-and-Recreation-proposes-26-million-budget-seeks-one-full-time-programmer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086507-c6e52d11e59dc22aba1b17bf3194eef4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757617&Signature=d2R-ycsRuo0aTdWJ-f87Z~Qn6q9f8UuK4yMGEjdI72HdQ180OH61K7Euc0-RZ097lUwpk9F5dLI~i6-aCvak7zM9B7FZ8hyN5yg-CZ3EG13H1t~21kW92j2IWihH6cG7ILV1o0LJ6fwSGnYfVAKEw6SbWmqQv5bwyuFj3f9Cz~h7sTmFf1jwru3yVdQleKKYiqb0Rc7JeDZgv~nDg5fVXYrrYGe2UKZsQp2ruNeSVtMXuB2-5rgUdGHo5R1x5DyHIQfhx-n2MgArg4p06cGhtGOHJc5ebpQD0iOVbmv2TGqUsPBc6YPtOO40X-~OhbGHjD30ShqeSOxeWTvmO3UGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Ryan Sommer presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 Parks and Recreation budget to the Saco City Council on April 7, asking for $2,595,313 and the addition of one full-time program staff position.

Sommer said the department has reduced taxpayer support from roughly 45–50% of the budget down to about 30% and that revenues are expected to rise to about $1.8 million in FY2026. \"We have been able to reduce our dependency on the taxpayers from around 45 to 50% down to 30%,\" Sommer said.

The nut graf: The requested $272,000 increase (11.7%) is concentrated in personnel costs—roughly $204,557 (about 75% of the increase) for cost‑of‑living and market adjustments and added staffing—and about $68,000 (25%) for operating costs tied to program growth and equipment. Sommer told council the single full‑time position he requested would cost roughly $50,000; existing seasonal staff wages were raised about 6% to remain competitive.

Sommer laid out program growth as the department’s strategy to offset taxpayer support: program fees and participation have risen, enabling the department to expand offering while limiting the city subsidy. He said Parks and Recreation now operates about 70 program types and employs roughly 125 seasonal staff; from July 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 the department recorded 15,040 registrations, about a 7% increase year‑over‑year. He said the department currently has 17 full‑time staff and requested one additional full‑time recreation programmer to support senior programs, special events and the After‑the‑Bell program.

Councilors pressed Sommer on affordability and overlap with Age Friendly Saco. Councilor Berman asked how the department maintains affordability as fees fund a larger share of operations; Sommer described a scholarship program that provides 90%, 75% or 50% subsidies based on need and said the department distributes roughly $40,000 in scholarships annually. Councilor Hatch said he supports the new full‑time position but urged coordination with Age Friendly Saco to avoid duplicating services; Sommer said the position largely formalizes work now handled by long‑hour seasonal employees and emphasized collaboration with Age Friendly.

Sommer described capital and program priorities tied to the budget: fixing drainage and road access at the middle school backfields for emergency access and ADA access; continuing construction of a splash pad at the community center (in partnership with the Biddeford Saco Rotary) scheduled for May 15; and beginning design work for a destination park at Pepple Park when school property becomes available. Sommer said the department aims each year to add 10–12 new programs and reported 18 new programs for the coming year, including youth disc golf and junior theatre festival participation.

Ending: Councilors praised the department's revenue growth and program expansion in remarks after the presentation but deferred final budget decisions to the broader budget process. The council will review departmental budgets in upcoming sessions as it prepares the full city budget.","Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Sommer presented a FY2026 budget that would raise the department to $2,595,313, an 11.7% increase ($272,000) driven primarily by staffing and wage increases; city subsidy would fall as a share of the budget as program revenue rises.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council at-a-glance: minutes approved; Golden Rooster special entertainment permit renewed; meeting adjourned

Economic development director outlines TIF-funded projects, small-business grants and Brownfields work

New City facilities department outlines maintenance, generator and school‑support work

Saco Police highlights hiring gains, accreditation and IT upgrade plans in FY2026 presentation

Saco Parks and Recreation proposes $2.6 million budget, seeks one full-time programmer