Gardiner council approves Main Street trick‑or‑treat permit, two victualer’s licenses and General Assistance updates

Gardiner — In routine business the Gardiner City Council unanimously approved several items on the consent/business portion of the agenda.

The council approved a large‑event permit submitted by Gardiner Main Street for downtown trick‑or‑treating on Friday, Oct. 24 from 3–5 p.m.; Tamara Whitmore of Gardiner Main Street said the event drew more than 600 children last year and asked for volunteer support and business participation. Councilor Veronica Babcock moved to approve the event and the motion passed unanimously.

The council also approved a victualer’s license renewal for Cumberland Farms and granted a new victualer’s license for Sunrise Bagel; both votes were unanimous. Interim City Manager Denise Brown described annual, state‑mandated changes to the General Assistance ordinance and appendices and the council voted unanimously to adopt those amendments.

In related utility business the council discussed a staff request to waive quarterly council approval for sewer abatements tied to an interior meter serving a cannabis grow at 8 ABJ Drive (Flying Fish). The wastewater director said the city will inspect the meter and plumbing to verify the water is used for plants and does not discharge to the sewer; several councilors asked that inspection occur before any permanent waiver decision.

Other housekeeping votes included approval of the council minutes from Oct. 1, 2025, and a unanimous vote to enter executive session under MRSA 405(6)(c) on a real‑estate matter.