Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administrative Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Saco council hears public input on administrative code updates and planning‑board reforms
Summary
At a public hearing the council considered proposed updates to Administrative Code Chapter 4, Article 5 and heard public recommendations to add a general public‑purpose statement; councilors debated planning‑board appointment rules and conflict‑of‑interest limits and scheduled a second reading for Jan. 5, 2026.
The Saco City Council opened a public hearing Dec. 15 on proposed amendments to Administrative Code Chapter 4, Article 5 (Departments and Divisions) and received public comment and council discussion on governance and planning‑board reforms.
Kelly Archer (185 Bradley Street) requested that council add a clear public‑purpose and public‑benefit statement to the chapter so that the administrative code explicitly reflects resident‑focused objectives and transparency. Archer provided draft language and asked council to consider directing staff to include such language prior to the second reading.
Councilor Johnston and others discussed recommendations from the Saco Citizens Grievance Review Committee that would formalize planning‑board appointment processes and address potential conflicts of interest. Johnston outlined several options: (1) adopt stricter limits on the number of members from the same profession (suggesting a move from two members per profession toward one), (2) bar planning‑board chairs or vice‑chairs who hold certain real‑estate broker licenses or work in real‑estate development, or (3) create an eight‑member structure with a nonvoting chair appointed to run meetings and preserve seven voting members.
Councilor Hewitt cautioned against excluding professionals categorically, noting that Maine law requires disclosure and recusal and that excluding professions could unintentionally limit qualified applicants. Other councilors asked staff to refine the proposed language and compare neighboring municipalities’ approaches. City staff confirmed planning‑board training is provided annually and will move to twice‑yearly mandatory training.
Council moved to close the public hearing and set the second and final reading for Jan. 5, 2026; the motion passed 6–0. Councilor Johnston said the council should keep planning‑board structure and conflict‑management options under consideration as staff and council refine proposed ordinance language.
What’s next: staff will work with Councilor Johnston and the council resource to refine the proposed chapter 4 amendments and planning‑board provisions and return them for the second reading on Jan. 5, 2026.
