Several members of the public used the Jan. 6 council meeting to flag policy concerns the city may face in coming months.

Jenny Stafford, community engagement staff at MidCoast Family Services, told the council that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) that — as drafted — would terminate the agency’s two HUD‑funded local programs: Next Step (a permanent supportive housing program serving 56 rental units) and Pathways (transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence, assault and stalking). Stafford said those programs operate on an annual budget of about $1,300,000 and require a local match of approximately $133,280 annually; she said MidCoast was monitoring a reissued NOFO expected the following Thursday and asked to keep the council informed.

Michael Bondra (who identified his address during remarks) urged the council to consider allowing bicycle riding on sidewalks, saying the roads are unsafe and referencing a recent fatality on South Laurent as part of his rationale.

Richard Diosas urged the council to reject any attempt to ban books from public libraries, saying such efforts limit voices and harm students and democratic values, and he encouraged the city to support literacy and parental choices rather than censorship.

Mayor Crocker thanked the speakers and asked staff to stay informed about the HUD NOFO; the public hearing portions of the agenda that night produced no votes or directives beyond that follow-up request.