Council approves zoning changes,
business permits
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Zoning changes and business permits were approved by City Council during the Nov. 1 meeting held at City Hall.
The evening began with councilors recognizing Theresa Fowler’s being named Maine Chamber Executive of the Year, followed by November being proclaimed Adoption Awareness Month.
Councilors then discussed the following matters:
• Approved the request of Alan Trombley, of Trombley Industries, to amend the zoning of 227 Parsons Road from an urban residential zone to a business zone, with a vote of 6-0-1, with Jennifer Trombley abstaining;
• Approved the request by Aroostook Football to amend the language of the business zone to add “recreational facilities” as a use permissible by special exception;
• Updated Chapter 25 — Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, Chapter 25A Residential Building Code — One- and Two-Family Dwellings in Maine, and to adopt Chapter 25B Existing Building Code and Chapter 25C — Energy Conservation Code;
• Approved the renewal of a nude entertainment license for KBS Enterprises, d/b/a Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, 116 Main St., Presque Isle;
• Approved a special amusement permit for Four Thirty One LLC, d/b/a Freddy P’s, 431 Main St., Presque Isle, with the condition that doors and windows remain closed at all times, at the request of the police department, to address noise concerns from neighboring tenants;
• Approved a special amusement permit for the Northeastland Hotel, 436 Main St., Presque Isle;
• Heard public concerns regarding the proposed 2011 municipal budget;
• Moved to create a Strategic Planning Committee;
• Approved consent agenda items;
• Approved a Presque Isle Development Fund loan in the amount of $120,000 to Nor’Easter, Inc., at an interest rate of 2.25 percent per annum, amortized for a period of 10 years with a balloon payment after four years. Anthony Sullivan personally guaranteed the loan, which will assist in restricting debt to be able to reinvest in capital services in the present competitive environment;
• Approved the abatement of property taxes for a trailer in DeMerchant Trailer Park;
• Authorized the city treasurer to waive the foreclosure on properties deemed by the city treasurer and code enforcement officer to be unsuitable for acquisition if payment on the 2008 tax lien is not received by the city prior to close of business on Nov. 8;
• Authorized the city manager to execute the purchase and sale agreement between Michael J. Wood and Linda M. Wood for the purchase of the property located at 39 Chapman Road and subject to verification by the city attorney of clear title — the property is located at the intersection of Chapman Road and Riverside Drive, adjacent to the Rec Department building and completes the city’s acquisition of several homes on that side of the street;
• Discussed the process of selecting a new police chief; and
• Learned that Nancy Nichols was re-certified as clerk.
City Council also continued discussion of the 2011 municipal budget. Council sessions are held at City Hall and are open to the public and participation is encouraged. The next regular meeting of the Council will take place on Monday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. For more information, contact 760-2720.
