2026-07-16 - City Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes. No video is posted to this page, so there is no transcript or timing.

Business meeting in Council Chambers at 7:00 PM, after a 6:30 PM pre-meeting; Mayor O'Brien presiding. All councilors present except Judkins; Gary-Allen joined by Zoom. Adjourned 9:05 PM.
Every recorded vote was 7-0.
Kids Count Child Care TIF District designated after a public hearing at 7:03 to 7:08 PM.
Shelter zoning standards and the Tax Map 80 rezoning passed on second read.
Needle exchange moratorium had its first read.
November 3, 2026 election called, with voter registration hours set.
Settlement of up to $50,000 with Kraft Power Corporation over the Hatch Hill landfill gas equipment approved after an executive session (7:36 to 9:01 PM).
Consent agenda passed: June 2026 roll of accounts of $7,966,501.98, the June 18 minutes, and two Augusta Housing Authority reappointments.

Public hearing: Pauline Chase, owner of Kids Count Child Care, said she owns two centers in Augusta and that the new center at North Belfast Avenue would serve 120 children now, with hopes to reach 180.
Keith Luke, Economic Development Director, described a 30-year TIF district on one parcel (assessed at $40,000, projected $730,000 after completion, about $10,500 a year in increment). A 10-year credit enhancement agreement returns about $5,200 a year to the applicant ($52,000 total); the City keeps the full increment for the remaining 20 years, about $210,000. The TIF Committee recommended approval unanimously. No one spoke in opposition or neutrally.
Order 26-101 designating the district and adopting the development program, which still needs state approval, passed 7-0 on a motion by Lind, seconded by Gary-Allen. The private investment is about $2,277,625 for an 8,024 square foot facility licensed for up to 120 children.
Lind called it the most meaningful TIF he had voted on; Sienkiewicz agreed and thanked staff for their creativity.

Order 26-094 (second read) passed 7-0 on a motion by Gary-Allen, seconded by Lind. It allows shelters by conditional use in five more districts and adds standards: 0.5 acre minimum for new construction, 50-foot side and rear setbacks, fencing or planted buffer, lighting of 1.0 to 1.5 footcandles, and a screened smoking area. The Planning Board had recommended it unanimously.

Order 26-095 (second read) rezoning Tax Map 80, Lots 9, 9B and 9C from Rural Village to Planned Development passed 7-0 (Lind, Michaud). The Planning Board had recommended it unanimously.

Order 26-105, first read, no vote required; reading waived by unanimous consent.

Order 26-107 authorizes the City Manager to sign a settlement agreement and mutual release with Kraft Power Corporation and pay up to $50,000 to resolve threatened litigation over gas-to-energy equipment at the landfill. Passed 7-0 (Lind, Michaud).

Order 26-103 directs the City Clerk to prepare for a candidate and referendum election on November 3, 2026; nomination petitions available July 23 to September 1 and due back by September 3. Passed 7-0.
Order 26-104 sets voter registration hours Monday through Thursday, 7:15 AM to 5:30 PM, with no special evening hours. Passed 7-0.

Consent agenda: Sarah Sachs and Sara Fifield reappointed to the Augusta Housing Authority, terms to July 6, 2031.

Order 26-102 approving the transfer of $4,758.80 in forfeiture funds to the Augusta Police Department for its contribution to a federal case passed 7-0.
Minutes certified by City Clerk Gooldrup on July 27, 2026.