2026-09-21 - City Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes. A video is posted on the city portal; no transcript has been processed.

• Called to order 5:04 PM; Councilor Fournier absent; adjourned 5:53 PM (8-0).
• One speaker in non-agenda public comment. Approved minutes of the September 9 special meeting 8-0.
• Proclamation read for September 30 as National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools.
• Consent items passed 8-0: Maine Marathon declaration (Order 40), North Deering Tavern outdoor dining (Order 41), Cocktail Mary indoor entertainment license (Order 42). Order 43 (Chez Biso) was pulled and postponed to October 5.
• Brownfields grants passed 8-0 and the CDBG priorities order passed 8-0.
• Median strip ordinance referral passed 7-1 after extended debate.
• First readings: Council rules amendment, York Street bike-pedestrian modification, Seymour Becker Trust funds.
• CAPER report for HUD-funded programs received as a communication.

Chez Biso Restaurant License

• Pulled from consent; postponed 8-0 (Ali, Phillips).

Brownfields Grant Funding

• Order 38 ($500,000) and Order 39 ($1,000,000) both 8-0.

CDBG Priority Setting Recommendations

• Order 44 passed 8-0 (Ali, Sykes).

Median Strip Ordinance Referral

• Order 45 passed 7-1 (Pelletier opposed). Speakers included Jane Dawson and Cheryl Harkins.

Council Rules Amendment

• Resolve 3 first reading.

MaineDOT Pedestrian Safety Projects

• Order 46 first reading.

Seymour Becker Trust Funds

• Order 47 first reading.

Sources

• Official minutes: https://portlandme.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=20470,plainText=false)
• Video: https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/9575/media

Video

Watch the video

Transcript

Transcript pending.