City Council — Portland, ME
Date: 2026-04-13
Time: 17:00

MARK DION (MAYOR) SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1)
PIOUS ALI (A/L) WESLEY PELLETIER (2)
APRIL FOURNIER (A/L) REGINA L. PHILLIPS (3)
BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L) ANNA BULLETT (4)
 KATE SYKES (5)




 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL 13, 2026

The Portland City Council will hold a City Council Meeting in Council Chambers. The Honorable Mark
Dion, Mayor, will preside.

To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email publiccomment@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions
must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Council meeting to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda
packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is
submitted for the correct item, please include the order number (see below).

The City Council will conduct this meeting from Council Chambers, located on the second floor of City Hall.

https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8378/media

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
RECOGNITIONS:
PRESENTATIONS:
SPECIAL MEETING:
 Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Development Corporation

 Order 164-25/26 Approving the Portland Development Corporation Business
 Continuity Loan Program and Guidelines - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City
 Manager
 At the Portland Development Corporation Board meeting held on March 19, 2026, the
 Board reviewed proposed guidelines for a new Business Continuity Loan Program, and
 voted 7-0 to forward the loan guidelines to the City Council for approval. This proposed
 new Loan Program is designed to support Portland businesses as they navigate the effects
 of economic uncertainties and challenges such as tariffs, the Custom House Wharf fire,
 frigid temperatures, and decreased tourism. The new loan program would be funded up
 to $250,000 through revolved Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) funds providing
 interest-free loans and a maximum loan amount of $10,000.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Fish Pier Authority


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 Order 165-25/26 Appointing Mike Alfiero a Class B Director of the Board of the
 Portland Fish Pier Authority - Sponsored by Legislative & Nominating Committee,
 Mayor Mark Dion, Chair
 If passed, this order would appoint the following individuals to the Portland Fish Pier
 Authority:

 Name Board or Committee Expiration of Term
 Mike Alfiero Portland Fish Pier Authority 10/31/2028

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
 City Council Meeting Minutes 03.16.2026
APPOINTMENTS:
 Order 166-25/16 Appointing Elizabeth Kampsen as Constable for the Portland
 Police Department - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 This order appoints Urban Ranger Elizabeth Kampsen as constable for the 2026 calendar
 year.

 Police Department constables issue citations for violations of various City ordinances,
 including, for example, harboring a dangerous dog and smoking in city parks. Urban
 Ranger is a position created to provide public safety and assistance through high-
 visibility patrols, emergency response, and connecting individuals with essential
 community resources. Urban Rangers preserve the vitality of public spaces by fostering
 community relationships, ensuring ordinance compliance through education, and
 supporting city events and operations.

 In order for these employees to have the authority to serve the legal process and to
 enforce the ordinances, they must be appointed as a constable by the City Council. The
 Police Department is hereby requesting that this employee be appointed as a constable.

 The authority provided by this order is limited. No constable is authorized to make arrests
 or carry a gun.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 167-25/26 Appointing Wardens and Ward Clerks for the 2026-2027 Election
 Year - Sponsored by Abbey Lombard, Interim City Clerk
 This order appoints Warden and Ward Clerks for the 2026-2027 Election Year, whose
 names are listed in the attachment.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 168-25/26 Appointing Election Clerks for 2026 to 2028 - Sponsored by Abbey
 Lombard, Interim City Clerk

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 This order appoints the Election Clerks for the term beginning on May 1, 2026, and
 expiring on April 30, 2028. Please see the order for the list of names.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 169-25/26 Appointing Members to Various Boards & Committees -
 Sponsored by Legislative & Nominating Committee, Mayor Mark Dion, Chair
 If passed, this order would appoint the following individuals to the various Boards &
 Committees:
 Name Board or Committee Expiration of Term
 Samuel Rains+ Board of Assessment 9/30/2027
 Review
 James Gordon Platt+ Rent Board (District 2) 3/31/2028
 Madeleine Segal+ Civil Service Commission 6/30/2028
 Employment Subcommittee

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 170-25/26 Confirming the Appointment and Setting the Salary of Abbey
 Lombard as City Clerk - Sponsored by Mark Dion, Mayor
 This order appoints Abbey Lombard as City Clerk at an annual salary of $130,000,
 concluding an extensive nationwide recruitment process. Ms. Lombard brings over 15
 years of public sector experience and has served as Interim City Clerk since January
 2026.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment. Staff recommends
 that this item be passed as an emergency to allow Ms. Lombard to be sworn in and
 assume her duties as soon as possible. Seven affirmative votes are required for passage as
 an emergency after public comment.
 Order 171-25/26 Appointing Abbey Lombard as Registrar of Voters for the
 Duration of Appointment as City Clerk - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City
 Manager
 This order would confirm Abbey Lombard as Registrar of Voters for the City of Portland
 for the duration of her appointment as City Clerk, as required by Maine State Law (21-A
 MRS §101).

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment. Staff recommends
 that this item be passed as an emergency to allow Ms. Lombard to be sworn in and
 assume her duties as soon as possible. Seven affirmative votes are required for passage as
 an emergency after public comment.
CONSENT ITEMS:
 Order 172-25/26 Granting Municipal Officers’ Approval of Diguo 37 LLC, dba
 Empire Chinese Kitchen. Application for Class I FSE 575 Congress Street -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
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 Application was filed on 3/17/26. This is a change of ownership of an existing
 establishment.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage of items on the consent calendar after
 public comment.
 Order 173-25/26 Granting Municipal Officers’ Approval of Barkada LLC, dba
 Barkada. Application for Class IV FSE with Outdoor Dining on Private Property
 at 425 Fore Street - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Application was filed on 3/16/26. Location was previously Gelato Fiasco.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage of items on the consent calendar after
 public comment.
BUDGET ITEMS:
 Order 174-25/26 Receiving and Referring City Manager's Fiscal Year 2027
 Municipal Budget to the Finance Committee and Setting Date of Public Hearing on
 the Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget and Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriation Resolve
 - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Under this order, the City Council receives the City Manager's proposed budget and
 refers it to the Finance Committee for review. The Finance Committee will review the
 budget at its next meeting, scheduled for April 16, 2026. A Finance Committee public
 hearing on the budget is also scheduled for May 7, 2026.

 The first read of the FY27 Appropriation Resolve and Public Hearing is scheduled for the
 May 18, 2026 City Council meeting.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage. Public comment will be limited to the
 referral action only.
RESOLUTIONS:
 Resolve 9-25/26 Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan including
 Appropriations for Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME
 Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant Program and Certifications Pertaining
 Thereto - Sponsored by Danielle West, City Manager
 The Housing and Economic Development Committee reviewed the Housing Program
 Budget at their meeting on March 31, 2026, and voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend
 City Council approval of the budget.

 The 2026-2027 Housing and Community Development Program Annual Action Plan
 reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a total budget
 of $5,722,680 including $1,806,420 of CDBG Entitlement Funds; $30,000 in Downtown
 TIF District funds; $20,000 in Cotton Street proceeds; $796,646 in HUD HOME
 Program Grant allocation; $135,763 in HUD HOME Program Income and Recaptured
 Funds; $796,646 in HOME County Prior Year Funds; $1,125 in HUD Lead Safe Housing
 Program Income; and $1,989,361 from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund, and
 $158,872 of HUD Emergency Solutions Grant funds.

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 The CDBG Annual Allocation Committee, appointed by the City Council, reviewed each
 application and made funding recommendations that will be presented to the Council.
 The City Manager reviewed the Committee’s recommendations and submitted her
 funding recommendations to the Council.

 The City’s public participation process requires two public hearings to consider the
 City’s Housing and Community Development Program proposal. The hearings allow the
 public to comment on the City’s Consolidated Annual Action Plan. Public hearings are
 set for April 13, 2026, and April 27, 2026. People who wish to speak may do so one time;
 they may not speak at both public hearings.

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading and first public
 hearing. At the second public hearing on April 27, five affirmative votes are required for
 passage after public comment.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
 Order 158-25/26 Accepting and Appropriating a $500 Donation from Alireza
 Shahin Khojastehzad to the Shahnaz Mahager Hummingbird Grant Program -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 At the July 15, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council authorized the Shahnaz Mahager
 Hummingbird Grant Program and accepted and appropriated the initial capitalization and
 donation for the program in the amount of $18,105 from Alierza Shahin Khojastehzad
 and his sister Farnaz Khojastehzad in memory of their mother, Shahnaz Mahager.

 The program grants $1,000 annually to a Portland business whose owner's most recent
 annual adjusted gross income is below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and are
 female, immigrant-owned businesses located in Portland with priority given to the
 cosmetology business.

 Mr. Khojastehzad would now like to donate an additional $500 for the program, which is
 administered by the Housing and Economic Development Department. City Council is
 being asked to accept and appropriate this additional $500 donation to the Program.

 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 159-25/26 Approving Subaward Agreement Between MaineHealth and the
 City of Portland and Accepting and Appropriating $23,815.42 for Project
 DHARMA - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 This order approves a subaward agreement between the City of Portland Public Health
 Division and MaineHealth to participate in the research study titled "Enhancing Project
 DHARMA; evaluating a community-based drug checking navigator intervention to
 prevent overdoses." This agreement provides $23,815.42 in federal pass-through funding
 to support the City's participation in the study, which includes facilitating participant
 recruitment, data collection, and collaboration on drug-checking result reporting.



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 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 160-25/26 - Approving Memorandum of Agreement and Accepting and
 Appropriating $300,000 from Trinity Episcopal Church RE: Trinity Park -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 This order approves a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Portland and
 Trinity Episcopal Church related to proposed improvements to Trinity Park. Under the
 terms of the agreement, the Church will provide a project plan, a financial contribution of
 $300,000 for improvements within Trinity Park, and ongoing maintenance of certain
 areas of the park. The City will manage the public bidding process, the construction
 contract and fund improvements within the Forest Avenue right of way adjacent to
 Trinity Park.

 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 161-25/26 Appropriating Bond Proceeds and Other Funds for the City's
 FY2027 Capital Improvement Program - Sponsored by the Finance Committee,
 April Fournier, Chair
 The Finance Committee voted on March 5, 2026 to recommend passage of this item, vote
 (2-0, Pelletier absent). This is a companion order to the bond authorization order below.

 The Finance Committee met several times during late 2025 and early 2026 to discuss the
 City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In last year’s CIP process, changes to better
 incorporate equity, sustainability and other City Council goals were made. These
 successful changes were continued in the current year based on guidance from the
 Committee. The Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (FY27 CIP) has been in
 development since mid-2025. The list of FY27 CIP calls for over $46M of new projects
 but only $17.4M this total will have a net impact to debt service in the general fund
 operating budget. A broad variety of other funding sources including the enterprise funds
 (for sewer and stormwater projects) are being used to finance the remainder of the CIP.

 Two orders are required related to the CIP: one authorizing the FY27 CIP bonds; and a
 second appropriating the proceeds and other funding sources providing City staff with
 spending authority for the upcoming projects. A complete listing of the projects being
 authorized is included within the orders.

 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 162-25/26 Authorizing General Obligation Bonds to Finance a Portion of the
 City's Fiscal Year FY27 Capital Improvement Program - Sponsored by the Finance
 Committee, April Fournier, Chair
 The Finance Committee voted on March 5, 2026 to recommend passage of this item, vote
 (2-0, Pelletier absent). This is a companion order to the bond appropriation order above.

 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Seven affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
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 Order 163-25/26 Accepting and Appropriating Federal Aviation Administration
 grants, State of Maine Matching Grants, and Portland International Jetport
 Unrestricted Matching Funds - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues grants to fund eligible safety,
 capacity, and terminal improvements to airports through several nationwide grant
 programs authorized under federal law. This item accepts and appropriates $8.64 million
 in FAA federal grant funding to be awarded to the Jetport, $480,000 in state of Maine
 matching funds, and $480,000 in Jetport unrestricted fund matching contributions. The
 allocation from each grant program and funding source is listed below.

 FAA Airport Grant Funds $8,640,000
 State of Maine Matching Funds $ 480,000
 Jetport Unrestricted Fund Balance Matching Funds $ 480,000
 Total $9,600,000

 The Jetport will use this appropriation, totaling $9.6 million, to complete the following
 two projects:

 • Terminal Apron Reconstruction Phase 2
 • Long-Term Hold Area, Deicing Pad Expansion & RON Apron Construction
 Phase 2

 This item must be read on two separate days. It received its first reading on March 16.
 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
ORDERS:
 Order 175-25/26 Accepting the 2025 Land Bank Commission Annual Report -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 On February 11, 2026, the Land Bank Commission held a public hearing regarding its
 Annual Report and registry of open spaces. After public comment, the Commission voted
 and passed the 2025 Annual Report, 9-0.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 176-25/26 Re-Establishing the Community Development Block Grant
 Priority Setting Task Force and Appointing Members - Sponsored by Danielle
 West, City Manager
 The City's current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 5-Year
 Consolidated Plan, was approved by the City Council on April 11, 2022. The Plan
 established 4 main goals and objectives.

 These goals include:

 1. Neighborhood Investment and Infrastructure, create strong, safe, accessible and
 vibrant neighborhoods;

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 2. Housing Availability, increase housing affordability and affordability;
 3. Economic Opportunity, create economic opportunities to transition people out of
 poverty;
 4. Address the Needs of the Growing Homeless Population, aim to prevent and
 reduce homelessness.

 It is time to re-assess the goals for the next 5-year HUD Consolidated Plan. The plan
 outlines how the City and the Cumberland County HOME Consortium will allocate
 federal funding. In addition to funded projects meeting national objectives and eligibility
 criteria, the plan requires projects to meet local level goals and priorities as well. Lastly,
 HUD requires public input in establishing the goals and priorities for the City of Portland.

 The Council-approved (Order 70-07/08) recommendations from the 2008 CDBG Task
 Force included the establishment of the Community Development Priority Setting Task
 Force every 3–5 years to meet the goal and priority-setting requirements set by HUD.
 Housing and Community Development staff request approval to re-establish the CDBG
 Priority Setting Task Force as well as the appointment of the following task force
 members: Barbara Ginley, Belviga Mpolo, Carly Lappas, Christina Bowman, Colleen
 Cooper, Gwendolyne Tuttle-Beaudoin, Jill Johanning, Kristen Dunphey, Kyla Wigant,
 Matt Starr, Miyabi “Abbie” Yamamoto, Stephanie Miller, Tae Chong and Teale Smith.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 177-25/26 Amending Order 18-24/25 to Adjust Project Name and Address
 and Reallocate Funding - Sponsored by the Housing & Economic Development
 Committee, Councilor Pious Ali, Chair
 The Housing & Economic Development Committee met March 31, 2026 and voted 4-0
 to move the item to City Council.

 In 2024, Community Housing of Maine (CHOM) proposed two projects at parcels on
 Woodford St, the Woodbury and Woodfords Hall. At the time, the addresses were listed
 as 202 and 186 Woodford St, respectively. Since that time, it has been clarified that the
 addresses were incorrect, and the Woodbury should be listed at 186 Woodford St while
 Woodfords Hall should be listed at 202 Woodford St.

 Additionally, 186 Woodford St (The Woodbury) was originally awarded $450,000:
 $155,511 from the Jill C Duson Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and $294,489 in HOME
 funding. During the 2024 funding cycle, the city received funding requests totaling
 $3,376,000. The total funding available was $3,336,206 ($294,489 HOME + $3,041,717
 HTF). In order to fully fund the project, the award was split between HOME and HTF
 funding. The HOME funds represented the final amount of City HOME funds that would
 not be subject to Build America, Buy America (BABA). Since the City award, CHOM
 has received other funding sources that would be subject to BABA. Therefore, HCD staff
 is proposing to fully fund the project with HOME funds by replacing the HTF award with
 2026 HOME funds. The HTF funding would be incorporated into the 2026 Affordable
 Housing Development application.

 This order would amend the funding to reflect $450,000 in HOME funds and $0 in
 Housing Trust Funds, and update the project name and addresses to reflect the correct

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 project.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 178-25/26 Approving the Renewal of Portland's Participation in the
 Cumberland County HOME Consortium - Sponsored by the Housing & Economic
 Development Committee, Councilor Pious Ali, Chair
 The Housing & Economic Development Committee met March 31, 2026 and voted 4-0
 to recommend renewal of Portland's participation in the Cumberland County HOME
 Consortium.

 The Cumberland County HOME Consortium will soon be entering the last year of its
 sixth three-year consortium contract period. The current Consortium agreement is due to
 expire on June 30, 2027 (Federal Fiscal Year 2026). The consortium has been a
 successful collaboration in support of affordable housing throughout Cumberland
 County. Each member of the Consortium must confirm their participation in the next
 three-year term and notify HUD by June 30, 2026.

 Five affirmative votes are required for passage after public comment.
 Order 179-25/26 Appropriating 10.1 Million Dollars from Jetport Unrestricted
 Funds to Commence Design on the Phase 3 Parking Garage and Improve and
 Expand a Public Surface Parking Lot at the Portland International Jetport -
 Sponsored by the Sustainability & Transportation Committee, Regina Phillips,
 Chair
 The Sustainability & Transportation Committeee met March 11, 2026 and voted 3-0 to
 move the item to City Council.

 This item requests an appropriation totaling $10.1 million from Jetport unrestricted funds
 to commence design and construction on parking expansion projects at the Portland
 International Jetport.

 The appropriation will provide $1.5 million to commence design on the Phase 3 Parking
 Garage and $8.6 million to expand and improve the existing cell phone lot and gravel
 parking lot adjacent to Embassy Suites into a new Jetport self-park public parking lot of
 537 spaces. The project will bring the existing gravel lot and partially cleared land
 acquired from Toye Airport Park LLC in 2021 up to current standards for lighting,
 stormwater treatment, pedestrian access, and landscaping.

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading.
AMENDMENTS:
 Order 180-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 2 RE: Immigration
 Enforcement - Sponsored by Councilors Pious Ali & Regina Phillips
 This order amends Chapter 2 of the Portland City Code to clarify that City employees and
 officials are generally prohibited from assisting federal agencies in immigration
 enforcement operations, subject to exceptions when such assistance is required by law.
 This order also amends, but leaves in place, current provisions in Chapter 2 that prohibit

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 employees from making inquiries into a person's citizenship or immigration status, except
 when required by law or when such inquiry is required in order to direct them to services
 related to their immigration status.

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading.
 Order 181-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 14 RE: Definition of
 Main Entrance for Entertainment Businesses in B-3 and WCZ Zones - Sponsored
 by Portland Planning Board, Joseph Zamboni, Chair
 On March 24, 2026, the Planning Board voted unanimously (5–0, with Din recused, Silk
 absent) to find that the proposed text amendment to Article 6 (Uses), Section 6.8.14.C
 (Entertainment businesses in the B-3 and WCZ zones) clarifying the definition of “main
 entrance(s)” as shown in Attachment AA is consistent with the City of Portland’s
 Comprehensive Plan and, therefore, recommends adoption by the City Council. The
 purpose of the amendment is to clarify how “main entrance(s)” are defined for the
 purposes of regulation and enforcement.

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading.
 Order 182-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 14 RE: Large Theater
 and Performance Hall Dispersal Requirements - Sponsored by Portland Planning
 Board, Joseph Zamboni, Chair
 On March 24, 2026, the Planning Board voted unanimously (5–0, with Din recused and
 Silk absent) to find that the proposed text amendments to Article 3 (Definitions) and
 Article 6 (Uses), Section 6.4.42 (Theaters and Performance Halls (large) in the B-3 and
 WCZ zones), which modify the definition of theaters or performance halls and establish a
 minimum 750-foot separation requirement between large theaters or performance halls,
 as shown in Attachment A, are not consistent with the City of Portland’s Comprehensive
 Plan and, therefore, does not recommend their adoption by the City Council. The
 amendments were referred to the Planning Board by the Housing & Economic
 Development Committee on February 3, 2026, for review and recommendation.

 The proposed amendments are intended to mitigate impacts associated with a
 concentration of large theaters and performance halls. Specifically, they would modify
 the existing “Theater or Performance Hall” use by creating two categories: “Theater or
 Performance Hall (Small)” and “Theater or Performance Hall (Large).” The amendments
 would also establish supplemental use standards for large theater or performance halls in
 the B-3 and WCZ zones, prohibiting such venues from locating within 750 feet of the
 primary entrance(s) of another large theater or performance hall, as measured along
 public ways (i.e., following streets and sidewalks).

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading.
 Order 183-25/26 Terminating the Moratorium on Theater and Performance Hall
 Projects with a Capacity Exceeding 2,000 People in the City of Portland Established
 by Order 9-25/26 and Extended by Order 131-25/26 - Sponsored by Mark Dion,
 Mayor
 This Order terminates the Moratorium on theater and performance hall projects with a
 capacity exceeding 2,000 people, originally established on August 11, 2025 by Order 9-
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 25/26 and extended by Order 131-25/26. During the time that the Moratorium was in
 effect, the Housing and Eceonomic Development Committee and Planning Board
 reviewed and made recommendations to the City Council related to proposed
 amendments to the Land Use Code, thereby fulfilling the requirements established by the
 Moratorium. If approved, the termination of the Moratorium will be effective as of May
 27, 2026.

 This item must be read on two separate days. This is its first reading.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
ADJOURNMENT:




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IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 1


ZOOM INFORMATION:
The City Council will conduct this meeting from Council Chambers, located on the second floor of City Hall.

https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8378/media

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Dion lead all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Mayor Dion called the meeting to order at 5:03PM.
Councilors Present: Councilor Grant, Councilor Sykes, Councilor Ali, Councilor Michniewicz, Councilor
Bullett, Councilor Phillips, Mayor Dion (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: George Rheault (Hanover
St)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Dion opened the floor for Council announcements. The following individuals spoke: No one spoke.
RECOGNITIONS:
PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Dion took a non-agenda item out of order:
Councilor Michniewicz read Proclamation Recognizing April 13th to April 19th 2026, as National Public
Safety Telecommunicators Week into the record.
SPECIAL MEETING:
 Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Development Corporation

 Order 164-25/26 Approving the Portland Development Corporation Business
 Continuity Loan Program and Guidelines - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City
 Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Grant and seconded by Councilor Sykes to recess the
 City Council Meeting and convene the Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland
 Development Corporation. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)

 Motion was made by Councilor Grant and seconded by Councilor Sykes for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Danielle West (City Manager), Councilor Grant, Councilor Phillips, Nancy Martin
 (Business Programs Manager, Economic Development Department)
 Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Fish Pier Authority

 Order 165-25/26 Appointing Mike Alfiero a Class B Director of the Board of the
 Portland Fish Pier Authority - Sponsored by Legislative & Nominating Committee,
 Mayor Mark Dion, Chair
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 2


 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Sykes to adjourn the
 Special Meeting of the Portland Development Corporation and convene the Special
 Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Fish Pier Authority. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors
 Fournier and Pelletier absent)

 Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.

 Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor Ali to adjourn the
 Special Meeting of the Corporator of the Portland Fish Pier Authority and reconvene the
 regular City Council Meeting. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
Motion was made by Councilor Phillips and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors
Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 City Council Meeting Minutes 03.16.2026


APPOINTMENTS:
 Order 166-25/16 Appointing Elizabeth Kampsen as Constable for the Portland
 Police Department - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Michniewicz for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
 Order 167-25/26 Appointing Wardens and Ward Clerks for the 2026-2027 Election
 Year - Sponsored by Abbey Lombard, Interim City Clerk
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Sykes for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
 Order 168-25/26 Appointing Election Clerks for 2026 to 2028 - Sponsored by Abbey
 Lombard, Interim City Clerk
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Sykes for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
 Order 169-25/26 Appointing Members to Various Boards & Committees -
 Sponsored by Legislative & Nominating Committee, Mayor Mark Dion, Chair
 Motion was made by Councilor Grant and seconded by Councilor Sykes for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 3


 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Councilor Sykes
 Order 170-25/26 Confirming the Appointment and Setting the Salary of Abbey
 Lombard as City Clerk - Sponsored by Mark Dion, Mayor
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Bullett for passage as an
 emergency. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Councilor Bullett, Councilor Phillips, Mayor Dion
 Order 171-25/26 Appointing Abbey Lombard as Registrar of Voters for the
 Duration of Appointment as City Clerk - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City
 Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Sykes for passage as an
 emergency. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Steven Scharf (Brackett St), Mark Waitfield (Portland resident)
CONSENT ITEMS:
 Order 172-25/26 Granting Municipal Officers’ Approval of Diguo 37 LLC, dba
 Empire Chinese Kitchen. Application for Class I FSE 575 Congress Street -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Order 172-25/26 through Order 173-25/26 were read and passed as consent items: Public
 comment was taken on orders together.
 Motion was made by Councilor Bullett and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
 Order 173-25/26 Granting Municipal Officers’ Approval of Barkada LLC, dba
 Barkada. Application for Class IV FSE with Outdoor Dining on Private Property at
 425 Fore Street - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Order 172-25/26 through Order 173-25/26 were read and passed as consent items: Public
 comment was taken on orders together.
 Motion was made by Councilor Bullett and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
BUDGET ITEMS:
 Order 174-25/26 Receiving and Referring City Manager's Fiscal Year 2027
 Municipal Budget to the Finance Committee and Setting Date of Public Hearing on
 the Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget and Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriation Resolve
 - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Grant to refer matter to
 the Finance Committee. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 4


 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Danielle West (City Manager), Mark Dion, William Higgins (Riverside St)
RESOLUTIONS:
 Resolve 9-25/26 Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan including
 Appropriations for Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME
 Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant Program and Certifications Pertaining
 Thereto - Sponsored by Danielle West, City Manager
 First reading.
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Danielle West (City Manager), Teale Smith (CDBG Chair), Victoria Morales (Executive
 Directior of Project HOME), Nicole Proctor (Executive Director Portland Recovery
 Community Center)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
 Order 158-25/26 Accepting and Appropriating a $500 Donation from Alireza Shahin
 Khojastehzad to the Shahnaz Mahager Hummingbird Grant Program - Sponsored
 by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.
 Order 159-25/26 Approving Subaward Agreement Between MaineHealth and the
 City of Portland and Accepting and Appropriating $23,815.42 for Project
 DHARMA - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Bullett and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Maggie McLoughlin (Director of Health and Human Services), Casandra Wilber
 (Precription Monitoring Program), Wayne Higgins (Riverside St), Councilor Bullett,
 Councilor Sykes, Councilor Michniewicz
 Order 160-25/26 - Approving Memorandum of Agreement and Accepting and
 Appropriating $300,000 from Trinity Episcopal Church RE: Trinity Park -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Phillips and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Ethan Hipple (Director Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department), George Rheault
 (Hanover St), Councilor Michniewicz, Councilor Phillips, William Spear (Bradley St)
 Order 161-25/26 Appropriating Bond Proceeds and Other Funds for the City's
 FY2027 Capital Improvement Program - Sponsored by the Finance Committee,
 April Fournier, Chair
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 5


 Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor Ali to suspend to the
 April 27, 2026, City Council Meeting. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier
 absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke:
 Councilor Grant, Councilor Sykes, Jon Kachmar (Land Bank Chair), Steven Scharf
 (Brackett St), Ryan Scallon (Superintendent Portland Public Schools), Kristen Kresge
 (Member of the Friends of Congress Square Park), George Rheault (Hanover St), Ethan
 Hipple (Director Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department), Councilor Bullett,
 Councilor Michniewicz, Kevin Kraft (Director of Planning), Councilor Phillips, Mayor
 Dion, Michael Goldman (Corp Counsel), Brendan O'Connoll (Finance Director) Danielle
 West (City Manager)

 Main motion made by Councilor Grant and seconded by Councilor Michniewicz.
 Discussion
 Grant Amendment: Amendment was not discussed prior to order being postponed.
 Amendment in backup materials.
 Sykes Amendment: Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor
 Grant to amend. Amendment failed 3-4 (Councilors Ali, Phillips, Bullett and Mayor Dion
 opposed). Amendment in backup materials.
 Fournier Amendment: Motion was made by Councilor Grant and seconded by Councilor
 Bullett to amend. Amendment failed 4-3 (Councilors Ali and Michniewicz and Mayor
 Dion opposed). Amendment in backup materials.
 Motion to reconsider Fournier amendment made by Councilor Grant and seconded by
 Bullett. Passage 6-1 (Councilor Michniewicz opposed)
 Fournier Amendment failed 4-3 (Councilors Ali and Michniewicz and Mayor Dion
 opposed).
 Order 162-25/26 Authorizing General Obligation Bonds to Finance a Portion of the
 City's Fiscal Year FY27 Capital Improvement Program - Sponsored by the Finance
 Committee, April Fournier, Chair
 Motion was made by Councilor Phillips and seconded by Councilor Sykes to postpone.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke.



 Order 163-25/26 Accepting and Appropriating Federal Aviation Administration
 grants, State of Maine Matching Grants, and Portland International Jetport
 Unrestricted Matching Funds - Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Phillips and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage as
 amended. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: Paul
 Bradbury (Airport Director)

 Motion made by Mayor Dion and seconded by Councilor Phillips to amend. Passage: 7-
 0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 6


ORDERS:
 Order 175-25/26 Accepting the 2025 Land Bank Commission Annual Report -
 Sponsored by Danielle P. West, City Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Michniewicz and seconded by Councilor Grant for
 passage. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: Jon
 Kachmar (Chair of the Land Bank), George Rheault (Hanover St), Councilor Sykes
 Order 176-25/26 Re-Establishing the Community Development Block Grant Priority
 Setting Task Force and Appointing Members - Sponsored by Danielle West, City
 Manager
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Phillips for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: No
 one spoke
 Order 177-25/26 Amending Order 18-24/25 to Adjust Project Name and Address
 and Reallocate Funding - Sponsored by the Housing & Economic Development
 Committee, Councilor Pious Ali, Chair
 Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Phillips for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: Mary
 Davis (Housing and Community Development Division Director)
 Order 178-25/26 Approving the Renewal of Portland's Participation in the
 Cumberland County HOME Consortium - Sponsored by the Housing & Economic
 Development Committee, Councilor Pious Ali, Chair
 Motion was made by Councilor Sykes and seconded by Councilor Ali for passage.
 Passage: 7-0 (Councilors Fournier and Pelletier absent)
 Mayor Dion opened the floor for public comment. The following individuals spoke: Mary
 Davis (Housing and Community Development Division Director)
 Order 179-25/26 Appropriating 10.1 Million Dollars from Jetport Unrestricted
 Funds to Commence Design on the Phase 3 Parking Garage and Improve and
 Expand a Public Surface Parking Lot at the Portland International Jetport -
 Sponsored by the Sustainability & Transportation Committee, Regina Phillips,
 Chair
 First reading.
AMENDMENTS:
 Order 180-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 2 RE: Immigration
 Enforcement - Sponsored by Councilors Pious Ali & Regina Phillips
 First reading.
IN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 136 PAGE 7


 Order 181-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 14 RE: Definition of
 Main Entrance for Entertainment Businesses in B-3 and WCZ Zones - Sponsored by
 Portland Planning Board, Joseph Zamboni, Chair
 First reading.
 Order 182-25/26 Amendment to Portland City Code Chapter 14 RE: Large Theater
 and Performance Hall Dispersal Requirements - Sponsored by Portland Planning
 Board, Joseph Zamboni, Chair
 First reading.
 Order 183-25/26 Terminating the Moratorium on Theater and Performance Hall
 Projects with a Capacity Exceeding 2,000 People in the City of Portland Established
 by Order 9-25/26 and Extended by Order 131-25/26 - Sponsored by Mark Dion,
 Mayor
 First reading.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Phillips to adjourn. Passage: 7-0 (Councilors
Fournier and Pelletier absent)
Adjourned 8:00PM

A TRUE RECORD

____________________________________

Abbey Lombard, City Clerk