City News Round Up: Friday, May 16, 2025

Meetings & Agendas
Please check our agenda center for the full schedule of upcoming Committees, Boards, and Commission meetings, and to view agendas, backup materials, and videos from past meetings. Read a recap of the May 5 City Council meeting. The next City Council meeting is Monday, May 19, at 5:00 PM. Read the agenda preview at the end of this message.

Upcoming Closure - Memorial Day Holiday
Portland City Hall and City offices will be closed on Monday, 5/26 in observance of Memorial Day. There is no change to trash and recycling collection. 

Memorial Day Parade in Deering Center, May 26 at 2 PM
On May 26 at 2:00 PM, starting at the Longfellow School, the Deering Memorial Post 6859 VFW Honor Guard will join drummers, honor guards, a pipe band, and more to recognize Memorial Day. Young children are welcome to participate in the

Deering Center Memorial Day Procession. For more information, or to participate, contact Bobbi Cope: call/text 207-415-5833 or email bobbicope@icloud.com.

Spring Cleaning, But Make It Social! 
During the months of May and June, three separate Portland neighborhoods will host “Yard Sale Trails”: day-long events where households throughout a neighborhood hold yard sales at the same time, and visitors can follow a map to go from one to the next. Neighbors in Woodfords Corner will now hold their Yard Sale Trail on Sunday, 5/18, Libbytown will hold theirs on Saturday, 5/31 (rain date: 6/1), and Munjoy Hill will hold theirs on Saturday, 6/7 (rain date: 6/8).

Public Meeting: Brownfields Proposed Cleanup, Fitzpatrick Stadium
The City and its representatives will hold a Public Meeting on Thursday, 5/22, at 5:30 PM at Fitzpatrick Stadium (165 Park Avenue) regarding a proposed cleanup project at Fitzpatrick Stadium, located on a portion of the property identified as 165 Park Avenue in Portland, Maine. The proposed cleanup project pertains to contaminated soil that was generated during a construction project associated with improvements and upgrades at the stadium. The City has been awarded a US EPA Brownfields-funded Subgrant through the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Written public comments will be accepted during the 30-day public comment period and can be submitted to TRC Environmental Corporation, 63 Marginal Way, 4th Floor, Portland, Maine 04101, Attention: Emily Wassmer, or via email at wassmer@trccompanies.com. Please also contact Emily Wassmer via email to request electronic files or additional information.

Fire Department Unveils Virtual Reality Headset for Home Education
The Fire Department received a $750 stipend from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, with funding provided by State Farm, to help provide home fire sprinkler education. The stipend was used to purchase a virtual reality headset that allows users to see the difference of being in a room that is on fire, with and without a sprinkler system. The team staffed an info booth at the Farmers' Market in Deering Oaks Park this week to offer the public a chance to use VR headset and learn more.

Save the Dates! Clean Water Week Events June 1-7
We are getting ready to celebrate Clean Water Week, June 1-7! Help our Water Resources team spread the word about the importance of clean water and celebrate those doing their part in keeping our waters clean. Take a look at these events we are organizing with local organizations and save the dates.

Now Open! Riverton Trolley Bike Park
We celebrated the opening of Riverton Trolley Bike Park with a ribbon cutting this week! Once a fishing site for Wabanaki people, later a canning factory and amusement park, the park is entering a bold new chapter. Thanks to a partnership between the City, Portland Parks Conservancy, and local supporters, the park is being reimagined as a vibrant hub for biking and community connection. 

Meet Our April 2025 Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Becky Masele, our April 2025 Employee of the Month! Becky is a Senior Human Services Counselor in our Health & Human Services Department and is recognized for her exemplary teamwork and strong leadership skills. Becky goes above and beyond every day; she is driven and dependable. Staff express their appreciation and gratitude for her dedication to the program, to her team, and to the guests at 166 Riverside. Becky, you are truly an asset to the Health & Human Services Department and to the City, thank you!

In-Person Absentee Voting Now Through June 5
In-person early absentee voting for the June 10, 2025, Municipal Election began May 12 in the State of Maine Room, adjacent to the City Clerk’s Office, on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. Regular hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. The last day to in-person absentee vote is Thursday, June 5, unless you have a special circumstance. The Clerk’s Office will be open until 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 5, only for voter registration and in-person absentee voting. Visit portlandmaine.gov/absentee to learn more. 

City and USTA Unveil New Lights at Payson Park Tennis Courts 
At Payson Park, demand for the four tennis courts is high, so we teamed up with the USTA to add lights, as well as a system to track usage and maintain the good condition of the courts. The lights will add hours to playtime in the warm weather months, allowing people to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of tennis for a longer period. City officials, USTA New England, the National Recreation and Parks Association all celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 8. Learn more about 2025 programs like Tennis in the Parks, for Adults and Youth. 

“Winged Kelp” Temporary Art Coming Soon to City Hall
On March 25, 2025, a Temporary Art Review Panel approved a new TEMPOart commission - “Winged Kelp." This installation will be coming to City Hall in June. Artist Gillian Christy hopes to encourage us to think about Manie’s environment and the essential role seaweed plays in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Take Our Survey! Reimagining Franklin Street
Visit reimaginingfranklin.me to review the materials from the April 17 Open House, take our new survey, and sign up for the project updates mailing list.

City Elder Affairs, Adult Day Program - Openings Now Available
Our Office of Elder Affairs provides a much-needed respite for family caregivers by providing safe daytime supervision and care to older adults with cognitive and physical health challenges. Now accepting new clients! Learn more about how this program can support you and your loved one by calling 207-541-6619 or find more details on our website.

New Pine Tree License Plates Replace Chickadee PlateAs of May 1, the new Pine Tree/ No-Tree plates are being distributed. Chickadee plates will no longer be issued. Plate exchanges with the NEW design will occur during your normal registration time frame. You do not need to come in before your registration is due. If you have questions, please visit the Secretary of State’s website or email them at platereserve.bmv@maine.gov. 

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Updates

• Read all the latest updates in their April 2025 newsletter or subscribe to receive the newsletter once a month. 
• Courts:  As of Monday, 4/21, the basketball courts at Lyman Moore School and the tennis courts at Talbot School are currently closed for renovations until the end of June. 
• We’re hiring for seasonal positions now! 
• Elder Exercise:  Friday Drop-In Pickleball at Reiche! Join for a game of drop-in pickleball - ongoing now through May 2025! Ages 50+ exercise takes place at Reiche Community Center on Fridays, 6 PM-8 PM, $5/residents. Contact cviney@portlandmaine.gov 207-874-8873 for more information.
• Sundays on the Boulevard:  now through September 28, Baxter Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays only, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and OPEN for walkers, bikers, pedestrian traffic, and play!
   

Public Works Updates

• Please visit portlandmaine.gov/PublicWorks for links to all the most recent DPW project updates. See all paving updates here.
• Hersey St Sewer Separation Project - Begins Monday, 5/12
• Deering Ave Sewer Extension - 4/28 Construction Start
• Back Cove South Update 
• Street Sweeping Parking Reminders: Parking regulations are in effect annually from October 1 - May 31. We always ticket to achieve compliance, but we are hoping we don't have to tow! Street sweeping is a City regulatory requirement, reduces water pollution (by removing salt/sand), and prevents materials from clogging our sewer/storm drain systems
• Spring Curbside Leaf Collection Ended May 9: Leaf bags that have been placed curbside after May 9 will not be collected and should be taken to the transfer station, at Riverside Recycling, 910 Riverside Street for disposal. Fees may apply. 

We’re Hiring!
We are hiring across several departments in the city, with a variety of open positions: healthcare roles (RNs/CNAs), trades workers, before and after school recreation counselors, lifeguards, 911 dispatchers, community health workers, and
more. Recently posted: Payroll Manager, Certified Code Enforcement Officer/Housing Safety, Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher). Come make a difference with us, our wellness benefits are award winning.

 

May 19 City Council Meeting Agenda Preview

The City Council will conduct this meeting from the Council Chambers, 2nd floor of City Hall. The public may attend in person or watch online. 

5:00 PM: Public comment period on non-agenda items⁠

Proclamations + 4 Consent Items
#36 Recognizing Mary Bonauto for Her Contributions to Civil Rights
#37 Recognizing May 18 to May 24, 2025 at National EMS Week
#38 Recognizing May 18 to May 24, 2025 as Arbor Week
#39 Recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
#40 Recognizing May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month
#41 Recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month

Budget Items

Orders #181-187 FY'26 School Budget (The City Council held a First Read on the FY26 School Budget at the 5/5 City Council Meeting and accepted Public Comment. The Second Read and a Public Hearing on the School Budget will be held during this meeting, 5/19 at 5PM.) 

Orders #202-216 FY'26 Municipal Budget (Public Comment will be taken at this Council Meeting on all Municipal Budget Orders. The Second Read of the Municipal Budget will take place on 6/2, at which point action is expected to be postponed to 6/23/25.) 

Unfinished Business (Public comment taken)
#161 Accepting/Appropriating $96,400 State of Maine Community Paramedicine Grant for Portland Fire Department
#195 Amendment Portland City Code Chapter 14 RE: Institutional Overlay Zone for UNE Campus
#196 Amendments Zoning Map RE: B-2 Community Business, Open Space Preservation, and Institutional Overlay Zone for UNE Campus
#197 Amendment Portland City Code Chapters 15 + 35 RE: Requirements for Marijuana Retail Licenses Offering Non-Alcoholic Beverages Prepared On-Site

Orders (Public comment taken on # 217 - #220 only)
#217 Setting the Time for Opening and Closing the Polls on June 10, 2025 RE: Municipal Election
#218 Approving a Three-Year Extension to the Signatory Airline Operating Agreement and Lease at the Portland International Jetport
#219 Approving Assignment of Credit Enhancement Agreement for Powerpay/Portland Public Market Municipal Development and Tax Increment Financing District Held by East End Corporation to Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation
#220 Approving a Traffic Schedule Change on Pearl Street Between Kennebec Street and Oxford Street and on Cotton Street North of Fore Street
#221 Appropriating $11.5 Million from Jetport Unrestricted Fund