WATERVILLE — The City Council is set Tuesday to host the third visioning session at which the public can offer input on what downtown Waterville needs beyond current revitalization efforts.
The session is scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. at The Elm at 21 College Ave., prior to an executive session at 6:45 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations. A regular City Council meeting is to begin at 7 p.m. Those wanting to watch or take part in the meetings remotely may do so via a link on the city’s website — www.waterville-me.gov
At the second visioning session Sept. 6, residents cited a community center that has flexible activity spaces and information about what the city has to offer as one development that is needed downtown.
They also cited the need for more parking for Waterville Public Library, and the importance of keeping in mind people from all walks of life and social, cultural, racial and economic backgrounds when deciding what else is needed in the downtown area.
The visioning process is taking place as an $11.2 million downtown revitalization project approaches its last few months. City and Colby College officials decided to begin a new phase of envisioning how the area around downtown Waterville might look in the future, from the south end of Front and Main streets to the Hathaway Creative Center and Elm Street.
At the regular council meeting Tuesday, councilors are scheduled to consider adopting a vacant and abandoned building ordinance, approving the use of funds to support Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter programs and a final vote to waive the bid process for buying an electric air compressor for snowmaking at the Quarry Road Recreation Area.
Councilors are also slated to consider authorizing a request to waive Maine Department of Transportation dark sky lighting requirements for the Ticonic Bridge replacement project. The state DOT is requesting the waiver to enable installation of street lighting fixtures on the bridge that would be consistent with those on Main Street in the downtown area. The bridge spans the Kennebec River between Waterville and Winslow.
Dark sky lighting refers to lighting that shines downward only, such as a desk lamp, according to a memorandum accompanying Tuesday’s agenda. The lights require a waiver because they do not meet that standard.
As part of the vote, City Manager Steve Daly would be authorized to include in the city’s 2024 capital plan the city’s share of $44,000 of the estimated $88,000 for the lights. Winslow would also pay $44,000.
Mayor Jay Coelho is slated to read aloud a proclamation recognizing police Officers Mikayla Hodge and Jake Whitley for their actions after a vehicle crash Aug. 6, when they removed an injured driver from an automobile as it burst into flames.
The council also is scheduled to dedicate the 2021-22 annual report.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
