ROCKLAND — The Rockland City Council, in a special session, Monday, Jan. 6, voted to appoint Finance Director Tom Luttrell as acting city manager until such a time as the city could fill the position left after the resignation of James Smith. Luttrell had already been appointed temporary city manager on Dec. 23, 2013. Luttrell has served as acting city manager twice before in 2011 and 2012.

In the communication portion of the meeting, Mayor Larry Pritchett advised councilors that the city had received several letters from Main Street businesses complaining about the city’s slow response in removing snow from the street and sidewalks. Luttrell commented that he had been made aware of the letters and had spoken to the Public Works Department concerning the matter.

After the appointment of Luttrell, the council got busy setting its agenda for the Jan. 13 regular meeting, which included the approval of licenses and permits for Park Street Grill, Suzuki’s Sushi, Pizza Hut, 3 Crow, The Strand and one license for Reed’s Taxi. All of those business items will be open to public comment at the Jan. 13 meeting before they are voted on.

Acceptance of donations to the Rockland Public Library and the Rockland Fire Department were placed on the agenda. Acceptances of a grant for the Rockland Police Department’s 2014 Drive Sober Program and an Emergency Management Grant for the Rockland Fire Department were also placed on the agenda.

Councilors also agreed to place on the agenda the acceptance of the Economic Development Committees report on Camden Street, as well as the Harbormster’s report on whether to sell or lease the former Sea Scouts Building at Snow Marine Park. Ed Glaser reported in a memorandum to the council that the property should be leased, as it is to valuable to sell.