BELFAST — The Belfast City Council will hold its regularly scheduled public meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. and address an agenda that includes discussion about a ‘Give and Take’ table at Wales Park, replacement of city vehicles, and tree trimming in the downtown area, among other agenda items.  

Belfast’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking approval for a new facility use request, which has been submitted by Waldo County Bounty. The request will allow a “Give and Take” table at Wales Park beginning in late summer and ending in autumn, according to Belfast City Manager Erin Herbig’s report, . 

“Give and Take” stands have been set up throughout Waldo County at local churches, town offices, and libraries. Last year, a stand was set up at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office on Waldo Avenue, but the office has moved and this location is no longer available,” according to the report. The Parks and Rec Department supports the request. 

Belfast Police Chief Bobby Cormier has requested approval to purchase a new police cruiser for the department. One of the department’s existing vehicles, a 2017 Ford Explorer, recently failed state inspection. The failing cruiser will be traded in for $5,300, which leaves the price of the new cruiser, a 2021 Ford Police Utility AWD Hybrid, at $28,885. If approved, the cost will be deducted from the Police Capital Reserve Account for police equipment. The current balance of that account is $39,300, according to Cormier. 

Also on the agenda is a request from Public Works Director Bob Richards, who is requesting approval to purchase a new pickup truck for the department. The request is for authorization to purchase a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 pickup truck with a plow for $39,272, which includes trade-in credit for the current 2016 Ford pickup. 

If approved, the funds for the new vehicle would be taken from a Public Works Purchase of Equipment account, which has a current balance of $114,000, according to Richards. 

A discussion on the trimming of trees is another agenda item, with the trees at the intersections of Main and High Streets, and Main and Church Streets listed as those in need of trimming. 

In total, nine trees in the downtown area are considered in need of trimming. Images of the trees in question were included in Herbig’s report and are available to view. 

A discussion regarding the future development and planning of Belfast Yards was added to the agenda at the request of City of Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders. 

It is noted that the City Council held a work session March 29, on Council priorities in which Belfast Yards was a topic of discussion.

According to the report, Council priorities were ranked as follows:

1. Affordable and attainable housing 11.9 percent
2. Increase tax revenue 10.16 percent
3. School tax formula 9.84 percent
4. Infrastructure 9.21 percent
5. Proactive economic development 9.21 percent
6. Updated City ordinances 8.41 percent
7. Broadband 6.98 percent
8. Energy and climate 6.98 percent
9. Ambulance and billing 6.67 percent
10. Belfast Yards 5.56 percent
11. Council meeting efficiency 5.08 percent
12. Comprehensive tree plan 3.97 percent
13. New City positions 3.33 percent
14. Equitable staff compensation 2.71 percent

Belfast City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are conducted online using Zoom and can be streamed on the City of Belfast website. They also air live on BEL TV and on Belfast Community Radio at WBFY 100.9. 

Comments can also be submitted by emailing the Council during the meeting. Comments will be presented to the Council.

An oral comment can also be submitted during the meeting via Zoom webinar. Information for this method can be found on the City website.

Information and documents related to this meeting are available on the City’s website. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com