ROCKLAND — At its agenda-setting meeting held in City Hall Dec. 1, Rockland councilors entered into a lengthy, workshop discussion with downtown building owner Richard Rockwell, who was seeking tax incentives.

Rockwell owns 435 Main St., 449 Main St. and is entertaining an option to purchase the property at 429 Main Street.  His plan is to create a downtown market, a basement level facing the Thorndike Parking area and adding an elevator to connect the buildings. Upstairs, he hopes to create residential space. Rockwell is asking the city to consider giving him tax breaks so he can invest the money needed for the restoration.

Rockwell said he was sensitive to the issue of revenue and taxes.

“Whereas, I would never ask for an abatement of my taxes,” said Rockwell. “What I am looking for is encouragement in this investment of downtown. And while I am not asking for a reduction of taxes, I’m looking for suppression in the rate of increase of those taxes, so as to accommodate the continued investment in those buildings and does not create any operating costs, which would have to be borne by either the residents who come in, or the business that will go there that’s going to produce 20-some jobs.”

Rockwell asked the city for a portion of increased taxes be returned to him when those taxes are a direct result of improvements he makes.  

“What I’m asking is that we take a look at where the taxes are,” said Rockwell. “And we understand where the taxes will go and that we go there over a gradual period of time with a defined period of time and defined steps to get to that. The reason to allow for the operating costs to be such that it will accommodate the investment in jobs and getting the business going and having it stand on its own two feet to benefit the community.”

Rockwell said his market could be open by mid-summer. 

Community Development Director John Holden informed councilors that the city’s tax increment financing (TIF) policy states clearly how that end could be achieved. Rockwell’s properties are in the city’s TIF district.

“You have the authority to discuss terms on those conditions,” said Holden. “It hinges on such terms as the city deems appropriate.”

Mayor Frank Isganitis said there would be logistical challenges between convening an executive session and getting together to negotiate.

“An alternative would be to allow staff to work with Mr. Rockwell, if there’s interest in pursuing this, and perhaps if they felt appropriate in seeking out direction from us, but at least on a preliminary basis putting something together that way, if that would be amicable to you and my colleagues,” said Isganitis.

Councilor Louise Maclellan Ruf said it makes sense to bring it to the staff and let them do the base work before being presented to the council.

Councilor Valli Geiger said she would like to hear more about what is a benefit to the city of Rockland.

“I don’t want that to in anyway give you a commercial or competitive advantage over the other local markets, local food stores, local fish and meat sellers,” said Geiger. “An elevator is a great idea. It could get other downtown business owners to say, yes, people are ready to move back downtown. I would be in favor a tax break for that rather then a market. I want to be careful how we do this.”

In other business

Isganitis took the time before the meeting began to remind everyone that the date being Decc. 1, meant that Rockland’s overnight parking ban was in effect through April 1. The parking ban prohibits vehicles parking on streets between the hours of two and six a.m. The mayor also reminded people not to create piles of snow on the sidewalks as it delays the equipment used to keep sidewalks clear.

Councilor Will Clayton in an email explained what had transpired in the day-long meeting held at the Samoset Resort regarding the city’s search for anew city manager. The City Manager Search Committee consists of Rockland City councilors and former city councilor Eric Hebert. 

Clayton said that the search committee had been scheduled for six interviews on Monday, but one redacted an application mid-morning, giving no reason. Clayton said there were a variety of both men and women with diverse backgrounds and noted all the applicants were from Maine.

The committee invited back four applicants for another round of interviews next week. The interviews will be scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, two candidates each night.

Clayton stated when asked that he could neither confirm or deny if acting city manager Tom Lutrell is a candidate for the job.