BELFAST — The Belfast City Council will hold its regularly scheduled public meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m., to address topics including an update from the Belfast Marine Institute, downtown fountains, $23,000 request from wastewater superintendent and zoning amendments.

The first item on Belfast City Manager Erin Herbig’s report is an update from the Belfast Marine Institute.

The RSU 71 organization is: “an example of collaboration and innovation at Belfast Area High School. We are pairing curriculum in the areas of ELA/Science and Social Studies with meaningful hands-on research and career exploration opportunities,” according to the BAHS Marine Institute page. 

The objectives of the project include preparing students to be stewards of the Penobscot Bay Watershed, introducing students to potential marine-related scientific and technological careers, and to identify and solve coastal issues through student-led research, among others. 

Belfast Fire Chief Patrick Richards is requesting that the Council confirm a new part-time hire. Matthew Heath will work as a firefighter and EMT.

Another request featured on the agenda comes from St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Creation Care Committee to install fountains in downtown Belfast. Additional details regarding the fountains were not included in Herbig’s report.

The Maine Irish Heritage Center is once again asking that the Irish Flag be flown at City Hall on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. 

Wastewater Superintendent Olver Associates, Inc., is requesting that the Council transfer $23,000 from the department’s capital reserve to their operating budget. The funds will be used to replace variable frequency drives at Penobscot Shores Pump Station. 

Olver Associates is also requesting that $4,900 be transferred from the same account, to allow for the purchase of screening for the Fairview Street pump station. 

Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier has asked the Council for permission to apply for a 2023 Maine Bureau of Highway Safety Speed Enforcement Grant.

There will be a presentation of the proposed amendments to City Code of Ordinances, followed by a public hearing. The hearing will be followed by a second reading. 

The last item on the agenda is a discussion, “and possible action on housing.”

Belfast City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings 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.

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

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com