Category: UPDATES

Budget tensions include homeless funding

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Last week, more than two dozen people appeared before the Biddeford City Council, each of them requesting varying amounts of public funding for their respective non-profit organizations.

It is an annual process that is just one part of the city’s annual budget.

None of the public presenters were questioned or challenged about their funding requests – except one.

Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center, was questioned about her funding request by veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard.

Fowler told the council that her organization’s budget has exploded over the past 12 months, from a total of $345,000 last year to a projected $1.1 million this year.

Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope

“It’s hard for me to even say that number out loud,” Fowler told the council.

Last year, Fowler asked the council for a $50,000 donation. Ultimately, the council then approved a $28,000 expenditure for Seeds of Hope.

This year, Fowler is asking the city for a contribution of $180,000 primarily to support the installation of fire sprinklers on the second floor of the former church on South Street, where between 40 and 50 unhoused residents stay during the evening.

Fowler told the council that she expects to pay $150,000 for the sprinkler system, and said her organization is in “serious need” to support its daily meals, pointing out that a single gallon of orange juice now costs $8.

Fowler said Seeds of Hope served more than 36,000 meals last year. “We are focused on getting the most out of every dollar,” she said. “At this, point finding solutions to the growing need seems impossible.”

Fowler said her organization was quite different than other organizations asking for funds, such as the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, LaKermesse or Subscircle, a community arts program.

“What we do is not fun to talk about,” she said.

After Fowler completed her presentation, Mayor Marty Grohman asked if any of the councilors had any questions. Lessard raised his hand.

Lessard pointed out that last summer the city committed $1.3 million to begin a new “test program” to provide structured services for unhoused residents. Almost nine months later, the city still does not have a permanent plan to address the issue.

City Councilor Marc Lessard

“We have no guarantees about what your operation will look like or how it will function after November,” Lessard said to Fowler.

During a telephone interview on Sunday, Lessard said he was simply asking the same questions he asked last year when Grohman and former City Manager James Bennett outlined a plan that would allow the city to close a sizeable homeless encampment near Mechanic’s Park.

“I am concerned that we have no long-term security in how this program will operate in the future,” Lessard said. “There’s nothing stopping them from becoming a for-profit organization or shutting down.

“I just want some assurances,” Lessard said. “I am trying to safeguard the city.”

Growing questions and a growing need

The city began its new “homeless approach” in July 2024, after the annual budget was already approved.

Bennett told the council then that the city could tap into some of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that the city had received.

Bennett laid out a two-phase approach, the first part of which would be to hire a new homeless outreach worker and provide several zero-gravity chairs to Seeds of Hope. The second-phase included funding to make repairs and upgrades to the former church that included the installation of several shower stalls and a new kitchen.

But after learning that the city could not use the CDBG funds for work on an historic building, the renovation project was abruptly halted as the city struggled to find a new way to fund the renovation project.

Fowler said that once Seeds of Hope was asked to provide the city with overnight services, her operating costs skyrocketed because of the need for additional staffing, utility costs and other supplies.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,”

— Vassie Fowler

“I think it’s important to remember that this was the city’s plan,” Fowler told the Biddeford Gazette during a subsequent interview. “We’re just the vehicle the city decided to use to tackle this problem.”

When asked by Lessard about a guarantee or assurances, Fowler said it depends on what the city wants.

“We will always be a non-profit,” Fowler replied. “The answer is that’s a conversation that needs to happen. I’m open to it. I have always been open to it. We’re open to all possibilities.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,” Fowler added. “This is working. We are finding permanent solutions to homelessness in our community. I cannot imagine why we wouldn’t continue to do that.”

As a resident of Biddeford, Fowler told the Gazette that she very much appreciates Lessard and his fiscally-conservative perspective.

“Marc really cares about this city, and we need people like him who are going to keep a close eye on things,” Fowler said.

For his part, Lessard told the Gazette that it is sometimes hard being in the minority on the council.

“I have a very deep appreciation for everything that Vassie and Seeds does for our community,” Lessard said. “I don’t feel as if I’m asking for a lot by looking for some concrete assurances.

“We are facing a budget that is putting a big strain on the backs of most taxpayers,” he added. “We talk a lot about affordable housing but then we go ahead and make housing less affordable. It’s just not sustainable.”

“That’s a good back and forth,” Grohman said of the exchange between Fowler and Lessard on Thursday evening.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

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OPINION: What is community? How much does it cost?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Former Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant — now the vice president of the non-profit Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center — appeared before the Biddeford City Council Thursday to present his organization’s annual funding request.

Before the meeting started, Casavant was seated next to me in the back row of the council chamber. We made some small talk as we were waiting for the meeting to begin.

We both agreed that this is going to be a brutal year for budget making in Biddeford. We both agreed that we were glad that neither of us were sitting on the other side of the council dais.

We both listened as presenter after presenter approached the podium to make their various pitches for some municipal funding. Representatives from McArthur Library, the Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Mills Museum, Seeds of Hope, Biddeford Community Gardens, La Kermesse and so many others each waited for their turn to explain why they should receive some modest funding from the city.

Casavant (left) and I chatting during his 2011 mayoral campaign

This part of the annual budget process is called the “social services” portion of the budget. These are organizations that are not part of city government or operations. These are all non-profits struggling to keep pace with inflation in an uncertain economy.

” “I also believe it is important — critical — that city government
try to find ways to bring people together . . .
to chat, to laugh and to find commonality.

— Alan Casavant

It’s easy to say we cannot afford these things, but ask yourself: can we afford to lose these things?

Laura and I are feeling the same economic pinch as many other families are feeling all across the country. We are in the process of trimming some fat from our own household budget. We really don’t have much of a choice in the matter, but there are some things that may look like fluff but are actually essential to our quality of life.

When it was his turn to speak, Casavant approached the podium with a certain amount of gravitas. He is the second-longest serving mayor in Biddeford’s history, first elected in 2011 and then re-elected five more times before stepping down last year,

Casavant reviewed details of his organization’s request, but it was his summary that caught me off guard and left me wondering if maybe I should reconsider some of my own thoughts about this year’s city budget.

“I realize you are facing a very difficult budget year,” Casavant said. “”But I also believe it is important — critical — that city government try to find ways to bring people together . . . to chat, to laugh and to find commonality.

“They’re not gonna find that from social media. They’re not gonna find that from their cellphones.

“People need things like festivals, musical events, historic awareness and social interaction to bring everyone together; to build community, which is also the responsibility of this council,” Casavant added.

The room erupted with vigorous applause, and I saw a glimpse that made me think: Biddeford is much more than a city. It is a community. So the question becomes, what is the value of community?

I honestly don’t know, but it’s something worth thinking about.

Disclosure: I served as Casavant’s campaign manager in 2011 and 2013.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be reached at randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager.

There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council.

Because of a technical glitch, Phinney was unable to provide detailed information regarding salaries, but said that information should be available by early next week.

Ray described the annual budget process as a “Superbowl event” for those who have to develop public budgets.

Much later in the meeting, Biddeford City Councilor Norm Belanger said he felt like he was being served “saltines and cauliflower” instead of chicken wings for this ‘Superbowl.”

The largest number of the evening came from the School Department, which is requesting an 11.6 percent increase over last year.

Acting City Manager Brian Phinney (center) presents the council some grim budget realities (Seaver photo)

Though the city does not have its municipal budget finalized, Councilor Marc Lessard predicted a bleak outlook for the public and his fellow councilors.

Lessard, who has served on the council since 1993, said the upcoming budget review is going to be a “monumental task,” which will require plenty of pain and needed belt-tightening.

“The city council has never been able to shrink a budget request by more than two or three percent,” Lessard said. “Although we don’t yet have the numbers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a seven to eight percent increase [on the city side of the budget]”

According to Lessard, the city’s combined budgets (School and City) have increased by roughly 20 percent over the last three years.

“This may be the year when we zero fund some social services,” Lessard said.

The social service budget includes funding for non-municipal services and programs, including things such as the library, the Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Housing Authority, Seeds of Hope, La Kermesse and the Biddeford Mills Museum.

A few highlights and details

Supt. Ray gave the council an impassioned presentation, pointing out the biggest factor for the school budget was directly tied to dwindling reductions in state subsidies because of the city’s skyrocketing valuation.

“This is the real picture and it’s going to involve some tough conversations,” Ray said. “But I firmly believe that our conversation should be about what is right, not what is on the spreadsheet.”

Ray said the school department is “hanging on” with its proposed budget and operating with minimum staffing levels and supports for students.

While student enrollment has risen only risen slightly since last year, Ray said an increasing number of students are facing significant challenges, including food insecurity and homelessness.

“I firmly believe that our conversation
should be about what is right,
not what is on the spreadsheet.”

— School Supt. Jeremy Ray

Ray told the council that between 100 and 150 Biddeford students are homeless, and that the large majority of students are living in poverty.

“Roughly two-thirds of our kids are living below the federal poverty line,” Ray said.

Ray told councilors that the school department has also seen a spike in students who need English as a Second Language services, up more than 100 from last year’s total of 300 students needing those same services.

Ray said looming concerns about federal funding for education along with changes in state funding are creating an extraordinary set of challenges, asking councilors and members of the public to show support for two bills now being reviewed by the Maine Legislature.

LD 501 would slightly increase the weighted count in the school funding formula for economically disadvantaged students under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, from 0.15 to 0.25 beginning next year.

LD 193 would amend the school funding formula to provide an additional .50 weight to a school administrative unit’s per-pupil count for each student experiencing homelessness.

On the municipal side of the budget, Phinney said he and his staff are presenting a “needs-based” budget.”

Phinney listed five new positions including a deputy fire chief, a fire inspector and a part-time administrative assistant in the fire department. The Recreation Department is requesting a part-time custodian, and the Assessing Department is requesting a “field lister” position.

Of those five new positions, Phinney said he was only recommending the field lister position.

Phinney said the council may want to look at reducing staff and building operations for the city’s public-access television studio that is now located on Pool Street near the West Brook skating park.

The budget process will continue Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. as the council hears directly from those requesting social service funding from the city, including City Theater, the My Place Teen Center, Caring Unlimited, Biddeford Community Gardens and several others.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette, He can be reached at: randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford’s ‘Big Dig’ will begin in April

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

The seven-month project is expected to have a “significant impact” on local traffic

No matter how you slice it, there is no denying that a major road repair project will significantly impact traffic in Biddeford and Saco.

City officials are asking motorists in the two cities to prepare for significant delays, plan accordingly and try to be as patient as possible during the construction project.

Facing increasing pressure from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the city of Biddeford needs to upgrade a section of its stormwater and sewer infrastructure on a section of Elm Street (Rte. One).

Biddeford City Engineer Craig Chekan presented a project overview

The project will begin in early April and will extend from the intersection of Hooper and Elm streets (near the ‘Black Bridge”) and will continue southbound on Elm Street, past Main Street to Center Street in Biddeford.

While southbound traffic from Saco into Biddeford will not face detours, northbound traffic from Biddeford into Saco will all be redirected onto Main Street for the duration of the project.

The project is expected to take seven months to fully complete, meaning summer tourism traffic will also be impacted.

While the city works to upgrade its sewer separation systems, Maine Water will also use the opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure with new 16-inch water pipes in the construction area.

The project is expected to cost Biddeford roughly $3 million. Maine Water is expected to spend $2 million on its upgrades in the area.

Brace for impact

Biddeford Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city knows the project will leave people feeling frustrated as they attempt to navigate between the two cities.

“We have been doing as much advance work as possible,” Demers said. “We are working closely with our counterparts in Saco. We have been studying traffic patterns and we’ll be adjusting timing of the traffic lights in downtown.”

During an informal public meeting about the project, City Engineer Craig Chekan said the project has been “in development” for more than a year.

“We really can’t put this project off any longer,” Chekan said. “The DEP is breathing down our necks to get this [sewer/stormwater separation] done.”

As part of the project, existing gas lines in the area will be removed and reconfigured.

During the construction, Hooper Street residents will still be able to receive city services, such as trash and recycling collection. But area residents will likely be impacted by noise as crews work through bedrock in the area.

Hooper Street resident Shawn O’Keefe attended Thursday’s meeting. When asked his opinion, he shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “It is what it is,” he said.

Demers said the project will be conducted during daytime hours to increase efficiency and save a significant amount of money.

“If we tried to do this at night, the project costs would be tripled,” Demers said.

But wait, there’s more

As the city tackles the Elm Street project, public works crews will begin their construction repair project of a retaining wall near the Riverwalk area on lower Main Street in Biddeford.

The parking lot at the North Dam Mill on lower Main Street will be closed so that city crews can get equipment in and out of the area.

Demers said the city was able to secure federal funding for the repair project, but said the city needs to move forward because of concerns regarding federal funding for local and state projects.

Delilah Poupore of Heart of Biddeford and Angie Presby of Saco Main Street attended Thursday’s meeting.

Both Poupore and Presby acknowledged that the project will have a significant impact on downtown businesses and downtown events.

“We’ll just have to pivot,” Presby said.

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An evening of sophistication, a memory kept alive

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Michael Goulet of Saco died on October 14, 2010.

He was just 19 years old.

While Michael’s cause of death was described as complications from a grand mal seizure, his struggle began roughly six years earlier when he suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding a snowmobile in northern Maine.

Although Michael was wearing a helmet, he suffered a skull fracture because the helmet was not properly fitted.

Michael was on life support for five weeks, but he defied the odds and with the help of his doctors and a team of neuro researchers at the University of New England, he returned to an almost normal lifestyle.

Brad Goulet of Saco talks about his son and his legacy

He had a girlfriend and a driver’s license, and he graduated from Thornton Academy in 2007.

But Michael developed a seizure disorder that landed him back in the hospital. He underwent a rigorous rehab treatment and began new medications.

Again, Michael left the hospital and continued living a full life, beginning classes at St. Joseph’s College where he majored in psychology. He was also very involved in community and charity work.

“It was like we found our kid again,” said Brad Goulet, Michael’s father. “He was happy and optimistic, despite all the struggles and battles he had to endure.”

Michael then suffered another seizure while alone. He was again taken to the hospital, and remained on life support with multi-organ failure for several days.

And then it was time for Brad Goulet and the rest of his family to say their final goodbye to Michael.

Moving forward

Michael was the youngest of Brad Goulet’s three children. Although it has been more than 14 years since Michael passed, his father still tears up and struggles for words when asked about his son.

“I was lost and floundering,” he said. “But I knew we had to do something to honor Michael’s life and his service to others.”

The Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation was founded to raise awareness and funding for the prevention of traumatic brain injury.

To date, the non-profit foundation has provided more than 3,500 helmets for use in outdoor recreation, including cycling, skateboarding and snowmobile riding throughout York and Cumberland counties.

“A properly fitted helmet is not a panacea if you are engaged in risky behavior,” Goulet says. “But a properly-fitted helmet can make the difference between life and death”

Goulet says that even a properly-fitted helmet has an expiration date. According to federal standards, a helmet has an expiration date of five years.

The foundation, Goulet says, also provides scholarships for those suffering from a brain injury or epilepsy.

“A properly fitted helmet is not a panacea if you are engaged in risky behavior,
but a properly fitted helmet can make the difference between life and death”

— Brad Goulet

Where does the money come from?

The Michael T. Goulet Foundation is supported by volunteer students and faculty members at the University of New England.

Funding for helmets and the organization’s outreach efforts comes from a variety of sources, most notably an annual fundraising event that sets a high bar for a gala that is described as an evening “to remember.”

The eighth annual gala event will once again be held at The Landing in Pine Point on March 22, beginning at 7p.m.  All the proceeds will go the Michael T. Goulet Foundation to support their ongoing advocacy and public awareness efforts.

The gala is described as an evening of sophistication and glamor.

“Prepare to be dazzled from the moment you arrive, as you make a grand entrance and have the opportunity to capture stunning photos. Step inside and be transported to a world of glamour and sophistication, surrounded by breathtaking decorations and enchanting live music that will set the perfect mood,” reads the website.

Tickets for the gala – which includes a silent auction and food from Black Tie Catering — are now available online by clicking on this link

“We work pretty hard to make it an exceptional evening,” Goulet says. “It really helps us keep moving forward as we continue to do our part in honoring Michael’s courage, optimism and generosity.”

To learn more about the Michael T. Goulet Foundation, go here

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City responds to questions about financial problems

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

On Saturday, the Biddeford Gazette sent a list of questions to Biddeford’s acting city manager regarding concerns about financial problems the city is facing.

Less than 48 hours later, we received a detailed and comprehensive reply from Brian Phinney, the acting city manager.

Below, you will find our list of questions along with the unedited answers from Phinney:

Question: According to your comments at Tuesday’s meeting, the city is nearly three years behind on its annual audit obligations, going back to FY 2023. How did we get so far behind?

Given that we have not gone through an audit, how can we possibly put together a budget of more than $40 million with any degree of confidence?

Why was this delay with conducting an audit not addressed sooner?

Can this situation adversely impact the city’s bond rating?

RESPONSE: ​

“The audit delay is not unique to Biddeford; many municipalities across Maine and beyond have reported delays in completing audits as far back as FY22.  The Office of the State Auditor maintains a website of municipal annual audit reports at https://www.maine.gov/audit/municipal/annual-audit-reports.html.  It is assumed that these municipalities faced similar challenges due to either a shortage of auditors and increasing complexity in financial reporting requirements or other factors. While I cannot speak to the specific details related to delays in completing audits for other municipalities, it is known that Biddeford’s financials records were not kept current for FY23 resulting in the need to contract with Berry Dunn for services.  This has delayed completion of subsequent audits.  For reference, Biddeford’s typical audit schedule for each fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30, usually begins in early July.  The auditor will perform a pre-audit to perform a high level review of records in preparation for the audit.  The audit is then typically started in late August and may run though December resulting in delivery of the audit between December and March.  The actual dates vary based on availability of the auditor.  As of today the City has two audits pending – FY23 and FY24.  The FY25 Audit is not due to begin until July.  While it’s not an ideal situation, we are on a tight timeline and fully committed to getting the audits completed as soon as possible.

The budget process is based on real-time financial data, revenue projections, and careful oversight from the City’s finance department, City Council, and professional staff. While an audit provides a third-party verification of financials, the absence of a completed audit does not mean we lack reliable financial information. Our team has continuously monitored revenues, expenditures, and fund balances to ensure fiscal responsibility. Additionally, our budgeting practices have been consistent with prior years, and we have not faced any operational issues as a result of the delay.

The City has been working on this issue for some time, and we have been in constant communication with our auditors. That said, we recognize the importance of getting the audits back on track, and we are exploring all possible avenues—including potentially engaging additional resources—to complete them as soon as possible.

The delay in audits is something we take seriously, and we are aware that financial reporting is a key factor in maintaining a strong bond rating. However, credit rating agencies look at a variety of factors beyond just audit timelines, including our overall financial health, debt management, and economic growth. To date, we have continued to meet our financial obligations, and there has been no indication of an imminent impact on our bond rating. That said, we are prioritizing the completion of the audits to ensure we maintain our strong financial standing.”

Our team has continuously monitored revenues, expenditures,
and fund balances to ensure fiscal responsibility.

— Brian Phinney

QUESTION: You also told the city council that the city may have “a considerable exposure” of $790,000 in penalties from the IRS. You said you are “negotiating with the IRS” but the city (combined with school department) could still face a $233,000 liability. Can you provide specific details about how this happened?

RESPONSE: “The issue stems from payroll tax reporting errors that occurred several years ago. These were administrative oversights, and the City is now taking steps to address them.  We have been working closely with the IRS to resolve the matter, and our goal is to minimize any financial impact on the City and taxpayers.

The initial penalty amount was $790,000. Absent report data the IRS calculated the penalty based on the total number of W-2 forms prepared rather than the actual number of 1095-C statements issued.  Through proactive engagement and a detailed assessment of issue we have calculated a significant reduction in the potential liability. At this stage, the potential remaining exposure is approximately $233,000, though we are continuing our efforts to reduce or eliminate that amount entirely.

It’s important to note that while this is a serious issue, the City has taken corrective action to help ensure this does not happen again. We have additional oversight measures in our payroll and reporting processes and may consider using an outside payroll processing firm. Such a firm would be obligated to meet these IRS reporting requirements, thereby reducing or eliminating this concern going forward.”

QUESTION: HUD funding for Lead abatement: You told the council that the city may be facing a $350,000 penalty for our failure to properly “close out” the 2019 grant. What does this mean, and how did it happen?

RESPONSE:

“The issue with the 2019 HUD lead abatement grant stems from administrative requirements related to the formal “closeout” process of the grant. When a federal grant is awarded, there are specific reporting and documentation steps that must be completed to demonstrate that funds were used appropriately and that the project met all compliance standards. In this case, some of those final reporting requirements were not completed in a timely manner, leading to the possibility of the grant being rescinded.

The City has been in active discussions with HUD to resolve this issue, and we are working to provide the necessary documentation to properly close out the grant. We are optimistic this can happen.

There is no penalty, but rather, as a reimbursement grant the funds that had been expended would not be reimbursed.

It’s important to emphasize that this issue does not mean funds were misused—rather, it’s a matter of ensuring all federal reporting obligations are met. Moving forward, we are strengthening our grant management processes to prevent similar issues and ensure full compliance with federal requirements.”

QUESTION: Last year, the council approved a measure to spend up to $300,000 for an investigation and report concerning irregularities in the finance department. You said you anticipate that report later this month. How much did we end up paying for those services, which are above and beyond the annual audit, which is typically performed by Runyon, Kersteen & Ouellette?

RESPONSE:

“It’s important to clarify that BerryDunn is not conducting an investigation or preparing a report. Rather, they have been providing professional accounting services to help the City catch up on prior years’ financials. This includes tasks such as preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and other essential accounting cleanup work needed to get us ready for the audit.

“The Council authorized up to $300,000 for these services, and we are tracking expenses carefully to ensure we use only what is necessary. While this work is separate from the annual audit conducted by Runyon, Kersten & Ouellette, it is an essential step to ensure our financial records are in order and to facilitate the audit process. We will provide a final cost breakdown once all work is completed.

“We anticipate continuing to use BerryDunn’s services as needed until all outstanding financial issues are fully resolved. Their expertise has been critical in helping us catch up on prior years’ accounting work and prepare for the audit. Given the complexity of the work involved, we expect their support will be necessary on an ongoing basis to ensure all financial records are fully reconciled and that we remain on track moving forward, and we will need to approach the Council for additional funding for their work. We will continue to monitor costs and provide updates as this work progresses.”

QUESTION: You told the council “you all know the conditions of our books.” Can you please elaborate and provide some details about that statement?

RESPONSE:

“When I said, “you all know the conditions of our books,” I was referring to the well-documented challenges we’ve been working through in our finance department. The delays in our audits, the need for accounting cleanup work, and the backlog of reconciliations are all issues that the Council has been regularly briefed on. These challenges are precisely why we brought in BerryDunn, a highly regarded and award-winning accounting firm, to assist with financial reconciliation and why we are working diligently to bring our records fully up to date.

“It’s important to note that while there have been delays and areas that need improvement, the City is now taking every necessary step to ensure financial accuracy and transparency. Indeed, with the new Finance Director’s leadership backed up by additional outside expertise, we are making steady progress toward getting everything back on track.

QUESTION: You indicated that there are now two vacancies in the city’s finance department, saying “there’s no capacity down there, but also praised the new Finance Director for her professionalism and accomplishments in just the last few weeks.

You said that you had an applicant interested in one of the vacancies but they decided not to accept the city’s offer. Can you shed any light on why the applicant declined the offer?

RESPONSE:

“Yes, there are currently two vacancies in the finance department, which does present challenges. However, our new Finance Director has already made significant progress in just a few weeks, bringing a high level of professionalism, expertise, and fresh energy to the team. She is actively working to stabilize operations, improve internal controls, and move the City’s financial processes forward. In these roles, the level of public scrutiny can sometimes feel unfair to those simply trying to do their jobs. This is something we have to acknowledge when recruiting, as it can be a deterrent for potential hires.

We recognize that staffing shortages have added to the workload, but we are committed to filling these positions with highly qualified candidates who will contribute to the long-term strength of the department. As noted above, we may also engage outside services, such as for payroll processing, to provide additional support. Also, based on a decision of the Council, we will soon be transitioning sewer billing to Maine Water. Many surrounding municipalities (including Saco) handle sewer billing this way, which reduces errors and improves efficiency, since the sewer bill is based on the water bill, and Maine Water already does the water billing.

Despite these financial reporting challenges, the City remains on solid financial footing. We have a significant fund balance, skilled management, and improved oversight in place to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship. While we acknowledge the need to catch up on financial reporting and complete past audits, these issues do not reflect a financial crisis—rather, they are administrative hurdles that we are actively addressing.  With a strong Finance Director in place, additional professional support from BerryDunn, and a commitment to transparency and best practices, we are making steady progress. The City continues to meet its financial obligations, provide essential services, and invest in our community’s future with confidence.

______

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Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties

~ Randy Seaver ~ 5 Comments

During the March 4 Biddeford City Council meeting, acting city manager Brian Phinney provided the council with some concerning and significant updates regarding the finance department.

According to Phinney’s regular report to the council, the city could be facing:

  • Potential penalties of $790,000 from the Internal Revenue Service;
  • Penalties of roughly $350,000 from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding a 2019 grant for lead abatement.

According to Phinney, the city is also nearly three years behind on its regular audits. He said the FY 2023 audit should be completed this month.

Last year, the city council authorized spending up to $300,000 for an independent, forensic analysis of problems in the finance department. That report, Phinney said, is expected later this month.

Phinney praised the work of Gerry Matherne who was hired just a few weeks ago as the city’s finance director. “She is doing a fantastic job,” he said. “But we don’t have capacity down there.”

Phinney alluded to financial complications by telling the council: “You all know the conditions of the books.”

Phinney was appointed acting city manager on February 20, when the public learned that former City Manager James Bennett had been placed on administrative leave.

The city has gone through six finance directors in the last five years.

Below is the text of an email we sent to Brian Phinney today, seeking answers and clarifications regarding these issues. We have shared these questions with every media outlet that covers City Hall.

********

Dear Mr. Phinney,

I recently watched the Biddeford City Council’s March 4, 2025 meeting, and I have a few questions regarding your update as acting city manager to the council.

I know this is an extremely busy time for you and city managers all across the country as you begin putting together the FY 2026 budget.

Further complicating matters are two vacancies in the Finance Department and a rather abrupt transition in leadership.

Considering all that, I thought (and Mayor Grohman agreed) that it may be helpful to put my questions regarding your recent report in writing.

Make no mistake, if you would prefer, I am more than happy to meet face-to-face and anticipate the interview would take less than 15 minutes.

Here are my questions:

Three-year delay on audit: According to your comments at Tuesday’s meeting, the city is nearly three years behind on its annual audit obligations, going back to FY 2023. How did we get so far behind?

Given that we have not gone through an audit, how can we possibly put together a budget of more than $40 million with any degree of confidence?

Why was this delay with conducting an audit not addressed sooner?

Can this situation adversely impact the city’s bond rating?

IRS Exposure: You also told the city council that the city may have “a considerable exposure” of $790,000 in penalties from the IRS. You said you are “negotiating with the IRS” but the city (combined with school department) could still face a $233,000 liability. Can you provide specific details about how this happened?

HUD funding for Lead abatement: You told the council that the city may be facing a $350,000 penalty for our failure to properly “close out” the 2019 grant. What does this mean, and how did it happen?

BerryDunn report: Last year, the council approved a measure to spend up to $300,000 for an investigation and report concerning irregularities in the finance department. You said you anticipate that report later this month. How much did we end up paying for those services, which are above and beyond the annual audit, which is typically performed by Runyon, Kersteen & Ouellette?

Misc. You told the council “you all know the conditions of our books.” Can you please elaborate and provide some details about that statement?

You indicated that there are now two vacancies in the city’s finance department, saying “there’s no capacity down there, but also praised the new Finance Director for her professionalism and accomplishments in just the last few weeks.

You said that you had an applicant interested in one of the vacancies but they decided not to accept the city’s offer. Can you shed any light on why the applicant declined the offer?

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Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Three

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Editor’s note: This is the third and final installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis.

When discussing Biddeford’s housing crisis, the bulk of the conversation often settles upon issues of homelessness, low-income housing or so-called “affordable” housing projects.

But there is another important piece to the puzzle.

Over the last few years, pricing for single-family homes has been skyrocketing as the demand for housing continues to soar throughout southern Maine.

According to a recent report by the Westbrook Development Corporation, the average age of first-time home buyers has substantially increased: from people in their mid-twenties in the 1980s to an average age of 38 years old in 2024.

During a Feb. 11 Biddeford city council workshop meeting about housing, George Gervais, the city’s director of economic development, told the council that the housing issue is somewhat “cyclical.”

According to Gervais’ report, almost half of households 55 and older have no retirement savings, and that the median cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home was roughly $93,000/year in 2020. Thus, many senior residents simply cannot afford to leave their current homes. That dynamic, Gervais said, clogs the market for available single-family homes for younger buyers.

A somewhat stagnant supply of single-family homes – combined with a skyrocketing demand for housing – creates a perfect storm scenario.

If young adults are not transitioning from their apartments to homeownership, the availability of apartments decreases, which increases average rental costs.

If someone cannot keep pace with rising rental costs, they are at risk of being homeless or forced to move to a more rural community. That scenario impacts local business owners who struggle with workforce challenges because employees simply cannot afford to live near their work place.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he and the city council are committed to tackling this complicated issue.

“It’s a very complicated and complex problem,” Grohman said during a prior interview. “There are a lot of moving pieces.”

The average market rate rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Biddeford is $1,450. While that cost is lower than prices in Portland, Portsmouth or Boston, it leaves generational residents wondering how much longer they can live in the same town where they were raised and attended school.

According to local real estate agents, homebuilders and developers, the housing crisis is directly connected to the “Three I’s” Inventory, Interest Rates and Investors.

The local real estate market

Scott Thibeau of Biddeford is a well-known real estate agent who hosts a regular podcast about southern Maine’s real estate market.

A native of Saco, Thibeau jumped into the real estate business in 2013 when he began a partnership with Doug Sanford, perhaps the region’s most well-known real estate developer.

It was Doug Sanford who had the vision to begin turning vacant and deteriorating mill buildings in downtown Biddeford into residential apartments and micro-businesses.

Thibeau says the local real estate has cooled a bit over the last few months, but said southern Maine real estate is still a very hot market that is very attractive to people from other parts of the country.

“The secret of Maine is out, and that has consequences, mainly gentrification.
That’s a tough dynamic for people who have lived here for generations.”

— Scott Thibeau

“If you really think about it was social media that changed the whole dynamic about Maine and our quality of life,” Thibeau said. “Suddenly, people from all over started being exposed to everything we offer, shattering myths and misconceptions about life in Maine.”

The new “awareness” of Maine was also fueled by climate change, Thibeau said.

“We offer a phenomenal quality of life in southern Maine,” Thibeau said. “And a lot of people are coming here to escape extreme heat in southern states. Climate migration is a real thing.”

Those people moving to Biddeford for a better quality of life bring with them greater financial resources and the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the country, Thibeau says.

“The secret of Maine is out, and that has consequences, mainly gentrification,” Thibeau said. “That’s a tough dynamic for people who have lived here for generations.”

In addition to being a real estate agent, Thibeau is currently the president of the Heart of Biddeford’s board of directors. The Heart of Biddeford was created several years ago to help improve and promote the city’s downtown area making it more attractive for investment.

“We’ve seen a lot of success in making our city more attractive and desirable, but I don’t think anyone wants to go back to the days when MERC was still burning trash downtown just to bring prices down,” Thibeau says.

Thibeau says the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,200 to $2,500 per month. In order to get a home at that same income level, the home price cannot be more than $332,000, factoring interest rates on a 30-year mortgage.

“You’re going to have a hard time finding a $332,000 home in southern Maine,” Thibeau said. “There are only 17 houses currently listed for $332,000 or less in York and Cumberland counties, most of them are in Sanford.

The problem of rising housing costs is impacted by the harsh realities of low incomes that makes it nearly impossible to pay no more than 1/3 of your income in housing.

“Maine is still the most affordable state in New England, but we’re the 17th most costly state to live in nationally,” Thibeau said.

A homebuilder’s perspective

Richard ‘Chico’ Potvin has been building homes in the Biddeford-Saco area for nearly 40 years.

A Biddeford native, Potvin says he has seen dramatic changes in the housing market, including more stringent governmental guidelines, higher labor costs and a much higher expectation of what a starter home should include.

“It used to be that a starter home was something like a two-bedroom, one bath ranch-style home,” Potvin said. “Today, buyers are much more demanding. They want everything from granite countertops and recessed lighting to an attached garage, three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

“Expectations are literally through the roof,” Potvin said.

Potvin says he and one of his partners spent more than four years trying to get approval for a project known as South Street Village, a proposal that included up to 50 single-family homes, a few duplexes and a commercial core for small businesses on outer South Street.

“They [the city] kept changing standards and requirements,” Potvin said. “Every time we felt like we had scored a touch-down, they just moved the goal post further back.”

According to Potvin, roughly 58 percent of Biddeford is zoned as rural farmland (RF). “If the city truly wants more housing inventory, they will need to be very creative,” he said, pointing to the city’s industrial parks and other land the city already owns.

“We need a balance,” Potvin said. “But we also need a more streamlined review process. Every new regulation and requirement adds additional costs to that new home. If you really want affordable, you have to manage your expectations.”

A developer’s perspective

Nathan Bateman literally grew up in the world of real estate development. His grandfather, an architect, formed a partnership to create a real estate development company in the early 1970s

“My brother (Aaron) and I literally grew up in the development world,” he laughed. “I was eight years old and boots on the ground.”

Over the last 40 years, Bateman Partners, LLC has developed properties worth more than $210 million, and currently has more than $140 million worth of projects in development or under construction, according to their website.

Bateman Partners are involved with two significant projects in Biddeford, a proposal to expand an affordable housing project near Rotary Park, and the ongoing renovation of another affordable housing project the company owns in the downtown area.

Bateman says he is proud of his company’s legacy and its commitment to working collaboratively with communities, but also said developing any kind of significant project is not an endeavor for the faint of heart.

“It’s a very competitive world, even in the affordable housing market,” Bateman said. “It’s almost a bloodsport. “Every project is basically a business unto itself.”

Bateman said some projects are safer than other more ambitious projects, but there are many outside forces that create challenges to creating quality housing that is also affordable.

“Fortunately, we have the experience and know how to get things done,” Bateman said. “But there are lots of factors beyond our control, including interest rates and a limited pool of state funding assistance for affordable housing development.”

Bateman said increasing labor and material costs also put pressure on the costs of any housing project, not to mention rigorous reviews by both local and state regulatory agencies.”

“Safe, affordable housing is always our goal,” Bateman said. “We certainly understand the importance and need for local and state standards and review, but it’s not always the model of efficiency. We literally need to use every tool in our toolbox.”

Bateman said one of the largest challenges in developing affordable housing projects is often created by neighbors and abutters of the proposed project.

“We see it all the time,” Bateman said. “People want affordable housing but not in my backyard. NIMBYism is a big hurdle to clear.”

RELATED: Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part One

RELATED: Biddeford’s Housing Crisis, Part Two

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City denies FOIA/FOAA requests

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette’s request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20.

The Gazette first learned that Bennett was leaving his post early by obtaining a February .20 email that was distributed to all municipal employees.

The Gazette subsequently learned that another internal email was shared among individual members of the Biddeford City Council regarding Bennett’s sudden departure. Under both the federal and state public access laws, the Biddeford Gazette asked for a copy of that second email.

Former City Manager James Bennett

Today, City Attorney Harry Center sent an email, denying the Gazette’s request based on state law that prohibits the city from public disclosure of personnel records. A copy of Center’s letter can be found below:

For the first time since Bennett left office, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman released a public statement about the issue:

Grohman’s unedited remarks:

“As of February 20, 2025, City Manager James Bennett is on Paid Administrative Leave. This is a personnel matter and pursuant to state statute, Title 30A MRS Section 2702, personnel matters are designated as confidential.

At its March 4 meeting, the City Council passed an Order appointing Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney as Acting City Manager. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Biddeford, Mr. Phinney is well-prepared to oversee city operations. Additionally, our Department Heads are strong, capable leaders who will ensure that city services continue to run smoothly.  

The City and its elected officials are unable to comment further on City Manager Bennett’s leave as it is a personnel matter. However, I want to reassure our residents that the city remains in good hands, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality services and advancing key projects and priorities.  

The City Council and I appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”

Seaver letter – FOIA RequestDownload

RELATED:

Saco Bay News: Biddeford city manager on administrative leave (March 6, 2025)

Biddeford-Saco Courier: :Biddeford City Manager will not return (March 6, 2025)

OPINION | The Times, They Are A Changin’

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The news was inevitable, but still sad.

We learned yesterday that the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier will no longer be printed and now accessible only in digital form, online.

This is just part of a global trend in the newspaper industry. Let’s face facts. The cost of printing and distribution are significant.

But while technology marches onward, there are still many painful consequences. Nearly 50 employees got layoff notices yesterday from the Courier’s parent company, the Maine Trust for Local News.

Regardless of how you feel about evolving technology, we are entering an era that is making human workers more irrelevant with each passing day.

It’s not just newspapers. There are no more phone books. No more encyclopedia salesmen. EZ Pass reduces the need for human toll booth workers. Self-checkout at the grocery store, shopping online and using ATM cards are all part of the equation.

For older people who may be a bit skittish about apps, streaming television and AI (artificial intelligence), many of these changes (advancements?) are uncomfortable, if not downright terrifying.

When my children were growing up, I often told them: “Your environment does not adapt to you. You must adapt to your environment.” It’s a matter of survival.

Video Killed the Radio Star

I have written several columns about the media, advancing technology and consumer trends when it comes to news distribution, including this rather recent post: Pour Some Sugar on Me

But this latest news about the Courier leaves me feeling a bit nostalgic and a bit sad.

I am personally connected to this story nine ways from Sunday.

Let’s backup for a second. For more than 50 years, newspapers have been part of my life, first as a paperboy for the York County Coast Star, the Journal Tribune and the Portland Press Herald.

I dreaded Sundays because the weight of those Maine Sunday Telegram issues were more than twice as thick as their daily counterparts and quite heavy. I had to break my route up on Sundays simply because I could not fit all of the papers into my over-the-shoulder sack.

Even as a young boy, I had a fascination with news and politics. In high school, I even landed a short gig as an intern in the Journal Tribune’s newsroom.

Over the years, I wrote for a few different publications, but it was the Courier where I made my mark.

It was the Courier that launched my connection to the same exact communities where I grew up. The Courier became my life. Had I not been the Courier’s editor for a few years, I would not have met my wife.

Today, I own and operate an online-only “newspaper.”

I was lucky enough to work for the Courier back in the good ol’ days, when the paper was still locally owned and operated.

I very much doubt that the Courier’s current owners have even visited Biddeford, but still, they have the audacity to promote the paper by describing its coverage as “hyper-local.”

Ummm . . . not really hyper-local . . . . whatever that is supposed to mean.

It’s been a long time since I have seen a Courier reporter cover City Hall. I did not see a reporter from the Courier at this year’s Winterfest festival.

When Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman scheduled a community event to support the family of a fallen police officer, the Courier was not there to cover it, but did publish a story a few days later. Liz Gotthelf from Saco Bay News was there. I was there, representing the Biddeford Gazette but that was it for media coverage during the actual event.

Make no mistake. It’s not the reporter’s fault. It is a situation playing out in newsrooms all over the country, where ad revenue trumps news coverage.

I very much doubt that the Courier’s current owners have even visited Biddeford, but still, they have the audacity to promote the paper by describing its coverage as “hyper-local.”

I Want To Be Sedated

Sydney Richelieu is today the primary reporter for the Courier. Her editors expect her to cover six communities every single week. Think about that for a minute.

Richelieu is responsible for covering news in Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. I don’t care who you are or how hard you work, that beat is a really big nut to crack.

Consider this. When I left the Courier in 2006, we had four full-time reporters (including me) covering the same geographic area.

Today, the Maine Trust for Local News expects one reporter to cover the same beat that was previously covered by four reporters. The Maine Trust for Local News has set Sydney up for failure even before she inherited the beat last year.

The folks at the Maine Trust for Local News love to bloviate about their dedication to “local journalism,” but maybe they should put some of their money into the newsroom, you know? Local journalism?

The Courier and the Portland Press Herald are both owned and operated by the same company, so don’t expect the state’s largest daily newspaper to step in and fill in the cracks. The way they see it, Biddeford and Saco are already covered.

Newspapers – including both tabs (tabloids) and broadsheets — are printed in four-page increments. In order to cover costs, roughly 60 percent of the newspaper needs to be covered by paid advertisements.

When I left the Courier, we were consistently publishing 44-page papers. Today, the Courier is merely a shadow of itself, hovering around 16 pages (not including advertising inserts).

I’ll close with some good news for the Courier. This move by their parent company removes their handcuffs of being published just once a week. Now they can more effectively compete with the other digital publications in this area, Saco Bay News and the Biddeford Gazette.

Being online allows journalists to be nimbler, to be in a better position to scoop some breaking news. Something that hasn’t happened at the Courier in a long time.

As a Biddeford resident who appreciates and values local news from a variety of sources, I hope that this recent transition returns the Courier to its rightful position as a competitive, local news source.

We’ll see.

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Biddeford-Saco Courier will no longer be printed, online only

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

According to its parent company, the Biddeford-Saco Courier — and several other weekly publications — will no longer be printed and will only be available online.

The Courier and many other newspapers throughout southern Maine, including daily and weekly publications, are owned by the Maine Trust for Local News.

Carolyn Fox, executive editor of the Maine Trust for Local News, said the decision was “difficult,” but pointed out that a dwindling number of people rely on printed publications as their primary news source.

“To sustain and grow impactful journalism in Maine, we have to meet our readers where they are,” Fox said. “Our digital expansion creates a stronger foundation for the Maine Trust, and we’re excited to build on that in partnership with the communities we serve.”

The move to a digital platform will result in 49 layoffs of employees who print and distribute the newspapers. Fox said her company is planning to add employees to its newsrooms later this year.

The Biddeford-Saco Courier — a free weekly publication — was created and launched by David and Carolyn Flood of Saco in 1989. The paper was distributed in residential neighborhoods and available on newstands.

The Floods — who now live in Delaware — sold the Courier and several of its sister publications to the publishers of the Journal Tribune in 2007. The daily Journal Tribune newspaper closed its doors in 2019.

Flood said he was surprised by the announcement but acknowledged the industry trend. “Personally, I think printed papers are easier to read,” Flood said.

Liz Gotthelf, the publisher of Saco Bay News — another online news source in the Biddeford-Saco area — said she was not surprised by the announcement.

“To sustain and grow impactful journalism in Maine,
we have to meet our readers where they are,”

– Carolyn Fox, executive editor, Maine Trust for Local News

“I think publishing local news online is a way to reach a wider range of readers,” Gotthelf said. “By focusing on a digital platform, it makes things so much easier and less expensive. Also, there are not many places that have a printing press.”

Currently, the Courier’s online presence is connected to its parent company’s web site, which can only be accessed with a paid subscription. The Courier has always been a free publication, so it remains unclear if readers will be able to access the publication without a subscription.

Both Flood and Gotthelf say they will be closely watching the Courier’s transition.

People seeking local news and information in the Biddeford-Saco area will now have three online media outlets to choose from, including the Biddeford Gazette and Saco Bay News.

Laura Seaver, publisher of the Biddeford Gazette, said the announcement was expected for a long time. “This puts everyone on a level playing field,” she said.

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Councilor explains Biddeford budget process

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By Liam LaFountain

Every year, the city makes difficult choices about where to invest tax dollars — from public safety and road repairs to parks and essential services. Budget season is when those decisions take shape.

The city budget is more than numbers — it’s a fiscal statement of what Biddeford values and how much we value it. It determines funding for schools, emergency services, infrastructure, and other priorities. Every dollar spent reflects a choice about the kind of city we want and the future we are building together.

Biddeford’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, meaning we are currently operating under the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The budget now under review will determine spending for FY2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain (Courtesy photo)

Over the next few months, elected officials will balance priorities and make difficult choices. This process is one of the most comprehensive and consequential in local government, and understanding it empowers residents to engage effectively.

How the Budget Process Works

Each department submits a budget based on projected needs for the next fiscal year. Department heads submitted their requests in January. For example, Public Works must estimate how much salt will be needed for winter storms, a costly but essential factor. The Fire Department may request new life-saving equipment for emergency response. Other departments, from Police to Recreation, have needs ranging from staffing to facility maintenance, utility costs, and programming that must be balanced with competing needs and limited resources.

These requests go to the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department, which review and adjust them to balance needs with available revenues. This process, completed in February, ensures the proposed budget reflects department expertise and fiscal oversight before being submitted to the City Council in March.

How the City Council Reviews the Budget

Once submitted, the City Council forms the Budget Committee, which includes all councilors, to review the budget in depth. The committee meets regularly — typically on Monday and Thursday evenings for several months — to refine the budget.

The first few meetings provide an overview of each department’s budget, where department heads present their proposals and answer questions. These meetings, held in Council Chambers, are open to the public. The city’s website will provide a calendar of meetings, public hearings, and deadlines, ensuring residents have multiple opportunities to follow the process and provide input.

Every budget should reflect the values of the people it serves.
This is your money, your city, and your budget.

— Councilor Liam LaFountain

Key Cost Drivers: Why Costs Rise

The FY2025 municipal budget totaled $44.8 million, with the largest shares allocated to Public Safety ($14.2M) and Public Works ($5.9M). This does not include the $47.3 million school budget, which is managed separately by the School Committee.

Property taxes remain the primary funding source for municipal operations, as other revenue sources do not fully account for the level and quantity of services the city provides. While Biddeford also relies on state revenue sharing, tax programs like Homestead and BETE, and other revenue such as building permits and user fees, these sources covered only 35% of municipal expenses in FY2025, leaving property taxes to fund the remaining 65%.

As state revenue sharing and school funding formulas shift costs to municipalities like ours, Biddeford taxpayers have absorbed a greater financial share. Rising wages, energy expenses, and infrastructure needs continue to drive costs higher annually.

Additionally, unfunded state and federal mandates require municipalities to cover new expenses without additional funding, adding to financial pressures. Balancing rising costs while maintaining essential services is a key challenge.

How to Engage in the Process

Public input is crucial. Residents can participate by:

  • Attending public hearings and Budget Committee meetings (dates available on the city’s website).
  • Reviewing budget documents, available on the city’s website.
  • Contacting city councilors with questions or concerns.
  • Following updates through city communications and local media.

Every budget should reflect the values of the people it serves. This is your money, your city, and your budget. The choices made in this municipal budget will help shape Biddeford’s services, infrastructure, and priorities. Your engagement ensures a more informed and responsive budget.

If you have thoughts on priorities or questions about the budget process, please contact your city councilor. These discussions help shape the decisions that will impact our city’s future.

The views expressed in this column are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Biddeford City Council.

Liam LaFountain serves as president of the Biddeford City Council. He can be contacted at liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org

Editor’s note: This column is not exclusive to the Gazette. It was also published in the Biddeford-Saco Courier

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Local students shine at York County Spelling Bee

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By KAREN GARNETT

Local students demonstrated their spelling prowess at the York County Spelling Bee, held earlier this month at Massabesic Middle School. Twelve talented spellers in grades 5-8 from schools across southern Maine, including Biddeford, Saco, Bonny Eagle, and Wells, competed for the county title in a contest that came down to an intense tie-breaking spelldown lasting two extra rounds.

Scarlett Lantz of Wells Junior High claimed the championship and will advance to the Maine State Spelling Bee on March 22 at Bowdoin College. Representing Saco Middle School, Olivia Blais secured the runner-up position after an impressive performance.

 First Row (L to R): Howard Conklin, Joe Bailey, Jeremy Nielsen, Leo L’Italien, Marko Marjanovic, and Jahvied Joseph. Back Row (L to R): Reed Direnzo, Olivia Blais, Donny Denton, Tyler Donahue, and Brycen Drake. 

Saco and Biddeford were well-represented in the competition. Marko Marjanovic of CK Burns School in Saco and Jeremy Nielsen of Massabesic Middle School tied for third place. Brycen Drake of Biddeford Middle School and Leo L’Italien of Saco Middle School finished in a three-way tie for fifth place. Jahvied Joseph of Biddeford Middle School, Donny Denton of CK Burns School, and Joe Bailey of Bonny Eagle Middle School all competed fiercely but exited in the early rounds. 

Superintendent Jeremy Ray praised the students for their achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our students from Saco and Biddeford who participated in this year’s York County Spelling Bee. Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance were on full display, and they represented their schools with excellence. Congratulations to Olivia Blais for her outstanding runner-up finish and to all of our spellers for their impressive performances.”

Per rules, misspelled and winning words are not allowed to be published as other regions conduct their bees. The Maine State Champion will move on to the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee this May, marking the 100th anniversary of the national competition, which will be broadcast on the ION network.

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford School System. She can be contacted at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return

~ Randy Seaver ~ 15 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week.

Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to finish out the remainder of his employment term.

Former city manager James Bennett

Phinney, apparently, will now serve as acting manager while the council continues its search for a permanent replacement.

Facing increasing public pressure, Bennett announced his resignation last October. In a deal he worked out with the City Council, he was scheduled to leave his post in April.

Bennett, hired in 2015, was the city’s fourth professional manager.

We have reached out to Mayor Marty Grohman and Council President Liam LaFountain for additional comment.

This story will be updated.

UPDATE:

Here is a copy of an email sent from Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operations officer, to all Biddeford city employees at 3:37 p.m. today.

“Good afternoon,

On behalf of the Mayor and members of the City Council, I want to take a moment to update you on a leadership transition development.

As you know, the City Council has begun the process of selecting a new city manager, with a decision expected late spring or early summer. In the interim, the Mayor and City Council have elected to begin implementation of the transition plan.

As part of the transition I have been asked to serve as acting city manager to ensure continuity in daily operations. In accordance with this plan, Jim will be on leave from this point forward.

We have every confidence in your abilities and know we have a shared desire for a smooth transition. Thank you all for your continued dedication to the city and the community we serve. Your work remains vital, and we appreciate your continued dedication during this time of change.”

RELATED | Bennett announces resignation

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____________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: The experts speak

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis.

A panel of experts offered their perspectives and guidance regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis during a special city council workshop meeting earlier this week.

For more than two hours, the nine panelists each offered their professional insights and took questions from both councilors and members of the public Tuesday evening.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman described the workshop as a necessary “first step” for city officials who are trying to find innovative solutions for a problem that shows no signs of going away.

While Biddeford has seen recent success in attracting development of market-rate housing units, the city is still struggling with “affordable housing” options and a low inventory of single-family homes for young families, often described as “starter homes.”

RELATED: Biddeford grapples with housing crisis (Part One)

“We have a beautiful, dynamic and growing city,” Grohman said as he kicked off the discussion. “We’re in our 12th straight year of enrollment growth in schools. It’s immensely positive that we’re growing, and seeing this type of pressure on housing, but it’s also immensely challenging.”

George Gervais, the city’s director of economic and community development, started the meeting by providing an overview of the city’s current housing status.

According to Gervais, the city today has 10,576 housing units. Of those units, 9,431 are occupied, according to data from the 2020 Census.

Gervais said rental units make up slightly more than 52 percent of the city’s occupied housing.

Average monthly rents in Biddeford range between $1,700 and $3,200, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom units, Gervais said.

The average home values in Biddeford have risen by roughly five percent during the last year. The average home value in the city is slightly more than $478,000.

One of the city’s biggest challenges, however, is that area wages are not keeping pace with increasing housing costs.

“We have quite a bit coming at Biddeford,” Gervais said outlining the horizon in which more than 2,100 units of housing are currently in some form of development. “That’s a pretty impressive number,” he added.

The new development numbers include projects that are either under construction, under review by permitting agencies or projects that are conceived but have not yet gone through the permitting process.

Gervais said 319 of those units are planned as affordable housing units in which rental costs are calculated by the area’s median income (AMI).

During an earlier interview, Grohman said the city council has set a goal of creating 180 units of affordable housing each year over the next five years.

What the experts say

The panelists were broken into three main groups, focused on affordable housing; market-rate housing and a housing finance development panel. The panel also included a presentation regarding state government housing resources from Benjamin Averill, Housing Opportunity Program coordinator for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

“Today, Biddeford is the place to be.
“It’s the cool place.
That’s great but it also poses problems.”

–Guy Gagnon, Biddeford Housing Authority

Guy Gagnon, executive director of the Biddeford Housing Authority, said Biddeford has undergone some dramatic changes in the last 15 years, pointing out that he joined the quasi-governmental agency in 2010.

Gagnon, a Biddeford native, said he is especially troubled by the fact that so many kids who grew up in Biddeford can no longer afford to live here. “I see my friends’ kids and even my own children being forced to look elsewhere for housing,” Gagnon said.

“It used to be that Biddeford was the second, third, fourth or even fifth choice when people were looking for homes,” Gagnon said. “Today, however, Biddeford is the place to be. It’s the cool place. That’s great but it also poses problems.”

Gagnon said the city needs to be creative and willing to look at alternatives that include modular housing and mobile home parks.

“It may not be for everyone,” Gagnon said, “but it may be for some people. Biddeford should be the community that thinks outside of the box.”

Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative said the city needs to stay aware of what is happening at the Legislature, especially in regard to statewide housing policies and assistance for affordable housing development.

“Those resources are limited and the state is facing a challenging budget,” Bunker said. “You need to remember that they are also trying to keep up with a huge demand.”

John Laliberte, the CEO of Reveler Development, provided an overview of his company’s projects in Biddeford, including 73 apartments at Riverdam, Phases One and Two of The Levee project and the recently offered market-rate units at The Eddy on Barra Road.

“We have had a lot of success in Biddeford,” Laliberte said. “There is a big demand for this type of housing, but our main challenge remains being able to attract the private capital necessary to get these projects off the ground.”

A common theme throughout the evening was centered upon the need to make the development process more streamlined and efficient to reduce costs for both renters and buyers.

Although not members of the expert panel, local real estate developers Chico Potvin and Matt Chamberlain both spoke during the public comment period, detailing how hard it is to get a project from design to out of the gate development.

Potvin, 61, said he has been building “starter homes” in the Biddeford area since 1987.

He said the city’s shortage of available single-family homes is “forcing people into apartments and making it harder for people to find apartments. “It’s a vicious cycle,” he said.

Potvin said his biggest challenges include skyrocketing labor costs and a growing myriad of red tape that cause time delays and increases building costs.

“Every year, the regulations increase,” Potvin said, questioning why the council chose to fund needed city-wide sewer improvements on the backs of new homebuyers.

“Almost every day I get calls from friends and other people asking what I can do for them,” he said. “They don’t want to wait two years for a project to get approved. I feel bad. The city needs to buckle down and treat housing the same way as you treated land for industrial parks.”

Potvin also said he is nervous about all the high-end apartments being built in Biddeford. “It scares me,” he said. “I’m not sure if it’s sustainable.”

Cat Bates said he grew up in Kennebunk and moved to Biddeford almost five years ago. He said he would like to see the city do a better job in streamlining the approval process for Accessory Dwelling Units and said it should be easier to get bank financing for that type of development.

City Councilor Doris Ortiz previously chaired the council’s affordable housing task force, and said she would like to see the city be creative in its approach to creating housing, including co-ops and micro developments.

Editor’s Note: The city has created an open portal for public comment and questions on the city’s website, where you can also find more information and documents about the housing workshop meeting.

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Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of a three-part series that examines Biddeford’s housing crisis.

A large conference table takes up the center of Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall. On that table is a large aerial photo of the city’s downtown area, where several new housing projects are either under construction or in development.

Grohman can’t help but to get excited when talking about the city’s potential for growth and prosperity, but he is also mindful of the struggles the city still faces in terms of increasing rental costs, home prices and the lack of affordable housing.

“It’s a big mix,” said Grohman during a recent interview with the Biddeford Gazette. “There are a lot of moving parts and they are all connected.”

All across Maine, cities and towns are struggling to keep pace with their community’s housing needs.

Mayor Marty Grohman points to several housing projects that are in development throughout the city’s downtown area.

“It’s not just Biddeford,” Grohman explains. “It’s virtually everywhere, and we – as elected leaders – have a responsibility to be part of the solution for this problem.”

In his search for creative solutions, Grohman is convening a special workshop meeting of the Biddeford City Council to address housing issues on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

At that workshop meeting, which will include an opportunity for public commentary, councilors and city officials will review the city’s goals and progress in meeting the various housing demands throughout the city.

For example, Grohman says the city council last year set a goal of creating 180 units of “affordable housing” each year over the next five years.

But even the term “affordable housing” creates confusion and resentment.

“A lot of this is subjective,” Grohman said. “What is affordable for one person may not be affordable for another person.”

In order to qualify for state and federal tax credits, affordable housing rental costs are based upon the region’s Area Median Income (AMI). The federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses a formula that calculates rental rates at 80 percent of AMI.

According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Biddeford’s median income is $63, 261 per household or $32,763 for an individual.

For comparison purposes, the AMI in Saco is $81,326 per household or $44,596 for an individual.

Both the federal and state government use AMI data (and other measurements, such as total assessed property values) to determine a community’s need for federal grants and school funding.

“Our housing problems also adversely impact people who already have stable housing,”

State Rep. Traci Gere

While some people say that Biddeford’s population growth is creating an unsustainable spike in demand for housing, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows only modest gains in the city’s population over the last 10 years.

Today, the city of Biddeford is listed with a population of 22,367 people, the largest of any of York County’s 46 municipalities. In 2000, the city’s population was 20,942. In fact, Biddeford’s population has actually decreased by 0.5 percent in just the last two years.

Like other urban centers throughout Maine, Biddeford has a notable population of unhoused residents, a problem Grohman says the city is fighting every day.

But the city is also facing some other serious housing issues, including a lack of so-called “work-force” housing options.

“If you talk with any of our department heads, whether it’s the school superintendent, the police chief or the fire chief, they will all tell you how hard it is to hire and retain new employees,” Grohman says. “We’re not going to get new teachers or police officers in our community if those people cannot afford to live here. It’s a big problem.”

Members of Biddeford’s legislative delegation all agree with Grohman’s assessment that housing is a big part of a growing problem in attracting workers and private businesses to the city.

Local legislative delegation rolling up its sleeves to tackle housing

“There are so many facets that fit under the umbrella of housing issues,” said State Rep. Traci Gere during a previous interview with the Gazette. This issue runs the gamut, she said, pointing out that roughly eight percent of Maine homeowners occupy manufactured housing.

Gere and other local lawmakers are hoping the Legislature will be able to help cities and towns across the state in revising zoning standards and cutting bureaucratic red tape, a problem that many developers say drives up the cost of housing.

“Our housing problems also adversely impact people who already have stable housing,” Gere said. “If we want a sustainable local tax base — and relief for homeowners — we have to find a way to help businesses maintain a stable pool of employees. For example, a hospital cannot function without support personnel, such as custodians or clerical workers.”

House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford is very familiar with housing issues. In addition to his legislative service, Fecteau is employed as a senior officer of policy and planning for Avesta Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer that operates throughout New England.

“There is an appropriate role the state can play in these local discussions,” Fecteau said. “We can certainly work harder in bringing resources to the table and help our municipal partners without stepping on their toes.”

A recent report issued by the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA), says the state agency was able to complete 775 affordable housing units in 2024, and that 1,005 units of affordable housing are now in the process of being built.

The agency also points out that the average production costs of building those units is finally beginning to level off following three straight years of rising production costs.

Other factors pointed out in the report’s executive summary is that interest rates have leveled off and that MaineHousing’s “First Home” program is now maintaining rates well below the market average to a rate to 5.375 percent prior to the end of 2024.

But there are still many challenges that lie ahead for Maine’s housing landscape.

Although some recent “leveling off,” in home prices has helped cool the market, rising home prices continue to be a primary concern for homeownership access, according to the MSHA’s report.

From 2020 to 2024, the median home price in Maine grew by more than 50 percent, far outpacing a 33.3 percent increase in wages and salaries of Maine workers during the same period.

Other things such as utility and heating costs play big factors in housing affordability. For example, heating fuel prices have recently stabilized after record high prices in 2022 and 2023. According to the MSHA, heating fuel costs have now been trending downward since April 2024.

Since 2018, the rental cost burden across the state has increased sharply for most households, especially for those with household incomes between $35,000 and $75,000 in total household income.

NEXT: Housing developers discuss their challenges and opportunities.

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Community rallies for fallen officer’s family

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Despite frigid outside temperatures, a layer of warmth blanketed the cities of Biddeford and Saco Wednesday night as people from both communities turned out to support the family of a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, a veteran member of the Biddeford Police Department, was killed in a traffic accident in December.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman organized Wednesday’s event in order to raise funds for Wolterbeek’s family, including his wife and three young children.

Nearly 20 Biddeford restaurants, taverns and shops participated in the four-hour ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ event. Many of the businesses donated a percentage of their proceeds to a fund in honor of Wolterbeek.

Many residents wandered from location to location, donating funds along the way.

Wolterbeek’s parents, Jacob and Ky, were surrounded by supporters at Or Nell’s Barbecue on Franklin Street shortly after the event started.

Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Ky Wolterbeek, Deputy Biddeford Police Chief Steve Gorton, Jacob Volterbeek, senior and Police Chief JoAnne Fisk

Wolterbeek’s parents each held back tears as they shared stories about their son with well-wishers, city officials and reporters.

“We are grieving internally and externally,” Ky Wolterbeek said.

Jacob Wolterbeek, Sr. said he was “deeply touched by the stories he read on social media about his son, especially one in which a resident wrote that Jacob had literally saved his life by helping him overcome a troubled life.

“He loved this city,” the elder Wolterbeek said. “He was passionate about it, and he always said how much he loved the opportunity to work with some very fine people. The last time I was in Biddeford was last August during the ceremony when he was being sworn in as a sergeant.”

Those who participated in the event said they were happy to support Wolterbeek’s family because he had given so much back to the community.

Former Biddeford Mayor Bonita Pothier (center) chats with Ky Wolterbeek (right) during the Mayor’s Night Out

“Jacob was a cop’s cop. He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

— Juliet Angis

Jim Albert, a Saco native and the owner of Cowbell Burger on Main Street, said it was a “no-brainer” when he was asked if his restaurant would participate in the event.

Jim Albert, owner of Cowbell Burger, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Saco City Councilor Tricia Huot. (Seaver photo)

“It’s a great cause,” Albert said, recalling Wolterbeek’s trademark smile. “He was very personable and super friendly. It is so tragic what happened to him, leaving behind three little kids. We were more than glad to help.”

Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk accompanied Wolterbeek’s parents during the event.

“Jake was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. That’s what made him a great cop,” Fisk said, choking up a bit with her words.

“He had a way of dialing into people he encountered,” Fisk added. “He had this uncanny ability to see beneath the surface and see people where they really are.”

Biddeford State Rep. Marc Malon is joined by Dianne and Bob Cyr of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center at Banded Brewing. during the Mayor’s Night Out event

Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail said she was honored to participate in the event.

“In times like these, there are no boundaries. We are one community,” MacPhail said. “We celebrate together, and we grieve together.”

Wolterbeek’s fellow officers spoke highly of their deceased co-worker and friend.

“We miss him every day,” said Corporal Matthew Baldwin, a 27-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department who helped train Wolterbeek. “it still almost doesn’t feel real that he is gone. He was definitely one of the good guys.”

Deputy Police Chief Steve Gorton described Wolterbeek as a dedicated family man. “That was the thing about Jake. His top priority, first and foremost, was his family.”

Kennebunk Police Officer Juliet Angis shows a bracelet that she any many other officers are wearing to honor the memory of Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek

Larry Angis, who recently retired from the department, said he is still processing the grief of losing his friend and co-worker. “I’m not there yet. He was a good cop and a good friend.”

Angis’ wife, Juliet, is a police officer in Kennebunk. “Jacob was a cop’s cop,” she said. “He always had a good word for everybody. He was just a great human being.”

Ky Wolterbeek said her son was the second of nine children, six of whom were adopted. “He was our second child, but oldest son, and it leaves a big void.”

“This is truly a great community,” she added. “The outpouring of support has touched us deeply.”

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Sgt. Wolterbeek’s family, please visit the Trooper Black Foundation at https://trooperblackfoundation.org through February 15.

Checks may also be mailed to the Trooper Black Foundation (PO Box 104, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902) and should be marked as designated for the Wolterbeek family.

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Council discusses winter parking bans

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With another winter storm looming on the horizon, members of the Biddeford City Council discussed the city’s policy regarding overnight parking bans.

At the tail end of Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilor Neva Gross – who represents much of the city’s downtown area — raised the issue to her fellow councilors, asking if there is more the city can do to announce parking bans in advance of a storm.

“I personally live down here [downtown area] so I am affected by this every time there is [a ban],” Gross said. “I received some emails over the last few days from some folks whose cars were towed during a ban because they didn’t know about it.”

Photo: City of Biddeford

Gross acknowledged that city routinely updates residents about pending parking bans in a variety of ways, including the city’s website, the city’s official Facebook page and the ability for residents to sign up for email or text notifications.

The city — — along with several other communities throughout southern Maine — also notifies television news stations about upcoming parking bans.

“Is there some kind of way that we could notify folks who are not on social media or looking at the city’s website,” Gross asked.

City Councilor Marc Lessard drew a round of laughter when he suggested that the city may want to consider using a “fire horn” to alert downtown residents of a pending parking ban.

“The bottom line is that if you park your vehicle on a public road, in the wintertime,
and it’s going to snow; you have to assume that there is going to be a parking ban
and try to figure out a way to find out about that.”

City Manager James Bennett

“I’m kind of being serious,” Lessard said, recalling that decades ago the city used a central fire horn to inform citizens of fires and served as a curfew notice.

City Manager James Bennett said “there is just no way for us to do it right” in reference to snow parking bans.

Bennett said the city of Lewiston had a policy prohibiting all overnight parking during the entire winter season.

“I’m glad to look at ways for us to enhance getting that information out,” Bennett said, pointing out that residents should make an effort to stay informed.

“This probably sounds cold, or not customer-friendly, but the bottom line is that if you park your vehicle on a public road, in the winter time, and it’s going to snow; you have to assume that there is going to be a parking ban and try to figure out a way to find out about that,” Bennett said.

Bennett also told the council that “snow clearing” parking bans represent an additional challenge in keeping residents informed about parking bans because those do not happen during a storm. “We really have to go overboard in alerting residents about those [parking bans].” Bennett said.

“If you live downtown, please help us by also doing what you can to find out about parking bans,” Bennett said.

Mayor Marty Grohman also said he heard from some friends whose vehicles were towed during a parking ban. “I think making the lots on Water and Washington streets available has been helpful,” he said.

Editor’s note: Click here for more information about Biddeford parking bans or to sign up for email and text alerts

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UNE Refuses Citizen Request for Information

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

The University of New England (UNE) is, apparently, refusing to provide information to the public and the media about a federal grant the university received to construct a new “research pier” on the banks of the Saco River.

Over the last few weeks, John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission, has repeatedly tried to get documents regarding a $3.5 million federal grant that the university received from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

In previous interviews, the university says it is planning to use those funds to build a permanent pier on the Saco River that can accommodate its 60-foot marine research vessel.

Schafer says he and other residents simply want to see documents related to the grant. “I am a big believer in transparency and accountability,” he said. “I don’t understand why the university is unwilling to release details about a grant award of public funds. What are they hiding?”

The Biddeford Gazette attempted to contact both the university’s president James Herbert and Alan Thibeault, vice president of operations, for comment. Neither Herbert nor Thibeault returned our calls as of press time.

Sarah Delage, associate vice president of communications, replied to our inquiries with a one sentence response: “The University of New England has provided, and will continue to provide, all required and relevant documentation to the regulatory agencies and governmental bodies conducting the permitting process for our proposed research pier.”

After receiving that email from Delage, we sent another email inquiry to her, asking why the university is unwilling to simply share those documents with members of the public, especially those who live in close proximity to the school’s Biddeford campus.

Delage did not respond to our second email inquiry, as of press time.

The university formally submitted its plan for a new pier to the city of Biddeford in June last year. The grant application, however, was submitted several months prior.

UNE is still facing an arduous and likely lengthy review process for their proposal. In addition to the city of Biddeford, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will need to review the proposed project.

Go here to see a copy of the application that the university submitted to the city of Biddeford.

RELATED: City review of UNE project remains unclear.

Schafer said he has been bending over backward to be courteous and professional with his requests, but says he feels as if he is being stonewalled by the university.

Schafer, wrote Herbert on January 21, asking the university president to release a copy of the application the university submitted to NIST.

Herbert, Schafer says, did not reply.

According to a recent press release issued by Schafer, Alan Thibeault called Schafer and told him that he did not need to see the application, while also saying that the university is “not required” to release it.

“I don’t get it. Why are they being so stubborn? There are no national security issues here.”

— John Schafer

Thibeault did not respond to our request for comment.

Schafer says that Thibeault “reluctantly agreed to ask about permission to release the application and said he’d be back in touch.”

“I never heard back from him,” Schafer said. “At first, our conversation was very cordial, but it quickly became terse.”

Schafer says that Thibeault told him there was nothing in the grant application that wasn’t already given to various regulatory agencies.

Schafer then sent a second email to Hebert a few days later. Once again, Schafer asked to see the grant application, saying the documents should be available in the interest of transparency.

The university president has also not responded to Schafer’s second email request for disclosure.

“I don’t get it,” Schafer said. “Why are they being so stubborn? There are no national security issues here. These should be public documents. The public has a right to know how UNE presented their project to the federal government.”

Schafer commended both Biddeford City Manager James Bennett and Mayor Marty Grohman for informing UNE last year that the location of the proposed pier is not in any way approved by the city.

“The application filed with NIST could very well affect Biddeford’s regulatory process, but UNE doesn’t want it released to me, Biddeford or Saco. Luckily, freedom of information laws exist to deal with this type of obstruction,” Schafer said.

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Biddeford’s arts community gets a big boost: Five Questions

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

(This is the first of hopefully many more ‘Five Questions” interviews with a variety of people throughout the Biddeford Community)

For nearly 14 years, Delilah Poupore has been at the helm of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization with a mission to “foster a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable downtown for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Today, Poupore, 57, remains as excited and passionate about Biddeford as she was when she moved here from California to serve as the Heart of Biddeford’s executive director.

“Her enthusiasm is never ending,” said Joe McKenney, a Heart of Biddeford (HOB) board member. “She is the perfect fit for the role, and her passion for the city is infectious. We are very lucky to have her. We would not be where we are today without her.”

Examples of Poupore’s seemingly boundless energy can be seen and experienced throughout the downtown area and beyond, including a growing list of annual community events such as River Jam, Biddeford Oktoberfest, Winterfest and the I Heart Biddeford 5k Run/Walk race.

Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford’s executive director

Poupore is constantly looking for new and creative ways to engage the community and to be a resource for a diversity of stakeholders, not just for downtown businesses.

The HOB’s umbrella includes small business owners, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and those who may be struggling to be better connected to the community, including unhoused residents and new immigrants who are hoping to build a new life in the city.

The Heart of Biddeford had humble beginnings, but is constantly evolving, including recent news about the organization’s expansion.

Poupore describes creating the ‘Art of Biddeford’ as “adding another department” to HOB in order to meet the needs of the city’s growing arts community.

I fell in love with Biddeford because of the stories, the history of the city;
the immigrants who came here and built so much of the infrastructure.”

— Delilah Poupore

The Art of Biddeford is designed to help fill the void that was created when board members of another Biddeford non-profit – ENGINE – decided to dissolve last year.

“ENGINE was such a powerhouse for the arts community,” Poupore said. “Although it’s quite understandable why they chose to dissolve, it’s also sad for me to acknowledge that organization is no longer here.”

In a recent press release, ENGINE’s former board president Sarah LaFortune said the Heart of Biddeford is “the ideal steward to continue the work that ENGINE started.”

Poupore described Tamsyn Bodwell — ENGINE’s primary founder – as someone who was tireless and a passionate supporter of Biddeford’s arts community. “We worked on a lot of projects over the years,” Poupore said. “I cannot think of anyone who was more committed to supporting local artists in Biddeford.

“The Art of Biddeford is standing on the shoulders of what ENGINE built in this community.”

You moved here from California and immediately immersed yourself in the community. Why are you so passionate about Biddeford?

“We have so many people – from all sorts of backgrounds – living here; and a thing in common with a lot of them is that they are people who really embrace a creative life.

“I grew up in a post-industrial town, in Duluth, Minnesota. It was full of bricks and history and people sort of wondering about the future and equality and things like that.

“I fell in love with Biddeford because of the stories, the history of the city, the immigrants who came here and built so much of the infrastructure.”

What do you see when you contemplate the Heart of Biddeford’s future?

“I see so many opportunities ahead for both the city and the Heart of Biddeford. I want to make sure that Biddeford’s continuing revitalization is for Biddeford people.

“I want Biddeford to be a community that figures out how to revitalize without losing the people who built the place.”

What is the importance of a thriving arts community?

“There are so many things. The arts can lead to building a foundation for a creative economy that attracts investment and new opportunities for the community.

“And a creative economy is a great way to bring different people – of different backgrounds and perspectives – together so that they are excited about sitting at the table and looking at the community as whole. The arts is a natural bridge that strengthens relationships.”

What do you think is driving the Heart of Biddeford’s success?

“I think if you start with the people, then they know that you value them, and that you want them involved in the process. You just create different things when you bring people around the table saying what they think is important.”

You bubble with enthusiasm, but do you ever get discouraged?

“I am kind of used to waves in this job. Sometimes, it feels like there is so much to do, and so many things I want to do. So yes, sometimes it feels like a lot, but then things settle down again.

“I think of this as the investment time. I think it’s important for people to see what is happening rather than just reading about it on piece of paper.”

RELATED: Saco Bay News story: Heart of Biddeford launches Art of Biddeford

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