Tag: Biddeford

Mayor defends city review of UNE pier proposal

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

During a sometimes terse and heated meeting, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman defended the way the city has acted during the review of a controversial pier that the University of New England wants to construct on the Saco River.

The nearly hour-long meeting was held at the request of John Schafer, the former chair of the Biddeford Harbor Commission and a Hills Beach resident who has been outspoken about the need for transparency during the review process.

City Attorney Harry Center also took part in the late Monday morning meeting in Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall.

Center stressed that the meeting was strictly informal and not part of the review process. “The mayor has simply set aside some time to listen to the concerns of a constituent,” he said.

Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission John Schafer points to a diagram that shows inadequate depth where UNE is hoping to build a 177-foot pier to dock its research vessel near the mouth of the Saco River (Seaver photo)

No one from the university was at the meeting, and other media outlets declined invitations to attend, according to Schafer.

Schafer’s concerns center on three essential points: the impact and necessary removal of at least seven private moorings on the river if the project is approved; concerns about the water depth where the university wants to construct its pier; and the process that has been used to review the university’s proposal.

The permitting process for the proposed pier is complex and multi-layered, requiring the review and approval by several state, federal and local agencies.

Earlier this year, UNE cleared two major hurdles in the review process, winning approval from both the Saco River Corridor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But a very critical part of the review process is expected to begin in just a few weeks when the Biddeford Planning Board begins its formal review of the proposal.

“I don’t have any say over what the Planning Board does or doesn’t do,” Grohman said during Monday’s meeting. “I simply appoint members, and those appointments are then confirmed by the council. I think we have a really good planning board, and I have full confidence in them.”

But Schafer said he is concerned about the lack of public input during the review process and how the city has approached the project thus far. He also criticized the university for its “lack of transparency” and for “bullying those who raise questions and concerns” about the proposed pier.

“I think [UNE’s] application is both incomplete and full of misinformation,” Schafer told the mayor. “Don’t you think it’s a bit presumptuous for a private entity to dictate how the city will review its application; to show no regard for those who have private moorings in that area just so they can construct a vanity pier?”

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette, a university spokesperson declined an opportunity to address Schafer’s remarks.

“Since this was not an open meeting and a representative from UNE was not present, it would not be appropriate to comment on the conversation that took place,” wrote Sarah Delage in an email response. “UNE will continue to follow the public regulatory process, and we look forward to presenting our application to the Planning Board.”

Schafer said he and “a growing coalition of residents” have no problem with the university building a pier to dock its 60-foot research vessel. Instead, he says, all the concerns boil down to the exact location of the pier and the dismissal of public concerns about the project.

Survey says?

Schafer roundly criticized Grohman for allowing former City Manager James Bennett to “silence” the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster last year, preventing them from participating in the city’s review of the proposal simply because they voiced concerns about the pier’s location.

But Grohman shot back and said Bennett was simply trying to avoid the appearance of bias. He also reminded Schafer that the harbormaster’s role – as outlined in city ordinances – is strictly an “advisory position,” a change that was first proposed by Schafer himself last year when he was chair of the harbor commission.

Schafer said a growing number of residents have serious concerns about a review process that seems to have a pre-ordained outcome, pointing to the results and comments found in a recent public survey about the project.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had a
“very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process,
while roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they
had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

The online survey was conducted over several days in late April on a Facebook page called “UNE Pier Review,” a group that Schafer has helped organize.

The survey asked respondents a wide range of questions about the proposed pier and the review process thus far. The survey allowed respondents to maintain their anonymity.

The multi-question survey included feedback from 156 respondents, showing an overwhelming lack of public confidence on the issues of transparency and the mayor’s handling of the issue.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process. And roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

City Attorney Harry Center (left) and Mayor Marty Grohman listen as John Schafer details his concerns about UNE’s proposal

Fewer than 10 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very high” confidence in the process, while slightly less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they are not sure.

Many respondents added comments saying the city has been “too secretive” while other questioned the motives of city officials, speculating that some members of the city seem to have a “cozy relationship” with the university.

Grohman described the survey as “interesting,” but also said it was not a professional survey conducted by a polling firm.

“An anonymous survey is not something that a public permitting process could use, as it does not include an opportunity for all parties involved to publicly comment,” Grohman wrote in a text message to the Gazette after the meeting.

Schafer told the mayor that several mooring owners have already written to regulatory authorities stating quite plainly that they have “no intentions of moving their moorings where UNE wants to build their pier.”

Schafer also said that UNE has threatened the city with litigation if its desired location for the pier is not approved, referencing a letter sent to the city by Ron Schneider, the university’s lead attorney, several months before the university had submitted its application for review.

Grohman described Schafer as a good friend, and said he was happy to hear the concerns that were raised.

In a moment of levity during the meeting, Grohman pointed out that the mayor does not vote on or control the regulatory review process. “I don’t have the authority to change what sodas are sold in the vending machines downstairs,” Grohman laughed.

After the meeting Schafer said he very much appreciated the opportunity to share his concerns with the mayor. “Nothing in the meeting surprised me,” he said. “It’s about what I expected.”

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Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Tucked away in one of Biddeford’s former mill buildings on Pearl Street, there is a growing and thriving display of underwater life – from tropical coral reefs to freshwater rivers and lakes.

The Northeast Aquarium Science Center attracted hundreds of visitors Saturday during its grand-opening event that showcased several species of sea life and an opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems.

Emma Balboni is the president of the science center, and she says the aquarium’s mission is to help educate people about the environmental importance of marine life and also raise awareness about the challenges being faced by working waterfronts all over the globe.

“We’re really excited to offer the public access to a world that is often overlooked,” Balboni said. “We want the next generation to know and appreciate where seafood comes from.”

Hannah Bonaventura and her daughter, Maeve, take in the views of a freshwater ecosystem. (Seaver photo)

Balboni grew up in Cape Cod and spent summers in Maine. Her great grandfather is from the coastal, fishing town of Cutler, Maine. “These are issues that are near and dear to my heart,” she explains. “It’s basically in my blood.”

Balboni says it is critically important to protect both the fishing industry and the ecosystems that have fueled Maine’s economy for centuries.

According to the organization’s website, the aquarium is “currently home to a variety of different species of aquatic fauna, invertebrates, and fish, including an alien-like sea apple, a genetically distinct clownfish and even a mimic octopus.”

The overall goal, Balboni said is “to take these extraordinary exhibits with us through our growth and allow for many other exhibits to join them along the way.”

Once finished, the aquarium will feature exhibits from the Gulf of Maine, Maine’s lakes and rivers, the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, major rivers, and major lakes across the world.

But beyond the dazzling aquatic displays, there is also emerging educational opportunities, including microscopes that visitors can use to study microscopic seal life.

“We’re really excited to offer the public
access to a world that is often overlooked”

— Emma Balboni

Balboni says the center hopes to bring exhibits and information about Maine’s lobstering, aquaculture and ecotourism industries to Biddeford.

Rick Oellers of Saco heads up the education programs at the science center. A master aquarist, Oellers was a former adjunct professor at the University of New England.

“I have been keeping tropical fish for 62 years,” Oellers said. “I have been blessed because now I am living my dream. My hobby is now my business.”

Oellers says that science-based hobbies, such as astronomy and other subjects are quickly disappearing as a new generation connects primarily to their smart phones for both recreation and information.

“We want to get kids interested in marine life, starting at an early age including elementary schools and even daycares,” he said. “We want to give kids and others a chance to explore what is happening just below the surface.”

The non-profit aquarium is located at 22 Pearl Street and does not have a set admission price, asking visitors to donate whatever they can afford.

For more information about the North East Aquarium Science Center, you can visit their website: https://www.northeastaquariumsciencecenter.org/

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FEATURE: Glory Days; they will pass you by

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields.

I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of old newspapers, a reporter’s notebook and two pens (always two).

The other presenters were so much cooler and interesting. The police K-9 officer and her dog showed up, a firefighter arrived wearing his helmet with a large oxygen tank on his back. There was a nurse with a stethoscope draped around her neck.

For Pete’s sake, Graig Morin of Brown Dog Trucking even brought one of his 18-wheeler trucks for the kids to explore.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I waited for my first of three-groups of students to arrive in my designated classroom. It’s been a while since I have been grilled by a group of nine and ten-year-olds.

Tempus Fugit: Lessons learned from a stack of old newspapers

If you’re not careful, they can really get into your psyche and throw off your whole game. For example, during one of the Q & A sessions, one young lady asked me if I was afraid of heights. I quickly admitted that I am terrified of heights.

“What about snakes?” was her follow-up question. “Yes,” I responded, I am also very afraid of snakes.”

A quarter century? Really?

On the night before the event, I ventured into my basement and hauled out an old-cargo chest that holds scores of old copies of the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. I was in a rush, so I just reached in and grabbed five copies, paying no particular attention to the dates or the stories.

I have worked for several newspapers, but most people ‘round here equate me to my fun-filled days as the Courier’s editor (1997-2006) and my infamous weekly column, All Along the Watchtower.

As I was waiting for the kids to arrive, I started flipping through the old papers. Yes, I know that all past issues of the Courier are available on microfiche at the McArthur Library, but this seemed like a more practical way to make my presentation.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years ago. It seems like yesterday, but it was a quarter-century ago. A quarter century.

Just a few weeks ago, the Courier’s new owners (the Portland Press Herald’s parent company) abruptly announced that they will no longer offer print versions of the paper that had been delivered to every household in the Biddeford-Saco area since 1989.

When I heard that news, I didn’t realize how deeply that weekly paper was connected to the community. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through the pages of yesteryear.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed
were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years
ago. It seems like yesterday,
but it was a quarter-century ago.

Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.

The kids were eager to pore through old copies of the Courier. Sure, I still write news and opinion, but I can’t imagine 25 years from now that a bunch of kids would be so excited about reviewing a web site.

It was interesting to see what caught their eyes and their imagination. Each of the newspapers had a full back-page ad from Marc Motors. Apparently, in April of 2000, you could buy a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire for $10,995 or a weekly payment of $38. Or you could get a 1997 Ford F-150 for $17,995 (or $65 per week).

In April [2000], we ran a contest: Find the Mistakes in the Courier. The person who found the most verifiable mistakes each week got a free lunch at the Wonderbar. We were all glad when that contest ended.

A lot of the names have changed, but the news back then was not much different than it is today.  Ironically, one of the headlines told readers that Biddeford voters may soon be asked to approve construction of a new school to address overcrowding. That school? Yup, the Biddeford Intermediate School, where I was sitting yesterday morning.

The Old Orchard Beach School budget was up $500,000. There was an explosion of a propane tank at the former Maine Energy trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford. Another story explained how Biddeford’s tax rate would increase $1.50 if MERC left town. The top five taxpayers then were MERC, IBC (Nissen Bakeries), Central Maine Power, Walmart and D.K. Associates Limited.

Saco residents were faced with a possible pay-per-bag trash disposal fee, a downtown landlord in Biddeford found himself in hot water with the city’s code enforcement office.

On and on. Into infinity and beyond.

I asked the kids if any of them remember the Yellow Pages. They were stumped; their brows furrowed with intrigue. It’s quite likely that someday the same fate that killed the Yellow Pages will finally overcome print newspapers.

I don’t look forward to that day.

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City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette)

Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering “real results” in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a “coordinated, compassionate approach.”

At the core of this success is what Mayor Marty Grohman describes as a “Weekly Homeless Huddle,” where city and Seeds of Hope staff come together with outreach workers and service providers to identify and assist those most in need. This focused, whole person-centered effort has led directly to dozens of people moving into stable, permanent housing, according to a press release distributed Monday

“This is what progress looks like,” said Grohman. “Thanks to the dedicated team at Seeds of Hope and strong coordination across agencies, we are actively finding solutions to homelessness, one person at a time. All Biddeford residents deserve the opportunity for a safe and healthy existence indoors, and our partnerships are allowing us to make that a reality.”

The partnership model was launched in July 2024 after the closure of a major encampment near Mechanics Park on Water Street. That encampent was highly visible and located across the river from a new, upscale housing development in Saco.

This is a photo of a homeless encampment that was destroyed by the city last year (Seaver photo)

The Biddeford City Council authorized the creation of a temporary overnight center at Seeds of Hope to offer safety and stability. Through a generous grant award, MaineHousing provided additional support to the overnight center throughout the winter months, enabling daytime services on weekends. Connections with key service providers such as The Opportunity Alliance’s PATH program help neighbors access critical resources such as mental health and substance use treatment services.

Although the city was planning to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to renovate the Seeds of Hope, that funding mechanism hit a snafu earlier this year.

This significant increase in services available at Seeds of Hope since July has enabled staff to develop relationships with neighbors, a key factor for building trust and paving the way for long-term housing placements, according to the mayor’s office.

As more individuals are housed, the organization anticipates a decrease in the number of people needing services, marking a hopeful turning point for the community.

“We are finally seeing the kind of change that comes from sustained, collaborative commitment,” said Vassie Fowler, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. “When we meet people with dignity and consistent support, housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

As spring arrives, we expect to serve fewer people—not because needs are going unmet, but because more and more people are into permanent housing.”

When we meet people with dignity and consistent support,
housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

__ Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope

Spokespersons for the city and Seeds of Hope say that they remain committed to this partnership and to expanding opportunities for every resident to live with dignity and stability.

In late April, financial support from MaineHousing for extended weekend hours will conclude, though the City-supported overnight program will continue to operate. Seeds of Hope will build on the strong foundation of success already achieved by providing more focused and intensive coordination of services, and guiding individuals through housing, substance use disorder treatment and mental health resources. There is also on-the-street outreach planned to connect with unhoused neighbors who are not already seeking services.

But there are still funding challenges to provide these services for unhoused residents.

RELATED: Budget tensions included funding for unhoused programs

“The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning,” Grohman said. “We’re proving that when we work together with compassion and dedication, real change is possible. Biddeford is building a future where no one is left behind, and we’re going to keep pushing forward until everyone has a place to call home.”

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FEATURE: Not Your Father’s Library

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

The acting director of Biddeford’s McArthur Library talks about a never-ending evolution of services and some of the challenges facing downtown libraries

Even to the casual observer, it becomes quickly evident that once you walk through the front door of Biddeford’s McArthur Library – – you are no longer in your father’s library.

Gone are the days of strident, middle-aged ladies admonishing you for the volume of your voice or the mounting late fees on your overdue books.

Today’s libraries have evolved and are working to keep pace with both technology and a changing community. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the McArthur Library.

Nicole Clark

Originally housed in the “City Building” (City Hall), a devastating fire in 1894 gutted the building and forced the library’s trustees to search for a ‘stand-alone’ location. The library is today housed in the former Pavilion Church on Main Street.

Over the years, the library has been expanded and renovated and continues to be a hub of activity for people of all ages in the downtown area.

Once again, the McArthur Library is facing another transition.

Earlier this year, long-time director Jeff Cabral accepted a position at another library in New Hampshire. While the library’s trustees are in the middle of a search for a new director, Nicole Clark – the Adult Services supervisor – has been serving as a temporary director.

Clark, 31, is a native of Kittery and attended the University of Maine Farmington where she earned a degree in teaching. She taught high school English for a little more than four years but says she became “burned out from teaching” and took a job in the Goodall Library in Sanford before making her way to Biddeford.

We caught up with Clark recently to ask her how the library is changing and adapting and about some of the challenges facing today’s board of trustees.

Why did you switch from teaching high school English and theater to working in a library?

“Teaching was a rewarding career, and I loved working with my students. The changes in education recently, and the expectations put on teachers and just the lack of support that teachers have; I just got burned out. I loved it, but I could tell that I was not myself. 

“Working in a library was just a much better fit for me. I fell in love with it. You’re not teaching to a test or facing mounting standards and regulations. I always loved books and helping people. You get to connect people with things that they enjoy, whether it’s literature or a fun program or helping with a bit of research.”

Have you put your hat in the ring to become the library’s next director?

“It’s not something that I was originally considering at all. I like being a librarian, I like connecting with the public, I like the front-facing nature of it. Being a director is oftentimes more the big picture, the behind-the-scenes stuff: administrative tasks, dealing with the stakeholders, the politics and the budget.

“I feel a little back and forth about it because I think this library deserves someone who is passionate about those things. If for some reason, somebody doesn’t come forth who is passionate about all those things and serving the community . . . it just depends on what is best for the library. I would very happy, either way.”

What do you think are some things that the public should know about today’s library?

The library is one of the last places
in the country where you can exist
without the expectation of spending money

— Nicole Clark

“I love that question. In this day and age, the library is not just a repository for books anymore. The library has evolved. Yes, we still have many, many books that we love to connect our patrons with, but we also have a slew of programming for all ages. From author events to children’s story time that connects them with animals or music, to technology classes for seniors.

“This is a place where people come to socialize, to connect with other people; to learn something or to feel a sense of warmth and joy and not have to stress about having to spend money to get that.

“The library is one of the last places in the country where you can exist without the expectation of spending money. The reason we provide all of our services for free is to provide access. That’s one of the biggest things about the library.

“We want people to access information, entertainment; to access everything from WiFi connectivity to a social coffee hour for seniors so that there’s someone to chat with on a Thursday morning, and you don’t have to worry about spending money to do that.”

We all know that you can check out books from the library, but what are some of the other things you can check out for free?

“People may know about our expanding list of DVDs, but we also have a library of things – it’s a recreation collection. People can check out things like fishing poles or a croquet set if you have people over for a barbecue.

“People can check out things that they may not have the money to buy. For example, we check out a telescope so that kids who might be learning about the moon and the stars have access to the resources they need. That can be an expensive item that some parents may not be able to afford.

“We have snowshoes and sleds available in the winter, we have portable DVD players or even a Ukulele.

As libraries evolve, how are you keeping pace with instant, on-demand information resources such as Google or Wikipedia?

“You can ask Google anything, but you can’t necessarily be sure that the information is accurate, but a professional librarian can help you look at information sources that are trustworthy and cross-reference.

“On the other hand, we are embracing technology, providing people with a quiet space to do their own research. We offer free WiFi throughout the building, and we also provide free phone chargers and access to public computers.

“We provide free access to things like Ancestry.com without the paywall you would have to pay for at home.”

Recently, there has been some negative chatter on social media about unhoused persons ‘loitering’ at the library.

“A public library is a library for everybody. We are here to provide safe, warm, welcoming and equitable access for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, age or anything to do with their identity.

“We do have a significant population of people who are unhoused in the downtown area, and the library being one of the places where they are not expected to spend money, and where they can be warm, safe and charge their devices and take a break from some of their struggles.

“We are definitely an open-door to them and to those who are not going through that.  The majority of our unhoused visitors are just lovely human beings. We love getting to know them and learning about the things that interest them.

“As with any population, there are some folks who have challenges and bring those challenges into the library. We do have a security officer who is just a wonderful human being. He gets to know just about everybody who comes into the library.

On the issue of unhoused people, the library has an upcoming event regarding the issues of homelessness in Maine.

“Yes, we’re looking forward to the free Biddeford screening of a documentary that showcases stories from Maine with a message that there is hope to ending the suffering of homelessness.

“After the film, we will be hosting a panel discussion with from local folks such as Jake Hammer from the city of Biddeford’s General Assistance office and Vassie Fowler from Seeds of Hope.  That will be taking place on May 29th at 6 p.m.

You have a new program starting soon about downtown.

“Yes! The theme of our summer reading program this year is “Summer on Main Street.” We will be working with different businesses here downtown. Especially amidst the construction and detours to encourage foot traffic to all businesses downtown.

“We’ll be offering raffles, gift cards and lots of fun ways for people to connect with downtown and all the businesses here.”

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Nightmare on Elm Street: FAQs

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

A few days, ago, a major road construction project commenced on the lower end of Elm Street in Biddeford. As expected, the project has created delays and other impacts for drivers because of necessary detours.

A lot of people have been complaining and asking questions about the project, so the Biddeford Gazette decided to do a little digging. We reached out to the Biddeford’s Public Works, Fire and Police departments

Here are answers to some of the most discussed questions and complaints.

It should also be noted that we reached out to these individuals on Saturday evening, and our e-mails were answered only a few hours later. Do you answer work emails on your day off?

Why not do the project at nighttime when there is less traffic?

According to both the city and the contractor, doing the work at night would triple the project cost. The noise would also adversely impact residential neighborhoods, and the detours would still need to be in place.

Detoured traffic backs up on Main Street last week (Seaver photo)

Why keep the detours in place 24/7 even when there is no work being done?

According to Public Works director Jeff Demers: “There is no room to stack vehicles on Elm, causing side street and business entrances being blocked if we opened and closed daily and weekends. Also, it would require contractor to close hole tightly and would be very time consuming, to say the least. The decision was made to keep detour through out project. Patience will be key.”

How will this project impact emergency responders near the project area?

According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, “we have access to all the areas around the construction site. We also worked with Saco to have the SFD respond jointly with us to the area north of the railroad bridge on Elm Street. This is a joint response for both fire and EMS calls to try and ensure there are no delays.

“With regards to getting through standing traffic, we have special traffic pre-emption lights on our vehicles which turn the traffic lights to green in the direction we are traveling which helps move cars forward and out of the way. We have also preplanned alternate routes to try to avoid some the traffic congestion if possible.

How much will the project cost?

Biddeford is estimating $3 million; the Maine Water company is estimating $2 million for its role in the project.

How long will the project last?

It is anticipated that this project will be completed in early November.

Why not have an automated traffic light near the project site to allow alternating traffic flow?

Public Works Director Jeff Demers: “Lights on Elm was thought through, but there would be no room to stack vehicles on Elm Street, causing side street and business entrances being blocked. Motorists would have gotten confused if we opened and closed daily and weekends. Also causing contractor to close hole tightly.”

What is this project, and why do we have to do it now?

Major road construction projects cannot be done during winter months. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has been pushing Biddeford to do this state-mandated project for several years.

Ultimately, this project is designed to separate sewer and storm water.

RELATED: Biddeford’s Big Dig Will Begin in April

Editor’s Note: If you have questions or concerns about the project, please contact us, and we’ll do our best to get you timely and accurate information.

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BHS Odyssey of the Mind Team: State Champions

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Three of the eight Biddeford teams placed in the State Competition; two move on to the World Finals  

 By KAREN GARNETT

Among the 71 teams representing Divisions I, II, and III at the Maine Odyssey of the Mind (OM) State Finals Tournament on April 5, three of the eight Biddeford teams placed in the Top 3 of their divisions. Both the Biddeford High School (BHS) Technical and Performance Teams were named State Champions and will compete in the World Finals in Michigan this May, while the Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS) Performance Team placed third in the State. 

This marks the 14th time a Biddeford OM team has placed among the top three in the State and 12th time they have qualified for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, a testament to the district’s long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and student-led learning. Over the years, Biddeford’s teams have consistently demonstrated their ability to tackle complex problems with originality and teamwork, earning them national recognition and repeated invitations to the global stage.

Biddeford High School’s Performance and Technical Teams are named Maine State Odyssey of the Mind State Champions and World Finalists. Left to right: (Front row) Hugo Crockett-Current, Emily Michael, Elliott Aranovitch, and Troy Keddy; (Back row)  Emma Cote, Kyle Perkins, Lara Galiardi, Ella Ireland, and James Cote; and (Missing from photo) Kayla Arsenault.

“The level of imagination, creativity, and problem solving skills from our students continues to amaze me,” said Biddeford’s Odyssey of the Mind District Coordinator Victoria Salo. “The best part of OM is the ability for each child to be themselves and use their strengths to create a team that works together and has fun in the process. I have seen past OM members become artists, singers, performers, and engineers. This program truly is for all students and their success could not be possible without the dedication and support of coaches and families.”

Odyssey of the Mind is a creative, problem-solving, extra-curricular program involving students from kindergarten through college. Teams of up to seven students work together at length, with limited guidance from a coach, to solve a predefined long-term problem and present their solution to the problem at a competition. From students in special education to the top academic performers, from athletes to drama students, or those interested in math and engineering, the OM Teams are an eclectic mix of various backgrounds and interests. 

Biddeford’s OM program has grown significantly, with team participation increasing by 75% over the past eight years. This year, eight teams consisting of 48 students competed across Division I, II, and III levels: one team at Biddeford Primary School (BPS); three teams at Biddeford Intermediate School (BIS); two teams at Biddeford Middle School (BMS); and two at Biddeford High School (BHS).

“The level of imagination, creativity, and problem-solving
skills from our students continues to amaze me.”

— Victoria Solo, district coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who won medals during the State Tournament: BHS Technical Team members Kayla Arsenault, Emma Cote,James Cote, Lara Galiardi, Ella Ireland, and Kyle Perkins (coached by Suzanne Tighe); BHS Performance Team members Elliott Aranovitch, Hugo Crockett-Current, Troy Keddy, and Emily Michael (coached by Victoria Salo); and BIS Performance Team members Pacey Eagle, Olivia Foster, Lillianna Forrest, Ripley Haskell-Murray, Alexander Haskell-Murray, Gabriella Norris, and Hayden Norris (coached by Teila Norris-Julien and Nicole Eagle).

Odyssey of the Mind hosts fundraisers throughout the year to support students attending World Finals. Fundraisers to date have included Family Fun Days, yard sales, bottle drives, baked sales, raffles, and calendar fundraisers. To be kept informed of upcoming fundraisers, please follow the Biddeford Odyssey of the Mind Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/biddOotM. 

To make a contribution to the OM program directly, checks can be made payable to Biddeford High School with Odyssey of the Mind noted in the Memo Field and mailed to 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME 04005.  

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford-Saco school system. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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Biddeford Marching Arts named New England champions

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Blackout Percussion earns first place while Blizzard Winds secures second place.   

By KAREN GARNETT

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program is closing out a remarkable season with top honors at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Percussion Finals. BlackOut Percussion earned first place, while Blizzard Winds secured a strong third-place finish, solidifying Biddeford’s standing as a powerhouse in the region.

Biddeford’s Marching Arts program was revived in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus and now bolsters 57 students from Biddeford High School and Biddeford Middle School. The program not only consists of BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds but also BlackOut Percussion-B, a middle school concert-style percussion ensemble that represents the district’s commitment to cultivating musical excellence from an early age.

Biddeford’s Marching Arts Program, which consists of BlackOut Percussion (in white), BlackOut Percussion B (in black), and Blizzard Winds (in red). BlackOut Percussion earned first place, while Blizzard Winds secured a strong second-place finish, solidifying Biddeford’s standing as a powerhouse in the region. {Photo by Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

“We are so proud of what these students have accomplished this season,” said Michael Murphy, Biddeford High School Band Teacher and Marching Arts Director. “They’ve dedicated countless hours to rehearsals, shown tremendous growth as musicians and performers, and supported each other every step of the way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their hard work recognized at such a high level.”

“We are so proud of what these students have accomplished this season.”

— Michael Murphy, BHS Band Teacher and Marching Arts director

Both BlackOut Percussion and Blizzard Winds have consistently placed first throughout the season in competitions on the NESBA and Maine Band Directors Association (MBDA) circuits. Their talent recently earned regional acclaim at the Dartmouth High School Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional Championships, with BlackOut Percussion placing first in percussion and Blizzard Winds taking second in the winds category. This season marks BlackOut Percussion’s second appearance on the national stage and Blizzard Winds’ first-ever performance at a Regional Championship, making their achievements even more remarkable.

For those who haven’t had the chance to experience these talented performers in action, the ensembles will cap off their season with a Friends and Family Finale Performance on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Biddeford High School Steve White Gym.

The community is invited to come celebrate these student musicians and their incredible accomplishments.

Karen Garnett is the communications director for the Biddeford-Saco school system. She can be reached at kgarnett@biddefordschools.me

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No more trash containers at Rotary Park

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The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season.

When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, including pet waste, after spending time in the park.

According to a press release from the city, the new policy is intended to “remove unsightly trash from parks that wildlife can get into and make a mess,”

City officials say the new policy also discourages pests from the parks in picnic and play areas. “Wasps, bees and other rodents are naturally attracted to trash, which can create an unpleasant environment for visitors,” according to the press release.

Rotary Park is located on outer Main Street and includes recreational facilities, including a dog park and small boat launch area (City of Biddeford photo)

“We are excited to launch this new initiative in our community and hope to see both environmental and financial benefits from the change,” said Lisa Thompson, the city’s recreation director.

“It currently takes two city employees two to three days per week to empty all the trash cans that are located throughout the city,” Thomson said. “By reducing the number of city trash cans, our staff’s time and the cost savings from paying to dispose of garbage can be redirected to improve our parks in other ways.”

The pilot program will be assessed throughout the season, with a goal of extending it to all city parks and beaches in future years if the desired outcomes from the program are met.

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UNE gets big boost for its controversial pier proposal

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week approved an application from the University of New England (UNE) for the construction of a controversial pier proposal on the Saco River in Biddeford.

Although UNE is still required to clear several more permitting hurdles before construction can begin, the Army Corps approval represents a significant boost for the pier project.

Earlier this year, the Saco River Corridor Commission also gave its approval for the project, which includes a permanent pier consisting of a 28-foot long by 24-foot-wide landing; a 90-foot long by 14-foot-wide approach pier; and an 80-foot long by 24-foot-long pier and a floating dock system.

The proposed pier is intended to serve and dock UNE’s 60-foot marine research vessel.

UNE Spokesperson Sarah Delage said the university is “pleased to be moving forward” through the permitting process.

Construction of the pier relies upon a $3.5 million federal grant the university received last year.

When asked about the uncertainty of federal funding created by the Trump Administration, Delage said UNE is monitoring President Trump’s executive orders, but the project is expected to stay on track.

“Like all colleges and universities, as well as other research organizations, UNE is monitoring executive orders and other federal actions closely for potential impacts on the university,” Delage said. “Having said that, we have no reason to believe the funding for the project is at risk.”

But not everyone is celebrating the Army Corps’ decision to approve the project, including John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission.

“I do not know why, but in this case
several ‘powers that be’ seem absolutely
determined to exclude local knowledge
from the permitting process.
That is just wrong.”

— Dan Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster

During a recent telephone interview, Schafer said he is “extremely disappointed” by the Army Corps’ decision.

Schafer — who has been doggedly seeking information about the pier and its review process for more than a year — said the Army Corps made its decision without public comment and without input of “local knowledge,” most notably from the city’s harbormaster, Paul Lariviere.

Schafer also shared several letters from people who have existing moorings that would be impacted by the pier proposal.

As of press time, the Army Corps has not responded to our request for public comment.

However, in an email response to Schafer’s questions about the lack of public comment during the Army Corps’ review, Project Manager Jana Jacobson of the Army Corps wrote that “the project was reviewed for verification under the Maine General Permit, which are issued for use on a five-year cycle. Therefore, there was no public comment period.”

Dan Chadbourne, Saco’s former harbormaster, sent a pointed letter to Jacobson, disputing UNE’s claims that the pier would only impact one existing mooring.

Chadbourne said seven moorings will be impacted if UNE is allowed to build its pier.

“There is absolutely no substitute for local knowledge when evaluating such a sizeable intrusion into a popular waterway like the Saco River,” Chadbourne wrote. “I do not know why, but in this case several ‘powers that be’ seem absolutely determined to exclude local knowledge from the permitting process. That is just wrong.”

Delage said once all regulatory approvals are received — including from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Biddeford Planning Board – the university must then obtain a building permit from the Biddeford Code Enforcement Office.

Delage said UNE will continue to follow the review process, but declined to speculate about how long that process will take.

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

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Support for library, and a new bathhouse

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Scores of Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for the first of two public hearings on the city’s proposed budget.

Only one resident — former City Councilor Michael Swanton — suggested a budget cut, calling on the council to close and sell the city’s public access television station on Pool Road.

“Technology has zoomed by cable television,” Swanton told the council. “That’s $300,000 each year for something that only a handful of people use.”

Nearly 40 other people approached the podium one-by-one to voice support for various social service agencies, including the McArthur Library, Biddeford Community Gardens and the Heart of Biddeford.

Although there are more than 30 social service agencies requesting funding from the city, only three of them were mentioned during the public comment period — and once again — public support for the library dominated the 45-minute public hearing.

In a repeat of last year, the majority of comments came from people asking to fully fund the library’s budget request, which is just over $1 million this year, mainly to support ongoing renovations at the 160-year-old building. According to documents filed with the city, the library’s board of directors indicated that only 25 percent of their funding request would be used for salaries.

The McArthur Library is once again seeking roughly $1 million from the city.

“How we fund these things should reflect our values,” one man told the council.

More than 30 people spoke in support of the library, but 12 people expressed support for Biddeford’s Community Gardens; and one person spoke in favor of the funding request from the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

New Bathhouse Should be Ready on Memorial Day

Although the iconic Biddeford Pool Bathhouse in the Gilbert Boucher Park was destroyed during a January 2024 coastal storm, a new bathhouse is expected to be ready by Memorial Day.

After reviewing several bids from private contractors, the city council was poised to spend roughly $222,000 to build a 24 x 24-square foot replacement facility. Councilor Marc Lessard, however, suggested having the city’s Public Works Department submit their own proposal for the project.

Public Works Director Jeff Demers said his department could complete the task and construct a larger facility for roughly $135,000., a savings of roughly $87,000.

According to Recreation Director Lisa Thompson, the new bathhouse will be a 28 x 32-square foot structure that will include two regular bathrooms, a family bathroom, an accessible bathroom for persons with disabilities and outdoor showers.

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Joint budget workshop: ‘A Tough Pill to Swallow’

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With a “challenging” budget hanging over their heads, members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated in a joint workshop meeting Monday to examine the proposed budget.

Monday’s joint meeting was a rare occurrence that has happened only once before over the past 10 years.

“This is an unusual opportunity,” said Mayor Marty Grohman during his opening remarks. “We all share the same goals.”

School Superintendent Jeremy Ray said both the council and the committee are all in a “difficult situation, but we are being very conservative.”

In its current form, the proposed budget for next year shows an increase of 0.53 percent for the city; a 5.10 percent increase in school funding and an 0.08 percent increase in county taxes.

According to Acting City Manager Brian Phinney, every $100,000 of spending requires 2.3 cents on the tax rate.

As it stands now, the proposed budget would require an increase in the mil rate, from $14.22 last year to $15.03 this year.

Members of the Biddeford City Council and Biddeford School Committee discuss the proposed budget for next year. (Seaver photo)

Grohman said Monday’s evening was designed to bring both groups together under one roof so that they could each share their concerns and collaborate with one another about ways to soften the impact on taxpayers.

School Committee member Marie Potvin is a retired teacher who spent many years working in Biddeford schools.

“I was born and raised here,” Potvin said. “Our demographics have been changing significantly, and I am feeling somewhat anxious about all the things happening outside of the city that is creating so much uncertainty.”

School Committee member Megan Desjardins is a social worker. “Every single decision we make is in the best interest of our students,” she said. “Every day, we are being asked to do more for less.”

John McCurry, a former city councilor and current school committee member, described the budget as “quite high” McCurry said the city’s schools are always seeking ways to drive down costs, but he is worried about public perception.

“How do we get citizens involved?” McCurry asked, recalling previous budget debates when members of the public filled the council chamber, spilling out into the hallway.

Almost everyone at Monday’s meeting agreed that an 11.5 percent increase in the overall school budget is going to be a hard sell to voters.

“People just react to the numbers,” said School Committee member Chad Barrs. “There’s often a stark difference between perception and reality. It is much more complicated than it looks on paper.”

“Every day, we are being asked
to do more for less.”

— Megan Desjardins, School Committee member

City Councilor Marc Lessard said the council needs to make some “painful decisions,” reminding the group that Biddeford taxpayers have seen a 20 percent increase over the last three years.

“If everyone here is okay with a 5.7 percent increase, then let’s just go home,” Lessard said. “Our work is done,” adding that he will not support a 5.7 percent increase.

“Do we take money away from kids who need funding or do we take it from McArthur Library and the Heart of Biddeford?” Lessard asked rhetorically, suggesting that the city could slash all of its funding for social services requests.

Councilor Doris Ortiz rebuked Lessard. “A lot of those social service agencies help our kids,” she said.

Councilor Norman Belanger said the council should avoid creating an “us versus them mentality.”

What’s driving the school budget?

School Supt. Jeremy Ray pointed to what he described as a “seriously flawed” school funding formula that is used for determining state subsidy amounts.

During his presentation, Ray walked through several charts and spreadsheets that demonstrate how increasing valuations hurts the city’s schools.

One of those spreadsheets shows Biddeford being well behind many other communities when it comes to per pupil cost for education.

Biddeford’s per pupil cost last year was $9,904.76, compared to $16,085.68 in the town of Falmouth or $15, 936.72 in South Portland.

“Our focus is always about what our students deserve,” Ray said. “A child in Biddeford doesn’t deserve less than a kid in Cape Elizabeth. We have a tough population, but people still want excellence.”

Ray also provided an 11-year comparison for Biddeford’s school budget, which shows an average expenditure increase of 3.82 percent.

Last year, the school budget came in with a 6.1 percent increase in expenditures. This year’s requested increase is 5.39 percent.

City Council President Liam LaFountain said there is still a long road ahead in what the final budget will look like, including public hearings and additional council review.

“Some of this feels premature,” LaFountain said. “I want to make sure that we’re not just thinking about the short term, but are also considering a lot of long-term impacts.”

Councilor Dylan Doughty said “everyone is being asked to do more with less” on both the city and school side of the budget.

Barrs said the proposed budget is going to be a “tough pill to swallow” for taxpayers and voters who will ultimately decide on whether to approve the school budget in June.

Click on the link below to view/download a copy of the Biddeford School Budget Presentation

School budgetDownload

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

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Iconic 5-Points signpost may get a new look

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

An iconic, but long neglected, sign post in Biddeford may be getting a new lease on life.

The former MOBIL gas station sign – nearly 40 feet tall- sits near the center of the Five Points intersection. It is visible to commuters traveling on both Route One and Route 111. It is also visible to drivers entering or exiting the city on both West and Graham streets.

Earlier this week, the city issued an invitation for artists to submit ideas for how the sign could be redesigned as an entry point into the city.

The former Mobil gas station sign may be revitalized (Seaver photo)

In its request, the city says it is seeking an artist to “create a welcoming, community-inspired design for the historic” sign.

According to Mayor Marty Grohman, improvements made to the sign will not involve public funds.

Grohman says he is confident that a private fundraising campaign and perhaps some grant funds could be used to revitalize the sign, which has been an eyesore for more than a decade.

“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community,” Grohman said, pointing out that the city’s growth is edging outward.

Grohman said that the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) has embraced the concept that the city’s downtown area extends well beyond the lower end of Main Street.

The proposed project is getting a mixed reaction on social media. Some residents say the sign should be scrapped, while others say they are excited to see some creativity and new ideas.

According to a press release from the city, the DDC hopes to “transform a key gateway into the downtown with an engaging, vibrant visual statement that reflects Biddeford’s rich industrial and cultural heritage, its creative energy and its commitment to public art.”

“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community.”

— Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman

The project is a direct response to Biddeford’s Cultural Plan and Public Art guidelines.

According to the public invitation, the final design should foster a sense of place, welcome visitors and celebrate the evolving identity of Biddeford as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

“This is an open call for anyone interested in making a lasting impact on the city’s visual landscape,” Grohman said.

The selected artist will work closely with city officials and the Downtown Development Commission to ensure that the final piece resonates with community values and meets site-specific requirements, according to the press release.

For more information on how to submit a design, please click this link.

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Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’

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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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Chamber director announces pending departure

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry.

LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership.

“It’s not an easy decision because I really enjoy what I am doing,” LaBelle said during a telephone interview. “I’m just at a point in my life where I want to take a step back and focus on my personal life and goals.”

Jim LaBelle/ Contributed photo

LaBelle said he is proud of his accomplishments at the Chamber, most notably a significant increase in membership, from the mid-300s to more than 460 members today.

“We have held more than 100 ribbon cuttings, and this community has experienced unprecedented economic growth,” LaBelle said. “I live in this community. I love this community, and I will be forever rooting for this community.”

LaBelle said he believes the Chamber needs to be continually evolving in order to better serve its members and the overall business community.

“The next leader will need to be visionary,” LaBelle said. “Hopefully someone a bit younger with fresh ideas to make sure that the Chamber remains relevant well into the future.”

LaBelle, known for his trademark optimism, admits that he has always been a glass-half-full person. “It’s easy to be optimistic in this community,” he said.

“He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in.
Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”

— Mayor Marty Grohman

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman had nothing but praise for LaBelle and his performance as the Chamber’s executive director.

“Jim has been truly incredible,” Grohman said. “He makes it look easy, but he has done so many positive things for the community.”

A few years ago, Grohman served on the Chamber’s board of directors and today the mayor is an ex-officio member of the Chamber.

“From behind the scenes, I can tell you that Jim is one of those people. He’s the guy with the enthusiasm and the optimism. He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in. Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”

LaBelle said running the Chamber has not always been easy, pointing to the Covid pandemic. “You know, the Chamber is all about bringing people together, and we had to figure out how to do that without actually getting together in person,” he laughed.

LaBelle also looked for ways to capitalize on technology, and the use of social media to promote the community. During his tenure, a Chamber employee created what would become one of the area’s most prolific Facebook community groups. Today, the Biddeford+Saco Community page is no longer managed by the Chamber but has more than 18,000 members.

But for all of its benefits, social media proved to have its own pitfalls, continually requiring more time to moderate and manage the online forum.

For his part, LaBelle said he is looking forward to having some more down time. He’s not exactly sure what his future will look like, but says a change of pace will allow him the opportunity to take stock of where he is and where he wants to be.

“I have been really lucky so far,” he said. “Now, I’m just looking at the future as a blank page, but there is no doubt that I am going to miss the opportunity I had while working 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’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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A season not soon forgotten: Coach Jeannine Paradis

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

More than 48 hours after the final buzzer, Coach Jeannine Paradis’ voice is still hoarse, and she jokingly said that her blood pressure has not yet returned to normal.

Paradis is the head coach of the Biddeford High School Girls’ Basketball team, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, you already know that Paradis and her players have been very busy over the last few days.

Head Coach Jeannine Paradis

On Saturday – for the first time ever – the BHS Lady Tigers played in the state championship game, a thrilling and yet heartbreaking display of courage, tenacity and skill.

Trailing the Caribou Vikings for much of the game, the Tigers rallied in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to overcome a 12-point deficit and force overtime play, where the Tigers grabbed the lead. But in the end, the Vikings were able to clinch the win with just a one-point difference, 49-48.

Paradis grew up in Biddeford and played field hockey, basketball and ran track at Biddeford High School before graduating in 1994.

Ayla Lagasse looks for three during Saturday’s state championship game (Photo: Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

She then went on to study rehabilitation services at the University of Maine Farmington. During her senior year in college, she was recognized as being a hard worker and landed a job as the junior varsity boys basketball team at Morse High School.

She has now been the head coach in Biddeford for four seasons.

Biddeford’s Gabby Silva drives under the boards (Photo: Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

You were still in school and got a coaching position for a boys’ team with no coaching experience.

“I think it was my professional attitude that got me the job,” Paradis said. “There were several applicants interviewed, but I was the only one who dressed up for the interview.

“Some of the candidates went to the interview wearing jeans with baseball caps turned backward. I think my eagerness and professionalism stood out. I’m a hard worker. It’s a pride thing that was instilled in me when I was young.”

Gabby Smith maintains possession for the Lady Tigers
(Photo by Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

This was the first time that the Lady Tigers every played in a state championship. Were you feeling lots of pressure?

“Coming into the season, there was always a lot of talk about this particular freshmen group. When we look back at the basketball program, we’ve always had a lot of athletes, but never true basketball players.”

“I felt good about how our kids were reacting throughout the whole tournament season, and how they just got better with each game. Going in, I figured we’d be a little nervous, anxious and excited.

— Head Coach Jeannine Paradis

What’s the difference between an athlete and a ‘true basketball player?”

“These kids will pick up a ball. They’ll do the extra. They’ll play travel ball and tournaments and spend hours shooting baskets in their own driveway. Just completely committed to the game of basketball.”

You had a very young team for a state championship game.

“I brought 14 players up to the tournaments. My original roster was 13 girls, but I brought along one standout from our junior varsity team. I had three sophomores, one of whom was injured and could not play and three seniors. The rest were all freshmen.”

Biddeford’s Jordyn Crump goes for two (
Photo by Maureen Grandmaison photography)

What was running through your head on Friday evening, the night before the big game?

“We had practiced hard on Wednesday and Thursday, so I wanted to keep Friday pretty light; working on ball handling, shooting. We talked about our game plan, in terms of what we were going to do when we got on the bus, what we were going to do when we got to the [arena].

“I felt good about how our kids were reacting throughout the whole tournament season, and how they just got better with each game. Going in, I figured we’d be a little nervous, anxious and excited. So, we talked about having all those feelings, and letting them know it was okay to have those feelings, but once the game starts, and that clock starts ticking we all needed to be focused and serious.

“I had a really good feeling waking up that we could compete. I’ve seen our kids compete against some pretty talented players in the SMAA. We had a tough schedule, and they stepped up every single day. If one of our top shooters wasn’t shooting well, somebody else picked up that slack. So, it was really great to see how they would play for each other.”

Anna Smyth puts up two for Biddeford
(Photo by Maureen Grandmaison Photography)

How long do you think you’re going to replay the final 20 seconds of that game in your head?

(Laughs) “I’ve heard from several of my colleagues and other people that it will take at least a couple of months before I stop analyzing every little detail. It was a learning experience for our players, but it was also a learning experience for me.”

Did you and your team have a sense of how much the larger community was supporting you?

“You know, growing up in Biddeford during the 1990s, you know that this is a football town, and football gets a lot of the attention.

“I wasn’t sure how much support we would have. Our gym wasn’t always full. But unlike other more rural communities that don’t have a center, our community has a core. To see the City Hall clocktower lit up in orange, all the things being shared on Facebook, I think the girls felt the support.

“Even though we lost, they still did something amazing, and the community really had our backs.”

Natalie Silva drives past heavy Viking defense
(Photo by Maureen Grandmaison photography

Have you now set the bar of expectation so high that it will be tougher next year?

“I think there’s always a downside, but I’m always up for a challenge, good years or bad years. My commitment to the program and the kids is about a lot more than just winning or losing.

“It’s more about the kids and having them grow and find some success even if the record doesn’t indicate that, if I can do that then I have done my job.”

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Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Earlier today, the Biddeford Gazette learned that an email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett was sent from one member of the Biddeford City Council to Mayor Marty Grohman and every other member of the council.

According to our sources, the email was sent at 7:05 a.m. today (Feb. 27, 2025).

The city has been tight lipped ever since we reported Bennett’s abrupt and surprise departure. That action by the mayor and council has led to speculation throughout the community. Thus, the Biddeford Gazette filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request with the city.

Bennett, who was hired by the city in 2015, found himself surrounded by a swirl of increasing controversy over the past year.

All the President’s Men/ New Yorker magazine photo

In October, Bennett announced his resignation. He said he would stay on the job until Apri with 14 months remaining in his current contract, leaving a $15,000 retention bonus on the table.

Last week, all city employees were sent an email announcing that Bennett was being immediately replaced by Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operations officer.

Today’s email from one member of the council to all other members of the council and the mayor is now a public document. The Biddeford Gazette believes the people of Biddeford deserve to know what is happening, especially given many irregularities in the city’s finance department over the past two years.

Per state and federal law, some issues such as current legal matters or personnel issues are exempt from FOIA requirements. However, once those documents are distributed (electronically or otherwise) to several elected officials from another elected official, they become public documents.

Our Feb. 27, 2025 FOIA request is copied below:

_____________________

February 27, 2025

To: Mayor Marty Grohman, City Council, Harry Center, esq; City of Biddeford, Maine; et al.

Re: FOIA request

Pursuant to and under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., I am hereby — on behalf of myself and the Biddeford Gazette — requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of the following:

  1. A copy of an email that was sent to you and every current member of the Biddeford City Council at approximately 7:05 a.m. today (February 27, 2025) from a city councilor regarding the appointment of Brian Phinney as acting city manager and regarding former City Manager James Bennett.

2..Any other written correspondence between members of the council and mayor between Wednesday, Feb. 19 and today regarding the leave of the former city manager.

If you believe that this request is invalid and not the purview of the general public, please advise and explain with your specific objections in writing.

Please also provide whatever other documents (as outlined above) even if you deem other parts of this request to be invalid as defined by the State of Maine.

I believe these requested records should be provided free of any monetary obligation, given the nature of this request. However, if you anticipate a cost associated with gathering these materials, please advise me of those costs in advance.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Randy Seaver

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