When it comes to former city manager James Bennett, Mayor Marty Grohman is correct. The city needs closure from a nightmare that has been hanging over City Hall for several years.
After finally being “placed on administrative leave” in February, Bennet filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city.
Though the city countered Bennett’s claims in their filed response, ongoing litigation would have could have cost the city more than $200,000.
As part of the court-ordered mediation, the city agreed to a settlement of $90,000, which will be paid by the city’s insurance carrier.
Although it is not a direct cost falling onto the taxpayers, it’s quite possible that the city will see a modest increase in its annual premiums, but those potential increases will not come close to $90,000.
From a financial point of a view, the city made the logical decision.
The Bennett saga, however, should be learning lesson for the city. We should never again allow an employee to write their own contract.
Bennett was hired in 2015, long before Grohman joined the city council. Most of the current city council were not on the council in 2015.
But here is the good news for Biddeford.
Truc Dever, Biddeford’s new city manager, is a breath of fresh air. She is the exact opposite of Bennett. She is curious and she listens. She is friendly and transparent. She does not run rough-shod over the council. She is accountable and ready to lead. She is a coach, not a bully.
I swear to God, you can almost literally feel the difference when you walk into City Hall today.
Sadly, Dever, Grohman and many others are still cleaning up the mess that Bennett left behind more than eight months ago.
Hopefully, we all learned a lesson from this. Now it’s time for the healing to begin.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The city of Biddeford announced Monday that they had reached an out-of-court settlement with former city manager James Bennett.
Under terms of the agreement released Monday, Bennett will receive $90,000 from the city’s insurance company, not taxpayers. City officials also point out that the settlement will save the city thousands of dollars in legal fees and ongoing court costs.
The settlement — which is being paid by the city’s insurance company –is expected to save the city several thousand dollars in ongoing legal fees and court costs, said Mayor Marty Grohman.
“This settlement was the right move for the city,” Grohman explained. “Now, we can get some closure on this matter and move forward with all of the other important work facing the city.”
According to the settlement, Bennett will receive $90,000 as follows: $24,000 into his401A account; $16,750 into his 457 accounts; $810 into his RHS account and $48,440 less applicable withholding as wages.
According to City Attorney Harry Center, the settlement was reached as part of the court-ordered mediation between the parties.
You may view or download a complete copy of the settlement agreement here:
Did Jim Bennett manipulate the tax obligations on his own home?
According to court documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, former Biddeford city manager James Bennett allegedly used his position to lower the tax assessment for his personal property.
Earlier this year, after being removed from his office in February, Bennett filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, claiming that he was still owed salary and benefits from the city.
Former City Manager James Bennett
According to the city’s counterclaim to Bennett’s lawsuit, the former city manager behaved in an unethical manner and acted inappropriately by allegedly using his position for personal gain.
Specifically, the city alleges that Bennett interviewed former assistant assessor Nicholas Desjardins for the position of assessor on June 29, 2018.
Three days later, on July 2, 2018, the city alleges that Bennett drove Desjardins to Bennett’s private property located at 9 Sky Oaks Drive “for the purpose of reviewing” the property.
The city also alleges that Bennett promoted Desjardins from assistant assessor to the position of assessor on the next day, July 3, 2018.
Then, one week later, the city says that Bennett received a reduction in his property tax assessment.
The city has hired an outside attorney who is expected to testify that Bennett’s conduct — of driving an applicant for the city tax assessor position to his own home; in his own personal vehicle and then asking Desjardins to conduct a tax abatement — is behavior that constitutes cause for termination.
Bennett adamantly denies the city’s claims.
Bennett says that he and his wife received a “justified abatement” on their home that was authorized by former city assessor Frank Yattaw in 2018.
Furthermore, Bennett says that Desjardins did not make the “final” decision on the abatement. According to Bennett, Desjardins was recommended to become the next assessor for the cities of Biddeford and Saco by an independent committee consisting of three officials from each community.
That committee, Bennett says, was chaired by former Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant.
Bennett says he simply forwarded Desjardins’ name as his nomination to the Biddeford City Council.
“All of this is known by the leadership of the city,” Bennett said. “They have elected to ignore the facts to avoid the city’s contractual obligations to me.”
“I look forward to the resolution of the legal process that will confirm these facts,” Bennett wrote in an email response to the Gazette.
Bennett says his lawsuit against the city will provide “an independent validation” of his integrity and will ‘begin to restore the damage” to his character and reputation.
“It is most unfortunate that the leadership of the city, with support of some members of the [Biddeford] City Council have chosen a path that has and will cost the taxpayers additional money,” Bennett added.
According to the city assessment database, Bennett’s home was built in 1950, has 3,360 square-feet of living area and is situated on a 2.25-acre land parcel. Bennett purchased the home in 2015 for $322,500. As of 2024, the home was assessed at $497,900.
Bennett was hired by the city in June 2015. Facing mounting public criticism, Bennett announced in October 2024 that he would be resigning his office in April 2025, roughly one year before his latest contract was set to expire.
The city removed Bennett from office and placed him on administrative leave on February 20, 2025, roughly two months before Bennett’s planned retirement date.
When contacted by the Gazette, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman issued a statement saying that “the city will not comment on any pending litigation.”
Bennett was the city’s fourth professional city manager. Over the course of his 40-year career, Bennett has served as the manager in the cities of Lewiston and Westbook, and in the towns of Dixfield, Old Orchard Beach and Presque Isle.
Truc Dever was hired by the city to replace Bennett. She began her new position on August 11.
Bennett’s lawsuit against the city is now making its way through the docket in York County Superior Court.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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According to documents filed in York County Superior Court, the city of Biddeford is asking the Court to dismiss a complaint filed earlier this year by former city manager James Bennett.
In his lawsuit against the city, Bennett claims that he is entitled to more than $200,000 in wages and other compensation, as outlined in his employment contract with the city.
The city, however, is asking the Court to reject Bennett’s claim. The city said Bennett’s claim is not valid and further alleges that Bennett committed a breach of contract and a failure to comply with the contractual terms of his employment agreement.
In his brief to the Court, City Solicitor Harry B. Center argues that Bennett should not receive any further benefits, citing legal doctrine of “estoppel, laches, waiver and unclean hands,” which means the city is alleging that Bennett engaged in “misconduct or wrongdoing” related to his employment contract.
Bennett (center) toots his own horn explaining his resignation
Mayor Marty Grohman told the Biddeford Gazette Wednesday that he could not offer specifics about Bennett’s lawsuit or about why he was ousted from office in February, roughly two months prior to his announced resignation date of April 18.
“The city is committed to transparency but must also follow the applicable law in regard to employment and legal matters,” Grohman said. “We appreciate the public’s interest and will share more when we are able.”
The court documents obtained by the Gazette do not offer any specifics about why Bennett was removed from office or any details about his alleged “misconduct.”
Grohman said the city complied with all of its contractual obligations to the former city manager through the last date of his employment, April 18, 2025.
In his initial complaint to the Court filed on May 9, Bennett says he fulfilled all his contractual obligations to the city, thus arguing that he is entitled to several benefits that are spelled out in his employment contract.
Bennett claims that he is entitled to one full year of base compensation ($170,000). He also says that he is entitled to seven weeks of vacation pay ($22,848); 12 months-worth of reimbursements for his cell phone and internet ($4,200) and 12 months of mileage reimbursements ($8, 224).
As part of his employment contract, Bennett stipulates that the city is prohibited from publicly saying “anything negative” about him or his performance.
According to an addendum to Bennett’s employment contract:
“The city will limit references to James A. Bennett’s desire to retire, and the extended notice was in no way related to performance issues or any other issues.”
“Any public comments by the city and its agents and representatives will be limited to the positive contributions made by James A. Bennett and to the leadership he has provided to the city during his tenure.”
See below to view/download PDF of Bennett’s amended employment contract:
In fact, Bennett has filed a civil complaint against the city in York County Superior Court.
During a public review of the city’s long overdue FY ’23 audit, accountants from Runyon, Kersteen and Ouellette (RKO) told the mayor and city council last week that they found “several serious deficiencies” in how the city handled its finances over the past two years.
Sarah Dodge – an accountant at RKO – told the council that her firm found an absence of cash reconciliations and what appeared to be mismanagement of federal grant money that was awarded to the city.
New questions now being raised about Biddeford’s former city manager, James Bennett. Bennett has filed a lawsuit against the city (File photo)
Although Dodge stressed that RKO found no evidence of fraudulent activity at City Hall, new questions are now being raised about Bennett’s performance and responsibilities.
“How can a city, run by a professional city manager, lack basic financial controls for critical financial management including an absence of cash reconciliation?” asked Biddeford resident Kathy Russell.
Russell was a city council candidate in 2017, and she says the auditor’s report should be a “wake-up call” for Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council.
“The taxpayers were providing Mr. Bennett with a very nice salary and benefits,” Russell said. “We expected that he would be responsible and transparent.”
After learning of the auditor’s report, Russell and many other residents are now asking why Bennett was abruptly removed from office nearly two months before his planned resignation date.
“We expected that he (Bennett) would be responsible and transparent.”
— Kathy Russell
Bennett – hired by the city in 2015 – was facing increasing public pressure on a number of fronts, most notably about rapid employee turnover, including seven finance directors in a five-year-period at City Hall.
Bennett publicly announced his resignation in October last year. He said that he would “retire” on April 18. Bennett, however, was ousted from City Hall on February 20.
“I sure hope that we are not still paying Bennett for the remainder of his contract,” said Mark Poirier, another Biddeford resident.
Poirier said he was especially concerned about the city’s deficient cash reconciliation processes.
“I want to know how long this has been going on,” Poirier said. “Taxpayers have a right to know what’s really happening at City Hall.”
Mayor Marty Grohman said he understands the inquiries about Bennett, but said he is legally prohibited from answering specific questions about the city manager because of state and federal laws regarding personnel issues.
“The city is committed to transparency but must also follow the applicable law in regard to employment and legal matters,” Grohman said. “We appreciate the public’s interest, and we’ll share more as we are able.”
Grohman, however, did confirm the Gazette’s inquiry about whether Bennett has filed a lawsuit against the city.
“This matter is now before the court, and we are confident in the city’s position,” Grohman said. “There are relevant filings in York County Superior Court that are part of the public record.” (Docket No. YORSC-CV-2025-98).
“The city has submitted both an answer and a counterclaim for declaratory judgment in response,” Grohman said.
Although Bennett was dismissed from his City Hall office in February, Grohman said the city continued paying Bennett’s salary until April 18, the date of his effective resignation.
Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, has been serving as acting city manager since Feb. 20. Truc Dever will take over as the city’s full-time manager on Aug. 11.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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A lot can happen in just a few days, and that’s especially true when you’re in the news business.
Over just the past few days, we added a new staff member to the Gazette team, got a huge compliment from one of Maine’s most respected journalists and stumbled across a significant story that is still in development.
Hint: I’ve got a funny feeling we have not heard the last from our former city manager, Jim Bennett
I am excited to announce that Gail Toussaint of Biddeford has decided to join our team as a much-needed copy editor.
Gail told us that she really enjoys reading the Biddeford Gazette, but noticed occasional typos and grammatical errors. When you’re basically running a one-man operation on a deadline, little mistakes can be expected, but they are never acceptable.
Gail Toussaint joins the Gazette (Facebook photo)
We strive to give you a quality, trustworthy product that is accurate, relevant and timely (ART). Gail actually volunteered to help us meet that mission. I was blown away by her offer to help us without any type of compensation.
“I love what the Gazette is doing,” Gail told us. “I think it’s an important part of our community, and I’m happy to help.”
It’s important to note that Gail will not be able to edit all of our stories, so if you see a typo, blame us, not her. Actually, we really do encourage our readers to contact us if they spot an error, have a complaint or a suggestion about a possible story.
A huge compliment:
Who doesn’t like being recognized for their efforts? A few days ago, I received an email from A Jay Higgins, one of Maine’s best known and respected journalists.
For more than 40 years, AJ has worked as a reporter and editor at the Bangor Daily News, at the Portland Press Herald’s former parent company (Blethen) and most recently at Maine Public Radio before retiring.
“I admire your tenacity as you undertake this project,” Higgins wrote. “I just don’t get it. People really do want local news: the council meetings, the school board meetings, the sewer district meetings, baked bean suppers, school sports, Elks Lodge, births, deaths etc.
A Jay Higgins (photo: Maine Public Radio)
“But they apparently don’t want to pay for it. “Just a thought, keep up the good work.”
When you get a compliment from a colleague, it reminds you that your work is worth the effort.
That said, I would also like to thank all the others who pass along well wishes and compliments on an almost daily basis.
For example, last week I took my truck for an oil change at Jiffy Lube in Biddeford. The man working at the counter asked, “are you Randy Seaver?”
Cautiously, I affirmed his query. “Cool,” he responded. “I really like what you’re doing with the Gazette.”
And there are so many others, former city councilors, teachers and former classmates. I cherish all of it. Thank you so much for your continued support!
New city manager
A lot of people have asked me what I think about the woman who will likely become Biddeford’s next city manager. I have yet to meet Truc Dever in person, but I am feeling quite optimistic about her taking over the helm at City Hall.
Truc Dever, Biddeford’s new city manager
In my opinion, she is well-qualified for the position — both on paper and hands-on experience. But the biggest thing she offers Biddeford is a fresh set of eyes and a breath of fresh air. She has no allegiances to anyone or any institution. She has not been influenced by Biddeford’s culture, history or the often-negative narrative about our community.
In short, I am looking forward to seeing what she can do to help Biddeford achieve all the success we deserve.
What’s on the horizon?
I have a lot of stories in development. So, stay tuned. We are also approaching our six-month anniversary, when Laura and I plan to make some significant decisions about the Gazette’s future.
Later today, you can expect to read my exclusive feature story about Gen. Marquis de Lafeyette and the celebration of his visit to Biddeford 200 years ago.
In the meantime, stay safe, have fun and enjoy your summer!
Remember what Shakespeare said: “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”
***’
On a more personal note, you may want to check out my recent blog post about my time as a student at the JFK School in Biddeford: Fear and Loathing in Biddeford
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Following a nationwide search, the Biddeford City Council is expected next week to confirm the hiring of Truc Dever as the city’s next professional manager.
Dever currently serves as the public works director for the city of Kirkland, Wash., a city with a population of roughly 93,000 people located about eight miles east of Seattle.
According to Mayor Marty Grohman, Dever will begin her new job in Biddeford in August. Details about her contract will not be available until her hiring is confirmed by the city council next week.
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever
“Truc distinguished herself as the top candidate for the position for several reasons,” said Mayor Martin Grohman. “She brings over two decades of public sector leadership across a range of city operations, as well as experience in human resources and public health. The members of the city council and I are excited to welcome her to Biddeford.”
In her previous position as public work director in Kirkland, Dever oversaw a staff of more than “170 employees across multiple divisions, including utilities, transportation and capital projects,” according to the city’s website.
Dever held various leadership roles before becoming Kirkland’s public works director, including serving as human resources director in Kirkland; general manager at Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, and director of community affairs within the same agency, where she managed public health communication initiatives.
She also has experience as a small business owner and working in public relations and media roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from UCLA and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Fullerton.
“I am honored to be considered for this position as Biddeford’s next city manager,” said Dever. “I look forward to working alongside city leaders and community members to continue building a future focused on opportunity, sustainability and resiliency.”
Dever will become the city of Biddeford’s fifth city manager, taking over the helm from acting City Manager Brian Phinney. Previous city managers include Bennett, John Bubier, Edward Clifford and Bruce Benway.
According to the Kirkland city website, as the city’s human resources director, Dever “helped negotiate six collective bargaining agreements with the city’s labor unions; spearheaded the effort to provide affordable, accessible, and quality childcare benefits to Kirkland employees.
Grohman said Dever was selected from a pool of 34 applicants in a nationwide search for candidates.
Dever will begin her tenure Monday, August 11. Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, will continue to serve as acting city manager until Dever’s contract begins.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Word on the street is that the city of Biddeford is “pretty close” to hiring a new city manager.
City officials say they will likely be ready to make a formal announcement within the next few days.
The council is scheduled to conduct a closed-door executive session at its Tuesday night meeting to discuss “labor negotiations.”
Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, has been serving as acting city manager since late February, when embattled city manager James Bennett was removed from office well ahead of his planned resignation date.
A search committee, including citizen members, has reportedly interviewed “several” qualified candidates.
The new city manager will be the city’s fifth professional manager since 1996. Prior city managers include Bruce Benway, Ed Clifford, John Bubier and Bennett.
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During the March 4 Biddeford City Council meeting, acting city manager Brian Phinney provided the council with some concerning and significant updates regarding the finance department.
According to Phinney’s regular report to the council, the city could be facing:
Potential penalties of $790,000 from the Internal Revenue Service;
Penalties of roughly $350,000 from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding a 2019 grant for lead abatement.
According to Phinney, the city is also nearly three years behind on its regular audits. He said the FY 2023 audit should be completed this month.
Last year, the city council authorized spending up to $300,000 for an independent, forensic analysis of problems in the finance department. That report, Phinney said, is expected later this month.
Phinney praised the work of Gerry Matherne who was hired just a few weeks ago as the city’s finance director. “She is doing a fantastic job,” he said. “But we don’t have capacity down there.”
Phinney alluded to financial complications by telling the council: “You all know the conditions of the books.”
The city has gone through six finance directors in the last five years.
Below is the text of an email we sent to Brian Phinney today, seeking answers and clarifications regarding these issues. We have shared these questions with every media outlet that covers City Hall.
********
Dear Mr. Phinney,
I recently watched the Biddeford City Council’s March 4, 2025 meeting, and I have a few questions regarding your update as acting city manager to the council.
I know this is an extremely busy time for you and city managers all across the country as you begin putting together the FY 2026 budget.
Further complicating matters are two vacancies in the Finance Department and a rather abrupt transition in leadership.
Considering all that, I thought (and Mayor Grohman agreed) that it may be helpful to put my questions regarding your recent report in writing.
Make no mistake, if you would prefer, I am more than happy to meet face-to-face and anticipate the interview would take less than 15 minutes.
Here are my questions:
Three-year delay on audit: According to your comments at Tuesday’s meeting, the city is nearly three years behind on its annual audit obligations, going back to FY 2023. How did we get so far behind?
Given that we have not gone through an audit, how can we possibly put together a budget of more than $40 million with any degree of confidence?
Why was this delay with conducting an audit not addressed sooner?
Can this situation adversely impact the city’s bond rating?
IRS Exposure: You also told the city council that the city may have “a considerable exposure” of $790,000 in penalties from the IRS. You said you are “negotiating with the IRS” but the city (combined with school department) could still face a $233,000 liability. Can you provide specific details about how this happened?
HUD funding for Lead abatement: You told the council that the city may be facing a $350,000 penalty for our failure to properly “close out” the 2019 grant. What does this mean, and how did it happen?
BerryDunn report: Last year, the council approved a measure to spend up to $300,000 for an investigation and report concerning irregularities in the finance department. You said you anticipate that report later this month. How much did we end up paying for those services, which are above and beyond the annual audit, which is typically performed by Runyon, Kersteen & Ouellette?
Misc. You told the council “you all know the conditions of our books.” Can you please elaborate and provide some details about that statement?
You indicated that there are now two vacancies in the city’s finance department, saying “there’s no capacity down there, but also praised the new Finance Director for her professionalism and accomplishments in just the last few weeks.
You said that you had an applicant interested in one of the vacancies but they decided not to accept the city’s offer. Can you shed any light on why the applicant declined the offer?
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The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette’s request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20.
The Gazette subsequently learned that another internal email was shared among individual members of the Biddeford City Council regarding Bennett’s sudden departure. Under both the federal and state public access laws, the Biddeford Gazette asked for a copy of that second email.
Former City Manager James Bennett
Today, City Attorney Harry Center sent an email, denying the Gazette’s request based on state law that prohibits the city from public disclosure of personnel records. A copy of Center’s letter can be found below:
For the first time since Bennett left office, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman released a public statement about the issue:
Grohman’s unedited remarks:
“As of February 20, 2025, City Manager James Bennett is on Paid Administrative Leave. This is a personnel matter and pursuant to state statute, Title 30A MRS Section 2702, personnel matters are designated as confidential.
At its March 4 meeting, the City Council passed an Order appointing Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney as Acting City Manager. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Biddeford, Mr. Phinney is well-prepared to oversee city operations. Additionally, our Department Heads are strong, capable leaders who will ensure that city services continue to run smoothly.
The City and its elected officials are unable to comment further on City Manager Bennett’s leave as it is a personnel matter. However, I want to reassure our residents that the city remains in good hands, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality services and advancing key projects and priorities.
The City Council and I appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
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.
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:
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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Bennett, well-known in several communities throughout Maine, capped off his nine-year stint in Biddeford under a cloud of mystery. Six days ago.
I understand why the city is keeping tight-lipped, but I cannot believe that I am the only reporter in southern Maine asking questions. Six days!
The rumors are swirling, and yet every other media outlet in southern Maine is either unwilling or unable to cover the story.
If I had not published my story, the people of Biddeford would have almost no way of knowing what is happening at City Hall. Six days! Really?
I get that I have an unfair advantage because I have been covering Biddeford longer than anyone else and have developed a healthy Rolodex of sources, but six days??
This is a disservice to the people of Biddeford. This community deserves better than just my reporting.
I understand, maybe it’s difficult or embarrassing for other media outlets to acknowledge that I have been running circles around them on a zero-dollar budget for the past two months while only wearing boxer shorts in my basement and often forgetting to put in my dentures . . . but come on! Six days!
No wonder local government officials think they can do whatever they want. No one is apparently watching.
Yesterday, there was a glimmer of hope. A reporter from the Portland Press Herald sent me an email, asking me if I would share my source of the e-mail that was sent to city workers last week. I declined but offered to point her in the right direction. Then? Silence.
Seriously? Six days?
Pathetic.
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Just when you think things are going to slow down and become more manageable, some big stories come from out of nowhere and demand your immediate attention.
Such was the case last week, with two stories that were both exclusive to the Biddeford Gazette. First, the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the city of Biddeford, voluntarily withdrew their suit just weeks before the matter was to be heard at the Maine Supreme Court.
That lawsuit challenged the decisions of a lower court’s ruling and the decision by the Biddeford Planning Board regarding a housing development and land swap near Clifford Park.
James Bennett
Before the ink had even dried on that story, we learned that Biddeford City Manager Jim Bennett would not be returning to his office after a brief vacation. City officials are being tight-lipped about the matter, but the surprise announcement seemed strange, especially since Bennett had said he would stay at his post until mid-April when he announced his resignation back in October.
As always, we were also happy to share some photos and news from this year’s Winterfest celebration. We even caught video of Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman busting a move along with several others during an exercise class.
Things are moving along even better than I could have imagined just two months ago. We now have hundreds of subscribers and — apparently — we’re now an international publication with a handful of subscribers from foreign countries, including six from Canada; two from Portugal and one from each Italy and New Zealand.
Pretty cool, eh?
On a more somber note, I am still happy to provide updated local obituaries each week at no charge to families. However, doing this does give you a moment of pause, especially when the obituaries are for people younger than you. Also, being part of the community, also means knowing or being connected to several of the deceased.
It’s a good reminder to live your life to the fullest, and never take anything for granted.
In closing, I apologize for being a day late in publishing this newsletter. Laura and I took a much-needed break and spent the weekend with some close friends in central Maine.
Maine is a big, beautiful and diverse state. On Saturday, we went from watching and listening to the roar of two-stroke snowmobiles in the annual Unity Pond snowmobile races and then over to Belfast to enjoy that community’s ice sculpture festival. It was pretty amazing to watch the ice sculptors work,
Now, I’m back, rested up and ready to finish the third installment of our three-part series regarding Biddeford’s housing crisis..
Drop me a line if you have a story idea, a complaint or a suggestion. As always, thank you so much for reading!
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According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week.
Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to finish out the remainder of his employment term.
Former city manager James Bennett
Phinney, apparently, will now serve as acting manager while the council continues its search for a permanent replacement.
Facing increasing public pressure, Bennett announced his resignation last October. In a deal he worked out with the City Council, he was scheduled to leave his post in April.
Bennett, hired in 2015, was the city’s fourth professional manager.
We have reached out to Mayor Marty Grohman and Council President Liam LaFountain for additional comment.
This story will be updated.
UPDATE:
Here is a copy of an email sent from Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operations officer, to all Biddeford city employees at 3:37 p.m. today.
“Good afternoon,
On behalf of the Mayor and members of the City Council, I want to take a moment to update you on a leadership transition development.
As you know, the City Council has begun the process of selecting a new city manager, with a decision expected late spring or early summer. In the interim, the Mayor and City Council have elected to begin implementation of the transition plan.
As part of the transition I have been asked to serve as acting city manager to ensure continuity in daily operations. In accordance with this plan, Jim will be on leave from this point forward.
We have every confidence in your abilities and know we have a shared desire for a smooth transition. Thank you all for your continued dedication to the city and the community we serve. Your work remains vital, and we appreciate your continued dedication during this time of change.”
The University of New England (UNE) is, apparently, refusing to provide information to the public and the media about a federal grant the university received to construct a new “research pier” on the banks of the Saco River.
Over the last few weeks, John Schafer, a Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission, has repeatedly tried to get documents regarding a $3.5 million federal grant that the university received from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
In previous interviews, the university says it is planning to use those funds to build a permanent pier on the Saco River that can accommodate its 60-foot marine research vessel.
Schafer says he and other residents simply want to see documents related to the grant. “I am a big believer in transparency and accountability,” he said. “I don’t understand why the university is unwilling to release details about a grant award of public funds. What are they hiding?”
The Biddeford Gazette attempted to contact both the university’s president James Herbert and Alan Thibeault, vice president of operations, for comment. Neither Herbert nor Thibeault returned our calls as of press time.
Sarah Delage, associate vice president of communications, replied to our inquiries with a one sentence response: “The University of New England has provided, and will continue to provide, all required and relevant documentation to the regulatory agencies and governmental bodies conducting the permitting process for our proposed research pier.”
After receiving that email from Delage, we sent another email inquiry to her, asking why the university is unwilling to simply share those documents with members of the public, especially those who live in close proximity to the school’s Biddeford campus.
Delage did not respond to our second email inquiry, as of press time.
The university formally submitted its plan for a new pier to the city of Biddeford in June last year. The grant application, however, was submitted several months prior.
UNE is still facing an arduous and likely lengthy review process for their proposal. In addition to the city of Biddeford, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will need to review the proposed project.
Schafer said he has been bending over backward to be courteous and professional with his requests, but says he feels as if he is being stonewalled by the university.
Schafer, wrote Herbert on January 21, asking the university president to release a copy of the application the university submitted to NIST.
Herbert, Schafer says, did not reply.
According to a recent press release issued by Schafer, Alan Thibeault called Schafer and told him that he did not need to see the application, while also saying that the university is “not required” to release it.
“I don’t get it. Why are they being so stubborn? There are no national security issues here.”
— John Schafer
Thibeault did not respond to our request for comment.
Schafer says that Thibeault “reluctantly agreed to ask about permission to release the application and said he’d be back in touch.”
“I never heard back from him,” Schafer said. “At first, our conversation was very cordial, but it quickly became terse.”
Schafer says that Thibeault told him there was nothing in the grant application that wasn’t already given to various regulatory agencies.
Schafer then sent a second email to Hebert a few days later. Once again, Schafer asked to see the grant application, saying the documents should be available in the interest of transparency.
The university president has also not responded to Schafer’s second email request for disclosure.
“I don’t get it,” Schafer said. “Why are they being so stubborn? There are no national security issues here. These should be public documents. The public has a right to know how UNE presented their project to the federal government.”
Schafer commended both Biddeford City Manager James Bennett and Mayor Marty Grohman for informing UNE last year that the location of the proposed pier is not in any way approved by the city.
“The application filed with NIST could very well affect Biddeford’s regulatory process, but UNE doesn’t want it released to me, Biddeford or Saco. Luckily, freedom of information laws exist to deal with this type of obstruction,” Schafer said.
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The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to fill the gap in funding for repairs and renovations to the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, a private resource for the city’s unhoused residents.
The council’s move Tuesday is expected to solve lingering issues and questions about a shortfall of $255,000 of the $1.2 million project. (See Previous story)
Biddeford City Manager James Bennett reminded councilors and stressed the fact that the renovations at Seeds of Hope was never a city project. Instead, the city decided last year to award the non-profit agency with funding that would come from federal grants.
When the project was first proposed last year, the council voted to direct federal funds the city receives from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
Shortly after the renovation project started, the city learned that certain parts of the project did not meet the some of the criteria required for federal funds.
“I wasn’t happy with this from day one. The mechanics of this process were ugly from the start”
–– Councilor Marc Lessard
Jim Godbout – a well-known plumber and community volunteer – was chosen by Seeds of Hope to lead the renovation project.
Despite the fact that funding for the two-phase project was now uncertain, Godbout and Seeds opted to press forward with the work so that it would done before the start of winter.
Awarding money to the Seeds of Hope, gave the city additional leverage and options for dealing with problematic homeless encampments throughout the city.
When the city of Biddeford decided to clean-out an encampment located near Mechanic’s Park last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court had yet to rule on a case filed by homeless advocates. That pending lawsuit required municipal governments to provide an alternative if they would not allow unhoused encampments.
In July, the city decided to direct federal funds to Seeds of Hope as a way to move forward with cleaning out the encampments.
The former homeless encampment on Water Street in Biddeford
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Bennett told the council the city could “just swap some funding around” so that Seeds of Hope, Godbout and his team would not be left hanging for work already performed.
The city council unanimously voted to follow Bennett’s recommendation of pulling $255,000 from the city’s contingency account.
Councilor Marc Lessard said using the contingency funds was “the right thing to do,” but harshly criticized the process to help fund the renovations for a non-profit organization.
“I wasn’t happy with this from day one,” Lessard said. “The mechanics of this process were ugly, but we do have an obligation to make things right.”
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 