Board: Lewiston City Council

Met: Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Summer parking fine
Issue: Downtown residents know to keep their vehicles off of the streets during winter storms to make sure they don’t interfere with snowplowing and sanding operations. Vehicle owners can be fined $29 per violation.
The Scoop: Police officers are recommending the City Council expand that fine to include people that leave their cars overnight, interfering with all city road operations, including street sweeping, road paving and repairs.
Up Next: Councilors approved the change with a 6-0 vote.

Construction fees
Issue: When state officials voted to increase the minimum permit fee for indoor plumbing work, the city was obliged to pass that fee along.
The Scoop: The city currently charges a $9 permit fee per fixture for professional plumbing projects with a $36 minimum. That fee would increase to $10 per fixture and $40 minimum. Fees for underground waste water systems installations would increase, as well.

City staff did recommend easing one requirement on the building permit fees. Staff recommended letting the city pay back at least 75 percent of the permit’s cost if the project doesn’t start. People seeking a refund need to notify the city in writing within six months.
Up Next: The fee changes were approved unanimously.

Garage sale fees
Issue: As Lewiston and Auburn staff works toward linking computer systems, they’ve begun giving special scrutiny to what each charges for permits, fees and fines.
The Scoop: Both cities charge a fee for residents hosting garage sales. In Auburn, the city charges $10. In Lewiston, the fee is $6.
Up Next: Councilors voted 6-0 to match Auburn’s $10 fee.

Liquor licenses
Issue: Local restaurants and bars must reapply for liquor licenses and amusement permits each year. Liquor licenses permit the establishments to serve alcohol; amusement permits allow them to play music, have a DJ, host karaoke or have games on site.
The scoop: Councilors approved a new liquor license for Niky’s Breakfast, Lunch and Catering, 30 Lowell St. They renewed special amusement permits for Carlton Club Inc., 25 Sabattus St; Barnie’s Bar and Grill, 1065 Sabattus St.; and The Cage, 97-99 Ash St.

Next meeting: The next regular meeting of the  council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 15.

Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via e-mail at staylor@sunjournal.com.