[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6258253,"mediaKeyId","3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56","parentId",3148601,"title","Votes at a glance: approvals, appointments and resolutions from the April 28 Caribou City Council meeting","audioSeconds",5135,"startMs",2416000,"endMs",7551000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56&start=2416&end=7551","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56/thumbnail_2416000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258253/Caribou/Aroostook-County/Maine/Votes-at-a-glance-approvals-appointments-and-resolutions-from-the-April-28-Caribou-City-Council-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258253-e5593997d4b22d9e77be5b6bb3fd04bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180900&Signature=lv3A6xZGas~7Mg1sk2mbnqr4qTV1Dv5XFXggDSYOBHiqocZPG9YhxpAkTy14Lx7ydFvD-6nuV1OuZAtXhnaOvqpI79VV3dXB~RfKP1CzSrR~xC~HZNKhTVC33kc565OixIJNMtJUX-X8FYO8joZMX3Vx~Und5Am7dETwouKc4xEQl5UmTnzhbPVti3IFw4vOC7ONK9PuDHjn6mRiTuwcR8uWntETQTPb6zf5~gxeXfKnHS7ZZVaMCiCkaG66rplTa~oA-dqBWp5wbMrF~2TgnGWt4BAC7ktdi6NvdoZBaR~m7F8iXMTrDNMsFSH946lpl25Hr~WqM83iufTyNaEsVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-29T17:00:56.897Z","article","The Caribou City Council on April 28 completed several routine actions and a handful of formal votes. Below is a concise list of motions and outcomes reflected in the meeting record.

Key votes and outcomes

- Acceptance of minutes: The council approved the minutes sets presented (motion \"move the slate\"); roll call recorded as unanimous (aye from Kelly, Lovewell, Smith, Terrio, Watson). Outcome: approved.

- Public‑works materials bids: Council awarded the recommended low bids for 2025 materials (see related article). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Appointments to citizen committees: The council appointed Ken Mertens to the Caribou Riverfront Redevelopment Committee (term expiring 12/31/2025) and Shane McDougall to the Citizens Airport Advisory Committee (term expiring 12/31/2025). Outcome: approved (unanimous vote recorded).

- Unsolicited bids on tax‑acquired properties: The council rejected unsolicited offers received on tax‑acquired properties and directed staff to prepare a compliant plan for disposition. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Financial reports: The council accepted the February financial report and the March financial report as presented. Outcome: approved (both unanimous roll calls).

- Election validation and wardens: The council set the start time for the June RSU 230 budget validation election at 8:00 a.m. and appointed Daniel Restutt as election warden with deputies as listed in the motion. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Community Resilience Partnership resolution: The council adopted Resolution 2, Series 2025, to enroll the city in the State of Maine Community Resilience Partnership to make the city eligible for future community action grants. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Meeting date change: The council moved the May regular meeting from May 19, 2025 to Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (to follow the district budget meeting). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

What the votes mean: Most actions were routine, procedural or preparatory — awarding procurement contracts, appointing committee members, receiving financials and adopting a participation resolution to be eligible for state grants. The unanimous votes reflect council consensus on these agenda items at the April 28 meeting.

Recorded roll calls and next steps: The meeting record shows roll‑call votes for each listed item; staff will proceed with contract notifications, committee appointment notices, and the schedule and administrative steps for the June validation election. The items that require further policy work — chiefly the tax‑acquired property disposition process and any potential ordinance changes for marijuana licensing — were left for future agenda items and staff follow‑up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Caribou City Council 4/28/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Caribou City Council on April 28 completed several routine actions and a handful of formal votes. Below is a concise list of motions and outcomes reflected in the meeting record.","taxTitle","Caribou, Aroostook County, Maine","taxId",52157,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6258272,"Residents say city failed to notify or assist after Grimes Road flooding, urge clearer emergency chain of command",213,953000,1166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56&start=953&end=1166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56/thumbnail_953000.jpg","/articles/6258272/Caribou/Aroostook-County/Maine/Residents-say-city-failed-to-notify-or-assist-after-Grimes-Road-flooding-urge-clearer-emergency-chain-of-command","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258272-637bb55c8341636c1ac39d50ed24c0d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180900&Signature=FhVwBsMI4GzyUcMBBTjWeS~O6hMIKxCsduJ9MR0zgrzPwyjR58hQtrbnO1o6fQFJref-GqWA3Qg4J7enurCZ6lGHx3hZuCfsOF7GTrpDCSKMvazfnwD0FrbOjfxxrlv2AYAiHUnPTZvsRv3p7bUFXDZQpcIkJlcScIRJtP7UG4dR-k3CoNjpLhUToMQULC3uNjN39TGINIAy1MMO3pkuODpDrOM0HvZu~HaSw69KmJTzL6cU8rSA57kmAaWuJARqmeKfRc~TJ3JGtyQqDzPzO~trtg2mU6~i3xBv96AnRO-R6oiLdZVogTqebn6NfDBdsBACpmsr2~C~kPZob7nyQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told the Caribou City Council on April 28 that a sudden flood on Grimes Road stranded neighbors, including a 78‑year‑old man, for three days and that the city did not contact them or offer assistance until after the water receded.

The complaints came during the public forum when Michelle Blackstone of 170 Hardison Road said her father, who lives on Grimes Road, was isolated by high floodwaters over a weekend and was not contacted by city officials until Monday morning after she posted on social media and called the city manager. “My 78‑year‑old father [was] surrounded by high flood waters,” Blackstone said. She said drone footage and a municipal vehicle were posted on social media, but no one called affected residents.

Blackstone said she was told by a city contact that emergency responders needed the city manager’s direction to take action, and that no one responded until after she called Monday. She contrasted Caribou’s response with neighboring Fort Fairfield, where she said the police chief kept residents updated by text and law enforcement monitored the river and checked on people in person.

Why it matters: speakers described the incident as a missed opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of emergency training and to protect vulnerable residents. Several asked the council to clarify how and when emergency dollars and personnel are deployed and to establish a clearer chain of command so a similar lapse does not happen again.

Council response and next steps: the mayor thanked the speaker and said staff would follow up; no formal vote or policy change occurred during the meeting. Councilors and staff discussed the incident in public comment but did not adopt any directive or formal action at that meeting. The record shows residents pressed for discussion and follow‑up rather than immediate operational changes.

Details and context: Blackstone said affected residents were effectively isolated for “three days.” She asked what emergency training and resources are purchased if no one responds during an actual emergency and asked for clearer accountability. The speaker asked the council to explain how emergency services funds are used and to report back on a plan to ensure contact and support for isolated residents during off‑hours.

Ending: Council staff acknowledged the concern and indicated follow‑up would be provided; the transcript records no formal motion, vote, or new policy regarding emergency response at the April 28 meeting.","Several residents told the Caribou City Council on April 28 that a sudden flood on Grimes Road stranded neighbors, including a 78‑year‑old man, for three days and that the city did not contact them or offer assistance until after the water receded.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6258259,"Council rejects unsolicited offers on tax‑acquired properties, discusses state compliance after Tyler v. Hennepin",445,4739000,5184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56&start=4739&end=5184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56/thumbnail_4739000.jpg","/articles/6258259/Caribou/Aroostook-County/Maine/Council-rejects-unsolicited-offers-on-taxacquired-properties-discusses-state-compliance-after-Tyler-v-Hennepin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258259-2d262bbfad6c8b18847cd8555e7ac5ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180900&Signature=WMnK36pAwo8AQIwWo3lR6u2HCB4quSBgCCabZu9-uhPdUsUls4BV-nI6q5anv7sWdyb3v60OBBQPxoXhaIeoFdPr7zIug~RzRhasDh1VMCsr6F76~f4~GdtzrTdbdRmUgM~Ynh3W0SKe4xDVWszg6GOuy8~xwx6t1IrPppXL3j6fI46jtYrQA3P55-HF0QvMM6P9Gl2GbzAgxc8W-vzkwe2qUeAMSvYZ0AyS5ipPxZnSGPjkBBYIHThvvq94n9S7lR7k4T48v5sB5sfcLMe5K-v-BiGXUtYQNOzpRNqcgH63q68vcO58RJSjx5QPENuOe2aumvYPHwJ9srEnECIslQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caribou City Council on April 28 rejected unsolicited offers to buy tax‑acquired properties and discussed the broader implications of the Tyler v. Hennepin County decision for the city’s process for selling tax‑acquired parcels.

Staff briefing: City staff reported the state has dictated a process to sell properties acquired through the automatic lien foreclosure process and that Caribou has not completed that process, so unsolicited offers cannot be accepted at this time. Staff noted interest from several parties, including one neighbor who expressed interest in 15 Nancy Street and an out‑of‑state buyer that offered on multiple properties.

Council discussion: Councilors noted the need to adopt a plan for dealing with the inventory of tax‑acquired properties — staff cited roughly 16 properties in the current list — and discussed options such as soliciting a real‑estate broker to market the properties, obtaining broker price opinions or appraisals, and potential complications (commissions exceeding sale proceeds on less‑valuable lots). Councilors also noted fairness and conflicts‑of‑interest concerns if properties are marketed via real‑estate agents rather than sealed bids.

Vote: The council voted unanimously to reject the unsolicited purchase offers for now (roll call recorded as aye from Kelly, Lovewell, Smith, Terrio, Watson). The council directed staff to place further discussion on a future agenda to develop a plan that complies with state requirements.

Why it matters: after Tyler v. Hennepin County, municipal processes for disposing of tax‑acquired property have become more legally constrained; Caribou must follow state procedures to transfer title. The inventory of properties has fiscal implications and requires policy decisions about how to market or repurpose city‑owned parcels.

Next steps: staff will schedule the topic on a future meeting agenda to discuss requests for proposals/quotes for a broker, appraisal considerations, and a possible listing strategy that addresses conflict‑of‑interest concerns.","The council voted to reject unsolicited purchase offers on properties the city holds for unpaid taxes and discussed the administrative steps needed to comply with state law after the Tyler v. Hennepin County decision. Councilors agreed to explore a realtor process and further planning.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6258264,"Council awards public‑works materials bids; debate over local supplier for street paint",497,4128000,4625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56&start=4128&end=4625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56/thumbnail_4128000.jpg","/articles/6258264/Caribou/Aroostook-County/Maine/Council-awards-publicworks-materials-bids-debate-over-local-supplier-for-street-paint","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258264-52333c41a059ac006f02a845adfb6155/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180900&Signature=DdsapdPmq9V29kdweNhmr-nY1C6gCZVufebSH68aX9fFdPQOiVs5JArt5RfE5wjK0jUAnflipXuZfQCZU530lH7PmXzKb6Muj-Ty0f~ICqCOvVMnUsNew-TXMCLUG5myKUf-sodgmlJhgOcA-aNjrMZQdroY0QM-liX9Rvg54WsH1eJYJWT-tgrEaxsu2joonsLQzf-VkmdZBSenD7Amvv1WGcjAySyIVEfLeUAPfZqMDxZr47-KqNopdP1IabQV7JIiuiqQ1E3l7PThqubJkiGT2sYAXKK7Qg0ZnZKazZOmcdCVLbxWIUuhMkomFW8Ry6YW97RA9egv6aPz51Yt9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caribou City Council on April 28 accepted public‑works materials bids for 2025 — covering paving, sand, street paint and other supplies — after staff presented the low bids and councilors debated whether to prioritize a local supplier for street paint.

Public‑works staff summarized the bids and highlighted that some low bids arrived from local vendors while others were from outside the immediate area. Public‑works staff explained a practical difference: paint delivered in 55‑gallon drums (the low bid from Franklin Paint in Massachusetts last year) is easier to mix and apply than paint supplied in multiple 5‑gallon pails, which requires additional handling that increases crew time and waste.

Council debate: Councilors expressed a preference to support local vendors but acknowledged that the operational cost of handling paint in many 5‑gallon pails can offset the apparent price difference. Councilor Lovewell urged support for local suppliers in general but acknowledged the added crew work and potential waste. Public‑works staff said they had previously tried to arrange drum delivery from local suppliers and noted logistics sometimes limit that option.

Vote and award: The council moved to accept the recommended low bids. The motion listed awarded items, including (as presented in the motion) lane/construction and paving line items and JBDC sand at $16.45/ton; the roll call vote was unanimous (Kelly, Lovewell, Smith, Terrio, Watson — all aye) and the motion carried.

Why it matters: the decision determines which local and regional suppliers provide materials for street and infrastructure work this year and reflects a trade‑off between supporting local businesses and minimizing crew time and waste.

Next steps: staff will notify vendors of awards and proceed with orders. Councilors suggested civil follow‑up conversations with local vendors to explore drum delivery or other options to reduce field handling and waste.","The council awarded 2025 materials contracts — including paving and sand — after staff presented low bids and public discussion highlighted operational differences between drum‑delivered paint and local 5‑gallon pails. The council voted unanimously to accept the recommended low bids.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6258267,"Caregiver shop Richardson Remedies urges council to update marijuana ordinance to match state rules",742,1620000,2362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56&start=1620&end=2362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3148601-91e557cb9a814b7d18e0e3d518813c56/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6258267/Caribou/Aroostook-County/Maine/Caregiver-shop-Richardson-Remedies-urges-council-to-update-marijuana-ordinance-to-match-state-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258267-58b37e58a25cbd92d854b24249b09ff4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180900&Signature=VS~CnB5kkQ91WgaE~3TjSoAU7xKGeVju~kO6FxYdMKqTFUHACypQBm6HM0V2VoWseosKyCzpHPPOnOO0eKNFNKQQQnrKxO2CfbDsKXcbIOdxJSRbNSJrtuKSo10q1R0iDRJcF1FP7SLxyosWTg4f8oH8-JrBq4poVB2A2-mAMFVvCRvSasRU31cCvxuzUbQotxBQ7pJDpu6xjgxAfyI3ncVF6RYnXP1bNDB-mqPLKv5Vc-scBVxNCWWuoj7kBSb1eJe4GNvMhi1iuYCrCyc1C4rVe7Amn-UakOmG7l9em4FcM9X94AuglWipIPKgyj8Iolg3ot71v~RFyZYVw7-hrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Owners, patients and a union representative asked the Caribou City Council on April 28 to amend the city’s marijuana ordinance so long‑operating caregiver retailers can comply with changed state licensing language without expanding local availability.

Jennifer Belcher, president of the Maine Cannabis Union (an affiliate of IAMAW), told the council that state OCP language has changed since Caribou’s original ordinance and that small word and zoning changes would bring the city into compliance with state rules while preserving the current number and locations of local medical shops. “If we were to bring the ordinance into compliance with state law, it would not change anything in the town,” Belcher said.

Why it matters: multiple speakers said they and their patients rely on the medical‑grade cannabis supplied by Richardson Remedies, a caregiver retail business in Caribou, and that current city language — including an outdated reference to “non‑profit dispensary” — leaves existing local operators technically out of compliance with state licensing. Speakers asked the council to make targeted ordinance changes so caregivers and unionized employees can continue to operate without creating new retail openings.

Public testimony and claims: Dorel Richardson, who said he owns Richardson Remedies, described the operation as a long‑running medical caregiver retail shop serving cancer and other medical patients who rely on products and check‑in from staff. Rona Hart and Lisa Groff — both local residents who described using medical cannabis for depression, anxiety and cancer recovery — described the shop as a community resource that provided personal support as well as product. Louis Constant (a Washburn resident who buys from a Caribou dispensary) and cultivator James Bacon also spoke in favor of allowing the existing operations to continue in place.

Union and funding note: Sandra Fell, treasurer of the Maine Cannabis Union, told the council there is a bill under consideration that would return 10% of revenues to municipalities if passed; she urged the council to consider that potential funding stream as part of future discussions.

Council response and next steps: staff accepted a packet of materials from the speakers for review. The council did not vote on ordinance language at the April 28 meeting. The transcript shows staff recommended leaving materials with Danielle (city staff) and scheduling future discussion; no ordinance or zoning amendment was adopted that night.

Ending: Petitions, a materials packet in the meeting packet, and offers from the speaker to meet with staff were left on file for council consideration at a future meeting.","Owners and patients told the council that small, long‑standing caregiver retail operations in Caribou need zoning and ordinance language adjusted to conform to changes in state licensing so existing medical providers remain legally operable; union representatives said the changes would not expand the number of stores but would ensure compliance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: approvals, appointments and resolutions from the April 28 Caribou City Council meeting

Residents say city failed to notify or assist after Grimes Road flooding, urge clearer emergency chain of command

Council rejects unsolicited offers on tax‑acquired properties, discusses state compliance after Tyler v. Hennepin

Council awards public‑works materials bids; debate over local supplier for street paint

Caregiver shop Richardson Remedies urges council to update marijuana ordinance to match state rules