Councilorsâ letter to lawmakers raises open-meeting issue
ELLSWORTH â A March 5 letter signed by all seven City Council members and sent to state Sen. Louie Luchini (D-Hancock County) and Rep. Nicole Grohoski (D-Ellsworth) may not have been in compliance with state right-to-know laws.
Emailed to the two legislators, with the subject line âUrgent Request,â the letter opens: âIt is important to state that this letter is being written from the point of view as citizens. Although we are elected officials of the City of Ellsworth, this letter was not constructed from that role.â
However, public officials declaring they are acting in a private capacity does not free them from the constraints of the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), which bars public boards and councils from holding public proceedings in private if a quorum â or a majority of members â is present.
Council backs off on limiting street vendorsÂ
ELLSWORTH â Council members approved amendments to three city ordinances and tabled changes to street vendor permit rules at their Dec. 21 meeting.
The changes proposed to the License and Permits Ordinance would raise the permit fee for street vendors selling food and other merchandise on public property from a $10 flat fee to $110 for 30 consecutive or non-consecutive days, but the discussion raised concerns among councilors.
âThat could cover Girl Scout cookie [sales],â Councilor Michelle Kaplan said, along with door-to-door sales. âWhat about the Snap-on Tool guy? The Schwanâs [Home Delivery] guy?â
And Chairman Dale Hamilton pointed out, âThis doesnât distinguish between when someone sold for one Saturday versus the entire summer. One day is less impactful than somebody whoâs going to do it every single weekday.â