Lewiston Council to Study Expanding Rental Registry, Sends Syringe Petition to Ballot

The Lewiston City Council held a workshop on expanding the city's rental registration program to include duplexes and potentially single-family homes, with staff outlining the costs and staffing needs for such an expansion. The council voted to refer a citizen petition to amend the syringe service program ordinance to a November referendum. Additionally, the council approved a proposed increase in water rates to address a projected deficit in the water utility enterprise fund.

Key points

• Councilors discussed expanding the rental registration program, which currently covers buildings with three or more units, to include duplexes and single-family homes.
• City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath and code enforcement staff noted that expanding the registry would require new software, additional code officers, and administrative support, potentially funded by registration fees.
• The council voted 7-0 to refer the citizen petition to amend the syringe service program ordinance to a November referendum, following public comment urging the city to let residents decide the issue.
• The council approved a proposed increase in water rates, with staff explaining the increase is necessary to cover rising operational costs and maintain the water system.
• Public comment was divided on the issue of gun violence, with some residents urging the council to bring in state or federal assistance while others opposed military presence and called for community investment in youth.

Next steps

• Staff will investigate the costs and staffing requirements for expanding the rental registration program to duplexes and single-family homes.
• The syringe service program amendment petition will be placed on the November ballot for a public referendum.
• The city will submit the water rate increase documents to the Maine Public Utilities Commission for final approval.

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