Presque Isle Council Advances Dangerous Building Orders, Micro Loan

The Presque Isle City Council met Wednesday and voted on several dangerous building designations, a micro loan for a Main Street nail business, and two November public hearings. The council also approved routine permits, minutes, and warrants, and heard a fire safety reminder tied to National Fire Prevention Month.

Key points

• The council approved amendments to the General Assistance Ordinance, Appendices A through H, in a 5-0 vote.
• Automobile graveyard permit renewals for Jalbert Auto Salvage at 204 Chapman Road and Cote's Used Auto Parts at 259 Fort Road were approved 5-0.
• A special amusement license for Dana Cassidy at 830 Main Street was approved 5-0.
• The council approved dangerous building orders for 5 Archer Street and 63 DuPont Drive, each giving the owner 30 days to abate conditions with a $100 per day penalty for noncompliance and directing the city manager to demolish if the owner fails.
• For 107 Dyer Street, the owner joined by Zoom and agreed to work with the code officer; the council approved a 30-day plan of action with a 90-day fix.
• For 499 Caribou Road, attorney Alan Harding said the Illinois owner intends to rehabilitate the property; the council approved a 30-day plan of action, securing the building within 60 days, and a 90-day fix.
• For 31 Karen Street, the code officer recommended immediate demolition due to rodents, roof damage, and no willing responsible party; the council voted 5-0 to tear it down.
• The council approved a $10,000 micro loan to Allison Pelletier at 425 Main Street to expand her nail care business, with a five-year term at six percent interest.
• Public hearings were scheduled for November 4 on a Davis Street rezoning from urban residential to residential office and on additions to the tax increment financing program.
• The consent agenda, including minutes from four meetings, warrants 33 through 37 totaling about $2.7 million, and a road closure for the December 5 holiday light parade, was approved 5-0.
• City Clerk Kim reported heavy absentee voting activity, about 30 people a day registering or requesting ballots.
• Councilor Hank delivered a fire safety reminder for National Fire Prevention Month, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety and home heating precautions.

Next steps

• The council entered executive session under 1 MRSA 4056 C to discuss real estate.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
• Public hearings on the Davis Street rezoning and tax increment financing additions will be held November 4.
• The city is accepting applications for several board and committee vacancies and job openings in public works, facilities, police, and fire.

Read the full transcript