Indigenous People’s Day supported by Eastport city council

During the October 11 Eastport City Council meeting, Robin Farrin brought forth a request for the city to officially change the Columbus Day holiday to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Several community members insisted the change is "long overdue" and particularly appropriate for Eastport "given its Passamaquoddy neighbors," sentiments echoed by Councillor Hailley Bradbury.
Sue MacNichol stated, "The Passamaquoddy are the people of this land, and we deserve to give them recognition." Maria Girouard commented, "This is an opportunity for Eastport to align itself in a right way with other regions." The council approved the name change in a 3 to 1 vote, with Scott Emery opposed. Councillor Shannon Emery was not present.
Farrin will prepare a resolution to be presented for the councillors' signatures at the next council meeting. Eastport will be joining numerous cities in the U.S. that have decided to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, with Bangor, Orono, Belfast and Brunswick being among the cities in Maine.
In a public hearing, the council received input on a proposed zoning order amendment to change the height restriction on fencing at the side and rear of properties from seven to eight feet. The four-foot restriction on the front of properties will remain unchanged. One resident asked why the change was necessary. As most fencing is either in four, six or eight foot heights, practicality is a consideration. The amendment is available for public review at city hall.
The council awarded bids for a 25-foot trailer to David Sweeney for $1,520 and to Sunzhake Project Solutions Inc. for $16,752.14 to replace 120 feet of pipe in the Vanasse Road project. The city will provide the pipe, and the monies to cover the costs of the project will come from the city's special reserve fund. The council, having received no bids for the combined lots at 45 and 47 Third Street, but seeing interest after the bidding date passed, will put the property back out for a minimum bid of $23,000. Two one-ton Spanco crane hoists, located in the former TexShield building, will be put out for two separate bids, minimum $1,000 each. Successful bidders will have two weeks from the bid awards to remove the hoists from their current location.
The council approved the parks and recreation committee's request to grant Robert Bean the title of liaison to the state re: Shackford Head. Councillor Bradbury explained that the title may give Bean, who has been taking care of the trails and facilities at the park for many years, "more sway and access to get things done." The council also approved the appointment of Tarah Waters to the parks and recreation committee.
Regarding opening up city property for the special hunt of antlerless deer from November 27 to December 9, City Manager Elaine Abbott stated the "only appropriate property is Morang's Pond area." The council approved the hunt with the understanding that hunters must register their area and use fixed blinds or tree stands only.
In other business, the council approved: waiving a public hearing for renewal of a liquor license application for Pamela Francis d/b/a Landmark 1887; scheduling a November 16 public hearing on a zoning ordinance change recommended by the Historic Review Board; the buying back of up to two weeks vacation/comp time from city employees; repairing the overhead door at the Guilford mill building for $2,763; and accepting the donation of a Hot Spot from the Bangor Savings Bank to be located in the Water Street downtown public parking area. The proposal to buy and upgrade tasers for the police department was tabled.
Following executive session, the council decide to extend City Manager Elaine Abbott's contract for three additional years; refund S.L. Wadsworth $648.46 for tax overpayment; and accept perpetual care lots 55 EA,B and 55 EA,C in exchange for lots 2A and 2B in Section C.
The next city council meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 16, at 6 p.m.