City News Round Up: Friday, January 28, 2022

City News Round Up: Friday, January 28, 2022

Please check our agenda center for the full schedule of upcoming Committees, Boards, and Commission meetings. The next City Council meeting is on Monday, February 7, at 5:00 PM. The Council is hosting a workshop on February 2. There are also many upcoming Charter Commission meetings. View the full Meeting Calendar.

Storm News - A Blizzard Warning Has Been Issued

• Metro buses will not operate tomorrow, Saturday, January 29, due to the snow and anticipated blizzard conditions.

• All recycling carts need to be pulled back from the curb and sidewalk prior to 8 PM Friday night. 

• Aquatics Alert - Due to the impending storm, Recreation and Aquatics has cancelled all programs in our pools and community centers for Saturday, January 29 and Sunday, January 30. 

• Please be on the lookout for any parking ban alerts on Saturday and Sunday. 

• Sidewalk Snow Removal - business owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property 12 hours following a winter storm, and residential owners must clear snow and ice abutting their property 18 hours following the end of a storm or when the City finishes snow removal operations, whichever is later. Learn more here. 

• Salt and sand are available for residents in the parking lot of Deering Oaks in addition to Payson Park; two 5 gallon pails per residence. 

Save the Date: Next Mayor’s Monthly Zoom on February 15 

Join Mayor Kate Snyder on Tuesday, February 15 at 4:00 PM for her monthly Zoom chat; an opportunity for residents to get recent updates from the Mayor and discuss any issues. Find Zoom details here.

Apply now! Paid Positions on our Elections Team

This week we celebrated the second annual National Poll Worker Recruitment Day! We are grateful to all past and present poll workers who have aided in our efforts to execute the duties of electing our leaders. We are hiring for important roles needed on Election Day; no experience is necessary, and training will be provided. You do not need to be a Portland resident to apply. Learn more.

We Need Your Input! Better Bikeways Initiative

Attention Portland bike enthusiasts! The Planning and Urban Development Department has launched a new project in need of your ideas. The Better Bikeways Initiative aims to take Portland's bikeway network to the next level. Do you have a dream bike route to share or have ideas about how the City can prioritize bike investments? Great! We created two new online tools, an online questionnaire and a crowd-sourcing mapping tool, to collect your input and to start the community conversation. Learn more about the project here.

Shape your city! Seeking Applicants for Vacancies on Boards & Committees

We are seeking applications for vacancies on various boards and committees; find the full list on our website. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter by Friday, February 4, 2022 to the Appointments Committee Chairman, c/o City Clerk, 389 Congress Street, Portland ME 04101 or klj@portlandmaine.gov. Learn more.

New EV Chargers Operational in the West End
The Sustainability Office announced that four new EV chargers are operational and ready for public use in the West End, in the small parking lot at the corner of Spring and High. Visit our website for other locations available throughout the city.

Portland Jetport Announces Spring Runway Closure, April 18 to June 22
The Jetport announced this week that for 56 days this spring, the airport's primary runway will be closed for a once in 15 year rehabilitation. Beginning April 18 through June 13, 2022 all air traffic in and out of the Jetport will be operating on the airport's secondary north-south runway. A dedicated website with information for the community has been created;  flight paths will be posted there as they are finalized. Additional information will be available for the public at a Noise Advisory Committee meeting at 6:00pm on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Learn more: www.portlandjetport.org/runway.

Applications Now Available: Maine Property Tax Deferral Program
In 2021 the Maine Legislature reinstated this property tax deferral program to help seniors and the fully disabled stay in their homes and age in place. For qualified and approved applicants, the State of Maine will pay the property taxes each year. The state will place a lien on the property and all deferred taxes (and accrued interest) are repaid to the state when the property is sold or the applicant passes away. Find the full qualification requirements here. Applications must be filed with the Assessor's Office between January 1 and April 1 each year. Please refer any questions to:Maine Property Services, Property Tax Division, 207-624-5600 or prop.tax@maine.gov.

Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places Still in Effect

Masks are required when inside public places. Read our Mask Mandate FAQ. Businesses who still need mask supplies can visit City Hall via the Myrtle Street entrance between 9 AM and 4 PM  Monday through Friday as supplies last. The Mask Mandate will be discussed by the Council again at its February 7 meeting. 

Winter Recreation Updates
The Playground crew has been working diligently to resurface ice skating rinks this week and announced all ponds are ready for skaters! Be sure to bookmark the Parks and Recreation's Winter Recreation page where you can find details about where to go, what to do. Don’t miss their interactive conditions map - up to date info for sledding, skiing and skating conditions throughout our parks.

Work With Us

We currently have multiple job openings across a variety of departments. For more information, visit: www.portlandmaine.gov/jobs. See how we are working together to serve the community with other local agencies -in this recent video. 

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