PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On May 1, city councilors officially approved their list of seven major goals for 2019, with economic growth, further discussions about what to do with City Hall, and increased drug enforcement among the top priorities. They also voted to recognize the Presque Isle Air Museum, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
During two informal workshops in March and April, the councilors met with officials from city departments and discussed possible individual and group goals. At their most recent workshop, the councilors voted on which goals to formally adopt and on Wednesday, City Manager Martin Puckett presented them with the official list.
“Economic growth received the most votes with 19 while City Hall got 12 votes and increased drug enforcement received 11 votes,” Puckett said.
Presque Isle Middle School eighth-graders Sidney Smith (left) and Wilson Saucier look at a model airplane display at the Presque Isle Air Museum, located in the Presque Isle International Airport, on March 21, 2018. City councilors recently designated June 9-15, 2019, as Presque Isle Air Museum Week in honor of the museum’s upcoming 20th anniversary.
(Staff Photo/Melissa Lizotte)
Employee retention, increased usage of geographic information services, and creation of an economic development office all received nine votes while increased online services received six votes. In addition to approving the goals, councilors volunteered to participate in committees that will oversee future actions regarding each goal.
Recommended options for economic growth include developing a strategic plan, promoting available locations within the city for new businesses and expansions, increasing tourism efforts, and hiring employees for a new economic development office.
Councilors also will pursue an updated assessment of costs to repair City Hall, expand GIS mapping opportunities for city departments, and continue working with local police agencies to increase drug enforcement, with the ultimate goal being to decrease drug-related offenses in the city.
In other business, councilors voted to name June 9-15, 2019, as Presque Isle Air Museum Appreciation Week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the museum. The Presque Isle Air Museum, located at the Presque Isle International Airport, was created in June 1999. It features written stories and photographs of the former Presque Isle Air Force Base and chronicles the history of aviation in the city.
