SCARBOROUGH — The first full meeting of the new Town Council was brief, but long enough for committee assignments to be made for the next year.

Council Chairman Ronald Ahlquist jokingly told councilors who might not like their assignments to complain to Council Vice Chairwoman Judith Roy, but the roster of assignments for standing council committees and liaisons to town committees drew favorable responses.

New Councilor Ed Blaise, who ran on a stance of fiscal responsibility, will serve on the Finance Committee with Roy serving as chairwoman. Blaise said he was particularly pleased by the appointment, and will also serve on the council Fair Hearing Authority and Rules and Policies committees.

Councilor Kate St. Clair, who is completing the two years left on the seat vacated by Karen D’Andrea, was named to the Fair Hearing Authority, Ordinance and Appointments committees.

Councilor Richard Sullivan was named chairman of the Fair Hearing Authority and Ordinance committees, Councilor James Benedict was selected to lead the Rules and Policies Committee, and Councilor Jessica Holbrook will be chairwoman on the Appointments Committee.

To get the new councilors more familiar with town government, Ahlquist and Roy named Blaise an alternate liaison to the Scarborough Economic Development Corp. and St. Clair an alternate liaison to the Long Range Planning Committee.

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The 45-minute meeting had a light agenda. Councilors unanimously approved a Food Handlers License for St. Joe’s Coffee. The shop will open at 220 Gorham Road in the Eight Corners section of town, at the site of the former Glazey Days pottery studio.

Councilors tabled a resolution in support of protocols developed by the Greater Portland Economic Development Corp. Created in 2010 by officials from Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Portland, South Portland and Westbrook, as well as the Greater Portland Chamber, the GPEDC seeks to expand economic development in a cooperative fashion.

The list of protocols concerning handling of prospects specifically enjoins officials from openly soliciting companies to relocate from member communities, although confidential discussions would still be permitted.

Holbrook objected to the resolution, saying her responsibility is to Scarborough citizens as opposed to the GPEDC. Roy noted competition does exist between member communities, but felt the confidentiality aspect of the protocol could still serve local interests.

The resolution is tabled until at least Dec. 19 as councilors first learn if the SEDCO Board of Directors will support the protocols. The SEDCO vote was expected Thursday.

Councilors also approved a resolution to accept a $460 contribution from the Scarborough Garden Club to the town fuel assistance fund.

David Harry can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or dharry@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHarry8.


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