ROCKLAND, Maine — City councilors gave unanimous final approval Monday night to two ordinances that will regulate adult amusement businesses that move into the community.
In contrast to previous meetings on the subject, there was little council debate and no public comment on the proposals.
The ordinances were crafted by the city attorney at the request of the council after it learned in late October that a local man was considering opening such a business in Rockland.
The ordinances are retroactive to Oct. 1 and will require such businesses to receive a city permit. Applicants and store employees will not be allowed to have convictions for any felonies, drug trafficking or prostitution.
The council began mulling ordinances after learning of Herman “Rusty” Hoffman’s efforts to open a store that would sell pipes, adult sex toys, pornography and swords.
The ordinances would require shops be at least 300 feet from homes, churches, schools, inns, recreation facilities or places that have liquor licenses.
In other action Monday night, the council voted unanimously to approve 3 percent raises for the city attorney and city clerk. The vote comes four months after councilors rejected the same raises on a 3-2 vote.
Councilor Louise MacLellan-Ruf, who had opposed the raises in August, said the two employees have picked up extra work with the finance director serving as interim manager. Finance Director Tom Luttrell was appointed interim manager in December 2013.
On Monday night, the council also approved spending $37,000 to replace the Tillson Avenue sidewalk adjacent to the Thorndike building. And the council approved spending $36,000 for a walking trail along the harbor on Mechanic and Atlantic streets.
MacLellan-Ruf said there have been many comments about the council focusing on downtown but the Harbor Trail work for Mechanic would focus on the South End of the city.
The council also voted 3-2, with councilors Larry Pritchett and Valli Geiger opposed, to give back a house at 20 Katahdin Ave. to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. The city foreclosed on the property in September when the bank failed, after multiple notices, to pay $284 in delinquent sewer fees.
The bank had taken possession of the home in February after foreclosing on the former owner for falling behind on the mortgage. The 1,420-square-foot ranch on a little more than a quarter acre is assessed by the city at $151,427.
Chase Bank must pay back taxes and sewer fees and make repairs to the home under the agreement approved by the council.