Business owner and residents press council on high food‑license fees and Riverton pool delays

Two public commenters used the council’s public‑comment period to press the city on separate operational issues: one asking relief for food businesses and farmers‑market vendors, the other criticizing the prolonged closure of the Riverton pool.

James Schafer, who identified himself at the lectern, said Portland’s food‑service license fees are ‘‘completely out of line’’ with surrounding jurisdictions and are contributing to business closures. Schafer compared the city’s fees to what he pays elsewhere: "My food license with the state was $100 for the year, and in South Portland, I was licensed for a total of $273," he said, and noted a three‑month temporary vendor license he cited as $93 in another community. He said he is working to start a farmers market on Monument Square and asked the council for help to find more affordable licensing to support vendors, makers and farmers.

George Roe, speaking from Hanover Street, criticized the city’s handling of repairs at the Riverton pool, saying the problem began on 04/02/2023 and that recent updates posted by parks staff indicate unresolved engineering and structural issues. "We're still very much in a scratch‑our‑head holding pattern" and the pool likely won’t reopen until fall or later, Roe said, adding that long delays show a failure to prioritize maintenance of existing assets. He urged a workshop and more transparency about the timeline and spending.

The council did not take immediate action on either public comment during the meeting. Both items were raised for future consideration; Schafer said he would resubmit his contact information and offer to be a resource for the council on licensing issues.