Lisbon Falls charter commission organizes, elects leadership and sets Aug. 6 public hearing

The Lisbon Falls Charter Commission held its organizational meeting on July 17, where commissioners introduced themselves, elected leadership and set a date for a public hearing on revising the town charter.

Jeff Gidon was chosen chair after members cast ballots; the clerk announced a count of “6 for Jeff and 3 for Alan,” and commissioners congratulated Gidon on his election. Melissa “Missy” Leesk was appointed secretary by show of hands; the record notes at least two abstentions during that selection. Commissioners discussed nominating a vice chair and indicated Alan Ward as a nominee.

Chris Camiri, chair of the town council, addressed the commission and outlined why the panel was convened. “The statute calls the town clerk to call this meeting,” he said, and urged commissioners to remember their role: “you work for the people of Lisbon.” He cited the state statute that triggered the commission (30‑A §2,103) and recommended adopting a standard set of meeting rules to help resolve procedural questions.

Commissioners moved to use Robert’s Rules of Order as a baseline for meeting conduct; members seconded the motion and proceeded under that guidance for the organizational work. The clerk noted that legal and staff resources are available to the commission, and the town will publish required notices — including a newspaper notice in the Sun Journal — and may amplify outreach through social media, the post office and the library to ensure broad public awareness.

The commission set two near‑term dates: a working meeting for July 30 at 7 p.m. to prepare agenda materials and an August 6 public hearing at 7 p.m. in the municipal building to solicit input on charter priorities and to clarify what changes are within the commission’s scope. “So we are setting our public hearing for August 6, 7 p.m., in this building,” a commissioner said while confirming the vote.

New commissioners used the meeting to flag early priorities and background questions: Alan Ward described interest in examining a water department sub‑charter and noted legal constraints if the town were to pursue structural changes; other members urged the group to identify “low‑hanging fruit” and to remove obsolete or repealed references in the charter. Attendees also discussed how to frame the public hearing so that speakers understand what the commission can and cannot change.

Before adjourning, the commission assigned homework: review Robert’s Rules, study the relevant statute to understand the commission’s legal scope, and collect ideas for the public hearing. The meeting adjourned with members thanking staff and pledging to prepare for the next session.

The commission’s next meeting is July 30 at 7 p.m.; the public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. in the municipal building.