Residents urge clearer roles, staggered terms and periodic charter review at Biddeford hearing

At a public hearing on Aug. 10, residents told the Charter Revision Commission the city charter needs clearer language and routine updates to reflect changes in state law. Jean Franz, a resident who said her hometown’s charter had fallen out of step with state statutes, recommended a scheduled review cycle so the document does not become outdated.

"Our charter had not been reviewed or revised. It was written in 1972," Jean Franz said, urging a 10-year review provision so future updates keep the charter consistent with state law. Other speakers highlighted related issues: Betty Belanger (Ward 6) asked for three-year staggered terms for councilors and a three-year mayoral term and suggested removing the superintendent residency requirement; Delilah of Heart of Biddeford asked the commission to standardize public-notice practices across meetings.

Commissioners thanked speakers and said public input would guide their work. Chair emphasized that every meeting would be broadcast and open to public comment, and commissioners encouraged residents to use multiple channels to provide feedback. The commission did not take policy votes on the public suggestions at the meeting; instead members said they would digest comments, bring historical documents online and return to substantive proposals in future sessions.