The South Portlander

Updated 8:07 pm: After a long discussion, the Council amended its proposed regulation on tattoo parlors and then tabled further action until the city’s attorney can look at the amendment. The Council passed an amendment proposed by Councilor Claude Morgan to exempt employees of tattoo parlors from having to undergo criminal background checks. This amendment, which was adopted 5-2, came after Councilors Blake, Linda Boudreau and Jim Hughes objected to wording in the proposed regulation that would require background checks. Councilors were concerned that all employees would be required to undergo checks, not just the license applicants. Blake, who has strongly objected to special regulations for tattoo parlors, then suggested the overall regulation be held until the city attorney can look at the amendment. The Council agreed with Blake’s proposal to delay final passage, by a 6-1 vote, with only Mayor Jim Soule opposing.

Updated 7:37 pm: The Council agreed to lease a piece of land at Bug Light Park to the South Portland Historical Society. The land will be used for the society’s new headquarters—a historic brick building that Portland Pipeline is donating to the nonprofit, as long as the group can move it. Under a generous lease with the city, the nonprofit Society will be able to start plans for moving the Cushing’s Point House to its new location. “This is a project that when it’s done is going to be gem,” said Councilor Tom Blake, who is a member of the Society. Blake said he expected the project to get national attention.

Updated 7:30 pm: The City Council OK’d a sign for Mill Creek Park asking for donations for a service monument to be built in the park. The sign will be placed near where the monument will be built, and can stay in place for up to one year. The Council had previously issued a temporary permit for the sign. The Friends of Mill Creek Park erased any doubts Councilors may have had that the group does not support the endeavor. However, co-chair Stephanie Gilbert said the group will place a priority on completing a master, long-term plan for which the Council can use as a guide for future rule-making. The master plan may want to limit the postings of signs in the park.

City Manager Jim Gailey makes several announcements. He says that City Hall will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, the City Council canceled its workshop scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24.

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