As the year draws to a close, it is a time for reflection and gratitude. Biddeford has witnessed remarkable efforts from numerous individuals, groups, and city departments, each contributing profoundly to the fabric of our community. So, before we turn the page to 2024, it is important to pause and appreciate the events and people who have made the past year particularly special and meaningful in Biddeford.

 Nonprofit Organization - Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHHC)

The Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC) is a community-based health coalition dedicated to promoting nutrition, substance use prevention, and lead poisoning prevention in York County. Collaborating with various community partners, CHCC actively works to implement health promotion, prevention, and policy initiatives, aiming to make York County a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play.

This year, CHCC's role in Biddeford has been particularly noteworthy. They have been instrumental in facilitating naloxone trainings and organizing panel discussions & community conversations to address and reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder. This summer’s naloxone training and panel discussion included a strong turnout from local law enforcement, business owners, and concerned citizens.

In addition to their significant work around substance use disorder, CHCC is deeply invested in empowering and uplifting the youth of Biddeford. Findings from the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey revealed two alarming statistics: only 48% of high school students and 54% of middle school students feel like they matter to people in their communities. These numbers underscore the urgent need for community engagement and support for our young people.

CHCC has taken these findings to heart, actively working to reverse this trend. By initiating community conversations and convening the appropriate youth-serving organizations, CHCC is leading efforts to address the need for youth to feel more valued and connected. An essential aspect of their strategy is the collaboration with teen centers to establish groups where teenagers can engage actively. In these settings, teens offer input, feedback, and ideas, significantly influencing the development of initiatives and programs that affect them directly.

This approach ensures that youth are involved in dialogues about their community needs and empowers them to make substantial contributions to these conversations Through its work, CHCC has demonstrated a profound commitment to the health and well-being of Biddeford, not only through their health promotion initiatives but also by empowering our youth, recognizing them as essential contributors whose voices and experiences are crucial to the strength and prosperity of our community.

 City Department - Emergency Management Department

Under the leadership of Director Roby Fecteau, the Emergency Management Team in Biddeford has been a critical component in managing adverse weather events and unforeseen emergencies. This team, dedicated to emergency preparedness and public safety, has not only effectively managed coastal flooding, winter storms, and power outages but also played a vital role in ensuring our community's long term safety and resilience for years to come.

A key aspect of their role involves meticulous storm preparation, including coordinating with other city departments and the school department to make informed decisions about weather-impacted events.

During storms, extreme temperature events, and power outages, the Emergency Management team coordinates the emergency response.This response can include setting up an emergency shelter for those in need, as was crucial during the extreme cold weather event in late January/early February of 2023.

The department’s ability to assess each situation and respond appropriately is a testament to their commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

However, their responsibility does not end with the passing of the storm. Post-event, Director Fecteau and his team assess damages, identify vulnerabilities, propose solutions, and diligently seek funding for repairs.

In 2023, their adeptness in navigating financial challenges was particularly evident. Faced with damage from the November 2021 storm that impacted the riverwalk and the initial reluctance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fully fund the repairs, the team responded proactively. They challenged FEMA's initial decision by filing an appeal. Working closely with city engineers and our congressional delegation, this collaborative effort paid off when Biddeford won its appeal this September, effectively securing the funds for our city to resume its crucial repair work in 2024.

So, next time you are enjoying the views of the Saco River on the overlook near the smokestack in Biddeford, I hope it brings you deeper gratitude for our city employees who tirelessly bring our vision to life throughout our beloved city.

 

 City Committee - Recycling and Solid Waste Commission

Playing a significant role in promoting environmental responsibility and financial stewardship in Biddeford, the Recycling and Solid Waste Commission has been a key stakeholder behind the advancement of improved recycling practices.

One of their significant achievements this year has been the continued effort to reduce recycling contamination.

Spearheaded by Public Works Director Jeff Demers and Solid Waste Supervisor Rocco Deluca, the Commission has been at the forefront of educational campaigns and developing balanced enforcement measures aimed at improving recycling habits across the city. A pivotal development in this mission was the implementation of a new ordinance developed by the Commission, addressing the critical issue of recycling bin contamination.

Director Demers highlighted that despite ongoing education efforts, a 2022 audit revealed a concerning contamination rate of nearly 20%. In an innovative move to address this issue, the city passed an ordinance that allows for the revocation of recycling services for households with repeated violations after multiple education opportunities. This measure was not taken lightly by the Commission but deemed necessary to maintain the integrity of the recycling process and to avoid substantial financial penalties due to contamination. The results of these robust efforts were evident in the significant drop in contamination rates.

This October’s audit reported a reduced overall contamination percentage to 14.4%. Once the contamination rate dipped below 15%, it triggered a reduction in the contract rate from $32 per ton to $25 per ton for the recycling contamination fee. This reduction reflects a direct benefit to the city, both environmentally and financially. In addition to these enforcement and education efforts, the Commission also shines in its ability to transform community needs & concerns into tangible solutions.

A prime example of this approach was the introduction of a textile recycling program, initiated by Commission Member Renee Burkett. Recognizing a gap in the

city's recycling capabilities, particularly for items like worn-out clothes, towels and sheets, Commissioner Burkett proposed the addition of a specialized textile recycling bin at the public works site. Swiftly embraced and executed by Director Demers and his team, this concept offered a vital channel for recycling textiles.

It also contributed to diverting these materials away from general waste, ultimately lessening our environmental footprint and solid waste expenses. The implementation and success of this program exemplifies the effective partnership between community members and city departments, showcasing how innovative ideas can lead to practical and beneficial outcomes for the entire city.

Community Group - Bike Biddeford Saco

Bike Biddeford Saco, under the energetic leadership of Biddeford resident Patrick Conlon, has emerged as a key community led group in advocating for bicycle and pedestrian safety in our community. This community group has been a force behind numerous initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of active transportation and enhanced street safety.

Bike Biddeford Saco’s passion for cycling and pedestrian safety is evident in the variety of programs and events they have spearheaded. One of the most visible and engaging of these is the organization of 'Light-Up Rides'. These bicycle rides not only promote cycling as a fun and viable mode of transportation but also emphasize the importance of visibility and safety for cyclists.

Another significant event organized by Bike Biddeford Saco was the World Day of Remembrance ride for road traffic victims, which brought attention to the broader impacts of road safety and honored those killed in traffic accidents. Additionally, Bike Biddeford Saco’s commitment to cycling education is showcased through their efforts in teaching residents, young and old, how to ride a bike. This empowering activity opens up new avenues of mobility and independence for many within our community.

Bike Biddeford Saco's impact reaches far beyond cycling enthusiasts. Their dedicated advocacy emphasizes the widespread advantages of pedestrian friendly infrastructure. By championing safer streets and active transportation, they are crucial contributors to enhancing health, wellness, and reducing traffic congestion in our community. Every organized ride and cycling class helps cultivate an ethos of active, accessible transit, showcasing Bike Biddeford Saco's significant role in guiding our community towards a more dynamic future.

 

 Looking Ahead

In 2023, the spirit of Biddeford was brightly illuminated by the collective efforts and achievements of our city employees, residents, and local organizations. Together, we faced challenges and shared in celebrations, creating a tapestry of meaningful moments that define our community's character and resilience. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us appreciate our city employees, our neighbors, and our collective accomplishments. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, we eagerly anticipate our journey into 2024!

 Liam LaFountain is serving his second term on the Biddeford City Council and works as a healthcare analyst at the non-profit Healthcare Purchaser Alliance. He welcomes questions, comments, and ideas and can be contacted directly at liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org. The views and opinions herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints and opinions of Saco Bay News, its employees, publisher, or advertisers.