OLD ORCHARD BEACH: Voters re-elect councilors, OK bond for police station

Town voters approved measures Tuesday to borrow $2.5 million to build a new police station and to establish a commission to revise the municipal charter.

Voters also elected John Bird, William Gombar, Paul Ladakakos, Ronald Regis and Michael Vallante to serve on the commission.

Sharri MacDonald and Shawn O'Neill retained their seats on the Town Council. The incumbents received votes of 2,755 and 2,642, respectively. Challenger William Danton received 1,285 votes.

The new police station will be built on E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard, near the existing public safety building. The $2.5 million bond will be paid off through the town's rescue billing fund.

KENNEBUNK: Rezoning for telecom tower, bond for downtown OK'd

Town voters approved a $1.36 million downtown improvement bond Tuesday, as well as a zoning change that will allow a telecommunications tower to be built on Webber Hill Road.

The vote was 2,896 to 2,250 in favor of borrowing money for sidewalk, sign, tree, crosswalk and drainage improvements.

The borrowing won't affect property tax bills because money from the town's Route 1 tax-increment financing district will cover bond payments.

The vote was 3,760 to 1,262 in favor of creating a contract zone at 309-311 Webber Hill Road, where Global Tower Partners has an agreement with the town to install a tower.

NORTH YARMOUTH: All four amendments to town charter win approval

North Yarmouth voters approved four charter amendments in Tuesday's voting.

Residents voted 1,674 to 206 to specify the date of elections for municipal officials and to specify that elections and town business meetings are to be held on different days.

A proposal to give selectmen the option – rather than require them – to appoint the administrative assistant as the town clerk passed 1,514 to 364.

The third amendment, which raises the threshold for requiring competitive bids from $500 to $5,000, was approved 1,392 to 456. Officials say that will let selectmen simply seek quotes for smaller jobs and streamline the purchasing process.

Residents also voted 1,072 to 776 to allow selectmen to set various fees after holding public hearings. Now, every fee must be approved at town meeting.

Town officials say 63 percent of the town's registered voters cast ballots.

FRIENDSHIP: Dry since 1919, town ends ban on beer, wine sales

Voters in Friendship have approved a measure to allow beer and wine sales.

Stores will now be allowed to sell beer and wine – but not liquor – and not on Sunday.

Friendship residents rejected previous attempts in 1987, 1992 and 2000 to overturn the ban on alcohol sales. Officials say the town's been dry since 1919.

LEWISTON: Gilbert re-elected mayor despite strong challenge

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert has been re-elected, defeating challenger Mark Paradis 6,218 votes to 5,373.

Gilbert told the Lewiston Sun Journal he was surprised the vote was so close, but Paradis outspent him by about 2-1.

Now Gilbert says he's looking forward to working with the newly elected City Council.