ROCKLAND – The Rockland City Council held its agenda-setting meeting January 4, in council chambers at City Hall, gearing up for the first regular meeting of the new year, Jan. 9. On the docket: multiple liquor and lodging licenses, Edna St. Vincent Millay Day, and a new local food ordinance.

In its first reading Monday, and postponed from the Dec. 12 meeting, the council will discuss the Local Food and Community Self-Governance Ordinance. The ordinance addresses the people's right to grow, produce, process, sell, purchase and consume local foods, thus promoting self-reliance, the preservation of a local food economy, family farms and food traditions.

The ordinance is sponsored by Councilor Valli Geiger. A lengthy discussion Wednesday evening produced criticism ordinance, and Councilor Adam Ackor said he felt the ordinance was, "doomed to fail."

Rockland resident Steve Roberts said that if a farmer is selling products from Mexico (the country) or Canada, a local ordinance should not exempt those products from food safety laws enacted by the state or federal government.

Roberts said that he wants to know that a local food is not prepared on the same counter where a baby's diaper was changed. (See video).

Despite the many questions, Geiger's ordinance will go forward and appear on the agenda for Monday's meeting.

Five establishments will get approval for various licenses. The Lindsey /house is applying for a liquor and lodging home license. Main Street Markets has a applied for a liquor license. Suzuki's Sushi is applying for a liquor and entertainment license. Pizza Hut will seek approval for a liquor and amusement device licenses and Chen's China Coast Restaurant is seeking a liquor license.

Former Rockland Mayor Louise MacLellan-Ruf will be appointed to the Harbor Management Commission. MacLellan-Ruf had previously served on the HMC before her election to serve on the city council.

On her appointment application Maclellan-Ruf said she sees the harbor as an underutilized revenue maker.

"I also believe that strategic and sensible plans need to be put in place," she said. "The harbor and working waterfront should no longer be viewed as a break even proposition."

On Monday the Rockland City Council will present Ann Morris and Michelle Gifford with a commendation for their efforts with the restoration of the Millay House. In a separate item, the council will discuss making February 22, officially, Edna St. Vincent Millay day.

Also Monday the council will amend the harbor and waterfront fee schedule to bring electricity rate in line with other municipalities.

Closing the meeting Mayor Will Clayton reminded the council there will be two workshops on Wednesday, January 11, at 5:30 p.m. One will be about the Infill and a second at 6:30 p.m. will be the first meeting with the City Manager Search Committee.