LEWISTON, Maine — A Lewiston property owner is challenging actions taken by the Lewiston Planning Board during its March 9, 2026 meeting, arguing that the board was formally adjourned before several agenda items were addressed and that any actions taken afterward are therefore “null and void.”
In a notice dated Saturday, March 14, 2026, Denis L. Theriault, owner of 239-243-245 Bartlett Street in Lewiston, directed his concerns to the Lewiston Planning Board and city administration.
Theriault argued that the City of Lewiston Charter operates under Robert’s Rules of Order, followed by the Planning Board Handbook revised February 9, 2026. According to his notice, after the public hearing on agenda item 4.a. involving Bates College, Planning Board Chair Shanna Cox adjourned the meeting.
Theriault pointed to the meeting recording, stating that at the 40:54 mark of a 2:31:31 recording, Cox said, “I’d Like To Adjourn The Meeting,” and then struck the gavel.
“At that moment the entire meeting ended,” Theriault wrote. “Anything said or done after that adjournment is null and void.”
He also cited page 14 of the Planning Board Handbook under “Failure to Follow Guidelines,” which states: “If such conduct continues, the Chair will call a recess, request the removal of such person(s) from the Chamber, adjourn the meeting, or take other such appropriate action.”
Theriault argued that Cox, acting with full authority, chose to adjourn the meeting and that all agenda items that followed, including items 4.b., 4.c., and items 5, 6, and 7, are invalid under Robert’s Rules and the Planning Board Handbook Rules of Procedure.
“Votes and Actions after the Adjournment are Illegal,” he wrote.
Theriault called for the meeting to be re-noticed and for all abutters to be notified. He specifically argued that the School Department, which he said is a separate legal entity with separate ownership rights, was never notified.
He also said he reviewed the current agenda for March 16, 2026, and found nothing that appeared to address what he described as the board’s failure to complete the March 9 meeting.
“Looking forward to the next meeting notification and your anticipated cooperation,” Theriault wrote.
