📰BIDDEFORD | VOTE POSTPONED - Director of Planning and Economic Development

October 21, 2025, Tonight at the Biddeford City Council Meeting, Councilors were scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Denise Clavette as the next director of Planning and Economic Development.

Denise Clavette

However, at the beginning of the meeting, it was unexpectedly announced that agenda item 10b "was struck" from the agenda. 10b was the agenda item pertaining to the Economic Director confirmation. It was also announced that a new item would be added to the executive session.

This was an unexpected announcement and several residents made noticeable gestures of surprise and confusion when it was stated.

The Planning and Economic position was most recently filled by George Gervais who held the job for only 18 months (the position has been vacant since July).

According to reports, if confirmed, Clavette will earn $125,000 per year and will have 4 weeks of paid vacation time.

Many may recognize Clavette's name as she has worked in several Maine communities, including Saco’s director of economic development for nearly four years, assistant city manager in Auburn and two years as the economic development director for the town of South Berwick.

Clavette currently serves as the economic development director for the Town of Gray, Maine and has been serving in this role for 11 months.