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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-04 Finance Committee Minutes FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Monday, August 4, 2014 @ 5:15pm Council Members: Blanchette, Durgin, Nealley, Gallant, Graham, Baldacci, Civiello Staff Members: Cyr, Conlow, Hathaway, Angelo, Nicklas, Courtney, Collins, Guglielmo 1. Bids/Purchasing a. Night Vision Optics – Police Department – Morovision Night Vision - $19,345 Finance Director Cyr explained that the SRT team meets on a regular basis and look at future equipment needs and this in advance of some Homeland Security Funds that will be coming to the City in the near future. They felt that the night vision optics are the best option for the team at this time. Staff recommendation is to waive the bid process and purchase 6 night vision optics from Morovision Night Vision in the amount of $19,345. This will be paid out of our current Homeland Security Funds that are set to expire at the end of August. Councilor Graham moved, Councilor Durgin seconded, so approved. 2. Council Order, Authorizing Application for $42,000 MDEP Grant – Arctic Brook Watershed Management Plan Director Cyr explained that Arctic Brook does not currently have a Watershed Management Plan. We would like to apply for a $42,000 MDEP Grant to get a WMP for Arctic Brook. We will need a 40% local match which can be done by using in-kind City staff services, University of Maine resources and the Maine Bangor High AP students as part of the STEM program towards our match. We also have up to $8,000 of stormwater utility budget to supplement our in-kind services. Having an approved WMP allows us to apply for other funding under section 319 for specific projects within the WMP. Councilor Blanchette moved, Councilor Durgin seconded, so approved. 3. Council Order, Authorizing Application for $150,000 MDEP Grant – Capehart Phase II Projects Director Cyr explained that since we already have a Watershed Management Plan for Capehart, we can apply for these monies for actual projects. Repair of a failing retaining pond and installation of 150 catch basin inserts and mini bio filters. There is a 40% match for this type of project but we can again use our in-kind services provided by the City. Councilor Durgin moved, Councilor Baldacci seconded, so approved to recommend to full Council. 4. St. Joseph’s Hospital Offsite Improvement Councilor Durgin felt there is a conflict of interest with this item since he is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph’s Hospital. He does not want to taint this project with this possible conflict of interest. Councilor Blanchette thinks that even though she feels this is not directly a conflict of interest with this project, it may be viewed by others as a conflict so she moved Councilor Durgin should be excused from this item. Councilor Gallant seconded. Councilor Nealley doubts this motion because he feels Councilor Durgin does not benefit from any decision the committee makes since he is a volunteer on the Board. Motion passed 3-1. Assistant City Solicitor Nicklas explained the project details in terms of the 2 left turn lane improvements. He stated St. Joseph’s will put $170,000 towards this project which is required by the MDEP permit agreement. If there are any monies left over from this amount, it will be used for other Broadway improvements. In turn, they will not have to put anymore monies towards this project if it goes above the $170,000. Councilor Baldacci moved, Councilor Graham seconded, so approved to recommend to full Council. 5. Overview of Revised City Website Meghan Collins gave an overview of the City’s new website. Navigation issues have been fixed, the look is a bit different and allows people to do what they need to do electronically. The website is used in combination with our GIS system so maps and other information can be populated in regards to what someone is looking for. For example you can find all the parks that are in a certain area, or you can find all the departments in City Hall, or the trash/recycling collection routes via maps. 6. Council Order 14-246, Authorizing $2,720,000 of General Obligation Bonds Director Cyr explained this is the bond order that is usually put together in July that reflects the results of the fiscal year 2015 budget discussions. The Council approved $2.2 million for sidewalks and street work. $400,000 was approved for replacement equipment such as plow trucks, sidewalk plows, etc. Also some is allotted for improvements for Fire Station 5 and Parks & Recreation playground equipment. Councilor Durgin moved, Councilor Nealley seconded, so approved to recommend to full Council. Adjourned at 5:55pm.