HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-09 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
January 29, 2013
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Benjamin Sprague James Gallant Pauline Civiello
Charles Longo for David Neally
Staff:
Tracy Willette, Parks & Rec Director Cathy Conlow, City Manager Norman Heitmann, City
Solicitor
Dana Wardwell, Public Works
Director
Guests:
Meeting convened approximately 5:15 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Authorize Application for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant
Tracy Willette explained Staff would like to apply for a 35,000 grant to improve access to the shore area
near Gomez Park for canoe racers to take out. The proposal was to install gabion rock baskets and use of
other fortified materials such as rocks and granite stone to reinforce the shoreline area. This type of
shore restoration had been done on the Kenduskeag trail behind Harlow Street. Also proposed adoption
of the Arctic Brook by Bangor High School, whereby they would work with students and science
teachers who would collect samples of the impaired stream. The grant would assist with materials for
the high school such as education and lab materials which would, in part, satisfy some requirements
from the DEP. For reference, Arctic Brook runs from Grandview Avenue, under Bangor Shopping
Center, and resurfaces behind Bangor Gardens to the Kenduskeag Stream.
Councilor Sprague stated it was worthwhile and asked if tax dollars were involved. Tracy explained it
was a one to one match of in kind service on the part of the City.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Civiello seconded.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
2. Execute Agreement: Authorize City Manager to Execute Agreements with Maine Department of
Transportation for New Freedom Grants
Dana Wardwell explained the City had applied for several Federal Transit Administration Grants to
improve access along bus routes. The City was successful with receiving two of the grants. One grant
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would be utilized to install new pedestrian countdown signals and upgrade the handicap access ramps at
the northeast, southeast, and southwest corners of Griffin Road and Union Street. At the same location
installation of a new thermoplastic crosswalks across Griffin Road on the easterly side of Union Street
and across Union Street on the southerly side of Griffin Road. Installation of a new six foot wide
sidewalk from the southwest corner of Union Street and Griffin Road along the southerly side of Griffin
Road to the southeast corner of Griffin Road and Ashley Street. This would also include the installation
of a new handicap access ramp at the southeast corner of Griffin Road and Ashley Street. The second
grant would consist of installing a new six foot wide sidewalk from Ashley Street along the southerly
side of Griffin Road to the southeast corner of Griffin Road and Maine Avenue and the installation of
two new handicap access ramps one at the southwest corner of Griffin Road and Ashley and one at the
southeast corner of Griffin Road and Maine Avenue.
The two projects would be fully funded by the Federal Transit Administration, with Maine Department
of Transportation performing the work, and no City funds or in-kind services would be expended.
Dana responded to Council Sprague that how they prioritize paving of the City sidewalks was done
together in conjunction with paving the streets. He also noted that this particular area was heavily used
and was very dangerous, thus the request for this grant in this area.
Councilor Longo stated that even though City funds would not be utilized now, they would be later in
maintenance, and Dana concurred.
Moved by Councilor Longo and seconded by Councilor Civiello.
There was comment by Council Civiello regarding Joe McNeil’s letter about 190,000 passengers using
that area and stated there was quite a need.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
AGENDA
3. Lease Agreement Amendment: United States Coast Guard Lease Pier Space at Bangor
Waterfront
Norman Heitmann explained that Art had asked him to present this to the Committee in his absence and
also that he had worked on this initially. The United States Coast Guard had previously tied up on a
month to month basis at Pike Industries, just downriver. In 2007, the Coast Guard had contacted the
City to tie up at the City’s waterfront bulkhead. The request was for a change to the original 2007 lease.
The requested changes included: 1) Changing their address. 2) Amending the lease to include “liable for,
and shall hold the lessor harmless from, claims for damage or loss of property, personal injury or death
caused by the acts or omissions of the government, its officers, employees, and agents in the use of the
granted premises”. 3) Add a date certain expiration of September 30, 2015.
Norman explained the value of the Coast Guards presence in the area and that it was important they
break the ice and keep the waters free flowing. In the past, the City had damages due to ice jams. Of
particular concern was ensuring open free flowing waters during the spring runoff, the previously
capped of the coal tar area, and protect the infrastructure of the shoreline.
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The request would keep the lease in place with the United States Coast Guard and except their request
for the above reference changes.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Civiello seconded.
There was some discussion apart from the agenda regarding moorings, federal navigation channel, and
working with Brewer to become a federal anchorage.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
4. Presentation: Joshua Chamberlain Bridge Public Service Announcement
Presentation was made with assurance for Council Gallant that this would be presented on the City’s
government channel and website.
Vote: No vote necessary, informational only.
5. Unscheduled Item: Initial Discussion of Non-Residential Rubbish Fees
Councilor Gallant asked Dana to explain for the Committee the issue of the non-residential rubbish fee
and asked for the Committee to start initial conversation.
Dana stated there was an area at Public Works designated and cordoned off for yard waste, chips, and a
brush pile. The area was not staffed on the weekend, which was the most popular time for citizens to do
drop offs. Non-residents were also taking the opportunity of utilizing this area. It may be possible to
generate revenue for the FY14 fiscal year if they implemented drop-off fee, or license non-residential
vehicles or try to charge a fee per load or per yard. The question was how to administer it when there
wasn’t weekend staff on site.
Cathy Conlow requested of the Committee if they preferred Staff to pursue and if so Staff would do an
analysis of information from other communities, and come back with details presenting the pros and
cons.
Dana also explained for the Committee that the yard waste was chipped up and sold for bio mass, also
the chips were used for erosion control around the City. At this time of the year they also sell to PERC.
Cathy stated that the service was for convenience and broke even.
Councilor Gallant requested this come back two meetings from now.
Councilor Civiello asked about utilizing Workfare individuals or volunteers. Councilor Sprague was
concerned about the prospects of utilizing volunteers.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:48 p.m.
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