HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-10 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Minutes
December 10, 2013
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Benjamin Sprague Pauline Civiello James Gallant
Joseph Baldacci Neslon Durgin Gibran Graham
Josh Plourde Patricia Blanchette
Staff:
Dana Wardwell Art Morgan Cathy Conlow
Others:
Rodd Lougee, Bangor Gas Carl Snow, Laurel Circle
Andrew Barrowman, Bangor Gas
Agenda
1. Discussion: Bangor Gas Current Accomplishments and Future Plans
Andrew Barrowman read and outlined from a prepared agenda he provided to the Committee.
From 2008 to 2013 Bangor Gas had seen tremendous growth from 500 customers to 4,500, with 50% of
the growth coming from Bangor. 69 miles of pipe had been installed, equating to 364,320 feet of
distribution line and only 50% of the installed pipe had customers sign up to take service. Plan was in
place to market and focus on the remaining 50%. He informed the Committee of the short construction
season of April to December and noted that working to get the permitting from the Engineering
Department was excellent. He explained for the Committee how they use a model to determine the
location where pipes would be installed. He also spoke of the investment Bangor Gas has made in the
community by building a two million dollar facility in Bangor. The 2014 plan was to install 48,860 foot
of distribution line at a figure of approximately 1.5 million, pending corporate approval, and to be
installed in approximately eleven streets serving approximately 600 new customers. Their four year
plan was to increase the customer base by 4,500 to 10,000. Rodd Lougee stated three direct mailers and
door to door, as well as television and working with contractors for a pro-active approach to acquiring
new customers.
Carl Snow, 63 Laurel Circle spoke to the Committee about nearly 90% of residents on Bruce Road,
Laurel Circle, and Kenduskeag Avenue who were in favor of gas installation, however, when presenting
to Bangor Gas, it failed the plan. He also noted there was a plan for senior housing that was planned to
be built for nine million near the corner of Husson Avenue and Kensduskeag, but the owner would not
build until there were lines in that location. He expressed concern for citizens who have not yet realized
the cost savings of installing natural gas. He requested a copy of the master plan based on the Bangor
Gas model of what streets and in what order installations would take place on those streets.
Andrew explained in reference to the intended senior housing that as with the hotel on Sylvan Road they
would do an installation even though it was not budgeted, they would get gas to them.
Vote: No Action Necessary
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2. Update: Quarterly Abatement Report
(Memo Provided By WWTP Superintendent Brad Moore Attached)
Brad provided a spreadsheet and stated that in future updates he would include more explanation as to
why there were some denials on the list and provided an overview for new members of the abatement
process that was determined by City guidelines.
Vote: No Action Necessary
3. Discussion: Grease Intercepting Equipment Grant Program
(Memo Provided By WWTP Superintendent Brad Moore Attached)
Brad provided history for new members. He indicated the older lines in the City were not designed for
restaurants and the lines in the downtown area were not adequate for grease collection, it goes right into
the system. Committee had asked establishments be provided assistance and upon the collaboration of
WWTP, Engineering, Community & Economic Development, as well as Finance a grant program was
developed. The maximum amount of assistance would be $5,000 or 50% to assist, with the
establishment contributing a match for the equipment and necessary installs, whichever was greater.
They developed an approval process for eligibility requirements. They must provide the City with
information and be located within the City. Suggested one of the requirements of a minimum of 50
seats for a restaurant be changed to 100 seats.
Councilor Civiello asked about the cost associated with installing. Cathy Conlow informed the
Committee that the establishment must have a match of at least 50%. Councilor Graham asked where
the money would be coming from and Brad explained there was a reserve set aside, but that the City
now charges a sewer connection, which would be a funding source if funds were available. He also
stated there were a finite amount of restaurants that would qualify downtown and expected perhaps two
dozen properties.
Vote: No Action Necessary
4. Discussion: Kenduskeag Avenue Traffic Calming
Art Morgan explained in October they reviewed Kenduskeag Avenue traffic calming and found that one
of the requirements could not be met for implementing a traffic calming measure at that location. There
had not been the required three accidents within the last twelve months. He spoke with Maine
Department of Transportation regarding the 85% speed and requested Bangor Police Department
conduct a speed study between Linden Street and Harlow Street at peak a.m. event timeframe between
6:45 and 9:15. Results were basically the same as a previous monitoring by Enforcement at that
location. Art outlined the following implementation measures:
Speed bumps/tables, $12,000 to $15,000, those would make it difficult remove snow and
maintain.
Speed humps not appropriate with the 25 mph.
Narrowing the road, already 24 ft., with side parking and already to narrow.
Bends, Curves, difficult to find the real estate to do so.
Bump outs, costing $7,000-$8,000 to install.
Island, on a 49.5 ft road not practical.
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Gateways to residential areas, up to $5,000
Post warning signs indicating to reduce to the 25 mph.
Move centerline to create illusion the road is narrower.
The latter two were most likely considerations for this location and presented slides for the Committee
to review. The first slide Art showed the Committee was the existing conditions with a smaller 25 mph
sign. The second slide was the after picture showing oversized 25 mph signs placed on both sides of the
road. The third slide was the existing conditions of the centerline and the fourth slide was the after
picture showing what the road would look like once the centerline was moved over three feet, creating
the illusion the road was narrower. Approximate cost to the highway budget $4,000. Engineering and
Police Departments would continue to monitor and outreach to the community.
Councilor Plourde noted that Castine had solar powered speed signs and asked if that had been
considered and the pricing. Continued questions about types and amount of traffic accidents were
discussed. Councilor Graham was concerned for the safety of cyclist with the narrowing and parking
along that stretch of road. Councilor Sprague suggested painting bike symbols on the roadway.
Vote: No Action Necessary
Cathy reminded the Committee there would not be a December 24, 2013 meeting.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:25 p.m.
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