HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-28 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Minutes
May 28, 2013
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Benjamin Sprague Pauline Civiello James Gallant
James Gallant Patricia Blanchette Joseph Baldacci
Nelson Durgin, in for Susan Hawes David Nealley
Staff:
Brad Moore Cathy Conlow Art Morgan
Guests:
Consent Agenda
1. Sewer Abatement Request – 23-25 Spring Street, Account #615201
Councilor Baldacci moved, Councilor Sprague seconded without further discussion.
Vote: Unanimous
2. Sewer Abatement Request – 191 French Street, Account #14018A01
Councilor Baldacci moved, Councilor Sprague seconded without further discussion.
Vote: Unanimous
Agenda
3. Easement Request: Grant Easement to Bangor Hydro Electric to Extend Service for Energy West
Resources, Inc.-City Owned Property on Maine Avenue
Art informed the Committee of the new compressed natural gas (CNG) facility that would be located on
Maine Avenue. The property is City owned, and leased to the CNG facility, with potential to offer them
in the future. An easement would be granted to Bangor Hydro Electric Company for service to the
facility.
Councilor Sprague moved, and it was seconded.
There was further discussion about any potential issues, Art stated there wasn’t any. Councilor Durgin
asked about any change in the traffic pattern for this location, Art explained this location would be a
right in-right out only.
Vote: Unanimous
4. Ordinance Amendment Proposal: Amend the Sewer and Drains Ordinance, Chapter 252-25,
Abatements To and Discounts of Sewer Use Charge
Brad proposed streamlining the process as indicated in his memo. The sewer abatement system started
in the early 90’s. The requested changes to the Ordinance:
Reduce the request time to 90 days from 120 days.
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Actual owners of properties, not tenant or property manager be required to make the request.
Remove the $500.00 limitation at which Brad could approve abatements.
The abatement program had been in place for years and the Council has been consistent in the practical
application. It would reduce some of the activity of the Committee. The only time the Council would
see abatements would be during an appeal process. Cathy explained that the Council asked if there was
some way to streamline the abatement process and asked Brad to look into. Councilor Sprague was in
agreement, it would put more responsibility on the owner.
Councilor Sprague moved on all three proposed changes, it was seconded.
Councilor Blanchette suggested to include as part of the amendment that Brad submit an account of the
abatement to the Infrastructure Committee every quarter.
Councilor Durgin asked if a statute existed that prohibit Department Heads from rendering this type of
decision. Cathy would check with the Legal Department. Councilor Durgin then concurred with the
recommendations.
Councilor Baldacci suggested a disclosure of numbers and amounts to generate a one page notice form
regarding the right to appeal.
Councilor Civiello questioned 90 days being sufficient time for requests to be made, example, if
someone was out of town, and also asked if a check was done on current taxes, etc. for being current
before considering granting. Brad stated they would take it into consideration and checks are done only
on sewer accounts. Cathy said they would check with Norm in Legal.
Councilor Longo suggested that as with the taxi cab appeals, they should also take abatements to the
Board of Appeals.
Councilor Blanchette wasn’t certain the Board of Appeals was authorized to accept funds on behalf of
the City and requested that it be looked into. She urged that if the Council relinquished power,
landlords would take advantage.
Councilor Gallant agreed that the Council protects the Staff and let it rest on the Council. He suggested
both parties (owner & manager) be on the request, with both original signatures.
Councilor Sprague withdrew his motion and moved the follow revised proposed amendments:
Summary Report provided Quarterly to the Infrastructure Committee (Councilor Baldacci
request it be an item on the agenda.) (Councilor Longo requested it not be on the same night as
the Bangor Water District’s Report.)
Limit of $3,000.00 (Councilor Baldacci prefers the Council maintain responsibility)
Generic notice/appeals form.
Motion made and seconded by Councilor Durgin.
Vote: Unanimous
5. Discussion: Wastewater and Stormwater Utility Infrastructure Improvement Plans
Brad provided a chart of wastewater and stormwater collection system which shows the rating system
for the rate of failure and for high risk and consequence locations. Typical budget amount of $250,000
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would be used for small projects and spot repairs. FY14 budget request was for $450,000 for short term
projects and spot repairs. Randolph Drive was identified as a location in desperate need of repair. The
request for $450,000 would not be borrowed money; it would be from the operating budget. The extra
$200,000 was a request for the West Market Square area.
Councilor Durgin asked how a priority project was determined and at what point it would reach a point
of immensely that something would need to be done. Brad stated the factors as risk of loss, health,
backup in homes, sewer in streams, also affordability. Art provided some consequences if there was
such a failure: loss of ability to treat large areas of the City, business close, no potential for future
expansion.
Councilor Durgin asked about the status of a location on Webster Avenue experiencing sewer
difficulties. Brad stated they had tv’d the line and was unable to go all the way through due to a
blockage, but no reports of a backup in the basement.
Councilor Baldacci was concerned about public health and safety and showed interest in a separate
meeting on the systems that were over the acceptable risk. Councilor Gallant was interested from a
planning standpoint and how to proceed. Cathy informed them on the City’s basis of decision making
and prioritizing on project repairs. Councilor Blanchette said the most troubling area was on Sidney
Street, pipes gone and asked about pipe lining. Art explained it was not a good candidate as it was
structurally damaged.
Councilor Gallant recognized Councilor Nealley, who joined the table.
Councilor Gallant and Councilor Durgin requested more information on the type of pipe, amounts,
resources, and most critical projected projects for FY14. Brad would provide the status of the financials
at the next meeting.
Councilor Gallant requested this be a topic on the next agenda.
No Action Necessary
Motion made and seconded to adjourn at approximately 6:00 p.m.
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