HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-09 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
October 9, 2012
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Patricia Blanchette Benjamin Sprague Charles Longo in for Geoffrey
Gratwick
Joseph Baldacci
Staff:
Art Morgan, City Engineer Cathy Conlow, City Manager Brad Moore, WWTP
Superintendent
Dana Wardwell Public Works Paul Nicklas, Asst. City
Director Solicitor
Guests:
Andrew Hamilton, Plaisted St. Lavern Stockwell, Plaisted Charles Rohn, Darling’s Exec.
St. VP
James Garrity, Bangor Mall GM
Meeting convened approximately 5:00 p.m.
1. Abatement Request: 181 Ohio Street, Account #6803502
Brad stated this item should have been under consent agenda as staff recommended granting abatement.
It was moved and seconded.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
2. Stormwater Utility Rate and Credits Structure
Arthur Morgan stated this was brought to the Council about four months ago and received approval.
Staff prepared the fee structure that was equitable, economical, as well as a generating a credit structure.
Councilor Longo thought the credit was great and asked if there was a limit of size of impervious when
requesting a credit. Paul Nicklas indicated they tried to keep the limit low, credit limit as low as 4,000
square foot. Base fee for 3,000 square foot was $22.00 and an additional $11.00 for each 1,000 square
foot beyond that. Councilor Baldacci asked how one would apply for the credit and Paul noted the
stormwater credit application was Exhibit A in the packet. Councilor Baldacci was concerned it be
straight forward for the homeowner. The calculations for impervious surface (i.e. driveways and
rooftops) have been done for each property via aerial photography.
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Councilor Sprague was concerned about the availability of Staff for the anticipated increase in calls
from citizens during the stormwater fee and credit implementation process. Art anticipated the increase
and felt his Staff was up to it and confident in their ability.
Councilor Sprague asked if there were changes to impervious surfaces on a property would the
homeowner report the change. Paul stated they could, but also noted re-flying the City every five years.
New construction would be going through the planning process and impervious surfaces would be
picked up by the Code and Engineering Departments.
Councilor Sprague was also concerned about opportunities to lobby the federal agencies and regulators
about the burden on the taxpayer. Paul and Art stated there were efforts with other groups such as the
Bangor Area Stormwater Group, as well as national and regional based organizations. The Water
Environmental Federation and NEWEA were very active with the regulators and legislators to help keep
programs affordable and reduce costs to communities and citizens.
Councilor Hawes noted the many hours citizen volunteers had spent and wondered if they could help
educate the public or help at the City with the anticipated increase in calls. Paul noted a video being
compiled to help educate and he would check into the legality of citizens helping at the City.
Councilor Blanchette invited guests to come to the table and ask their questions to which Staff would
research the answers and bring them back to the Council meeting in two weeks.
Andrew Hamilton of 27 Plaisted Street stated the City had a system to fund requirements as they come
and there was a sense of balance. He cautioned Bangor to not get to far ahead of other communities.
The City had come up with a more intentional design with a stormwater fee that was more proportional
and precise to the impacts that were going to result on the properties. The credit may need work, but it
was as ready as it could be and would like to see the Council adopt.
Lavern Stockwell, Plaisted Street with the stormwater group spoke about the video and would offer
support of educating the public.
James Garrity, General Manager for the Bangor Mall and member of the SCRP commented on Mr.
Hamilton’s option that it was appropriate that proportional was the correct term to use. He felt it was
fair and equitable and hoped they would endorse and send to the Council.
Charles Rohn, Darling’s Executive Vice President and previous member of the SCRP stated it was a
good system and concurred with other requests to endorse and push the federal and state regulators to be
consistent of the overall costs.
Councilor Sprague thanked all for speaking and stated he had voted against it previously because he
wanted to be sure all options were exhausted. He urged that a degree of empathy for the taxpayer be
present and to also present through outreach that this was a long term and prudent decision to a long
term problem.
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Councilor Baldacci moved and Councilor Hawes seconded.
Councilor Blanchette thanked all who had worked hard and long on this. The record should show that
this decision was not taken lightly and to maintain limited exposure and to be constantly aware of the
public.
Councilor Longo urged the support of Councilor Baldacci’s motion.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
3. Maine DOT Project – Joshua Chamberlain Bridge
Art explained the agreement was between the Maine DOT and the City for $25,000.00 to replace
curbing on Water Street to improve the radius and accommodate turning buses and trucks from Main
Street onto Water Street and to avoid entering into an oncoming traffic lane. The State was offering
funds in advance of the upcoming detour to repaint the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge (above Summer
Street) for a month in March of 2013.
Moved and seconded.
Councilor Sprague asked that Art update the Downtown Partnership at their November or December
meeting. Art stated he was slated for the next meeting.
Councilor Blanchette noted the City was in the process of a study for a transit station, asked that this be
coordinated with MDOT.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:39 p.m.
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