HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-05 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
June 5, 2012
ATTENDANCE
Councilors:
Benjamin Sprague Susan Hawes Geoffrey Gratwick
Staff:
Art Morgan Tracy Willett Dana Wardwell
Guests:
Meeting convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Request Execution of Easement Deed Between the City of Bangor and Forest H. Grant Family
Limited Partnership for a Sidewalk – Stillwater Avenue
Art was approached last fall by Forest Grant about folks using his grass as a means to get
from the southern end of Stillwater to the convenience store. Mr. Grant had asked if there
was some way the City could construct a sidewalk in that area. Art explained that there
were several barriers such as traffic controls and utility poles to work around. Art suggested
to Mr. Grant that the City would construct a sidewalk if Mr. Grant provided the City with an
easement to go across his property. Mr. Grant was agreeable.
Councilor Gratwick asked about financing for this project and how much. Art explained the
money would come from left over highway maintenance funds from this year and anticipated
the cost would be 155 feet at approximately twenty a foot. He anticipated project
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completion would be before July 1. He also stated Stillwater was served by a sidewalk on
the opposite side of the road.
Councilor Durgin moved to adopt Staff recommendation and Councilor Sprague seconded.
Votes: Unanimous
2. Amending Chapter 291, Article III of the Code of the City of Bangor-Parking Prohibited and
For Persons with Disabilities – York Street
Art was approached by the Beth Israel Congregational Church requesting a handicap parking
space. One of their parishioners has had difficulty entering the church on the Sabbath due
to an impairment that required him to us a wheelchair. When Staff started to explore this
option, they found there was a prohibition of parking on York Street on Saturdays. In past
times, parishioners could not drive on the Sabbath so the prohibition didn’t have an impact.
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Now that times have changed and the driving practices on Saturday, the congregation
wished to change the existing ban so members could enter with dignity. It was verified for
Councilor Durgin the location was on the upper side of York Street, closest to State Street,
from Adams to Essex and the vote would be to create a handicap space and the remove the
Saturday parking prohibition.
Councilor Durgin moved to accept Staff recommendation and it was seconded.
Vote: Unanimous
3. Review: Maine Avenue & Godfrey Boulevard Roundabout Traffic Control Plan
Art stated the City would be undertaking the construction of a roundabout on Maine Avenue
and Godfrey Boulevard and was expected to start in a week or so. Bangor Police,
Engineering, and the Contractor met to discuss the traffic control plan.
Councilor Gratwick asked Art to explain what was included in the $364,000 expenditure
estimate. He also inquired if Council action was required. He also noted he needed more
time to review contractor’s plan, as it was just handed out.
Art responded he was provided the handouts late in the day before the meeting. He also
explained the funds would be for a mast arm, signal detection, controls, and lights. Dana
added he believed it was also for the widening of Maine Avenue.
Councilor Durgin was pleased, stating it would be more efficient. The contractor’s plan was
standard and looked good to him, even with such a short time to review.
No action would be required.
Vote: None Necessary
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4. Review: “Explore the Bangor Trails Weekend”, June 16 & 17
Councilor Sprague provided the brief overview of the event.
Tracy added there would be maps available on the Parks and Recreation website and the
City of Bangor’s website of the trails in Bangor. City Staff was making signs designating the
loop at the City Forest to Healthy Maine Walk.
Councilor Gratwick offered that the benefits of the trails were not only for health reasons,
but was also good economically and socially. He expressed his appreciation.
No action would be required.
Vote: None Necessary
Motion made and seconded to adjourn at approximately 5:20 p.m.
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