HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-19 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Chair, Susan Hawes, Patricia Blanchette, Harold Wheeler,
Geoffrey Gratwick
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Brad Moore, Paul Nicklas, Norm Heitmann, Rod McKay
Others Attending: Miles Theeman, Steve Emery
Committee convened after 5:00 p.m.
1. Property Lines: City Cemetery
Councilor Wheeler questioned whether he should recuse himself, as his wife was a
member. Councilor Blanchette didn’t feel it was a conflict, Councilor Hawes concurred.
Congregational Beth Israel is replacing fence around the Old Jewish Cemetery that abuts
City of Bangor public burial ground. Upon research, a deed for the Old Jewish Cemetery
could not be located, requiring an exchange of deeds between Congregational Beth
Israel and the City to set the property line.
(Memo from City Solicitor and Cemetery Map Attached)
Jim and Norm explained that Congregation Beth Israel wished to replace fencing
however boundaries would need to be surveyed. Dick Day would do the surveying for
the property lines. Jerry Hughes, Dana Wardwell, Norm Heitmann, and Jim Ring went
to the site. There would need to be an exchange of deed from both sides to set the line
10’ of City side of existing space. Severance Street driveway at the corner of the
cemetery they would need to add 12’ extension of culvert, running parallel with
Severance. It was noted that Congregational Beth Israel would provide the funds.
Staff recommended the exchange of deeds. Both Mr. Theeman and Steve Emery with
Congregational Beth Israel concurred.
Councilor Blanchette moved and it was seconded by Councilor Wheeler.
Vote was unanimous.
Item to go to full Council next Council Agenda.
2. Livable Communities Act
The Conservation Law Foundation has requested the City Council to support the Livable
Communities Act. The proposed legislation would support land use planning, public
transportation, mixed income/mixed use neighborhoods, urban infill and brownfield
redevelopment, and energy efficiency.
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(Memo from Assistant City Solicitor and Information on Livable Communities Act
Attached)
Paul was contacted by Greg Cunningham. He outlined the planning grants amounting to
2.2 million in capital improvements funds. Rod and Jim stated it was a new program
and the legislation hadn’t gone through yet. The city could apply for the grants if they
became available. There would be benefits worth looking into.
There was Council question regarding other communities who may be supporting the
legislation. Paul responded he was not sure.
Motion made for a Council Resolve to support proposed legislation and Councilor
Wheeler seconded.
Vote: unanimous.
3. Easement Request – Time Warner Communications
Time Warner is requesting an easement in Broad Street Park to expand downtown
internet service.
(Memo, Location Sketch Attached)
Jim informed the Committee about the interest in hi-speed internet expansion recently
discussed in Business and Economic Development, utilities also present. He referenced
a memo and map on pages 23 & 24. The service, via conduit, was proposed to go
through the corner of pocket park and extend to Pickering Parking lot area in the future.
Councilor Wheeler moved to adopt Staff recommendation and Councilor Blanchette
seconded the item go to full Council on Monday night.
Vote: unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:43 p.m.
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