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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-17 Infrastructure Committee Minutes Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Minutes Councilors Attending: Susan Hawes, Patricia Blanchette, Harold Wheeler, Gerry Palmer Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Brad Moore, Paul Nicklas, Tracy Willett Others Attending: Sarah Munsey Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. Regular 1. Sewer Abatement Request: 188 Rolling Meadows Drive, Account #4141302 Brad Moore told the Committee Mrs. Munsey had requested the abatement. The request was due to watering of the new lawn. Sarah Munsey provided the Committee with a handout dated August 17, 2010 with reasons she sought relief and read them to the Committee. Councilor Wheeler asked if there was proof that what went into the stormdrain actually went to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Brad indicated there was no proof. Jim Ring noted that in the Code didn’t provide anything other than Staff denial. There was discussion of information being provided to residents, submeters, brochures, inform realtors, etc. either by the WWTP or the Bangor Water District. Brad noted the website was an excellent resource. Mrs. Munsey stated that Scott’s Lawn Service had told her to water the lawn as much as possible, but didn’t anticipate that high of an increase. Councilor Wheeler noted that Scott’s shouldn’t have liability and suggested they work with Brad on a payment plan. Councilor Blanchette motioned the request be denied and asked Staff work on a payment plan - less interest for this situation, and Sarah would have to contact BWD for the water/submeter. Councilor Wheeler seconded. Councilor Wheeler noted that if there was still a balance after twelve months to come back to the Committee. Unanimous Vote. 1 2. Discussion: Community Gardens Jim Ring noted interest had been expressed in allowing community or neighborhood gardens within the City. Under the current Land Development Code, gardens were only allowed as an accessory to a house or other building. Staff had been working on an ordinance to allow the requested gardens with the suggested provisions:  Allowing gardens in any district unless prohibited due to natural resource protections.  Allow small structure accessory to the gardens.  Prohibiting retails sales. Tracy Willett provided the background of the request and stated a committee was formed with two citizens, the National Able Network, the Cooperative Extension, and himself. This committee had met to discuss the possible location of City owned parcels. A lot on Essex Street, formerly naval property was being considered. Soil sample was taken and awaiting the results. The committee would continue to meet through the fall and winter with the 2011 growing season as a goal. There was discussion of access/limited access, lighting, security, existing fencing, and possibly the availability of folks from the Able Network. Details would be finalized if this was to be the garden location. Paul Nicklas outlined the ordinance and Tracy noted he would provide progress updates. Councilor Blanchette motioned to refer to the Planning Board and it was seconded by Councilor Wheeler. Unanimous vote. Adjournment approximately 6:00 p.m. 2