HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-03 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.
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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.
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