HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-20 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Patricia Blanchette, Harold Wheeler, Geoffrey Gratwick, David
Neally, Richard Stone, Peter D’Errico, Susan Hawes, Richard
Bronson
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Paul Nicklas, Wendy Warren, Dan Wellington
Others Attending: Joel with Bangor Neon, Ken Krump
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. DIMS Report
Paul Nicklas deferred to Wendy Warren, Environmental Coordinator who
provided background and the Does It Make Sense Workshop (DIMS) study done
by AMEC.
Councilor D’Errico asked if there had been communications with other
communities so as to know what the City should expect and how to implement
such a utility. Councilor Neally questioned the equability of the user fee and a
cost that may be borne by all. Councilor Wheeler noted equability would not be
a proper term; that the burden would fall on the taxpayer at a rate of
approximately $42 per year for each household. A feasibility study should be
done, to identify addition sources of funding to reduce costs to the taxpayer.
Jim stated the stormwater utility did not just capture the taxpayer, but also the
non-profit development, etc. The study would look at equability/balance and
take into account the size of the property. The Council must decide at the end
of the study what would be a reasonable approach. The other process would be
implementation and setting of the rates, dependent upon other sources such as
grants. Councilor Gratwick asked if the State and Federal properties would be
part of the process. Wendy responded that Lewiston was an example of the
State being taxed on their properties and facilities. Ed Barrett followed up that
the hospital in Lewiston was disputing the bill and it was in litigation. If this
were set up properly it should apply to everyone, including the federal
government. Paul Nicklas advised all to take care when totaling up the costs and
setting the rate. Councilor Blanchette noted that there was a similar process
when setting up the WWTP for the water/sewer billing, money was placed in
escrow to build it. Ed suggested comparing impact on homeowner from property
taxes versus impact on sewer utility/or impervious surface fee and noted it would
be less expensive for single family dwelling to pay utility fee. He stated the
airport had the biggest impervious surface. Councilor Wheeler felt that the utility
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fee should be charged to non-profits but what legal means would there be to
enforce/legal mechanism. Paul Nicklas stated that when implementing it could
be in the form of a tax or fee. Ed suggested doing a feasibility study with public
meetings for awareness before imposing extra fee/tax on the taxpayers. Paul
stated that in the scope of work Sewall Company was doing they had agreed to
holding a public meetings. Council Blanchette suggested public awareness via
the government access channel. Councilor Cashwell requested the ordinance be
revised to come back in the spring instead of the end of the year, which the
Committee agreed to.
2. Revised Sign Ordinance
Paul provided overview and provided the following changes: 1) No longer limit
text & logos. 2) Prohibition of sexual content as this was already in Code §228-
1. 3) Clarification of §260-4. 4) Consider not including §260-7. There was
continued discussion of litigation of various restrictions, etc. and aesthetics of
buildings. Councilor Gratwick motioned this move to full Council and it was
seconded.
3. Discussion – Bed And Breakfast Use in URD – 1 Zone
Ed stated he received a request form Ken Krump to operate a bed and breakfast
with three units at 735 Hammond Street, corner of Hammond and Plaisted. Mr.
Krump spoke to the Committee to explain is desire for a bed and breakfast and
suggested a variance be considered. Dan Wellington explained the zones, laws,
variances, etc. Councilor Wheeler advised it needed to be approved by the
Planning Board but recommended/directed staff to investigate contract zone or
variance options to provide more information on why it was so difficult to get a
variance. Councilor Bronson advised not to spend time on the variance idea. Ed
stated staff would provide information on the variance, as requested, and would
look at contract zone changes and bring back for next meeting. He noted there
may be trouble meeting the basic development standards of the zone. Staff
would also look at other locations where bed and breakfasts could be allowed
and under what conditions, but that would take longer. Staff would come back
with a comprehensive regulatory scheme. Motion was made to come back in
two weeks and was seconded.
4. Referral: Council Order 09-313, Amending Chapter 268, Section 268-6 of the
Code of the City of Bangor, Post Construction Stormwater Maintenance Plan
Approval – To Correct Drafting Error Regarding Certain Dates in the Ordinance
Ed stated there was an error with the year that should reflect December 31,
2009. Motion made and seconded with no discussion.
Adjourned at approximately 6:37p.m.
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