HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-17 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Susan Hawes, Gerald Palmer, Richard Bronson, Geoffrey
Gratwick, Harold Wheeler Chairing for Susan Hawes, Cary
Weston
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Ed Barrett, Paul Nicklas, David Gould
Others Attending: Lucy Quimby, Steve Ribble, George Elliott
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Referral: Ordinance 10-007, Amending Chapter 271, of the Code of Ordinances
– Street Openings and Utility Connections – Limitations and Violations and
Penalties
Jim Ring stated this was a referral for changes to the street opening and utility
location permits to better protect the City trees, which would also provide for
replacement. Councilor Gratwick moved Staff recommendation for amendment
of Chapter 271, and it was seconded with no further discussion.
Yes Vote: Weston, Palmer, Wheeler, Gratwick
No Vote: Bronson
2. Referral: Ordinance 10-008, Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 284,
Trees, Section 284-17, Violations and Penalties
Jim stated this was also a referral for amended ordinance which would establish
value for damaged trees. This would mirror the tree ordinance to define value.
Councilor Gratwick moved for Staff recommendation and it was seconded with
no further discussion.
Yes Vote: Gratwick, Palmer, Weston, Wheeler
No Vote: Bronson
3. Referral: Ordinance 10-009, Chapter 265, Solid Waste, of the Code of
Ordinances to Set a Maximum Solid Waste Collection Amount, Provide for
Reimbursement of Certain City Costs, and Allow for an Appeals Process
Jim stated this amendment was prompted by recent experience with excess
materials set at the curb for two successive weeks at the same location. In
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review they discovered there was no clear amount of solid waste that would be
acceptable, on average. The provisions would include 10 containers per
residence, up to four units. If there was excessive, the Public Works Department
could pick up and bill the owner. And a provision to have an appeals process
before litigation.
Councilor Palmer asked about limitations on the weight of the waste and noted
there should be an incentive for those who are mindful of their trash. Jim noted
the weight was 30 lbs. or 300 lbs. maximum.
Councilor Weston questioned the enforcement of the weight limit. Jim stated it
would put a provision in place for safety and if the collection company deemed it
too heavy it would be left at the curb.
Councilor Gratwick noted he was in favor and moved Staff recommendation. It
was seconded by Councilor Bronson, with a unanimous vote.
4. Discussion: Bed And Breakfast Use in URD – 1 Zone
Councilor Wheeler indicated this request had been withdrawn by the applicant.
Ed followed up that Mr. Krump contacted the City after Staff provided
information to the Committee and indicated his request to withdraw. However,
he stated there had been interest and would continue to look at the restrictions
and positive reuse of certain historic properties with conditions attached through
the Special Comprehensive Planning Board, and with Planning.
Councilor Gratwick was supportive.
5. Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall Management Commission Activity Report
Jim stated this was the first report by the Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall
Management Commission. In May 2005 The Task Force’s Report was accepted
by the Council and was incorporated into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The
purpose was to develop a management and access plan for the Penjajawoc
Marsh/Bangor Mall area. In June 2005 the Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall
Management Commission was formed under Council Order 05-203. The duties
of the Commission were:
Develop recommendations for an overall management plan designed
to preserve habitat and environmental values while permitting public
access and use.
Develop recommendations for a public access plan to support
appropriate recreational users and ecotourism.
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Monitoring the implementation of the recommendations including the
Final Report of the Penajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall Task Force dated
May 2005 and, where necessary recommend changes.
Develop recommendations on the expenditure of public funds to be
used for the purchase of property or conservation easements, public
access projects, and water quality improvement efforts.
Provide review and comment to developers on proposed commercial
and residential development affecting the Penjajawoc Marsh for the
prupose of providing advice and recommendations on how such
developments can be designed to minimize their impact on the
Penjajaowc Marsh and Stream.
Coordinate with other interested parties on issues and projects
involving this area.
Make recommendations to the City Council on other actions, including
ordinance revisions that may assist in the conservation of the
Penjajawoc Marsh.
Meetings generally held the first Friday of the month at 1:00 p.m. and several
additional meetings, when necessary for the review of proposed projects. The
Commission has adopted a policy of scheduling a special meeting if the regular
scheduled meeting is longer than two weeks from the receipt of submission.
The Commission also developed working subcommittees such as:
Land and Open Space Subcommittee
Management Plan Subcommittee
Invasive Species Subcommittee
The Commission reviewed 24 projects. Ten were subdivisions, six major site
plans, and eight minor site plans.
The Commission devoted time to develop recommendations for ordinance
changes relating to development standards:
Establishing the Penjajawoc Marsh Overlay Zone
LDR and RR&A Cluster Subdivisions
Schedule B & C – Cluster Subdivisions LDR and RR&A
Interconnection of Street and Pedestrian Systems
Definition of Open Space parcel.
Open Space reservations (banking)
The Commission also developed and overall Management plan to preserve
habitat and environmental values while permitting public access and use:
Specific environmental values to be protected.
Wildlife, plant, and habitat inventory of the marsh overlay district
Guidelines for selecting lands to be preserved for public access and
recreation plan.
Water quality
Invasive plants
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David Gould provided the benefits for his department and recommendations
upon Councilor Wheeler’s request.
Lucy Quimby, President of the Bangor Land Trust noted:
The Commission was developer friendly.
The Commission was designed to have people from opposite ends of
the spectrum.
The Commission holds discussion forums- advantageous to have
different opinions.
The Commission was recognized by the National League of Cities due
to their work.
Motion made to adjourn at approximately 6:00 p.m.
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