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Home My WebLink About2009-12-08 Infrastructure Committee Minutes Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Minutes Councilors Attending: Patricia Blanchette, Geoffrey Gratwick, Harold Wheeler, Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Paul Nicklas, Brad Moore, David Gould, Ed Barrett, Jerry Ledwith, Norm Heitmann, Dan Wellington, Others Attending: Larry Hannon, Nathaniel Rosenblatt, Steve Ribble, Doug Damon, Dan Cassidy, Larry Killam Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. Consent Agenda 1. Sewer Abatement Request: 21 First Street, Account #4900600 2. Sewer Abatement Request: 33 State Street, Account #00106202 3. Assignment of Easement – Mobil Pipeline Company to Irving Oil Terminals Councilor Gratwick moved to pass Items 1, 2, 3, and Councilor Wheeler seconded with no discussion. Agenda 4. Sewer Abatement Request: 663 Stillwater Avenue #1147, Account #039419 Brad Moore provided handouts to the Committee and stated this was the second request in two successive quarters. This request was for a malfunction with a valve on the equipment and the first was request was originally approved on September 2, 2009. Mr. Hannon explained that it was a valve on an ice cream machine both times. He was unaware of the second failure, during the first repair was faulty because all systems worked fine after the repair. Sometime later, he was check the gauges and they appeared to have insufficient pressure, indicating there might be another problem in the system somewhere. Councilor Wheeler moved that with the understanding that this would be the last one for quite some time. Councilor Gratwick seconded. 1 5. Discussion of Medical Marijana Dispensaries – Zoning Restrictions Paul referred to the memo on page 66a. This was brought about by a recent election referendum. Provisions would be for a municipality to limit the number of establishments and enact a reasonable zoning regulation. The notion was to roll this in with the chemical dependency treatment facilities current ordinance. Councilor Gratwick was not in favor of having the dispensaries along side chemical dependency clinics, it would send a wrong message and abuse potential. He preferred the limitation of clinics to start and amend the number as appropriate. He indicated his preference would be one location. Ed stated that it would not be co- located but referred to the regulation being done in the same manner as chemical dependency clinics. He noted that the dispensaries would be limited on their supply at each location and the need in the area and from that a calculation could potentially be made. Councilor Blanchette suggested dispensing out of licensed pharmacies, as it is a controlled substance. They would need to move fast and get this to Council and suggested a workshop and public meeting. Councilor Wheeler noted ambivalence and was concerned about a public hearing (which was appropriate to have) based on opinions, limited knowledge, or no knowledge. He agreed it should go to full Council. Dan Wellington mentioned that in the City there was no zone where you could have both horticulture and retail. Councilor Gratwick moved to return to Staff for other recommendations and workshop with the whole Council. It would be appropriate to have a “stop gap”. Councilor Blanchette asked for clarification for the Staff as their hands were tied until the outcome of the Governor’s Task Force. There was mentioned this would needed to be amended by substitution, but Paul informed them that was not necessary as it had not gone to the full Council yet. He suggested sending this to full Council to have on the record, hold a workshop and public hearing first because they didn’t want something that was finalized before-hand. Councilor Gratwick moved Staff to put ordinance on for first reading and referral, Councilor Wheeler seconded. There was further discussion of security and distances that might be considered. 6. Special Committee on Comprehensive Planning Update Nathaniel Rosenblatt and members of the Committee provided an update of the Committee’s progress to date. There was no action needed. 7. Discussion: Harbor and Dock Operation Jim and Dan Cassidy provided an overview of the Harbor Advisory Committee’s discussions and recommendations. Jim provided his memo to the Committee. A review of the budget reductions for the harbor operations was explained. The consensus was once the services and boaters were gone it would be hard to get them back and could take years. A request was made for the Council to consider restoring the funding or to consider privatizing/partnership of dock operations. Councilor Gratwick urged this move forward as boaters reserved their spots for the season in March/April. Request for proposals was brought up, however that would be a lengthy process and could take until May, which was too late. Ed 2 urged the Committee not to go through the formal process but to have Jim talk with people who may be interested. Councilor Blanchette stated her concern that it took quite a process to development the waterfront and should not shut things down that bring people in. Councilor Wheeler concurred and stated that it didn’t make sense to have this natural asset and not use it, but he also wondered what incentive there was for private owners. Jerry Ledwith explained that Bangor’s location was a landing and generally those facilities that would make money would be marinas that do repairs and storage of vessels. Councilor Gratwick motioned that Staff bring back in late January/early February with a report if there was interest in privatizing. Councilor Wheeler encouraged Staff not to wait for the Council. Ed stated Staff could have the partnership option information within the month. If there wasn’t interest they would need to get the docks in the water and do an appropriation resolve to make the funds available at the second meeting in January by Council vote. Moved to adjourn at approximately 6:59 p.m. 3