HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-03 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Patricia Blanchette, Richard Bronson, Harold Wheeler, Geoffrey
Gratwick
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Brad Moore, Rebecca Hupp, Risteen Masters, Paul Nicklas,
Dan Wellington
Others Attending:
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Sewer Abatement: 29 First Street, Account #049007
Councilor Gratwick moved to pass, Councilor Bronson seconded. There was no
discussion.
2. Sewer Abatement: 29 First Street, Account #049007
Brad stated the request didn’t meet the criteria. This residence is occupied by an elderly
women; who has her daughter-in-law handling the affairs. Consumption history was far
less than minimum usage (below 12) in one month, up 242 units, and back down the
next month. In the interim Bangor Water District tested the meter and found it was
fine. According to a letter addressed to Brad, they couldn’t determine where the loss
was coming from. Brad brought this forward because of the usage before and after the
event, and asked the Committee to make an exception. He added the adjusted bill
included fees to pump clean water through the system. Councilor Gratwick moved and
Councilor Bronson seconded.
3. Passenger Statistics for January 2009
Risteen stated the load factors were at 65.8%, decreased from January 2008 by 5% &
11% compared to last month due to decreased demand by around 8%. Previously
Committee requested a list for 100 airports that had service in 2007, but not in 2008
which was provided. Councilor Wheeler asked about the statistics of Continental Airlines
compared to others. Risteen responded that Continental was up due to increased
capacity, additional flight with 50 more seats than other flights. There was further
discussion of various airlines. This was an informative update that required no action.
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4. Order: Authorizing the City Manager and/or the Code Enforcement Officer to Apply for
and Accept a Grant from Maine Historic Preservation
Dan stated this would appear on the Council Agenda at next Monday’s meeting. They
received short notice the State had money available for certified local governments,
Bangor being one. One Committee member and Code put together a grant proposal
accepted by the State for $10,980.00. They would provide a match with the City’s
portion being Commission and Staff time and some materials. They were in the process
of completing a brochure that was funded with last year’s CLG grant. The brochure is a
guide for every property owner that owned historically designated property. It is not yet
finalized about what the money would be for but there had been discussion about using
it for rehabilitation of historic structures. Dan requested the Committee accept the
grant. Councilor Gratwick motioned and Councilor Wheeler seconded for acceptance.
5. Amendment: Section 211.5 and Appendix A of Chapter 211 – Plumbing Code
Dan explained Appendix A referenced Bangor Water District documents that was last
updated in 1983. The Plumbing Code was rewritten in four documents from 2007. The
purpose was to enable designers to find other regulations, for instance, Bangor Water
only allow copper piping and the City allowed plastic. The documents also make
reference to Public Utility Commission items. This also will appear at Monday’s Council
Meeting. Councilor Gratwick asked if generally this was a statewide regulation. Dan
responded not necessarily, in the instance of plastic piping. Councilor Gratwick
extended the discussion to Chief Cammack working on the requirements for sprinklers.
There was lengthy discussion of sprinklers, water pressure (PSI), locations of
low/normal/high locations around the City to accommodate, and smoke detectors.
Councilor Blanchette asked if Dan needed action on this item. Dan responded that this
would be on the Council Agenda for first reading.
Councilor Gratwick moved to adjourn.
Ed reminded members of the Birch Stream Stakeholders Meeting at the University
College of Bangor.
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