HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-22 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Patricia Blanchette, Peter D’Errico, Geoffrey Gratwick,
Richard Bronson, Harold Wheeler
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, James Ring, Brad Moore, Dana Wardwell
Others Attending:
Committee convened at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda
1. Sewer Abatement: 174 Union Street, Account #067192
Brad explained the policy for sewer abatements. The YWCA typically requested
abatements when they empty their pool annually. Brad also inquired if it was
the Committee’s wish that he bring the City owned pools abatement request
forward for their consideration, which he typically approved. The Committee
approved his continuing to approve the City pool abatements. The abatement
for 174 Union Street was motioned and seconded for approval.
Regular Agenda
2. Discussion: Changes to “No Through Trucks” Posted Street Schedule
Jim Ring outlined his memo on page 47 regarding streets “no through trucks”
posted signs and stated inconsistencies where some streets had signs and some
did not. Eddyway, Francis, and Hannibal were on the schedule, but should not
be. Section two there were streets that never made it on the Ordinance, such as
Manners Avenue and East Summer Street. Additional streets from section three
were Church Road from Pushaw to Essex and Essex Street from City line to
Stillwater Avenue that also should be added. Councilor Gratwick asked if there
was a criteria for posting signs and stated his lack of knowledge where some of
the streets were. Councilor Blanchette requested Jim outline where streets were
located and requested he provide a map indicating locations at the Council
Meeting. Jim provided the outline of street locations and explained that the
volume of truck traffic determined the posting in residential areas. Ed stated
that some postings had come about by citizen request and in turn were
evaluated, but there wasn’t a particular criteria. Councilor Blanchette expressed
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concern that they might have trouble with the addition of Church Road and
Essex Street locations and requested red flashing signs be placed so as not to
have the Bangor Police Department inundated by calls and provide citizens with
ample warning. Jim concurred that would be appropriate action to take.
Councilor Bronson was supportive and offered comment that East Summer Street
should remain posted and Essex Street posting was overly restrictive because
there wasn’t sufficient alternative. Councilor Wheeler suggested dovetailing in
conjunction with “no through truck” signs that the City place signs where there
wasn’t one. Councilor Gratwick motioned and Councilor Wheeler seconded to
move Staff recommendation to full Council. There was a unanimous vote and
Jim stated Staff would prepare a memo.
3. Proposed Revision to Solid Waste Ordinance - Commercial Hauler Licensing
Jim explained the City was under contract to haul waste to the PERC plant in
Orrington and was required to haul a minimum amount of Guaranteed Annual
Tonnage (GAT) to the plant. If the City did not meet the minimum requirement,
penalties would apply. Haulers intending to do business in Bangor are required
to obtain a license. It was brought to Dana Wardwell’s attention by PERC and
another commercial hauler that there was activity by a unlicensed hauler within
Bangor. Currently, there are approximately five haulers licensed with Bangor.
The proposed revision to Chapter 265-1, Section E.3 would include: “Any
individual or commercial hauler who provides, places, or services any dumpster
or similar container for collection or handling of acceptable solid waste in the City
of Bangor shall obtain a Solid Waste Haulers License.” Councilor Gratwick moved
and it was seconded to approve the revision.
Before the meeting adjourned other business was discussed. Councilor
Blanchette requested an update on the Coal Tar project. Jim indicated that the
preparation was complete, dredging started mid-day September 21, 2009, and
the curtain that surrounded the area was outsourced and still awaiting its arrival.
They had removed approximately 150-200 yards yesterday and today
approximately the same. One surprise was that there wasn’t an odor as
expected. And noted the project started a week later than expected.
Councilor Wheeler requested follow-up on a request from a citizen regarding
Lower Atler Parking Lot renovations. Jim stated the work was expected to start
in a couple of weeks with closer of the parking (with notice) to expedite
completion.
Councilor Wheeler also inquired on the status of a citizen request regarding noise
at I-95 south near Nason Avenue. He stated he contacted MDOT but hadn’t
heard a response back and wondered if Jim had. Jim stated he had an email
inquiry for topographical maps in that area, presumably to set up monitoring for
a noise study and that was all he had to report at that time. He added a
footnote that MDOT would conduct a noise study, only as an assessment, not
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that a project would occur. Also, MDOT often looked for a substantial amount
from municipalities around the 50% range for funding.
Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Gratwick and seconded by Councilor
Wheeler at approximately 5:44p.m.
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