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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-22 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Minutes 1:26:32 Councilors Attending: Peter D’Errico, Frank Farrington, Hal Wheeler, Gerry Palmer, Susan Hawes Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, Norman Heitmann, Rebecca Hupp, Brad Moore, Planning Board Members: Miles Theeman, Chair Garrett, Rosenblatt, Risteen Masters Others Attending: Dick Rollins, WBRC Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. 1. Sewer Abatement Request: 20 Birchwood Avenue, Account #083095A Brad Moore stated there was a faulty pipe under a slat, and involved two quarters before the problem was discover and fixed. This does meet the criteria for an abatement. Motion seconded and passed. 2. Update: Passenger Statistics for November -BGR Risteen noted that in the year-end report there was a decrease of 4.1% despite a decrease of capacity of 13.4%. Noted decrease flights due to weather and airline withdrawal and the positive presence of Allegiant Air. Councilor D’Errico would like the addition of a breakdown of enplanement and deplanement on the report. Risteen stated they would enact that on the January statistics. 3. Contract Agreement with Edwards and Kelcey for Design of Terminal Renovations-BGR Rebecca stated there was a terminal design study to determine the needs of the airport over the next twenty of years. The study’s developed a series of recommendations of which one of the most important needed is the restroom on the second level. Edwards was awarded the contract through an RFP. They will be subcontracting with WBRC. 294,000.00 design, federal 90%, 5% State, 5% through airport funds. Expansion would take place over the existing roof, behind Bangor News and Gift to add room for security hold room. This would include totally new infrastructure to walls and roof, restrooms, elevator, sprinkler system, hvac, pda system, utilities, companion care for elderly and children. The cost 2.2-2.3 million, which would not be none until bids went out. Total 7,000 square feet in additional space. Some demolish because it is a renovation. Councilor Palmer asked if there would be an upgrade of the chairs. Which 1 Rebecca stated this was already in the process. To replace they could cost as much as 2-3 thousand per “bank”. Councilor Palmer expressed also the need for restrooms and amenities for the aging public for a positive travel experience. Councilor D’Errico inquired the status of the jetways. Rebecca stated there would be two additional jetways in the domestic terminal, which about five of years ago they cost approximately 250,000.00 each, which now could be doubled in price. Ed stated this required a recommendation as it would go to the Council on next Monday’s meeting, as it is over 100,000.00. Councilor Palmer, seconded by Councilor Hawes. 4. Referral: Ordinance 08-061-Amending Chapter23, Section 23-4 and Section 23- 11, Chapter 165, Section 156-6D, Section 165-9(B)(5), Section 165-113(C)(1), Section 165-126, and 165-128 and Chapter 271, Section 271-9(B), to Increase the Membership of the Planning Board from Five to Seven Voting Membership Jim Ring stated this was discussed in early December, this issue was brought forth by Councilor Wheeler. Council Ordinance 08-061 referred to this Committee and was unable to discuss. Increase membership from five, with two associates to seven voting members. Second there be a quorum of five planning board members. Number of votes required on items that the Planning Board refers to the City such as zone changes, there would be a majority of the Planning Board members. And on items that the Planning Board has authority such as site plans four of seven votes would be required. Bob Garrett stated he received a call from Councilor Wheeler for this topic. He discussed they do not wish to change the structure of the Planning Board, the purpose was to assure there would be at least five people in a meeting. He would support the associates members be empowered and be able to vote. Nathaniel Rosenblatt and Miles Theeman concurred. Ed would suggested wording of recused members into the Ordinance. Jeff Burns and Alice Brown have experience would be valuable members as full voting members. Councilor Palmer voting dynamics should be looked at more. Councilor Wheeler stated when he introduced the amendment; he did not anticipate this “quicksand”. Put off consideration of voting numbers for issues referred or final required to a later time. Urge the Committee to recommend seven full members, abolish the associate status. Ed suggested adopting section A. Councilor Farrington stated the Planning Board should be held to a higher standard, being that they have more direct contact with the public and have final authority to act. This item will go to full Council next meeting on Monday night. Ed suggested put this item as it was first read and Norm put together a revised version and adjust the voting member item. On Monday the Council could decide. David Gould stated this would be advertised for public hearing on the first Tuesday of February. Jeff Burns asked if they would need to go through the interview process for a Planning Board again, as it is expected to take place soon. Ed suggested they do go through the interview process again, as the Planning Board would be appointing permanent members. Councilor Hawes asked if these items could be split and advised the associate members cover themselves by going through the interview process, as 2 they take place this coming week. Ed stated this would go before the Council and referred back to Committee, Norm stated he would provide a revision. Councilor Palmer moved to send to Council, Councilor Hawes seconded. Councilor Palmer suggested Staff and Planning Board to work out the details. There was continued discussion of alternate proposal, concern of the implementation, and number of votes. There was a vote to send this forward as written, with Councilor Hawes, Councilor Farrington, Councilor D’Errico, and Councilor Palmer voting yes. 5. Discussion on Radio, Television, and Cell Towers-Continued Discussion Jim Ring stated the Planning Board had spent a lot of time discussing this issue and they wished to update this Committee, referenced outline table on page 15 in the packet. Chair Garrett stated the Planning Board expressed concern about the original ordinance language not address tower related issues in other zones. Conceptual plan found in the matrix where they would allow radio/television/cell and sell equipment. Defines what those entities are. There is a concentration on language that it would make it imperative applicants show justification and demonstrate towers are needed in certain sites. David Gould commented he met with the Board and defined, in simplicity, guidelines of where, what, and how. Leave things as they are in the industrial areas, but still maintain user- friendliness such as in co-location area. Councilor Farrington asked if they had examined the safety issue and the actual need for towers. Chair Garrett stated they did not, that would be not in there expertise. The attempt is to engage conversation and determine if these guidelines are agreeable to this Committee. Jeff stated one thing that was discussed that the tower, once obsolete should be removed at the owner’s expensive. Councilor Hawes inquired about the health and safety issue. Ed reminded that the FCC had set guidelines for safety and addressed the tower collapse concern, and explained when they collapse it is accordion style. Councilor Wheeler asked if the Staff, during this process, had consulted with certified broadcast engineers and tower consultants, which does not need an answer. He expressed his aggravation about the continued concerns of towers collapsing and referenced the tower on Mt. Washington that withstands 120 mile winds in the dead of winter that had not collapsed. And also addressed the safety of towers regarding public harm from radiation, if you are beyond 11/2 meters there is not scientific biological or medical evidence there is any danger to public health. Miles encouraged the Committee keep it simple and the matrix is as black and white as they could get it. Councilor Palmer is supportive and liked the concept presented of the removal. Towers are only dangerous three ways: when they go up, when they’re standing, and when they come down. He also stated that collapse isn’t typically accordion style, but usually comes down on cars, house, etc. Councilor D’Errico asked of the next step. Ed stated the Planning Board would need to continue working on this and put it in Ordinance language and come back to the Council for first reading and referral back to the Planning Board for public hearing and public comment. He urged if there are any serious reservations, comments, questions, that they be brought forward so it could be addressed. 3 6. Review: 2008 Fee Structure –Bangor Harbor Jim Ring stated docking fees had been established to include the cruise boat discussed at the Harbor Committee. The Committee and Staff did an extensive survey extending all the way down to Richmond, there were in excess of twenty locations, to compare rates. Recommendation for adjusting rates, the rates reflect approximately a 3% rate. Recommendation or approval is sought from this Committee to expedite preparation for the boating season is not far away. There was discussion of the budget for the Harbor, revenue and expenditures. Ed reminded the Committee that the revenue does not cover the cost. Recovering 50% of the costs. Councilor Palmer is concerned about the cost, but would vote for it but not without the foresight of complaints of the price of service. Councilor Palmer moved to recommend rates, Councilor Hawes seconded. Councilor Farrington motioned to adjourn, Councilor Farrington seconded. 4