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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-08 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Minutes 1:25:23 Councilors Attending: Peter D’Errico, Richard Stone, Gerry Palmer, Geoffrey Gratwick, Frank Farrington, Harold Wheeler Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, Norm Heitmann, Jeremy Martin Others Attending: Jill McDonald, Charles Boothby Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. Consent Agenda 1. Sewer Abatement Request: Holiday Park, LLC – 979 Essex Street/Account # 100165 Jim Ring stated there was a crack in the service line, it was repaired promptly, and met the criteria. Moved by Councilor Stone and seconded for passage. Regular Agenda 2. Amending Chapter 148, Historic Preservation, § 148-5, Designating 412 State Street as A Historic Landmark This item is coming back from November 8, 2007 to make the “Wing House” an historic landmark building. Jill McDonald, Vice President of Communications for Eastern Maine Medical Center outlined their activities and stated the Wing Building was not in jeopardy. They are pursuing the following recommendations: 1) Redevelop the building, long term lease. 2) Consider operational need for the building, identify tenant. Charles Boothby, Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee stated the community workgroup felt there could be a tax credit for fixing the building. The Historic Preservation Committee held a public hearing and is awaiting approval. 1 There was discussion of zoning being an issue with regards to GIS zoning to historic tax credits. The building would be potentially used for office space, not medical. There would be a bid process for the Wing property. There was a motion and second to designate as an historic landmark. Yes votes: Councilor Farrington, Councilor Stone, Councilor Wheeler, Councilor Gratwick. 1 reserve vote: Councilor D’Errico, no. 3. Proposal to Survey State Street Area for New Historic District Ed Barrett provided a background on the Wing and Robinson properties. State Street is a historical district, north of State Street. There is proposed funding from the HPC for $6,000 grant. The requested recommendation would be to transfer funds to fund the survey study. Charles expressed his support. Jim was supported and noted Council Action and grant dollars. Motion and seconded. Vote: 5/0. 4. Discontinuance of Sibley Court Sibley Court is 12’3” wide and situated between the Federal Building and Club Gemini. Jim Ring stated a year ago or more there was discussion with the GSA concerning the need to upgrade security around the building, vehicle access being the primary concern. There was Council directive to start the discontinuation process to contact abutters, hold a hearing, and come back to the full Council with a recommendation for final action. An easement will be necessary for utility fire/oil filler. Both parties are cooperative. Motion made to move forward by Councilor Stone and seconded by Councilor Farrington. Yes votes: Councilor D’Errico, Councilor Stone, Councilor Palmer, Councilor Gratwick, and Councilor Wheeler. In conjunction, there will also be improvements to the Atler Parking Lot and re-striping of the Abbott Parking Lot. 5. Discussion – Proposed Comprehensive Planning Committee Ed stated the discussion started with the 2005 update the Council requested. Over a year ago the Planning Board was asked for their suggestions. Planning Board Chair Garrett suggested forming a special comprehensive comp plan committee to follow up on the 2005 & 2010 revision of the comprehensive planning. In January it was brought up in the Council’s Strategic Session to look at housing and open space in the plan. He stated the need to prioritize the 2005 plan for the 2010 revisions. He suggested the composition of the committee should be comprised of existing expertise such as Planning Board members, Vice Chair, Council Chair of TIC, Community and Economic Development member, Culture, Parks and Recreation, Superintendent of Schools, Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall Commission member, Historic Preservation member, and five 2 citizens who would be selected by advertisements and interviews. The Chair/Vice Chair to help in the selection process. The Planning Board requested item 7 be included. (Councilor Stone exited the meeting) Councilor Palmer moved and Councilor Wheeler seconded. There was continued discussion and concern, scheduling of interviews. Councilor Wheeler expressed concern for the Committee extending their own term. Ed stated there could be a revision to have the committee ask to extend the term. The Committee unanimously voted in favor with that one change. Motion and seconded to adjourn meeting. 3