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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-16 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE September 16, 2008 Minutes Councilors: Gratwick, Blanchette, Farrington, Palmer, Wheeler Staff: Ring, Hupp, Barrett, Heitmann, Masters Others: Parent, Ribble, Pullen 1. Presentation of Bangor Trails Preliminary Report For over two years Bangor Trails has been working to develop a proposed Citywide system of trails. Gratwick commended those involved with the report and indicated that the Committee was looking for comments. He specifically noted the involvement of Lindsey Marston and WBRC who put the final document together. Ring said this has been a 2 plus year effort between the Land Trust, Keep Bangor Beautiful and the City to create Bangor trails. It is the first level in creating a Citywide trail system. Barrett asked members of the Bangor Trails Committee to outline activities to date and provide an overview of the Preliminary Report. Heather Parent, Keep Bangor Beautiful, spoke introducing Meg Pullen and Steve Ribble prior to providing a brief background. The trail system will provide connections within the community as well as surrounding communities. It is consistent with the 2005 City’s Comprehensive Plan to provide a pedestrian system. In 2006, the Bangor Land Trust came to the Council with a Memorandum of Understanding to carry out Bangor Trails’ mission. Since that time, the BLT has been carrying out its duties including meetings with interested individuals and groups. The BLT gathered information and identified desired connections. Parent noted that the work of BLT is broken into four steps: identifying trails to be developed, determining the order and priority in which they are to be created and improved, construction and improving the trails, and maintaining the developed trails. She focused on and read page four of the report which identified the connections. Mike Pullen said public input was sought in 2006. He referred to page 2 showing the results of the March 22, 2006 public meeting and the draft concept plan. The draft concept plan was displayed at the Bangor Garden Show where public comment was received. On Page 7 he referred to the Key Points of Interest which were tagged into the concept plan. Pullen pointed out that the presentation focuses on the first 18 trails. Pages 9 and 10 provided the trail ranking system. Major landowners were invited to participate including Husson, EMMC, Dorothy Dix State Campus, EMCC, Essex Street Edge, Orono/Veazie Land trust, to name a few. On pages 5 and 6, the criteria was listed that was used to measure a trail’s feasibility. Pullen noted that actual trail locations will be determined by the willingness of landowners to accommodate such connection. Steve Ribble said that inherent in the memorandum of understanding between the City, The Land Trust and Keep Bangor Beautiful is an ongoing and definite continuation of the memorandum. The BLT will design and construct the trails in the order of priority determined by the Committee and approved by the Council. He stressed the need to look at the trails in a favorable light for the City, the community and the landowners. The key elements of funding and design would be the next step. Each trail will have its own design. Then the construction and maintenance process would fall into place. The report is one step in a very long journey. To continue the process, the BLT is respectfully requesting the Committee’s recommendation to the full Council to accept the report and to refer it to the Planning Board and the Special Committee on Comprehensive Planning for incorporation into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Farrington asked what months the trails plan would be used, how would the report be used to promote the Bangor area, if dogs and bicycles would be permitted, is the score rated as to a degree of difficulty or interest, and would this fall under Parks and Recreation in the City’s structure? Parent said that the report includes a series of trails and each with its own individual analysis. Each trial will have its own limitations and uses. On a case by case basis, each trail will be evaluated for dog use. The group has started to explore signage – verbiage to identify the trails, usage, and difficulty level of each. Barrett said that a lot of the City trails are currently used year round; i.e. City Forest. Ribble agreed with Barrett noting that if a trail becomes a year round attraction that perhaps the City might want to consider maintaining it or perhaps an adopt a trail system could be put in place. Regarding the ranking system, Ribble said that some issues taken into consideration were the proximity access and connectivity and the public benefit, public safety benefits and limitations, ownership and usage, physical ease of construction, potential acquisition and construction cost, potential funding, uniqueness in an aesthetic and recreational sense. Palmer said he suggested discussing the degree of ease as opposed to difficulty. He also spoke of the needs for ADA compliance and for mothers with strollers. He suggested the BTL consider a theme to follow through in naming the trails. Blanchette asked Gratwick if Willette could speak to the Committee. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee met yesterday and some of the questions raised today were raised by this Advisory group. One was to ask if the trails would connect to the Bangor Waterfront and if portions of the waterfront will remain green space. She spoke about defining “creating community.” Willette said this project is far and ahead of where many communities are at this point. He also sits on the Maine Trails Advisory Committee. This concept will become a tremendous resource. Responding to Gratwick, Barrett said the report would need to be formally accepted by the City Council who would refer the report to the Planning Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Special Committee on Comprehensive Planning. As a part of the Order, he further suggested that staff be directed to investigate any changes necessary to incorporate the plan into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the City’s Land Use Ordinances. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report as outlined by the City’s Manager. Palmer also talked about adding sporting events in the planning – bike races, relays, canoeing on the river – to bring attention to the trails. Barrett said the trail system report would fall under Public Works for construction and heavy maintenance, Parks and Recreation for programming, publicity and overall management. Blanchette pointed out the Parks and Recreation Advisory has a member who is on the Special Committee on Comprehensive Planning and he will report information between the two groups. Palmer suggested that it might be time to change the name of Parks and Recreation. Wheeler confirmed that he is the alternate for the Committee. Blanchette withdrew her second of the motion in order for Wheeler’s second to stand. Wheeler pointed out that in view of the fact the agenda is lengthy and a Planning Board follows at 7 pm, he made a motion that Item 6 be moved up to Item 3. Barrett noted that Item 2 is being withdrawn as the requesting individual was not available to attend the meeting. Items 2 and 3 could certainly be moved to the end of the agenda. Gratwick indicated that Item 5 would be taken up next as it is a fairly straight forward item and then followed by Item 6. 5. Proposed Rerouting of Kittredge In conjunction with the Hogan Road Extension, it will be necessary to relocate the lower end of the Kittredge Road so as not to create a five-way intersection. This concept has been on the Official City map for ten years. The City Engineer presented a variation of this concept that will allow it to be accomplished much more quickly and economically. The City has committed to do a number of things to improve traffic flow in the area. For over a year now, Ring has been considering the project and its expense – approximately $500,000 to acquire right of way and construction of new roadway. He has been looking at a way to make a connection from Stillwater Avenue through to Kittredge Road that would not adversely impact existing development and save money. The traffic volume on Kittredge Road is low compared to the large expense for the original plan. Looking at the land use, number of existing houses, and businesses, there is an anticipated daily vehicle use of 220-250 vehicles. Peak hour count is 30 vehicles. In lieu of construction of the original concept, Ring spoke of accepting an easement from Mr. Ellis, performing some improvements, which he outlined on a map, with the access route be towards the rear of the building. The concept that Mr. Ellis has agreed to is an easement conveyed to the City for the public to access use and travel between Kittredge and Stillwater Avenue. Changes would be made to the site. Some new pavement added, some pavement eliminated, installation of landscaping that has not yet done as part of Ellis site plan in order to bring him into compliance. The existing parking lot construction has thinner pavement so the proposal is to do an overlay of the lower section of the parking lot. Over time, the City would be responsible for maintaining the easement area of 26 ft. wide. The proposed concept would be a net reduction on the site of impervious area. The City would discontinue the lower section of Kittredge Road from the property line to the intersection with Stillwater Avenue. It would remove most if not all of the pavement. He recommended a ten foot easement through the discontinued portion for public utilities and recommended retaining an easement for bicycle and pedestrian access. This proposed recommendation avoids construction of new impervious area by the full relocation of Kittredge Road and does not create any wetlands impact. Ellis is very receptive to the recommendation. The recommended solution is approximately $62,000. Ellis has plans to add 21,000 sq. ft. of building. The parking has been constructed. In this area, there is an impact fee in the Mall Area. Ellis is asking that the City waive the impact fee at $8,000. This brings the total project cost to $70,000. Ring recommended the Council retain the proposed official relocation of Kittredge Road on the City’s map in case future needs require it. Gratwick commended Ring for the well thought out recommendation. Heitmann said this action is consistent with past City action citing the Patten Street and Shaw’s Supermarket project. Palmer agreed that the creative recommendation is the best of both worlds. Blanchette asked Heitmann about the Ellis’ offer and what happens if he was to decide to sell his property, which is the easement noted by Ring. Heitmann said that easements are forever unless otherwise stipulated at the time of agreement. Blanchette thanked Ring for his recommendation especially regarding the wetlands. Wheeler asked about the next step is in the process. Barrett said the Council would pass an Order accepting the easement and directing staff to process the paperwork. Subsequently it will need to go to the Planning Board for a site plan revision. The Order will appear on next Monday’s agenda. Responding to Wheeler, Ring said he has detailed information on a 8½ x 11” map. Ring will also put a memo together summarizing his recommendation. Regarding the cost savings, Ring said it was a combined effort of staff members before presenting it to the Committee for review and recommendation. Wheeler asked if a policy could be established that when items like this are on an agenda that staff provide summaries in writing and reduced copies of the graphics could be distributed in advance of the Committee meeting in order to avoid confusion. Responding to Gratwick, Ring said that Ellis has undertaken a number of projects in the City and he has an interest in the Stillwater Corridor. He will receive financial benefit in terms of improvements to the lot, access exposure, and the waiver of the impact fee. Gratwick commended Ring and Ellis. Palmer noted that Ellis would receive quite a bit out of the arrangement in terms of road access and of drawing folks into his business. A motion was made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation to refer this to the full Council at its upcoming meeting for referral to the Planning Board. As a matter of clarification, Heitmann said that on Monday’s Council agenda there will be a Council Order accepting the easement from Ellis. Secondly, with Ellis’ site plan having lapsed, if he wants to do a second building, he would have to return to the Planning Board with a site plan because he is creating an impervious surface. Blanchette stated that her original motion was incorrect and she amended her motion as stated by the City Solicitor. The motion was seconded. Wheeler asked that the motion be restated. Heitmann restated it indicating the motion is to approve staff’s recommendation that the City accept the easement as described by City Engineer Ring and as shown on the plan. Wheeler seconded it. Gratwick noted that D’Errico had already seconded the motion. Lucy Quimby as a member of the Bangor Trails group said she appreciated the care that the City has taken to provide a bicycle and pedestrian access. She noted that it was included without a request from the Bangor Trails group. 6. Presentation by Representation of Western Petroleum Representatives of Western Petroleum were in attendance. Western Petroleum is the firm to which ExxonMobil wishes to assign various agreements to provide fueling services to Bangor International. Hupp said staff felt it would be helpful to have a presentation by Western Petroleum regarding their company, the merits of the change and the benefits they can bring to Bangor. Responding to Gratwick, Hupp provided a brief overview. In June, she said that ExxonMobil approached BIA about a change in the tax structure, the unitary tax law, in Maine. This prompted them to ask the City to extend their termination clause to 90 days. ExxonMobil notified the City in June that it was their intention to assign all of their contracts to Western Petroleum. Hupp introduced Greg Bartness and Dave Jewett. th Heitmann spoke about the September 30 deadline and with full Council approval there will be an extension. He has had discussions with Exxon’s attorney and they have agreed to a 120 day extension. The Council Order and the amendment to the agreement will look very similar to the last one approved by the Council in June. The form has been agreed to and Exxon’s counsel will execute and return it to the nd City. This will appear on the September 22 Council agenda. Gratwick clarified that the focus of the discussion was to be the extension but now that has been clarified by Heitmann and tonight’s discussion is of an educational nature. Hupp noted, in response to Gratwick, that Committee will need to recommend approval to full Council of an Order at its next meeting to extend the deadline by 120 days. A motion was made and seconded to approve the extension. Blanchette spoke about the unitary law which was passed by the State Legislature to give Maine based businesses a tax break. BIA is taking the brunt of the tax law, and she said it was not fair. The 120 days will give the City time to discuss it with Senator Perry, who chairs the Taxation Committee. She had asked Senator Perry to call the City Manager. She asked that the Committee agree to meet with Senator Perry regarding corrective legislation. Gratwick said that later in the meeting the Committee will return to Blanchette’s request. A Power Point presentation was given by representatives of Western Petroleum. Paper copies were also provided. The presentation included the company’s history, scope of services, key aviation programs, product liability insurance, marketing programs, communications and availability, control inspections, 24/7 dispatch service, refueler truck and tank farm financing and leasing program, aviation specific supply activities, their past experience with the Maine Air National Guard, and supply delivery is recommended to barge it from N.Y. Harbor to Dartmouth, N.S. to Bucksport. Councilor’s questions interspersed the presentation and were responded to in detail. Heitmann said that this is an assignment of existing agreements. Western Petroleum would be bound by the current agreements while they are in effect. Western Petroleum has expressed a willingness to look at the agreements to see if changes are necessary. Heitmann said that some agreements could be combined into one. In terms of costs and services, Western Petroleum will provide what ExxonMobil is doing. D’Errico spoke about the method of delivery as well as primary and secondary carriers. Palmer spoke about labor negotiations with common carriers as well as product delivery in severe weather conditions. Blanchette talked about current trucking companies used to transport fuel from Bucksport to BIA. Hupp said it is contracted with ExxonMobil who contracts with Webber and Dead River. Western supplies 132M gallons of fuel per year, 16M of which went to the Bangor Air Guard in 2007. Western did not bid successfully for the Air Guard’s needs this year but in confident that they will retain the Guard’s business. They were 3 cents/gallon above the lowest bidder. Hupp said the Air Guard bids their contract annually. Blanchette questioned the use of single hull barrages to transport from Bucksport to Bangor. Barrett said the extension will be on Monday’s Council agenda, further discussion will take place at that meeting, staff will continue to gather information to respond to questions raised in the past, and both Exxon and Western Petroleum are working on questions raised to them. He urged Councilors with further questions to provide them to staff so that the answers can be obtained. Barrett said he will follow through with Senator Perry to invite him to a meeting regarding the unitary tax. 2. Discussion: City of Bangor’s Land Use Ordinance – Landscaping Standards Carol Epstein had requested an opportunity to discuss the impact of landscaping requirements of the Land Use Ordinance on the viability of commercial development projects. Ms. Epstein was not available to attend the meeting, and the item was postponed to an upcoming agenda. 3. Passenger Statistics: July 2008 - BGR With the agenda packet, the Committee was provided with a memo and accompanying statistical data information. Masters reviewed the information. July statistics were down 8.9% as is the industry nationwide and the capacity is down 18. Air Forecast reported that airports nationwide were down and expected to continue through the fall season. Maine Tourism Association reported a 3% downturn in overall traffic through July. Boston is reporting a downturn. The only increase reported is Portland’s Jetport. Airlines will be cutting its capacity in the fall. SouthWest is cutting its capacity in Manchester. BIA’s new website is up and operating. D’Errico spoke about the load factors, which are still very strong. 4. Lease Agreement – Car Rental Leases – BGR Hupp said a RFP process was completed back in April. 5 proposals were received and Council awarded the contracts. A second portion of the contract is the actual lease agreements and that it what the Committee is considering at this point. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval to full Council authorizing staff to enter into the lease agreements. The Council Order will authorize the Airport to enter into facility leases with the successful proposers. The concession lease agreements include the ticket counter space, the parking spaces, and car maintenance facilities. The term will be for five years and will coincide with the concession term. Rental rates will be calculated as either a percentage of gross revenue or based on the minimum annual guarantee, whichever is greater. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn.