HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-20 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Richard Stone, Peter D’Errico, Geoffrey Gratwick, Gerry Palmer, Frank
Farrington
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, David Gould, Rod McKay, Dana Wardwell, John
Taylor, Dan Wellington
Others Attending: Members of the Public, Mr. Tyrone Roberston, Mr. Bill DeRoss, Mr.
John Graham, Mike Spekhart
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Excursion Boat on the Bangor Waterfront
Jim Ring informed the Committee that Rod McKay from Community and Economic
Development, was contacted by Captain Steve Pagels who expressed an interest in
operating a vessel at the Bangor Waterfront. Captain Pagels who will be operating under
the name of Bangor Harbor Cruises expressed a desired to enter into a contract agreement
for a period of three years. Captain Randy Pagels addressed the Harbor Committee.
Captain Steve Pagels addressed the concerns of the Committee regarding the cruise
schedule, outlining a marketing plan through letters to businesses, printed brochures and
advertisements, and the vessel itself. Also noted the length of vessel to be used is 50’-65’,
a liquor license would not be obtained, and anticipated seven day week schedule. Mr.
Pagels expected to have narrators for the cruises and seeks additional resources for the
history along the Penobscot. Jim Ring explained further for the Committee the uses for each
dock, relocation of the vessel during the Folk Festival, and that cruise boats should not have
an impact on the seasonal boaters, and amendments and provisions to the Contract
Agreement such as: dock flexibility, term of operation to be extended for 2008 and 2009,
fees to increase each year by $50.00, loading of supplies, emergency mooring, duration
from June 1 to Oct 21. A provision to relocate to a mooring should there be severe weather.
Rod McKay expressed that he believed it would be successful and recommended along with
Jim Ring who also requested a three year approval. Motion was made and seconded.
2. Discussion – Draft Ordinance: Amending Chapter 265, Section 265-1, Solid
Waste-Collection and Disposal-Hours Limited for Servicing Commercial Accounts
Located Near Residential Zones.
Ed Barrett indicated that Mr. Robertson, who resides at 28 Boutelle Road, had contacted him
in October regarding dumpster noise and inconsistent pick-ups performed during the early
morning hours at the location of Fairmount Market, 662 Hammond Street. The request is to
prohibit pick-up times from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Mr. Tyrone Robertson stated the
dumpster is approximately 60’ to 70’ from his bedroom window, and is awakened by the
loud sounds when trucks release the dumpster back to the ground, noting Monday mornings
prior to 6:00 a.m.
Bill DeRoss with Cassella Waste explained the company tried to accommodate a later pick-up
time, but unable to access due to parked vehicles. He & John Graham with Evergreen
Waste Systems also expressed additional concern for safety in school and business areas,
1
and increase traffic with later pick-ups, leading to higher costs to consumer for
“backtracking”. Concern was expressed for the Ordinances impact hindering the waste
hauling companies, if passed.
Ed Barrett indicated he received a detailed message from Dan Tremble who had no
objection and is agreeable to participate in a resolution.
After some discussion of sound devices on the vehicles and type of dumpsters to consider
using, the Committee had requested a “gentleman’s agreement” to be made by the involved
parties and revisit the issue in one month hence.
3. Ordinance Referral: Council Order 07-097, Amending the Land Development
Code, Chapter 165-13 Definitions; Chapter 165-66-Zoning District Boundaries;
Chapter 165-69 Planned Group Development; Chapter 165-73-Parking Area
Location and Screening; Chapter 165-74-Design, Construction, and Maintenance;
and Chapter 165-135D-Buffer Yard
Amendment to provide a new set of design standards for buffer yards from 10’-20’, spacing
of plants. There was some discussion by Councilors and Staff of Evergreen trees used
instead of hardwood, the planting distance between trees, trees expected age of maturity,
parking lot waiver by 50% of the standard, the Committee motioned and seconded for
referral to the Planning Board and full Council.
4. Ordinance Referral: Council Order 07-113, Amending Chapter 9, Section 9-8 of
the Code of Ordinances, Standing Committees-Establishing an Airport Committee
Item #4 was deferred to the end of item #5, pending Councilor Farrington’s arrival. Ed
Barrett stated there was a Committee in the late 90’s. The Airport is a large operation that
requires more attention. The new Committee would have 3-5 members and suggested one
meeting per quarter for global issues. Councilor D’Errico stated the Airport is a valuable
resource at 13 million dollar budget. Councilor Farrington expressed concern about having
another separate meeting, potential weakening of the Council. Councilor Stone
recommended budget categories of focus for FY09 being, Bangor International Airport, real
estate, general aviation, etc. Councilor Gratwick also concerned about having more
meetings. Councilor Palmer indicated every quarter would be to long and preferred every
couple of months. Ed to work on options to bring back to TIC on April 3, 2007.
5. Discussion – Draft Ordinance: Amending Chapter 65-13, Animals
Ed Barrett received a letter from Mr. Spekhart of 163 West Broadway requesting an
Ordinance be adopted to restrict feeding of nuisance animals. Mr. Spekhart explained that
his neighbor had been feeding four legged animals, his concern regarding diseases that are
carried, and his family’s asthma condition heightened by their presence, and his attempt to
convince the neighbor to stop feeding. He also indicated he had hired an exterminator to rid
his yard, 23 squirrels removed over a period of three weeks. Dan Wellington stated to the
Committee the complaints from citizens in Bangor and expressed education and will
approach the neighbor again to have a formal conversation, with a one month trial period.
The Committee requested Dan bring a history and description and a revision of nuisance.
The meeting was adjourned after the discussion of item #4.
2