HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-03 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Gerry Palmer, Frank Farrington, Peter D’Errico, Geoffrey Gratwick,
Anne Allen
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, Rebecca Hupp, Dana Wardwell, Dan
Wellington, Risteen Masters
Others Attending: Ken Buckley, Dick Averill
Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Introduction Of The New Marketing Manager-BIA
Rebecca Hupp introduced Risteen Masters as the new Marketing Manager, who would
be involved in business development, public relations, public outreach, and various other
activities. Risteen informed the Committee of her experience of 6.5 years as Director of
the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 7.5 years starting in 1999 as Director of
Marketing with the CAT out of Bar Harbor, 14 years in tourism, 9 years in transportation
and tourism, and previous to that 20 years of sales and marketing. Born in Bar Harbor,
attendance at the University of Maine in Orono, two professional certificates, CLU &
RHU, President and 1 year spokesperson of the National Association Of Health
Underwriters, also served on Downeast Transportation Board for 14 years. Councilor
Gratwick asked if there was a different appeal to this position, Councilor Allen asked if it
was anticipated to have increased relations with Canada, to which Risteen answered this
market would have a larger regional impact and that relations already existed with New
Brunswick and Fredericton, but there would be a need for more research and marketing
efforts. Welcome was offered by entire Committee.
2. Update: February 2007 Passenger Statistics-BIA
Rebecca outlined the Passenger Statistics and explained there was a drop of 8 ½% for
February, and 5% from a year ago. There was a reduction in capacity of 30%, but
expected the numbers to increase over the summer with US Air’s addition of a 72 seat
aircraft instead of the 50 seat used, and Delta’s expected second flight. Rebecca also
explained that weather had an impact on passenger statistics.
3. Lease Agreement: American Eagle for Dock 11-BIA
Rebecca explained American Eagle performs aircraft maintenance and employs
approximately 60 people. The airport had encouraged them to a long term lease, and
had offered an incentive to insulate the hangar. They agreed to a one year lease, with a
penalty of a termination fee if they don’t exercise the remaining four year lease. Noted
also that the Council had approved in the budget the cost of insulation for Dock 11 and
the yearly revenue from this lease would be $112,000.00, and recommended approval.
The Committee moved and seconded.
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4. Recommend for Appropriation of Unanticipated Revenues -BIA
Rebecca explained this is for additional revenue not forecasted. The Airport budgeted
for 1,000 flights in FY07, current projected flights are 1,600 with an unanticipated
revenue of $2.5 million, expected additional operating expense of $500,000.00 and
capital improvement project reinvestment in the infrastructure to replace piping on Dock
12 which was built in 1942, improvements to the existing parking lot and building
improvements, roof repair, entry way repair of $330,000.00. Just over $800,000.00
available to transfer into the Airport’s Trust Account for future needs. Councilor
Gratwick inquired as to improvements “fitting into” the Airport Terminal Design Study.
Rebecca explained this would fit into the Study but that the Study is only in the planning
stage at this point. That Study is expected to be about a $6 million project with
additional jet bridges, restrooms, and improved circulation. The Airport recommended
approval, with which the Council had no objection, motion made and seconded.
5. Establishment of An Airport Committee, Ordinance Referral: Council
Ordinance 07-113, Amending Chapter 9, Section 9-8 of the Code of
Ordinances-Standing Committee-Establishing an Airport Committee
Ed Barrett outlined the proposed options listed in his memo. Option #1.) A separate
Airport Committee, for global issues proposed to meet one to two additional meetings
on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Option #2.) Designated periodic
TIC meetings for Airport issues only, proposing to meet every two to three months.
Noted comment, not certain this will work. Option #3.) Schedule quarterly Committee
or Full Council Workshops proposed meeting would be approximately four times a year
on a fifth Monday. With routine matters continuing to be brought to regular TIC
meetings. He also noted to ensure consistency between the Airport and TIC
Committees, suggested composed Airport Committee would have members of TIC and
two additional Councilors appointed by the Chair.
Councilor Allen recommended an independent Committee that could meet at an
alternate time to not overburden TIC. Councilor D’Errico stated sensitivity to Staff
overload. Councilor Farrington noted not in favor of Airport Committee, the Full Council
should be involved, and in favor of compromised option, reluctant to have more
meetings-to expand TIC and have more workshops. Councilor Gratwick stated should
require additional attention as the Airport has a fifteen million dollar budget. He also
suggested having as many Councilor’s possible to sit in and to appropriate the amount
of time. Also, suggested pre-Council meetings. Councilor Allen motioned for Option 1,
with no second. Upon further discussion to refine a motion, it was seconded and moved
for trial of TIC to meet on separate issues modifying Option #3 to strategic plans, long
range plan, which the Councilor Palmer seconded. Ed noted the next meeting could be
next month. Councilor Palmer suggested a focus on two stages: Committee, then
timing. This item will be referred back to TIC in two weeks as Councilor Blanchette,
who initiated the topic, should be present
6. Discussion: Changes in State Sign Law
Dan Wellington informed the Committee of a law adopted in 1980-1981 for changeable
signs. State law currently allows for the changes in face be allowed every twenty
minutes. Relaxed State laws would allow for face change of text and graphics up to
every five seconds. Lewiston has enacted. Staff would recommend no exploration of
changing face times, as there is concern for safety due to distractions. There was
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discussion of impact to motorists, data nationally, home rule Councilor Allen motioned
that there be no change, which was seconded by Councilor Gratwick.
7. Davenport Park – Discussion of Conceptual Plan for Possible Improvements
Jim Ring stated there was interest in improving the park on the corner of Main Street
and Cedar Street and gave a preliminary presentation to the Committee offering history
of the monument and outlining changes. Proposed changes would be to reconfigure the
outline of the hull of the ship, the exact length, with the bow of the ship in tinted
concrete pavement scored as wood deck, junipers to depict waves, bronze flag pole with
vertical banners “USS MAINE Memorial”, perennials around the base of the monument,
new park benches which would have a divider in the center to deter “daytime sleepers”,
light-posts, mid-ship markers at the 55 foot mark, the location with which a band could
perform. A stern marker would be placed near the rear of the park. Suggested plaque
for Naval inductees of WWII could be placed closer to the monument and a pictorial
board outlining the history of the ship. It was also noted the park would be wheel chair
accessible. The anticipated estimate for the renovations would be approximately
$145,000.00, which is not currently appropriated. Plowing would be done on the Main
Street/Cedar Street side of the park. Ed mentioned there was approximately $10,000.00
to 12,000.00 left over from the fundraising effort by Cliff Darringer that was restricted to
the maintenance of the park. Possible funding as a capital project, which would need to
go through the budget process, and the another suggested source from the Downtown
TIF District. There was further discussion of the history of the ship Dick Averill spoke to
the Committee, and suggestion by Ken Buckley to acquire a ship’s bell another
suggestion for that perhaps veteran’s families could purchase bricks. Suggestion of a
dedication ceremony to included inviting members of Senate, Congress, U.S. Navy
cadets & faculty at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and members of the Blue & Gold
teams who served on the U.S.S. Maine. Kudos was offered to Mr. Cormier for the
restoration of the bow plate. The anticipated timeframe for the work to be completed
would be approximately 4 weeks, once started.
The Committee adjourned approximately 6:54 p.m.
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