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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-19 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes October 19, 2015 Councilors Attending: Civiello, Plourde, Sprague, Nealley, Graham, Durgin Staff Attending: Conlow, Farrar, Gendreau, Ledwith Other Attending: Cheryl Robertson, Warren Brown, Chris Betts Committee Chair Civiello called the meeting to order at 5:15 1. Presentation: Bangor Area Restorative Collaborative Cheryl Robertson, Warren Brown, and Chris Betts explained that the Bangor Area Restorative Collaborative (BARC), one of eight new collaboratives in Maine, is supported by the Restorative Justice Institute of Maine in Brunswick. Restorative practices is an approach that works not only with our juvenile justice system, but also in area schools and in community building. This relational approach shifts energy away from a system focused on doing "to", to one centered on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. Restorative practice work is global and already working in a variety of settings and contexts, including prisons, leadership models, and reintegration programs. The program focuses on alternatives to punitive discipline and is intended to produce better outcomes for the parties involved, versus traditional approaches. Councilors in attendance asked a variety of questions of the presenters, and were generally impressed with this approach and the program. Councilors also asked for follow-up information concerning outcomes and successes from the program. Councilors thanked the group for the presentation and wished them continued success. 2. Proposed relocation of Dock 1 for the spring of 2016 Parks and Recreation Superintendent Gendreau and Harbor Master Ledwith explained the request to move Dock 1 from its current location on the southwesterly end of the waterfront bulkhead to its former location between Gomez Park and the Seadog Restaurant, adjacent to Waterfront Park. This would allow for better monitoring of the dock, more potential use by small craft recreational boaters, a safer / more convenient take-out for participants in the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, and remove the opportunity for inappropriate use in its current location. This recommendation has the unanimous approval of the Parks, Recreation and Harbor Committee. After questions from the Committee and answers by staff, it was moved by Plourde, seconded by Sprague and voted unanimously to approve staff recommendation to relocate the dock next spring. With no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.