HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-01 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
MINUTES
June 1, 2015
Councilors Attending: Civiello, Baldacci, Blanchette, Graham, Durgin, Faircloth
Staff Attending: Conlow, Farrar, Heitmann, Goodwin, Irwin, Willette, Leonard
Others Attending: Media, 2 citizens
Committee Chair Civiello called the meeting to Order at 6:20pm
1. Resolve, Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate a Grant in the amount of
$27, 500 from the Maine Centers for Disease Control Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund.
Public Health and Community Services Director Hamilton outlined the Lead Poisoning
Prevention grant and funding in the amount of $27,500. It was moved by Baldacci,
seconded by Graham and voted to recommend approval of the Resolve to the City Council.
2. Review of Liquor License Notification Process
City Solicitor Heitmann explained the current state law and City Liquor License
Processing Policy. City Clerk Goodwin explained the role of her office in the process. The
issue before the Committee dealt with the situation of whether or how to notify residents
occupying upper floors of a building when a business on the first floor requests a liquor
license for the first time. Members spoke to the need to provide some type of notice to
residents who might not be aware in these cases. Staff explained some of the challenges
involved. Suggestions for notification included having the city and/or landlord or business
owner send letters, posting a notice in a visible location on/around the new business,
having the city provide notice through the city’s website/social media and other similar
approaches. After further discussion, it was agreed that staff would return to a future
committee meeting with options and recommendations for providing notice in these types
of situations.
3. Discussion Concerning Political Signs
City Solicitor Heitmann provided an overview of current state law and how various court
decisions have interpreted the ability to limit political signs in relation to free speech and
the First Amendment. He also advised the committee where signs are and are not currently
permitted. Committee members had a broad discussion about the positive and negative
aspects of political signs including definitions, locations, restrictions, size, time-frames for
placement, and removal. The discussion also included whether restrictions on candidates at
the polling place entry way on voting days was possible. City Clerk Goodwin explained
current state law and various opinions she has received when these questions have arisen.
Councilor comments and opinions ranged from from significantly restricting signs in the
public right of way except on private property, to only restricting / minimizing signs for
public safety purposes. After considerable discussion and review, it was moved by Baldacci
seconded by Faircloth and voted without doubt to ask the City Solicitor to prepare a list of
potential options and accompanying legal opinions for Committee consideration at a future
committee meeting.
4. Discussion Regarding Vaping
Director of Public Health and Community Services Hamilton and Public Health Educator
Irwin explained current public health issues with tobacco use and vaping, as further
outlined in their memorandum to the committee. Also discussed was the City’s current
Tobacco Use in the Workplace Policy, current state law, and the approaches some Maine
communities have taken regarding vaping. Committee members discussed their concerns
with the use of tobacco products, second hand smoke and vaping in public areas. Hamilton
and Irwin outlined various approaches /options that the Committee could consider. After
further discussion, it was moved by Baldacci, seconded by Durgin and approved 4-1 (Civiello
opposed) to direct staff to prepare a draft Ordinance for consideration that would: (1)
prohibit vaping / e-cigarettes in those locations where smoking is currently prohibited;(2)
prohibit smoking / tobacco products and vaping in public parks within 20 feet from
established playground and picnic areas, and (3) prohibit vaping in vehicles when minors are
present.
With no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.