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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-06 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Monday, January 6, 2014 5:55PM City Council Chambers MINUTES Council Members: Civiello, Baldacci, Graham, Plourde, Gallant, Durgin Staff: Conlow, Farrar, Moore, Heitmann, Wardwell, Nicklas Others: Senator Gratwick, Cary Weston, Greg Lounder 1. Resolve opposing LD1483. An Act to promote an Enhance State Policy to Preserve & Promote Existing Methods of waste disposal of Municipal Solid Waste. City Manager Conlow introduced Greg Lounder from MRC. Mr. Lounder explained the resolve opposing LD1483. The bill would impact the group about $1.5 million annually. Also this bill would add more fees on certain disposal items which again would increase expenditures at the municipal level. Councilor Baldacci is interested in hearing alternatives to this bill before it takes effect in 2018 if passed. Senator Gratwick spoke in regards to his support of the people of this area and the number of flaws in this bill. He feels we need to think creatively on a model that would work in the future in regards to solid waste disposal. Councilor Gallant asked why is it that there is a bill created that will cost our taxpayers $1.5million and then have a discussion about it? Mr. Lounder suggested that this bill has a number of problems with it. As time progresses we will see how this will go as it gets updated, edited, etc. Councilor Durgin asked if this bill doesn’t pass, what is the next option? Mr. Lounder stated if this in fact is taken off the table, his sense is there would not be a new legislative initiative related to this until probably this summer. There will be road blocks along the way regardless. It is significant in this region because it forces municipalities to go along with the bill but MRC’s position is in opposition to this bill currently. Resident Cary Weston thanked the Council for meeting about his discussion on behalf of the taxpayers and how fast they pulled the meeting together before it went to the legislature. Councilor Baldacci moved to accept the resolve as presented, Councilor Gallant seconded, so moved. It will move to full Council for consideration. 2. Review and Discussion of recently enacted State Legislation.  An Act to Allow a Municipality to Prohibit a Sex Offender from Residing within 750 feet of a Recreational Facility. Committee Chair Civiello requested that this legislation be discussed regarding its impact on Bangor. Staff provided information and answered questions. City Solicitor Norm Heitmann explained what the recreational facilities are included. It is an expansion to the law that is currently in effect. Councilor Gallant asked if a daycare was included, and it is not. Councilor Civiello asked Chief Hathaway if our current ordinance has had any issues, etc. Not that they have seen. It seems to be working well. Councilor Gallant moved to enact an ordinance to add the new statues, Councilor Baldacci seconded, so moved for first reading.  An Act to Require Notice to and Input from Municipalities in which certain Group Homes are located. City Solicitor Heitmann explained that there is not a particular person that is to be notified when a new group home is going to open. It is only for a facility for acquitted persons found not guilty by reason of insanity. Basically if a group home like this wants to open in Bangor, the municipality needs to be notified beforehand. This protects against one opening up in the City with no ones’ knowledge. 3. Proposal to Amend the City Code regarding On-Street Residential Parking for Commercial Vehicles. This proposal would permit one-ton and smaller vehicles to park on-street in residential districts. Currently, commercial vehicles larger than ¾ ton are not permitted to park on street for more than four hours in residential districts. Asst. City Solicitor Paul Nicklas explained that this ordinance change would allow commercial vehicles to park for the standard allotted time on residential streets. Councilor Baldacci moved, Councilor Gallant seconded, so voted to recommend the proposed amendment. Motion to adjourn at 7:00pm.