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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-17 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Monday, March 17, 2014 at 6:00PM City Council Chambers MINUTES Council Members: Civiello, Sprague, Baldacci, Graham, Gallant, Plourde, Blanchette Staff: Conlow, Farrar, Lucas, Hathaway, Heitmann, Willette, Emery, Bird Others: Media, James LeBreque, Senator Gratwick 1. Authorization to Accept and Appropriate FY 2012 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $111,591 from Maine Emergency Management Agency. Councilor Baldacci moved, Councilor Gallant seconded, so approved. Councilor Civiello asked if there was any catch to this grant. Chief Lucas stated there is nothing that has to be done for this grant. The funds just need to be used for what they are intended for. 2. Committee Review/Action regarding L.D. 1252, An Act to Improve Maine’s Economy and Energy Security with Solar and Wind Power. Councilor Plourde has requested that the Committee review this bill to determine whether there is the Council interest in supporting it. Among other provisions, the bill reinstates the solar and wind energy rebate program, which provided rebates for the purchase of certain solar and wind energy equipment, until June 2018. The program had expired in December 2010. Councilor Plourde explained that LD1252 passed the House in March 11 by a vote of 95-47 and is on its way to the Senate now. This bill proposed to reinstate the Efficiency Maine Solar Rebate that expired in 2010. This bill basically allows for solar panels to fall under this funding. Solar energy has gone down in price by 75% in the last 5 years. This is basically an incentive for solar energy in Maine. Councilor Plourde would like to see the committee support this and if so, the full Council as well. Councilor Baldacci, Gallant & Blanchette support the approval of this bill. Councilor Sprague tentatively supports this but is skeptical of the rebate program with the State obligation due to the fact that they have trouble getting other rebates in the past. Jim LeBreque who has spend the last 40 years in this line of work gave his background on these issues and his input on why not to support these subsidies given for alternative energy sources. He feels they do not make economical sense. The cost of the investment for things such as wind mills is not worth the price compared to the dismal performance of these alternative energy sources as well as their limitations being dependant on Mother Nature. He suggests that the Committee doesn’t support LD 1252 at this time. Councilor Gallant thanked Mr. LeBreque for his input with his experience but disagrees with him in the fact that at least small parts of these alternative energy upgrades are economical for residential usage. Councilor Gallant moved, Councilor Baldacci seconded, so approved to recommend bill LD1252 to the full Council. 3. Use of City Property by Not for Profit Organizations. As a result of a recent discussion at the Business and Economic Development Committee meeting, a request was made to have a larger discussion concerning the use of City property by nonprofit organizations. Council Chair Ben Sprague stated that the City should have a policy on the use of City property that is consistent, simple, easy to understand, and easy to apply. He suggested a flat rate of a $25 fee for the use of City space that the Council can waive if agreed upon for groups we invite to use our space, etc. Councilor Gallant suggested that there be no fee charged for people/groups that would like to use City property for events, etc. There are many reasons for his suggestions that include increased work/staff time, red tape to get around, and negative effects on our residents already paying taxes, etc. Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette explained that in 2009 there was a permit policy and application created to help with scheduling as well as fee collection. It helps pay for maintaining spaces and other things tied to Parks and Recreation. Councilor Blanchette stated that this doesn’t need to be complicated and time consuming, but feels there should be a permit to help with scheduling. In regards to a fee, she feels there shouldn’t be a fee for the use of the property but a fee for any damages, trash, set up/break down of events by City staff, etc. City Solicitor Norm Heitmann stated that the main point he is hearing throughout this discussion, is to have a policy that is consistent. So to summarize, there should be a policy that includes a $25.00 fee but this fee can be waived if Council approves a waiver request. Adjourned at 7:00PM.