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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-04 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Monday, March 4, 2013 5:45 p.m. MINUTES Council Members: Hawes, Civiello, Longo, Blanchette, Sprague, Baldacci and Durgin Staff: Farrar, Goodwin, Willette, Yardley Others: Bill Sullivan, BDN, Gilbran, Dan DeGraw, Josh Gass 1. Establishing Voting Location With the pending demolition of the Civic Center at 100 Dutton Street this spring and the opening of the Cross Insurance Center at 515 Main Street, the City must designate a voting location. As the City’s agreement with Global Spectrum permits the use of the Cross Insurance Center for voting purposes at no cost to the City, the City Clerk recommends that the Cross Insurance Center at 515 Main Street be designated as the new voting location. City Clerk Goodwin said that with the old arena being demolished this spring she is requesting that the new voting location be in the new Cross Insurance Center. Councilor Longo asked about accessibility for disabled and senior citizens. Goodwin said that they could use carts to transport folks into the building. Councilor Blanchette asked what the plan is to inform voters of the new location. Goodwin said that the Clerk’s Office will send out postcard notices to everyone on the voting list. They will also place a notice on facebook, in the local newspaper and any other avenues available. She also noted that there were savings from the November election which will be used on the cost of these notifications. Baldacci moved staff recommendation, Longo seconded and it was approved. Bill Sullivan, a Bangor resident publically thanked the Clerk’s Office for a great job on accommodating disabled and senior citizens with the last election in November. 2. Discussion concerning potential relocation of Bandstand The Parks and Recreation Department and the Bangor Band have been evaluating options for the relocation of the Bandstand previously located at Paul Bunyan Park. A potential site has been identified at Pickering Square. At this point, staff is seeking Council reaction to the possible use of Pickering Square for the site of the Bandstand. Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Willette explained the desire by the Bangor Band to relocate to Pickering Square. Willette asked the Committee if Pickering Square could be considered allowing the Bangor Band to create a new shell or gazebo for their entertaining. This location also holds the Cool Sounds Concerts and outdoor movie showings during the summer. Council Chair Durgin said that he is in favor of the band performing downtown, an ideal spot that will bring folks into the community. Longo pointed out that although he is in favor of this location, there is a lot going on there and possibly an alternate location may better serve the community at this time. Sprague is concerned about other conversations about future plans for Pickering Square. His feeling is that perhaps we’re touching on too many ideas for one place. Sprague feels that the Waterfront may be a better choice. Blanchette described her dissatisfaction with the Pickering Square location for the Bangor Band for such reasons as vandalism, graffiti, location of bus hub, the homeless and many other activities that take place in that location. Baldacci asked who is covering the costs associated with the move and maintenance. Willette said the band has King Foundation funds and volunteers that plan on fundraising. Willette also explained that while the City will offer staffing support, it is not anticipated that the city is contributing financially to the relocation. Gilbran spoke of his support of the Bangor Band. He is involved with the River City Cinema that shows movies in Pickering Square. Gilbran suggested Pierce Park as an alternate location for the band. Bangor Resident Dan DeGraw showed his support of the Pierce Park location said that the acoustics are impressive there. Joshua Gass, on behalf of Kabang, who kicks off each year in Pickering Square suggested Broadway Park as a location. Baldacci said that in terms of moving forward, the group should come back and talk with the Bangor Band to look at alternative locations. It was decided to further research options. Willette agreed to come back with Bangor Band representatives and update the Committee with new options. Approval of two Memoranda of Understanding between the City of Bangor Health and Community Services Department and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services – Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) These are two routine documents outlining the procedures, requirements and responsibilities of the parties regarding public health issues and data. D.H.H.S. Director Shawn Yardley explained that this is a sharing of demographics and disease data. It formalizes our relationship, and puts the City in a good position in the future for being accredited in our Health Department. Longo moved staff recommendation; it was seconded by Baldacci and passed. Meeting Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.