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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-22 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. City Council Chambers MINUTES Council Members: Hawes, Baldacci, Blanchette, Civiello, Gallant Staff: Conlow, Farrar, Willette, Hathaway, Johnston, Hamilton, Nicklas Others: Brent Miller, News Media 1. Overview/Presentation of Refinement Program – Volunteers of America. Keri Alley, Program Manager, Penobscot County Adult Justice Services – Volunteers of America provided an overview of the Refinement Program. This program, administered in conjunction with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office provides opportunities for low income community members to pay Court ordered fines through supervised community service. Program Manager, Keri Alley spoke about the Refinement Program and how it would work. This program is to give low risk people that have a warrant out for their arrest for unpaid fines, an opportunity to sign up for community service instead of paying their fines. Depending on the fine amount owed, hours of community service will be addressed accordingly. We have different options already for community service which includes both manual labor as well as sit down jobs for those who need it. This is potentially a huge money saver for the court systems. This is for fines only, not restitution. Councilor Gallant brought up a concern of taking hours away from someone who needs a paying job. Ms. Alley explained that the positions they have already secured are not paid positions so these people will not be losing out on a paying job. Committee members thanked Ms. Alley for her presentation. 2. Referral – Council Ordinance 13-340, Expanding the Number of At Large Commissioners on the Commission of Cultural Development. This Ordinance amendment would increase the number of at-large commissioners from two to five, thereby increasing total membership from seven to ten. Jason Bird of Community and Economic Development explained this referral to add 3 members to the contingent. Councilor Blanchette explained how hard it has been in the past to have a full committee for a number of different reasons. These 3 potential members come with a large amount of expertise. The only person that does all the leg work for this commission is Jason Bird and that is too much for one person. Councilor Blanchette moved to recommend to full Council, Councilor Baldacci seconded, so approved. 3. Update – Bangor Band Location. City Staff and the Bangor Band have been working to find a suitable location(s) for Bangor Band Concerts. Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette refreshed all on the continued issue of where to house the gazebo for the Bangor Band. Some of the challenges have been concluded to have been too costly to construct a gazebo where the Bangor Band had wanted it. The Band has found another option, a portable, inflatable gazebo. They would raise the needed funds for the shell as well as risers. An agreement between the City and Band would spell out details on set up, storage and other community uses. The Band spoke with other groups that are currently using this product and the only downfall would be the weather such as wind. Councilor Blanchette recalled in the past with other inflatable items that they were quite costly and didn’t last long. She would like to know the warranty that would be on it. Another concern is if they will be using electrical items that could pose a shock issue. What about a portable floor to go with it? Councilors discussed their concerns such as the wind issue. This could be a high safety concern. If it is decided to go with this inflatable structure, there should be a stipulation that if it were to be damaged or ruined, the City is not responsible to replace this. Councilors decided that more discussion is needed and asked Director Willette to go back to the Bangor Band to see if any other options can be discovered and return findings to the committee. 4. Proposed Ordinance enacting a 180 day moratorium on permitting suboxone treatment facilities in the City of Bangor. This proposed Ordinance would impose a moratorium on permitting facilities providing suboxone treatment in the City of Bangor for a period of 180 days. This period is intended to allow the necessary time for the City Council to review the City’s current land use regulations regarding chemical dependency treatment facilities and, if appropriate, reevaluate the provision of suboxone treatment in Bangor. Asst. City Solicitor Nicklas explained that suboxone is an alternative medication treatment option instead of methadone for those with chemical dependency issues. In the past suboxone has been primarily prescribed by physician offices and now there has been some interest in adding this treatment to clinics that are already treating people with methadone. This moratorium would give the Council some time to do the research necessary to see if any regulations, etc. needs to be enacted to add this treatment as an option. The moratorium can either be lengthened if needed or shortened if all necessary research has been completed. City Manager Conlow stated that we are currently working with the state concerning new legislation. We are currently in the planning stages of this. Is this something that can be community based or is it best to have it in area clinics. Councilor Baldacci stated that this is really a state issue and decisions need to be made that does not make any hardships for communities. Councilors seem to agree that dispensing should be community based for many reasons including travel time and costs to the City. Councilor Gallant moved, Councilor Baldacci seconded to adopt the 180 day moratorium. Residents spoke in opposition to the moratorium because it is limiting treatment to those who need it most. Program Manager Brent Miller from Discovery House spoke about both medical and counseling treatment together to treat the epidemic of opiate addiction and the importance of coupling these therapies. The motion by Councilor Gallant was approved for first reading then it will come back to the Government Operations Committee. 5. Executive Session 1-MRSA Section 405 6 E. (Contemplated Litigation) Consultation with Assistant City Attorney regarding contemplated litigation. Councilor Baldacci moved to go into Executive Session. Approved. Following the Executive Session, there was no further business. Adjourned at 7:04pm.