HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-16 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
Monday, December 16, 2013
5:45PM
City Council Chambers
MINUTES
Council Members: Civiello, Blanchette, Plourde, Graham, Gallant, Durgin
Staff Members: Conlow, Farrar, Goodwin, Linscott, Morgan, Wardwell
Others: Dan Cooper, Tom Crikelair, Media, John York, Carol Epstein
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Acceptance of Two Pipeline Spur Easements at Bangor International Airport from
the Air National Guard.
2. Acceptance of Three Easements and a small parcel of land at Bangor
International Airport from the Air National Guard previously used for a
Ceilometer measuring device.
3. Order, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Sub-Recipient Agreement with
Mayo Regional Hospital as Fiscal Agent for Piscataquis Public Health Council.
Councilor Sprague moved, Councilor Plourde seconded, so approved.
REGULAR AGENDA
4. Preliminary Discussion – Voting Location
City Clerk Goodwin explained the issues with the venue for voting in regards to the Cross
Insurance Center. There were issues with the distance some voters had to walk. Goodwin has
been researching other venues in the City. Due to the large venue needed for voting, we are
limited to the Cross Insurance Center. Hollywood Casino is willing to let us use the parking
garage on days that there are smaller votes if we use the Ballroom. For the larger votes, we
can use the Arena and use the back parking lot which would shorten the distance.
Councilor Durgin suggested that we set up handicap/disabled polling stations on the main floor
where voters enter. This will give them an easier walk from the lots. We can have that set up
for people who have trouble walking but still have the normal set up on the Arena floor for all
others. It is also a possibility that we use the loading dock for handicap parking which would
allow a shorter walking distance.
Councilor Plourde and Sprague agreed with Councilor Durgin about using the Main floor for
handicap polls.
Councilor Blanchette stated that if we don’t designate the handicap booths, then we will have
others who are just in a hurry pop in there instead of its intended use.
Goodwin did explain that the set up of the voting booths, all things need to be viewable to the
public at one time.
Councilors discussed different set up possibilities at the Cross Insurance Center, including the
use of the Concourse space. The Clerk will explore that possibility further and check with the
Secretary of State regarding feasibility. There is a need to be sure that we don’t cause any loss
of money in regards to paying acts/events, etc.
5. Revised and Updated agreement between the University of Maine and City of
Bangor – Community Connector, Free Fare Program
This agreement increased the amount paid by the University of Maine from $18,500 annually to
$25,500 annually effective 7-1-14, based upon passenger use.
Asst. City Manager Bob Farrar explained what the agreement would mean financially to the City.
Councilor Gallant moved staff recommendation, Councilor Sprague seconded, so approved.
6. Update – MaineCare Program Changes and Impacts on Community Connector
Revenue Projections.
Staff presented updated projections concerning the loss of bus pass revenue due to changes in
eligibility for the MaineCare Program.
Asst. City Manager Bob Farrar stated that there was a lot of revenue lost due to the MaineCare
program changes leading to a significant drop of MaineCare bus pass purchases. The ridership
is actually up from what had been projected and we have identified some grant funds that can
hopefully be used to make up for the shortfall that was caused by lost bus pass purchases by
MaineCare. By the end of the year we hope to be fairly close to the revenue number that we
have projected.
Many of the citizens we serve are transit dependent. They need the ability to have public
transportation to get around. Meaning they will find a way to use this system even with the
loss of a number of bus passes.
Councilor Gallant asked if we have looked into possibly switching our fleet over to compressed
gas which could in turn save money that could be shifted to our downfall of this revenue that
will not be coming in due to the decrease in MaineCare passes. Is it feasible?
Asst. City Manager Farrar said they have started looking into that but what goes along with it, is
the ability for our maintenance facility to work on these converted buses. It seems we would
be better off financially buying new buses instead of converting our current fleet.
Farrar also stated that the fare structure needed to be looked at for possible fare increase.
There is a timely process to go through due to Federal guidelines and staff proposed to the
committee that they begin this process. Currently looking to raise the fare by a quarter ($.25).
Councilor Gallant moved to allow staff to begin the initial process of a fare increase, Councilor
Sprague seconded, so approved.
7. Community Connector Hub Alternative Study
Transit Consultant Tom Crikelair presented a review of the options under consideration. The
Government Operations Committee had previously selected several sites for additional analysis,
which has now been completed.
Mr. Crikelair stated that at the last meeting there were some suggested alternatives for the bus
hub. Options were discussed in regards to pros and cons. Crikelair stated that the problem he
sees at Pickering Square is due to the design of it. It can be redesigned and the usage would
be greatly improved. The basic idea on what he recommends is moving the area where the
buses will pull up to the hub to pick up and drop off riders is to move this from in front of
Pickering Square Garage to Water Street where it should resolve some of the issues.
Crikelair explained the options they have come up with, the different traffic routes buses would
travel, etc. He explained timing on the comings and goings of buses. Talked about funding an
extra bus during busy seasons. Reducing transfer time for riders was a goal from the beginning
of this job and reconfiguring routes, # of buses, etc., should help with continued reduction in
transfer time.
Councilor Sprague summarized the discussion stating that with all the different options that
have been brought forth, there is not a complete unity within the Council to support one idea
specifically. Business owner Carol Epstein spoke about her concerns with the proposed Water
Street location. The Consultant will take all of this information under consideration as he
prepares the final report which will be finalized and presented in late winter/early spring.
Motion to adjourn at 7:45 pm.