HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-03 Government Operations Committee Minutes
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
Monday, June 3, 2013
5:40 p.m.
City Council Chambers
MINUTES
Council Members: Hawes, Blanchette, Civiello, Nealley, Durgin, Baldacci, Gallant
Staff: Farrar, Hathaway, Wardwell, Yardley
Others: Jane Gopan, Ron Green, John York
1. Request for Parking Assistance Consideration-French Street.
The City Council recently enacted an Ordinance prohibiting parking on the
westerly side of French Street, from Cumberland Street to Garland Street
due to the narrowness of the street (Council Ordinance 13-095). City
Councilors and City Staff have received correspondence from a property
owner, Jane Gopan at 302 French Street, outlining a hardship that the
Ordinance has created. Ms. Gopan has requested to speak with the
Committee about her concerns and to see whether any consideration can
be granted for this situation. Ms. Gopan will be present to address the
Committee.
Assistant City Manager Bob Farrar introduces Jane Gopan, resident of French
Street. This Ordinance has created a hardship for her and her family’s home on
the corner.
Ms. Gopan spoke about her family’s property. She would have attended the
public meeting a few weeks ago, but did not receive the letter at her residence in
Massachusetts. She came to visit the home along with family and was shocked
to hear of the new Ordinance that stated there was only parking on one side of
the street. The only thing different about her home in regards to others on the
street is that most have driveways and hers only has a small spot that is 5 feet
from the sidewalk and not adequate parking. This new Ordinance has impacted
them in a big way. She showed photos of all the other residences on French
Street who have adequate parking. She is requesting that they be able to again
park on the street on their side. She suggested using permit parking again.
Councilor Sprague asks City Staff if there are any recommendations.
Director of Public Works Dana Wardwell explained that the City could eliminate
the No Parking Sign on Garland Street without any problem.
Chief Hathaway agreed that he and Dana could spend some time looking at the
road ways and come up with something that would work for the neighborhood.
Councilors mostly agreed upon going back to the parking permit to solve this
problem.
Asst. City Manager Farrar stated that staff can have things ready to come back
to committee in 2 weeks.
2. Resolve 13-184, Accepting and Appropriating a $25,250 Amendment to
the WIC Nutrition Program Grant.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Blanchette seconded to recommend to
the Council, and so voted.
3. Resolve 13-185, Authorizing Acceptance and Appropriation of a grant
for $26,000 from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to implement
strategies to increase awareness about problem gambling; to
implement a risk reduction program for youth who have violated school
alcohol or drug policies; to increase awareness about the risks of
marijuana use; and to provide specialized VetCorps services in our
Healthy Maine Partnership service area.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Baldacci seconded to recommend to the
Council, and so voted.
4. Resolve 13-186, Accepting and Appropriating a $602,941 Healthy
Maine Partnership Grant from the Maine Department of Health and
Human Services to Respond to Public Health Issues.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Baldacci seconded to recommend to the
Council, and so voted.
5. Resolve 13-187, Authorizing the City Manager to accept and
appropriate a grant in the amount of $37,250 from the Maine Centers
for Disease Control Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund grant to support
lead poisoning prevention activities in the Penquis Public Health
District.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Blanchette seconded to recommend to
the Council, and so voted.
6. Resolve 13-188, Accepting and Appropriating a Grant from the Maine
Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse,
in the amount of $50,000 to Support an Overdose Prevention Program.
Councilor Sprague moved and Councilor Blanchette seconded to recommend to
the Council, and so voted.
Adjourned at 6:10 p.m.