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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.