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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-01 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Monday, April 1, 2013 5:35 p.m. Minutes Council Members: Hawes, Longo, Blanchette, Baldacci, Civiello, Sprague, and Durgin Staff: Conlow, Farrar, and Willette Others: Lori Wingo and Sue McKay of Bangor Band, and Nick McCrea of BDN 1. Review of Proposed Resolve, Establishing a Position in Support of Legislation to Reduce Costs and Increase Access to Methadone Treatment. This Resolve would indicate the City Council’s support for LD 1213 which would reduce costs and increase access to Methadone Treatment. A copy of the draft Resolve and LD 1213 are attached. City Manager Conlow states this is the result of a piece of legislation that the City requested through the legislative process. It’s to reduce cost and increase access to methadone clinics. The Council wants to support this. Baldacci states it should be titled an act to decentralize the availability of methadone. It should help people who need it but should also benefit community so it doesn’t cause a cluster but more spread out. Several Councilors spoke supporting the proposed Resolve Longo moved and seconded by Baldacci to recommend to full council. Approved by the Committee. 2. Continued Discussion Regarding Relocation of Bandstand. th On March 4, the Committee met with Parks and Recreation Director Willette to review a request by the Bangor Band to relocate the Bandstand to Pickering Square. Committee members and other Councilors in attendance expressed various opinions on the proposal, both in favor and opposed. Representatives of the Bangor Band have requested an opportunity to meet with the Committee to continue the discussion concerning relocation of the bandstand. Director Willette of Parks and Recreation introduced 2 band representatives Sue McKay & Lori Wingo (President of the Band & Bangor citizen). Wingo brings up 2 points of concern. First point is that the committee had heard nothing of their request for a permanent stage for the Bangor Band in Pickering Square. Second point was that the public had no clarity on the Council’s decision making process. Wingo would like to make some clarification on these 2 points. Late Spring 2011 the band heard from Director Willette who informed them that the gazebo was to be demolished for the construction of the new Cross Center. He mentioned there could be a new bandstand constructed but cautioned it may th not make it into the final construction plans. July 5 was the band’s final performance at the park and the rest of their 8 concerts were held at the Waterfront Stage or other parks around the city. Husson University was gracious to offer Gracie Theatre for any of the remaining summer concerts if it rained. In the Fall of 2011 the board of the Bangor Band met to investigate options for a new performance stage. Willette mentioned the possibility of an amphitheatre down a ways from the Waterfront Stage but the board declined this site due to the remoteness of the venue, accessibility of the site for the set up and break down of band equipment and for our patrons. Other city parks were considered but were rejected due to parking, street noise and accessibility. Winter & Spring of 2012 we had many site location meetings and met with Mr. Willette at Pickering Square to discuss the possibility of a performance stage at this site. The advantages of this site are accessibility and visibility in a central location in Bangor. At this time, Husson University wanted to host us permanently for indoor and outdoor performances. The board decided to split the season in the two locations and let our patrons weigh in with their opinions by doing surveys. During this time, The Steven & Tabitha King Foundation graciously offered a $25,000 grant for the construction of the new performance stage. Sept. 2012 the board met to review surveys from patrons and based on these surveys, the patrons disliked the Pickering Square venue due to safety concerns, feeling intimidated by non-concert goers, and the fact the paved site was not as conducive to an in the park concert like our former home at Bass Park. Band members had safety concerns as well as smoking and the cleanliness of the area. Before performances a member of the band had to show up early to remove garbage, cigarette butts and used baby diapers. Preferred site was Husson University but the board feared losing its identity with the City of Bangor. So the board voted to go forward with the permanent performance stage at Pickering Square provided the City could address safety concerns, lingering and the cleanliness of the area. We acknowledge Councilor Blanchette’s concerns for graffiti and vandalism on a permanent stage, but we are hopeful that the City can address these concerns on a larger level for this area. We gave this suggestion to Mr. Willette to be brought to the Council in Fall 2012. It came to our attention at this time there was a larger scale meeting going on regarding Pickering Square and solutions to some of the challenges in that area. It is now 2013 and we are coming up on 2 years of homelessness for the Bangor Band. We have represented and served this area for 153 years. Membership is growing and we are proud to serve this City but we are baffled as to why the City is not helping us more but only telling us where we can’t build a permanent performance spot. We look forward to working with the City to find a permanent spot that is mutually agreeable so we can keep the long tradition of past, present and future musicians and listeners alive. Councilors spent considerable time discussing the benefits and limitations of various possible locations including Pickering Square, the Waterfront and existing City Parks with the Bangor Band Representatives. At the end of the discussion, a majority of the Committee felt that the Waterfront offered the best possible location. Staff was directed to include an item on an upcoming Business and Economic Development Committee agenda to review the options and land parcels available on the Waterfront that could house the Gazebo and Bangor Band. The Band representatives agreed to meet with the B & ED Committee. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.