HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-13 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
March 13, 2012
Minutes
Councilors: Hawes, Blanchette, Baldacci, Gallant, Longo, Sprague
Staff: Conlow, Farrar, Cheverie, Yardley
Meeting Convened: 5:00 PM
1. Proposal to Increase Taxicab Fares
This item was withdrawn by the taxi cab owners who had proposed it.
2. Professional Services Contract – Medical Director, Bangor Fire Department
Interim Fire Chief Rick Cheverie stated Dr. Bowie has been with us since 1995 and that he is
requesting a renewal of his contract. The Medical Director oversees the Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Division at the Fire Department. Dr. Robert Bowie has provided this service for
many years and the current two year contract has expired. The proposed contract is for another
two year period at the same fee of $3,000 per year. Mr. Farrar added that if the committee
th
approves, this will be an order on the upcoming City Council agenda on the 26.
Contract moved and seconded. Unanimous vote.
3. ORDER, Authorizing the City Manager to apply for $125,000 from the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement
the Drug Free Communities Support Program.
The Drug Free Communities Support Program was established to create and strengthen
collaborative efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth. This $125,000 grant,
renewable for up to 5 years, will be used to implement the program in Brewer, Clifton, Eddington,
Hampden, Hermon, Holden, Newburgh and Orrington eight of the 12 communities in our Healthy
Maine Partnership region. The project will fall under the umbrella of Bangor Health & Community
Services Health Promotion Program and support our regional efforts to address the issues related
to substance abuse in our entire service area.
Shawn Yardley, Director of Health and Human Services, stated that this grant specifically looks at
under-age drinking and substance abuse. The grant is very competitive and we have been unsuccessful
with previous applications. He is requesting the Council’s permission to submit another application for
this grant. Mr. Yardley responded to Councilor questions stating that there is no obvious reason that we
have not received the grant previously, there are no matching funds required, and that if we received
the grant, we may be able to reduce the impact of some of the state funding we are about to lose.
Moved and seconded to authorize the application of this grant. Unanimous vote.
4. ORDER, Authorizing the City Manager to apply for a $185,000 grant from the AstraZeneca
Healthcare Foundation.
This order authorizes the City Manager to apply for a $185,000 grant from the AstraZeneca
Healthcare foundation to provide funding for work with the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems,
Penobscot Community Health Community Care Teams, and other Beacon sites to reduce rates of
cardiovascular disease in our region through education and on-site services. The approach to reducing
cardiovascular disease will largely emphasize physical activity, nutrition, and reducing tobacco
dependence, with some systems level change and direct service being provided in each area. Mr.
Yardley stated that this is a new application that we are submitting. He explained that there are no
matching fund requirements by the City. Councilor Baldacci feels that we should consider having a
professional grant writer on staff.
Councilor Baldacci moved to approve order as recommended. Motion seconded and passed
unanimously. This request will go forth to the next full Council meeting for approval.
Meeting Adjourned: 5:15 PM