HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Immediately Following Finance
Minutes
Councilors: Durgin, Gallant, Gratwick, Blanchette, Longo
Staff: Conlow, Heitmann, Mark Hathaway, Dana Wardwell
Others: Various residents and business owners
1. Discussion on Graffiti
City Solicitor Heitmann explained that by the request of City Council, he reviewed
the City’s Ordinance pertaining to graffiti. He said that while there is no specific
“graffiti” Ordinance, we do have one prohibiting indecent figures and obscene
words on fences and buildings with a $20. fine charged. Councilors expressed
concerns about the amount of the fine being too low. Heitmann said that the
fine can be increased and Community Service requirements added to the penalty
as well. He said that the Ordinance should be updated to clarify the definition of
graffiti.
Councilor Longo said that he has received feedback from the public on this issue.
Longo shared the idea of local artists showing their work as a way to cover up
some of the damaged areas in the City as a result of graffiti. He opened up the
discussion to the business owners and residences at the meeting.
Councilor Durgin talked of the expense of cleaning up the graffiti. He also asked
Mark Hathaway from the Bangor Police Department to speak. Hathaway said it
is a challenge to catch people responsible for this graffiti, largely due to lack of
manpower and less officers patrolling. Police Officer Tom Reagan attends the
middle schools annually, speaking to students about graffiti and the
consequences involved.
Councilor Blanchette spoke about how the Shaw House residents take a
good deal of the blame for graffiti. She asked a Shaw House representative to
speak about their policy involving punishment if someone is stepping out of line
or breaking the law. Phil Hoyermann and Boots Garrett, members of Streetlight
Outreach with the Shaw House explained how the Shaw house works. The
Outreach folks walk the streets at night in an effort to assist our youth in dealing
with drug issues, homelessness, gangs, violence, clothing, food, housing, etc….
If they encounter someone doing something wrong on the streets, they confront
them in an attempt to encourage the kids to do the right thing, explain why it’s
wrong, and possibly turn themselves in. The Shaw House works closely with the
Bangor Police Department to help keep the communities safe.
Many local business owners, residents and professionals from downtown Bangor
spoke and had a variety of suggestions:
“Keeping It Real” is a non-profit organization who suggested taking this problem
and turning it into a solution for talented artists. Possibly a team could be
formed for building owners who would like artwork done, and the artists who are
willing to volunteer their talents.
Resident Neill Pidgeon suggested that certain areas could be designated for
street art which would give an outlet and embellish downtown with interesting
art work.
Senior Center maintenance employee, Irvin Carter said that he has had to
repaint the Senior Center several times a year as a result of graffiti. A gallon of
paint is $50., along with $10./hour labor charges, and this money comes from
contributions given by folks in our communities.
An attorney from a Law Firm on Broad Street said that the objective
should be meeting the needs of young people who are troubled and reaching out
for help.
A building owner from downtown expressed an interest in having artists paint on
his building and thought others would be interested in that concept.
An employee of Rudmin & Winchill asked to separate the true artists from those
that are performing illegal acts, loitering, and writing profanity on buildings and
signs. The profanity is cleaned up, but is vandalized again within a short period
of time.
Another resident suggested simply holding the person responsible for their
actions by scrubbing the wall themselves to clean, rather than any fine at all.
Dana Wardwell, Public Works Superintendant said that the City spends between
$10,000 and $15,000 a year on repairs from this sort of damage. In the past
year alone, over 200 signs were vandalized in Bangor.
Councilor Durgin summarized the discussion as dealing with two areas when
talking about graffiti. One is the destructive type and how to deal with that
issue. The other being an opportunity for artists to show their work, adding an
interesting flare to downtown structures.
Councilor Gallant wrapped up meeting by offering to come back to table in
approximately 60 days with added ideas from the community and a suggested
update to the Ordinance on graffiti.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:48 p.m.