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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-01 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee March 1, 2011 Minutes Councilors: Blanchette, Palmer, Bronson, Longo, Gratwick Staff: Farrar, Yardley, Willette Others: Eric Russell 1. Consideration of Draft City Council Resolution Regarding Proposed Municipal General Assistance Legislation As the Council is aware, there have been various Legislative proposals advanced that concern municipal general assistance. Yardley noted that the proposed Resolution, modeled after recent action taken by the Portland City Council, would encourage the Legislature not to pass additional General Assistance Legislation which would pass along additional administrative burdens and program costs to Bangor without first taking steps to ensure that administration and oversight are adequate resulting in a more accountable system throughout the State. Both in the Governor’s budget and in the queue from various Legislators are a number of bills both procedural and funding that will dramatically affect Bangor. One would change the reimbursement to 75% once the threshold for municipalities is met, which is currently 90%. If it had been effect last year, it would have impacted Bangor and its taxpayers by a $260,000 additional expense. Based on spending this year, Yardley projected it would be $325,000- $350,000. Last year out of the $15M that was spent on general assistance across the state, $9M+ came from Bangor and Portland. It’s a state-mandated program. Yardley felt that Bangor and Portland would be punished by this proposed Legislation; Bangor and Portland play by the rules. He noted that the proposed Legislative changes will bring more individuals in need to Bangor and to Portland. Yardley had supported and tried to push forward a three-prong approach: accountability for clients, accountability for municipalities, and oversight by the state. For all intents and purposes, there is no state oversight and municipalities can do as they wish. The proposed Legislation will be an incredible burden on Bangor’s taxpayers. Blanchette spoke about Sawin Millett’s knowledge and his closeness to the Governor. She thanked Yardley for his comments and asked Rev. Carlson to address the Committee as to how the proposed cuts would affect the Penobscot Community Health Care client base. Carlson said that The Hope House deals with a tremendous number of individuals who are in recovery or who are suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse. There are only two wet shelters in the State, one being in Bangor. He spoke about the homeless and the need to get them housed. At Hope House, there are transitional housing units and PCHS works very closely with Yardley and staff in general assistance. For a large number of clients, it is not just substance abuse but there is also active mental illness. Carlson noted that he and the Public Health Advisory Board supports the proposed Resolution. Without a wet shelter, Blanchette said that these clients would end up in the emergency room of hospitals which is much more expensive. Bronson commented that this problem is throughout the entire state. He feels that the State has dropped the ball and left its responsibilities by the wayside. He is pleased that Yardley will be speaking before the Appropriations Committee and expressed his support for the proposed Resolve. Gratwick said this is part of the progressive collapse of economic and cultural centers of Maine cities. Gratwick supported the Resolve and asked if the language needs to be restated. Yardley spoke of the importance of being able to take the Resolve to Augusta noting that the City Council Chair or Member of the Portland City Council plans to testify this coming Monday. For many, the Resolve is stating the obvious. Yardley referred to a meeting he has scheduled tomorrow with the DHHS Commissioner. Carlson spoke about Bangor being a service center for surrounding area clients. Fiscally speaking, general assistance and the services provided to keep people out of hospital and jails and to give them the needed resources to turn them around doesn’t happen in 30 days or 6 months. He spoke about job training to be offered at The Hope House. Cost effectiveness is the message. Longo would like to see more teeth in the Resolution. In response to Longo, Yardley has spoken with Stevens and Farnham and has met with Cain and Rosen. It costs about $550 to provide emergency shelter for an individual. It costs $19,000 minimum in the county jail. To house someone is around $39,000. It only costs about $6,000/yr. to provide housing through general assistance. It is the most cost effective alternative. Palmer spoke about the resources offered by Bangor. Blanchette suggested the Committee consider having the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager or Yardley draft a letter stating the effect of the proposed general assistance cuts to Bangor and the challenges that will be faced. It should be on the City Council’s letterhead under the Mayor’s signature. It needs to be a personal letter and delivered by postal service. Blanchette’s suggestion was approved by a 5-0 vote. She will contact the City Manager in the morning asking her to draft a letter, which will accompany the proposed Resolution which was endorsed by the Committee as well. 2. Skate Park Relocation Update With the pending discussion on the proposed arena at Bass Park, Willette noted that Parks and Recreation staff working in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and interested skate park supporters have been reviewing and discussing skate park relocation options. The current skate park has been in Paul Bunyan Park since 2002 and it has done well in that location. The Advisory Committee has reconsidered a vacant parcel behind Parks and Recreation off Farm Road. Also added to that discussion was a parcel of property adjacent to the City’s Fleet Maintenance Facility on Maine Avenue. This location was discussed at a January meeting with all involved parties. As a result, the decision was made to primarily focus on the parcel next to Fleet Maintenance as a short-term solution. He provided an aerial view of the site. Willette noted that the skate park is a positive amenity in the recreational offerings in Bangor. In terms of a long-term solution, skate parks have gone to more of plaza type and more permanent design. At its last month’s meeting, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee’s direction was to continue to pursue more of a long-term location solution for the skate park. Willette has spoken with Mr. Cormier at Bangor Radiator, which is located next door to the Fleet Maintenance area, and they are an enthusiastic neighbor. Longo spoke about using recycled materials to construct the skate park. Responding to Blanchette, Willette said the plan is to assess the current equipment at the skate park, which is 8-10 years old. One of the concerns about the proposed site is lack of a sidewalk. Palmer spoke about fencing, restroom facilities and the close-by eateries on the same side of the road. The BAT is located in that area. He suggested contacting Hughes Brothers about concrete barriers. They are a community-oriented business. Bronson would like to see the location have longer term viability and wondered if Fleet Maintenance might need the space in the future. Bronson asked how quickly the lot can be made available for the skate park. As soon as the snow melts, Willette said he will develop an estimate for cost for the Committee’s consideration. Gratwick spoke about future truck access to the area with a new solid waste system. He said that construction companies often have leftover concrete that could be dumped the site. Gratwick asked about the site behind Parks and Recreation. Willette said the parcel was considered in 2002 and concerns were raised about the closeness of the residences on Dillingham Street. The Farm Road site is also identified as a potential development piece. Palmer felt the Fleet Maintenance site is a spectacular location, and he spoke of making a long-term commitment with the skate park group. Bronson feels the park needs to be in a location that is open to full view. Longo agreed with Palmer about a long-term permanent commitment. Blanchette said that the Council needs to step up to the plate to make a commitment. She feels the group needs to be reassured of a long-term commitment. She mentioned the presence of police patrol vehicles in and out of the Fleet Maintenance area for fuel. Willette said he will return with estimates as part of the budget process if not before. Bronson said st it needs to be done before the budget process and before July 1. The Committee adjourned at 5:55 pm.