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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-05-24 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee May 24, 2011 Minutes Council Members: Blanchette, Bronson, Palmer, Longo, Gratwick, Hawes Staff: Farrar, Willette, McNeil, Gastia, Heitmann Others: Moskovitz, Starbird CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made and accepted to accept Consent Agenda items 1 to 4. Farrar noted a correction in Item 3 noting that the annual grant amount is $66,740 not $166,740. 1. Resolve 11-170, Accepting and Appropriating a $50,000 Grant from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Abuse, to Support as Overdose Prevention Program 2. Resolve 11-171, Accepting and Appropriating a $47,250 Grant from the Maine Centers for Disease Control’s Lead Poisoning Prevent Fund to Continue Lead Poisoning Prevention in the Penquis District 3. Authorizing Application for and Acceptance of a $66,740 Grant from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services – Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for Maine Women’s and Children’s Preventive Health Services Program (Public Health Nursing) 4. Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for a Bureau of Highway Safety OUI Enforcement Grant REGULAR AGENDA 5. Proposal to Rehabilitate Basketball Court in Fairmount Park Citizen Adam Moskovitz recently approached the Parks and Recreation Director expressing an interest to rehabilitate the current existing half-basketball court located in Fairmount Park. Mr. Moskovitz of ANM Properties would like to pursue private funding and renovation of the court. The project would significantly upgrade the existing court. The intent is to install a concrete base and Flex Court to provide a longer life and improved playing surface over and above the current asphalt surface. The estimated cost for materials and labor is $16,000. Willette asked for the Committee’s approval to move forward in preparation of a Council Order for full Council’s approval. The Order would authorize Parks and Recreation staff to continue the effort with Moskovitz and his contractor, Brock Starbird, to make this worthwhile project a reality. Moskovitz, 105 Norway Road, spoke of the current deteriorating basketball court structure. He wants to replace it with a safe and secure surface. He indicated his willingness to donate the funds and Starbird will be heading the construction project. Palmer spoke of the need for community and neighborhood input into the proposed project. He applauded the private interest in public parks. Responding to Palmer, Moskovitz spoke of the interlocking pieces to secure the structure. He spoke of signage indicating times for usage of the court and asked if Willette could put up a few more signs to reiterate the time frame point. The rehabbed court will be parallel with Norway Road and will be a 42’x50’ half court. Willette said the hours would not be any different than currently enforced in all City parks. With the regulation size half court, he noted that it will be a significant improvement and provide an amenity in the neighborhood for their enjoyment. He mentioned the placement of a ‘coming soon’ sign indicating the renovation of the court. Responding to Blanchette, Willette noted that there are currently four full size courts: Williams Park, Dakin Park, Hayford, and Downeast School. Gratwick congratulated Moskovitz for his proposed idea. Responding to Gratwick, Moskovitz said that Flex Courts last at least twenty-five years with a 15-year warranty. As far as rusting, there are no rusting components; i.e. galvanized or stainless steel would be used. Longo and Bronson thanked Moskovitz. Bronson made a motion to accept staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. Palmer would like the payment schedule and the construction timeframe clearly delineated in writing before the project moves forward. Moskovitz indicated that he is not asking for anything in return except smiles on kid’s faces. As far as payment is concerned, he said it is already paid for. Palmer said that is not his issue but any contribution to the City of Bangor needs to be clearly laid out in writing as to what and why. Willette assured the Committee that the project will be constructed to Bangor’s standards, meet all of the engineering qualifications, and that the project will be done properly. He referred to other projects – Paul Bunyan Restoration and Community Garden. An Order will be placed on the upcoming Council agenda for full Council approval and it will address the concerns noted by Palmer. 6. Solicitation of Funds for Expanded BAT Transit Service on Odlin Road/Outer Hammond Street Businesses located on the proposed route expansion have informally indicated interest in contributing to the cost of the proposed new service. The Council has previously been provided a tentative route schedule and a net cost of approximately $43,600. To discuss this with interested businesses, the City’s Ethics Ordinance would require a directive from the Council in the form of a Council Order authorizing said solicitations. Said contributions would assist to defray the cost to the general fund. Responding to Gratwick, Heitmann did consider the Ethics Ordinance to be strident but it does make sense citing special amusement permits and liquor licenses as examples. He feels that the Ethics Ordinance is comprehensive and eliminates any impropriety by staff and by Council with the citizens and businesses coming before the City. Gratwick spoke about firemen asking for contributions to firemen’s funds. Although it is an independent agency requesting them, he noted that it does provide the perception of being a City organization. Farrar clarified that it is undertaken by a particular labor union which is not the Bangor Fire Department. Palmer expressed support for the proposed route expansion. He suggested the proposed route should include the Odlin Road Park and Ride lot. Longo wondered the City has used the solicitation process in the past and asked if solicitation could be used for the arena. Heitmann said the current status with the arena in terms of Council action to raise money is the agreement with Eastern Maine Development Corporation so that they are doing it on behalf of the City more so because of their experience, expertise, and connections and the time to raise money. The skateboard park fundraising was by way of council order as well as Paul Bunyan restoration, Dakin Pool. Historically, it is when the City has been approached by a business or a citizen. Longo asked if this specific conversation was initiated by business along the Odlin/Hammond Street route. Farrar said that two or three businesses have made an initial approach to staff and Councilors about their interest in participating in the funding of the route expansion. Staff wanted to be sure that there was an appropriate authorization to follow on the interest of businesses. Bronson noted that the current Ethics Ordinance is to protect the City from a staff member or Councilor to profit from such endeavor and the other being undue influence applied. Bronson further noted that is a specific exemption for this one activity and it is for staff and for Council. Heitmann said it would probably be written in a broad sense but narrow in its interpretation. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff’s recommendation. The Council Order will be prepared for the upcoming Council agenda. After final Council approval, Farrar said that part of the discussion with interested parties will be in terms of a one-time gift or an ongoing gift. Blanchette spoke in favor of the route expansion. She asked Farrar to draft a letter addressed to all businesses in the proposed route area inviting them to a meeting. At some point in time, she said that the City will have to pick up the cost of the route expansion. Private businesses will not support it indefinitely. Blanchette also discussed the initial creation of the Ethics Ordinance and its importance. 7. Proposed Contract for Accident Reporting Services – Police Department Gastia noted that effective July 1, 2011, the State will be a implementing a new crash (accident) reporting system for law enforcement purposes, which will automatically upload completed accident reports electronically to the State. Under the current system, the City provides copies of crash reports to anyone (including insurance companies) who requests them, and the City collects the revenue generated from copying fees. After June 30, the state will be the default supplier of all reports, and therefore will receive that revenue unless law enforcement agencies make other arrangements. Staff asked the Committee for authorization to execute an agreement with Deep River LLC to provide crash reports to the public, and others who are interested in crash report data. Parties interested in obtaining crash report data will contact Deep River LLC to obtain copies of the reports. There is a fee based service in which Deep River receives a portion of the fees and the City receives a small portion of the fee. The state has also contracted with Deep River LLC which will provide consistency within the City of Bangor for obtaining crash report information. Under this arrangement, the City does not anticipate additional costs or a reduction in revenues. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval to full Council. A Council Order will appear on the upcoming Council agenda. Committee adjourned at 6:20 pm.