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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-11 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee October 11, 2011 Minutes Council Members: Blanchette, Gratwick, Durgin, Bronson Staff: Farrar, Willette, Patti Dubois, Paul Nicklas 1. Request to Authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to Begin Efforts to Replace the Former Gazebo at Paul Bunyan Park Councilor Blanchette announced that Councilor Longo is ill and unable to attend this meeting, therefore, Councilor Durgin will be substituting for Longo this evening. Willette stated that there is a group of people within the community that has started the process and effort to replace the gazebo that was formerly located at Paul Bunyan Park. The gazebo was used for many things including and primarily the Bangor Band as well as serving a variety of functions and activities throughout its existence. It was built through the efforts of three Bangor service organizations; the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club. After careful consideration, it was determined that the structure must be dismantled and rebuilt. Volunteers are more than willing to assist by fundraising and establishing a new location. The Parks and Recreation Department would like to request authorization from the Committee to work with this group to replace and relocate the gazebo. This would be similar to the process with the Community Garden and restoration of the Paul Bunyan statue. Gratwick asked what a rough cost estimate would be. Willette responded that this group will be looking at various gazebos and their functionality before an estimate can be given. Gratwick asked for a ballpark figure. Willette estimated $25,000. (This was the cost of the previous gazebo.) It could be as high as $50,000. We want to place the gazebo where it will have the best chance of success long term and not impact the city parks or surrounding neighborhood. Gratwick suggested that local woodworkers be contacted as a way of professionally dressing up the gazebo as well as making it a community effort. Durgin agreed with the idea of local woodworkers helping out with the new gazebo. Durgin also asked Willette about the status of the Skateboard Park. Willette said that he has been working with the folks at Public Works in preparation for a spring opening of the Skate Park. Blanchette also commented on how the new gazebo could be part of Bangor’s history by putting the community together to build the structure. Bronson came in the meeting late, but asked if a new gazebo is necessary or could The Bangor Band use another location such as the Waterfront Amphitheater. Willette said that they are currently looking at options that include the Amphitheater. Bronson gave a closing comment that he wanted to see the arena fund give a nominal amount to the gazebo, but had hoped that most of the funds be gathered by fund raising. Blanchette added that she anticipates the Council will help in any way they can to go forth with this project. Gratwick moved to staff recommendation. Durgin seconded. Blanchette authorized staff to go forth with the replacement of the gazebo and declared it a vote. 2. Council Ordinance 11-301, Amending Chapter 14, City Elections, Section 14-5, Compensation of Elected Officials of the Code of the City of Bangor By Amending the Wage of Election Officials. Nicklas stated that some City election workers are compensated for their time, and their rates are according to the current ordinance depending on their position at .50¢ to $1.50 above minimum wage. The ordinance speaks of it pertaining to the Federal minimum wage. The State minimum wage is higher than the Federal. The proposed amendment would set compensation of election workers at a rate that is keyed to either the federal or state minimum wage. It would be the aforementioned .50¢ to $1.50 above (depending on position) either the federal or state, whichever is higher. This would conform the ordinance to both law and practice. Durgin asked about the language in the ordinance as it refers to compensation for wardens, ward clerks and ballot clerks. He asked what the difference is in a ward clerk vs. a ballot clerk. City Clerk Patti Dubois answered by explaining that the warden at the polls is in charge of the polls on Election Day. The ward clerk can take the place of the warden in the event that the warden needs to be away for a period of time. Ballot clerks and election clerks perform tasks on Election Day such as check in, distribution of ballots, and that sort of activity. Assistant City Manager Bob Farrar explained that this issue came about as a result of an annual audit. The auditors recommended that the City make its practice concurrent with its ordinance. The change with the new ordinance would read federal or state, whichever is higher. Durgin moved Staff Recommendation. It was seconded. Blanchette accepted a motion to adjourn. Meeting closed at 5:20 p.m.