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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-21 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Monday, August 21St, 2017 MINUTES Chairperson Nichols opened the meeting at 6:17 PM. 1. ORDINANCE,Amending Chapter 278,Taxicabs, of the Code of the City of Bangor, By Increasing the Maximum Rate of Fare for Each One-Sixth of a Mile from $0.35 to $0.37. Assistant City Manager explained that staff prepared a proposed amendment to the code to increase the maximum rate of fare by.02 cents in accordance with the Committee's instructions at the last council meeting. Chairperson Nichols asked if there were any taxicab owners in attendance that would like to provide input regarding the proposed change. Mark D. indicated to the Council that the last time there was an increase that gasoline prices had risen to $4.38 a gallon. Prices have since plummeted therefore not sure that the cost of doing business has increased. He indicated that competition with Uber and other companies is hard enough as it is along with the fact that people simply cannot afford any more of an increase. It was noted that the change only applied to the maximum amount, companies could charge less. Another taxicab owner indicated that keeping consistency among rates is important. Discussion about the history of regulation in Bangor took place. It was noted that Bangor did not have to regulate taxicabs under state law. Discussion then ensued regarding whether there was a need to regulate at all. City Manager Conlow noted that the issue came up for discussion before as a request by the CVB to the City to have the City address some of the problems that visitors were experiencing, especially in regards to the airport. Councilor Faircloth suggested that perhaps the whole issued needs to be look at and considered. Is there a need for regulations? If so, how ensure equity? These issues need to be considered. Council Sprague motioned that the committee table this issue until a further meeting at such time that the staff has had an opportunity to meet with taxicab owners and drivers as well as representatives of the CVB to discuss the regulations and come back to the committee with recommendations. Councilor Faircloth seconded. All in favor. 2. ORDINANCE,Amending Chapter 291, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Code of the City of Bangor by Removing a Space Marked for Persons with Disabilities on Garland Street. Councilor Tremble moved approval. Councilor Sprague seconded and noted that the individual that made the original request for the space marked for persons with disabilities no longer lives in the area. All in favor. 3. RESOLVE,Accepting and Appropriating$321,906 for the Supplemental Nutrition Education Grant Program. Staff Member Jamie Comstock updated the Council on the purpose of the grant. It was noted that the grant amount was for approximately an additional $320,000, which would support one full time staff person and other support people. Councilor Sprague moved staff recommendation. Councilor Weston seconded. All in favor. 4. RESOLVE, urging the United States Congress to enact a Revenue-Neutral Carbon Tax and Dividend. Christine D. and Mary J. from Citizens United approached the Council and indicated that the Council's past support of solarized energy, energy smart initiatives and climate change is appreciated and is needed again in regards to climate change. The Council is being asked to support a resolve that will be sent to representatives of Congress urging them to support the passage of a Revenue- Neutral Carbon Tax and Dividend. Councilor Sprague noted that he is generally not supportive of these largely symbolic resolves or proclamations but given the inaction at the federal level it seems that the role of government at the local level to address these types of issues has increased therefore he motioned to approve. Councilor Weston seconded the motion. Councilor Baldacci reiterated the importance of the issue and the need to address climate change at the local level given the United States (Federal Government's) removal of the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. Councilor Baldacci also indicated the need for the city to create a Sustainability Committee as well. Councilor Weston doubted the question therefore Chairperson Nichols called for a vote. Councilors Nichols, Tremble, Sprague, and Faircloth voted in favor; Councilor Weston voted no. Motion passed 4 to 1. 5. Indigenous People's Day Proclamation Maulian Smith approached the Committee on behalf of the Penobscot Indian Nation. Ms. Smith noted that the Tribal Chief, members of the Tribal Council, family members and others were in the audience to support the approval of the proposed proclamation. Ms. Smith indicated that the designation of Indigenous People's Day instead of Columbus Day has been occurring in Cities and Towns throughout the Country, including in Maine. Ms. Smith explained that Columbus Day celebrates a man who attempted the genocide of indigenous people. She noted that this is a very personal subject for her and that their mere existence and ability to stand before the Council to make such a request stands as a testament to them and their ancestors who could have been silenced had the genocide of indigenous people been successful. Changing the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day is a way to celebrate and honor Indigenous People. Councilor Baldacci indicated that he is supportive of this effort and noted that he is willing to sign the proclamation but he suggested that it should probably be a Council Resolve or Order with the full support and approval of the Council. Councilor Baldacci indicated that this would be more binding on City Councils in the future. Councilor Weston inquired into why they would like to rename the Columbus Day holiday instead of choosing a different date that would recognize, highlight, and perhaps have more meaning for Indigenous People? It was noted that the day has a dual purpose in that it would be a symbolic taking back the of day by allowing for education about actual historical events rather than having a day that honors a man that attempted to commit genocide against Indigenous People but that it would also celebrate the history and culture of Indigenous People as well. Committee members agreed that an Order would be more appropriate. It was asked if an Order could be prepared for action by the Full Council on the 28th of August. City Manager Conlow indicated that an Order would be prepared and it would appear on the Council's agenda on August 28, 2017. (Please note; this is just a summary of the conversations that occurred during the meeting-the entire Government Operations Committee meeting may be viewed at http://www.bangormaine.gov/) Chairperson Nichols adjourned the meeting at 7:03 PM.