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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-09 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee June 9, 2008 Minutes Councilors: Hawes, D’Errico, Wheeler, Blanchette, Gratwick Staff: Barrett, Yardley, Heitmann Farrar Others: 2 Representatives from Methadone Treatment Facilities, 1 News Media Representative 1. Request to Consider Limitations Regarding Chemical Dependency Treatment Facilities Councilor Stone had suggested that Bangor consider taking action to place certain limits on chemical dependency treatment facilities, specifically Methadone Clinics. Heitmann indicated that the request is not in order for discussion but more of a heads up that it will be coming back to the committee in the near future. There is a Community Advisory Group, a methadone committee, and he feels it would be appropriate for the CAG to discuss the request. Staff is attempting to set up a CAG meeting prior to the next Government Operations Committee. If they desire, the CAG would then come to the Government Operations Committee to offer their opinion. Stone’s position is that the current status of methadone clinics and patient loads at the clinics in Bangor should remain as it is, and he would like the Council to consider adopting an ordinance to that effect. At the next meeting, staff will have data regarding patient load and demographics. D’Errico made a motion to refer this issue to the Community Advisory Group for their consideration. Responding to Wheeler, Heitmann explained that Stone’s wish is that the current status in Bangor concerning methadone clinics in terms of number of clinics and permitted patient load remain as is and not be allowed to increase. Wheeler said he was not prepared to second the motion. Heitmann further explained that staff is asking for the Committee’s permission to refer matter to the Community Advisory Group. The Government Operations Committee is not required to send it to the CAG as the CAG sets its own agenda. Wheeler said that restrictions are already in place to meet criteria and he doesn’t see the value or the need for further discussion. Gratwick suggested that D’Errico’s motion should be seconded prior to further discussion. Hawes then seconded the motion. Gratwick said he has no problem discussing the issue and asked for data about State of Maine restrictions and perspective as it will be an important part of the vital public health service. Barrett said that Stone brought the issue forward due to the City of Ellsworth’s recent action which made it impossible to locate a methadone clinic within the City limits. They changed their zoning ordinance and placed a limit of no more than 30 patients in such a clinic. Other communities have taken similar actions. With area communities adopting such changes, it would potentially place pressure on the Bangor clinics. Barrett stressed that there needs to be a statewide policy for an effective implementation system for appropriately locating clinics. Gratwick asked that a state authority be represented at the next meeting. Hawes noted that the CAG’s membership includes State representatives. Blanchette noted that June is National Substance Abuse month in the State of Maine. She is certain that someone from the Attorney General’s Office will be involved and at the CAG meeting. Once the group has met, Hawes said the item will come back to the Government Operations Committee. Wheeler clarified that he was not on the Council with the methadone clinic zoning was established but he was on the Planning Board. He is still not comfortable with revisiting the issue until the State provides specific guidelines or mandates. Hawes said that all are invited to attend the Community Advisory Group meeting. Wheeler asked if patients are now being adequately treated. Hawes said without a long discussion one of the points made is there proper infrastructure that the patients are entitled to and should have -- healthcare, housing, food, transportation. Hawes stated that the item has been moved and seconded to forward the item to the Community Advisory Group for their consideration. The vote was 2 in favor, 1 opposed. 2. Council Resolve 08-217, Authorizing Acceptance and Appropriation of $19,554 in Grant Funds for the Renovation of Four Park Woods Apartments Yardley indicated that passage of Resolve 08-217 would accept and appropriate $19,554 in Department of Housing and Urban Development Rehabilitation Funds to renovate four units at Park Woods which will then be rented under the project based Section 8 voucher program. Maine State Housing Authority has pledged $61,146 in additional funding for a total project cost of $80,000. HUD and Maine State will provide full funding for this project. No City funding is required for this project. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of the full City Council. 3. Council Order 08-218, Authorizing a Personal Services Agreement with Anne Gass to Assist with the HUD Homeless Continuum of Care Project for Penobscot County This Order would authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Gass to assist with the Homeless Continuum of Care Project for a period of approximately 6 weeks. Yardley explained that Gass has been the grant writer for the project for several years and serves in the same capacity for two other Maine Continuums. Funding for this Agreement estimated in the amount of $15,000 is available and provided by the state, other consortium members, and the City. Responding to Gratwick, Barrett said there is an employee in Community and Economic Development who is moving into the housing area function. Yardley said that Kalina Nakowicz is a quick learner and he anticipates that looking forward the City will be using less outside assistance in pulling together the pieces than in the past. She will find ways to keep these programs funded as well as to look for other funding programs. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval to full Council. The Committee adjourned at 5:35 pm.