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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-23 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee October 23, 2007 Minutes Councilors in Attendance: Hawes, D’Errico, Gratwick Staff in Attendance: Farrar, Yardley, Hamer 1. Council Ordinance 07-319 Amending the Code of the City of Bangor to Change the Name of the Public Health and Welfare Department, Public Health Division, and Public Welfare Division Yardley indicated that this proposed Ordinance would rename the Department of Public Health and Welfare and two of its divisions (Public Health and Public Welfare). The initial discussion at the Committee level yielded some concern about the proposed change in the Department name to Bangor Department of Health and Human Services. Changes to the division names did not generate any particular concerns. Yardley said he initiated this original request and the most pressing impetus now is the City assumption of the official role of regional public health with the recent contract award from the Maine CDC. This is a defining moment in terms of being officially responsible for doing wellness, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol programming for the twelve communities that make up the Bangor region under the Healthy Maine Partnership. The public needs to realize the City’s role in public health. The term welfare has connotations that keep people away from services that they are eligible for and gives a public perception of something that is really not an appropriate name. Thus, he made a recommendation that the Bangor Health and Welfare be renamed to Bangor Health and Human Services. At the last Committee meeting staff was asked to canvas clients, members of the public, department employees, and other interested parties for other possible Department and Division names prior to this item returning to Committee. Yardley said this has been done. Current Health and Welfare Department staff members felt that Bangor Health and Community Services is fitting. He checked with the City of Portland and they are Portland Health and Human Services. They receive many calls that need to be redirected to the State Health and Human Services. They have a division of Portland Public Health, a division of Portland Health and Human Services. Palmer asked Yardley how much time was spent on the renaming possibilities. Yardley said it was discussed at staff retreat, probably 30-45 minutes. He, however, spent a great deal more time talking with various constituencies. Responding to Palmer, Yardley said he spoke with the Director of Community Health and Counseling Services as he wanted to be certain he wasn’t stepping on anyone’s toes. Pickering, CHCS Director, was a little concerned at first but said his agency is known as CHCS. Yardley spoke with Penobscot Community Health, who also had no objection to name changes. Gratwick congratulated Yardley on the process and he feels the name change is highly appropriate. Dennis Marble, 334 Grove Street, and co-chair of the Public Health Advisory Board, requested that full consideration be given to the word housing in the new title. The City has an obvious role in support of housing. He asked for consideration of Bangor Health, Housing and Community Services. Barrett said adding the word housing could cause confusion as there are other parts of the City that deal with housing; i.e. Community Development Block Grants and Code Enforcement as well as Bangor Housing Authority. He suggested the word housing could be placed in one of the division’s titles. Marble agreed with Barrett to add the word housing in a Division title. A motion was made and seconded to move staff recommendation: Health and Community Services Department and its two Divisions (1) Bangor Region Public Health and Wellness, and (2) Housing and Community Services. Yardley stressed that his own preference would not be Bangor Health and Community Services but felt it appropriate to follow the Committee’s recommendation as well as suggestions from his staff members. He feels that health and human services clearly defines to the public what they can expect. Gratwick thanked Yardley for his flexibility. The Committee voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the next Council agenda. Committee adjourned at 5:15 p.m.