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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-27 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee March 27, 2007 Minutes Councilor Attendance: Hawes, D’Errico Staff Attendance: Farrar, Barrett, Yardley, Ring, Wardwell, Dugas 1. Proposed Rent Increases – Parkwoods Transitional Housing Program Yardley and Bolduc discussed a recommendation concerning increasing current rent amounts charged for three and four bedroom units at Parkwoods, which is City operated. Their mission is to transition the homeless into a successful independent lifestyle. The current $575/month rental rate is low and unrealistic. The City is subsidizing General Assistance and Section 8 payments to which these individuals are entitled. Beginning in July, he recommends the rate increase to $675 and on January 1, 2008 to $750. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff’s recommendation. 2. Healthy Maine Partnership Progress Report Last October, the City Council agreed to assume the lead in the Bangor area’s Healthy Maine Partnership coalition. Over the intervening months, progress has been made and developments have occurred and staff would like to bring the Committee up to date in these areas. Since that time, the RFP has been issued with significant structural changes. It will mean to Bangor in the next round of funding is $580,000/year to do tobacco, substance abuse, physical activity, nutrition, etc. that fits with the Department’s mission. As a result of the RFP, the state has been divided into 9 districts. Penobscot and Piscataquis counties are one district. There are four coalitions within that district. The State requires that each town in each district be covered. The Bangor area is going to be significantly decreased in size so its purview will be greater Bangor and all the contiguous towns. Old Town and Milford and Bradley will be separated from Bangor and will go to Lincoln/Millinocket. Bangor’s area of responsibility will be smaller but much more complicated. Bob Carlson and other Coalition Board Members are working with Yardley to bring recommendations forward in April to the Council on the nature of the advisory board. Responding to D’Errico, Yardley said the vast majority of the initial dollars is for developing the infrastructure and not specifically targeting programs. Yardley spoke about the need to hire a tobacco expert for targeting educational programming for the region. In Bangor’s share of the total money, Bangor will have $140,000 targeted for substance abuse. 3. Bangor Dental Clinic Program Update The City’s Dental Clinic has been approached about participating in a two-year early prevention oral health pilot project. The project is being funded through the Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation, whose mission is to advance the health of Maine’s children. Yardley said that the foundation is focusing on improving the oral health of Maine children, and they are interested in potentially collaborating with the City’s Dental program. After 32 years of serving the Clinic, Dr. Frachella retired last year. Health and Welfare chose to work with WIC targeting children under the age of three year olds that are in the WIC program. The first few months have been gratifying. It includes outreaching outside of the Bangor area with dental exams. If referrals are needed, they are made to Bangor area dentists who have agreed to take on the clients. It is an important public health service. Yardley spoke about the Davis Foundation which has approached the City to see if the City is interested in joining with them in a project in four Maine sites. They would provide grant money, an allotment for each child seen and support to advocate for appropriate reimbursement from insurance sources including Medicare/Maine Care. Yardley is confident that during the 3-4 year project time period that the program will become self-sustaining. 4. Discussion/Action Regarding LD 1264, A Proposed Act to Resolve Differences in the Laws Regarding Public Shade Trees Staff has recently been made aware of LD 1264, which has been proposed to resolve various conflicts in current law regarding public shade trees. After review, staff has identified several sections of the proposal, which are of concern to the City. A public hearing on this proposed legislation is scheduled for April nd 2, and staff is seeking guidance from the committee relative to the bill and its implications. Ring said the legislation would give municipalities the ability to plant, trim, cut trees in the right-of-way after notifying abutting property owners. Property owners have the right to appeal the decision and negotiate changes. Municipalities would retain the authority to cut or remove trees without notice in emergency situations. The second portion of the proposed legislation would require municipalities to adopt standards governing aspect of trees in the right of way, including setbacks, etc. Utilities also would be responsibility to notify municipalities and owners before removing, trimming or cutting trees in the right of way. Ring said that the City of Bangor has an ordinance, Chapter 284 of the City’s Code, relating to trees. Many of the issues referenced in the legislation are included in the City’s Code. The City has a registered City Forester on staff. Bangor has been awarded a title as a Tree City, USA. Staff has a couple of concerns in the legislation, Section 3283, paragraph 2 relating to maintenance and removal of trees and the specific language of ‘notice and review.’ It is a new proposal with a number of provisions. At least 21 days prior to planting, trimming, cutting trees or removing public shade trees in a public right of way, the municipality will notify property owners. Within 10 days of receiving the notice, the property owner may request a review of the municipality’s decision. Another provision states that if the owner is dissatisfied, they may appeal to the municipal officers. Responding to Hawes, Barrett said the City provides no notice for planting, and trimming. Dugas said the City trims approximately 200-250 trees per month. Wardwell said the City removes 75-100 trees annually and plant about 300 trees per year. Before removing a tree, the City places a huge red “x” marking the tree. Barrett said the proposed legislation would require one person just to do the notification paperwork. Staff feels the legislation is unnecessary and makes it difficult for the City to do its regular maintenance. Ring said the proposed legislation is an unfunded mandate with serious implications. Staff asked for Council’s permission to oppose LD 1264. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff’s recommendation. Committee adjourned at 5:35 p.m.