HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-13 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
November 13,2007
Councilor Attendance: Hawes, D’Errico, Gratwick, Farrington
Staff Attendance: Barrett, Arno, Farrar, Comeau, Enman
1. Council Ordinance 08-026, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an
Agreement with the Federal Transportation Security Administration to Participate
in the Explosives Detection Canine Team Program.
Arno said that the City of Bangor’s Police Department has been offered the
opportunity to participate in this federal bomb dog detection program for Bangor
International Airport. Since TSA’s arrival at BIA, TSA has talked about this
program and their interest in forming a partnership with BIA. Negotiations have
been on going for quite some time and the TSA has renewed its interest in
deploying canine units at BIA and Portland Jetport. Funding for three dogs and
related expenses for a five-year term would be made to the Police Department
from the Homeland Security Department at $50,000 per year per dog. It is
roughly $34,000 a year for all three teams for overtime costs over and above
base salary. Both the handlers and canines would require ten weeks of training
in January 2008. Upon completion of the training, both handlers and dogs would
be assigned to BIA as part of the Police Department’s six officers assigned to the
Airport. The dogs are required to spend 80% of their working time in the
transportation environment at the Airport. The dogs will be used elsewhere by
the Department for the remaining 20%. Barrett referenced the meeting with the
meeting at BIA and Senator Collins and the Deputy from Homeland Security.
Collins pushed for support for this program and got it back on track. It is TSA’s
intention to continue the program at the end of the five-year period. A motion
was made and seconded to recommend approval to the full Council.
2. Year-end Update – Bangor Municipal Golf Course.
Bangor Municipal will be concluding a successful season shortly. Golf Pro Brian
Enman briefed the Committee on course operations and highlights. Comeau said
this is normally the time of year to request a rate increase. This year there is no
increase requested due to the successful season this year and last. The rate of
play was up by 7.5% this year. Comeau commended Enman and his staff.
Enman said it is a weather dependent operation. He spoke about the popularity
of the Thursday Ladies Day. He was approached and has agreed to host the
Ladies Golf Championship next year. He mentioned an end of season
tournament this past October with 152 players. This was the first year with the
new maintenance facility. It has been a wonderful addition, Enman said. He
reviewed some improvement projects including drainage, pruning between some
holes. He had hoped to start leveling tees this fall but it will have to wait for
spring. Golf cart revenue is up about 16%. It has been a busy year with great
weather. Farrington asked if the maintenance building is secured during the
winter. Enman explained that the assistant golf superintendent works in the
building during the winter months. Responding to Farrington, Enman said the
change at Penobscot Valley Country Club might have some impact on Bangor
Muni but it remains to be seen. D’Errico asked if cross country skiing is allowed.
Enman said yes, and it is a very busy spot. Barrett said the City Forest also
provides an opportunity for cross country skiing. Hawes congratulated Enman
on a success year.
Committee adjourned at 5:35 pm.