HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-03-13 Penjajawoc Marsh / Bangor Mall Management Commission Minutes
Penjajawoc Marsh/Bangor Mall Management Commission
March 13, 2009
ATTENDANCE
Commission Members:
Tom Davis Cindy DeBeck George Elliott Tricia Quirk
Lucy Quimby Bill Phillips Marion Rudnicki Brad Medling
Judy Kellogg Markowsky Jackie Hewett
Staff:
Jim Ring David Gould
Others:
Brian Taylor w/Plisga
& Day Bobbi Hosmer
The Commission met Friday, March 13, 2009 in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 1:02
p.m.
The February 6, 2009 meeting summary was reviewed. Motion made by Tom and seconded by George for approval.
Passed unanimously.
The group reviewed the revised plans for a four lot subdivision at 1331 Essex Street, Jean Strom Benson and John
Andrew Benson. Lucy raised the issue of potential conflict of interest for Bangor Land Trust officers. Jim and Jackie
motioned to have three Bangor Land Trust Board Members: Lucy Quimby, Jim Hinds, Bill Phillips recuse themselves
from discussion. Cindy and Tom didn’t feel there was a conflict. After discussion, it was found there was no
requirement for recusing, not participating, nor prohibition from abstaining. Voted and motion carried 4/2.
Jackie took over as Vice Chair for the Commission. Brian Taylor from Plisga and Day made a presentation for the
revised subdivision. Cindy motioned to recommend approval to the Planning Board, Marion seconded. Passed
unanimously.
The next item was the Possible Changes in Land Development Code - Offsite Open Space. David Gould outlined
some proposed changes. Ed raised a point of whether there should be direct access to open space or not. Jackie
raised the issue of adding some guidance relative to areas that are more sensitive/important/proximate to the actual
marsh. The open space discussion continued, with mention of possible reference to 165 108.1 D (3)b. Staff will be
providing multiple options for next meeting.
There was continued discussion on control of invasive plant species. Bill recommended and Jim seconded to move
forward with an Ordinance revision incorporating the Maine Department of Conservation’s official invasive plant list
marked “current version”. The proposed ordinance would prohibit the planting of said invasives on any project
requiring site plan approval. Vote was unanimous to move forward. There was additional discussion after passage
to inform Department of Conservation and request consideration of adding certain species.
Next was Bangor Land Trust Activity Report. Ed gave a report of the status of the Regional Open Space Map
regarding GIS, various categories, criteria, the process, etc. He mentioned six values 1) Large habit blocks. 2)
Water quality. 3) Trails. 4) Scenic. 5) Access to recreation. 6) Working landscapes (i.e. forestry & farming). Ed
mentioned that the regional group had an interesting debate as to whether there should be one regional map or a
separate one for urban and a separate for rural communities. Would likely use census tract data and apply “rural”
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approach to the non-urbanized areas and “urban” to urbanized, similar to BACTS. The Steering Committee and
Stakeholders will meet again in April to decide how to move forward.
Ed mentioned a recent report/study out of Portland referring to business interest, now recognizing the business
value of natural areas, recreation, “quality of place” versus traditional “green or mean” posture.
There was discussion of presenting a Commission Activity Report to the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee. Staff will provide draft materials for the report for further discussion at the April meeting.
Tom Davis spoke to the Commission relative to the pending Council recommendation for another landowner to
occupy the Commission seat he will be vacating. He also explained circumstances whereby he was unavailable for
the interview for re-appointment. After considerable discussion, the Commission voted unanimously in support of
Tom’s re-appointment and directed the Chair to provide a letter to City Council members expressing its position.
Tom abstained from this vote.
Tom motioned and Bill seconded to adjourn the meeting.
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