Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-21 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, April 21, 2015 5:15 PM City Council Chambers Minutes Committee Members Present: Councilor Graham, Councilor Nealley, Councilor Blanchette, Councilor Durgin and Councilor Plourde City Staff Present: Tanya Emery, Paul Nicklas, Cathy Conlow, Caitlin Brooke, Jeff Wallace, Tracy Willette, Steve Bolduc and Norm Heitmann In the absence of Chair Baldacci, Councilor Graham chaired the meeting and called it to order at 5:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Councilor Nealley moved approval of Items No. 1 and 2 on the Consent Agenda. Councilor Plourde seconded the motion which carried as it was not doubted. The items approved are: 1. REFERRAL – ORDINANCE 15-114, Amending Chapter 148, Historic Preservation, of the Code of the City of Bangor, By Changing Timing and Minor Revision Requirements 2. REFERRAL – ORDINANCE 15-115, Amending Chapter 71, Bangor Center Revitalization Area, of the Code of the City of Bangor, By Adding a Minor Revision Process Councilor Plourde moved that Item No. 4 be discussed before Item No. 3. Councilor Durgin seconded the motion which passed as it was not doubted. 4. Commission on Cultural Development Individual Artist Grant Recommendation Councilor Blanchette indicated that she was in favor of Staff recommendation but felt that these decisions should be made by the Cultural Commission and the Council should let the Commission do what they have been charged to do. The Committee Members discussed alternatives and looking into other models as to how this could be done. 2 City Manager Conlow explained that because the Cultural Commission is not a 501(C) (3), the process needs to go through for signature by a department head (if under a certain amount). Councilor Plourde moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Durgin seconded the motion. No one doubted the motion and it passed. 3. REFERRAL – ORDINANCE 15-138, Amending Chapter 165, Land Development, of the Code of the City of Bangor, By Defining and Regulating Landscaping as a Use in the Rural Residence and Agricultural (RR & A) District Councilor Blanchette indicated that because there are neighbors who are presently suing an abutting property owner who has a landscaping business in the RR & A District she felt that this item should not be dealt with until after the court makes a decision. Assistant City Solicitor Paul Nicklas explained that the amendment would put restrictions on landscaping businesses in the RR & A District. Present operators would be grandfathered. According to the Code Enforcement Officer, there are at least 5 to 10 landscaping businesses presently in the RR & A. He felt that regardless of the outcome of the court case, the amendment would provide guidelines for operating such a business. Councilor Nealley said that it was good public policy and it should be moved forward regardless of the private sector activity. Councilor Blanchette suggested a time limit on grandfathering and setting a specific date for the time limit, and certification for people that are applying pesticides and chemicals. Councilor Nealley moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Plourde seconded the motion. The motion was doubted by Councilor Blanchette. The Committee voted four in favor (Councilor Graham, Councilor Plourde, Councilor Durgin, Councilor Nealley) and one opposed (Councilor Blanchette). REGULAR AGENDA 5. West Side Village Update Jeff Wallace, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, gave an update on the West Side Village Project and the projects that have been completed in the past year in the area of streets and sidewalks, park improvements (and new lighting), acquisition and demolition (10 Barker Street and 108 Third Street), and commercial and residential façade grants. He also talked about projects that are proposed for this year. He noted that Habitat for Humanity is planning a new home on half of the 3 lot at 108 Third Street and the City is proposing to construct another stick building home on the remaining half with community development funds. Staff is also working on a program to market the façade grant program. 6. 28 Broad Street, LLC Development Agreement Director Emery noted that back in January the CED Committee gave its approval to move forward with final documents for a Development Agreement with a Credit Enhancement Agreement for the redevelopment of 28 Broad Street. Director Emery indicated that the Credit Enhancement Agreement has been prepared and is now ready to proceed to the City Council for approval. Staff recommended that the Committee recommend approval by the City Council at its April 27, 2015 meeting. Councilor Nealley moved Staff recommendation, Councilor Plourde seconded the motion. The motion passed as it was not doubted. 7. Cool Sounds Concert Series Location Discussion Caitlin Brooke explained that the purpose of this discussion is to see if the Committee or the City Council is willing to shut down a major street for this event. Councilor Durgin felt that Pickering Square was the appropriate spot. Councilor Plourde suggested that the site be West Market Square and that Broad Street be closed for use by the market vendors. Councilor Graham gave a brief history of the concert and open market venues. He said that he didn’t think that West Market Square could fit the market vendors. Councilor Blanchette felt that Pickering Square was fine. Councilor Plourde indicated that either way Broad Street will need to be shut down. Councilor Plourde made a motion that the Committee is fine with the Cool Sounds Concerts being held in West Market Square with Broad Street being shut off for use by the market vendors, and that the City Staff work with the Downtown Bangor Partnership to figure out the best configuration. Councilor Nealley seconded the motion. The motion was doubted by Councilor Graham. Those in favor of the motion were Councilor Plourde, Councilor Durgin, Councilor Blanchette and Councilor Nealley. Councilor Graham was in opposition to the motion. 4 8. Executive Session – Economic Development – Lease Negotiations 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) It was moved and seconded to enter Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). 9. Committee Action on Above Item No action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.