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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-07 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, April 7, 2015 5:15 PM City Council Chambers Minutes Committee Members Present: Chair Baldacci, Councilor Faircloth, Councilor Nealley, Councilor Graham, Councilor Civiello, Councilor Plourde, Councilor Sprague City Staff Present: Tanya Emery, Jeremy Martin, Paul Nicklas, Cathy Conlow, Jason Bird, Caitlin Brooke, Mark Hathaway and Paul Edwards Chair Baldacci called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA Chair Baldacci asked Community and Economic Development Director Tanya Emery to outline the three items on the Consent Agenda. 1. Change in Recipient Organization for Ernst Manor CDBG Grant Request Director Emery explained that this was basically a “housekeeping item” for a name change so that all of the documents are in the same name. 2. Commission on Cultural Development Grant Applications Director Emery explained that the Commission on Cultural Development is seeking the Committee’s approval to apply for two grants. One to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and the other to Bangor Savings Bank. 3. Rural Residential and Agricultural District – Landscaping Services Assistant City Solicitor Paul Nicklas explained the contents of the proposed amendment to the Land Development Code’s Rural Residential and Agricultural District regarding landscaping services. Councilor Nealley moved approval of all three items on the Consent Agenda. Councilor Faircloth seconded the motion. 2 Chair Baldacci asked for public comments. Mary Tedesco Schneck expressed her concern that there were no provisions for minimum lot size in the amendment. Mr. Nicklas indicated that the minimum lot size in the RR & A is 1.5 acres. Code Enforcement Officer Jeremy Martin indicated that also within the amendment there is a provision that requires that such businesses be setback 150 feet from any residential property. Councilor Civiello asked how this amendment would affect current landscaping businesses in the Rural Residential and Agricultural District. Mr. Nicklas indicated that they would be grandfathered. Councilor Baldacci discussed parking requirements for the various types of landscape businesses. Chair Baldacci called for a vote. The motion passed as it was not doubted. REGULAR AGENDA 4. Farmers’ Market Lease of Abbott Square Caitlin Brooke, Business Development Officer/Downtown Coordinator discussed the item and outlined the proposed lease agreement. She explained that this is a three year lease for space (on Sundays) in the upper Abbott Square parking lot stth from May 1 thru November 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a yearly rental fee of $300. Staff supported the new lease agreement. Councilor Graham moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Nealley seconded the motion. Councilor Plourde asked if the signs had been made detailing the dates of the Farmers Market and encouraging people to park in the back area of the parking lot. Ms. Brooke indicated that they were in the process of being made. Councilor Graham moved staff recommendation. Councilor Nealley seconded the motion. No one doubted the motion. 5. Proposed Community Development Block Grant Budget for Upcoming Federal Fiscal Year 2015 Jason Bird, Community and Economic Development Officer, explained that this is the second of three meetings. He discussed the contents of the proposed 5 Year Consolidated Plan. He also discussed the proposed Budget for the Federal Fiscal Year 2015 which includes line items for administration, property acquisition and disposition, social services/nonprofit funding, public improvements, demolition and clearance, façade grants, property rehabilitation and homeowner assistance, and neighborhood stabilization. He indicated that Staff was seeking the Committee’s feedback as it further develops the 5-year Consolidated Plan. 3 6. Downtown Parking Director Emery indicated that Staff was requesting that this item be postponed to a future meeting as new information was submitted that Staff did not have time to review prior to the meeting. Councilor Graham moved to postpone this item. Councilor Faircloth seconded the motion. The motion passed as it was not doubted. 7. Executive Session – Economic Development – Broadband Task Force – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(E) The Committee moved and unanimously approved a motion to enter Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(E). 8. Committee Action on Above Item No action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.