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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-22 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, December 22, 2015 5:15 PM City Council Chambers MINUTES Committee Members Present: Chair Graham, Councilor Faircloth, Councilor Plourde, Councilor Baldacci, Councilor Nealley City Staff Present: Tanya Emery, Steve Bolduc, Norman Heitmann, Tyler Collins, Parke Clemons (Republic Parking) Chair Graham called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm. Chair Graham indicated that the revised agenda included removing items 7 and 8 from the agenda. 1. ORDINANCE – Cultural Commission Grant Review Community and Economic Development Director Tanya Emery outlined a proposed ordinance change to align the grant application timeline of the Commission on Cultural Development to provide quarterly deadlines, rather than rolling, with all deadlines open to both individual artist applicants and group applicants. The current system has occasionally caused confusion for applicants, as well as the short turnaround time between submission and CCD meetings causes a challenge for staff. Councilor Graham asked several clarifying questions about the process and budget. Councilor Plourde moved staff recommendation. Councilor Baldacci seconded the motion, which passed as it was not doubted. 2. Republic Parking Annual Report Parke Clemons from Republic Parking provided a synopsis of the 2015 annual report detailing utilization of itinerant and monthly parking and the various lots. The report will be made available on the City’s website for members of the public wishing to review the document. Republic has also created a new parking website for the City, parkbangor.com. One of the recommendations Mr. Clemons proposed is a rate increase on the lots that were not adjusted in 2014. Those lots have not seen a price adjustment since 2009. Additionally, Mr. Clemons suggested the Council consider using funds from the rate increase to contract a feasibility study, as parking inventory is at the lowest rate in history and the City could easily face a shortage of monthly permit spaces in the future. Director Emery stated the Council could consider, in January, action on the rate increase and feasibility study recommendations once they have had time to review the report in full. No action was required on this item. 3. Parking Leases Director Emery explained that as part of the transition to having Republic Parking bill for our long-term parking leases, she sent a letter to the tenants updating them on the process and current status of their leases. Several have responded asking to be considered for a longer-term lease. Bangor House, LLC and Baltimore Waterfront Associates both requested longer leases. City staff recommends moving forward with lease negotiations with these parties and will bring new leases back to the Council for approval. Councilor Plourde moved staff recommendation. Councilor Faircloth seconded the motion, which passed as it was not doubted. 4. Surplus Property – ANG Building #345 City staff has been notified that the ANG Building #345 will no longer be needed by the military in January 2016. The City currently owns the building. Economic Development Officer Steve Bolduc discussed potential reuse scenarios, including an RFP or a commercial kitchen facility. Staff will continue to pursue options and bring information back to the Committee and Council as soon as possible. No action was required on this item. 5. Executive Session – Economic Development – Business Development Assistance – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) (Confidential Memo provided separately) Councilor Baldacci moved to enter executive session at 5:57 pm. Councilor Nealley seconded the motion. 6. Committee Action on Above Item No action was required on this item. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.