HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-20 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 5:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MINUTES
Committee Members Present: Councilor Baldacci, Councilor Civiello, Councilor
Durgin, Councilor Graham, Councilor Faircloth, and Councilor Nealley
City Staff Present: Tanya Emery, Cathy Conlow, Jeremy Martin, Caitlin Brooke,
Norman Heitmann, Paul Nicklas, and Tyler Collins
Chair Baldacci opened the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
1. Commission on Cultural Development Grant Recommendation
Caitlin Brooke, Business Development Specialist/Downtown Coordinator,
indicated that the Commission on Cultural Development is recommending that
the Bangor City Council approve a grant application request from the Bangor
Historical Society in the amount of $2,000. The grant money will help fund
history based programming and relevant activities for children between the ages
of 5 to 13.
Councilors Nealley and Graham expressed their support as they felt this is a
great program.
Councilor Nealley moved Staff approval. Councilor Graham seconded the motion.
It was a vote as it was not doubted.
2. Arts and Economic Prosperity Study
Caitlin Brooke indicated that the Commission on Cultural Development wishes to
participate in the Arts and Economic Prosperity V study. This study documents
the key role played by the non-profit arts and culture industry and their
participating in this study will be an effective and efficient way to collect data,
provide resources, and provide in-depth analytics to Bangor area non-profits.
Normally the cost would be $5,000 but the cost is $2,500 thanks to a discount
provided by the Maine Arts Commission. This data can be used for writing other
grants.
Members of the Committee had questions as to how this would be funded. Staff
indicated that the Commission on Cultural Development along with the
Community and Economic Development Department has secured a commitment
-profits to collect data as well as
pay for 50% of the cost of participation. The remaining 50% of the cost of
participation will be paid out of the Community and Economic Development
Staff is recommending that the Comm
contract with the Americans for the Arts and acceptance of funds from Bangor
region non-profits to pay for 50% of the study participation.
Councilor Graham moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Nealley seconded the
motion. The motion passed as it was not doubted.
3. Dangerous Building 472 Essex Street
Paul Nicklas, Assistant City Solicitor explained that the Code Enforcement Division
seeks to demolish the building at 472 Essex Street as Staff feels it is a dangerous
building. Mr. Nicklas indicated that the building has been vacant since 2010 and
has experienced signification deterioration. The roof failed in 2010 and the
foundation is collapsing. Staff has been in the process of notifying the
owners/persons of interest. All but one has been served notice. There is a
public hearing scheduled for the next Monday night that may need to be
postponed if service to everyone affected has not been completed.
Jeremy Martin, Code Enforcement Officer, described the location and condition of
the building for the Committee. He indicated that this was a grandfathered 4-
unit building on a buildable lot.
Councilor Civiello asked what the value of the land is. Director Emery indicated
that Staff would look into this and the information would be e-mailed to the
Council.
Staff recommended that this structure be declared to be a Dangerous Building
and that the City Council authorize its demolition.
Councilor Nealley moved Staff recommendation to the full Council. Councilor
Faircloth seconded the motion. The motion passed as it was not doubted.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.