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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-02 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, September 2, 2014 5:15 PM City Council Chambers Minutes Committee Members Present: Chair Durgin, Councilor Civiello, Councilor Nealley, Councilor Blanchette, Councilor Graham Staff Present: Cathy Conlow, Tanya Emery, Paul Nicklas, Jason Bird, Steve Bolduc, Caitlin Brooke, Tracy Willette Chair Durgin called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. 1. Sale of Vacant Lot at 150 Court Street to Steve Willey Assist. City Solicitor Paul Nicklas explained that the City acquired this property in July of 2013. The building was damaged by fire and the property owner offered this lot to the City for back taxes. The City used CDBG funds used to demolish the building and Staff is recommending that the lot be sold to the abutting property owner, Steve Willey. The Assessing Department has valued this lot at $7,900. Mr. Steve Willey, the abutting property owner, wishes to purchase the vacant lot for use as a parking lot for his property at 154 Court Street. Both this lot and Mr. Willey’s lot are nonconforming. This would create one larger lot thus reducing the nonconformity. Mr. Willey has offered $5,000 for the lot. Staff recommended approval of the $5,000 offer. Councilor Blanchette felt that anytime you can take a nonconforming lot and place it back on the tax rolls is a good thing. Councilor Civiello asked what the amount of the back taxes and the cost of demolition were. Mr. Nicklas indicated that the back taxes were approximately $3,300 and demolition costs were approximately $7,865. Any funds realized from the sale would go back to CDBG. Councilor Civiello indicated that she was in support of this but would like to see it sold at the assessed price. Mr. Willey indicated that in order to use this lot he will need to invest in stump removal, etc. Councilor Nealley moved to accept the amended price of $5,000. Councilor Blanchette indicated that she was comfortable with this as there would be costs 2 involved before Mr. Willey could use this lot for parking. The motion was doubted by Councilor Civiello. The motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1. 2. Extension of Lease Agreement with Vicki L. Trundy, LCSW Steve Bolduc, Economic Development Officer, explained that this is a request for a one-year extension of a long-standing lease agreement with Vicki Trundy at 39 Florida Avenue. There are no changes to the prior year’s agreement and Staff recommended approval. Councilor Civiello asked why the lease amount was not increased to reflect changes in utilities. Mr. Bolduc indicated that because the leased area is only a small portion of the building and there were no increased utility costs during the past year, the lease amount did not change. Councilor Blanchette moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Nealley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Review of Alternative Locations for Trash Receptacles in Parcel Next to 29 Mercantile Square Caitlin Brooke explained that this item was before the Committee on August 5, 2014. Mr. Telford Allen, III, owner of 29 Mercantile Square, has requested to lease a 10’ x 10’ section of City property (former pocket park) to provide for trash receptacles for his tenants. Ms. Brooke indicated that Staff conducted a search for an alternate site at the request of the City Council and none were found. Councilor Graham expressed concern about communication with other building owners and residents. Councilor Nealley moved Staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. Councilor Graham doubted. The Committee voted 4 to 1 in favor. 4. Food Truck Vendors in Pickering Square Caitlin Brooke indicated that there has been a request for a year-round food vendor to be located in Pickering Square. Staff would like to explore policies, similar to those on the waterfront, and bring it back to the Committee for input and discussion. The Committee discussed the need for trash to be picked more frequently in Pickering Square and seating options. Councilor Nealley moved Staff recommendation. Councilor Blanchette seconded the motion. The motion was not doubted and therefore carried. 3 5. Executive Session – Economic Development – Property Disposition – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to enter into Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). 6. Committee Action on Above Item The Committee did not take action on this item. 7. Executive Session – Economic Development – Property Disposition – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to enter into Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). 8. Committee Action on Above Item The Committee did not take action on this item. 9. Executive Session – Economic Development – Agreement Discussion – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to enter into Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). 10. Committee Action on Above Item. The Committee did not take action on this item. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.