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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-04 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, March 4, 2014 5:15 PM City Council Chambers Minutes Councilors Present: Chair Durgin, Councilor Civiello, Councilor Plourde, Councilor Sprague, Councilor Graham, Councilor Nealley, and Councilor Baldacci City Staff Present: Tanya Emery, Director of Community & Economic Development, Cathy Conlow, City Manager, Jason Bird, Community and Economic Development Officer, and Steve Bolduc, Economic Development Officer Chair Durgin called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Commission on Cultural Development Grant a. Bangor Symphony Orchestra b. Penobscot Theatre Company Councilor Baldacci moved to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilor Plourde and it passed unanimously. REGULAR AGENDA 2. American Folk Festival Update. John Rohman, Heather McCarthy and Rick Fournier representing the American Folk Festival gave an update. Mr. Rohman discussed the 2013 festival noting the various physical changes since the 2012 festival. Ms. McCarthy discussed the progress to date on the 2014 festival. Mr. Fournier noted the positive impacts that the festival has had for Bangor. Councilors discussed various elements of the festival and all present expressed that they felt that the festival has had a very positive effect on Bangor. 3. REFERRAL – RESOLVE 14-105 Pledging the City of Bangor’s Support of the Searsport Dredging and Harbor Improvement Plan Lucy Quimby, a resident of 1230 Kenduskeag Avenue, asked that this item not be considered until an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) had been 2 conducted. At present, only an environmental assessment has been done and it is not complete. Archie Gillies, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Islesboro, also requested that no action be done until an EIS was completed. He felt it necessary to have this additional information before any decisions are made. While in favor of development, he felt that all sides should have all of the information for the process to work its way. Councilor Gallant expressed his concern that this might hurt the fishing industry. He did not think that an EIS would help. Councilor Nealley indicated that he was fully supportive of all economic development opportunities. Mr. Bob Ziegelaar and Mr. David Cole were present representing the Action Committee of 50. Mr. Ziegelaar indicated that the Committee’s interest is primarily that of business and economics. (One in five jobs is related to trade.) The dredging is a critical issue and it has not been done in 50 years. The size and shape of ships has changed and maneuvering is different. Maine’s rail system cannot survive without a viable port. Mr. Ziegelaar noted that presently Portland’s harbor is being dredged and that they did not need to obtain an Army Corps permit. The problem with an EIS is that it could take six to ten years to complete and the Committee finds this unacceptable. Mr. David Cole also with the Action Committee of 50 indicated that with his experience running the Maine Department of Transportation and chairing a national committee for the 50 states, he did not feel that this project fits into or is large enough to warrant having an EIS done. He said that he did not feel that an EIS would provide better information. Mr. Cole stressed the need for a viable port for the region’s economy. There are emerging markets that are dependent upon a viable port such as the wood pellet market. Councilor Baldacci felt it important for Bangor to be a regional economic champion and a good neighbor. He felt that it is important to support the dredging and the ultimate decision about the study is done by the Army Corps of Engineers. He would like to see Bangor on the list of communities that can get dredging, as well. Councilor Baldacci moved to recommend this to full City Council with the inclusion in the formal Resolve of some of the text from Page 17. The motion was seconded by Councilor Plourde. Councilor Gallant indicated that he felt that there should be some understanding within the Resolve that the fishing grounds are not to be disturbed. 3 The Councilors agreed that additional language from Page 17 and the additional language suggested by Councilor Plourde should be included in the Resolve that will go before the full City Council. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Executive Session – Economic Development – Contract Negotiations – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C). Councilor Plourde moved to enter into Executive Session – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) at 6:35 p.m. Councilor Baldacci seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried. 5. Committee Action on Above Item No official action was taken on this item. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.