HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-08 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Wednesday, Feb., 8, 2012, 5:00 pm
City Council Chambers
Minutes
Councilors: Chair Gratwick, Durgin, Gallant, Longo, Sprague and Weston
Staff: Conlow, McKay, Patterson, Heitmann
Others: Stephen Ribble, Chair of the Commission on Cultural Development; David Cassavant,
Bangor Children’s Choir; Dana Lippett, Bangor Museum and History Center;
David Whitehill, Bangor Symphony Orchestra; Marcie Bramucci, Penobscot Theatre.
1. Cultural Commission Grant Recommendations
a. Bangor Area Children’s Choir ($2,000 funding recommendation)
b. Bangor Museum and History Center ($3,000 funding recommendation)
c. Bangor Symphony Orchestra ($9,350 funding recommendation)
d. Penobscot Theatre Company ($9,100 funding recommendation)
Shirar Patterson briefly reviewed the role of the Cultural Commission. The 4 Grant Applications
(as outlined above) were received by the January 1, 2012 deadline. The total dollar amount of the 4
applications came to $42,000; the remaining budget at that time of the requests was $24,950. At the
Commission’s January 25, 20121 meeting, the 4 applications were recommended for approval at lower
amounts, totaling $23,450 – leaving $1,500 in the Commissions budget for the remaining grant deadline
of the year, April 1, 2012, for small grant applications.
Stephen Ribble, Chair of the Commission on Cultural Development, introduced each applicant
who then proceeded to review their applications.
Councilor Durgin made a motion to move adoption of the staff recommendation of these 4
applications and recommend to the full City Council for approval as presented. Seconded by Councilor
Sprague. Unanimous vote.
2. Farmer’s Market Update
Shirar Patterson updated the Committee on a Farmer’s Market planned for the upcoming
season in Bangor. Several locations were considered with the resulting decision to locate it in Upper
Abbott Square parking lot on Harlow Street (across from the Bangor Library) as the preferred location.
The markets will be held on Sundays, from 12 noon – 3 pm, beginning June 3. The farmers involved
have established formally the Bangor Farmers Market Association; they have adopted rules, bylaws,
established leadership and a due structure. They hope to enter into a long-term agreement with the
City to use the Upper Abbott Square parking lot. City Solicitor Norm Heitmann is drafting an agreement
for the Bangor Farmer’s Market Association which will include insurance requirements, fees and
responsibilities. This will come to the BED Committee for consideration at their meeting on Feb. 22,
2012, and if approved will go to the full City Council on Feb. 27, 2012.
Meeting adjourned.