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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-07 City Council Minutes MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 7, 2011 ASSIGNED TO ITEM NO. COUNCILOR Called to Order at 5:30 p.m. Chaired by: Council Chair Weston Councilors Present: All Meeting Adjourned: 7:30 p.m. Public Comment regarding Waterfront Concerts: Mr. Joshua Gass, 16 Norfolk St., is a member of Kahbang and urged the council to adopt a fair-use policy To protect other events held at the waterfront. Mr. John Rohman, Chair of the American Folk Festival, urged the council to ensure that the waterfront park be available to other events held at there. He stated that he appreciated the benefit of the concert series to the area. Mr. John Hansen of Mt. View Ave. stated that he was not in opposition to the concert series but expressed his concern regarding the encroachment into public streets and parking lots. He further questioned whether vendors are permitted properly to ensure they meet health codes. Ms. Ann Birmingham, 8 Eden Place, explained that she loves the concerts but is concerned about foul language being used by the acts. Ms. Melissa Burkee of Crestmont Rd. spoke in opposition to the concert series, mostly because of noise issues relating to the bass and the associated vibrations. She also feels that the waterfront beauty is destroyed by the chain link fence. Further, she expressed frustration that the river is hard to access for recreational activities on concert days. Mr. Stephen Nudso, 29 Hayward St., expressed concern regarding foul language and excessive volume of the performers. J.R. Mitchell of Cumulus Radio stated that he is proud of the concert series and the fact that it allows local talent many opportunities. Ms. Christina Adams of Pearl Street expressed her support of the concert series based on the jobs and economic stability it brings to the region. Mr. Skip Black, 124 Larkin St., said that the noise is not an issue for him, since he has noise associated with plains, harness racing and the fair. Mr. Black indicated that many local businesses donate money raised from parking fees to little league and other causes that benefit local children. Ms. Carrie Tripp of the Convention & Visitors Bureau said that the concert series has a significant positive economic impact to the area. Mr. Gary Watson, 19 Garland St., expressed concern regarding the noise and how it impacts other neighboring communities who do not directly benefit from these events. He also suggested that we go back to the Waterfront Master Plan, which includes residential uses and unique retail shops. Mr. Ken Wicks of Lincoln Street spoke in opposition to the concert series and expressed concern over the noise. He urged the council to follow the comprehensive plan and urged the council to not spend more than it takes in for these events. Ms. Meg Shorette, resident of 16 Norfolk St. and the Executive Director of Kahbang, suggested that the council approve a fair-use policy. MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 7, 2011 ASSIGNED TO ITEM NO. COUNCILOR Public Comment continued: Mr. Tim Lo of Saratoga Avenue thanked the Council for doing its due diligence. He stated that no one seemed to be significantly against the concert series, but most simply want their concerns addressed. Mr. Alex Gray, Waterfront Concert Series, said that decibel ratings are taken at the mixed position and do not Exceed 103 dB. ACTION Motion Made and Seconded to Reconsider 12-019 Passed 12-019 ORDER Authorizing Execution of Agreement between the City of SPRAGUE Bangor and Waterfront Concerts, LLC ACTION Motion Made and Seconded to Postone to next regularly Scheduled council meeting Vote: 0-9 Councilors Voting Yes: None Councilors Voting No: Baldacci, Blanchette, Durgin, Gallant, Gratwick, Longo, Hawes, Sprague & Weston Failed Motion Made and Seconded for Passage Motion Doubted Vote: 9-0 Councilors Voting Yes: Baldacci, Blanchette, Durgin, Gallant, Gratwick, Longo, Hawes, Sprague & Weston Councilors Voting No: None Passed