HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-28 Government Operations Committee MinutesGovernment Operations Committee
December 28, 2010
MMutes
Councilors: Blanchette, Gratwick, Palmer, Longo, Bronson, Hawes
Staff: Nicklas, Carlow, Gastia, Yardley, Willette
1. Order Authorizing Acceptance of MEMA Funding for Overtime
Gastia noted that this is a request for Maine Emergency Management Association funding for
public safety overtime expenses related to antiterrorism efforts. Gastia was notified in
November of 2010 that this pre -designated funding Is available from the FY2008, FY2009, and
FY2010 grant program to cover public safety overtime expenses in support of efforts to enhance
capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism at critical
infrastructure sites such as the Bangor International Airport during DHS-decared periods of
Orange or Red threat levels. The City was Previously unaware of the availability of the funding.
FY2008 funding remains available through August 2011 In the amount of $32,838.13; FY2009 In
the amount of $43,105.32 through August 2012; and, H2010 in the amount of $42,082.58
through August 2013. Gratwick spoke about the bureaucratic process and the fact that the
Department was just recently notified. Gastia said he actually learned of this third hand through
a TSA employee at BIA. Responding to Gratwick about a nuclear attack, Gastia saitl there Is
protective equipment available for the Department's employees. The State maintains an
inventory of other resources/equipment, and it is available for the asking. The Fire Department
has some additional equipment and has been trained to use it. Palmer made a motion to
approve staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. Responding to Longa, Gastia said
the Airport is currently at Threat Level Orange; he discussed the other levels. Responding to
Bronson, Gastia saitl the FY08, 09 and 10 funds have specific dates associated with them and
also with an end date. Many grants extend out to three yeas.
2. WIC Grant
This gram would fund the WIC Nutrition Program, which serves clients in Bangor and
throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. Yardley said it is annual request to accept and
appropriate money for the WIC Program. The WIC program is currently in year two of a five-
year grant. The WIC program currently serves over 3,000 clients monthly at outreach clinics
throughout Penobscot and Piscataquis counties and at the program's main office at 103 Texas
Avenue. In the last two years, the program has gone from 3,000 to 3,600 clients. Yardley
praised the work of the WIC program coordinator and staff. At the end of 2010, the program
will be eligible for additional funds. This agreement covers the period from October 1, 2010
through September 30, 2011. The grant amount is $531,949 for administration of the program
and $2,864,680 for food assistance to clients. Responding to Bronson, Yardley said the WIC
program absolutely stands by itself. The only money that goes into the program from the City
Is the difference between what the state allows for reimbursement for personal vehicle mileage
and what the City allows. It amounts W less than $200/annually. A financial benefit to the City
is that the funding covers many salaries for CHI Department staff. The WIC Program does
not cost the taxpayer at all. The WIC Program Is not a social program but a nutrition program
for those who may be potentially at risk medically. Palmer commended the efforts of the
Department and the WIC Program. Blanchette applauded the program. A motion was made
and seconded to recommend approval to full Council at its upcoming meeting.
3. Community Garden
Willette stated that the Parks and Recreation Department has been approached by a group of
Bangor residents interested in establishing a Community Garden. Among those residents and
individuals are representatives from National Able and the University of Maine Cooperative
Extension. At the August 17, 2010 meeting of the Infrastructure Committee, the former Naval
Reserve property on Essex Street was discussed as a potential site for the community garden.
Willette said the group is at a point to develop a plan and establish the program on the Naval
Reserve property for the coming growing season. This group has expressed a willingness to
seek donations to help cover expenses associated with the garden. He noted that the concept
would be similar to the efforts of the group that restored the Paul Bunyan. An agreement
would be drafted to define the roles of the City, National Able and the Cooperative Extension.
Willette presented a draft Council Order for the committee's review and direction. Responding
to Bronson, Wlllette mid the initial intent is to use the width of the frontage on Essex Street
straight back towards Broadway. The paved area will be used for parking and the raised beds
would be placed further back more or less behind the Dakin Pool. in response to Bronson,
Willette said typically these gardens come with a plot fee. Statewide, these fees vary between
$25 and $40 per season/per plot. There will be an application process. Longo spoke of raised
beds for individuals in wheelchairs. Responding to Longo, Willette said that National Able is a
former tenant of Parks and Recreation. Their role will be providing individuals through the
Senior Community Service and Employment Program on site to assist with education and
supervision. The Cooperative Extension has done an initial soil analysis at the site and will be a
good resource for the planning, policy and procedures. The concept of the raised beds will
make it very accessible. Gratwick applauded the concept. He asked about publicity of the
garden concept as well as the meetings being held for planning the project. Gratwick said he
would like the City to commit in-kind services. Palmer talked about use of City compost, of
organic gardening, of illegal crops, of crops that tend to encroach on another's space, of
monitoring use of pesticides and fertilizers, watering source and hoses, security of the spot, and
entrance/egress Into the area. He also spoke of ADA compliancy and the possibility of a
we scam. He spoke about appropriate signage as well as recognition of great gardeners.
Instead of a fee, Palmer suggested perhaps a percentage of the crops could go to Manna or the
Salvation Army. Willette said the plots would be approximately 6-10 ft. Individuals could have
multiple beds. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval to the full Council at
its upcoming meeting.
Adjourned at 5:50 pm