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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