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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-09 Government Operations Committee MinutesGovernment Operations Committee March 9, 2010 Minutes Councilor Attendance: Wheeler, Grawack, Blanchette Staff Attendance: Nickles, Willette, R. Cheverie, McNeil Others: 1. Establishment of Leash Requirement for Dogs on Certain City Trails Committee Chair Geoff Gratwick called the meeting to order and introduced Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Willette. Willette provided the committee with an overview of the process that has led to the discussion at this meeting. Willette reviewed the work of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Indicated he had discussed this concept with the Government Operations Committee at previous meetings. Chair Gratwick then asked members of the committee if they had questions or wished to comment. Seeing now, Gmtwick then invited members of the audience to come forward and speak to the committee. Susan Pope of Bangor was first to approach. She commented she tlitl not think there was really a problem and that this was the result of a few disgruntled dog owners. She asked P&R Director Willette what basis was there to move forward with this concept. Willette indicated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee felt there was enough individual comments to warrant this approach. Pope indicated she wanted to see the comments for herself, which Willette indicated he could work with her to provide. Pope asked Willette if participants in the survey could take the survey multiple times. Willette indicated he attempted to do that prior to the survey being released and could not. Pope asked Willette what other feedback was used to base this concept. Willette indicated there was a public meeting as well as misc. email and phone call correspondences to the Parks and Recreation office. Pope again indicated this was probably a small group and that a majority of dog owners are responsible and police themselves. Next to speak was Caroline. .... (Could not discern last name or community) She expressed appreciation for the time and effort that has been dedicated to this concept and asked If other alternatives could be considered, especially in the winter when fewer open trail opportunities are available. Gerry Gerrell of Bangor was next to speak indicating that he was a dog owner and tlitl — not want to see dogs restricted. Gerrell further commented that dogs will no longer be free. He suggested creating a one way traffic pattern in the City Forest so that Interaction with dog owners and non -dog owners would be minimal. Gerrell also suggested on leash days and off leash days. MR Director Willette indicated that this concept had been considered and discussed. The concern was that this concept may be more confusing for users. Willette also clarified that the areas that would are being considered for on leash and that a vast majority of the City will remain off leash. Susan Sorenteos(sp) of Bangor was next to speak. She indicated she was a dog owner and felt that keeping dogs off leash at the City forest was an opportunity to learn. She indicated she worked for the state and considers this another unfunded mandate. She further discussed the City cant even enforce the speed limit on her street, so how can a new leash ordinance be enforced. She further indicated she sees a lack of efficiency at herjob and this would be another example of a lack of efficiencies. She wondered how many people really complained. Next to speak was Chris Greer(?) Greer's comments were that this was unenforceable and that clean up was an issue.. Debbie Hill Hunter was next to speak. She commented she was a former resident of Bangor and uses the City Forest daily. Hunter further commented that visitors she has are amazed at the asset of the City Forest. Hunter further commented that she has never had a problem. She also wondered about the number of complaints. She also asked for consideration for alternate rules in the winter along the plowed roads. Chair Grdtwick opened it up for committee member questions. Councilor Wheeler asked Willette if he had the tall survey results available at the meeting. Willette indicated he only had the individual comments from one question on the survey. Comrcilor Wheeler expressed some concern that there may not be enough evidence to support a change and voiced opposition to sending the draft forward. Councilor Blanchette commented that the Parks and Rac Advisory Committee has been discussing this for some time and that this concept has also been discussed at Government Operations. Councilor Blanchette suggested that a 60 day sunset clause be built into the ordinance. Chair Gratwick called for a vote. Wheeler voted yes with the additional comment that he would not support this when it reached the full Council. Blanchette voted yes. Gratwick voted yes. 3-0 to move the draft ordinance forward to the full council. 2. Acceptance of City of Bangor Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Annex Committee Chairman Gratwick introduced the agenda item stating that he had received and reviewed his copy of the plan and then introduced Assistant Fire Chief Rick Cheverie. A/C Cheverie provided a brief synopsis of the emergency planning process and the need and value of Hazardous Material Response Annex. It was also pointed out that this annex is a required component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance objectives and metrics for local governments. It was also pointed out that compliance to the NIMS objectives are critical to apply for and obtaining State and Federal grants. Chairman Gratwick asked If anyone present had any comments or questions. No one came forward so he asked the members of the committee if they had any questions or wished to comment. Councilor Blanchette stated that she had checked with various city departments and employees and found that they were well Informed and aware of the procedures to take if an incident involving hazardous materials occurred. She also stated that she understood the importance of have our responders prepared and with a plan in hand. Councilor Wheeler stated that he had received his copy and had looked it over. Chainnan Gretwick stated that the plan is called the City of Bangor's Hazardous Material Plan but that is would appear to have a regional application. He then asked A/C Cheverie if the plan covered Brewer and Veazie? A/C Chevene explained that the Bangor plans are specific for Bangor and do not cover the surrounding communities. Some communities may have their own plans but if they do not they fall under the Penobscot County plan. However, Bangor has been determine to be one of the state's metro areas and is required to have their own emergency response plans. Chairman GratwlQ asked that If a hazardous material incident occurred in Veazle that could impact Bangor would we be there. A/C Chevene explained that if Bangor Fire was requested to assist we would be there but since Veazle is the authority having jurisdiction they would be in charge and would use their plan or the county's plan. Motion by Councilor Wheeler, to recommend the adoption of the revised Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Annex to the full Council: Seconded by Councilor Blanchette. All in favor. 3. Evergreen Woods Bus Service Joe McNeil, Bus Superintendent, requested members of the Government Operations Committee to consider allowing the Bat Community Connectors Mt. Hope route to service the Evergreen Woods Condominiums on a trial basis for three months. McNeil gave a brief history about the service area of the MG Hope Route. It was stated that with committee's concurrence, during the trial period it would be monitoring passenger counts and on time performance of the route. R was stated that the bus will stop on the outbound part of the run and will be stopping at the entrance of the property tdboard and alight passengers. Councilor Wheeler questioned why the bus wasn4 going to serve the entire complex. McNeil indicated that the complex didnt allow a proper turning radius for the buses and also it added time the route did not allow. The committee voted to allow BAPS Mt. Hope route to serve the Evergreen Woods for a three month trial period. At that time BAT Staff would evaluate the route's status. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.