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.