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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-27 Government Operations Committee MinutesGovernment Operations Committee July 27, 2010 Minutes Councilor Attendance: Bronson, Wheeler Staff Attendance: Willette, Nickles, Jamie Comstock Others: Joe Knox, Other BARK members Committee Chair Wheeler opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m. 1. Council Order 10-264, Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Apply for and Accept $24,286 from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to continue Substance Abuse Prevention Activities. Comstock began by pointing out that this Office of Substance Abuse money was started as a three year grant and was rolled Into the original Healthy Maine Partnership Grant that serviced a 12 town area. For the fourth year, the money has been pulled out separately. Bronson said that due to only 2 Councilors in attendance, he moves this to full Council with staff recommendation regarding this application for Substance Abuse funds, and Wheeler seconded the motion. 2. Consideration of Potential Dog Park Location Willette said that earlier this year the City Council authorized the Parks and Recreation Department to work with a tool citizens group known as the Bangor Area Regional K - 9's, BARK, to pursue the concept of a Dog Park In the City. The group established a location W consider which will help them begin their fundraising efforts to ultimately and hopefully create a Dog Park in the City. The Parks and Rec Advisory Committee went to the next step and included on both their May and June meeting agendas discussion of potential Dog Park locations. In addition to those meetings there was a tour scheduled to visit potential locations around Bangor. After discussion and review, the Parks and Recreation Department recommended that the Roundhouse property, located off Dutton Street, be considered. He noted that this site is a potential development site and could be sold in the future. Both the Parks & Rec Advisory Committee and the BARK group is aware of this possibility, but still feel that this Is their first choice for consideration. Willette said BARK members are here tonight to ask the Committee if this is something they on work with and if the Committee can move forward to the full Council for their approval. He Introduced Joe Knox, who represents the BARK group, to answer any questions. —"'— Bronson feels this is a great site for this purpose. He feels that if this site is developed, another site will be found. In comparison to the other sites that were considered, Wheeler asked what was favorable about this particular site. Knox responded by saying that the most attractive features of this location are the size, location, and its flatness and openness.. Responding to Wheeler, WIllette mid that another factor that attracted the group to this location was an existing fence around the property from when Cianbro used the staging area during the Hollywood Slots project. He said that was a major expense that the group would avoid. There will need to be some review of the fencing and possible tightening and repairs. The road that already exists might need some improvements and there is an existing pad that trailers use to sit on that can be utilized as parking. Once the location has been identified, the group will then identify what they would like for amenHies and the costs associated with that. Bronson moved staff recommendation to send to the full Council to move forward with the proposed site. Wheeler seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.