HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-06 Municipal Operations Committee MinutesMONICIPAL OPERATIONS COM1ITTEE
MEETING MINGTBS
August 6, 1996
Councilors in attendance: David Lean, Marshall Frankel, Don Soucy, Jim
Tyler (4)
Staff in attendance: Edward Barrett, Sethi Murray, Erik Stumpfel,
John Lord, Jim Ring
Others in attendance: Patrick Audet, Jim Kenny (Husson College)
Committee Chair opened the meeting at
1. Request to Purchase/use Tax -Acquired City Property --Broadway (tax map
46, lot 48)
Erik Stumpfel said that a request was received from Patrick Audet to
purchase a vacant property that abuse his. Staff recommended disapproval
of the sale because the lot provides access to Broadway from Dakin Park,
located behind the lot. Mr. Audet spoke, saying they would be willing to
lease the land and that his am
wished to landscaped the lot. The
committee adjourned toexecutivee on to discuss the i When they
returned, Councilor Lsensaid the City would like Mr. Audet to work out a
license agreement for use of the property, with the City retaining the
right of agreed and access. Mr. Audet expressed s reservations
about putting a lot of =may into upgrading the abutting property on lot
47 if the City was going to have a vehicle right of way. Mr. Adder did
say he would be willing to discuss a license agreement, however, and to
landscape the lot at his expense. He and Erik Stumfpel left to discuss
the issue further.
2. Discussion of Traffic Signal Location Issue --Broadway Widening Project
Jim Ring reviewed the previous discussion regarding where to place a
traffic signal --at Musson Avenue or School Street. A public hearing was
Held at the end of April, with the result being that School Street was
recommended to receive the light. SHOT and its consultant also
recommended School Street. Later, a petition was forwarded to MOOT by
residents asking that Hueeon Avenue be chosen. Several individuals spoke
in favor of a Hudson Avenue location, including representatives of Hudson
College and eastern Maine Health Care. Arvilla Verceles also spoke in
favor of this location and called the commiete's attention to a petition
which she Led submitted to MOST. Fred Boyce, representing Ernst Manor,
objected to the project on the groudne of safety concerns, given the
proposed 11 -foot travel lanes where 12 feet is normally required.
Following public comment, the Committee discussed numerous options,
including School Street, Musson Avenue, and Grandview. There was a
general consensus that more than signal w required. The Committee
asked City Engineer Jim Ring to explore the feasibility of a signal at
both School and Henson with the State. The committee also indicated an
interest in a signal at Grandview or
some
other appropriate location o
d
Broadway between Husson anBurleigh.The committee did, however, support
the reCoimendation Of MCT and City staff to locate the new signal
associated with the Broadway project at School Street.
3. Update: Sped mit Reductio: Request (Ohio and Davie) and Removal of
gamble trips
Jim Ring reported that the State has agreed with our request to reduce the
speed limit on Ohio in the vicinity of Davis Road to 35 miles per hour.
An s result Of this change, we will be removing the rumble stripe which
were metalled in line with the prior direction of the committee. At a
earlier meeting, the committee agreed to remove the rumble strips if the
speed limit was lowered.
a. Discussion of Activities --City Nursing Facility
Kathi Murray briefed the Committee on recent activities at City Nursing.
We are moving ahead in implementing the xaommendations of the
sultan's study o reimbursements. We have applied for, and been
consultant's
into, a demonstration project for Medicare, which will tie
simper emelt to the level of patient care required. This will result i
higher reimbursements under this program A square footage auTrey of the
Le
facility has en completed which will also allow for greaterr very
through the inclusion of a conference ram and other apace within the
nursing home's square footage. Other recommendations are also being
pursued.
We are
continuing to evaluate and offer otherservices where possible.
Respite care is
offered an apace available basis. This has been
well received in the Portland area. We have began offering respiratory
care
since this wass
of specialization which w not available i
thearea. Since we have begun this service, am other facility has also
entered this area. we are also Continuing to pursue other services,
d
including geriatric mental health anassisting living. TheaesiSted
living program would be Operated from the five additional bade which Be
have been unable to use Since the State changed its rules an adding beds.
In addition, we are also continuing to pursue ways to reduce conte. The
facility's in-house laundry is now Operating and the cost comparison
report is under review to identify ways to reduce expenses.