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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.