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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-04 Community and Economic Development Committee Minutes .1%, U ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4 , 1992 MINUTES Members Present: John Collins , Chair Harold Cook, Vice-Chair Gerard Bilodeau John Conti Mary Sullivan Mary Ann Bostwick Deborah Thompson Others Present: Dennis Soucy, City Councilor John Bragg, City Councilor Ken Gibb, Director/Community & Economic Development Steve Bolduc, Economic Development Officer Jan Pfleiderer, Secretary, Economic Development 1 . Meeting was called to order at 4: 10 p.m. by Chair John Collins . 2 . It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the May 7th meeting (as revised) be approved. So voted. 3 . Guest Speaker Ken Gibb introduced Mr. Steven P. Kalisz, Manager, Energy Management Services, Bangor Hydro-Electric Company, who spoke on the topic of electric rates being proposed to the Maine Public Utilities Commission to encourage economic development. 4 . Staff Update A. Ken Gibb reported the City of Bangor submitted to the Department of Defense on June 1, 1992, a proposal to host a Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) facility. John Conti chaired the Steering Committee. It is expected that more than 100 proposals will be submitted, with the first cut expected in late November 1992 . Three other Maine communities are also bidding. The short list is expected to be about 15- 20 communities . John Conti spoke of the collective effort of over 100 persons involved in this project and the financial donations of several companies, with the resulting format of the final presentation being most excellent. City Staff was commended on such an excellent job of putting together the • proposal, especially in such a short period of time (about three weeks) . Ken Gibb anticipated a total primary employment impact of 4, 000 persons . Phase in would be over three years . Research reveals the area has in place sufficient training institutions to educate the needed personnel . Because this is a competitive process, we are keeping the proposal confidential . B. Ken Gibb announced that the City of Bangor has submitted six ( 6) jobs bonds applications for the following projects: ( 1) Hogan Road fire station construction, (2) Maine Business Enterprise Park infrastructure, (3) renovations to buildings at Bangor International Airport, (4) police station renovations, (5) Public Works complex improvements, and (6) Bass Park Auditorium/Civic Center improvements . A press conference to encourage voter approval is scheduled for tomorrow morning. A Council Resolve supporting passage of the Maine Jobs Bond Referendum was distributed which was approved on May 27 . C. It was noted in the DOD proposal that of the 5 largest cities in Maine, Bangor is the most affordable. In addition, Bangor is an educational center. D. Home Quarters (HQ) has announced plans to build a new retail operation near Hogan Road off Springer Drive behind Shaws by future Walmart. 5 . Subcommittee Reports A. Airport Subcommittee - John Conti reported they have not had a chance to meet, but plan to do so prior to the next meeting. B. Local Business Relations Subcommittee - In the absence of Mary Ann Bostwick at this time, Steve Bolduc reported that this Subcommittee met on May 14th and Mary Ann Bostwick was elected Chair. A business visitation to Grant's Dairy has been set up for June 25th at 4 p.m. Everyone should meet at their new plant on Hildreth Street . C. Higher Education Subcommittee - Mary Sullivan has spoken with Mr. Dyke, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Beardsley, President, both of Husson College, and they have both graciously agreed that they would like to be part of a standing relationship. In addition, if we would like, Dr. Beardsley has agreed to host a breakfast meeting of all the area higher education people. John Collins has written to Fred Hutchinson, President of UMO, Dr. Esther Rauch of Bangor Theological Seminary, and Dr. Darrell Staat, President of EMTC inviting them to join. 2 III 6 . Other Business Chair John Collins announced, and it was agreed by those present, that there will not be a meeting held in July as is traditionally done. The next meeting would be Thursday, August 6 , 1992, at 4 :00 p.m. There being no further business, motion to adjourn was made by Chair John Collins at 5 :45 p.m. EDACMIN.JUN (7/14/92) • 3