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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-17 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee th WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018 MINUTES Councilors Present: Tremble, Graham, Supica, Perry, and Nichols. Staff Present: Michael Crooker, Tracy Willette, Thomas Higgins, Mark Hathaway, and Bob Bishop Chairperson Graham opened the meeting at 5:40 PM. 1. Order, Authorizing the Fire Department to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Fire Fighter Grant for up to $75,000 for the replacement of fire gear lockers at Central Fire Station and the purchase of 3 self-loading ambulance stretchers. Assistant City Manager Crooker provided a quick overview of the grant request. The overall request is for $75,000. The fire department is requesting $15,000 for the replacement of the over forty year old lockers. The new lockers would be metal and would have vents to allow the clothing to dry quicker. The remaining sixty thousand dollars is being requested for the purchase of three self-loading ambulance stretchers. Chief Higgins as well as Assistant Chief Ritano discussed how the stretchers would work and showed a brief video demonstration. It was noted during the discussion with Councilors that the stretchers would be easier to use, more comfortable and safe for both the patients as well as emergency responders. Councilor Tremble motioned to accept Order and staff recommendations. Councilor Nichols seconded. All in favor. 2. Discussion of Emergency Sheltering Emergency Management Director, Tom Higgins along with Parks and Recreation Director, Tracy Willette and Police Chief Mark Hathaway provided information regarding possible options for Emergency Sheltering. EM Director Higgins noted that the October windstorm as well as the January blizzard required the City to set up shelters and warming stations. It was noted during this process that the schools were not ideal shelters since these are the locations that are usually brought back to normal operations as soon as possible, which makes it difficult to co-locate a shelter in an operational school. It was also noted that the Cross Center only had basic life safety functions attached to the generator therefore; it was not a fully functional shelter. The only other potential mid-size shelter would be at the Brewer Auditorium. Discussion ensued regarding the need to have a potential mid-size shelter in Bangor and the need for a plan for a shelter in Bangor. EM Director Higgins noted that they had reviewed some facilities and feel with some upgrades that the Parks and Recreation facility could be used. A generator, new showers, and some upgrades to the kitchen would allow the facility to serve as a shelter. Questions ensued about children programing that exists there and the ability to separate the shelter from the rest of the facility. Parks and Recreation Director Willette noted that the Kenduskeag Room is generally used for a shelter area and can be blocked off. It was noted that regular programming does not usually occur on that floor. Councilor Nichols inquired into accessibility and the ability to bus people or get them to the shelter. Councilor Graham expressed concern about safety of those that attend programs at Parks and Recreation and the ability to keep both uses separate. He noted that members of the public had expressed this concern to him as well. Councilor Graham asked if all other options in the City had been explored. Chief Higgins indicated that they had look at a number of facilities and there a couple of other potential facilities but they are not owned by the City therefore they would have to be arrangements made and the City would not own any of the improvements to those facilities as would be the case if investments were made in City facilities. Councilors asked what staff was looking for at this time. Staff indicated that it hoped to gain some insight into whether the City is willing to explore options and costs for a fully functional mid-size shelter. If so, then they would come back to the committee with additional information about options, needed improvements and more refined cost estimates. Staff would also explore potential grant funds. 3. Order, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease with Elk River Development Regarding Parking Near the Police Station Police Chief Hathaway and Bob Bishop addressed the committee. It was noted that parking at the police station had been a problem for a long time. There are not enough available spaces, especially during the day for police vehicles, staff parking, and visitor parking. It was noted that staff used to park down the road in the lot that has now been acquired by Bangor Savings Bank therefore parking is further restricted. The City started discussions with representatives of both Elk River Development as well as Peoples United Bank to see if the existing lease and parking arrangement could be amended to allow for more parking around the police station. Staff discussed a map of the proposed changes under the new lease. Under the new lease, staff would be able to park in ten spaces in the adjacent lot. Parking for Elk River Tenants will occur on the other side closer to the building they own. People’s United Bank owns part of the parking lot but they agree to the changes to the lease and agree that the lease would be a benefit to all parties. Staff noted that representatives of People’s United Bank have no intention to moving or selling their interest in the property. The lease would be at no cost to Elk River and Elk River would continue to maintain the lot, including the spaces used by the City. It was noted that the arrangement should help all parties maintain appropriate and safe access in the area. Councilor Nichols motioned. Councilor Supica seconded. All in favor. Meeting Adjourned 6:20 P.M.