HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
th
MONDAY, February 5, 2018
MINUTES
Councilors Present: Davitt, Graham, Perry, Nealley, Nichols, Supica, Tremble, and
Weston.
Staff Present: Cathy Conlow, Michael Crooker, and Tracy Willette.
Chairperson Graham opened the meeting at 5:15 PM.
1. Update on Bangor Skate Park relocation Process.
Assistant City Manager Crooker provided a quick overview of the process to date.
The skate park equipment was originally in front of the Bangor Auditorium
behind the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce building. The construction of
the Cross Insurance Center required that the skate park be moved to a new
location. The park was moved off Maine Avenue. The existing equipment needs
to be replaced and efforts were undertaken to review potential sites throughout
the City. The Parks and Recreation Director worked with the Parks, Recreation,
and Harbor Advisory Committee to refine a list of potential sites to three:
Broadway Park, Williams Park, and behind the Parks and Recreation Building. A
couple of neighborhood public hearings were recently held. Parks & Recreation
Director Willette noted that he had provided Councilors with the minutes of those
public hearings. The comments were generally supportive. The advantages and
disadvantages of each site were discussed. Parking and lack of facilities were
issues mentioned for Broadway and Williams Park although the layout of the
parks would seem to make them conducive to the installation of the equipment
that is being considered. Parks and Recreation Director Willette indicated that he
is hoping that staff can get some guidance from the Council in regards to
potential locations so that designs could be created and cost estimates could be
developed for further consideration by the Council.
Councilors asked if Hayford Park had been considered. Staff indicated that it had
been considered but was discounted due to the Site Location of Development Act
(SLODA) process that would have to be undertaken. Councilors discussed the
advantages and disadvantages of Hayford Park with staff. Councilor Graham
suggested that the waterfront area needed to be considered. It was suggested
that the vision for the skate park could be expanded to have the skate park be
seen as a destination stop for people. Councilor Graham noted the example of a
skate park in Burlington, Vermont that draws people from all over the world. He
noted this is an opportunity for Bangor to create a multi-generational facility that
could host events to the benefit of individuals in this region. Councilors
discussed this idea further but the general feeling was that a solution was
needed sooner than what could be achieved with a project of that scope.
Councilors provided staff with guidance for the next steps. Staff was instructed
to pursue the Hayford Park location. Staff will look into the SLODA process and
the likely steps that would have to occur to develop a skate park on that site.
Staff will also develop cost estimates for the Hayford and Broadway Park options
and set a public hearing neighborhood meeting for the Hayford Park site as well.
2. Update on Trolley
Assistant City Manager Crooker provided Councilors with a brief overview of the
status of the Trolley. Mr. Crooker indicated that the City acquired the Trolley
from York County Community Action Corporation for $3,800.00. There was no
set plan for the Trolley at that time but it was a very good deal and it was in very
good condition therefore it could be sold and the City would recoup any costs
associated with it. It came to the attention of staff that the Downtown Business
Partnership was considering renting a trolley as part of the New Year’s Eve
celebration. City staff decided to work with them to coordinate a downtown
trolley route for that evening. The use of the Trolley garnered much interest.
We have received a number of inquiries into when it will be used again. Staff
noted that the use of the Trolley on New Year’s Eve allowed staff to learn that
the trolley does not drive well in extreme cold since it is difficult to heat the
inside and the windows. Councilor Graham offered a variety of reasons why the
City should provide trolley service year round. It was noted that there were
many issues to discuss and consider before the Trolley could be used as part of a
regular route. Staff indicated that it expected that the Council would be
discussing the issue again, especially as part of a discussion of the bus hub and
transportation in general. In the meantime, staff could evaluate opportunities
for the use of a trolley for special events on a case-by-case basis.
Meeting Adjourned 6:13 P.M.