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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.