HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-23 Infrastructure and Development Support Committee Minutes '
Infrastructure and Development Support Committee '
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Minutes �
Councilors Attending: Geoffrey Gratwick, David Nealley ,
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Brad Moore, Kate Weber, John Hamer, Ed Barrett ,
Others Attending: Heather Parent
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Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Sewer Abatement Reauest (WWTP) ,
Jim Ring stated that this request is from MEANG which was caused by damage to ,
utilities.
Brad Moore stated that the December 14"' memo from MEANG outlines the problems '
that they have had. They did make the necessary repairs. Their consumption has
dropped down to a level not seen for quite a period of time. This does satisfy the
criteria for granting an abatement. '
Councilor Grahvick moved Staff recommendation for the abatement and Councilor
Nealley seconded the recommendation. '
2. National Biosolids Partnershio Environmental Manaqement Svstem Proiect (WWTP�
Brad Moore provided a memo that is on page 21 of the weekly packet which outlines the '
request to become involved in the National Biosolids Partnership Environmental
Management System program. '
Jim Ring stated that this is a demonstration project. Following the memo are pages with
additional information. Staff feels that there are indeed some benefits. '
Brad explained to the Committee what biosolids are. In the treatment of wastewater
there are by-products that are grouped into different solids. These are the by-products '
from the primary and secondary treatment. Brad explained how the material is taken
care of to the Committee. Basically it is an environmental management system. The
program has 17 different steps. In the end there is a document that shows how the Ciry '
is handling the biosolids and in a responsible manner following the template that the
National Partnership has developed. This gives the City documentation that shows that
the City is handling biosolids properly to the point that a third parly could come in and '
investigate how the plant is doing by looking at the documentation. It is important for a
number of reasons. First it shows that the City continues to be proactive. And in the
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, end we have a document that people can look at and measure what the City is doing
and shows that the City is handling the biosolids in a responsible way. Second, there
' are still some concerns in the community about the actual classes of the biosolids.
Jim stated that the end product of the wastewater process is 6600 tons. Over the last
15 years or so, Brad and his staff and others have worked closely with regulatory
' agencies, most notably the US EPA and DEP who are agencies that permit the City's
operations on matters such as this.
, Councilor Gratwick thinks that this is wonderful. He suggests press releases to the
public regarding such.
, Committee agreed Staff recommendation. This will go to full Council for approval.
3. Tree Citv Initiative
1 Jim stated that this issue was discussed at the last IDS Committee meeting. Based on
comments and recommendations of the IDS Committee, John Hamer working with
' Heather Parent of Bangor Beautiful, put together a draft Ordinance which has been
referred back to the IDS Committee.
' John Hamer discussed the memo on page 25. Minor changes as previously discussed
have been made.
, There was discussion and clarification on the Penalties section.
Jim stated that hopefuliy there will be less need for the penalty section and more
� awareness and pride in the community.
Councilor Nealley stated that he talked to Councilor Cashwell on this issue. Councilor
, Cashwell is behind this and sees a lot of great benefits for the City to not only have but
also to keep current record inventory of what the City has but to make sure records are
current.
tCouncilor Gratwick moved to submit the Ordinance to full Council as amended. This was
seconded.
, 4. Mailbox Replacement Policv (Discussion)
' Ed Barrett stated that the City's traditional policy has been to replace mailboxes when
our snowplows relocate them. However, people have started to put in ��designer"
mailboxes that cost into the hundreds of dollars. The City replaces with standard boxes
' and posts that cost roughly $50 to $55. The question is how do we handle folks with
the fancy mailboxes. What is being proposed is that if it is a standard mailbox, the City
will furnish and install the mailbox. If it is a fancy mailbox, the City will offer the option
, of reimbursing the owner an amount equal to the cost of the standard post and/or
mailbox. It is very difficult at times to avoid taking out mailboxes. There is no
requirement for the City to reimburse people or replace mailboxes that get taken out by
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City snowplows. The mailboxes are in the Ciry right-of-way. It is felt appropriate to '
replace any mailbox that gets taken out by snowplows. The State does not replace
mailboxes taken out by State snowplows. '
Jim Ring stated that with decorative mailboxes become more predominant that the City
should have a policy and Committee support. ,
Ed stated that for those with a fancy mailbox, the City will reimburse the cost of the
materials and not the installation. It is important that the City provide people with the '
incentive to stay with the standard mailbox setup. With the standard mailbox, the City
will not only provide the mailbox and post, but will install it as well. This policy covers
material, not labor. If the City continues to see a lot of fancy mailboxes being used, the '
City may seriously have to consider limiting the kind of mailbox a homeowner can put
up. The City does not want to see brick. That could do damage to City equipment and
could be a safety issue.
Councilor Gratwick asked if there was any information or instructions for people putting '
in mailboxes that one can get from the Post Office or the Code Enforcement website?
Ed stated that the only requirements that the Post Office has is that the mail carrier '
must be able to deliver the mail without leaving the vehicle in as safe a manner as
possible. '
Councilor Nealley stated that there are height restrictions.
Ed stated that the City could put together some helpful hints on our website regarding '
roadside mailboxes.
A recommendation for approval by Council was made and seconded. '
5. Staff Updates, Proiects, and Activities '
Jim stated that Engineering is working on a major sewer separation project as weli as
some BTIP projects. '
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