HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-13 Government Operations Committee Minutes '
Government Operations Committee ,
December 13, 2005 '
Minutes
Councilor Attendance: Allen, Greene, Hawes '
Staff Attendance: Barrett, Rogalski, Hwalek, Yardley, Frachella
1. Quarterly Update — Bangor Water District Trustees and Staff t
• Introductions: Hwalek introduced Bangor Water district personnel in
attendance.
• Electric Power Generation Project Planned for 2006: Roglaski indicated '
that a water turbine wiil be installed at the Veazie station which
currently reduces pressure from 150 psi to 80 psi. A feasibility study
was undertaken in 2003 which studies capturing the energy and ,
turning into electrical power. It was decided to porceed. A detailed
design was completed in 2004. The District was not successful in its '
application for a federal grant. The project will move forward with
installation in 2006 at approximately $95,000. It will generate 80 kw's,
enough electricity on average to power 60-80 homes, and generate �
approximately $25,000/annually in revenue for the District which will
go back into maintenance for the system. Responding to Greene,
Rogalski said the generator unit itself is $65,000. The above ,
referenced $95,000 includes the generator. There is an estimated 3�/z
year payback on a 20-25 year system. The energy will be sold to the
grid, and a contract will be negotiated with Bangor Hydro. ,
• Potential Impacts of Proposed Sustainable Water Use Regulations:
Rogalski spoke of recently adopted legisiation. The original intent
dealt with stream flows in summer months and agricultural uses but '
when the rulemaking developed it included all uses of water including
drinking water supplies. Of the 6,000 Maine lakes, 55 are used for '
public drinking water supplies. Bangor Water was drawn into the mix.
The initial proposed rules would have severely impacted the District's
ability to take water out of Floods Pond. The District became involved ,
with the process with the support of DEP. Language was initially
drafted that exempted water utilities from the proposed rule. The AGs
office denied it. The language currently in place in still supportive of ,
drinking water needs but the District has not received a final draft. It
will go out for review and input. The District will closely follow the
process. The District is concerned with utilizing safe yield and at the '
same time meet the requirements for aquatic life. Responding to
Greene regarding an alternate plan, Rogalski said that developing ,
another source of supply is a �ong process. The District's planning for
that type of circumstance involves two approaches: 1) renewing
completion of obtaining all of the low head protection required for a '
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' groundwater supply that the District has located in Hermon near Black
Stream. Testing will be done at that site next year. 2) strengthening
' the interconnection with Orono-Veazie this year which could
conceivably allow up to a million gallons of day to be taken from them.
' • Potential Impacts of Proposed Changes to Tree Growth Tax Law: Bills
proposed last legislative session dealt with changes to the tree growth
tax law specifically LD 1328. The District has an extensive watershed
' protection owning over 37 acres of property around Floods Pond and
all is in tree growth. The impact of the LD would take tax dollars from
the 7 communities in which the District has services. The bill came out
, of session as carry forward. It was voted 11-1 as not to pass. The 1
affirmative vote does allow discussion on the floor of the senate. The
DistricYs concerns have lessened on this item.
' 2. Preliminary Discussion-Future Operational Considerations Regarding
Children's Dental Clinic
' With the pending retirement of City Dentist Dr. John Frachella in March
' 2006 after 31 years, staff has begun the process of evaluating the future
role of the Children's Dental Clinic. Health and Welfare Director Shawn
Yardley prepared a background memorandum outlining certain issues and
' challenges facing the Dental Clinic. Given some of the issues raised in the
memorandum, staff felt it would be appropriate to meet with and discuss
these various opportunities and seek input from the Committee. Yardley's
' recommendation is not to go forward with replacing Frachella but to look
at other avenues to continue to provide for the oral health needs of
Bangor's low income background chiidren as well as a dental hygiene
, program in the schools. Frachella provided background of the clinic's
history. Barrett said the clinic's totai budget is approximately
$210,000/annually and of that a portion is covered by MaineCare funds
' which approximate $30,000. Between MaineCare and the state's annual
grant and minimal clinic fees, a good portion of the budget is covered.
' The general fund contributes approximately $40,000 a year to support the
clinic. There is a Children's Dental Trust Fund established in 1992 started
with a $5,000 check from a New York City resident. Capt. Nick's sponsors
' an annual golf tournament to support to the clinic. There is approximately
$108,000 in that fund. In the past, it has been used for capital purchases.
It could be used for the hygiene program or dental treatment subsidy.
' Frachella talked about his practices in dealing with behavior management
with the children which is drug free. Most dentists would place these
patients in a general anesthesia situation. Barrett said that Yardley has
' basically started to talk with potential providers in this area and looking at
alternatives. There is not a recommendation at this point other than to
continue the dental hygiene program. Yardley will come back with a more
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detailed proposal. Hawes said it is reasonable not to pursue hiring a ,
dentist and also reasonable that the City try to maintain the educational '
side of the program. She supported staff's thoughts in this area. The
children of the community are at heart. Greene thanked Frachella for his
31 years of service. He applauded Frachella's effective technique in ,
handling the clinic without drugs. Greene seconded Hawes' motion. Allen
then thanked Frachella. Aithough he will be living out of state six months
of the year, Frachella did speak of an option of helping out when back in ,
Maine.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. '
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