HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-04 Strategic Issues Committee Minutes '
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STRATEGIC ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES �
November 4, 2002
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Councilors Present: John Rohman, Nichi Farnham, Dan Tremble, Anne Allen, Dave �
Nealley, Frank Farrington, Gerry Palmer
Staff Present: Ed Barrett, Bob Farrar, Frank Comeau, Jim Ring, Deb Cyr ,
Other Present: Pool Consultants, Convention Visitors Bureau Staff, Gary Cole,
Media Representatives ,
The meeting convened at 5:00 p.m. �
Rohman noted that item 4, Husson College — Request for Financial Support for Baseball
Complex will be tabled. It is our understanding that Husson College and the team i
owners are still in negotiations, and one of the requirements to come to this committee
was to have all the details in place before deciding if the City would be participating in ,
this proposal. The item was moved, seconded and tabled.
1. Presentation by Gary Cole of a Print of Downtown Bangor Circa 1933 '
Gary Cole of Cole Museum presented the committee with a print by A. E. McHale of
an aerial view of Bangor circa 1933, believed to be the first aerial photo of the City '
of Bangor. He noted that this was before urban renewal, and depicts Union Station,
Bijou Theater, and Penobscot Hotel among other notable buildings. Mr. Cole noted
that the prints are available at the Museum for $5.00. Committee members thanked '
Mr. Cole for bringing copies of the print for Council and Staff.
2. Introduction of New Folk Festival Director '
Donna Fitchner from the Bangor Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said that she and
David Cole are here to say thanks and to present a citizens' proclamation to the '
Council for being a key partner in the National Folk Festival. They presented a
National Folk Festival poster, which was signed by the artists. They introduced '
Heather McCarthy as the new Folk Festival Coordinator.
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3. Presentation of Recommended Design for Pancoe Municipal Acquatics
� Center
Comeau noted that the City committee includes Bob Farrar, Jonathan Daniels, John
� Murphy of Engineering, Tracy Willette of Parks and Recreation, Dave Pellegrino and
himself. He said that the committee has been meeting with Carpenter Associates of
Old Town and have come up with a workable pool design. Thanks to the generous
' donation of Stephen and Tabitha King, this pool should be a great addition to the
City of Bangor. Dick Hartford of Carpenter Associates introduced his team. Tom
, Scarlata showed a powerpoint presentation of the pool design, layout, size, costs,
etc.
' Sam Coplan discussed the factors that went into the location of the pool, including
cost effectiveness, best use of the site and property. They chose the area closest to
the existing parking lot because it allowed us to utilize the parking lot and integrate
, the pool better with the other park functions. He discussed the various features of
the design. The plan is to get the plan out to bid in February, with construction
starting in April ending in September for the winter, and pool opening anticipated for
' the spring of 2004.
Tremble wanted to know if the City would be doing the demolition. Barrett said that
' there was $100,000 budgeted for removal of the hiliside and $50,000 for the
removal of the pool. Part of the plan is for the hillside to be reshaped and graded
, along with the area left by the removal of the existing pool. Tremble clarified the
size of the existing pool, 3,330 square feet. Comeau said that the initial plans for
the new pool were to be around 10-11,000 square feet like the Waterville pool, but
' the plan is now for a 7,000 square feet. Tremble wanted to know if 7,000 square
feet was going to be adequate with the anticipated number of pool participants.
Comeau said this was the minimum square footage and would like it to be higher if
' the budget allowed. Comeau said that there would be fees to utilize the pool that
should generate $20-30,000 per year in revenue.
' Nealley thought that part of our objective was to keep the cost down as much as
possible. His concern was that the City's investment and operating costs would not
be covered by the revenue expectations. Barrett said that in order to come up with
, a plan that was close to the budgetary amount, yet support the amenities that we
wanted, we came up with a couple of alternatives depending upon the bid price for
, the project. Rohman said that theoretically we are $150,000 shy of the costs for the
slide and the demolition costs. Nealley wanted to know the bottom line costs for the
City. Barrett said that we would not have a final cost until we went out for bid.
' Allen stated that she liked the design, however in the toddler area there are rounded
corners, and wanted to know why. This is a cost saving technique.
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Farrington wanted to know if the pool was adjacent to the ballpark, and wanted to '
know of the danger of a ball going over the fence into the pool area. Palmer noted
that the playground already has a 15 ft. fence surrounding it, and this may need to
be lengthened. Palmer asked what type of shade would be available for kids. There �
will be shade in the lawn area. Palmer also asked about staging in case of a
thunderstorm, so that the children have a place to go for shelter. Comeau said that ,
what he would like to see is the area of the existing pool become a large canopy
area. Palmer expressed his concern with the current parking area and his desire to
have a specified route for vehicle access to the new pool. The proposal is to expand '
the existing parking lot, with a separate drop off area. The two existing parking lots
would be secondary for swimming, however primary for the sledding area.
Tremble discussed the pool size and price and expressed his concem that we build a , '
pool that is big enough to meet our needs.
Nealley said that with the City's contribution along with the Kings' donation, that this '
will be an expensive park that will only get two months of use. Tremble followed up
with a discussion of the new filtration system. �
Palmer noted that although the pool may only be utilized for two months, it is an '
important part of the lives of children who do not have camps to go to, and we
should do what we can to make this opportunity available to them.
Tremble moved that we go ahead with the plan design, with an amendment to '
make this an 8,000 square foot pool to make sure we build an adequate size pool.
Palmer seconded the motion and it passed. Concern was raised about additional ,
cost, given that the project is currently above budget. Staff and the consultants will
review the costs and design implications associated with the proposed 1,000
additional square feet. '
4. Husson College — Request for Financial Support for Baseball Complex
Tabled pending an agreement between Husson College and Chip Hutchins. ,
5. Update —Arena Project '
The committee discussed the proposed nine sites for a new auditorium. ,
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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