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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-17 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes ' ' BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE September 17, 2008 � Councilor Attendance: Palmer, Gratwick, D'Errico, Wheeler, Farrington ' Staff Attendance: McKay, Bolduc, Heitmann pthers: Dr. Hock, Chris Austin, Kim Wadleigh 1. Presentation by Janet M. Hock, BDS, PhD, Director, of the newly renovated , building on Sylvan Road for Eastern Maine Health Care Systems Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health ' Paimer introduced Dr. Hock and provided information relating to her professional background. Hock presented information on the institute. Hock said they have just � opened the first ever biomedical research center in Bangor founded by EMMC, Jackson Lab, and the University of Maine. There is a potential partner in New Brunswick, the Atlantic Cancer Research Center. The research includes research on cancer, genetic , disorder, psychiatric and neurological disease. She also described the make up of the eoard. There will be a tissue bank for a tissue depository data base to be used for research. The goal of the cancer program is to identify genes and environments that , will allow the diagnosis of cancer much earlier. The new paradigm is to target screening and target treatment to those who need it as well as to share resources and responsibilities. , Gratwick asked how many scientists are on staff and the current on the ground projects being focused on. Hock said the big one is the bio-bank creating a huge data bank of ' human tissue, human data and the environment. Within two years it should be ready to build research projects around. A second effort is run by the University of Maine that is in neurological and psychiatric disease. It is a statewide initiative. The third effort is in � bone looking at the genetic disease. Responding to Gratwick, Hock said four scientists are on staff and another one expected to retum after a leave of absence. Wheeler expressed gratitude that Bangor has been chosen as the research site. He ' asked about the progress in treatment toward a cure for bone cancer. Hock spoke of a recent meeting at MIT and the current concept is that it is a chronic disease that can be , managed but there isn't a cure rapidly in sight. She spoke of living in an exciting time in science and in medicine. Bone cancer can't be reversed but the hope is that there are treatments that have been successful in many individuals. � Palmer expressed appreciation for the presentation. 2. Community Development Residential Rehabilitation Deferred Loan ' Kaleena Nakowicz, Assistant Community Development Director, said this a request for a , rehab loan for a single family owned occupied home. Several repairs are required to bring the home up to quality standards: a barrier free bathroom on the first floor, cellar window replacement, replacement of rear entrance door, repair of portions of the roof, ' electricai work and a check for lead paint throughout the entire home. She is a low- � , � , income individual, elderly, and living on a fixed income. She does not have the ability to make consistent payments on the loan of$13,483 at 3% with all payments deferred 1 until the property title is transferred. Wheeler noted that his spouse is employed by Elder Independence of Maine and asked if the Committee thought it would constitute a conflict of interest. A motion was made and seconded indicating that it was not a � conflict of interest for Councilor Wheeler. Palmer asked if the individual has a support network and also asked who would be performing the required work. Nakowicz explained that the work is done by Penquis CAP, which also does the initial intake of i every client that comes into the City's program. Penquis has a wealth of certified contractors and also works with the homeowner and the contractor throughout the project. Responding to Gratwick, McKay spoke about the projects, one in the past under ' the program as well as one in the current planning stage — New Franklin Laundry's building on Fem Street. He also spoke about the requirement of individuals participating in the program need to be in the low to moderate income level and landlords using the � funds for low to moderate income level tenants. Funds have also been used for parks and infrastructure in designated neighborhoods. Wheeler questioned the value of the house and the realistic market value. McKay estimated it to be around $100,000 but did � not have the actual numbers. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff's recommendation. ' 4. F�cecutive Session— Economic Development— Lease of Lot 4 - BIA Commercial / Industrial Park— M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) 1 Palmer noted that this item was taken out of order due to the nature of the item and for discussion of item 3. A motion was made and seconded to move into executive session. , 3. Lease of Lot 4 in the BIA Commercial / Industrial Park to Bangor Hydro Electric Company � Bolduc introduced Chris Austin, Rudman and Winchell, and Kim Wadleigh, Bangor Hydro. Bolduc noted that Gary Hagan has leased this property since 1998 and has constructed a 9,073 sq. ft. office building on it. Bangor Hydro Electric Company wishes , to purchase the building and enter into a new lease agreement with the City. By policy, the City leases this land at a base annual rate equal to 8.5% of its market value. Staff has negotiated such a lease with the following terms and conditions. The lease will run ' from 40 years beginning on approximately October 1, 2008; during the initial five-year period, Bangor Hydro wili pay $11,560 annually to the City with this amount adjusted every five years thereafter. Adjustments would normally be based on the sum of the � five annual changes and the Consumer Price Index during the previous five years with a cap of 5% per year. For the lease period beginning in 2028 and 2038, the property would be reappraised in order to reset the value of the land. The property is to be used � for the maintenance and operation of an office building and for no other purposes without the expressed prior written consent of the City, and Bangor Hydro will be responsible for paying all taxes on the property and insuring the property in accordance � with the City's standard requirements. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff's recommendation to the full Council at its September 22"° meeting. � '