HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-05 Finance Committee Minutes
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 5, 2020
Councilors in Attendance: Hawes, Tremble, Supica, Davitt, Sprague, Schaefer, Nichols,
Fournier, Okafor
Staff in Attendance: Laurie, Conlow, Cromwell, Nicklas, Saucier, Goodwin, Caruso,
Hathaway, Emery
1. Consent Agenda
a. Workout Agreement – 7 South Park Street - Stokes
b. Resolve 20-319, Accept & Appropriate $272,104 in Center for Tech and Civic Life Grant Funds
(in support of elections)
Motion made and seconded to approve consent agenda items, motion passed unanimously.
2. Bids/Purchasing
a. Fence Replacement – Public Services – CA Newcomb - $25,560
Motion made and seconded to award contract for fencing, motion passed unanimously.
b. Window Replacement – Airport – Jacobs Glass – $67,026
Motion made and seconded to approve contract, motion passed unanimously.
c. Paint Booth – Airport C&L Aero – Spray Booth Services and Equipment Sales - $79,995
Motion made and seconded to approve contract, motion passed unanimously.
d. Request to Waive Bid Process – Voting Booths – Inclusion Solutions - $10,400
Motion made and seconded to approve purchase, motion passed unanimously.
e. Request to Waive Bid Process - Bomb Disposal Suits – Police – Meg-Eng - $71,318
Motion made and seconded to approve purchase, motion passed unanimously.
3. Body Worn Camera Project
As a follow up to a City Council workshop, staff presented the final proposal from WatchGuard for the
three year cost for a body worn camera project. As indicated in the proposed budget and prior
discussions, the project will also require the City to hire an additional IT position. The overall three
year costs, including both the WatchGuard and personnel costs was presented as well as a funding
plan.
Staff recommendation was to authorize the execution of a contract with WatchGuard in the amount
of $364,049 and to appropriate $144,722 from the Capital Fund Construction Reserve Funds to fund
the one-time equipment costs.
Councilor Tremble stated his opposition on the basis that this level of funding could be dedicated to
the underlying issues of substance abuse, homelessness and mental health.
Motion made and seconded to recommend both items to the City Council for adoption, motion passed
unanimously.
4. Discussion Regarding 57 Division and 50 Sidney Properties
Councilor Sprague continued to abstain from this item, due to a business relationship with his
employer, which was disclosed at the prior meeting.
At the prior Finance Committee meeting, staff expressed concern about issuing a quitclaim deed (due
to matured liens) on these properties to a potential buyer, Nattapong Kongsuriya. At that meeting,
the Committee voted to direct the City to take possession of both properties. The buyer made
contact and met with several staff members following that meeting and requested that the
Committee reconsider its prior vote. Staff reviewed the interactions, Mr. Kongsuriya provided
additional information and addressed Councilor questions. In addition, James Gallant, the current
owner of 50 Sidney, spoke to the properties that Mr. Kongsuriya has improved over the last few
years in support of increased quality housing within Bangor.
Councilor Tremble asked about the City’s past practice. It was noted by staff the City typically issued
Quitclaim deeds for properties with matured tax liens when being sold to an unrelated third party.
The City had identified 50 Sidney Street as a property to take possession of, but not 57 Division
Street. So this action varied from the City’s past practice. Councilor Tremble was opposed to the
City taking possession of the properties.
Motion was made and seconded to recommend taking possession of both properties to the City
Council, motion passed 4-0, with Councilor Sprague abstaining.
5. Recommendation for the City to Take Possession of Various Properties
City staff shared that the practice of identifying vacant properties with multiple years of tax liens for
the Council’s consideration to take possession of had resumed. Of the properties identified, the City
had only had a response from one owner, Jim Butler. He shared that he was actively working with a
developer for the property located at 181 State Street and requested that the Committee delay a
recommendation on this property for 90 days. The developer also requested that the Committee
delay a recommendation until its next meeting, allowing him time to gather more information on the
proposed project.
Motion was made and seconded to recommend taking possession of all properties identified to the
City Council, motion passed unanimously.
6. Executive Session - Hardship Abatement – 36 MRSA Section 841 (2)
Motion made and seconded to enter Executive Session, motion passed unanimously.
7. Open Session – Hardship Abatement Decision
Motion made and seconded to approve staff recommendation to grant the hardship abatement,
motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm