HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-16 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, August 16, 2021, City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
BED Councilors Present: Fournier (C), Davitt, Dubay, Schaefer, Sprague
Non-BED Councilors Present: Hawes, Tremble
City Staff Present: Emery, Collins, Krieg, Laurie, O’Donnell, Saucier
Chair Fournier called the meeting to order at 5:22 P.M.
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1. Land Development Code – Adding Emergency Shelter Use in the
Government and Institutional Service District
Action Requested: Staff seek direction from Councilors regarding the addition of
“Emergency Shelter” as a conditional use.
Krieg provided an overview of the item. Councilor Tremble asks about where transitional
housing is allowed (G&ISD) and about the limit of 70 in emergency shelter – over 70
would not be allowed.
Councilor Sprague asks why this is on our agenda tonight. Emery – came to our attention
when we started to review a concept proposal prepared by Penobscot Community Health
Center for possible location of an emergency shelter. When staff looked in the code it was
clear that the definition fits but the use was not inserted into any zone as an allowed use.
Sprague - what is it about the concept plan? It’s an emergency shelter and right now there
is no allowed zone for an emergency shelter. Emery - you’re being asked about where
this use belongs.
Councilor Dubay so currently we are considering the Ramada Inn as an emergency
shelter? Emery – no, that’s not what is on the table in this item. Dubay – are Hope House,
Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, and Shaw House considered emergency shelters by
definition? Emery –yes.Dubay –so Hope House is an emergency shelter and is currently
in G&ISD? Emery/Krieg – yes.
Councilor Tremble so do the other two facilities fall in G&ISD? Emery – no, those two are
in USD. Staff did not recommend this zone because the comprehensive plan process
should be completed before we consider that point. The
Ramada is not currently permitted as an emergency
shelter, it was used as an emergency shelter under the
emergency order, it is not permitted that way nor does
current zoning allow it.
Councilor Davitt supports this. Councilor Schaefer supports this.
Councilor Davitt moves approval of staff recommendation; seconded by Councilor
Schaefer. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
2. EPA Brownfields Grant –Request for Extension
Action Requested: Approval of staff recommendation to seek extension from EPA.
Councilor Davitt moved approval of staff recommendation to seek extension from EPA
for Brownfields Grant extension; seconded by Councilor Schaefer. Vote unless doubted,
no doubt.
3. CDBG Funding Update – Nonprofit Grant Awarded to Hope for the Homeless
Action Requested: None, informational update only.
4. Broadband Update – Concluded meetings with respondents, working on more
detailed Q&A with top proposers and completing full evaluation of options. Meeting
again with Mission Broadband 8/24.
Action Requested: None, informational update only.
5. Economic Development Strategy Update – RFP issued 8/10, due 9/15. Copy of
this and the Comprehensive Plan RFP available here:
https://bangormaine.gov/content/318/360/1271/default.aspx
Action Requested: None, informational update only.
Councilor Dubaymoved to move into Executive Session at 5:40P.M., seconded by
Councilor Davitt. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
6.Executive Session –Economic Development –Property Sale –1 M.R.S.A. § 405
(6) (C)
CouncilorDubaymovedto exitExecutive Session at 5:53P.M., seconded by Councilor
Davitt. No action was taken on this item.
Meeting adjourned at 5:54P.M.