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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-03 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes Monday, May 3, 2021 Councilors in Attendance: Nichols (Chair), Dubay, Shaefer, Hawes, Okafor Non-Committee Member Councilors: Fournier, Sprague, Tremble, Davitt Staff in Attendance: O’Donnell, Willette, Hamilton, Higgins, Conlow, Saucier The meeting was held both in-person and remotely via ZOOM and was called to order by Chair Sarah Nichols. 1) Discussion: potential upcoming parades this year Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette outlined the two-fold discussion around events and parades. Due to COVID-19, both had been temporarily discontinued but some groups are beginning to plan for events and potentially parades with safety precautions in mind. Events are more easily managed, but parades are harder due to the issue of crowds. There was discussion by Councilors and Staff to allow events moving forward with parameters and to recommend a ceremony in place of Memorial Day parade while continuing to monitor the ever-changing restrictions related to COVID. th Michael Ferns, organizer of the July 4 parade, provided input stating they’d need guidance a month prior to make adequate arrangements. It was decided this would th come back before the Council at a pre-Council workshop on May 24 in time to discuss th the July 4 parade. 2) Community Health Leadership Board (CHLB) Yearly Update Public Health Director Patty Hamilton reviewed a presentation outlining CHLB’s work over the last year and efforts moving forward. 3) Code of Ethics: Chapter 33 of the City’s Ordinances There was extensive discussion on this topic around the existing ordinance, involvement by the Ethics Committee, and the Council’s role in self-policing. Assistant City Solicitor Joshua Saucier was tasked with further researching the topic and getting feedback from relevant parties as to their opinion on City Council ethics. City Manager Conlow recommended a facilitator to create discussion and offer a process to work together with relevant information and input. This item is expected to come back before the Council in July. 4) Resolve – In support of Recycling Reform There was a brief overview of the background of this resolve from a previous workshop presentation by Natural Resource Council of Maine and a local SEED club. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by Councilor Dubay, all in favor. 5) Resolve – Ratifying staff action, applying for federal funding through Representative Golden’s Member Designated Transportation & Infrastructure projects for the Transit Center in the amount of $327,600 Assistant City Manager Courtney O’Donnell provided an overview of this last-minute attempt to apply for federal funding for the Transit Center hub to be built in Pickering Square to help offset expected cost increases due to labor and material shortages. Staff is recommending approval approving staff action. A motion was made to approve and move to full Council by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by Councilor Dubay, all in favor. 6) Discussion: Community Connector Update Assistant City Manager O’Donnell provided an update regarding the recent two-day shutdown of transit services related to a positive COVID case and related employee exposures. She also provided updates on the transit center and transit driver shortage and challenges surrounding it. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.