HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-07 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 5:15 P.M.
May immediately follow other committee meetings
City Hall, Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Councilors Present: Schaefer (c), Hawes, Sprague, Tremble
Additional Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Yacoubagha
City Staff Present: Emery, Bolduc, Collins, LaBree, Laurie, Wallace
Guests: Jason Godfrey and Monet Roberts, Better City
Chair Schaefer called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Commission on Cultural Development Grant Recommendations
a. Action requested: Approval of Commission on Cultural Development
recommendation for Fall 2021 grant award to Robinson Ballet Company
($3,750), and approval of the Bangor Community Theatre modification
(reducing their 2020 grant award from $5,000 to $1,750, meaning they will
return $3,250 of funds previously awarded).
Councilor Hawesmoves Consent Agenda item for approval of Commission on Cultural
Development Grant Recommendations, seconded by Councilor Sprague. Vote unless
doubted, no doubt.
REGULAR AGENDA
2. Economic Development Strategic Plan – Presentation and Overview
a.Action requested: discussion only, staff seek feedback.
Jason Godfrey and Monet Roberts from Better City presented and overview of their
process (43 interviews, 18 idea wall comments, 74 map submissions, and 369 survey
responses) so far. Community forums tomorrow, 12/8/21. Funnel – seeking concepts
that have applicability for an economic development strategic plan. Councilor Sprague
asked for further info on the findings now. Godfrey: mall redevelopment, connect
entertainment venues and downtown, enhance entertainment, downtown buffer
improvements, desirability – culture – sense of place/diversity, service center
connotation. Jobs – university collaboration and commercialization (entrepreneurship),
recruit professional services firms, and BGR cold
storage/transportation hub with possibilities for
aquaculture and agriculture. Housing also an important
issue. Sprague – would like to see food hub, science, and
entrepreneurial activity called out specifically.
3. CDBG - Providing assistance to low- and moderate-income residents for the
installation of heat pumps through the Residential Rehabilitation Program
a. Action requested: Approval of staff recommendation to implement the
program offering, and additionally if Efficiency Maine requires a
Memorandum of Understanding, staff will seek authorization of that at an
upcoming City Council meeting.
Councilor Sprague moves staff recommendation to implement the program offering;
providing assistance to low- and moderate-income residents for the installation of heat
pumps through the Residential Rehabilitation Program, seconded by Councilor Hawes
Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
4. 119 Forest Avenue Demolition Update
Jeff Wallace provided an update on the 119 Forest Avenue situation, staff are proceeding
with the previously Council-authorized demolition process.
5. Amending Chapter 165, Land Development Code, District Map by assigning the
Government and Institutional Service District (G&ISD) to the parcel of land recently
created in the Maine Business Park on property bounded by Venture Way,
Corporate Drive and Texas Avenue
a. Action requested: approval of staff recommendation, will be on 12/13 City
Council agenda (first reading & referral to Planning Board 12/21 meeting).
Councilor Sprague moves approval of staff recommendation to Amend Chapter 165,
Land Development Code, District Map by assigning the Government and Institutional
Service District (G&ISD) to the parcel of land recently created in the Maine Business
Park on property bounded by Venture Way, Corporate Drive and Texas Avenue,
seconded by Councilor Hawes. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
Meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya L. Emery
Director
Community & Economic Development