HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-22 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, City Council Chambers and via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Councilors Present: Schaefer (c), Sprague, Tremble
Additional Councilors Present: Fournier, Yacoubagha
City Staff Present: Bolduc, Collette, Collins, Emery, Krieg, Laurie
Guests Present: John Dougherty, Mission Broadband
Chair Schaefer called the meeting to order at 6:12 P.M.
1. PUBLIC HEARING -Community Development Public Hearing Regarding Use of
Community Development Block Grant Funds for Upcoming Fiscal Year
a. Actions requested
i. Move to open the public hearing
Councilor Sprague moved to open public hearing, seconded by Councilor Tremble.
ii. Take public comment
No public comment.
iii. Move to close the public hearing
Councilor Sprague moved to close public hearing, seconded by Councilor Tremble.
2. Broadband Discussion
a. Action requested – Discussion.
John Dougherty with Mission Broadband provided comments. Councilor Schaefer
discussed equity and affordability. Councilor Tremble discussed risk and reward.
Councilor Sprague inquired if all these providers disrupt our market. What will be
accomplished and what won’t be accomplished if we move forward? Interim City Manager
Laurie asked if we could buy down the cost to ensure affordability, this is part of the
discussion we will have with the provider.
3. Trail Accessibility Project – Presentation of Results
a. Action requested – Discussion.
Planning Officer Krieg provided introduction to the project,
Claire Scobie presentation on the Kenduskeag Stream
Trail and Prentiss Woods trails that were analyzed.
Lighting, signage, railings and crosswalks noted as areas
for improvement. Councilor Tremble inquired about maps
and apps, Councilor Sprague asked about 15-minute city.
This will be presented to Parks & Recreation for further discussion and work.
4. Walk Audit –Presentation of Results
a. Action requested – Discussion.
Planning Officer Krieg provided introduction to the project, Planning Analyst Collette
provided the presentation, overall feedback was poor condition of the sidewalks.
Information will be integrated into the Comprehensive Plan and presented to Public Works
as part of their planning.
5. Council Priorities – Monthly Update
a. ED – Information campaign by target audience.
i. Action requested – Discussion.
Steps to do business in Bangor, micro-businesses and resources, remote workers and
office rentals, one stop shop concept for business info. What approvals and permits are
needed? Economic development strategy discussed entrepreneurial development, how
do we market to those companies – science, research – how do we message all of that?
b. ED – Investigate strategies for redevelopment of Bangor Mall.
i. Action requested – Discussion.
Meeting with equity partners, alternative commercial uses such as non-retail, light
industrial, science/research, residential, outlets, mixed use. Improved communications
with owners. Would like to see what other mall redevelopments have looked like.
c. Housing – Research legal issues/ability to escalate actions for
vacant/placarded properties.
i. Action requested – Discussion.
How do we become the go-to community for how to handle vacant/placarded properties?
What are the limitations of our current ordinance?
Meeting adjourned at 7:04 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya L. Emery, Director, Community & Economic Development