HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-04-10 128-U ORDER,zs-M
Introduced by Councilor Hrountas, April 10, 1969
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Mr1bBTt___.. Ccatataicatioa relative to L. n_ 1399 -...utility location.._..
By the City Countii of the aty ofBanpor:
ORDERED,
THAT the City Manager is hereby authorized to rorwara a copy of the
attached c®unication, relative to r.,D. 199], to the Committee on Highways
of the 103rd Legislature.
12B u
IN CITY COUNCIL
April 10, 1967
The ordinance requiring the Piling of an order
as suspended by the following yes and no vote: 0 R N E R
Cotcoilors voting yes: Baldscci, Barry, Brountas,
Brown, Houston, Hunt, McKey, Minsky, Porter. Title,
This order was than received and PABBBB.
Communication Relative to L.C. 1397
..............
ITP CLERK Utility, i.ocation, Pevmits
Introduce d iled by
Councilman
Bangor, the Center oo/Mahse he Gauway to Maisdr North Wood and Sealant Beroru
QI..5 of C'" aint
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
April 10, 1967
Committee on Highways
103rd Legislature
Augusta, Maine
Attention: Norman Ferguson, Chairman
Subject: L.D. 1397, An Act to Revise Utility Location Permits in Public
Highways
Gentlemen:
The City of Bangor wishes to go on record as strongly opposing
certain provisions of L.D. 1397. Passage M this bill as presently written
would definitely Impair the rights of the municipal officers in controlling
use of the public way within the compact limits on State and State -Aid
Highways.
We can see absolutely no justHicautas for State Highway Commission
Involvement of this kind In communities of over 5,000 papulation since the
State does not accept any responsibility for maintenance on the above mentioned
classifications.
In the opinion of the City of Bangor some aspects of this legislation
are an unnecessary Invasion of State government In local matters. It should
be pointed out that this bill will give the Highway Commission power to
control the location of not only utility poles but water and sewer lines, storm
drainage systems, fire alarm systems, gas or electricity whether privately or
municipally owned.
Committee on Highways -2- April 10, 1967
It should be pointed out that in business and commercial areas of a
city the State Highway Commission will not have available to it witbout great
espens&the necessary information to make adequate location judgements.
State participation in compact areas will cost both State and local governments
time and money. In downtown areas where redevelopment and redesign we in
process local authorities must have available to them the control of all utility
systems both over the public ways and underground. these are strictly local
matters and should be of no concem to the State.
If the cost of control and maintenance of the State and State Aid
systems within urban limits is to be borne by the State, than we would agree
that some state agency would have an interest In licensing authority action,
although we would not agree with the principle established by Introducing
state control Into essentially local matters.
It is recognized that perhaps some provisions of this bill would be
desirable but in its entirety it is an unsuitable piece of legislation not designed
to do more than encroach on local prerogatives.
very truly Yours,
Mez�G5ory
Merle F. Goff
CITY MANAGER
MFG/hp