HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-05-18 Municipal Operations Committee Minutes Municipal Operations Committee
� Meeting Minutes
� May 18, 1999
Councilors Attending: Gerry Palmer, Nichi Farnham, Pat Blanchette, John
Rohman
Staff Attending: Jim Ring, Edward Barrett, Stan Moses
Others Attending: Jonathan Kunz (Bangor Gas), Dick 0'Connor (Freese
Building)
1. Request for Temporary Use in Pickering Square - Bangor Gas
Jim Ring explained that Bangor Gas approached the City for help in identifying a
location where they could set up propane tanks to temporarily serve the Freese
Building project until such time the gas pipe system is in place. Jonathan Kunz
from Bangor Gas indicated in a letter that it would be for a 2 month period,
possibly a little longer. They need to place two, 1,000 gallon tanks. Staff looked
at a number of locations and because of a number of code requirements and fire '
� hazards, etc., the only possible location decided upon was in Pickering Square
Park. A rough sketch was included showing where the tanks would be located.
If they were allowed to locate here, there would be a lease for the use of the
land.
Mr. Kunz indicated that Maritime Northeast has informed Bangor Gas that the
large pipe will be completed in November. Their infrastructure in the City will be
done prior to that date. Two boilers will be put in at this time and then three
more will be installed at a later date. The two boilers will serve to heat the top
three floors of the Freese building and the additional boilers will be used for the
Children's Museum area.
Dick 0'Connor explained that if they cannot find a location for the temporary
situation, the boilers would have to be installed oil-fired with three tanks and
then later converted to natural gas. If it can be done with propane up front, the
conversion is simple from propane to natural gas.
The installation would take place in October. Ed Barrett raised the concern that
this is an area where a lot of kids hang out. How susceptible is this to anyone
pounding on it, etc.? It was answered that the suggestion is to use heavy
piping, no copper tubing. The tanks could be fenced in with locks. Jim Ring
indicated that stafF also discussed the concerns about vandalism and would like
• to see a physical barrier. A temporary barrier could be put over any exposed
� pipe along the ground. Councilor Palmer asked if they could get by with one
tank instead of two? Mr. Kunz answered that they need the two tanks.
Councilor Palmer asked what other options were explored? Jim indicated that
remote locations were looked at but the pressure that is required would be lost.
The alleyway was too confined and they couldn't get the separation that is
required to meet fire code. There were no other options that staff could come up
with.
Committee members indicated that they would prefer a chain link fence instead
of]ersey barriers.
Committee instructed staff to move forward with this request.
2. Request to Extend Public Sewer on Stillwater Avenue
This request is routine in nature. Circuit City is under construction. In order to
provide sewer service for Circuit City it will be necessary to extend the line
approximately 470 feet to the property corner. The developer pays all the costs.
This extension will be located off the pavement. Approved.
3. Utility Location Permit, Broadway - MidMaine TelPlus
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An application was received from MidMaine TelPlus for fiber optic cables to be
installed using boring methods across Broadway running on private property to a
point on Pine Street interconnecting with overhead systems. Approved.
4. Estavan Gomez Memorial
Stan Moses updated the Committee on the progress of the Estavan Gomez
Memorial. It was agreed that the City of New Bedford, MA and the City of
Bangor jointly work on a project that would result in a memorial to this explorer
located in Bangor. A monument the size of a moderate size headstone made of
cast concrete is being proposed. The base and plaque will be cast in the New
Bedford Public Works facility. The plaque will read "Estevan Gomez, a Portuguese
navigator sailing for Spain in search of the Northeast Passage, landed on these
shores in 1525."
Stan will continue to update the Committee on this project.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
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