HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-29 Government Operations Committee Minutes �
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� Government Operations Committee
� December 29, 2009
Minutes
� Councilor Attendance: Wheeler, Gratwick, Weston
Staff Attendance: Willette, Heitmann, Farrar, Cammack, Cheverie
� Others: Water District Staff and Trustees, Joe Knox, Rick Petrie, NE-
EMS
Committee Chair Wheeler opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
1. Quarterly Update with Bangor Water District
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Kathy Moriarty gave an overview of the District s 2009 accomplishments and specifically
focused on technology advances, some system improvements and planning for future
� needs. She stated that the District has implemented a new billing software system,
which it shares with the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. Last year, The District
went out to bid and selected Northern Data Systems. They went on-line in October. It
� has been a very successful transition and will allow many options for their customers
such as on-line payments, credit card options, etc. The District has also moved to their
� GIS mapping system this year. The Public Utilities Commission mandated all water
utilities to convert existing maps to a GIS mapping system. She stated that they have
been working with the City in order to share resources, and they received some funding
� through a Capacity Development Grant with the Drinking Water Program for $10,000.
They have started to input their data into the map and have about half of distribution
system mapped with all of the valves and hydrants. She explained that this will be an
� incredible tool allowing them to do acid management and hydraulic analysis. She
pointed out that it will take time to input their e�ctensive infrastructure. Responding to
� Gratwick, Moriarty said that the District uses their staff that is trained in the GIS
system.
� Moriarty then spoke about the purchase several years ago of leak detection equipment.
, , She said that the equipment is very sophisticated and required training for some
employees. Some leaks can be undetectable, which makes this equipment so valuable.
� She said that the District has begun a survey of their system to identify some of the
leaks that go undetected.
�; The District is on their second year of installation of their Radio Read Meter System.
This is a new type of technology that ailows them to drive by a residence and collect
meter readings as opposed to going from house to house and recording the reading.
� After the completion of their second year, they have about 3600 meters installed and .
are about 1/3 complete with their program.
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One large system improvement that the District started this year is a new stand pipe, or
water storage facility, on Essex Street. She stated that there were two standpipes, one �
from 1958 and one from 1933, and both needed painting inside and out and as well as
repairs. This new concrete tank will replace both tanks. The 4 million gallon tank has
been demolished and the new one built in its footprint, and next year the 2 million �
gallon tank will come off-line and a new concrete tank will go on line. The floor and
sides are in place and next spring the dome will be poured. _
Moriarty said that another system improvement is the installation of a micro turbine to �
produce renewable energy. They installed the turbine and went through an 18 month
permitting process. The District then went through Legislature and PUC to allow them `�
to use NET Energy billing for this facility. NET Energy billing will allow the District to
have the premium cost for the energy that is produced from this turbine. This turbine �
is located in one of their pressure reducing facilities in Veazie and will capture the
wasted energy and convert it into renewable electric energy. They are hoping this will
go on-line early this year and expect revenue of about $50,000. �
She spoke of another great improvement in which the finalization of the Brewer/Bangor
Emergency Interconnect, which is located at Rooks Road and Rt. 9 and built by the �
Brewer Water Department. The District put in an interconnect on the Penobscot River
bridge. This facility can provide Brewer with 1 million gallons of water per day, and
Brewer is able to provide Bangor with 3 million gallons per day. They have tested this �
facility and provided Brewer with water for a period of 6 weeks while they were
extending their intake. It works very well and is a great addition to both cities.
She said that the District also works in con�unction with the MDOT. She s oke of the �
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Red Bridge and said MDOT put another bridge on top of the Meadow Brook Stream and �
the District laid new piping under the bridge for future needs.
She explained that every two years the District flushes their entire system. They have �
about 172 miles of pipe and 1300 hydrants. This process was done this year and took
the entire summer. This winter they will be focusing on snow removal to access these
hydrants. � �
Planning for future needs, the District joined Maine Warn this year; this is a way where
both water utilities and waste water utilities can respond to emergencies. They can �
share training and resources and collaboratively respond to emergencies. They have
met with City's WWTP to collaborate in how to deal with an HiN1 epidemic or any other
type of epidemic emergency. As far as engineering planning, the District received ,�
stimulus funding for a conceptual study. This funding provided a 30% grant and a 0%
interest for the District to look at what treatment options there is to comply with the -
long term water treatment regulation and also renovations to Johnston's pump station, � �
which is over 50 years old. They are also looking at an intake extension, where the
District can get a better quality water from the deeper portion of the lakes. This ,�
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conception study is about a 9 month process and the report should be completed
� shortly and will outline the cost of what these projects will entail and give the District
some treatment alternatives.
� The district is also looking at an update for SKATA, which is the system brains of the
District. It operates their system and tells the District the levels in their distribution
pressure. The system has reached the end of its life to the point that the service and
,� parts are difficult to obtain and they cannot get local support. The District is looking at
how to upgrade the system.
� Responding to a question, Moriarty said since 9-11, all water utilities are required to
�- complete a vulnerability assessment and explain what can be done to enhance the
� system to prevent pollutants and minimize the risk of terrorist attacks. She explained
that the District has addressed this issue and water is tested on a daily basis.
� Responding to Gratwick, Moriarty spoke about the Long Term 2 Regulations. She said
that unfiltered water systems are required to provide some �ype of treatment to
inactivate cryptosporidium. The most likely treatment would be UV, which is part of
� this engineering conception study to see how the District would respond and what the
cost would be. The regulation shows that there is a means of variance. This means
that unfiltered water systems could apply for a variance to this regulation if it is proven
� to be both technologicatly and economically feasible.
CONSENT AGENDA
� 2. Mattawamkeag Ambulance Service Billing Agreement
�. 3. Medical Director Contract for Special Response Team
A motion was made and was seconded to approve items 2 & 3
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REGULAR AGENDA
, 4. Bangor Fire Department Ambulance Drug Box Restocking Agreement with St.
Joseph Hospital
Cammack explained that currently the City's rescue units all have drug boxes containing
� medications that are used for treatment on patients. The Fire Department has been
restocking those drug boxes at EMMC and this agreement allows them to do the same
�, for St. Joseph Hospital as we�l.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve staff recommendation.
� 5. Re uest to Donate Surplus Ambulance to Northeast EMS
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Cammack stated that this is a request to donate a surplus ambulance to Northeast EMS.
In the past, the City has donated an ambulance and a Fire Engine to UTC for the �
purpose of education. This ambulance would allow Northeast EMS, which is a
component at EMCC that is responsible for education, to give a real life, hands on
approach to EMT, Intermediates, and Paramedics. It would allow them to use this �
vehicle for the Ambulance Operator's class. This donated ambulance is a 2001, and
Cammack explained the usual rotation when the purchase of a new ambulance takes
place. The new one is given to the Central location and an older vehicle is given to �,
Station 5 or 6. An older vehicle is then used as the long distance transfer truck and
then used as a spare ambulance. When the vehicle has reached that point, the
department looks to get rid of it. Cammack referred to information given to the �
Committee and believes that the City could receive about $2500 to $3500 for the used
ambulance but likely only about $1,000. He asks for the Committee's support.
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A motion was made and seconded to approve staff s recommendation to donate the
ambulance. �
Although he believes this is a great idea and likes that upcoming EMT's will be utilizing
the vehicle, Gratwick said that he worries that because of the budget shortfall with a �
$1�/z million, the citizens of Bangor might see this as an issue.
Weston said that he understands the value of education and prepping folks to come to �
this and other departments within this community. He says the gesture and value far �
exceeds the $1000 the City might get in return for the training and quality of those •
benefiting from the donation of the vehicle: �
6. Discussion Regarding the Creation of a Dog Park
Willette stated that over the ast several ears there has been an interest in a do �
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park in Bangor. Because there is not a leash Ordinance, there was not a strong �
incentive to pursue the concept. One question in the recent trail survey asked if
individuals were interested in a dog park. The response was enough to have the
Committee pursue this further. Since that time, the City was approached by an �
organization of citizens known as the Bangor Area Regional K-9's (BARK). This group is
ready to partner with the City to move the concept of a dog park forward and to
embark on a fundraising campaign along with City staff. The request tonight is for the �
approval for this Committee to continue to work with this group, to assist them in
developing their fundraising campaign, and to authorize the Committee to draft a
Council Order outlining the terms and conditions of the fundraising effort to include the �
extent of the City's involvement. This approach was used most recently with the recent
Paul Bunyan restoration, and is more closely comparable to the skate park effort 8 or 9
years ago when the City partnered with 8-9 youth and adults to make that effort ;�
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Joe Knox, a representative from the Bangor Area Regional K-9's (BARK) group, spoke
about an email he sent to the.Council outlining some of the benefits that having a Dog
� Park would bring to the Community. Currently there are 2100 dogs licensed in Bangor
but the numbers are more likely closer to 5,000 to 6000 dogs. The nearest ofF leash
� recreational area is in Belfast and folks in that area report a lot of support. An off-leash .
area gives dogs a safe place to play and a good opportunity for physical and mental
stimulation for the dogs. A dog park serves as a social hub in a community and fosters
�� friendships among dog owner and promotes responsible dog owners. Almost every dog
park that the group has researched requires rabies vaccinations and City licensing.
� Weston served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory and asked about the models that
have been looked at, and wondered if there is a particular model of interest. He also
asked what the ongoing role will be between BARK and the City in terms of
� management, maintenance and policing. Responding to Weston, Knox said the model
they have been following is the Belfast model. and the initial construction costs were
� raised by a citizens group called the Friends of Belfast Parks. The ongoing maintenance
is unclear but there is a level of partnership with the City regarding waste removal, etc.
As far as policing goes, Belfast has a fairly significant volunteer presence and there is
� almost always someone there to help point out the rules that are clearly posted.
Willette spoke again about the similarities of the skate park and this concept regarding
� the maintenance, management and that sort of thing. What was encouraging in that ,
example was that the users tend to police themselves. The Board also worked out an
arrangement where there was initially some funding set aside for potential maintenance
� issue ongoing. �
Responding to Weston, Knox explained that the policing would be primarily among the
� other users. The hope is that the park is located in a centrally located area where the
Bangor Police Department will be easily accessable. The idea of having some sort of
membership for the dog park is still up in the air and will need more discussion. He
� believes that the park should be as open as possible to everyone. At this point the
group is estimating the construction cost to be anywhere from $30 to $50 thousand
� depending on the size and location and the level of materials that can be secured by
, _ donations.
� Responding to Palmer, Knox said that the signage at the park will indicate that visitors
have documentation easily available. Palmer questioned dogs that were visiting this
area from the South that might have heart worm or other issues. Knox stated that
� Penobscot Veterinary Services, Dr. Laura Buckley, is commitment to providing them
with medical assistance and guidance with those types of issues.
� Weston supports this and says it will add to the quality of life, the landscaping and the
environment and adds one more attribute to Bangor that makes it one of, if not, the
best place to live, work and raise a family. Weston questioned the estimated cost of the
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dog park and envisioned the park being a big open space surrounded by fencing.
Responding to Weston, Knox said the most expensive portion of that estimate is the �
fencing and would depend on the size of the are�a. Other expenses will be for signage,
a water supply, trash receptacles, and any necessaty landscaping that might be
required. �
Gratwick hopes that by the spring season there will be something in place and said that _
himself, Weston and Willette have gone out to look at different locations, and is hoping �;
. that the area that is chosen will be an area that will not be redeveloped in the future.
He feels that the area should start out small at first and then possibly have several dog
parks if it is successful. He does admit that the estimated cost is appalling and feels �
that with community involvements, citizens would help provide machinery and tools to
help with this cost. �
Responding to Wheeler, Knox said that the owner is ultimately responsible for and held
accountable in the case of injury due to dog fights and other issues with the �
misbehavior of dogs.
Responding to Weston, Willette said they are looking for approval from this Committee
to continue to work with this group and to assist them in developing their fundraising �
campaign and to authorize the Committee to work on a Council Order outlining the
terms and conditions of the fundraising efFort to include the extent of the City's �
involvement. The steps forward will entail meeting with Knox and his group on a
regular basis and report progress to this Committee.
Farrar stated that staff would help draw up this Order and he anticipated that the group �
would come back to this Committee in a couple months with a draft Council Order to be
reviewed.
A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board to continue to work with BARK and to authorize the staff to develop the ,��.
guidelines and conditions under which the Recreation Director and Parks and Recreation
Department can assist this group with their fundraising efForts.
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Adjourned at 6:15 p.m. ,
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