HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-14 Government Operations Committee Minutes , Government Operations Committee
October 14, 2003
� Minutes
Councilor Attendance: Palmer, Greene, Allen, Tremble
� Staff Attendance: Bob Farrar, Chief Winslow �
Others: Mrs. Robert Roy; Bruce Valley
� The agenda items were taken out of sequence as follows:
3. Larkin Street/Third Street Intersection—Safety and�Tra�c Concerns.
� This is a follow-up to a recent discussion with residents in the area regarding
traffic and safety concerns. Since the last meeting, staff has had an opportunity to
further review the situation. Chief Winslow indicated that speed recording equipment
had been installed in the area and, although there were difficulties with the equipment,
� it did provide a week's worth of data. Winslow also provided a copy of accident reports
from that area. In 9 of the 13 accidents, it appears that people ran the stop sign
coming up Larkin Street from Main Street toward Third Street. In two of the accidents,
� individuals claimed to have stopped at the intersection but the damage to the vehicle
was significant enough for the Police Department to doubt their stopping. Two
accidents were caused by turning movements and not related to safety at the
� intersection. One accident involved a vehicle headed down Larkin Street from Sixth
Street toward Third Street.
� The first recommendation is to place another stop sign on the left-hand side of
Larkin Street at Third Street. Additionally, a"stop ahead"sign is recommended on
Larkin Street. Staff also recommended adding a stop bar in the crosswalk at the
� intersection crossing Larkin Street. Staff did not recommend a crosswalk crossing Third
Street. There is a significant amount of traffic on Third Street at certain peak periods of
time up to 130-140 vehicles an hour. The average speed is 24 mph. 44% of the
� vehicles were traveling in excess of 25 mph, 1% in excess of 35 mph. In response to
Palmer, Winslow indicated that the BAT was included in the data. Farrar indicated that
Mr. Constantine had contacted him regarding the speed of the BAT buses. Bus
� Superintendent McNeil told the drivers to slow down. The Police Department will
continue its speed enforcement efforts in that area. A four-way stop could be added at
Patten and Third, if the Council wishes.
� Mrs. Roy of Larkin Street related an incident whereby she almost had a
car accident due to speed.
� A motion was made and seconded to approve staff's recommendation.
� Consent Agenda
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.
� 1. Ballot for Penobscot County Representative to the Eastern Maine
Development Corporation (EMDC) Board of Directors
� The EMDC nominating committee has nominated Mr. Jack DeCamp, a vice-
president at Bangor Savings Bank to serve a three-year term as the Penobscot County
representative on the Board of Directors. As a corporate member of EMDC, the City is
� entitled to vote for a representative from Penobscot County.
�
2. Council Ordinance 03-320,Amending Section 134-27 of the Ordinanaes �
of the City of Bangor—General Assistance Maximum Benefits.
This is the annual update of the maximum levels of assistance allowed under the �
municipal general assistance law. The proposed changes are based upon the latest
Thrifty Food Plan and HUD Fair Market Rents for the Bangor area in September. Chalila
reviewed the changes and indicated that the changes must be made to bring our �
ordinance into conformance with State requirements. A motion was made and
seconded to recommend approval to full Council.
4. Farmer's Market Discussion/Request �
Mr. Bruce Valley requested an opportunity to address the Committee regarding
the possibility of establishing a location(s) for a Farmer's Market in Bangor. Specifically, �
he is interested in the City Parks and land on Maine Avenue across from University
College as possible locations. Currently, City Ordina�ces regulating park use do not
permit this activity and the land across from University College is not zoned for retail �
sales. Mr. Valley discussed various options with the Committee. Allen liked the idea but
expressed concerns about the suggested locations near Broadway Park and Cascade
Park. Allen suggested the B-13 parking lot on Exchange Street. Tremble thought there �
should be consistency of location and dates and times. Allen asked about research from
other communities who have had successful farmer's markets. Farrar said he and Mr.
Valley felt that by getting the discussion started this fall it will give the staff time to
conduct research as well as to find a suitable location(s) within the City. Mr. Valley has �_
fourteen vendors. Palmer asked about Pickering Square area. Valley thought it would
be a good area in light of the senior apartment complexes in the downtown area.
A motion was made and seconded to for staff to ursue the idea of a Farmer's �-
P
Market in the City in areas that will work for the citizens of Bangor.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm. �
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