Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-06 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes Monday, June 6, 2022 Councilors in Attendance: D. Yacoubagha, D.Tremble, S. Hawes, A. Okafor, C. Davitt Non-Committee Member Councilors: R. Fournier,J. Sprague Staff in Attendance: C. O'Donnell, P. Hamilton, T. Willette,J. Comstock, E. Pelletier, T. Higgins, B. Thomas The meeting was called to order by Chair Hawes at 6:30 p.m. 1. Order: Authorizing the Acceptance of a Donation of Two Bench for Dakin Pool This item was moved to first on the agenda from number four. Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette introduced Boy Scout Ethan Beyeler who is seeking his Eagle Scout rank. To attain this rank, he needs to complete a community service project and has chosen to build and donate two benches to be placed at Dakin pool. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Yacoubagha, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 2. Resolve: Accept&Appropriate $25,159 from MaineHealth for a three-month grant extension for the Let's Go Healthy Eating and Active Living Grant Public Health's Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock provided an overview of this item. The funding largely supports the personnel costs associated with funding the program that lives in schools and child care facilities. It was noted the program is not income based. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Yacoubagha, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 3. Resolve: Accept&Appropriate $84,408 from MaineHealth for a three-month grant extension for the Tobacco Prevention Services Grant Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock provided an overview of this item. The funding provides an extension for existing programs offered by the Public Health Department, as this item has not been re-bid by the state due to the pandemic. This program is in hospitals, schools, and lots of other facilities. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Yacoubagha, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 4. Resolve: Accept&Appropriate $21,000 from the University of New England for a three- month grant extension for the Maine Prevention Services Substance Use Prevention Grant Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock provided an overview of this item. The funding provides an extension for existing programs offered by the Public Health Department, as this item has not been re-bid by the state due to the pandemic. This program focuses on alcohol, marijuana, and some opioids. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Tremble, seconded by Councilor Yacoubagha, all in favor. 5. Order: Authorizing Acceptance of the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan Fire Chief Higgins explained the plan and its importance. It is related to natural disasters and has been reviewed and accepted by FEMA. This plan won't need to be updated again for five yea rs. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Tremble, seconded by Councilor Yacoubagha, all in favor. 6. Order: Authorizing an Amended Agreement with MPERS for Fire Department Fire Chief Higgins introduced Deputy Chief Pelletier. He explained that a couple additional positions at the Fire Dept. have been identified as eligible for MPERS, same as the rest of the department. They requested permission to enroll them, as they believe it will help with retention. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Yacoubagha, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 7. Ordinance:Taxicab Rate Increase proposed amendment Assistant City Solicitor Brittanie Thomas provided an overview of this item, including factors that prompted the request for an increase including the increase of cost of gas and maintenance. They discussed they held meeting with registered taxi cab owners and while they were not all on the same page, there is believe that this change is necessary as it has not been done in over ten years. If approved, the drop rate would be raised from $2.50 to $3.00 and the mileage rate from $2.10 to $2.40. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Tremble, seconded by Councilor Yacoubagha, all in favor. 8. Community Connector Update &Service Change Discussion Assistant City Manager O'Donnell provided an update on the transit system including staffing struggles, updated regulations regarding Entry Level Drivers Training, as well as the need to temporarily suspend Saturday Service. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:11pm.