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.