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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes Monday, December 5, 2022 Councilors in Attendance:Tremble (Chair), Leonard, Sprague, Pelletier, Hawes Non-Committee Member Councilors: Yacoubagha, Fournier Staff in Attendance: C. O'Donnell, D. Laurie,J. Comstock,T. Collins, D. Szewczyk The meeting was called to order by newly appointed Committee Chair Tremble at 6:00 p.m. 1. Order: Authorizing Bangor Public Health and Community Services to apply for a Maine Health Access Foundation Systems Improvement and Innovation Responsive Grant Public Health Promotion Manager Jamie Comstock requested authorization to apply for this grant to implement action from a previous planning grant related to engaging partner organizations, and people who use drugs, to better identify communication and strategies to more effectively engage, empower and help those living with substance use disorder. Councilor Sprague requested an overview of our opioid strategy and related grants. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Hawes, seconded by Councilor Leonard, all in favor. 2. Order: Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease with Bar Harbor Bank and Trust for Parking Spaces Community Development Officer Tyler Collins explained the request to execute a lease for parking spacing in the PD parking lot. These parking spaces are jointly owned by Bar Harbor Bank &Trust and the City (portions as outlined in the attachment to the order). Because the parking spaces are wholly within the PD parking lot and used for City purposes, the lease will give the City full legal authority to the City. A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Hawes, seconded by Councilor Sprague, all in favor. 3. Half Acre Nightclub Special Amusement License Follow Up This item is in follow up to a condition of Half Acre's recently issues special amusement license requiring them to develop a package of mitigation strategies acceptable to the City Council. Solicitor David Szewczyk reviewed his conversations and solutions presented by the owner, Patrick Brann, including: installation of signs & speed bumps, erecting a sound wall, holding office hours, and amending logo on water bottles handed to people as they leave asking folks to be quiet. Mr. Brann expressed a willingness to enter into a potential agreement regarding the parking lot. There was significant discussion and input by nearby residents. The Council discussed what might work and what wouldn't including the measures presented, as well as hours and other matters. Committee ChairTremble requested an order regarding these items go to Council and not return to committee level. 4. Penobscot Nation Related to HR 6707 Committee ChairTremble provided an overview ofthe request made by Penobscot Ambassador Maulian Dana and Chief Francis Kirk for the City Council to support HR 6707-to Amend the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980 to advance equality for Wabanaki nations, and for other purposes. This was follow-up to a Council workshop discussion on November 14, 2022. There was significant discussion regarding the bill, it's intent and purpose, why there was opposition, and more. There was consensus for a letter of support to be drafted noting the concerns of the Governor. 5. Community Connector Update Assistant City Manager Courtney O'Donnell provided an update regarding the grand opening of the Transit Center, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program goals (based on existing plan), bus stop guidelines, Entry Level Driving License (CDL) training class, tech RFP, Triennial review of bus operations (federal review due to federal grant dollars), and the desire by Husson University to withdraw from paying for its students to ride the bus for free (to them). Meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:12 pm.