HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-21 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee Minutes
Monday, June 21, 2021
Councilors in Attendance: Nichols (Chair), Dubay, Schaefer, Hawes, Okafor
Non-Committee Member Councilors: Fournier, Sprague
Staff in Attendance: C. O'Donnell, C. Conlow,J. Saucier,T. Willette
The meeting was held both in-person and remotely via ZOOM and was called to order by Chair
Sarah Nichols.
1) Council Order—Accepting a donation for a park bench from Carrie Stockwell Stafford for
Fairmount Park in honor of Lavern Stockwell
Parks & Recreation Director Tracy Willette gave an overview of this item with brief
discussion. Council Nichols commented that she believed it was well deserved as Lavern
Stockwell has done a lot for our community.
A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by
Councilor Dubay, all in favor.
2) Council Resolve—Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement amendment with
MPERS for a plan change
Assistant City Manager O'Donnell explained that this was follow up from a recently
approved collective bargaining agreement and would result in the City being authorized to
make the agreed upon retirement changes.
A motion to approve and move to full Council was made by Councilor Dubay, seconded by
Councilor Schaefer, all in favor.
3) Discussion: COVID restrictions for public meetings
Assistant City Manager O'Donnell summarized changes at the state level regarding the state
of emergency and COVID restrictions. Assistant City Solicitor Saucier spoke about a bill in
the legislature that would allow for continued hybrid option for remote participation after
the state of emergency ends which is what currently allows for it and will end July 30th.
Council would need to adopt a policy based on the law, assuming it passes, in order to
continue with hybrid options. There was additional discussion. ACS Saucier to come back to
Council with draft policy for future consideration.
4) Community Connector Update
ACM O'Donnell provided an update on transit center regarding the bid extension and a good
turnout at the pre-bid meeting. She also spoke about a trolley request received and approved
by the City Manager based on our policy. It approved its use for Bangor's pride 'reverse' parade
for one day only and would be open and free to the public during the event. Lastly, ACM
O'Donnell spoke about the ongoing driver shortage, efforts to set up an ongoing class to meet
new federal requirements for licensing, and the structural analysis study.
Meeting was adjourned.