HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-03 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 @ 5:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Hawes, Leonard, Schaefer, Sprague.
City Staff Present: Krieg, Laurie.
Chair Sprague called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
1. ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT FROM DOWNTOWN BANGOR
PARTNERSHIP RE: FIRST 6 MONTHS OF FY2022
DBP Executive Director Betsy Lundy presented to the Committee to request that
the mid-year report be accepted as presented.
Councilor Davitt requested project status update at next meeting. Anne Krieg, new
Development Director, reported she has not had a chance to go over the report in
detail but has meeting with DBP tomorrow to address specific projects mentioned.
Councilor Schaefer asked if DBP is addressing need for more members—they are.
Chair Sprague asked for update on business owners' feelings re: homelessness
in the city, encampments, and whether the City is doing enough to address these
issues. Lundy reported DBP will be advocating for additional services during
budget process, but City Council had already approved RFP for additional
landscaping services this past October. Hoping these services will be delivered on
during the next year. City Manager Laurie clarified that the City will be issuing three
separate RFPs — (1) landscaping for waterfront area, (2) landscaping for core
downtown area, and (3) additional trash & waste pick-up. Public Works and Parks
& Recreation will be responsible for selecting vendors.
Chair Sprague asked about the new strategic & marketing plan. Lundy stated will
deliver these plans at next meeting.
Some discussion amongst Committee and Lundy re: City's response to
homelessness issue for public property vs. private property. Agreed to continue
discussions and address if any resources could be made available for private
property owners.
Chair Sprague asked about the Joint Needs Assessment— Lundy confirmed it was
mentioned in report. Currently pending analysis of second phase of responses
from City department heads. City Manager Laurie confirmed she has these
responses and will be discussing them at meeting tomorrow with Development
Director Krieg and DPB.
Chair Sprague moved acceptance of semi-annual report from DBP. Vote unless
no doubted, no doubt.
Meeting adjourned at 5:43 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Pritchard
Admin. Asst.
C&ED