HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-06 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 @ 5:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Leonard, Schaefer, Sprague, Tremble,
Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Bolduc, Krieg, Laurie.
Chair Sprague called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
1. GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION ON
CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, Action requested to receive and
recommend Commission action
Councilor Schaefer moved receipt and recommendation of Commission action,
seconded by Councilor Davitt. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
The Committee indicated an interest in having a discussion about the Commission
creating an expanded vision for cultural development in Bangor that would extend
beyond just discussing grants requests and more fully address how the City can
expand opportunities. Development Director Anne Krieg indicated that the
Commission wants to have this discussion and that it would be on its next meeting
agenda.
2. LOCAL BUSINESS/EMPLOYER CHECK-IN DISCUSSION WITH
GENERAL MANAGER AT HOLLYWOOD SLOTS, AUSTIN
MUCHEMORE, OF PENN ENTERTAINMENT
General Manager at Hollywood Slots, Austin Muchemore, presented to the
Committee. Reported that things are going well at the casino, and that the last year
was an especially good year as the business recovers from the COVID19
pandemic. Staffing shortages continue to be somewhat problematic. Business has
not been fully re-opened yet but staff is looking into how to continue to open up the
parts that are still closed. Staff is also working on plan to come into compliance
with new sports betting law.
Councilor Davitt asked if Muchemore had any data on how much of their customer
base is local residents vs. visitors from elsewhere, which parts of the business tend
to be the most frequented, etc. Muchemore responded that it all varies depending
on the time of year, but they consider most of their customer base to be local to
the area.
Councilor Fournier asked how occupancy levels have been over the last year.
Muchemore responded that they have been very good.
Chair Sprague asked if there was any update on Bass Park and the horse racing.
Muchemore responded that the things are improving as they are now able to
broadcast events from Churchill Downs again after a contracting issue prohibited
this temporarily. Chair Sprague raised the issue of pursuing expanded use of the
area inside the track/oval for recreational options. He cited historic uses for
baseball, tennis, and horse shows as well as other uses and his sense that the
land was significantly underused. Muchemore indicated that he was very open to
consideration of options, while also citing the need to protect the needs of
horsemen.
3. GENERAL UPDATES
a. COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
Development Director Krieg reported that there is currently an RP out for
architectural design development, which will also help to ascertain current
estimated costs. The City has also contracted with Caroline Paras as consultant
on the project.
Chair Sprague asked that as the project continues, it may be helpful to clarify
purpose — communal kitchen vs. kitchen innovation hub.
b. PROPOSED UMBRELLA PROJECT FROM DOWNTOWN BUSINESS
PARTNERSHIP
DBP representative Imke Jandreau presented to the Committee. Presented plans
as laid out in application that will be reviewed by Historic Preservation Commission
on June 8th.
Councilor Davitt asked who would be in charge of the installation. Jandreau
responded that this is still being decided but that it would likely be DBP volunteers,
although they would be asking Public Works for use of scissor lifts.
Councilor Schaeffer asked if building owners had already been consulted and had
given permission for installation of the cable bolts. Jandreau responded that they
had and that the technical particulars of this installation had already been
discussed with HPC consultant Mike Pullen; confirmed that bolts will be placed in
the mortar rather than the bricks themselves in order to allow for easier repair when
they are removed afterwards.
Councilor Davitt asked if there will be a process in place for any damage that the
installation may incur due to weather, etc. Jandreau responded that there is a 3-
year contract in place for installation & maintenance.
Councilor Yacoubagha asked if there were any safety concerns for people in the
vicinity of the project. Jandreau reported that there have been none reported in the
other cities that have installed this art project thus far.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
Economic Development Officer Steve Bolduc presented to the Committee to
introduce an Executive Session agenda item and interested party.
Tristan Thomas presented to the Committee to introduce himself and report that
he has been in discussion with Bolduc to negotiate a 25-year lease extension at a
City-owned property, under the condition that Thomas will invest approximately
$300,000 to improve the property.
Councilor Schaefer moved to go into Executive Session. Meeting adjourned at
5:43 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Pritchard
Admin. Asst.
C&ED