HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-16 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Davitt, Fournier, Leonard, Schaefer, Sprague,
Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Bolduc, Collette, Krieg, Laurie.
Chair Sprague called the meeting to order at 6:15 P.M.
1. PARKING REPORT, Action requested to accept report
Parke Clemons of Republic Parking presented to the Committee. Stated that report
is separated into two sections (1) off-street parking, which consists of transient and
monthly uses, and (2) on-street parking. Transient revenue decreased during
COVID19 pandemic and is now starting to increase again. Monthly revenue stayed
about the same throughout. On-street revenue decreased during pandemic but is
also increasing again. Report includes capacity & fee chart, indicating that higher-
demand lots are more expensive, and ticketing map. Based on the report, Clemons
recommends: (1) implementation of rate increases recommended in 2019 and
placed on hold for duration of pandemic, (2) implementation of an app-based
mobile payment system, (3) implementation of Barnacle to replace self-releasing
boot, and (4) parking fine reprieve for those who pay off fines prior to
implementation of Barnacle.
Councilor Davitt moved acceptance of parking report, seconded by Chair Sprague.
Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
Councilor Schaefer asked if mobile app would replace cash/coin/credit card kiosks.
Clemons reported it would not.
Councilor Leonard recommended that any parking fine reprieve offer be mailed
personally to those with outstanding fines rather than advertised on social media.
Leonard also asked when these recommendations would be presented to the
Parking Committee. City Manager Laurie reported that report is not automatically
sent to Parking Committee, but rather is sent at the Business and Economic
Development Committee's request. Leonard commented that he felt it was
important that the Parking Committee be included in these discussions before any
further decisions are made.
Chair Sprague asked if Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) had been consulted
about the report. Development Director Krieg and City Manager Laurie confirmed
they had and also reported that DBP has members on the Parking Committee.
Councilor Schaefer commented that she did not think Parking Committee needed
to review this report as all recommended items had been discussed/approved in
2019.
Councilor Davitt stated that she stands by her original motion but would like to add
that all decisions re: details of implementation of recommendations be put before
the Parking Committee.
Member of DBP and Parking Committee, Bev Uhlenhake, presented to the
Committee. Felt strongly that rate increases should be discussed with Parking
Committee before making decision.
Councilor Yacoubagha asked if scheduling of Parking Committee meeting could
be expedited.
Councilor Davitt and Chair Sprague agreed to vote down Davitt's previous motion.
Chair Sprague renewed motion to accept parking report. Upon roll call vote, all
Committee members voted not in favor.
Councilor Schaefer moved referral of parking report and recommendations to
Parking Committee, with report-back date no later than June 30th. Seconded by
Councilor Yacoubagha —vote unless doubted, no doubt.
2. REQUEST FOR REFERRAL TO PARKING COMMITTEE, 152 Main St.
Development Director Krieg requested that referral be approved with minimal
discussion in the interest of time. Reported that request is for a parking/loading
zone change at 152 Main Street.
Councilor Davitt moved referral of 152 Main Street request for parking/loading
zone change to Parking Committee, seconded by Councilor Schaefer. Vote unless
doubted, no doubt.
3. CODE CHANGES DISCUSSION, Adding higher density allowances for
housing in the Shopping & Personal Service and General Commercial &
Service Districts.
Committee agreed that there was not adequate time to discuss this agenda item.
City Manager Laurie stated that it could be added to the pre-Council meeting on
Monday as a first reading.
4. CDBG REQUEST FOR FUNDING, Hope for Homeless
Development Director Krieg presented CDBG application from Hope for Homeless
— requesting $50,000 to purchase furniture for individuals who are newly becoming
housed.
Councilor Schaefer moved recommendation of approval of application for funding
to City Council, seconded by Councilor Davitt. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
Meeting adjourned at 6:52 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Pritchard
Admin. Asst.
C&ED