HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, April 1, 2024 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Dean, Fish, Fournier, Leonard, Schaefer, Tremble,
Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Collette, Hernandez-Smith, Innis, Krieg, Mullins, Stanicki.
Councilor Schaefer called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
1. LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT PROPOSAL — INCREASE
HEIGHT LIMITS IN SOME RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, Action requested
to recommend to Council
Development Director Anne Krieg introduced the agenda item. Planning Officer
Anja Collette presented to the Committee and gave overview of the proposal.
Councilor Tremble asked to clarify the existing height limits vs. the proposed height
limits — Collette clarified. Tremble also asked about screening requirements for
HVAC and solar arrays — Collette responded that no screening requirements are
proposed, especially for rooftop solar arrays, due to difficulty to achieve, but added
that staff can look into this if desired. Tremble did not think this would be necessary.
Councilor Schaefer added that screening could be detrimental to efficacy of solar
arrays.
Councilor Fournier asked if this proposal will be presented to the Planning Board
— Planning Officer Collette responded that it will.
Councilor Schaefer asked that staff ensure that existing properties are protected
from possible adverse effects of increased building heights when finalizing the
amendment's language. Planning Officer Collette responded that there are already
some protections existing and that staff will ensure that this is maintained.
Councilor Tremble asked if this amendment had been specifically requested by
interested parties — Development Director Krieg responded that it had.
Councilor Fournier expressed support for the proposal and noted that any
comments on possible revisions from the Planning Board would be welcome.
2. GENERAL STAFF CHECK-IN
A. JANE'S WALK — MAY 4, 2024
Planning Officer Anja Collette presented the agenda item and gave overview of
the event and staff's participation.
B. INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Development DirectorAnne Krieg introduced new staff inembers—Housing Officer
Kyle Mullins and Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith.
C. ACTIVITIES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2024
Development Director Anne Krieg introduced the agenda item. Community
Development Officer Robyn Stanicki presented to the Committee and gave
overview of planned activities.
Councilor Yacoubagha asked if activities would provide any overview of efficacy
of program over the last year — Community Development Officer Stanicki
responded that these activities are more casual in nature but can provide some
overview of program efficacy. Noted that there is a targeted evaluation process
that occurs yearly. Yacoubagha requested that Committee receive copy of this
yearly evaluation report moving forward —Stanicki and Development Director Krieg
confirmed that this will be done.
Councilor Fish asked to confirm workshop dates — Community Development
Officer Stanicki confirmed and mentioned option for Zoom participation, as well.
3. LEASES
A. EXTENSION — THE FIRST PARKING LOT
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Councilor Schaefer asked if there are changes to the lease— Development Director
Krieg confirmed that there are not.
Councilor Tremble asked to clarify the terms of the lease — Development Director
Krieg clarified.
Councilor Tremble moved to approve the extension of the parking lot lease to The
First, seconded by Councilor Fish. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
B. SUBLEASE — PARKING LOT ON ODLIN ROAD (BY GROUND
ROUND, FORMERLY)
Councilor Tremble reported a conflict of interest regarding the agenda item.
Councilor Leonard moved that Councilor Tremble has a conflict of interest,
seconded by Councilor Fish. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
Assistant City Solicitor Grace Innis presented to the Committee and gave overview
of proposed sublease.
Councilor Fournier asked to confirm the term length of the existing lease —
Assistant City Solicitor Innis confirmed and noted that term length of sublease is
shorter.
Councilor Leonard moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into sublease
agreement for parking lot on Odlin Road, seconded by Councilor Fish. Vote unless
doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 5:32 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED