HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-21 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, October 21, 2024 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Dean, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Leonard, Pelletier,
Schaefer, Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Hernandez-Smith, Krieg, Saavedra.
Chair Hawes called the meeting to order at 6:59 P.M.
1. AIRPORT LEASE AMENDMENT
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Airport Director Jose Saavedra presented to the Committee and gave an overview
of the proposed lease amendment.
Councilor Schaefer moved acceptance of the proposed lease amendment,
seconded by Councilor Leonard. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
2. DOWNTOWN UPDATE
A. NEEDS ASSESSMENT UPDATE FOR 2024
B. DOWNTOWN BANGOR PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Development Director Krieg presented the agenda item and gave an overview of
the needs assessment. Chair Hawes thanked staff for their work on the document.
Betsy Lundy, Downtown Bangor Partnership, presented to the Committee and
gave updates on the progress of initiatives and strategies outlined in the needs
assessment.
Councilor Schaefer asked about the Umbrella Sky project— Lundy responded and
gave an update on the improvements to maintenance this year.
Councilor Yacoubagha commented on the timeline of the Streets Plus program
launch — Lundy responded and confirmed that it was launched at the beginning of
September.
Councilor Fish asked if a significant improvement has been seen with recent safety
initiatives— Lundy responded and confirmed that she has, but commented that she
would like there to be more visibility of these initiatives.
3. GRANDVIEW AVENUE HOUSING RFP
Development Director Krieg presented the agenda item and stated that staff
recommends bid from Developers Collaborative be chosen.
Councilor Leonard noted that he may have a conflict of interests as he is on the
board of Penquis, who submitted a bid for this project. Councilors in agreement
that there is no conflict of interests.
Kevin Bunker, Developers Collaborative, presented to the Committee via Zoom
and provided clarification about development entrance point mentioned in
proposal.
Councilor Pelletier expressed support for the proposal.
Councilor Schaefer asked if the proposed development would be accessible for
senior citizens. Development Director Krieg responded that staff would work with
developers to design multi-generational accessibility.
Councilor Schaefer asked about the number and types of proposed units— Bunker
responded and clarified.
Councilor Schaefer moved recommendation to accept bid proposal from
Developers Collaborative, seconded by Councilor Leonard. Vote unless doubted,
no doubt. Motion passed.
4. SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION RECAP
Development Director Krieg presented the agenda item and gave update on the
rollout of the registration protocol.
5. UPDATES
A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
B. QUARTER HOUSING PROGRESS
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith presented to the
Committee and gave updates on recent activities of the Economic Development
division.
Councilor Leonard expressed gratitude for the work of Economic Development
staff.
Development Director Krieg gave an overview of the updates to housing progress.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION — 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) — DISPOSITION OF
REAL PROPERTY OR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and 1 M.R.S.A. §
405(6)(E) — CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE AND THE
CITY SOLICITOR CONCERNING THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF
THE COMMITTEE AND PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LlTIGATION, 2
items
Councilor Schaefer moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §
405(6)(C), Disposition of Real Property or Economic Development, and pursuant
to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(E), Consultations Between the Committee and the City
Solicitor Concerning the Legal Rights and Duties of the Committee and Pending
or Contemplated Litigation. Seconded by Councilor Leonard. Vote unless doubted,
no doubt. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED