HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-22 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Beck, Dean, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Leonard, Mallar,
Pelletier, Tremble.
City Staff Present: Collette, Krieg, Saavedra, Stanicki.
Chair Fournier called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
1. AIRPORT DIRECTOR REPORT
Airport Director Jose Saavedra presented to the Committee and provided an
overview of his written report.
Councilor Tremble asked about a timeline gap in some of the reporting — Airport
Director Saavedra confirmed that this was due to construction at the time.
Council Chair Pelletier asked about the grant information included in the report,
and how it is impacted by State legislation regarding infrastructure — Airport
Director Saavedra responded and clarified.
Councilor Tremble asked for clarification regarding the requested support
regarding LD136 —Airport Director Saavedra responded and clarified. Committee
members expressed support for the request.
Chair Fournier asked for clarification regarding the expected impacts of tariffs,
particularly regarding fuel prices — Airport Director Saavedra responded and
clarified. Council Chair Pelletier suggested reaching out to State legislators.
Councilor Leonard asked what percentage of the Airport's fuel contracts are
federal vs. private —Airport Director Saavedra responded that it is 50%.
2. DOWNTOWN TIF AMENDMENT
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and gave an
overview of the proposed amendment.
Councilor Tremble asked whether this would allow the Streets Plus program to be
funded by TIF in the future — Development Director Krieg responded that it would.
Councilor Mallar asked for clarification regarding how the TIF amount is
established each year — Development Director Krieg responded that it is part of
the annual budgeting process and provided additional clarification. Mallar also
asked about the two different types of housing included — Krieg responded that it
is market rate vs. affordable housing. Krieg also provided additional clarification
regarding how the TIF program operates.
Councilor Beck asked about clarification regarding the table of cost estimates —
Development Director Krieg responded and clarified. Councilor Mallar asked about
the amount already spent on ongoing projects — Krieg responded that she would
get this information. Chair Fournier added that much of this information will be
clarified during the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.
Councilor Beck asked about project noted as "no longer pursuing" — Development
Director Krieg responded and clarified.
3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
A. FAIR HOUSING INFORMATIONAL MEETING UPDATES
B. CEDAR FALLS MOBILE HOME PARK
C. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA AWARD AMENDMENT
Community Development Officer Robyn Stanicki presented to the Committee and
provided updates on Fair Housing informational meetings, Cedar Falls Mobile
Home Park, and Volunteers of America award amendment.
Councilor Mallar asked for additional, detailed financial information regarding the
proposed funding for Cedar Falls Mobile Home Park— Development DirectorAnne
Krieg responded that this information could be provided.
Councilor Dean asked for clarification regarding individual ownership within the
Cedar Falls Mobile Home Park — Community Development Officer Stanicki
responded and clarified.
Councilor Hawes suggested having a pre-Council workshop to discuss Cedar Falls
Mobile Home Park, with the additional information requested, so as to stay on the
intended timeline. Development Director Krieg confirmed that this could be
scheduled.
Council Chair Pelletier asked for clarification regarding the current tenancy status
of the Volunteers of America property — Community Development Officer Stanicki
responded and clarified. Pelletier also asked what is planned for the units on
Center Street— Stanicki responded and clarified.
Councilor Mallar asked for clarification regarding the funding for the Volunteers of
America project — requested additional, detailed financial information. Community
Development Officer Stanicki provided additional clarification regarding overall
CDBG funding. Mallar expressed concerns regarding the timeline for the use of
the funds — Development Director Krieg noted that the City could look at using a
"reverter" clause on funding awards in the future. Councilors discussed at length
with Stanicki and Krieg — Mallar also expressed concerns regarding tenants living
in conditions deemed unsafe.
Councilor Leonard moved acceptance of acceptance of staff recommendation
regarding Volunteers of America award amendment, seconded by Councilor
Hawes. Councilor Fish asked for additional clarification regarding the amendment
— Community Development Officer Stanicki responded and clarified. Roll call vote
conducted —4 in favor, 1 (Councilor Mallar) opposed. Motion passed.
4. RECAP OF LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOPS
Planning Officer Anja Collette presented to the Committee and provided summary
of Land Use Plan implementation workshops.
Councilor Fish asked how workshops were advertised and how many people
participated — Planning Officer Collette responded and enumerated advertising
and outreach efforts.
Councilor Mallar commented on perceived conflict regarding desires for increased
development and conservation of green space. Mallar also asked about the pre-
approved building plans project — Development Director Anne Krieg responded
and clarified.
Councilor Beck expressed support for the workshop meeting model and staff's
community outreach efforts.
5. 2024 ANNUAL REPORTS
A. PLANNING BOARD
B. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
C. PENJAJAWOC MARSH/BANGOR MALL MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION
D. COMMISSION ON CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Planning Officer Anja Collette provided overviews of the annual reports for the
Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and Penjajawoc
Marsh/Bangor Mall Management Commission.
Development Director Anne Krieg provided overview of the annual report for the
Commission on Cultural Development.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED
