The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024-02-27 Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes ACREIHR Advisory Committee of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes for the Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Meeting 6:OOp � Council Chambers Members Present: Chair Liana Fellis, MemberJason Canniff, MemberTheron Letterlough, MemberAndre Chasse, Vice Chair Katie Brydon, Member Kathryn Robinson, Member Gabrielle Wiley, Member Theron Davis, Student Rep. RebeccaJones Members not present: Vice Chair Katie Brydon, Member Julie Davis, Student Rep. Evelyn Marasco, Member Melissa Bulcholz City of Bangor staff and guests present: City Manager, Debbie Laurie, Planning Officer for the City of Bangor, Anja Collette, and Director of Parks and Rec, Tracy Willette Call to Order Call to order at 6:OOpm Introduction of advisory board members and city members Minutes • Motion to approve • Passed unanimously City Grants Available Updates from Anja Collette, Planning Officer for the City of Bangor • $76,000 available o Part of the Climate Action Program • Goal of the grant is to improve bicycle infrastructure o Adding in bike racks downtown and schools o Installing bike racks at bus shelters and the airport o Working on secure bicycle storage o Developing bicycle rebates and EV bike rebates ■ Tiered programs based on income thresholds • Grant due on April 30tn Co-living Dormitories • Falls under boarding housing ordinances passed last year • 8 or more rooms in a building (boarding houses less than 7 units) • Allows up to 25%of the building allowed for short-term use o Works for folks who are visiting or in-need of place to stay for a short period of time • For housing supply needs: 75% needs to be full-time housing, kitchen needs to be developed, and community space available • Questions from committee regarding affordable regarding limits on affordability to keep from driving up costs, seasonal housing, etc. Change in parking regulations • Changing the requirements from 1.5 spaces per unit needing to be available to 1 unit o Goals to minimize sprawl from needed parking lots, run-off, and to encourage the use of public transit • Concerns about people with mobility issues needing accessible ways to transport; does one spot limit people from disabilities and/or elderly from being able to use the housing? 1 Advisory Committee of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Minutes for the Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Meeting 6:OOp � Council Chambers Overview of Parks and Rec • Updates from the Parks and Rec Director, Tracy Willette, on facility updates • Review of programming that is made available by the use of Parks and Rec facilities as well as options made available by use of outdoor space like Orono Bog Walk, City Garden, and Essex Woods, etc. • Discussion of safety precautions taken at facilities like city pools and child-care facilities to ensure training, communication, etc. with families and staff • Updates to harbor use and expectations and park ranger program • Discussion regarding updates to new facilities (move from old armory on Main Street) and Sawyer Ice Arena Discussion Inclusive bathroom/changing room facilities • If facilities are being updated, how is Parks and Rec accounting for bathrooms and changing rooms for non- binary and gender fluid participants? o Regarding community movement happening to keep bathrooms gender binary. o Parks and Rec are aware of the issues and will maintain decision making in-line with the law and providing safe and inclusive facilities for all members • What ongoing training is being provided to students serving as counselors at Kids Cave, specific to young members of the camps/after-care with sensory needs, etc.? o New trainings being implemented with staff to bring more attention/awareness to sensory needs • Opportunities to include Parks and Rec in being an Autism Certified City by ensuring changes are reflected in all updates • New data and research being implemented to give clear numbers on the number of visitors to our forest/green spaces in Bangor Subcommittees • City Manager will ensure that subcommittees are connected and emails/phones are shared between small groups working on specific projects • Goal: to keep subcommittees connected and working between meetings Business Manager Updates • March meeting will include the DEIB and Superintendent updates regarding school progress and focus • Community and Economic Development want to share stakeholder updates • Accessibility training will be offered by City Council chair in April • Update: the City of Bangor chose not to make a full statement about supporting a cease-fire in Gaza Closing • Meeting adjourned • Next meeting Tuesday, March 26 2