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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Meeting Minutes February 5, 2024 Committee Members Present: Dina Yacoubagha, Committee Chair, Carolyn Fish, Sue Hawes, Gretchen Schaefer, Daniel Tremble Non-committee Members Present: Rick Fournier, Cara Pelletier,Joe Leonard Staff Present: Courtney O'Donnell, Patty Hamilton, Lisa Goodwin, Brandon Powell, Anja Collette, Debbie Laurie Called to Order at 5:15 pm 1. 2023 Annual Report: Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights Liana Fellis, Chair, and Katie Brydon, Vice Chair, presented their annual report to the Committee.They shared information relating to how they operate based on their desire to better serve the City.This includes formalized, structured agendas to focus on what was happening related to education, policy, and ordinances. Creation of five subcommittees to get involved more in depth: accessibility, human resources component, education and outreach/events, housing, and municipal equality index.This provided opportunities to be more proactive.They also discussed their upcoming goals to empower members to tackle different areas of interest,for example, it could be attending other meetings and bringing information back to the committee for review and consideration. Specific goals include working with school's DEIB committee and create continuity and to create bridges to other committees and with the public.They expressed their willingness to receive referrals from Council. Councilor Leonard expressed a desire to see the committee more included on topics moving forward, including for remaining ARPA dollars. Councilor Tremble asked how the student member participation was going. Liana shared they've had strong participation from the school. Liana hasn't seen as many updates as they'd like but welcome them back to the committee. Katie shared that one of the goals is to have been lines of communication and path, so they are aware. Councilor Yacoubagha shared an appreciation of their leadership. She seconded Councilor Leonard's comments about referring more items to the committee. In closing, Liana invited Councilors to attend their meetings. A motion was made to recommend approval to Council by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by Councilor Hawes, all in favor. 2. City Clerk Update City Clerk Goodwin introduced Deputy City Clerk/Customer Service Manager Brandon Powell. Clerk Goodwin provided an update regarding the combination of clerks and treasury offices for a more streamlined customer experience. All staff have been cross trained and also learning as they go. Clerk Goodwin reviewed receipts listed in her memo and shared that their focus is Primary Election in March. She reviewed changes to voting laws including that anyone unenrolled can choose to vote in one of the parties primaries but those in Libertarian or Green parties unless they unenroll or change parties, because they don't have anyone to vote on.The deadline is Feb 16 for folks who wish to change parties. Anyone who is 65 years or older or self identifies with disability, can sign up to receive a ballot automatically for every election. In ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR response to a question, Clerk Goodwin said they like the set up and ballot box is outside and available by the day use entrance. 3. EEBG Grant Funding Application Request City Planner Anja Collette provided an overview of this grant request available to local governments. The City was allocated formula grant of 75k and the application is due April 30tn A lot of the eligible funding is geared toward energy efficiency, buildings, and transportation. Based on comp plan feedback and other grant opportunities, staff recommend using the funds on bicycle infrastructure. This would include racks in downtown, secure bicycle storage in garage, (potentially) covered rack at airport, and anything left over would be used for an e-bike rebate program. E- bikes are gaining popularity and are one of the most efficient forms of transportation.The rebate program would be tiered based on income level. Anja will reach out to DBP and other stakeholders for locations and feedback. Councilor Schaefer expressed her support for this idea —good for the "last mile." Councilor Tremble asked to include the Greendrinks. In response to a question, Anja explained this funding is completely separate from CCBG funding and we will be reaching out to other area municipalities as part of the requirements. A motion was made to recommend approval to Council by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 4. Public Health Funding Related to Overdose Response Program a. Resolve: Authorizing $150,000 in Grant Funds from Maine Department of Health and Human Services for an Overdose Response Program b. Resolve: Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bangor Area Recovery Network to Receive Up to $23,000 from the State of Maine Overdose Response Pilot Grant to Employ a Recovery Coach to Support the Project c. Resolve: Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with Maine Mental Health Connection's Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center to Receive Up to $23,000 from the State of Maine Overdose Response Pilot Grant to Employ a Recovery Coach to Support the Project Public Health Director Patty Hamilton reviewed all three items as listed out. This is part of ongoing support and programming offered by Public Health. A motion was made to recommend approval to Council by Councilor Schaefer, seconded by Councilor Tremble, all in favor. 5. Director Public Health Updates Public Health Director Patty Hamilton provided an update on the ongoing work for the Community Health Leadership Board that she has been heavily involved with during her time at the City. She also provided information related to homelessness, including that the Point in ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Time count went well, but the numbers were preliminary. She stated she believes there are approximately 125 individuals experiencing homelessness in Bangor. In response to questions, she shared movement through the Shelter Plus Care program (now called Permanent Supportive Housing Program), including that 16 to 20 have been housed most difficult folks with criminal histories, convictions, etc. Lastly, she provided an update on Public health's efforts in obtaining accreditation. Can find updates on their website. 6. Assistant City Manager Updates Asst. City Manager O'Donnell provided an update regarding the fixed stop transition. Expect the contractor to finish up next month. We will be publicly noticing the transition period shortly and it will occur over a 6+ month timeframe. Driver numbers are stable, but once we get to near"fully staffed" on paper, we tend to lose some folks, so we continue to recruit. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.