HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr;
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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
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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
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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.