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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Monday, March 4, 2024 Minutes Councilors Present: Dina Yacoubagha (Chair), Susan Dean, Carolyn Fish, Daniel Tremble, and Gretchen Schaefer Non-Committee Council Members: Richard Fournier, Joseph Leonard Staff: David Szewczyk, Grace Innis, Courtney 0'Donnell, Debbie Laurie Committee Chair Yacoubagha opened the meeting at 6:17p.m. 1. Administrative Consent Agreements—Vacant Properties City Solicitor Szewczyk provided an overview of this item. The item is a proposed ordinance change in the relevant section of code to give the Director of C&ED authority to sign agreements, based on the recommendation of the Code Enforcement Director, that would allow us to enforce the vacant property registration outside of court action. It is a practical measure that would allow staff to act in a more efficient manner. Solicitor Szewczyk recommends approval. Councilor Leonard said he sees this as a method to prevent gentrification. A motion was made by Councilor Tremble, seconded by Councilor Schaefer, all in favor for recommending approval to the full Council. 2. Community Connector Update Assistant City Manager Courtney 0'Donnell provided an update on the Community Connector, including fixed stop transition, staffing levels, and ridership. Staff originally anticipated starting the transition period from flag stop to fixed stop in March but in an effort to be proactive, we are working closely with the contractor to ensure placement of each sign is in the best possible location. We hope to begin the transition period in April. There will be a six-month transition period with lots of notice posted to ensure riders are aware of the change. She also explained that while we are close to "fully staffed" on paper, we are evaluating our current structure because between folks being out on medical, needing training, callouts, and vacation time, we often need multiple employees to work doubles to ensure coverage. There was significant discussion about ADA paratransit service, reasonable accommodations on fixed route, bus barn renovations, technology, as well as ridership. In particular, it is noteworthy that ridership is rebounding to pre-pandemic numbers which is great news as our funding take that into account. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 pm. Main Street parking request