HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ,.��:;:
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CITY c�F BANGOR
Government Operations Committee
Monday, April 1, 2024
Minutes
Council Committee Members Present: Dina Yacoubagha, Carolyn Fish, Gretchen Schaefer, Dan Tremble
Non-Committee Members Present: Rick Fournier, Susan Deane,Joe Leonard
Staff Present: Courtney O'Donnell,Anja Collette, Debbie Laurie, David Szewczyk
Start time: 6:00 PM
1. Regional Climate Action Plan Presentation
Maddie Jensen, Planner with the Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System
(BACTS) was present to provide an overview of this final update of the plan. BACTS acted as
the project manager for this work and are leading the regional effort. As she went over the
large topics that impact climate and potential action items, Anja Collette, City Planner,
shared pieces of information specific to Bangor. Anja mentioned how this aligns with
Comprehensive Plan. Councilor Tremble asked about other communities participating and it
was shared that despite Bangor and Orono leading the charge, we've seen good
participation from other communities. This item will
A motion to recommend approval to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer,
seconded by Councilor Tremble—all in favor.
2. Ordinance: Boards, Committees, and Commissions
City Solicitor Dave Szewczyk provided an overview of this request that is intended to help
make the Board of Appeals more efficient. The ordinance change would allow the Chair to
grant a continuance for an applicant, rather than needing to pull together a meeting to vote
on the matter. Often times, once a continuance is granted, the matter is resolved and never
returns to the board because the continuance allowed the time to do so. Mr. Szewczyk
believe this to a good change beneficial to both the city and the applicant.
A motion to recommend approval to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer,
seconded by Councilor Fish—all in favor.
3. Order: Authorizing a Tree Donation from Bangor Beautiful
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PW Director Aaron Huotari provided an overview of this item. Bangor Beautiful is a
nonprofit dedicated to making our community more beautiful. They seek to donate 19
trees, of which 17 would be planted around the intersection of Ohio, Hammond, and High
Streets, making a big difference. There was discussion about loss of trees for various
reasons and this increase will be a great addition. Support was expressed, as well as thanks
to Bangor Beautiful for their work.
A motion recommending approval to full Council was made by Councilor Schaefer,
seconded by Councilor Fish—all in favor.
4. Discussion: Homelessness Plan
Dina shared we've had lots of discussion about this topic and plan created by former
Councilor Jonathan Sprague. She had asked that it be revisited and pointed out that staff
had updated the document with additional updates. City Manager Debbie Laurie reviewed
items and provided updates.
There was discussion about warming centers, state wide call that Debbie participates in
every few weeks, organizations that no longer participate in the work and reasons why that
may be. There was a request for follow-up information related to those housed from Valley
Avenue.
It was mentioned that the City purchases bus tickets for folks willing to return to home and
have done half a dozen in recent days (all out of state). In response to a question about
what attracts people to Maine, Manager Laurie replied that case workers working with the
population have shared that everyone has different stories. She provided an example of
someone who just kept coming north on a bus until they weren't arrested for being
homeless. Another had followed their partner and when they were incarcerated, they
wanted to return home and the city facilitated that. Councilor Tremble asked why we don't
pay for a ticket if they ask to go elsewhere, regardless of who is on the other end. Manager
Laurie shared that the city's approach has been to ensure there is someone on the other
end, so as not to perpetuate the problem that we face in terms of people putting others on
buses headed for Bangor.
There was discussion about based information/numbers that could be shared to help paint
the picture of what is going on in the community. Staff will also reach out to CHCS about
having a Built for Zero update.
There was discussion about the new HEART center operated by HEAL and pubic restrooms.
A plan was made for the document to remain flexible, hopefully we can hire a Homeless
Response Manager soon, and there was mention of the opioid settlement dollars and
Bangor's plan to see what they're doing with it a higher level first and then see if there is a
gap or need not being filled in our area.
Councilors discussed encampment behind Hope House, UMA, and the Pine Tree Inn. She
stated that everything is ready to move forward. However, they are working through to
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relocate people that were in the Inn through the eviction process. Once the structure is
empty, they'll get permitting for construction but it's a 3-4 month process. Manager Laurie
suggested it may be best to prevent new individuals from entering the encampment and
work through process to find alternatives for new folks coming in. Those existing will
continue to receive help in finding housing and pine tree inn may be helpful in that regard
once online. Manager Laurie stated that it is recommended to allow the existing team to
continue to do its work and create a final closure date for the encampment of sept. 30,
potentially.
There was further discussion about other resources in the City. Quarterly updates will be
forthcoming.
5. Assistant City Manager Updates
Assistant City Manager Courtney O'Donnell provided an overview of the MMA Executive
Committee nomination process. Councilor Tremble advocated that a representative from
Bangor be on the Committee because there is no representation from the larger
municipalities in Maine. ACM O'Donnell stated she would pass along the information to
Councilors and staff will follow up later in the month to see who may be interested. The due
date for nominations is April 22.
ACM O'Donnell also provided an update on the website process, including an update to the
reporting and notifications systems.
Lastly, she shared information related to the electrification plan for the Community
Connector and us supporting the states application for electric vehicles. She also shared
that the cold bus barn rehabilitation will be outfitted for electrification as part of the
upcoming project that is largely grant funded.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
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