HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-03 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr;
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Government Operations Committee Minutes
Monday, June 3, 2024
Committee Chair opened the meeting at 5:15 pm.
Council Committee Members Present: Yacoubagha (Chair), Hawes, Leonard (Appointed at
Mtg), Fournier (Appointed at Mtg)
Other Council Members Present: Pelletier, Deane
Absent: Fish, Tremble, and Schaefer
Due to three committee members being absent, Committee Chair Yacoubagha temporarily
appointed Councilors Leonard and Fournier to serve on the committee for the night.
1. Robot Demonstration by Bangor Police Department
Bangor Police Sargent Shaw & Officer Rusby were in attendance to give Councilors a
demonstration of a new robot purchased for the department that replaced a 20+year old
robot. The primary purpose is for use by bomb squad for primary purpose but it has a lot of
other capabilities including going anywhere its not safe for a human.
The robot is capable of communication, recording, playing messages, flare camera (heat
signatures), and has multiple other cameras. It is portable and technologically advanced.
PD uses the robot in lots of demonstrations, including in schools. It is only one of three in the
state (State Police, Portland PD, and Bangor) with only 15 people training in its use.
The robot retrieved a container thrown on the ground as part of the demonstration.
2. Ordinance Revision: Loitering on Medians
Solicitor David Szewczyk provided an overview of this item. It is a one sentence addition to an
existing ordinance to address safety concerns brought forward regarding specific medians in
Bangor that are owned and controlled by the City. The medians are in high traffic and speed
locations, many of which have been designated as high crash locations by the Maine Dept. of
Transportation.
He reviewed the case in Portland, explained that their ordinance was struck down because they
were allowing some first amendment activities but not all which was found to be discriminating
against some forms of free speech. He stated he believes what he has drafted would withstand
a legal challenge.
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There was a lot of discussion by Councilors Hawes, Fournier, Yacoubagha, Leonard, and Deane
regarding safety, the site locations, concerns heard by the public regarding those in the
medians but also by the ACLU and others. They also discussed process, the data referenced in
determining high crash locations, and how it would be enforced. City Engineer John Theriault
spoke to the locations of the types of inedians found in the city and their uses. Police Chief
Hathaway spoke to enforcement and stated that in most cases folks would be asked to find an
alternative location and didn't anticipate folks would be arrested or fined, as often education is
enough.
Most Councilors expressed a desire for it to move forward. City resident Katie Coe asked to
speak and was acknowledged by the Committee Chair. She shared her concerns that the
ordinance would further criminalize those who panhandle.
A motion was made bv Councilor Hawes to recommend the ordinance revision to full Council,
seconded bv Councilor Leonard with all in favor.
3. Resolve: Accepting and Appropriating $38,000 in funding from Center for Tobacco
Independence for In-School Tobacco Treatment Services
Public Health Promotions Manager Jamie Comstock explained that this funding is for tobacco
treatment (cessation) in schools, including Bangor High School, in Penobscot county. Currently,
this service is being provided through a different grant and this funding would allow services to
continue. Jamie—clarified tobacco cessation.
Public Health (PH) has found that there are few resources in this area for youth, especially one-
on-one work and yet people respond to it. PH hopes to integrate with the school-based health
center. In response to a question, she stated that it is a voluntary program that students can
self-identify and that they are working on a referral pathway.
A motion was made by Councilor Hawes to recommend the ordinance revision to full Council,
seconded by Councilor Leonard with all in favor.
4. Order: Authorizing Application for Data Innovation Project Fellowship
Public Health (PH) Director Jen Gunderman explained that PH had started the process for
accreditation to helps us move toward accessibility, performance and there is a challenge in
progressing due to lack of resources. Similar to student internship program, if awarded, this
fellowship would support those efforts at no cost to the city and the school pays for the
students to do the program (stipend and scholarship).
A motion was made bv Councilor Hawes to recommend the ordinance revision to full Council,
seconded bv Councilor Leonard with all in favor.
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5. Public Health Updates
A memo was provided in the packet that provides highlights. Director Gunderman shared
information related to: PH workforce assessment, work with Bangor High for youth health
assessment surveys, syringe needle pickup and data, HIV cluster and work with the Maine CDC
6. Maine Municipal Association's Legislative Policy Committee: Nominations
Assistant City Manager Courtney O'Donnell gave an overview of this committee and the need
for a Councilor to be appointed. This committee informs MMAs position on various bills before
the legislature. Councilor Hawes recently served and shared information about her experience.
There was discussion about the commitment and timing. Anyone interested will need to let
staff know within next couple week.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:12pm.