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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-17 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Special Meeting Minutes Monday, June 17, 2024 Members: Hawes, Schaefer (Temp. Chair),Tremble, Deane Absent:Yacoubagha Non-Committee members: Fournier, Pelletier, Leonard Staff: David Szewczyk, Debbie Laurie, Courtney O'Donnell Meeting began at approximately 6:55pm. 1. Referral of Ordinance Revision: Loitering on Medians Members of public will be invited to provide comments on this item. The final vote will occur at a City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, June 24t" at 7:30 p.m. Public comment will be allowed on the item at that time, as well. Councilor Schaefer was acting Committee Chair for the meeting. She opened the meeting by inviting the City Solicitor David Szewczyk to provide an overview of the subject. He reviewed the ordinance change, explained it is narrow in scope and applies to only certain median 6 ft or less and in high crash/volume areas that are owned by the City. He reviewed concerns previously raised related to free speech concerns and his belief that this will withstand and the reason for the proposal is for safety reasons. The meeting was opened up for members of the public to provide comment. Bangor residents Katie Coe, Jason Hunt expressed concerns related to Portland's ordinance being deemed unconstitutional, potential effect of criminalizing those "already on the edge of society". Hermon resident Doug Dunbar also provided public comment (he also handed out a press release related to the hot weather which was questioned in the meeting if it was related; Councilor Schaefer stated the City would be releasing information related to that topic the following day) and gave his perspective about it having a larger impact on those experiencing homelessness. With no further public comment, it was turned over for Councilor comments. Councilor Leonard asked about the data and if it was available related to the high crash locations and expressed concerns related to first amendment rights.There was further discussion with Councilors Tremble, Fish, Pelletier, Schaefer and Hawes expressing support for the ordinance update. The process was clarified that this item went to Gov Ops on June 3, had first reading at Council meeting on June 10 and was referred back to Gov ops for this meeting, and the final vote will occur Monday, June 24. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:35pm.