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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-19 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 @ 5:15 PM Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP MEETING MINUTES City Councilors Present: Dean, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Leonard, Mallar, Pelletier. City Staff Present: Krieg, Laurie. Chair Fournier called the meeting to order at 5:16 P.M. 1. HOUSING STUDY — FINAL REPORT, Action requested to accept, reject, or otherwise further edit the document Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and gave an overview of the final report and requested edits from last meeting. Councilor Mallar requested two additional revisions to correct typing errors. Councilor Leonard asked about whether there is specific mention in the report of housing to support the staff of Eastern Maine Medical Center — Development Director Krieg responded and clarified. Councilor Leonard moved acceptance of the final report, seconded by Councilor Fish. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed. 2. NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION — ACCEPT $500,000 GRANT FOR CENTRAL KITCHEN PROJECT, Action requested to accept grant award Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and gave an overview of the grant award. Councilor Hawes asked about the consideration of alternative site locations and Senator Baldacci's request for funding for a commercial kitchen near the airport — Development Director Krieg responded and gave a progress update on this. Councilor Leonard moved acceptance of the grant award, seconded by Councilor Hawes. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed. 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) — Disposition of Rea/ Property or Economic Development, 1 item Councilor Hawes moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C), seconded by Councilor Leonard. Roll call vote conducted — all in favor, none opposed. Motion passed. Committee members came out of Executive Session 5:45 PM. Councilor Leonard moved to accept the lease and amended documents, seconded by Councilor Hawes. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed. Councilor Leonard requested a safety review from Airport Director Jose Saavedra to address recent aviation safety concerns. Development Director Anne Krieg and City Manager Debbie Laurie responded that they would coordinate this. City Manager Laurie presented to the Committee and asked to address funding for permanent supportive housing through the Continuum of Care. Stated that the COC is planning on sending a letter to Senator Collins to honor State funding that has already been approved. Discussed at length with Committee members. Councilor Leonard moved authorization for the City's support of the letter, seconded by Councilor Fish. Councilor Mallar asked to see the letter in writing beforehand — City Manager Laurie responded that she would forward the letter onto Councilors but that this is time-sensitive. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 P.M. Meeting minutes respectfully submitted, Sarah Maquillan Admin. Asst. C&ED