HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-13 Government Operations Committee Minutes GovOps ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr;
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Government Operations Committee
Monday, January 13, 2025
Rescheduled from January 6, 2025
Minutes
Committee Members Present: S. Hawes, Chair, M. Beck, S. Deane, W. Mallar
Non-committee members Present: R. Fournier, C. Fish
Staff present: C. O'Donnell,J. Gunderman, D. Laurie, D. Szewczyk
The meeting was opened by Committee Chair Sue Hawes at 6:43pm.
1. Public Health Update
Jen Gunderman, Public Health Director, presented an overview and update with public health. She
referenced her memo provided in the packets of the highlights.
- Maine COC—In response to Housing& Urban Development(HUD) informing them of a need to
restructure,they have spent the last four months diving in that. A group which included staff
from Public Health participated in those conversations around the governing structure and they
worked hard and quickly to make recommendations which have been well received.
- Municipalities on Harm Reduction Health Centers Working Group—This group was directed by
the legislature to look at harm reduction health centers, commonly referred to as safe injection
sites.There were representatives from across the state and different sectors that did a lot of
work to put together a report for recommendations as to what should be considered should a
facility come online in Maine. The report is expected to be finalized and given to legislature next
month. In response to questions, Director Gunderman stated that the report provides guidance
but no mandate would come from the group. It was pointed out that should a facility be
authorized that it would likely require funding from the legislature.
- Community Health Leadership Board (CHLB)—A local group made up health and public health
leaders facing health concerns and issues in Bangor. Recently, they've spent a lot of time on the
HIV Cluster with a lot of conversations regarding their need to go above and beyond and what
that means.They have requested guidance from state CDC including on-the-ground presence
and a financial request for the overextension that has been required.That request is with the
DHHS commissioner's office and they have not yet heard back.
- Syringe waste—Health Equity Alliance (HEAL) had MOU with us for syringe waste pick up that is
not being continued given their circumstances. Public Health has been engaging in conversations
with Wabanaki about potentially taking it over and what that would look like including
deliverables and budget. The amount is expected to be higher, as they provide structure and
capacity that is high quality.This work would be paid for by opioid settlement funds and not tax
payers. Will return with more information once settled.
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- She also touched on a number of others items including: the lactation program,vaccination
clinics, WIC is in its 50t"year and has always been with the city of Bangor,tobacco cessation
program at Bangor and Brewer high schools, naloxone distribution and healthy eating active
living program. In response to a question, she did share that the opioid settlement fund plan is
in the works and they are working on organizing community sessions, as well as a desire to flesh
out their website.
2. Authorization to Apply for MEHAF Grant
Director Gunderman provided an overview of this item.This grant has provided funding for work with
those who inject drugs.The currently existing grant ends in May.They are seeking to shift toward
working with local groups regarding the lack of access to primary care and the barriers that exists. If
approved, Public Health will submit a letter of intent/interest regarding this grant.
Councilor eeck made a motion to recommend to full Council, seconded by Councilor Deane, with no
objection, all in favor.
On a related health topic. Director Gunderman shared she had recently received an opportunity to
submit a letter of interest related to another matter. She explained how Health Equity Alliance had
previously held a grant passed through Lubec Regional Medical Center from the state for HIV case
management called Ryan White. That arrangement is ending and they have now put this out to see if
there are others interested, as they may go through the RFP process. She requested permission for a
letter of interest to Lubec to explore opportunity to do HIV case management for Penobscot and
Piscataquis, only.
Councilor eeck made a motion to recommend to full Council, seconded by Councilor Deane, with no
objection, all in favor.
3. Referral: Council Order 25-039 Amending City Ordinance to Change the Time of Regular Council
Meetings from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Asst. City Manager gave a brief overview.
Councilor Deane made a motion to recommend to full Council,seconded by Councilor Beck, with no
objection, all in favor.
4. Draft Council Meeting and Standing Committee Meeting Public Comment Policy Discussion
City Solicitor Szewczyk gave an overview of this policy. It is a draft policy with the intention of first
review by Council. It is meant to make rules clear and to reduce potential misunderstandings. He read
the purpose statement in the policy. He had a couple suggestions to add to the policy including: 1.a.
Sentence addition—Council Chair has the ability to alter the time if needed.This would create flexibility.
2.a. Mirror what is above in the meetings with name, location. Couple other minor changes. 2.Add h—
obscene and overly repetitive, etc. line be added.
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Councilor Mallar requested clarification regarding first point. He objected to being able to reduce the
public comment period.There was support by multiple other Councilors for the Chair to have that
discretion. Solicitor also noted that the policy would amend public comment to 15 min at the start of
Council meeting and 45 min at the end, if warranted.There was also discussion about Roberts Rules of
Order and how public comment has been handled in the past.
Staff will bring back an updated policy with revisions for further discussion to the next Gov Ops meeting
based on this discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20
