HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-07 Government Operations Committee Minutes Gov Ops ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Monday,April 7, 2025 Minutes Note:Due to inadvertent staff error, this meeting was not recorded and therefore there is no video record available. Committee Members Present: S. Deane (Temporary Committee Chair), W. Mallar, M. Beck Absent: S. Hawes, D.Tremble Non-Committee Councilors Present: R. Fournier, C. Pelletier, C. Fish Staff: C. O'Donnell,T. Willette,J. Gunderman, D. Laurie, G. Innis Opened at 5:47 pm. 1. Opioid Settlement Funds Work Plan Public Health Director Jennifer Gunderman provided an overview of her memo outlining the Public Health Department's recommended approach for the opioid settlement funds. She discussed the activities described, as well as a timeline for community listening sessions, as well as the values used to guide the work. She shared the deep responsibility of stewardship that she and her department share related to the use of these funds.The intent is to move from crisis response to long term investment by focusing primarily on prevention. She also mentioned that the funding will be inconsistent each year and that that should be a consideration for how the funds will be used. She outlined the program that is being proposed and shared how they relate to the guidelines for the settlement. Excerpt from the memo in pertinent part, "the recommendation is to pursue one, long-term project to benefit Bangor children and their families.A locally initiated, targeted program that meets the needs within our community, resulting in data driven metrics is a unique opportunity, which could leverage additional investments beyond the settlement funds. While, there are many appropriate uses for these funds:prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery initiatives, dividing the funds among multiple projects and organizations does not provide enough resources in any one area to make a significant, long-lasting change. We believe making a substantial investment in prevention is a key strategy to "breaking the current cycle." She outlined the phases for planning that would include low barrier opportunities for gathering input and why a consultant would be helpful, as they could facilitate the conversations. She also shared they wanted to be thoughtful of the timeline of five and half months for community feedback. When the community is involved in the planning process, intervention has higher success.The goal is to address the gap in prevention by creating a meaningful path for long-term impact. Councilor Leonard mentioned he had previously asked for a committee to be formed for this purpose for them to decide what happens to the funds and asked if other Councilors were supportive of that. Councilor Beck expressed appreciation for the thought and the creation of a committee. He stated that the special committee for the parks and recreation facility was pulled together quickly and though this ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR one could to. He stated he would like to see that happen and does not believe a consultant is needed. He shared the committee should include representation from Public Health. Councilor Pelletier also expressed interested in a committee and that it could be staffed by existing staff and not a consultant. She believes it would create more avenues to be heard from citizens interested in this topic. Councilor Deane shared her belief that citizens have better expertise than a consultant. Director Gundermand shared that the consultant is to facilitate conversations, not to be a subject matter expert on substance use. She also explained that Public Health's staff are dedicated to grants with specific workplan, so they wouldn't have the time to shepherd it in the same way a consultant could do. She inquired if there was a desire by the Committee/Council to have an advisory committee without the community input or if the preference was to do both. She shared if it was both that that would be harder to do inhouse to do capacity limits. Councilor Pelletier shared she would like both. City Manager Laurie mentioned that the contacts Public Health has created would be at the table but being limited to a committee's voices may prevent additional viewpoints. She explained the budget the consultant would be 18k of the 32k. In response to the discussion, Councilor Beck stated that he wants the committee only so it can move quickly. He outlined who he thought could be on the committee. Councilor Leonard agreed with this. Councilor Fish agreed with Councilor Becks suggestion. Director Gunderman shared her concern with just providing a little bit of money to a lot of organizations rather than going deep to help effect change. Councilor eeck made a motion to recommend to full Council a committee be established to determine how the funds are used,seconded by Councilor Mallar. No objection. There was some additional conversation about outreach to the committee for feedback and whether or not the process would actually be slowed down. It was determined that the committee should be formed and they could decide how feedback is gathered. 2. Ordinance Amendment:Clarification Regarding Roberts Rules Assistant City Solicitor Grace Innis provided an overview of this topic as outlined in a memo included in the packet regarding citizen appointed committees following Roberts Rules. It was shared that the City has a long-standing practice that its citizen appointed committees and boards have not been expected to followed Roberts Rules but the legal department found that the ordinance was unclear.The proposed ordinance change would clarify that advisory committees/boards appointed by Council with no decision- making authority do not need to follow Roberts Rules of Order. Councilor Mallar shared that he has an issue with committees not following Roberts rules.There was a discussion about what a quorum meant and that members present without a quorum could or could not do. Assistant City Manager O'Donnell explained the committees have been advised that they can have a discussion at the (publicly noticed) meeting but no take votes or any other formal action is taken. She also explained that asking citizens on an advisory committees to follow Roberts Rules may create barriers and that those boards such as Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, and Council all have a City attorney present to ensure they follow proper process. ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR There was discussion about a pending recommendation to help address attendance at these committees that may help resolve the lack of quorum the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Humans Rights (ACREIHR) in particular issue that has brought this issue to the forefront. Councilor Beck shared that at the last ACREIHR meeting they didn't have a quorum but discussed the issue of attendance even though they couldn't take-action but saw value in their ability to do that so long as it's a properly noticed meeting. He shared that he does not object to this change. Councilor Fournier is fine with the recommendation and stated that he believes it creates a good first step. Councilor eeck made a motion to move the recommended ordinance update forward, Councilor Deane seconded. Councilor Mallar voted in opposition. Motion passed 2-1. 3. Parks& Recreation-4th of July Update Parks& Recreation Director Tracy Willette provided an overview of this topic, as outlined in the memo attached to the meeting materials. He shared that since 1970 the July 4t" corporation, a local nonprofit, has organized and paid for the July 4t" parade and fire works with City support. He shared that the volunteer group is no longer able to maintain it and would like to partner with the City.The nonprofit believes they can maintain the parade but asked for assistance for the fireworks. It has become harder to fundraise for the 20K needed every year. Director Willette recommended that staff be authorized to create an internal fund and to fundraise and administer the fireworks moving forward. Councilor Leonard asked if the recommendation meant that the City would absorb the full cost or could partner with others. Director Willette shared that the recommendation is to establish a separate fund and develop sponsorships and partnerships with others rather than directly absorb into the costs. Councilor Beck expressed concerned that appearances matter and it could lead to an appearance of a conflict of interest. Councilor Mallar asked if we would fund it. City Manager Debbie Laurie stated that if we want the fireworks to continue then it will result in a funding increase likely up to half of the 25k and that we currently provide Sk yearly. If approved,the Order would be very specific in terms of what is solicited to ensure compliance with Charter and Ordinance. In response to a question, it was clarified that these funds would be held and controlled by the City. Councilor Deane asked the benefit of the city. Director Willette pointed out it is hard to quantify but that the events bring a lot of people into the city and local businesses benefit as a result. Councilor Beck expressed a desire that others should be asked prior to it falling on the City, as he believes there are other options and wants it falling to the City to be a last resort. President the July 4t"Corporation Tony Bernatche came to the table and shared that he has personally raised a couple million dollars over the years for the July 4th parade and fireworks festivities and until recently owned a business and had connections that helped him raise. Now that is no longer the case, he's found it harder to raise the funds necessary. He also expressed concern with the dwindling number of volunteers with the Kiwanis Club and the July 4t" Corporation who are instrumental to the work. He stated, however,that the nonprofit wants to continue to fund the parade and a concert. He stated in the past they've been able to gather donations at the events that have benefited the Lafayette center. ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR He shared some of the expenses that folks may not think of such as portable restrooms that are required and stated that they could continue on only one more year under the present conditions. Councilor Deane asked if it could be for one year only, as we are known for the celebration and need the July 4th events. Councilor Leonard asked if Downtown Bangor Partnership might be interested in helping out to support the event. Councilor Pelletier stated that she would like to see the July 4th celebration happen this year even if it's a short-term solution rather than ending in committee. Councilor Fish believes the celebration is important but suggested there be a cap to the amount that will come from Bangor. Councilor Beck proposes we approach to Brewer and come back with more information about what others are willing to provide. Councilor Deane shared that she believes that the funds can be raised privately. Councilor Fournier believes we are only three months out and don't have time, as there is a sense of urgency if we want to see the event happen this year. Councilor Beck made a motion for staff to approach Brewer and come back with proposal for committee to review, Councilor Mallar seconded. No objection. 4. City Hall Update Asst. City Manager Courtney O'Donnell shared that the renovations at City Hall are coming along. You'll note there is an item on the Finance agenda next related to City Hall which will help us move forward to hopefully return to the building this summer.We've also been working with the Historical Society for displays of artwork and artifacts specific to Bangor. We will be working to set up a tour of City Hall within the next month so the Council can see the improvements first hand. Closed at 6:39 pm.