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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-12 City Council Minutes MINUTES OFREGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 12, 2025 Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM Chaired by Council Chair Pelletier Councilors Absent:Beck Meeting adjourned at 7:S7 PM PROCLAMATION Proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month PUBLIC COMMENT Scon Pardy spoke regarding the local tax burden. Francisca Smith requested a donation from the Ciry of$5,000 for a communiry- based English for speakers of other languages program in Bangor. Tyler Shanahan spoke regarding the unsafe injection sites in the City and the need for safe injection sites. Hilary Simmons spoke regarding the need for the City Council to have fairness and consistency in public discourse. Amy Roeder and Connie McT�ey spoke in favor of the$5,000 requestfrom Ms. Smith. Iry Marsters agreed with Hilari Simmons'statemen� He invited the City Council to an event on May 23�d"Unmasking the'Drug Crisis in Maine." Shelton Lanham and Wayne Antone spoke regarding the 271 Elm Street property and the need for something to be done soon. They felt the site needed to be cleaned up and secured CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR *Explanatory Note:All items listed in the Consent Agenda are considered routine and are proposed for adoption by the City Council by one motion without discussion or deliberation.Any member of the public may request that the Council remove an item fi•om the Consent Agenda for discussion. An item will only be removed if a City Councilor requests its removal to New Business. MINUTES OF: Ciry Council Meeting of April 28, 2025, Government Operations Cotn�nittee Meeting of May S,2025, and Finance Committee Meetings of April 7, 2025 and April 23, 2025 �_� Action: Approved 25-149 ORDER Establishing a Trust and Agency Account for Mansfield DEANE Stadium Action: Passed 25-ISO ORDER Accepting a Donation of a Bench for tfie Bangor HAWES Waterfront from the Family of Elliana Campbell Action: Passed Page 1 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 12, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. CDUNCILOR 25-1 SI ORDER Accepting a Donation of a Bench for the Bangor Municipal DEANE Golf Course from the Family of Bill Masters Action: Passed 25-152 ORDER Authorizing an Application to the State of Maine to Enter BECK into a Private Plan for Paid Family Medical Leave and Contract with The Standard for a Rate of.885% Action: Passed 25-153 ORDER Authorizing the Sale of Properry at 66 Smith Street in the BECK Amount of$25,000 to Sleeper Buildings& Contracting, LLC Action: Passed REFERRALS TO COMMITTEE AND FIRST READING ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-I54 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 165,Land Development Code, by FISH Adding a Genera[Public Safety Use to the Airport Development District Action: First Reading and Referral to Planning Board on May 20, 2025 2S-ISS ORDINANCE Amending Chapter I6S,Land Development Code, by FOURNIER Clarifying Certain Requirements for Land Development Per`nits Action: First Reading and Referral to Planning Board on May 20, 2025 25-IS6 ORDINANCE Amending the City's Disruptive Property Ordinance to HAWES Update the Definition of Disruptive Activities and Expand Its Applicabiliry Action: First Reading 25-IS7 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 23, Boards, Committees and TREMBLE Commissions,Article VI, by Clarifying Language and Adding Sections to Address Cause for Removal Action: First Reading and Referral to Government Operations Commitlee Meeting of May I9, 2025 Page 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 12, 2025 REFERRALS TO COMMITTEE AND FIRST READING ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-158 ORDINANCE Amending Section 29I-42 of the Code of Ordinances to LEONARD Allow On-Street Parking During the Wirtter Except During a Snow-Clearing Order Action: First Reading UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR Public Hearin� 25-131 ORDER Declaring the Structure at 271 Elm Street to be a MALLAR Dangerous Building and Authorizing its Demolition Action: Motion made and seconded to postpone to next Ciry Council Meeting Passed to Postpone 25-146 RESOLVE Accepting andAppropriating�75,000 in Fundsfrom the HAWES Maine Community Resilience Partnership Program for Municipal Building Energy Audits and Bicycle Infrastructure Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR PUBLIC HEARING: Application for Special Amusement License Renewal of HAWES Arayos LLC d/b/a Diamonds, 190B Har[ow Street Action: Motion made and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened Attorney David Walker, representing Arayos,LLC, indicated that the owners would cooperate with[aw ertforcement and preserve evidence. Motion made and seconded for Approval Approved 2S-I59 ORDER Authorizing a Contract with Johnson Controls for a FISH Security Access Control System at Bangor International Airport in the Amount of$300,739.97 It was previously determined that Council Chair Pelletier {zas a conflict of interest. Council Chair Pelletier left the roonz. Page 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 12, 2025 NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed Council Chair Pelletier returned to the meeting. 25-160 ORDER Adopting City Council Guidelines TREMBLE Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed 25-161 ORDER Appointing Carollynn J.Lear as City Manager and FOURNIER Authorizing the Execution of an Employment Agreement Action: Molion made and seconded for Passage Passed ;, ATTEST: �" is . o win, MC, City Clerk Page 4 Good evening, members of the Caty Cr�uncil. My name is Scott Pardy, and I'rn a resident of Bangor. I'm here today to address a�natter of signif cant cancern to many in our community:the issue of our local tax burden. We all understand the vital xole cily sez vices play in making Bangox a great place to live. However,we must alsa acknawledge the growi.ng press�are that ta��es are placing c�n our residents. It's important to frame aur lacal situation within the broader context of our sta.te. Maine currentiy carries the unenviable distinction of having the f�i:th-highest to�ta�burden in the entire United Sta.tes. Digging deeper into that,the picture becomes even more cancerning at the lacal level,as Maine ran�s n-umber ane in the nation for the highest property�t�es. Prc�pert.y t�es,as we lfnow,are a direct responsibility af our city. ti�hile vve grapple with this high property ta��burden, it's crucial to remember that Maine also ranks as the 19th sta.te in terms of pav�rry. This intersecnon af high ta��es and a significant poverty rate crea�es a challenging envirc�nment fox man� of our neighbors. We recognize that the costs of praviding essential services have increased. Inflation has im.pacted ev�ryc�ne, including the city's operational expenses. However,we believe that gc�ver�ent, at all l�ve�s, has a rzsponsibility to avais3 placing undue hardship on its citizens, espe�ially during t�xrses af economic uncertainty.In�reasir3g property taxes does exactly the oppasite; it puts our resadents at greater financial risk, poten.tially forcing difficult choices between necessities. �v�x t��e past fiv�years,we've w3.tnessed an alarxning increase in our property taxes, exceeding ���/� i�cz��tal. This rate of growth is siniply unsustainable for many homeoumer�an� renters in �an�or. It erades affardability and can destabilize our community. Therefore,I respectfully urge the City Council ta take decisive action to address this grawi�ag burder�. Specifically, I request that the counci�instruct city staffto produce a budget for th� �pct�ming fiscal�ear that inciudes nc�in�rease in praperty taxes. Thzs directive wauld signal a com.�n�t7nent to�iscal resp�nsibiliLy anc�a recognition of the financial pressures faced by Bangor residents. , � 'T�.is is nc�t abaut diminisi�ing essenna� services. Instead, it's about prioritizing efficiency, exploring a�terna�ive salutions, an�.enstaring that ar,�r city's firaancial planaa.ing reflects the realities�aced b� i�s peo�le. '�xTe'oe�i�.�%�that with��efit� �o�sidera.tit>�ss�d.�'e�tive p�'�blem- solTaing, a budget tha�maintains vital s�rvices without f.urther inereasing the tax burden is achi�vable. i hae�k you for your t�me and considera�ion of this cr%tical issue. We Iook fore�ard to your leadership an ens�aring a r�lore sust�inabl� and affordable future for all reszdents af Bangor. Key Responsibilities: s Legislative Functions: City Councilars are respansibfe for �reating and passir�� ardinances and resolves, essential9y the Eaws of the city. • �udge�ary Oversight: They play a crucial rale in deve4oping and ap�roving the city's annuaf budget, allc�cating finan�ial resources far varia�s city services. � Poli�y Deveioprnent: Councilors establish overai! p�iicy for the city, setting the directian for various areas like public safety, infrastructure, and community development. • Cornmittee Wioric: �hey are assig�ed to var�ou� standing comrraittees th�t review specific issues and make recommendations t6 the fuli councif, accordinq to the City of �angor ME _ ov . For example, the Infrastructure Comr�ittee revieyvs and approves city capital pro�ects. � ��p�esenting the Caty: �'he Council Ghair serves as IVlayor, �epresenting �he ci#y at ceremc�r��al events and i�teracting with siate an� federal governments_ s �e��ra! Oversight: �he� provide general over�igtt�ta the city's operations, er�surir�g �hat city departments and agencies a�e functioring effective!y. • S�rv�ng the Public: (�ot��cilors are expected to be zair, impartiai, 3nd resporasive �� the needs of the �eople. I f., 1 Proposal for Community-Based ESOL Program in Bangor Submitted by: Francisca Smith May 12th, 2025 Overview I am seeking a grant of $5,000 to launch a year-long English for speakers of other Languages (ESOL) program in Bangor. This initiative aims to provide beginner and intermediate-level ESOL classes tailored to the needs of our immigrant and refugee communities, many of whom face language barriers that hinder their integration, employment opportunities, and access to essential services. Program Structure & Budget: . Total sessions: 10 (4 in Fall, 4 in Spring, 2 in Summer) • Class Duration: Each session includes 7 classes, 2 hours per class • Levels OfFered: Beginner and Intermediate • Total Instruction Hours: 14 hours per level per session; 28 hours per session • Total Program hours: 28 hours/session X 5 sessions = 140 hours Program Structure. Total per session(Pay Session & Level Weeks/Hours Pay rate/hour rate x hours) p 7 weeks x 2 hours per BeginnerSession I week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 Beginner Session. 7 weeks x 2 hours per 1/ week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 Interrriediate 7 weeks x 2 hours per Session/. : week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 Intermediate 7 weeks x 2 hours per Session 11 week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 ' 7 weeks x 2 hours per Beginner Session 1 week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 Summer Intermediate 7 weeks x 2 hours per Session 1 week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 4 _i s<<:.'r,�':�',�'�: - - •=;? � ..�i;_:n ��::;� 7 weeks x 2 hours per =::�� Be inner Session I week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 �:f�;> g ��;�. --_ - _::¢:;q,;.�;:.�,;..z>'�',;i-�>i',i:;��;__'' ' :-"�=�`��'�-�=�i�-`����``=?.-r;Beginner Session 7 weeks x 2 hours per ;�p:>- __ -zT,: :<, - _ . O - ll week- 14 hours $35/hour $490 0 - __ ';`F'all'i:.:'-:�-s`':r,'=' _ -- >+;; Intermediate 7 weeks x 2 hours per -� `� - -��°r' Session 1 week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 _ :;;;.:. - -' - ,:a•;ni,;.1 _ - :��-�, Intermediate 7 weeks x 2 hours per _ - - - ` Session !/ week= 14 hours $35/hour $490.00 �.4'i;iiSi.' ;',t':','� __ - Total 10 sessions 140 hours . $4,900.00 Budget for Year 1 (Spring 2026 - Fa112026): Expense Category Line Item Amount . Instructor Compensation (per diem) See Program Structure $4,900.00 Supplies Paper $50.00 Pens/Pencils $50.00 Venue In Kind $0.00 Total Amount Requested $5,000.00 Implementation Plan Upon approval, I plan to collaborate with Maine Multicultural Center and Amy Roeder • Recruit Qualified Instructors: Identify and hire experienced ESOL teachers. • Secure Venues: Utilize accessible community spaces for classes. • Outreach & Enrollment: Engage with community leaders to promote the program and enroll participants. Expected Outcomes L- � 1 • Enhanced Language Skills: Participants will gain foundational English proficiency, aiding in daily interactions and employment. • Community Integration: Improved communication will foster greater involvement in community activities and services. • Economic Opportunities: Language skills can open doors to better job prospects and career advancement. Conclusion This ESOL program represents a strategic investment in Bangor's diverse community, promoting inclusivity and empowerment. With the requested funding, we can address a critical need and lay the foundation for a more cohesive and prosperous community. Thank you for considering this proposal. Respectfully, Francisca Smith fsmith breweredu.ora. - (207) 227-4246 Esteemed members of the Bangor City Council, My name is Tyler Shanahan, and I stand before you today to address an issue of growing concern and potential danger within our city. Last year, my colteague Scott Pardy and I presented a 12-part series to this council regarding the pressing need for safe injection sites in Bangor.While that conversation has,forvarious reasons, stalled,the underlying issues have not disappeared. In fact,they have manifested in a concerning and visible way: the creation of de facto, unsafe injection sites within our public spaces. Specifically, I am referring to the four public outhouses scattered throughout our city. Over the past year, on my regular commute, I made it a point to observe the condition of at least two of these facilities.What I consistently found was deeply troubling.The ground surrounding these structures is often littered with discarded needle caps. Furthermore, there is clear evidence of fires being started within or near these outhouses, presumably by individuals experiencing homelessness seeking warmth. Most recently,just within the last week, on a particularly rainy night, I attempted to access the public outhouse across from the library. I was unabte to enter because individuals were Locked inside, seeking shelter from the elements.While I cannot fault anyone for trying to find refuge during such harsh conditions,this incident highlights the unintended consequences of these facitities. In essence, we have inadvertently created unsafe injection sites.The intention behind providing these public outhouses may have been well-meaning, but the reality is that they are now frequently used in ways that endanger the individuals using them and potentially the wider public. It is rare to imagine someone without a significant drug dependency resorting to these isolated and often unsanitary locations for basic needs. To provide a clearer picture of the conditions within these public outhouses on any given day, I will be sending photographic evidence to your email inboxes.These images,taken over the past several months,will illustrate the stark reality of what these spaces have become. This situation serves as yet another compelling argument for the establishment of a supervised safe injection site within our city. Perhaps then,we can transition away from these unsafe alternatives and invest in public restrooms that serve their intended purpose for all members of our community. My name is Rose Pompey. I am the multilingual teacher at Bangor High School. For those who don't know—that means I have the privilege of teaching our students who speak other languages and are learning English while also learning the content in their classes. I am here to ask that you prohibit our local law enforcement from entering into a 287(g) agreement with ICE and Border Patrol. As a teacher who works with students impacted by the recent ICE raids, I have seen the devastation and trauma they have caused. In the last week and a half, at least four of the 27 families I work with have had family members detained by ICE. All of my students are scared.All of them are struggling.They don't know who will be picked up next. I always tell my students I have two jobs: to help them learn and to keep them safe.The constant threat of ICE is impacting my ability to do both of those things. No one can focus on school and learning when they are terrified that they and/or their family members are about to be kidnapped. I say"kidnapped" because that is what is happening. People are being taken off the streets by officers in plain clothes without being formally arrested,without warrants, and without consideration of what papers they may have or what their status may be. As a city council, I believe part of your job is to keep the citizens of Bangor safe.Allowing local law enforcement to enter into an agreement with ICE/Border Patrol would not keep the people who live here safe. It would disrupt families. It would disrupt local businesses who rely on the labor of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. It would greatly damage our trust in our local institutions to do their job when it comes to protecting and supporting the people who live here. A binding ordinance would show my students and their families that we as a city value them and value what they bring to Bangor. Given the increased activity in the Last two weeks,the time to do this is now. It is time for us to take a stand as a city and say that we protect all our residents. Thankyou foryourtime and your consideration.