The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2025-05-28 City Council Minutes (4) i MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 I � Meeting called to order at 7:30 PM Chaired by Council Chair Pelletier Councilors Absent:Hawes,Leonard Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM PUBLIC COMMENT Michael Gleason spoke in favor of funding for the Bangor Public Library. Scott Pardy and Tyler Shanahan spoke against arty increase in property taxes. Joshua Devlin felt the city should invest in the employees and also meet witla them before outsourcing work. Jamie Beck spoke against an arbitrary cut to the school budget. Suzette Furrow spoke regarding her concerns with the Advisory Committee on Racial Equily,Inclusion and Human Rights. Hilari Sirfzmons was concerned with the lack of response from the Advisory Conzmittee on Racial Equity,Inclusion and Hurnan Rights as well as the Ciry Council to re`rzarks made by a member at a previous meeting. Steve Santiago of Hampden was in favor of Comrrcunity Connector drivers having full time status. 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 rernoval to New Business. Council Order 25-177 was moved from the Consent Agenda to New Business MINUTES OF.• City Counci[Meeting of May I2, 2025, Finance Committee Meeting of May 19, 2025, and Governrnent Operations Committee Meeting of May 19, 2025 Action: Approved 25-162 RESOL[�E Ratifying Execution of a Municipal Quitc[aim Deed for BECK Real Estate Loc�ted c�t 271 Elm Street Action: Passed 25-163 ORDER Aut{zorizing Execution of a Contract wit/z Chiles TLZEMBLE Contracting in t/ie anzount of�450,130 to Replace a Hangar poor at Buitding 600 Actio�z: Passed Page 1 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 Meeting called to order at 7:30 PM Chaired by Council Chair Pelletier Councilors Absent:Hawes,Leonard Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM PUBLIC COMMENT Michael Gleason spoke in favor of funding for the Bangor Public Library. Scott Pardy and Tyler Shanahan spoke against any increase in property taxes. Joshua Devlin felt the city should invest in the employees and also meet with them before outsourcing work. Jamie Beck spoke against an arbitrary cut to the school budget. Suzette Furrow spoke regarding her concerns with the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity,Inclusion and Hurnan Rights. Hilari Simmons was concerned with the lack of response from the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity,Inclusion and Human Rights as well as the City Council to remarks made by a member at a previous meeting. CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TO ITEM NO. 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. Council Order 25-177 was moved from the Consent Agenda to New Business MINUTES OF: City Council Meeting of May 12, 2025, Finance Committee Meeting of May 19, 2025, and Government Operations Committee Meeting of May 19, 2025 Action: Approved 25-162 RESOL VE Ratifying Execution of a Municipal Quitc[aim Deed for BECK Real Estate Located at 271 Elm Street Action: Passed 25-163 ORDER Authorizing Execution of a Contract with Chiles TREMBLE Contracting in the�mount of$450,130 to Replace a Hangar poor at Building 600 Action: Passed Page 1 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TD ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-164 ORDER Authorizing the Execution of a Temporary Use Agreement FISH with Enterprise Rent A-Car Company of Boston,LLC Action: Passed 2S-I6S ORDER Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a$70,000 Grant DEANE from Gilead to Support the Pilot of a One Stop Shop Prograrrt to Increase access to Health Related Services for People Experiencing Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder Action: Passed 25-166 ORDER Authorizing the Ciry Manager to Execute a Memorandum BECK of Agreement with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness to Collaborate on a One Stop Shop Program to Increase Access to I�ealth Related Services for People Experiencing Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder Action: Passed 25-I67 RESOL VE Ratifying the Ciry Manger's Actions to Apply for FFY 2025 FOURNIER Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) Grant Funds of $4,363,926 from the FAA and$114,840 frorn MDOT for the Runway Rehab—Last 1058 Feet Action: Passed 25-168 RESOL i�E Ratifying the Ciry Manager's Actions to Apply for FFY LEONARD 2025 Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) Grant Funds of $31,605 frorn the FAA and$832 frorrz MDOT for the Runway Rehab PAPI Action: Passed 25-169 RESOL vE Ratifying the Ciry Manager's Actions to Apply for FFY LEONARD 2025 Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) Grant Funds of $480,854 fro�n the FAA and$12,654 frorn MDOT for Taxiway A &M—Prelirr�inary Design & Data Collection Action: Passect Page 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-170 ORDER Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contracl with BECK Hopkins Paving LLCfor Construction Services for the Resurfacing of a Portion of Union Street,MaineDOT WIN 26930.00 Action: Passed 25-171 ORDER Appointing Courtney L. O'Donnell as Interim City DEANE Manager Action: Passed 25-172 ORDER Authorizing a Commission of Cultural Development Grant LEONARD of$1,964 to Bangor Ballet for their 2025 Productions of "Nutcracker in a Nutshell,"Held at the Gracie Theater in Bangor Action: Passed 25-173 ORDER Authorizing a Commission on Cultural Development Grant FOURNIER of$2,000 to Bangor Beautiful for Support of their Mural at Bangor's Downeast School Action: Passed 25-174 ORDER Authorizing a Commission on Cultural Development Grant LEONARD of$S00 to Bangor Public Library for an Exhibit to Celebrate the Art and Influence of Bangor Artist Jeremiah Pearson Hardy Action: Passed 25-175 ORDER Authorizing a Commission on Cultural Development Grant FISH of$2,000 to Downtown Bangor Partnership to Support the Launc{z of a Community-centered Public Art Project Called "Free Art Exchange Boxes" Action: Passed 25-176 ORDER Aut/torizing a Commission on Cultural Development Grant FOURNIER of$1,964 to Maine Academy of Modern Music to Support their Bangor Rocks!Program Action: Passed 25-178 ORDER Authorizing the Solicitation of Funds for 4th of July MALLAR Fireworks Action: Passed Pccge 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR 11�EETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 REFERRALS TO COMMITTEE AND FIRST READING ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. CDUNCILOR 25-179 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 165,Land Development Code by HAWES Adding Flexibility to the Reconstruction Requirements for Existing Manufactured Home Parks Constructed Prior to 197I Action: First Reading and Referral to Planning Board Meeting on June 3,2025 25-I80 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 165,Land Development Code by FISH Removing the Limitations on Number and Square Footage of Ternporary Corrzmercial [�endors in the Waterfront Development District Action: First Reading and Referral to Planning Board Meeting of June 3, 2025 25-181 RESOLVE Accepting and Appropriating$679,000 froin the Maine TREMBLE Fire Prolection Services Commission for the Construction of a New Fire Live Training Building for the Bangor Fire Department Action: First Reading 25-I82 RESOL vE Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate BECK $951,845 fro`rz the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to Implement the Maine Prevention Network Action: First Reading 25-183 RESOL VE Appropriating Special Assessment Funds for Bangor LEONARD Center Development District Expenditures to be Made in Fiscal Year 2026 Action: First Reading Page =� MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY CDUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR Public HearinQ 25-131 ORDER Declaring the Structure at 27l Elm Street to be a MALLAR Dangerous Building and Authorizing its Demolition Action: Motion made and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened Motion made and seco�ded to Close Public Hearing Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Passed to Amend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended Passed as Amended 25-154 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 165,Land Development Code, by FISH Adding a General Public Safety Use to the Airport Development District Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 7—0 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck, Deane, Fish, Fournier, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors i�oting No:None Passed 25-ISS ORDINANCE Amending Chapter I65,Land Development Code, by FOURNIER Clarifying Certain Requirements for Land Development Permits Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 7—0 Councilors Voting Yes: Beck, Deane, Fish, Fournier, Mallar, Trerr�ble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No: None Passed 25-I56 ORDINANCE Amending the City's Disruptive Property Ordinance to BECK Update tlze Definition of Disruptive Activities and Expand Its Applicabiliry Aclion: Motion rnade and seconded for Passage Vote: 7—0 Councilors Voting Yes: Beck, Deane, Fisfi, Fournier, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors i�oting No: None Passed Page J MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-I57 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 23,Boards, Committees and TREMBLE Commissions,Article T�I, by Clar�ing Language and Adding Sections to Address Cause for Removal Suzette Furrow spoke against the ordinance and felt that attendance requirements and a Councilor being a member of the commitlee should be two separate ordinances. Hilari Simmons felt the ordinance to address attendance is appropriate. She questioned why a Councilor needed to be included Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 6—1 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Mallar Passed 25-I58 ORDINANCE Amending Section 29I-42 of the Code of Ordinances to FISH Allow On-Street Parking During the Winter Except During a Snow-Clearing Order Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote:3—4 Councilors f�oting Yes:Deane, Fournier, Pelletier Councilors l�oting No:Beck, Fish,Mallar, Tremble Motion Failed NEW B USINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR PUBLIC HEARING: Application for Special Amusement License Renewal of FOURNIER Waterfront Concerts LLC d/b/a Waterfront Concerts, 1 Railroad Street Action: Motion rnade and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened Motion made and seconded to Close Public Hearing Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Approval P�ssed Pczge 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 NEWBUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR PUBLIC HEARING: Application for Special Amusement License New of Salt FOURNIER Maine,LLC d/b/a Salt North Taproom, l6 Union Slreet Action: Motion made and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened Motion made and seconded to Close Public Hearing Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Approval Passed 25-177 ORDER Authorizing Execufion of Two Land Lease Agreements with FOURNIER Enterprise Rent A-Car Company of Boston,LLC Action: Motion made and seconded to postpone to the regular City Council meeting on June 9, 2025 Passed 25-184 ORDER Authorizing the Naming of a Section of Trai[that Connects MALLAR Sylvan Road to Stillwater Avenue Talbot Trail in Honor of Gerald E. Talbot Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed PUBLIC HEARING: 25-I85 ORDER Bangor Center Development District—Establishment of TREMBLE Implementation Assessments Action: Motion made and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened No Comment Motion made and seconded to Close Public Hearing Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed PUBLlC HEARING: 25-186 ORDER Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial DEANE Plan for the Bangor Center Development District Pa�e 7 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2025 NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR Action: Motion made and seconded to Open Public Hearing Public Hearing Opened Hilari Simmons questioned whal the funds for safely and security were for. Betsy Lundy indicated those funds are for the StreetPlus services.Ms. Simmons asked what the$88,000 and$43,000 was for. Ms. Lundy stated it was for salaries and overhead Ms. Simmons asked what the size of staff was and Ms. Lundy indicated they currently have I.66 which is growing to two. Motion made and seconded to Close Public Hearing Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Passage Passed 25-187 ORDER Appointing Nominees to the Opioid Settlement Funds TREMBLE Advisory Committee Action: Motion made and secondedJ'or Passage Passed ATTEST: Lis . ood n,MMC, City Clerk Page 8 __ l�i,�b I, e Co+n m erc.� �=r��n: Michael Gleason ��cr�P�?��c�m�il.�c�m 5�.��j�c�: BPL FUNDING l��e: May 28, 2025 at 18:36:05 ��: City Councii c��r��C��a��r��r��i�F�.�,f�� : gleasonmp@gmail.com _.._.__._._...---------.---- --.--__ .. _.._. My wife and I returned to the Bangor area early in 1973, and moved into our home on Walter Street in October, 1976. In the ensuing 52 years, the Bangor Public Library has been a frequent and important destination to us, our children, and our grandchildren. Aside from the books, DVDs, genealogical and other historic and entertainment resources the Bangor Public Library offers not only to Bangor r�sidents, but to the entire Bangor region, it is a center of activity for an incredible variety of programs and activities. Qecause of current social conditions, my wife and I are extremely pleased that the Bangot- Public Library has taken steps to assure its patrons and visitors that they are safe and that the library maintains a comfortable environment, to include the live-person monitoring of people entering and remaining in the facility. The Bangor Public Library is one of the most important educational and cultural activities in the region, and I sincerely hope that the city Council will favorably consider funding the library request for money. MICHAEL P. GLEASON, SMSgt (R�t), �1SAF 1'14 Walter Street �angor ME USA 04401-7534 �t,tb1 �� rY,m�� ' ��"aa�5 Esteemed members of the City Council, My name is Scott Pardy and I live in Bangor, and I stand before you today not as a seasoned orator,but as a representative of what I believe is the true heart of Bangor: its silent majority. Many of us have felt that our voices, raised in concern over the years, have faded into the background, unheard. We've grown weary,perhaps even apathetic, because despite our pleas, the challenges we face seem to persist, and the burden on our households only grows. But today,that changes. Today, we speak with one voice, and that voice says: we must not raise property taxes. Let's confront the stark reality we live in. Maine consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for property taxes. In fact, recent data shows Maine is number one in the nation for property tax burden, not 48th out of 50 as some might mistakenly believe. This means that when it comes to the portion of our income we pay in property taxes, no other state faces a heavier load. And here in Bangor, the situation is even more acute. Our property taxes are considerably higher than many other communities in a state that already leads the nation in properly tax burden. Now, let's look at the economics of our own community. Recent household income in Bangor stands at $58,096. Compare that to the state average of$78,172, and the national average of $79,466. We are earning significantly less than our peers across the state and the country, yet we are being asked to shoulder a tax burden that is among the highest. This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct threat to the financial stability of our families, our seniors on fixed incomes, and the very ability of many to remain in their homes. For our seniors, a property tax increase can mean the difference between staying in their homes and being forced to relocate, disrupting their lives and weakening the fabric of our community. For young families, it makes homeownership an increasingly distant dream, hindering new investment and growth within our city. For all of us, it means less disposable income for local businesses, less opportunity to save, and a constant feeling of financial strain. We understand that the city has expenses, and we value the services provided—our schools, our police and fire departments, our infrastructure. But the solution cannot perpetually be to extract more from an already struggling populace. The city must not place any more tax burden on its citizens. We are at a breaking point. Instead of automatically resorting to tax increases, we remind this Council, as the governing body of an incorporated city,that your role is akin to a board of directors. You are compensated with a stipend, and crucially, you have paid staff whose express duty it is to diligently scrutinize every line item in the budget, identify inefficiencies and redundancies, and locate all available funds, including potential savings within existing accounts. We implore them to do more with less. Furthermore, we urge you to aggressively seek out every available grant, every state and federal funding opportunity, and explore innovative and equitable revenue generation strategies that do not disproportionately burden homeowners. Let us foster responsible economic development that genuinely benefits current residents and expands our tax base through growth, rather than through increased individual levies. The silent majority of Bangor has been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. We are asking for responsible governance, for a city that understands the financial realities of its citizens. We must not raise taxes. We must leave them the same. It is time for the city to stand with its residents, not against them. Thank you. .� ��( �()��(�� 2�?_5 5'fa*� 7'ax�;�mpetcfiver��s 6r�dex I • Malne �� .: �.- ,� � �� ;, Cocporate ind��r�tdual ire�omer Sgles Property. Une�ptoy»ient; �:s � ,„ ' Tax,Ranic 1"af�R0t�1C- 'Caic Cta►�k Ta�e Itank : Insuia e Tax.Rank' " ;ar.;,s,,:,i 'n.-�' � 's�� _ ' 29 40 22 8 48 19 Maine outperforms many of its Northeastern peers but nevertheless performs below average on the fn- dex,with the property tax and corporate income tax being its least competitive tax types. Maines property tax structure is among the least competitive in the nation due fio high rates, its levying of both an estate tax and a real estate transfer tax, and its taxation of tangible personal property without a de minimis exemption. However, Maine's high property taxes come as a trade-off for its lack of local sales taxes,which enables the state to maintain one of the lowest combined sales tax rates in the nation,help- ing it earn a top 10 spot for that component. On the corporate tax side, Maine includes global intangible low-taxed income(GILTI) in its corporate tax base,and its throwback rule raises the tax burden Maine-based businesses face when they sell tangible property into states with which they do not have nexus. Additionally,Maine's lack of first-year expensing for C corporations discourages in-state investment,although its conformity to the Section 179 expensing allowance makes its treatment of small business investments more competitive than some of its peers. 5128/25,6:14 PM U.S.Census Bureau QuickFacts:Bangor city,Maine � �An official website of tha United States government Here'�how vou n United States` Census . _. ... _.._... . (�x�isl:i�actc u•nKt�s':c„a r�.Z,> 13omgur city,N]�ine QuickF�cts procides x�ntispcs for all slates and rnunties.Also far rdizs and tn•,ws wi[h u pnpululinv nJ5,000 nr umre. Enterxtntr,county,city,town,atzipwcle —Selectai'aCt— i*T m�� '�$� n'e; .-s;i: '1';'�iir,:. ...yP ('�(f.�: }'i)iY"'. "_'__� mmm _._'""� Table �p� � 17t1\� �'SY � . .. . . _ .. .. .. ... . . .. ....... .. . . . . . . . . ,income Se Po�•erty.. . � Q ISuugnr r,ty.ATuine !�Population esfimetes,.iuly I,2024,(V2024) —� �M��Y.y�-�M �!'�ym� �32,d46 „ry� P£.Qf�[..l? Inco�ue 0!Poverq• �MeJien buuaehulJs u�cmne(in 2023 Jullnn),2019-20L3 558.096 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ . .. ....................................................................................... �Per cxpite income iu past 12 munih�(in 2023 dulL•+rs),2019-2023 538,215 ............................_..............................................._................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ �Penuna in puveny,percent ��q,q/ dbuut Jn�nwetn useJ in Ihis n�ule Ynlne Nafes �MelhoAologyd�fferwues mny ezist benveen de[a sources,and so astimntes from differenl sonrces are nol compmable. Some estimales pro>enrul hero wme 6mn sample Jete,end ihus have sampliug eaun thn[mny renJer sume apparent dili'ereners 6etween gei�girphies statiitically indislioguishxble.Click the Quick Iufo 7j icon ta U�e 1e11 ef eac6 m��•irt TABLE view to Iwm aboul sampling crtor. Tht vintage year(e.g.,V2024)rofen to the final year of�he seiicc�202i)Ihm 2024).Diffeant vinlage years of ex[imates are nnt compua6le. Usccs should excrcisc caution whc�t comparing 2U19•2U]3 ACS 5-ycu cstimatcs tu othcrACS cstimnhs.formum infornt&tion,picasc risit Uic�u�rACS Comnarison GuiAaocc pagc. Fxct Notes (a) InCludcspersonsrcporfingonlyoncr¢cc Qi) Hispanic,may be of any race,,o also ve includetl in applicable rare caregories (c) 6conomic Ccnsus-Putttu Ricu Aaw wn nul cumpuroblc to U.S.Economic Census da�2 Valuc Flxke D Suppresscd W avuid diSCloburC of cuntidcn[inl infoi'mntimi F FewetiBau 25 finns FV Fuotnolc un Oiis ilcm in plucc of�Wie NA Nn[av¢ilablc 5 Suppressed;dws not mcct pub]ica�ion siendard: Y Not npplicoble Z Vxlue Em�a+ter thmi zem but las tlian haff unit uf uixxnve shuwn - flither no or too fe�r sample obstrvalions were availnble to compute on eslimate,or n mrio of inediens cannot ba calculnled becanse mie orhoth of the median acrimace.e fnlls in thz InwwSt orupper intervnl of nn open ended dishibadon. N Data furthu geu�;mphic xrea ennuut be displayed 6�anse Uie number uC�umple cases is too small. QnicAFpns Aola arc dcrivcd from:POpuI¢lion F_slimntcs,Amaicen Communily Su*vcy,Ccnsus of Poyulolion end I lousing,Cum:nt Populalion Sirtrcy,timall Arcn I Icallh Insurencc Fstima�cs,9mall Ama Incomc end Paacrly F.stimulcs,Statc pnd Couniy Hou�ing Clnit Estimates.Connty Busine>s Pattem�,Nonemployer Stxcisfics.Economic Cenms.Sun�zy otBnsires�Ox•ners,Building Pennies. CONNECT WITH US f � Ilt 0 OQ Iniormalion Quality�Data Linkage Infrastructure�Daha Protection and Privacy Policy�Accessibility�FOIA�Inspector General�No FEAR Act�U.S.Departmenl of Cammerce�USA.gov ..................................................................................� ..........,....._...�.............._:_.._............................................... ........ ............................................ ._..................... .... _......................_......,..... ............................ ..................................,.................. Measuring America's People and Economy httnc'//w�nn/✓r.anci�¢nrni/ni�it�kfar.tclfart/tahlalF�annnrrifiimaina �� b� � �. �vmrr►t� 5'-�S��s Good evening, My name is Jamie Beck, and I live on Third St. in Bangor. I'm here tonight to address two serious issues with the city council's budget decisions that, frankly, demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of our community's needs and a shocking disregard for essential services. Short-sighted sweeping decisions to not fund any "new programs" will CERTAINLY lead to unintended consequences. First, let's talk about our public library. The City Manager's proposed budget included a line item for "Library Increases". Several items were included in this one line, including $86,000, for cost-of-living adjustments and step increases for non-union, non-executive employees —the same COLA increases being applied across other city departments. The truly unconscionable part is the council's refusal to fund the remaining $53,000 for four part-time greeter positions, labeling them a "new program." The greeter positions are not a new program; they are mission-critical positions born out of a direct and urgent need, previously covered by ARPA funds which have run out. Before the pandemic, they didn't need staff dedicated to managing behavior in the atrium, asking people to stop smoking on the walkways, or providing crowd control. However, our library has become a de facto warming and cooling center, a vital daytime refuge because the city's homelessness response has fallen woefully short. The library has stepped up, providing a safe, warm, or cool space where people can find connection and community resources without being asked to move along. These four greeters are the front line of this essential service. They manage misconduct, ensure safety, answer crucial directional questions, and keep the library a welcoming space for everyone. To deny funding for these positions, simply because they weren't needed a few years ago, is to deliberately ignore the current reality of our city's social challenges and the critical role our library now plays. It's an outrageous dereliction of duty to one of our most cherished public services—forcing the library to fill a void created by the city's own shortcomings. Secondly, I must express my utter disbelief at the council's arbitrary demand for the school committee to cut $165,000 from their budget. The rationale given—that 'everyone needs to tighten their belts' to avoid increasing property taxes—is patently ridiculous when you examine the city's budget and needs as a whole. Our schools have consistently demonstrated fiscal responsibility, passing budgets that meet student needs. They've done their due diligence and already made . significant reductions including roughly $500,000 due to the MEA's insurance rate changes. This additional, arbitrary $165,000 cut is not about meaningful tax relief. For a median-valued home in our city, this 'savings' amounts to just $15 annually—or a paltry $1.25 per month for those with escrowed mortgages. This is a negligible impact on taxpayers, yet it could have a significant, detrimental impact on our students and educational programs. This isn't a collaborative budget adjustment; it's bullying, plain and simple. It's an attempt to exert power and control over our highly competent school committee, undermining the vital work they do. Our children's education should never be subjected to arbitrary cuts for such an insignificant 'taxpayer savings.' Thank you for your time. ` � l ��I C �h�i'�e kJ�" May 28, 2025 Suzette Furrow Resident of,Bangor Advisory committee on Racial, Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights This is the Ordinance the advisory committee is requesting for their attendance policy and other committees'attendance policy. They also are requesting a Bangor City councilor appointed bythe council chair annually to participate as a nonvoting member. Should this be approved,the council may want to consider similar language applying to other boards, committees, and commissioners. Here is the language in the proposed Ordinance: 25-157 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 23, Boards, Committees and TREMBLE Commissions,Article VI, by Clarifying Language and Adding Sections to Address Cause for Removal Executive Summary:This Ordinance would amend Chapter 23 Boards, Committees, and Commissions, Article VI Advisory Committee on Raciat Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights by, most notably adding language for notice and cause for removal. This committee has struggled in the past with some members faiting to attend meetings, thereby hindering the ability of the Committee to conduct its business. The language amendment proposes a process to remove individuals from the committee for unexcused absences when four or more meetings are missed in a year or three consecutive meetings are missed. This woutd ensure citizens appointed to the committee have expectations of attendance and create a mechanism for removal, when warranted. Additionally, it would create a position for a Bangor City Councilor, appointed by the Council Chair annually,to participate as a nonvoting member. Should this be approved,the City Council maywant to consider similar language applying to other boards, committees, and commi'ssions. This was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Advisory Committee on Raciat Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights at their May 6, 2025 meeting. This item was reviewed and recommended at the Government Operations Committee meeting of May 19, 2025. � A few years'ago, it was decided by the Bangor City Council that a council member did not have to be assigned to these types of committees due to the number of hours necessary to attend all these meetings. j There should be an attendance policy for all committees, however the request for a city councilor to be on a committee, should be a separate request or ordinance. Since this advisory committee has been struggling with attendance and obtaining a quorum,why is the city management and council atlowing the continuance of this committee? This is also the advisory committee;that has a member that called members of the city council"white, Christian Neo-Nazis". The member of';this committee who said this has issued no apology and remains on the committee. City staff and council has not addressed this issue. Does this mean the city will allow this type of behavior of members of their committees? A precedence has been set and the silence seems to indicate this type of behavior from a committee member is acceptable. Allowing the continuance of this behavior sets the tone for bad behavior which then tends to permeate to other areas of the city,which it already has. This committee.is supposed to be about being inclusive and'welcoming. Does the welcoming only apply to those they chose? I believe this committee was started based on name calling at the high school.The high school has an equity committee, and the city has one as well. The city should consider having one at the high school levet only since the membership attendance is difficult to attain at the city level. This committee appears to be a political action committee, an extension of a type of group Like the Maine Peoples Alliance. There is an emphasis on sexual orientation and immigration, there is little emphasis on senior citizens,the disabled, learning disabilities or the recognition of months dedicated to diseases. They do not seem to consider the need to encourage the growth of families and the importance of the ability of senior citizens to age in place. The only solution is immigration. If Bangor considered being welcoming to families and job growth,the problem of a student population decline could be improved. Why does the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights want a councilor to participate as a non-voting member? If a councilor is chosen to participate in this advisory committee it would appear that the councitor approves of the racist, inflammatory language of one of its members? There are 2 separate issues in this ordinance: Attendance requirements and a councilor participating on advisory committees. These 2 issues were bundled together in this ordinance so that it would be more Likely to pass. The issues should be separated and written as two separate ordinances. Thankyou �i�.,b� � �. ��m e� �x.�.nc� � �r�/1��.l�i e_.. ��-lS"� Suzette Furrow Resid;ent, Bangor Some af the Advisory Committees for the city of Bangor had been meeting without a quorum (5 unless atherwise stated}. They have also been making mations and approving minutes. Memtaers af the community noticed this and mentioned it during public comment fiime. As a result of these public carr►ment,the city solicitor investigated the matter. The saticitar arrived at this canctusion basicatty stating that they can cantinue with the meeting despite not having a quorum as a public information -- .� ; -- . _,_._----------_._�-__.--------- _____ ___ meeting; however,;no�mations or decisians can be made. Here is the tanguage frarn the Bangor City - ---....- __..:...-----___ --x--_... - -_. _ - �._ . Cauncil meeting regarding this ordinance From the Bangar City Council Meeting on Monday,April 14, 2Q25: REFERRALS TO CQMMITTEE AND FlRST RERRING ITEM NO. ' 25-119 ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances to Clarify that Roberts Rules of Order Apply Only to the Cauncit and Boards, Committees and Commissions With Decision-Making Authority(First Reading) ASSIGNE�TO CC?UNCILQR B�CK ;; ; Exec�itive Sumrnary:This ordinance amer�dment would update tl�e Ci�}r's Code of Qrdinances to cEar,'i#�r that Roberts Rules of Order appty only to the City Council and other boards, committees, and � ; i c;o;mi�issions with decision-making authority. Historically, advisory bodies have proceeded infiarmatty;as th�:yidnly make recommendations to Council, thereby encoura in citizens ta volunteer for these ' g b f;'�� adV�svey boarcis,This amendment w€ll also codify the tong-standing pract�ce of al�owing#he advisocy,:��; . k'io!di�s to proceed with publicly-noticed meetings where fewer than a quorum is present, pravided they da'�n�it take any votes or any ather formal action.This was reviewed and recommended at the ;;; Gavernment Operations Meeting on April 7, 2025, Despite this ordinance being passed, at the mast recent(May 8, 2025) Parks, Recreatian and Harbar Advisary Cammittee there were only 3 voting members present(a quorum is 5�, and a motion was made to approve the minutes and secanded,then the minutes were appraved. The ardinance states that, "provided they da not take any votes or any ather formal actions:' Here is the video af Parks, Recreation and Harbor Advisory Committee meeting held on May 8tn,2025: https•//wwwyoutube com/watch'�v=0X5ESDINrIY&list-PL4adVUNZ9DNx3QtsOmC,.jZYYzARiwTRuR The advisory committee chairs shautd be reminded that they stitl have to fottow the rutes of a quorum requirement. Thankyau! 5 �`C` (� ��J�i N (�v✓1 �e.vE �`Le.n c, / Gi-c�i2 �1 CC �S-/S�' � �r Subject: Demand for Equal Accountability and Fair Treatment in City Leadership Dear Members of the City Council, I'm writing today because many residents, myself included, are concerned by what appears to be selective accountability within our city government. Councilor Leonard has been publicly held accountable for speaking what he believed to be the truth. Yet when Gabrielle Wiley, speaking as a representative of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights, labeled Councilors Fish and Mallar as "White, Christian, and Neo-Nazis"during a public city council meeting, there were no consequences. There has been no public apology, no acknowledgment from the committee, and no indication that her comments were addressed by leadership. That is unacceptable. If Leonard is expected to answer for his words, then so should Wiley—especially when she was representing an official city committee. You can't have two sets of rules depending on who's speaking and what side they're on. This brings me to another serious issue: the leadership of Council Chair Cara Pelletier. It's becoming clear that if she disagrees with you, you're penalized—but if she supports you, nothing is done. That is not impartial leadership. The role of the chair is to fairly guide the council, not enforce personal beliefs or selectively uphold standards. This city belongs to everyone—not just to those who align with one perspective. We need our leaders to protect fairness, civil discourse, and integrity in public office. I am calling on the Council to: • Hold Gabrielle Wiley and the Advisory Committee publicly accountable for inappropriate comments made under the city's name. • Reaffirm the city's commitment to equal treatment and accountability for all councilors and committee members. • Ensure that Council Chair leadership is applied with fairness, not bias. It's time for our city leaders to show that all voices will be treated with the same level of respect and scrutiny, regardless of who is speaking. Sincerely, ' �;�� • C�s��,� �� (,��►� �rnmer� May 28, 2025 Good evening, Council Members, Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I come before you as a concerned member of this community—concerned not only about the recent conduct of a member of the Advisory Committee on Equity, but also about the lack of response from both the committee and the council. As you are aware, a member of this committee, Gabrielle Wiley, made deeply offensive and defamatory remarks at a public meeting—referring to city councilors as "white, Christian, Neo-Nazis." This kind of language is not only unacceptable, but divisive and harmful to the very fabric of our community. What is equally troubling is what has not happened since those remarks were made. Ms. Wiley has not apologized. She has not been removed from the committee. And neither the Advisory Committee on Equity nor this council has made a public statement disavowing her comments. This silence sets a dangerous precedent—one that suggests such behavior will be tolerated or ignored. �Committees that serve our city should model the values of respect, civility, and accountability. When there is no consequence for defamatory language, and no collective statement to clarify that such views do not represent the committee or this council, it gives the impression that the behavior is acceptable. And that, quite frankly, is unacceptable. Beyond this concern, the Advisory Committee on Equity struggles with basic functionality. The committee rarely has a quorum and is often unable to vote or take meaningful action. Attendance has been poor, and it's been noted at prior council meetings that some members use these roles to pad resumes or as a launchpad for future political ambitions, without genuinely contributing to the work. The proposed ordinance to address attendance issues is absolutely appropriate. Accountability should be a baseline expectation for all who serve. However, I do question the request within this ordinance to assign a city councilor as a non-voting member to this committee. Years ago, it was rightly determined that not all committees need a councilor in attendance. If this committee is consistently unable to meet due to its own members' lack of engagement, what justification is there for adding a councilor to the roster? More importantly, given that this committee has not publicly rejected Ms. Wiley's remarks, the inclusion of a councilor could be seen—rightly or wrongly—as an endorsement of her views. That is a risk this council should not take. I urge this body to act—first, by addressing the issue of Ms. Wiley's remarks publicly, and second, by re-evaluating the structure and expectations of this committee. The residents of this city deserve better. We deserve advisory committees that reflect the values of equity and integrity, and we deserve a council that stands firm against divisive rhetoric. Thank you for your time and consideration. Hilari Simmons, Resident of Bangor