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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-23 City Council Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM Chaired by Council Chair Pelletier Councilors Present:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Leonard,Mallar(via Zoom), Tremble Pelletier Councilors Absent:None Meeting adjourned at 8:SS PM PROCLAMATION Proclaimed June as Pride Month PUBLIC COMMENT Scott Pardy spoke concerning public health and safety and the need for safe injection sites. Justin Cartier felt there should be a month dedicated to T�eterans. Aaron Pyle spoke against approval of a new jail for Penobscot County. Katie Brydon thanked the Ciry Council for the Pride Proclamation. Doug Dunbar spoke in favor of the Job Corps resolution. Hilari Simmons felt all communities should be honored and asked why Black History Month was not acknowledged Brody Wood of Portland supported a Black History Month proclamation and was against a new jail - Clare Davitt appreciated the budget vote as well as the Pride Proclamation and the continued building of awareness. 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. MINUTES OF: Bangor City Council Meeting of June 9, 2025,Business and Economic Development Committee Meetings of April 23, 2025,May S,2025, and May 19, 2025,Infrastructure Committee Meeting of May 19,2025 and Finance Comrrcittee Meeting of May S, 2025 25-211 ORDER Authorizing tlze City Manager to accept$1,490.05 in funds, MALLAR as Result of a State Criminal Forfeiture(Michael) 25-2I2 ORDER Adopting a Memorial Recognition Policy HAWES 25-2I3 ORDER Authorizing Contract for Sodium Chloride(Rock Salt) with BECK New England Salt Co. 25-214 ORDER Authorizing a Contract with Sargent Corporation for the TREMBLE Supply ojHot Mi.Y Asphalt and Polymer Cold Patch Page 1 MINUTES OFREGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-2I S ORDER Authorizing the Sale of Property at 0 Chase Road in the FISH amount of$9,900 to Dylan LaMothe 2S-2I6 ORDER Authorizing Extension of a Contract with S&B Paving,Inc. DEANE in the Amount of$1,500,000 for the Calendar Year 2026 Paving Program 25-217 ORDER Authorizing the Execution of a Collective Bargaining DEANE Agreement between the City of Bangor and Arnerican Federation oJ'State, County and Municipal Employees Local 926-OI, Council 93-Representing Aircraft Mechanics 25-218 ORDER Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease FOURNIER Amendment with Hannaford Bros. Co.,LLC Located at 39 Florida Ave 25-219 ORDER Authorizing the Ciry Manager to Execute a Reassignment MALLAR ojLease for JSI Store Fixtures Located at IIO Hildreth Street 25-220 ORDER Authorizing Execution of an Agreeinent Renewal with Lyft HAWES Inc. d/b/a LYFT to Provide Passenger Transport Service to the Bangor International Airport 25-22I ORDER Authorizing Execution of an Agreement Renewal With LEONARD Raiser,LLC., d/b/a UBER to Provide Passenger Transport Service to the Bangor International Airport Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage of Consent Agenda Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier, Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors f�oting No:None Passed REFERRALS TO COMMITTEE AND FIRST READING ASSIGNED TO ITEM NO. COUNCILOR None. Page 2 MINUTES OFREGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-192 ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances to Create a Commercial LEONARD Property Assessed Clean Energy Program Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Counci[ors Voting No:None Passed 25-193 ORDINANCE Amending Chapter 223,Property Maintenance,Article II, DEANE T�acant Buildings Action: Motion made and seconded jor Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Passed 25-194 RESOL i�E Making an Appropriation for t{ie Total School Budget for FISH the Bangor School Department as Required by 20 A MRS Section IS690(4)(A) Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed to Arnend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended l�ote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors i�oting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed as Amended 25-195 RESOL[�E Approving School Department Estimates of Revenue and DEANE Budget- Trust and Agency Fund Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble, Pellelier Councilors f�oting No:None Passed Page 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY CO UNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-196 RESOL VE Approving School Department Estimates of Revenue from BECK State Sources and Budgel-Enterprise Fund Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Petletier Councilors Voting No:None Passed 25-197 RESOL i�E Approving School Departinent Estimates of Revenue from HAWES State Sources and Budget-Special Revenue Fund Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble,Pelletier Counci[ors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed to Amend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended i�ote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble,Pel[etier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed as Amended 25-198 RESOL VE Making an Appropriation of$451,792 for Adult Education DEANE for the Bangor School Department as Required by 20 A MRS Section 8603 A (1) Action: Motion made and seconded jor Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors [�oting No:None Passed 25-199 RESOLVE i�ocationa[Education Region #4 Appropriation Pursuant HAWES to Title 20 A, Chapter 606, 1S60I-15619,Maine Revised Statutes Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage f�ote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonnrd, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors voting No:None Passed Page 4 MINUTES OFREGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-200 RESOL VE Making an Appropriation of$2,380,000 for Non-State FOURNIER Funded Debt Service Allocation for the Bangor School Department as Required by 20 A MRS Section I5690 l2I<A> Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors [�oting No:None Passed 25-20I RESOL i�E Making an Appropriation for the Bangor School FISH Depart�nent in Excess of the Minimu�n Spending Target Established by 20 A MRS Section I S671(A)(4) Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed to Amend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended vote: 6—3 Councilors [�oting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble, Pel[etier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed as Amended 25-202 RESOL[�E Making an Appropriation of$19,520,915 for the School TREMBLE District Contribution to the Total Cost of Funding Public Education from Pre-K to Grade I2 as Required by 20 A MRS Section I5690(I)(A)(B) Action: Motion nzade and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Votirzg Yes:Beck, Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors voting No:None Passed 25-203 RESOL[�E Appropriation for Municipa! Year 2026 FOURNIER Scott Pardy was not in favor of tlae budget increase and asked that the Counci!consider using reserve funds. Justin Cartier also felt reserve funds should be used Page J MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR Action: Motion made a�d seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Vote: 7—2 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Leonard,Mallar Passed to Amend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as A�nended Vote: S—4 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar Passed as Arfzended 25-204 RESOLVE Appropriating Funds for Various Capital Purposes FISH Utilizing [�arious Reserves, Trust and Agency Accounts and Other Funds for Expenditures to be Made During Fiscal Year 2026 Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Motion made and seconded to Amend by Substitution Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed to Amend by Substitution Motion made and seconded for Passage as Amended Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Trernble,Pelletier Councilors T�oting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed as Amended 25-205 RESOLVE Appropriating Downtown TIF Funds for Expenditures to TREMBLE be Made in Fiscal Year 2026 Action: Motion rnade and seconded for Passage i�ote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:No�ze Passed 25-206 RESOLVE Appropriating$833,082 of Fisca! Year 2025 Co�nrr�unity LEONARD Developinent Block Grant Funding and$250,000 in Anticipated Program Income Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 7—2 Councilors voting Yes: Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No: Beck, Leonard Passecf Page 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 UNFINISHED BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR 25-207 RESOLVE Authorizing the City Manager to Accept&Appropriate HAWES $I,S43,I20 in Grant Funds from United States Housing and Urban Development to Fund the Bangor Rental Assistance Progra`tt Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage [�ote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Passed 25-208 RESOLVE Authorizing the City Manager to Accept&Appropriate an TREMBLE Additional$27,801 in Grant Funds from Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fund Bangor Public Health and Community Services Women,Infants, and Children Progra�rz Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Passed NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR PUBLIC HEARING: Application for Special Amusement License of Bangor HA WES Grande Aviators,LLC d/b/a Blue Sky Lounge, 357 Odlin Road Action: Motion made and seconded to Open the Public Hearing f�ote: 9—0 Councilors voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Leonard,Mallar, Treinble, Pelletier Councilors [�oting No:None Public Hearing Opened Motion made and seconded to Close the Public Hearing i�ote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes: Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Leonard,Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors Voting No: None Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Approval [�ote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes: Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier, Hawes, Leonarrl, Mallar, Tremble, Pelletier Councilors i�oting No: None Appro ved Page 7 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEMNO. COUNCILOR PUBLIC HEARING: Application for Special Amusement License of Las Palapas HAWES Mexican Restaurant LLC d/b/a Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant LLC, 8 Bangor Mall Boulevard Action: Motion made and seconded to Open the Public Hearing Vote: 9—0 Councilors i�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Public Hearing Opened Motion made and seconded to Close the Public Hearing Vote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Treinble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Public Hearing Closed Motion made and seconded for Approval Vote: 9—0 Councilors voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Approved 25-222 ORDER Authorizing Transfer of$350,000 from Mary Snow School BECK Masonry Restoration to Other School Construction Projects Action: Motion�nade and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors [�oting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard,Mallar, Trernble, Pelletier Counci[ors Voting No:None Passed 25-223 ORDER Amending the Schedule of Fees-Fire Services HAWES Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes: Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Leonard,Mallar, Treinble, Pelletier Councilors voting No: None Passed Page 8 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING BANGOR CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 NEW BUSINESS ASSIGNED TO ITEM NO. COUNCILOR 25-224 ORDER Aut{zorizing the Ciry Manager to Re-negotiate the FISH Development Agreement for Property Located at 8 Harlow Street Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 6—3 Councilors Voting Yes:Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:Beck,Leonard,Mallar Passed 25-225 RESOL VE Expressing Support for the Penobscot Job Corps Ce�cter LEONAXD and Urging Continued Federal Funding for the Job Corps Program Action: Motion made and seconded for Passage Vote: 9—0 Councilors Voting Yes:Beck,Deane, Fish, Fournier,Hawes,Leonard, Mallar, Tremble,Pelletier Councilors Voting No:None Passed ATTEST: Li a . Goo an,\ MC, City Clerk Page 9 �L�..b�� � (�jvr?n�P� ���,3��G�S' Good evening My name is Scott Pardy and I am a resident of Bangor. I stand before you tonight to address an urgent matter concerning public health and safety in our beloved city. For too long, our public outhouses, intended as accessible facilities for all, have regrettably become unsafe injection sites. This is not mere speculation; we have seen the evidence firsthand. Broken sharps containers are a common sight, and discarded needles are found scattered in and around these facilities, creating an incredibly dangerous environment for our children, our sanitation workers, and indeed, any member of the public who uses these spaces. Tyler will be emailing you pictures taken today. The implications of this situation are profound. Beyond the immediate threat of accidental needle sticks and the potential transmission of serious diseases, there is the palpable sense of fear and unease it casts over our public spaces. This is an issue that affects our community's well-being, our reputation, and our shared sense of security. We cannot, and must not, allow these conditions to persist. This problem, while complex, has a proven and compassionate solution: the establishment of safe injection sites, also known as Overdose Prevention Centers. These are controlled,hygienic environments where individuals can inject pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of trained medical staff. The benefits are clear and compelling. Firstly, they drastically reduce the public health risks associated with open drug use, preventing overdose deaths, and curbing the spread of blood- borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Secondly, they virtually eliminate the issue of discarded needles in public spaces, making our parks, streets, and outhouses safer for everyone. Thirdly, and crucially,these sites serve as vital access points, connecting individuals struggling with addiction to essential health services, counseling, and pathways to treatment and recovery. They are not about enabling drug use, but about saving lives and fostering healthier communities. I urge this council to consider the overwhelming evidence from cities worldwide that have successfully implemented safe injection sites. This is not just a harm reduction strategy; it is a public safety imperative. It is an act of compassion for those struggling with addiction, and a practical step towards reclaiming our public spaces for all Bangor residents. Let us prioritize the health and safety of every individual in our community. Let us explore this solution with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. Thank you. Pl.c.b�� C l..O h'i m e n� a�'o�U J� Good evening My name is Scott Pardy and I am a resident of Bangor. I am here tonight, as a concerned resident, to make a final appeal regarding the proposed property tax increase. We all understand the complexities of city finances, especially in these challenging times. However, the burden of an increased property tax will fall heavily on the shoulders of our citizens, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. I want to specifically highlight the profound impact this will have on our senior residents. For many, their homes are their most significant asset, and rising property taxes threaten their ability to remain in the community they've built their lives around. At the very least, I implore you to consider a carve- out or a specific program to alleviate this burden for our seniors. It is simply unconscionable to ask those on fixed incomes to shoulder an additional, potentially crushing, tax liability. I understand that crafting a budget is a monumental task. But it is not, and should not be, the role of this Council to delve into the minutiae of budget line items to find cuts. That is the express purpose of our highly capable city staff. Just as you commendably instructed the school department to "live within its means" and identify efficiencies, I ask that you issue the same clear directive to our city administration. Empower your staff to find where expenditures can be reduced without compromising essential services. They have the expertise and the mandate to explore every avenue for fiscal responsibility. Finally, I want to address the city's financial reserves. As I understand it, municipalities are typically advised to maintain a prudent reserve of approximately two months' operating expenses for emergencies. Yet, it appears our city is holding substantial sums in various "special reserves." While foresight is commendable, one must question if these reserves are becoming an excessive hoard, especially when our citizens are being asked to pay more. Why are these funds not being utilized to bridge this gap? Do we truly need an ordinance to prevent the city from accumulating these funds beyond what is prudent? Council members, I urge you to tap into these special reserves instead of reaching into the pockets of our residents, particularly our vulnerable seniors. There are resources available. Let us use them. Let us prioritize the well-being of our community members, instruct our staff to find solutions, and avoid increasing properly taxes at this time. Thank you for your time and your consideration.