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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-21 Government Operations Committee Minutes Gov Ops ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Monday, July 21, 2025 Minutes Committee members: Hawes (Chair), Deane, Mallar,Tremble, and Beck Non-Committee Members: Fournier, Pelletier, Fish Staff:J. Comstock, D. Bushey, L. Goodwin,J. Saavedra, C. O'Donnell Opened at 5:36 PM 1. Referral:Accepting and Appropriating$1,706,934 from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to Support an Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution Program for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Assistant City Manager(ACM) 0'Donnell provided an overview of this item and shared that Public Health has held the overdose prevention grant since 2008 and the naloxone distribution was added in 2020. Councilor Tremble made a motion to recommend to full council, seconded by Councilor Deane —no objections. 2. Referral:Accepting and Appropriating$160,045 in Funds from the Maine Department of Public Safety Office of the State Fire Marshal for Public Safety Wellness Reimbursement ACM O'Donnell provided an overview of this item that would accept and appropriate funding for a health and wellness reimbursement pilot program for specialized cardiac and metabolic screenings. Deputy Policy Chief confirmed that this is a new grant opportunity and pilot program in response to a question. Councilor Tremble asked if this was the same as MMA's new program for Public Safety for which staff informed Council that it is separate as MMA's program, ServeStrong, is specific to mental health. Councilor Tremble made a motion to recommend to full council, seconded by Councilor Deane —no objections. 3. Discussion to Amend Standing Committees of the Council to Re-establish the Airport Committee ACM O'Donnell gave an overview of this including the historical perspective. It was noted that the committee has come and gone over the years and that operationally,things would remain the same only which committee they report to would change. She noted that the committee was disbanded and rolled under Business & Economic Development in 2023 as part of an effort to reduce the number of night meetings and so that all development in the City would fall under the same committee.There was a lot of discussion about around whether or not the Airport Committee should be brought back and if it was necessary. Airport Director Jose Saavedra was asked for his recommendation and he stated that would depend on the objective of the Council. Ultimately, it was decided that it would remain under B&ED but that more attention would be ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR given to the airport on a quarterly basis for more in depth reports. It was noted this could be revisited in the future if determined necessary. 4. City Clerk Update Lisa Goodwin, City Clerk, introduced Holly Clukey, her Deputy, and was promoted into this role. She mentioned that the TRIO update is ongoing. Nomination papers will be available this month and due back in August. She also mentioned that advertisement for boards will go out soon, as well as letters to members with expiring terms. Clerk Goodwin also spoke about the high volume of traffic in the office and that it is creating overtime because they must work late to accommodate the customers coming in shortly before closing. She pointed out that often other staff are leaving at 4:30 but her folks must stay to wait on the customers. In light of this, she asked if the Council would consider closing City Hall at 4:15 to allow for traffic to clear our more timely. There was discussion about plans to extend hours, if it would create a burden on citizens, if other solutions had been explored, and more. It was noted that if the Committee voted to move this forward, it would require an Order at the next Council meeting. This change would likely coincide with City Hall, 73 Harlow St., reopening. Councilor Beck made a motion to change the closing time of City Hall from 4:30 pm to 4:15 pm, seconded by Councilor Tremble—no objections. Lastly, Clerk Goodwin shared that they are filing 600 tax liens which is an increase. She also shared that tax bills will be going out Aug. 6. It was noted there is an option folks can take advantage of to pay in monthly payments rather than two large ones. ACM shared that part of her update (next item) was that a tax bill insert was crafted to share pertinent information directly to citizens and we would include this information. 5. Assistant City Manager Updates ACM 0'Donnell shared that a comprehensive Community Connector update would be on the next agenda, as well as bathrooms discussion.There was a desire to have as much information available for that discussion as possible, including photos. The meeting adjourned at 6:15pm. ep.csi`��yF:;r�rr; � c "` CITY oF BANGOR Upcominp Items (subject to change) (Items may go to Government Operations Committee or be moved to another committee, depending on timing.) • Public Bathroom Discussion • Community Connector Update (August 4) • Police Dept. Update • Built for Zero Update