HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-02 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, June 2, 2025 @ 5:15 PM
Penobscot Room, Lower Floor of Penquis CAP
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Beck, Deane, Fish, Fournier, Leonard, Mallar, Pelletier,
Tremble.
City Staff Present: Hernandez-Smith, Krieg.
Chair Fournier called the meeting to order at 5:26 P.M.
1. BANGOR FARMERS' MARKET — REQUESTS TO AMEND LEASE
AGREEMENT, Action requested to authorize staff to accept or amend
otherwise or reject requests
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item.
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith presented to the
Committee and provide an overview of the requested lease amendments.
Councilor Tremble asked about the requested storage container, and staff's
recommended location for it — Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith
confirmed that no parking spaces would be lost. Tremble expressed some concern
about placement of a container encouraging further negative activity from transient
individuals, but overall expressed support for the proposal. Tremble also asked
how long the new lease would be in place for prior to another renewal —
Hernandez-Smith confirmed that it would be in place for one year.
Councilor Deane asked about the specifications of the storage container —
Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith responded and confirmed.
Deane asked that pictures be provided in future proposals of this kind.
Councilor Mallar asked if Code Enforcement approval has been obtained for
installation of a storage container — Economic Development Officer Hernandez-
Smith confirmed that this has not been done yet. Development Director Krieg noted
that the container was found to meet setback requirements — Mallar responded
and clarified that there are other Code requirements regarding the length of time a
storage container can be in place and expressed that this should be clarified prior
to Council's approval of the proposal. Discussed with Krieg and Chair Fournier.
Council Chair Pelletier expressed support for the storage container proposal.
Everett Ottinger, Chair of the Bangor's Farmers' Market, presented to the
Committee and provided clarification regarding the length of time that the proposed
storage container would be in place.
Chair Fournier echoed Councilor Tremble's concerns regarding security of the
storage container and potential encouragement of negative activity.
Councilor Beck asked if something could be added to the lease that would allow
for a back-up plan if there ended up being any resulting issues from placement of
a storage container.
Chair Fournier opened the discussion to the proposed amendment to allow beer
sales at the Market.
Councilor Mallar expressed support for the sale of beer, but noted that he would
be concerned if serving were to be allowed.
Councilor Deane recommended that beer not be stored in the storage container.
Councilor Tremble brought up the voucher program — Ottinger responded and
clarified.
Chair Fournier asked whether rent should be increased if the Market is taking up
more space — Councilor Tremble responded that he would be in favor of this if
parking spaces were being lost, but expressed that he did not feel it would be
necessary under current circumstances.
Councilor Fish moved authorization of staff to accept the requests, seconded by
Councilor Mallar. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
2. BANAIR UPDATE, No action requested
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith provided an update to
the Committee regarding the BanAir Corporation.
Chair Fournier expressed concern regarding Board membership, and the ability to
meet quorum — Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith responded and
discussed with Fournier. Hernandez-Smith also noted that a Board meeting will be
scheduled soon.
3. PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR 8
HARLOW STREET, Action requested to authorize staff to accept or amend
otherwise or reject requests
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and provided
background on the development agreement, as well as an overview of the
proposed modification.
Councilor Fish expressed support for releasing the reverter clause, but expressed
concern regarding the requirements for bonds and letters of credit — Development
Director Krieg responded and clarified the reasons for these requirements.
Councilor Tremble asked for clarification regarding the background on this
agreement — Development Director Krieg responded and clarified. Tremble
expressed some concern regarding the 2-year timeline for work to be completed
at the property, and expressed support for shortening this period of time.
Council Chair Pelletier asked for clarification regarding the City's interest in the
property — Development Director Krieg responded and clarified. Pelletier
expressed support for releasing the development agreement. Chair Fournier
added some clarification regarding the background on this agreement.
Councilor Mallar asked for clarification regarding the current agreement not having
been fulfilled — Development Director Krieg responded and clarified that there
would be a new buyer under the proposed modification.
Councilor Fish asked if similar reverter clauses or conditions have been in place
for other development agreements — Development Director Krieg responded and
clarified.
Councilor Beck asked if the City has any history with the new buyer— Development
Director Krieg responded that more information regarding the new buyer could be
provided to the Committee.
Councilor Mallar asked if Code Enforcement has inspected the property recently
to find what violations are still present, and if there are any new violations. Mallar
also asked what the estimated cost of building repairs would be. Development
Director Krieg responded that the building has been inspected recently, and
clarified the process for obtaining estimated repair costs. Mallar expressed
concern regarding potential further damage over the proposed 2-year timeline for
completion of the project.
Councilor Deane expressed support for allowing the new buyer to take over the
development agreement.
Councilor Fish echoed Councilor Deane's support but also expressed agreement
with Councilor Mallar's concerns over further deterioration. Discussed with
Development Director Krieg.
Councilor Fish moved authorization for staff to amend otherwise the requests, to
include a letter of credit and other suggestions that may be forthcoming for Council
review, seconded by Councilor Mallar.
Councilor Mallar asked if this agreement would be brought back to the Committee
prior to a full Council vote — Development Director Krieg responded that it would
not. Mallar expressed support for this agreement being brought back to the
Committee for further review prior to a full Council vote.
Vote unless doubted — 2 in favor, 2 (Councilors Leonard and Mallar) opposed.
Motion failed.
Development Director Krieg asked to confirm what additional information the
Committee would like to see.
Council Chair Pelletier expressed concern over waiting until the next Committee
meeting for additional information to be obtained — Development Director Krieg
confirmed that this could be presented at a Council workshop meeting next week.
Councilor Mallar requested information regarding the Code violations and
estimated repair costs. Mallar also asked if the building is subject to the review of
the Historic Preservation Commission — Development Director Krieg confirmed
that any exterior work would be.
Councilor Fish asked if staff is aware of the proposed new use of the building —
Development Director Krieg responded that the proposed use will be partially
residential.
Development Director Krieg provided additional clarification regarding the Code
violations noted in November 2023, and recent review of these violations.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(C) — Disposition of Real
Property or Economic Development, 1 item
Councilor Mallar moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §
405(6)(C) — Disposition of Real Property or Economic Development. Seconded by
Councilor Fish. Roll call vote conducted — all in favor, none opposed. Motion
passed.
Meeting adjourned at 6:08 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED