HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-01 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, December 1, 2025 @ 5:15 PM
Council Chambers, First Floor of City Hall
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Beck, Carson, Deane, Faloon, Fish, Hawes, Leonard,
Mallar (via Zoom).
City Staff Present: Collette, Hernandez-Smith, Krieg.
Chair Leonard called the meeting to order at 5:26 P.M.
1. LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE — PROPOSED CHANGES, Action
requested to forward recommendation or provide feedback
A. FOLLOW-UP ON ARTERIALS DEFINITION
Planning Officer Anja Collette presented to the Committee and provided follow-up
on proposed amendments to the arterials definitions.
Councilor Fish asked about non-conforming uses — Planning Officer Collette
confirmed that these uses are maintained through transfer of ownership.
Councilor Deane asked about potential negative impacts from the proposed
amendments— Planning Officer Collette responded that none have been identified
by staff or the Planning Board. Collette also clarified the impact on existing working
farms regarding the allowance of farm sales on major arterials. Councilor Fish
asked for clarification about farm sales — Collette responded and clarified the
definition. Councilor Faloon asked whether these farms would become confirming
uses under the proposed amendments — Collette responded and clarified that the
amendment would permit the farm sales use.
Councilor Faloon moved to forward the recommendation to full Council, seconded
by Councilor Fish. Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
B. G&ISD BUFFER REQUIREMENT
Planning Officer Collette provided an overview of the proposed amendment.
Chair Leonard suggested getting feedback from the Downtown Parking Advisory
Committee.
Councilor Fish moved to forward the recommendation to full Council, seconded by
Councilor Faloon.
Councilor Mallar asked about the St. Joseph's property on Broadway — Planning
Officer Collette responded and clarified. Mallar also asked about enforcement of
buffer zones — Collette responded that this is handled by Code Enforcement.
Vote unless doubted, no doubt. Motion passed.
C. OVERVIEW OF RECENT STATE LEGISLATION AFFECTING THE
CODE
Planning Officer Collette provided an overview of the recent State legislation.
Councilor Fish asked how many properties this will affect — Planning Officer
Collette responded that it will likely affect almost all residential properties.
Councilor Deane asked for additional clarification regarding the increased density
allowances — Planning Officer Collette responded and clarified.
Councilor Mallar asked about parking requirements for properties receiving federal
funding — Planning Officer Collette responded that there is federal requirement for
these properties.
Councilor Leonard asked about the timeline for drafted amendments — Planning
Officer Collette responded that it will likely be over the next month.
Councilor Beck asked about funding for Planning Board members to attend training
— Planning Officer Collette confirmed that this is part of the Planning Division's
annual operating budget.
Chair Leonard recommended getting feedback from the Downtown Parking
Advisory Committee.
2. PLANNING DIVISION OVERVIEW AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE, Action requested to provide feedback
Planning Officer Collette provided an overview to the Committee.
Councilor Beck asked about the City's electric vehicle — Planning Officer Collette
responded and provided details.
3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OVERVIEW, Action requested to
provide feedback to staff
Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith presented to the
Committee and provided an overview.
Councilor Beck asked about the retention of student interns within the community
— Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith responded that all interns that
the Department has worked with responded that they would be willing to stay within
the community if the opportunity arose. Beck also expressed support for staff's
work supporting local businesses.
Councilor Fish asked about the progression of various businesses that have met
with staff and expressed interest in operating in Bangor— Economic Development
Officer Hernandez-Smith responded and discussed at length with Fish.
Councilor Deane asked about the shortage of warehouse space — Economic
Development Officer Hernandez-Smith responded and clarified. Deane also asked
about smaller retail spaces — Hernandez-Smith responded and discussed with
Deane. Councilor Fish mentioned the possibility of investing in the creation of
additional warehouse space — Development Director Anne Krieg responded and
discussed.
Councilor Faloon if there are particular types of businesses that are more
challenging to attract — Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith
responded and discussed. Faloon also asked about the impacts of housing
shortages on business attraction and retention — Hernandez-Smith responded and
discussed.
Chair Leonard suggested offering a free, public finance course for business
owners. Leonard also suggested education offerings regarding online marketing
and recommended future Committee discussions regarding the Airport. Economic
Development Officer Hernandez-Smith expressed support for a finance course.
Councilor Faloon suggested offering both live and recorded options.
Councilor Mallar asked about staff's work with the Small Business Administration
— Economic Development Officer Hernandez-Smith responded and clarified that
staff frequently refers business owners to them. Mallar suggested working with
their financial education offerings.
4. OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL, REGIONAL,
STATE OR NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, No action requested
Development Director Anne Krieg presented the agenda item and provided an
overview of her written memo.
Chair Leonard recommended more focus on labor retention within the community.
Development Director Krieg responded and discussed with Leonard.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED