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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-28 12-038 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 12 038 Date: December 28, 2011 Item/Subject: Order, Extending the Terms of the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel Responsible Department: Legal commentary: In July, the Council created the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel (SCRP), a group of Bangor citizens, business owners, and others intended to provide feedback and communication regarding stormwater issues. The SCRP replaced the Penjajawoc Watershed Citizen Review Panel, established in 2009, but deals with the entire City, not just the Penjajawoc Stream. The City also appointed members for the new SCRP. According to the Panel's charter, many provisions of which were held over from the Penjajawoc panel's charter, the Panel will terminate in less than two months, on January 1, 2012. In light of the success of both the Panel and the previous Penjajawoc panel, as well as the need for continued input regarding a potential stormwater utility and other stormwater issues, this Order would extend the term of the Panel. Under the revised charter, the CRP itself would last until January 1, 2014, at which point the Council would decide whether to again extend the life of the Panel. Manager's Comments: Associated Information: Order Budget Approval: Legal Approval: Introduced for x Passage First Reading Referral Department Head City Manager Finance Director 44221 City Solicitor Assigned to Councilor — Hawes CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) ORDER, Extending the Term of the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel 12 038 December 28, 2011 WHEREAS, the City Council established the citywide Stormwater Citizen Review Panel on July 11, 2011; WHEREAS, the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel charter currently would have the Panel expire on January 1, 2012; and WHEREAS, given the ongoing need for communication and input regarding stormwater, the City would be well -served by an extension of the term of the Panel; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR THAT The charter of the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel is hereby amended as shown in the version of the charter attached to this Order. IN CITY COUNCIL December 28, 2011 I # i 7 -nu ORDER (TITLE,)Extending the Term of the Stormwater Citizen Review Panel Assigned to Councilor �� STORMWATER CITIZEN REVIEW PANEL December 6, 2011 Purpose 12 038 The Citizen Review Panel (CRP) is intended to provide consistent community participation into watershed management planning, provide review and suggestions to the Bangor City Council and City staff on water quality management efforts, review and discuss the implementation of associated action plans, facilitate communication and agreement, and generally to promote public understanding. Mission The mission of the CRP is to assist the City of Bangor in working to achieve Class B water quality standards in certain designated streams in a manner which balances environmental stewardship with a healthy economy through an open process of dialogue and citizen participation. The CRP will allow for the presentation of a range of ideas and perspectives while providing for an efficient consultation process. Responsibilities 1. Review and discuss the implementation of watershed management plans. 2. Provide advice and comment to the City Council and City staff on the ongoing refinement of watershed management plans. 3. Examine data regarding the impact of Best Management Practices on stream water quality, and consider whether sufficient data is being collected. 4. Review and comment on proposed adaptive management changes to watershed management plans. 5. Assist in efforts to educate City residents, City property owners, and other interested parties on water quality issues and efforts. 6. Provide support for development and adoption of means to fund the implementation of water quality improvement activities, such as a utility district. Membership 12 038 1. The CRP will be made up of 9 members. Members will be appointed by the City Council based on nominations from the public, interested organizations, individual Councilors, and City staff. Preference shall be given to Bangor citizens and potential ratepayers. Three members shall be appointed for terms lasting through 2011, three for terms lasting through 2012, and three for terms lasting through 2013. Upon completion of his or her term, each member shall be reappointed or replaced by the City Council. The term of all such reappointed or newly appointed members shall be for three years. 2. Replacements or openings resulting from resignations shall be filled by the City Council. Members appointed in this fashion shall complete the term left vacant and, once the term is complete, shall be reappointed or replaced as outlined in the previous paragraph. 3. A representative of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will be invited to attend each meeting. The CRP may also invite people with strong scientific backgrounds in relevant fields and the ability to effectively communicate scientific and technical data to attend meetings and provide technical support. Procedures 1. The CRP shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings scheduled as needed by the Chair. 2. Prior to December 31 of each calendar year beginning in 2009, the CRP shall prepare an annual report outlining its activities during the preceding twelve-month period (or fraction thereof for calendar year 2009) and the efforts made towards implementing the Plan and the results of those efforts. This report shall be provided to the Bangor City Council, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, citizens who have expressed an interest in receiving such information, and the general public through posting on the City's web site. The CRP shall also meet jointly with the Infrastructure Committee of the City Council at least three times in 2010 and at least two times every other calendar year, including 2009, in order to provide an update to that Committee. 3. The City Council shall select a chair and vice -chair from among the members of the CRP. 4. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the CRP. 12 438 5. Meeting notices and agendas shall be publicly posted and distributed in accordance with the public meeting procedures of the City of Bangor. 6. An opportunity for public comment will be provided at each meeting. 7. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, the member shall, whenever possible, notify the Chair and City Staff assigned to the CRP. If any member misses three consecutive meetings, the Chair will notify the Chairperson of the City Council and the member will be replaced by the City Council. 8. A member will notify the Chair if he/she must vacate his/her position. Where a vacancy occurs, the position will be filled by the City Council. 9. Feedback, comments, and any recommendations by the CRP shall be noted in meeting minutes, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the City Manager. If the CRP does not reach consensus, the minutes shall reflect the opinion of the majority (if any) and the opinion of each minority. 10. The CRP shall remain in existence for a term ending January 1, 2014. At that time, the CRP shall make a recommendation as to the need for its continued existence to the City Council. Staff Support Staff support shall be provided by the City of Bangor as assigned by its City Manager. Assigned City staff shall: 1. Provide technical support and information to the CRP. 2. Prepare agendas in coordination with the Chair and ensure that they are posted and distributed in accordance with normal City procedures. 3. Ensure that minutes are taken and distributed to the members. 4. Place on the agenda for the next meeting any item requested at least 1 week in advance, space permitting. 5. Provide other administrative support as needed. Communications & Transfer of Information 1. Minutes, status updates, and important project information will be posted to the City's website to a special section reserved for such information. 12 038 The website shall also include a section in which the public may post comments. 2. CRP members shall notify City staff of any agencies, organizations, interest groups, or individuals who have expressed an interest in receiving notices and minutes of CRP meetings. City staff shall provide such notices and minutes to those interested. 3. City staff shall keep the Department of Environmental Protection informed by forwarding them agendas and minutes and by providing them with opportunities to comment.