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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.