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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-10 00-84 RESOLVEDate: lanuary lo, 300o Item/Subject Resolve, Adopting Interim Work Plan for Intergovernmental Affalrs Responsible Department ExeoNve Commentary: Lee Unnpmey, our recently appaln0.N Iofergow:mmental Affairs Coadinaror, has developed an Intedm work plan which oudims the major pripride for finis office. This pan, a copy of which a attaMed, has been reserved! W Me Special Committee on Community and Intergovernmental Maim. Given that the neat State Legislative session has begun, wekit It appropriate to adopt this Plan by Council Resolve. This action will have the Weft of allowing Lee and other staff to pursue the objectives of this plan an behalf of the City Council and the entire City of Hangar. I would also note, howeaer, that this plan will undoub4Mly be chengeL and modified over the coming months, and the Council will be asked periodically to take addhanal formal acta,n on various elements of this Plan as wall as other issues which may come forward. I hellave that the attached plan s a sound s parting point for our efforts, and 1 recommend your approval Depem,ant head Managers Comments: Finance Director lW' aty aty splint« Manager Associated Information: Resolve, Work Plan _ First Beetling Page_ of Finance Director Legal Approval: aty splint« Introduced for Passage _ First Beetling Page_ of Referral W Finance Assigoed to Councilor Crowley January 10, 2000 CITY OF BANGOR (I'll Resolve, Adopting Interim Work Plan for Intergovernmental Affairs That the interim Work Plan for Intergovernmental Affairs, a copy of which is attached to this Resolve, Is hereby adopted and City Staff are authorized to work toward the implementation of this plan as may be required or appropriate. I6 CITY COUNC l January m, 2W I tioa for Passage Made asd Scooded RESOLVE TION, Adopting Interim Work Plan, for Intergovernmeatal Affairs Assigned to pPII:L1 Strategic Work Plan for Intergovernmental Affairs 1999-2000 Obiectives -passage of LD 809, Local Option Sales Tax, or Similar Revenue Enhancements -Funding for Grants Building -Increased state aid to education -State and federal support for waterfront redevelopment -Funding for upgrading airport runways -Maine Convention Center committee -Superpark discussions with DECD(exempbon) -Create strategic alliances iOfIUMII n NIT The work plan for the Intergovernmental Affairs ice will follow the mission outlined by the City Council: "To share our vision for the future through developing and enhancing relationships with local, regional, state-wide and national agencies and organizations." Through a high frequency of contact and Information Now, state and federal decision -makers will become increasingly aware of the strengths and opportunities of the Bangor region. This raised awareness may lead to increased support for the economic and social investroent priorities set forth by the City Council. This advocacy effort will begin by building awareness and support within the local community and communicating that support to the pertinent state and federal agencies, elected officials and organimbons. Building strategic coalitions with other municipalities and economic development groups in the region will further increase our voice. By promoting Bangor as the key Service Center Community in the state and, on a national level, as the model small metropolitan city, funding opportunities for strategic economic development efforts will be widened, 2 -Maintain a Strong Advocacy Presence in Augusta. State Legislators: The State Legislators representing Bangor will receive regular updates and information so that pending legislation or state agency involvement that Impacts our community is given priority. Meetings of the Bangor Legislative Delegation will further clarify the City's priorities and promote a unified from in representing the interests of Bangor. To further this, and In an effort to develop strong relationships with surrounding local governments, similar meet ngs will occur with State Legislators of the Greater Bangor area. Committee chairs and Leadership will also be part of a continuous information flow. Governor and State Agencies: An effort to engage the Governor and his administration in supporting and championing Bangor initiatives will be undertaken. A systematic re- education of the King administration regarding this community's strengths will be undertaken. A positive Flow of information to Augusta will help in engaging the Governor and getting his full support behind future projects. Meetings with Commissioners and essential staff will help to develop and clarify the issues and the opportunities. Regional Alliances: By attending area council meetings and working closely with the County Commissioners, a stronger case will be made in Augusta for the region. By working together as a region, we can better assure that an equitable share of resources is distributed. Bangor, as the key service center in the region, is positioned to created a forum for groups and municipalities to come together and create a collective strategy. For example, an upcoming meeting with the Bangor not for profit group to discuss alternatives within upcoming tax legislation will give this community the opportunity to discuss these issues and then go to Augusta on common ground. Policy Development Becoming an active member of the legislative policy Committee of the Maine Municipal Association will help to position Bangor with State Legislators and the Governor on key legislative issues and enhance the city's relationship with surrounding communities. At the local level, involvement on the Legislative Committee of the Bangor Chamber will clarify prioribes to chamber members and assist in more communicating the communities interests in Augusta. A concerted effort to get Bangor representatives involved in special study committees and boards and commissions will create long term benefits. Quasi -state agencies and organiutions will also be contacted for information on statewide events and activities that may also boost Bangor's standing by getting involved. 3 -Continue Strong Relations With Congressional Delegation and Federal Agencies. Congressional Delegation: While each Member will have a work session with Me Council, regular contact will continue with each office. Frequent meetings with the Bangor staff and contact with the Washington staffs, particularly with Administrative Assistants, Legislative Directors and the pertinent Legislative Assistants will help keep our interests in the forefront. There should be discussions on special funding or appropriation earmarks for waterfront development, airport and roads. Federal Agencies: Working with the Congressional Delegation, an effort ro further engage federal agencies with Bangor will be undertaken. Promoting Bangor as a model -small metropolitan city may lead M some special funding opportunities. A friendly database will be created for important contacts within the federal government, particularly those with Maine connections.