HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-11 05-124 ORDERItem No ns -r za
Date: 4-11-05
Item/SubjeQ: Order, Authorizing the Establishment of SYdmming Fees at Dakin Pool
Responsible Department: Parks and Recreation
Commentary: The attached Order would establish swimming fees at Dakin Pool. The issue of
establishing such a fee structure was recently ralsed and discussed at both the Committee and Coundl
level as part of a larger discussion regarding the pool's future. Based upon those discussions, Parks and
Recreation staff developed a proposed swimming has structure for consideration. This concept appeared
to have support from those Interesting in defraying the cost of pool operations as well as providing more
reliable attendance figures than previously available. It should be noted that the projected cost of a gate
attendant to collet need and track attendance is $2,300 for the season. It Is estimated that $1,400 could
be collected in fee revenue, based upon 2003 attendance figures . Thus, without an increase in projected
attendance or the proposed fce, it is likely that expenses associated with collecting the fee and tracking
attendance will exceed revenue collected.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee endorsed Me proposed fee structure and the Government
Operations Committee also recommended approval at its March &h meeting.
Department Head
Managers Comments:
dw
Cdy Manager
Associated IMormation: Order, Memo From Frank Comeau, Minutes from Previous Meetings
Budget Approval:
Il/l.iY�a.F CI
Flnance Director
_X Passage
_ First Reading Page _ of
Referral
05-126
AsaigM.dro Cvvncilar Greene April Il, 2005
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Order, Authorizing the Establishment of Swimming Fees at Dakin
Pool
BE R ORDERED BY THE CRY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR, THAT the following
fee structure for swimming at Daldn Pool be implemented effective with the
commencement of the Spring 2005 swim season.
$ .50 for resident youth 16 and under
$1.00 for resident adults 17 and older
$1.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under
$2.00 for non-resident adults 17 and older
AND, BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT any season passes purchased for the Pancoe
Aquatic Center at Hayford's Park be honored at Dakin Pool. -
IN MIT COMCIL
April 11, 2005
Notion Rede and Seconded
for Passage
Notion Wade amA Cecomdea
to Amend to make the
Pee$ the Came as at the Panne
Pool
Vote: 6-3
yes: Casbvell,
Have$, Stone.
Councilors voting no: Allen,
Farrington, Gratrick
Ameoduent Passed
Mtion Made am Seconded to
Footnote Indefinitely
Vote: 2-I
Constitute voting yes: Allen,
GraMck; -.a.C.
Councilors voting no: Casbvell,
D'Errico, Greene, Dawes, Stolne,
Failed
Doubted
6-3
lots voting yes: Faebvell.
co. Cream, Haves, Stowe,
. voting no: Allen,
R 05-126
(Illl.B) Buthorizin¢ the 8atablieheevt
of Swimming Peen at Della Pool
Assigned to coun�mgorr cc446181
05-126
GIgLb]
To: Government Operations Committee
From: Frank Comeau, Director of Parks and Recreation
Subject: Proposed Fees — Dakin Pool
Dale: March 24, 2005
During the February 15v Govemment Operations Committee meeting and again at the City
Council meeting on February 2e, the concept of establishing a fee structure at Dawn Pool
was mused and discussed. The general consensus from those Councilors and some
members of the public who spoke appeared to favor consideration of implementing fees
for the upcoming swim season.
Given this interest, Parks and Recreation staff has prepared the following recommendation
for your consideration:
Empased Rates —Dak'n Pool
$ .50 for resident youth 16 and under
$1.00 for resident adults 17 and older
$1.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under
$2.00 for non-resident adults 17 and older
Additionally, it is recommended that season passes for Panoce Pool be honored at Dakin
Pool. For background and purposes of comparison, current rates at Pancoe are as follows:
Current Parcae Pool Rates
Day Passes
$1.00 for resident youth 16 and under
$2.00 for resident adults 17 and over
$2.00 for non-resident youth 16 and under
$4.00 for non-resident adults 17 and oyer
Season Passes
Resident - Non -Resident
Youth $10 $20
Adult $20 $40
Family - $50 $75
On March P, the recommended fee structure for Dakin Pool was reviewed with the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee. After review, the Committee endorsed the
recommendation of Parks and Recreation staff. Both staff and the Committee felt that
users should pay a fee, but that it should be less than Pancoe, gven the limited amenities
offered at Dakin.
b5-124
The proposal to establish fees appeared to have support from those who believed that
charging a minimal amount would help defray the cost of pool operations. Additionally,
charging a fee woulci require swimmers to be checked in and counted, which would
provide more reliable attendance figures than previously available.
In terms of projected revenues, it is estimated that approximately $1,400 could be
generated based upon the proposed fee structure discussed above. The calculation
presumes 25 youth swimmers and 10 adult swimmers seven (7) days per week for the
nine (9) -week season. These attendance figures are based upon 2003 attendance, which
was one of the higher years for participation. The $1,400 estimate would be somewhat
lower I attendance figures did not meet these projections: The cost of having a gate '
attendant on duty for the scheduled hours is estimated at slightly more than $2,300,
which includes wages and mandated benefit costs. Thus, barring a significant increase In
attendance or the proposed fees (which could discourage attendance), it appears likely
that the expense of the gate attendant will exceed revenues collected.
In conclusion, both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and staff recommend
that the proposed fee structure be established for the 2005 swim season. We have been
in contact with Mike Robinson of the Dakin Pool Committee and have Informed him of this
item on the Government Operations Committee agenda.
RWF/jdr-t.
05-124
Bangor City Council Meeting
February 28, 2005
Council Order OS -69 "Directing the City Manager to Take Necessary
Steps to Permanently Close Dakin Pool prior to the 2005 Swim Season"
Greene: Order 05-69 would direct that Dakin Pool be dosed prior to the
2005 swim season. Early in January, the Government Operations
Committee reviewed the feasibility of continuing to operate Dakin
Pool for the coming year. This review came about as a result of
the opening of the Pancoe Aquatic Center and also due to
concerns raised by our general liability Insurance carrier regarding
certain conditions M the Dakin Pool's bathhouse and the potential
need to undertake either significant renovations or to replace the
bathhouse. Subsequently, a community group has formed to work
towards keeping the pool open. The Government Operations
Commitee met with that group recently and is now
recommending that this Order be indefin'tely postponed. I would
move to indefinitely postpone Order 05-69.
The motion was seconded.
Farrington: The motion has been seconded. Councilor Tremble.
Tremble: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I dust wanted to add to the comments
of Councilor Greene that while this says we will work with that
group to find a way to keep the pool open mat would be long-
term, we dM decide that the pool will remain open for the 2005
swim season so it will be available to the children on the eastside
of Bangor for this year. it's not going to be, we are not going te
have to do that a denshre work to the building this year and the
consultant thinks that we can get at least another year out of it..
So the pool will be open for the 2005 season.
Farrington: Councilor Cashwell.
Cashwell: Yes, thank you. In doing this, I would be Interested in seeing the
City with that group develop some sort of a set of goals and a
timeline through which we can develop a plan and If Its going to
continue beyond the 2005 season other than having an open
ended discussion every year, something should be determined
and concluded and put to rest by say March is of next year with
a definitive plan.
Farrington:
City Manager Barrett.
Barrett:
Just to follow up an that, we had a tentative meeting scheduled
today with some of the representatives of the group that is
working on the pool to begin the process that Councilor Cashwell
was discussing which is to outline the process that Is going to be
required, what would be needed to get the project going, and to
try to identify some benchmarks to gauge progress. That meeting
was, we were unable to get that meeting together today but will
do that in the near future and my thought was to return to the
Council through Government Operations with some form of
Council Resolve that would set out some of those activities that
will ncetl to be undertaken and responsibilities and rough time
frames.
Farrington:
Any other Council comment? Councilor Tremble.
Tremble:
Just one. One of the Issues that came up during the discussion
was the usage of the eastside versus the new pool, the Dakin
Pool versus Panme Pool and one other thing we decided to do for
the upcoming season Is to charge a fee the same as the westside,
the Panme Pool is charged. The primary reason for that is just to
track the actual usage of It. It was hard 1 think last year for the
workers to actually track how much usage there was so this way
we will have a much better handle on how much the pool is used.
Thank you.
Farrington;
City Manager Barrett and then Councils Allen.
Barrett:
I believe the Parks and Recreatlon Department will be returning
to Government Operations in the near future with a proposal
along those lines.
Allen:
Thank you. I have a question. In this Order we have before us
and the new proposal that's before us, are we simply saying that
we are only keeping the pool for one year and that any future use
of this pool is definkehy dependent upon the relationship between
the committee and the Council?
Farrington:
I believe an indefinite postponement does indefinitely postpone
this Issue until the Council wishes to bring it up. If I'm not,
perhaps the City Solicitor will correct my._..
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Heltmann:
If a motion to Indeflnitely, postpone has passage that kills this
Item. If we are going to discuss In the future closing Dakin Pool,
it will require a new Council Order. So there are no conditions to
this motion.
Allen:
So basically then what we are saying is that Dakin Pool is open
indefinitely.
Heitmann:
Correct. Correct. Unless until the Council brings forward another
Order at some future date.
Allen:
Okay. Thank you.
Farrington:
City Manager Barrett.
Barrett:
Please also keep in mind that would be subject to annual
appropriation in the budget so H would be a budgetary Item that
would be looked at every year just like everything else.
Farrington: Councilor Cashwell's comment was to the point that there would
be a continued discussion with the people Interested in keeping
the pool open is from the standpoint of both coming up with
funds to do this other than the current method which is solely on
the Bangor taxpayer as well as a good, another year to assess the
usage of the pool. Is that the substance of your thought,
Councilor Cashwell?
Cashwell:
I would make a motion to amend this Order which requires the
City to work with the committee to return with a Resolve with a
date specific plan going into the 06 budget period.
Farrington:
We have a notion to amend and a second.
Hellmann:
The item on the floor is not the Order but rather a motion to
indefinitely postpone so any indefinite postponement motion is
not amendable.
Farrington:
If we indefinitely postpone it, we can do that. If it does not
Postpone, the issue could have another motion.
Heitmann:
If it is not indefinitely postponed, than the Order is still on the
agenda and can be amended in some fashion if that is the wish of
the Council. If B is indeflnitely postponed, then it Is killed.
05-124
Farrington:
Councilor Kemble.
Tremble:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I still very much favor the motion to
Indefinitely postpone this. I just wart to clarify that I attended
that committee meeting, I am not a member of the committee
and the Chairman could correct me if I misspeak of anyone that
Was there, but It was dearly I think the Intent of the committee
and those people who support keeping the pool open. I think it
was a clear understanding that we were taking this, it was the
intent of that group, obviously the Council can do whatever they
want, but 1 think it was the intent of that group, the committee
and the group there, to say okay we are going to be open this
year, let's work together to see what the future holds. We may
know, I dont think anybody made any long -tens commitment at
that meeting. Everybody left the meeting with the understanding
that we need to work together to find a solution beyond this year
and no, I don'tthink anybody had the Illusion that this pool Is
open for as long, you know, far into the future.
Farrington:
Let me ask the Solicitor to clarify the issue.
Heitmann:
1 would suggest procedurally that it may be a lot simpler to do
this if I'm reading the Council correctly. From what I am hearing
from the comments is that there is support to indefinitely
postpone this matter but the Council has also wished to have
continued discussions about Dakin Pool and its future and do that
through a Council Resolve or another Council Order. 1 would
suggest, and of course as you know, any Councilor can sponsor
any Council Resolve or Council Oder so I would suggest If my
reading of the Council Is correct that we proceed with that on the
next Council Agenda. We can have an Order to the effect that
what Councilor Cashwell is proposing tonight.
Farcington:
Councilor Gatwick.
Gatwick
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. But also for the Solicitor, could
we not have a motion to postpone to a time certain that is April 1
of 2006, would that not have the same effect which is to say that
we will keep R open this year but we are trying to come up with a
new arrangement for the Dakin Pool. We're forcing ourselves and
the committee to make some hard choices to do some hard work.
Hohmann:
Well, R dcesnt not have a bind affect because obviously
everybody could simply ignore it until April of next year and then
05-124
have this discussion all over again. You can do that if you wish
subject to the vote on the motion to indefinitely postpone first.
Assuming that fails then you could do a motion to postpone to a
date certain. That still doesn't compel anyone to take the actions
that Councilor Tremble and Councilor Cashwell and others have
spoken that they anticipate being taken between now and April
that would still require another Council Order or Council Resolve.
Farrington:
Any further questions. Councilor Allen.
Allen:
Thank you. So, am I to understand then that in regards to once
we vote on this issue, should we postpone it, it has to go back to
the committee and then at that point the committee makes a
decision and it comes back to the Council with a new Order. I
mean anything new has to go back to the committee and then
back to the Council
Hellmann:
if this motion to indefinitely postpone has passage and the issues
that Councilors have referred to that they want to further discuss
regarding Dakin Pool if they still want to pursue that, then yes.
There would be a new Order, that Order would go to the
Committee, we would have the discussions, it would eventually
find its way back to the Council for final action at some future
date, yes.
Farrington:
Councilor Stare.
Stone:
Thank you. I will vole to Indefinitely postpone this Item and at
the same time 1 would like to direct the City Manager to work
with our City Councilor on the far end down there to put together
an Order for the next meeting addressing his concems so that we
can further that discussion at that time.
Allen:
How can you do that?
Stone:
I can say that as public comment. That's not an order.
Farrington:
City Manager.
Barrett:
As I indicated earlier, it is my intention to sit down with the group
and representatives of the group and do exactly that. I would
appreciate It if you did not be It down to the next meeting so that
you would give me enough time to make sure I could get
together with that group and come back with something
05-126
substantive as opposed to something that is very general. I am
more than willing to do, 1 had intended to meet with them today.
The individual I was going to meet with had to cancel the
meeting. There was simply Trot enough time to get something on
this agenda. I will do my best to get it on the agenda in two
weeks but it might take a bit longer than that given that
Government Operations normally meets the day after the next
Council meeting. So my suggestion would be I'll try to get
something for Government Operations the day after the next
regular Council meeting.
Farrington: I think we have had good discussion. We have a motion. We
have a second. If there is no further discussion, I will call for a
vote. All those In favor of the motion to Indefinitely postpone. All
those opposed. It is indefinitely postponed.
05-124
Government Operations Committee
February 15, 2005
Minutes
Councilor Attendance: Greene, D'Errico, Hawes, Tremble, Grahvick,
Farrington
Staff Attendance: Barrett, Comeau, Hamer, Farrar, Wlllette, Marbial
Otheres: Mike Robinson, Gerry Palmer, Kelly Cotloux, Jody
McDonald, Linda Dunn, Kim Livingstone, George
Burgoyne, Dawn Gagnon,
News Media, Judi Perkins, Kelly Cotlaux
1. Dakin Pool Operations and Bathhouse Renovation Project-
CouncilOrder 05-69
Council Order 05-69, as written, directed the dosing of Dakin Pool effective for
the spring of 2005. The Order was tabled at the January 2e City Council
meeting and referred back to this Committee for further review, discussion and
Input from Interested citizens. Additional information regarding the cost of the
bathhouse renovation project, attendance figures, options for consideration and
other related material were provided to the Committee and Dakin Pool
Committee leaders.
Barrett talked about pool attendance at Dalin and at Panoc e. The numbers at
Parma are accurate in that they are associated with an entrance fee. The
numbers at Dakin were taken by employees and there is no fee. Dakin Pool
averaged 15 people per day with a median of 14. Highest attendance was 81,
second highest was 59. Pancce averaged 410/day with a median of 388. In
terms of the hours at Dakin Pool and public access to that information, Barrett
said the operating hours were advertised, and the Packs and Recreation
Department sent home brochures with the Bangor elementary school children.
In that brochure, it was noted that the Council was considering closing Dakin.
The info was also provided on the City's web site and its government access
channel as well as some radio spots. The pool was not operated on the
weekends due to staffing issues and popularity of Pane. Swim hours were
Increased by a half hour at Dakin. Swimming lessons were conducted at Pancce
because of the pool's design and there was a higher response this year.
Swimming lessons Increased from 150 in 2003 to 394 In 2004. In 2002 Dakin's
attendance averaged 53, 35 in 2003, and in 2004 R fell further. Operating costs
remain fairly constant at $19,000 currently. Pane operating costs are $74,500
but the fee structure recovered dose to $50,000. In late support per visit,
Barnett estimated is at $.90 per visit at Pane in tax support and In excess of
$25.00 at Dakin.
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Barrett Indicated that the bathhouse at Dakin needs repair. The pool equipment
is in a mnfined. space which muses problems for employees. Carpenter
Associates provided the City with revised figures for required renovations and
Improvements at Dakin in the area of a quarter million plus. The estimated price
for basic renovations to the bathhouse is $90,000. The bathhouse's deck is in the
Pine Street right-of-way. The bathhouse could be renovated at the current _
location but a new bathhouse would require it to be moved. Dakin Pool is
approximately 50 years old. It is still useful
Staff recommended the following options for consideration: building a new
bathhouse at $250,000-300,000. Debt service on that amount would be $20,000-
24,000/year; Dakin could mritinue with a renovated bathhouse with an
estimated 5-10 year fix at $90,000; dose the pool and construct a splash pad;
close the pool completely at $12,000 for removal and dowre. Barretttalked -
about the Cit)/s financial environment. Over the past few years, the City has
Investe0 significant amounts of its undesignated fund balance In certain projects.
At the present time, it is slightly under the amount the Council has set by policy
(7.5% of operating budget). He also mentioned LD 1, which will have impact on
the City's ability to raise property taxes. The City has made a commitment ba a
new police station which, when the facility is in place, will increase the City's
debt service payment by the range of $500,000tyear.
Parks and Recreation staff recommend the splash pad as the preferable option.
It would provide a differentt water amenity and would attract more users. his
geared more toward younger children. If the choice is th keep the pool open,
Barrett suggested renovating the bathhouse as the least expensive option.
Mike Robinson represented the Dakin Pool Committee group. He read a letter
from Bangor's Legislative Delegation supporting Dakin Pool remaining open. He
opposes the idea of a "ane pool" concept at Mansfield. The general public is not
aware of that plan. He feels that the staff report is based on faulty data and that
the pool comparison chart Is not valid. Dakin is not open evening and weekends
like Parcae so it imt a fair comparlson. Dakin Pool is not identified by a sign at
the location. Parim a is at maximum capacity and closing Dakin would muse
further problems. The pool at Dakin is in goad shape but the bathhouse is not.
Robinson questions the City's estimated costs for renovation and demolition.
Robinson asked why the City walted so long to consider repairs and renovations.
Gratwkk agreed with Robinson in that the newness of Parcoe affected its high
altendarrce numbers. He favored Robinson's Plan B to get the community
involved in the solution. Robinson Indicated the City should come up with the
necessary funding, not just the Pool Committee. He also talked about grants.
He said that when the City gets it numbers together the Dakin Pool Committee
would be willing to partner with the City. Hawes suggested that the Pool
05-126
Committee should provide the grant avenues prior to the Council making a
decision. If the Dakin Committee is successful, will the King Foundation fund
refurbish the entire pool. Robinson said it takes several months to apply for
grants. He feels the Council needs to make a decision as to what they want to
do with Dakin. D'Ernoo agreed with the matching funds concept. He has
spoken with residents as well as the member of the Dakin Pool Committee and
he fully supports meeting the group part way. He favored putting the project on
hold. Barrett said that If the Council daddies to open the pool in June with some
kind of additional fundraising, staff could put plan together for to following
Yeas
Dick Hartford from Carpenter Associates addressed the Committee. Regarding
the bathhouse, he expressed concern about the addition to the structure, which
sets on a slab. He didn4 feel it was anything that would prohibit the pool from
being open in June but questioned how long it will last. The problem with the
current equipment location concerns a sump under the middle of the building
with a wooden floor over it He also mentioned the poor condition of the
resbrooms. Comeau said the toss Control Consultant has Indicated the building
is structurally unsafe and expressed a concern with insurance coverage.
Tremble mid It comes to the point as to whether Council wants to open or close
Dakin Pool. Barrett said the City needs to check with its insurance company
regarding habllities that might arse for users of the building.
In referencing the community support, Gratwick talked about using Habitat for
Humanity, as an example, to renovate/rebuild the bathhouse. Hartford indicated
that a lot of the work is electrical and mechanical related. Greene asked if a
bathhouse is a necessity. Hartford said it is a State Code requirement
Jody McDonald spoke in favor of keeping Dakin Pool open. She spoke about the
number of pool users and the lack of appropriate signage. She questioned the
statistics provided by staff. She is concerned about the original estimates
provided by Carpenter Associates. Carpenter came back with lower figures and
she wondered how many other City projects are financially overstated if no one
raises questions. $25 to provide pool services at Dakin for ane child is well
worth the expenditure. It provides exercise.
Tremble spoke about the numbers at Dakin and Pancoe. Panoce's attendance
reflects a high percentage of non-residents. Dakin is a neighborhood pool.
Comeau said that 72% of paying customers at Pancoe were residents and 92%
of the season pass purchases were residents. Tremble talked about a fee at
Dakin Pool for revenue and to track attendance.
05-126
Hawes said her largest concern is safety. If the City can provide one more year
a[ Dakin Pool with the bathhouse, implement the $1.00 fee, let the Dakin Pool
Committee start working on their funding and grants, she would support opening
It for one more season. She stressed that it needs to be financially feasible for
all concerned. She recommended sending the item back to Council
recommending a June opening of the Dakin. Comeau said It could be made safe
for another year and he agreed with the fee.
Linda Dunn asked about the attendance records. If she enters the pool area,
then returns to her car and comes back in, Is she counted as two? The lifeguard
would let the Individual back in. Dunn said that when the Bangor Library was
being renovated, school children were allowed to bring in pennies to contribute
to the project, and wondered if the same could be done for the pools. She also
said that newcomers to the area have no idea about the pools and the schools
could provide that Information. Barrett said that would be a question for the
School Superintendent Barnett said the City has no legal right to place a sign on
Stillwater Avenue for Dakin. There is a sign on Pine Street. Tremble asked about
a daily "sandwich board"type sign. Barrett talked about the State of Maine
informational signs. Barrett said that staff would look into the sign issue.
In response to Hawes regarding pod staffing, Comeau said that if he knows
early on in the process, staffing needs an be taken care of at Pancoe and Dakin.
He also spoke of having the pool open on weekends.
Jody McDonald stressed that the Dakin Pool Committee does want to work with
the Council. She asked about looking at other avenues for cost estimates.
George Burgoyne indicated that when two groups come together there needs fo
be structure.
Kim Lhringstone indicated she lived on French Street for 6 years pdor to finding
out about Dakin Pool. She talked about the inconvenience of individuals
traveling from her side of town over the Parma.
Hawes expressed appreciation to the citizens in attendance and made a motion
recommending to full Council that Dakin Pool be open this June. She further
recommended that a charge be given to the Daldn Pool Committee. The motion
vias seconded. Hawes further moved that Council Order 05-69 be indefinitely
postponed. The motion was seconded. Greene stressed that the Dakin Pool
Committee Is being asked to move forward to formulate funding and grants so
that in a year from now perhaps something an be done on a more permanent
basis. Greene asked if a pool pass could cover both pools. W llette responded
that it could be evaluated. In response to a question, Barrett Mid that the Ory
cannot be Involve0 in fundraising. He suggested that a group could be formed
05-126
and the Qty would assist in the process. That group would then be recognized
by the Council and given some Offidal standing. Dunn said she would call
Barrett for details.
2. Adopt -A -Spot Program — Keep Bangor Beautiful and Bangor
Public Works Department
Keep Bangor Beautiful (KBB) in conjunction with Bangor Public Works has
developed a new program entitled Adapt -A -Spat. The program Is designed to
reduce litter and to beautify open spaces through citizen and group Involvement.
Identified spam will be -adopted -and then maintained by the Individual or
group with oversight and assistance from loth KBB and Bangor Public Works.
Kelly Cotiaux and Judi Perkins reviewed the program details with the Committee.
Interested groups must pledge to adopt a space for a minimum of one year. An
appropriate small sign will be placed Identifying the group. The program will be
introduced at the Garden Show. D'Errico talked about adding competition within
the project Cotiaux asked for direction in designating specific spots. Barrett
indicated this would require formal Council approval, Public Works involvement
as well as the Enterprise funds. Hamer suggested a policy. Perkins has worked
with Public Works on a Pre'aPProved planting program worsting with the Forestry
Division. Gratwkk suggested publicity on local news outlets and service
organizations. A motion was made and seconded to move forward with the
project.
3. Proposed Changes to Federal Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Staff has been alerted that the Commerce Department has. proposed
consolidating a variety Of economic and community development programs,
including the Community Development Block Grant Program, Into one program
under the Commerce Department. Currently, economic and community
development programs are located under Housing and Urban Development. This
plan would require the development Of Federal enabling legislation, which would
then need Congressional approval. The Commerce Department plans to develop
the legislation over the summer. Bangor currently receives $1.21NI/yest from
CDBG funds used for the downtown and waterfront improvements. Staff asked
approval for adoption of a Coundl Resolve in opposition to eliminating the CDBG
program. In response to Gratwidy Martzial said he has been in contact with
Senators Snowe and Collins' offices. GratwIck also talked about a meeting with
the Senators. Martzlal said he plans to more aggressive in promotion the CDBG
Program, utilizing the dtys government access channel. A motion was made and
seconded to approve staffs recommendation.