Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-05 Government Operations Committee Minutes Government Operations Committee th Monday, June 5, 2017 Minutes City Council Chambers Chairperson Nichols opened the meeting at 6:38 PM. Regular Agenda 1. MEMO, Community Connector RFP for Paratransit Services. Assistant City Manager, Michael Crooker, explained that the City has offered Paratransit services through Penquis Cap since 1990. The most recent contract was entered into in 2006. The City of Bangor Community Connector became a direct recipient in 2013. The FTA completed a Triennial review of the City of Bangor’s transit systems in 2016. Mr. Crooker indicated that they were bringing it before the Government Operations Committee since this is the first time the city has conducted a procurement since the completion of the Triennial Review and staff wanted to be sure that the Council was aware of all the requirements and why the ADA Para Transit Service is being put out to bid. Mr. Crooker noted that the FTA requires that it be a fair and open competition that includes a nationwide search of potential bidders and that the city encourage the participation of DBE’s. Mr. Crooker also noted that the requirements of the RFP are complex and it has taken several weeks to prepare. Councilor Baldacci indicated that there was a recent informal conversation regarding being able to offer prepaid reduced price tickets to disabled individuals. Councilor Baldacci wanted an update on progress regarding this issue. Assistant City Solicitor Paul Nicklass indicated that he had incorporated language into the RFP that indicated that if the City came up with a process in the future then the Contractor would be required to implement that process in the future. Councilor Graham indicated that he assumed that the advertisement for the RFP would end up on the website and that it would be put out to a certain number of vendors but Councilor Graham wanted to know exactly how many would receive it. Assistant City Manager Michael Crooker and Assistant City Solicitor Paul Nicklass explained the advertising process both nationwide as well as local. Councilor Graham clarified his question. How many local registered vendors with the City have the capacity to perform the required services? Mr. Crooker indicated one that they were aware of at this time but there could be other transportation providers that might have or be able to develop that capacity. Councilor Graham ask for clarification on past offering of ADA Paratransit Service. It was noted that Penquis Cap had provided it since 1990 with the last one page agreement signed in 2006 but neither the Assistant City Manager nor the Assistant City Solicitor were employed by the City at that time so they were unsure how the agreement came into existence in 2006. Councilor Baldacci commented that it was important to note that it is a process and it is being advertised because it is required now that the City of Bangor is a Direct Recipient of funds from the FTA. 2. PROCLAMATION, Reaffirming Support for and the Value of Diversity. Assistant City Manager indicated that the Council desired proclamations to go through the committee process now, which is why the Proclamation Reaffirming Support for and the Value of Diversity is being reviewed tonight prior to being read at the City Council meeting next week. Councilor Tremble noted that the Proclamation had been discussed at a prior council workshop. Councilor Baldacci noted that City Solicitor, Norm Heitmann, drew up the proclamation. City Manager Conlow indicated that the Chief of Police had also reviewed it but he was unable to attend the meeting tonight due to illness. Councilor Graham noted that there was a typo in the Proclamation in the fourth whereas sentence. Councilor Graham also asked for clarification that no matter what it says in the Proclamation that the language is not a binding or creating a policy. It was noted by City Manager Conlow that the language in the policy is very similar to the policies and practices of the City. Resident Dennis requested to speak. He suggested that the Council consider adding immigration status to the list of items for which individuals will not be discriminated against. Councilor Graham suggested that it was not the best place for it in the Proclamation since immigration status is not a protected class under law. City Manager Conlow confirmed. Councilor Graham suggested that the Proclamation not be limited to just the residents of Bangor. Should open it up to everyone. Suggested that in third paragraph that language indicate whereas all residents be changed to whereas all persons. Also suggested that the next paragraph also indicated persons. Councilor Baladacci indicated that he did like the acknowledgement of Bangor in that case since it highlights the history and past practice of the City of Bangor as an open and willing community that is open to new ideas and new people. Chairperson Nichols asked for any additional questions. Councilor Weston asked if the City translated Proclamations into other languages and in braille. If not, then he noted that the City might be violating its own policies. City Manager Conlow noted that the City does follow Federal and State guidelines and can provide assistance to those individuals that need it and request it. It was asked what happens next regarding the Proclamation. It was noted that no official action is needed. Council Chair Baldacci will read it at the next City Council meeting as agreed during the meeting. Councilor Nichols adjourned the meeting at 6:55 PM.