Government Operations Committee

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm

City Council Chambers

AGENDA

1. Quarterly Update with the Bangor Water District

· Introduction of Trustees and Staff (Bangor Water District Chair Wellman)

· Billing System Update (K. Moriarty)

· Essex Street Concrete Tank Update (K. Moriarty)

· LT2 Variance (K. Moriarty)

· Bangor-Brewer interconnect (K. Moriarty)

· The Value of BWD’s Water (K. Moriarty)

· Invitation to Tour Water Supply/Treatment Facilities (Chair Wellman)

· Committee Comments/Questions (Chair Wellman)

2. BAT Community Connector Shuttle Service Agreements

· City of Bangor and University of Maine

· City of Bangor and Town of Orono

As has been previously discussed and reviewed, BAT Community Connector will be operating a shuttle service for the University of Maine Campus and downtown Orono beginning this fall. All costs associated with this service are being covered by the State of Maine Department of Transportation, the University and the Town of Orono. The attached agreements outline the arrangements and understandings related to BAT Community Connector providing this service. The Agreements have been approved by representatives of UMaine and the Town of Orono. BAT Superintendent Joe McNeil will be present to answer any questions. Staff recommends approval of both agreements.

3. Draft Resolves for Committee Review and Comment Regarding Two Fall Referendum Questions

· An Act to Provide Tax Relief (also known as TABOR II)

· Proposed Revision to Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Rates

At the last Committee meeting, two Referendum questions were discussed that will appear on the fall statewide ballot. Following a review of each, the Committee asked the City Manager to prepare DRAFT Resolves opposing each question for further consideration and comment. Each is attached along with the initial background memorandums. Additionally, a request was made to provide the proposed language for each question. The Secretary of State has released the wording for the questions and the public may comment on the wording until July 27, 2009.

Tax Relief/TABOR II Question: “Do you want to change Maine law to require voter approval for state and local tax and spending increases over certain limits?”

Excise Tax Question: “Do you want to cut the rate of excise tax on newer vehicles that owners pay towns by about half and exempt some energy-efficient vehicles from the sales tax?”