Government Operations Committee

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 5:00 pm

AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Election of Penobscot County Representatives to Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) Board of Directors

Penobscot County has two vacancies on the EMDC Board of Directors. The EMDC Governance Committee has nominated Michael Ballesteros, Director of Development at Eastern Maine Community College, and Eugene Conlogue, Millinocket Town Manager as candidates for these 3 year terms. Bangor may cast its ballot for either or both candidates, or may offer a write in vote. Absent other interest, staff recommends the proposed slate of directors. Please see attached information for further details.

REGULAR AGENDA

2. Ordinance 08-344, Amending Chapter 134 General Assistance Section 134-27, Amount of Assistance and Section 137-2.7.1, Rental Assistance

Each year the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services updates the maximum levels of General Assistance, a state mandated program. This Ordinance amendment will make those required changes to the City’s General Assistance ordinance so that Bangor is in conformance with State requirements. These changes represent fairly minor increases from current levels of assistance.

3. Ordinance 08-345 Accepting and Appropriating $5,200 in Funds for the U.S. Department of Justice, 2008 Justice Assistance Grant

The Police Department has been successful in their application for funding under the 2008 Justice Assistance Grant Program. The Department will be awarded $5,200 and intends to use the funds to purchase equipment to enhance its traffic enforcement efforts, such as signage, a laser radar gun and equipment to assist the downtown bike patrol program. Under this partnership grant application, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department will receive a similar amount plus $300 for administer the grant.

4. Resolve 08-346, Appropriating $4,000 for Future Funds to Purchase a Polygraph Machine

The Police Department’s current polygraph machine, which is eight years old, does not meet the requirements for certification. The new polygraph operator will need to be certified in order to conduct polygraph tests, and the purchase of a new unit will provide this opportunity. The existing unit will be traded in towards the replacement.

5. Reimbursement of Maine Criminal Justice Academy(MCJA) Tuition Costs

The MCJA has recently begun accepting students not employed by law enforcement agencies to attend the 18 week training session at their own expense. Previously, only students already employed by law enforcement agencies could attend at that agency’s cost. The proposed policy would provide for reimbursement of tuition costs on a sliding scale if a tuition student was selected for an opening at the Bangor Police Department. The attached memorandum from Chief Gastia provides greater detail and support for the implementation of the proposed policy.

6. Proposed 2009 Golf Course Membership and Green Fee Rates

At the end of each golf season, a review of membership and green fee rates is undertaken. That process has recently been completed and Parks and Recreation Director Willette and Golf Pro Brian Enman would like to review the results and accompanying recommendations with the Committee. A background memorandum and proposed rate sheet are attached.