Government Operations Committee

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 5:00 pm

City Council Chambers

AGENDA

1. Council Resolve 09-201 Authorizing Applying for, Accepting and Appropriating $35,384 in Funds from the US Department of Justice, 2009 Justice Assistance Grant

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department and the Bangor Police Department have received notification that these funds are available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Program. The grant requires the two agencies to share the grant, with $384 provided to the Police Department for grant administration. Bangor intends to use its share ($17,500) to purchase equipment and provide training to its employees. There is no local match. A public hearing is required in order to fulfill grant requirements.

2. Recommendation to Increase Impound Fees for Stray Animals

The City currently charges fees to owners of stray animals that are delivered to the Bangor Humane Society. The fees help defer the costs associated with locating, capturing, transporting and housing stray animals that are taken to the Humane Society. The fees also act as a deterrent for repeat occurrences/violations. Bangor’s fees have not been adjusted in some time, and the Police Department is recommending an increase as outlined on the attached memorandum from Chief Gastia. Additional background information from the Humane Society is included as well.

3. Two Proposed Minor Route Modifications – Bangor Mall Area and Hammond Street – BAT Community Connector

BAT staff is proposing two minor route changes in the Bangor Mall area and on the Hammond Street run. These changes are necessary due to changing passenger needs/business relocation and the need to provide timely service and remain on schedule. A background memorandum from BAT Superintendent Joe McNeil is attached.

4. Council Ordinance 09-198 Amending Schedules VI and VIII of Chapter 291, Article III, Sec. 40 of the Code of the City of Bangor – Parking for Persons with Disabilities and for Buses Only – Broadway and Somerset Street

This Ordinance would move the current John Bapst High School bus loading/ unloading zone from Broadway to Somerset Street, and moves the current handicapped parking spaces from Somerset Street to Broadway and permit parking in front of the School. This has been in place on a trial basis, and it has been determined to be a much better arrangement by all involved parties. The Ordinance amendment would make the change permanent.

5. Proposal to Establish a City Charter Review Commission

Councilor Wheeler has requested that the Government Operations Committee begin discussing the possibility of creating a Commission to review the City’s Charter. City Solicitor Heitmann has prepared background information on this issue, and will be prepared to review options which the Committee may wish to consider.