Disclaimer: The views I express here are my own and should NOT be construed as speaking for the City of Bangor or the City Council of Bangor.
December 2, 2024
Finance Committee
Only 1 item on the agenda: a signal improvement at Griffin Road and Kenduskeag Ave. The lowest bidder, Daigle Electric Construction Corp. was chosen with a bid of $338,338.
Government Operations Committee
This was a packed agenda, including updates on City Assessment, Treasury, and Public Health.
The meeting covered updates from various city departments, proposed ordinance and policy changes, and updates on homelessness initiatives.
Department Updates & Projects:
- City Assessor: City Assessor provided an update on the citywide revaluation project aimed at fairness and equity, contracted with KRT Appraisal and Catalyst software. Data collectors from KRT started work on the West Side. The goal is to ensure assessments are near market value by April 1, 2025, to lessen the impact of the full revaluation values effective for fiscal year 2027. The transition to the Catalyst software is going relatively smoothly. Concerns were raised about potential gentrification effects and socioeconomic equity related to rezoning and revaluation, particularly concerning school districts, though the assessing department doesn’t collect much demographic data.
- Clerk & Treasury: The City Clerk reported significant progress since the offices merged a year ago. Bank deposits are now timely (within 1-2 days, down from weeks behind). Mail processing backlog is down to one day from six weeks. Issues with the state-mandated dog licensing software were noted. The city recently upgraded its Trio system (for real estate, sewer, storm water bills, vehicle registration), enabling potential future options for online payments and electronic billing. Potential use of Microsoft 365 and Adobe AI for efficiency was discussed.
- Public Health & Community Services: Public Health Director highlighted several projects. The Community Health Improvement Plan is completed and awaiting design. Feedback is being sought from the community regarding the use of Opioid Settlement Funds before finalizing plans. Preparations are underway for the next mosquito season, including education and surveillance. The HIV cluster associated with the encampment grew to 14 cases; efforts focus on outreach, testing strategy, and linking individuals to care, including collaborating on a shared consent form. The committee supported applying for a federal EIS (Epidemic Investigative Services) officer to assist with the HIV cluster response for two years at no cost to the city beyond supervision.
- Parks & Recreation: Parks & Recreation Director noted various projects are ongoing.
- Legal: Updates included commencing actions against owners of unregistered vacant buildings, prosecuting land use violations against the Bangor Mall owners, and working with the airport on complex projects and FAA compliance.
- Police: With improved staffing, the Community Enforcement Team is being implemented to address neighborhood issues, traffic, and downtown presence. Partnership with MDEA is being enhanced, the RAD program is returning, and radio infrastructure upgrades (with Fire Dept.) are proving beneficial.
- Fire: Deputy Chief reported on Central Fire Station renovations (apparatus bay, bunk rooms, bathrooms, plumbing), replacement of breathing air compressor, progress on the new Training Center design/permitting, partnering for Advanced EMT classes, an ambulance remount expected in February, and ongoing recruitment efforts. Morale is considered fairly good, though staffing is down nine positions.
- Community Connector: Implementation of a technology package including a rider app is progressing, with a press release expected soon. The transition to a fully fixed-stop system will be complete in January. Rehabilitation of the Cold Bus Barn is moving forward. A state grant was received to fund CDL training, aiming to improve driver numbers and potentially restore Saturday service. A future fare study is anticipated.
- Human Resources: Assistant City Manager discussed managing 14 unions and over 600 employees. Seven collective bargaining agreements are up for renegotiation next year, plus reopeners for paid family leave. Efforts continue to improve work-life balance, update vacation accruals, and allow flexible leave use where possible. An internal employee intranet is being developed as a stop-gap pending funding for a full HRIS system. Recruitment efforts have improved, utilizing targeted advertising and social media. Updating the decade-old Personnel Rules is ongoing but slow. Significant challenges remain regarding vacancies, turnover, an aging workforce, and market competitiveness, though progress is being made (e.g., police staffing). The need for creative solutions beyond salary increases, respecting younger workforce expectations for work-life balance, was discussed.
Ordinances, Policies & Votes:
- Polystyrene Ordinance: A proposed amendment adds an “unreasonable difficulty” exemption (e.g., supply chain issues) to the ban on polystyrene food containers, making enforcement less discretionary than the temporary fix implemented during the pandemic. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full Council.
- Liquor License Policy: A proposed amendment allows the City Clerk to electronically sign off on liquor licenses approved by departments, aligning with the state’s new online process and reducing paperwork. Issues would still come back to the Council. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full Council.
- Naming Policy: A proposed amendment to the policy for naming city-owned properties clarifies it doesn’t apply to naming rights agreements, adds a Wabanaki land acknowledgment, includes consideration for underrepresented communities, refers naming suggestions to the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights (ACREIHR), and adds a review process for existing names/monuments. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full Council.
- MRC Board Member: The committee voted to direct staff to cast Bangor’s vote for the Public Works Director to continue serving on the Municipal Review Committee (MRC) board.
- DHHS Rule Change Opposition: The committee agreed to submit comments opposing a proposed DHHS rule change that would cap General Assistance shelter benefits, viewing it as exceeding technical rulemaking authority.
Homelessness Initiatives:
- Encampment Closure Update: Significant effort continues from outreach workers (PATH, HOME), case managers, and medical teams (PCHC, Family Planning) within the Cleveland St. encampment. Progress includes getting some individuals into shelter or housing, hosting meet-and-greets with case managers, and planning a pet vaccination clinic. Challenges include new individuals arriving and varying levels of engagement among residents (estimated 50-55 active residents). There was considerable debate among councilors about the planned January 3rd closure date, with some advocating for sticking to the deadline to maintain momentum and address inhumane conditions, while others argued for suspending the date to preserve relationships and avoid simply displacing people. Outreach efforts are expected to continue city-wide regardless of the encampment status.
- MSHA Grant: The committee voted to recommend Council acceptance of a $350,000 grant from Maine State Housing Authority. Funds will support a Housing Navigation and Stabilization position and provide resources for document acquisition, application fees, transportation, basic furnishings, moving services, and other discretionary needs to help people secure and maintain housing.
December 4, 2025
City Council Workshop
This work session of City Council included a tour of Bangor’s current Parks and Recreation facility at 647 Main Street. Currently P&R is squeezing every drop of use out of their current facility, but it was clear to me that Bangor has outgrown this space and we are in need of a new facility, especially for childcare.
The rest of the agenda centered around setting City Council’s priorities for the year. Topics of discussion: housing, economic development, public transportation, homelessness, community engagement & communication, opioid settlement funds, and the recruitment of a new City Manager.
Last year was themed “The Year of Housing.” This year City Council’s are themed “The Year of Building,” as the Council decided to work on building progress, relationships, communication, and more. This would later be reflected in City Council Order 25-049.
December 9, 2025
City Council Workshop
There were a number of topics discussed in this agenda.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Encampment Closure Update:
- Date Extension: The City Manager recommended extending the encampment closure date to February 28th due to delays in the opening of 41 permanent supportive housing units (Teresa’s Place), which are now expected to be ready in mid-to-late January. This extension aims to provide a “cushion” and ensure a more compassionate transition for residents, avoiding a harmful “sweep”.
- New Arrivals & Enforcement: Concerns were raised about new individuals, including some from out of state or country, entering the encampment. The city plans to implement stricter measures, using a “by name list” to identify existing residents needing services and asking newcomers without a plan to leave.
- Housing & Services: The focus remains on connecting encampment residents to various housing options (permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, rental units) and support services.
- Public Health & Safety: Issues like a recent fire, illness, disease transmission (including an HIV cluster), and waste management were discussed. Public Health is actively engaged in education, testing, and treatment efforts, and cleanup initiatives have occurred and are planned.
- Council Consensus: A majority of the council supported the proposed extension to February 28th.
2. Council Priorities for the Year:
- Main Areas: Top priorities identified included continued focus on housing, economic development (specifically Bangor Mall and downtown), and building/maintaining relationships (with the legislative delegation, committees, county commissioners, etc.).
- Other Important Items: Increasing property tax relief, improving transit, supporting schools, and community health were also mentioned as important areas.
- Specific Actions Discussed:
- Holding regular meetings with state legislators and potentially joining the Mayor’s Coalition.
- Improving communication between the Code Enforcement department and developers.
- Addressing issues with the Bangor Mall owner through code enforcement and legal action.
- Addressing transit staffing shortages (a grant for driver training was accepted) and eventually expanding service.
- Making the recruitment of a new City Manager a top priority.
- Focusing on economic development to alleviate the property tax burden on homeowners.
3. City Council Guidelines:
- Meeting Start Time: Council agreed to move the regular meeting start time earlier to 7:00 PM, likely beginning in January 2025, after giving public notice.
- Public Comment:
- The council favored splitting the public comment period: allowing a set time (e.g., 30 minutes) at the beginning of the meeting, conducting city business, and then reopening comment at the end if needed. The goal is to allow public input while ensuring council business is handled efficiently.
- It was agreed that public comment on specific agenda items should be allowed at committee meetings.
- The practice of accepting written statements to be included with the minutes was confirmed.
- Rules Review: A request was made to review the ordinance regarding the suspension of council rules.
4. City Manager Updates:
- An upcoming joint meeting with the School Committee was announced.
- A council workshop was scheduled for the following Monday to finalize ARPA funding allocations and review proposals from City Manager recruitment firms.
- The Holiday Parade was successful, and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop location will move to the Pickering Square Parking Garage.
The meeting concluded with the council voting to go into executive session for a personnel matter.
Regular City Council Meeting
This agenda contained 2 liquor license renewals and formalized a number of issues addressed during various committee meetings.
I was assigned Order 25-027, “Amending the Naming of City-Owned Properties Policy,” which passed.
During this meeting we also moved some ARPA money around. Wellspring was not able to complete the project they had received ARPA funds for, so Order 25-022 rescinded those funds. They were eventually reallocated on infrastructure for the Grandview Avenue housing project.
Order 25-029 also shifted some ARPA funds by converting United Way Heart of Maine’s funds to come out of interest earnings rather than the $20.48 million awarded by the federal government. The original funds also would go to Grandview Ave. infrastructure. Order 25-030 does the same with Together Place Housing’s award.
Question: “What was the point of shifting that money?”
Answer: The deadline for allocating ARPA funds was December 31, 2024. Once funds are allocated those dollars are locked in for that purpose. Interest earned on ARPA funds are not subject to the same rules. In fact, they’re not subject to any federal rules. Any money Bangor earned on its ARPA award are available for the city to use how it sees fit, in accordance with the Charter and local ordinances. The way I see it: by shifting money from the award money to interest, it gives the city greater flexibility should those projects not come to fruition.
December 11, 2024
City Council & School Committee Tour of School Clinic
On December 11, 2024, the Bangor School Committee and City Council toured the school clinic at James F. Doughty School, which received ARPA funding from the city for its implementation. This clinic is an incredible resource for students, not only ensuring access to healthcare but also helping reduce absenteeism by allowing students to be assessed and return to class when appropriate.
After the tour the two bodies sat for a meeting and discussed a number of topics such as upcoming legislation and priorities for the 2024-25 school year.
December 16, 2024
City Council Workshop
Two main items were on the agenda: ARPA and a Special Election for Maine State Legislature House District 24.
Regarding the ARPA funds, the Christine B Foundation returned to the City Council with a new proposal for their $100,000 allocation. Instead of their previous request which included operating costs, they now proposed using the funds for a refrigerated van and two large refrigerators.
I objected to this change primarily because it seemed unfair to other ARPA grant applicants. The City Council had established a specific process where non-profits submitted proposals that were scored, and funding decisions were based on those scores. Many applicants followed these rules, and some were rejected without the chance to change their proposals.
I highlighted that Design Wall Housing, another applicant seeking $100,000 for a needed housing project, had narrowly missed the funding cutoff based on the scoring system. They are still working on the same project and could use the funds effectively. Allowing the Christine B Foundation to change their proposal after the process concluded felt like changing the rules mid-game.
While I support the Christine B Foundation’s work, my objection centered on the fairness of the process itself. The Council emphasized adhering to the established procedure, yet seemed to disregard it here. This undermines the non-profits who followed the rules and contradicts the Council’s goal of building strong relationships within the city. Despite my objection, the Council approved the Foundation’s amended request.
We also discussed ARPA funds that were awarded to Health Equity Alliance (HEAL).
The council addressed the situation with Health Equity Alliance (HEAL), whose PEAL Center and Heart Center remain temporarily closed. Because the facility they applied for wasn’t operating, the decision was made to terminate HEAL’s ARPA award.
This involved withholding a final payment of about $164,000 and seeking the return of roughly $140,000 in unspent funds HEAL was holding. In total, this makes approximately $307,000 available for reallocation.
There was discussion about where to reallocate these funds. I suggested since these funds were intended to be used for Substance Use Disorder, the money should be reallocated to a SUDs related project. That was rejected.
In regards to the closure of the HEAL facility, it was noted that the city is working with other providers to temporarily cover services previously offered by HEAL.
As a housekeeping measure to meet federal deadlines for obligating the remaining ARPA funds, the council will use inter-agency agreements.
Housing: $2.25 million will be allocated via an agreement with Community and Economic Development. These funds will support housing initiatives like the Grand View Avenue Redevelopment and potentially the Cedar Falls Mobile Home Park cooperative purchase, aiming to create or preserve about 225 affordable housing units.
Infrastructure: Just over $2 million will be put into an agreement for essential water quality and wastewater system upgrades.
At the end the recording was turned off I believe before the topic of the Special Election for District 24 came up. It was agreed that Bangor would make the request for a special election to be held in light of Representative Joe Perry’s resignation due to his selection as Maine State Treasurer.
Finance Committee
Key Discussions and Decisions from the agenda:
- Executive Session: The committee entered an executive session to discuss a hardship abatement application. Upon returning, they voted to approve staff’s recommendation regarding the application.
- Electric Pickup Truck Bid Waiver: The committee discussed waving the bid process to purchase an electric pickup truck for the Community Connector using a Maine V Grant. Since a recent bid process for an electric vehicle identified Darlings Ford as the low bidder, and they agreed to honor the same price ($53,915), the committee voted to waive the bid and purchase a second truck from Darlings.
- Electric Vehicle Chargers Bid Waiver: The committee considered waving the bid process for installing electric vehicle chargers at the Pickering Square garage, funded by an Efficiency Maine RFP. Due to the complexity and limited number of qualified companies (Revision and Grid Wealth), staff reached out directly. Only Revision responded with a quote of $59,523. If the RFP grant of up to $40,000 is awarded, the net cost to the city would be $19,523 from the climate action plan fund. The committee voted to approve waving the bid process, contingent on receiving the Efficiency Maine grant.
- Residential Realtor Services: Following a previous request to split the realtor bid into residential and commercial, the committee reviewed bids for residential realtor services needed due to a state law change regarding tax-acquired property disposal. Two bids were received: the Sha Renee team (5% commission) and John Hyatt Broker/Si Associates (4% for two years, 5% after, with property limits). Staff recommended the Sha Renee team due to their experience, capacity, and flat 5% all-inclusive commission for a five-year term. The committee voted to accept the staff recommendation. It was noted that six properties are ready for listing.
- Subcontract with Northern Light Mayo Hospital: A council order was presented to authorize the City Manager to execute a $26,451 subcontract with Northern Light Mayo Hospital for Prevention Services in Piscataquis County, funded by the Maine Prevention Network (tobacco settlement funds). This continues a previous contract and covers the period from July 2024 to June 2025. The funding allows Mayo Hospital to handle prevention services (substance use, tobacco, healthy eating/active living) in Piscataquis County, similar to the work Bangor Public Health does in Penobscot County. The committee voted to approve the order. Councilor Leonard expressed interest in building stronger relationships with Piscataquis County.
- Grant Ratification – Impaired Driving Enforcement (Drug Recognition): A council order was presented to ratify the City Manager’s acceptance of an $8,687.12 grant from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety for impaired driving enforcement, specifically for drug recognition training and related overtime/travel costs. The committee voted to approve the ratification.
- Grant Ratification – Impaired Driving Enforcement (Overtime): Another council order was presented to ratify the acceptance of a separate grant from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety for impaired driving enforcement, focusing on overtime and training related to general impaired driving. The committee voted to approve this ratification as well.
- Audit Update: The committee received an update on the ongoing city audit. Auditors were on-site finishing testing for Community and Economic Development. Airport-related items, including complex lease calculations, were complete. The Cross Insurance Center was nearing completion, and auditors were scheduled to visit the School Department. Work remained on the general fund and incorporating new GASB requirements for subscription-based programs and disclosures. Despite staffing challenges in the finance department and the auditing firm, the goal remained to issue the financial statements in January (Which, as of April 11, 2025, hasn’t happened.) Efforts to streamline future audits, such as investigating software for lease calculations, were mentioned.
December 23, 2024
City Council Workshop
The first item on this agenda was regarding Camp Hope, the nickname for the Homeless Encampment in Bangor located near the Hope House Homeless Shelter.
Before the meeting it had come to my attention that the nonprofit Dignity First had submitted a letter of intent regarding land that the encampment resided on. My wife was the Executive Director at that time, therefore I had a potential conflict. City Council agreed by vote and I recused myself from that discussion and left the room.
Here is the summary of that Camp Hope discussion from the YouTube video:
- The final closure for fully engaged individuals was delayed pending 41 supportive housing units coming online soon.
- The “by-name list” of individuals engaged with outreach teams was finalized on December 12th. Not everyone in the encampment is intended for the 41 units; placement depends on individual needs to ensure the housing project’s success.
- Efforts are underway to coordinate with community partners to facilitate movement within the homelessness response system (transitional housing, shelter).
- Vacant spots in the encampment were identified, and debris removal began, with five rolloffs removed earlier that day.
- City staff will work with individuals not on the by-name list who must leave by the deadline, potentially involving law enforcement if needed.
- Efforts are being made to help those moving into housing remove their belongings from the encampment. Two individuals considered deeply entrenched have secured leases.
- A system for managing the possessions of those leaving the encampment (using totes) is being finalized with warming centers partnering in the effort.
- Transportation remains a challenge, but outreach staffing continues despite difficulties.
- As of the previous week, there were 45 households in the encampment; over half have housing vouchers or resources.
- Since October 10th: 15 people entered housing, 4 signed leases, 5 moved to shelter, 2 reconnected with family, and 13 left under other circumstances.
- A new individual who arrived recently was immediately engaged by outreach workers to find an alternative placement.
- Cleanup efforts were respectful and without incident, with residents taking the opportunity to discard unwanted items.
- Emphasis is placed on continued support services (case management, healthcare access) after individuals are housed, learning from past experiences. A housing navigator will start soon to ensure warm handoffs between outreach and case management.
- A councilor requested a list showing which agencies are working with which individuals (anonymized) to track service provision, which staff will follow up on.
- Regarding preventing future encampments, the plan involves posting the area as closed and routine monitoring, similar to Valley Avenue, and potentially finding a new use for the land.
City Manager Search:
- Four responses were received from entities to conduct the search for the next city manager.
- Maine Municipal Association (MMA) could not start until March.
- Staff recommended awarding the contract to the second-lowest bidder, Eaton Peabody, represented by Don Gerrish, a former Maine city/town manager with extensive experience.
- Another potential conflict of interest for me was discussed because Eaton Peabody has been retained by Dignity First (my wife was Executive Director), but it was determined that Mr. Gerrish does not deal directly with the firm’s attorneys during searches, and thus no conflict existed for this specific task. The council moved forward with the staff recommendation.
City Manager Updates:
- WEP/GPO Repeal: A significant win for city retirees and employees was the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which previously reduced Social Security benefits for those also receiving city pensions. This removes a financial hardship and a disparity for public service workers.
- Mayor’s Coalition: The council agreed to join the Mayor’s Coalition, with funds allocated in the budget.
- Pickering Square Ball Drop: Fencing will be adjusted to ensure adequate space for the event.
- Council Priorities: A draft priority statement based on recent sessions was sent to councilors for feedback.
- Legislative Priorities: An overview was sent, highlighting property tax relief as a major concern. Input from councilors and department heads is sought, and a meeting with the legislative delegation is planned.
- County Funding: The county commissioners will meet on Monday the 30th to discuss allocating their remaining ARPA funds, which could potentially support the trailer park purchase previously discussed by the council.
Regular City Council Meeting
The agenda contained a pair of special amusement license renewals. The rest of the agenda was comprised of items previously discussed and approved at various committee meetings.
I was assigned two items, both of which passed:
- RESOLVE 25-037: “Ratifying the City Manager’s Actions to Accept a Grant Award from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety in the Amount of $4,631.40 for Impaired Driving Enforcement”
- ORDER 25-040: “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Interagency Agreement with Community & Economic Development Department to Support Housing Development”
- This item was part of the housekeeping for ARPA as discussed during the December 16th City Council Workshop.
The highlight of the meeting was the hiring of our new Fire Chief, Geoffrey Low. I joined the rest of City Council in thanking him for taking the role and congratulating him on the new position!
That’s a wrap for December 2024!
At this point in December I will have had roughly 6 weeks of experience as a City Councilor. By now I’ve gotten more comfortable in this role, and started to look for ways to help drive the Council’s agenda forward. Stay tuned for the January 2025 summary!
