Bangor City Council: Mike Beck’s February 2025 Summary

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.

February 3, 2025

Government Operations Committee

This was a packed agenda, containing 8 items.

1. Overdose Response Program Grant:
   • Referral: Council Resolve 25-060 Accepting and Appropriating $150,000 in Grant Funds from
   • Maine Department of Health and Human Services for an Overdose Response Program
   • The program, in partnership with the OPTIONS liaison, Bangor PD, and Together Place, provides post-overdose support.
   • Outcome: Approved.
2. Subcontract with Together Place:
   • Order: Authorizing a Subcontract with Maine Mental Health Connection’s Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center to Receive Up to $50,000 from the State of Maine Overdose Response Pilot Grant to Employ a Recovery Coach to Support the Project
   • The MOU would run from January 1st to December 31st of the current year.
   • Outcome: Approved.
3. Catholic Charities Presentation:
   • Catholic Charities presented on their refugee and immigration services in Bangor, focusing on refugee resettlement.
   • They discussed the populations served (primarily refugees and Cuban/Haitian entrants), countries of origin, languages spoken, and the vetting process refugees undergo.
   • They highlighted the impact of a recent executive order suspending refugee resettlement for 90 days.
   • Employment services, community integration strategies (like workforce development, financial literacy, English classes), and barriers (affordable housing, misinformation, rental requirements) were discussed.
   • Councilors asked questions about employment rates, length of services, community partnerships, housing, funding sources, impact on schools, vetting processes, and the refugee experience in Bangor.
   • I asked about the average experience for refugees who have been integrated, specifically if they feel welcome and excited to be part of the community.  
   • After hearing that most refugees want to stay and feel that Bangor is their home, I connected the points about refugees seeking education and jobs. I stated that the services provided are like investments. I concluded that as refugees stay and grow within the community, in the long run, “they’re giving a lot more than they’re getting,” and expressed appreciation for that.
4. Advisory Committee Annual Report:
   • Katie Brydon, Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights, presented the 2024 annual report.
   • She highlighted the committee’s work on streamlining processes, focusing on policy, ordinances, education, and events, and partnerships (e.g., Pride, Downtown Bangor Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society).
   • Goals for 2025 include fostering greater involvement from the City Council to ensure alignment.
   • Councilors discussed how to better interact with the committee and the desire for a council liaison.
5. Fire Department Training Facility Grant:
   • Deputy Chief requested approval to apply for a grant from the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission to replace the 38-year-old live-fire training facility.
   • The grant would cover the full cost ($679,000) as a reimbursement, with no city match required.
   • Outcome: Approved. The order will go to the next Council agenda for formal approval.
6. Opposition to Freedom of Access Act Amendment:
   • Council was presented with a request to testify in opposition to a proposed state law amending the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA).
   • The amendment would require a full response to every FOAA request within 30 days, which staff argued would be detrimental and could shut down department operations for complex requests. Current law requires acknowledgement within 5 days and response within a “reasonable time”.
   • Outcome: Motion to submit testimony in opposition was approved.
7. Written Public Comment Policy:
   • City Solicitor presented a revised draft of the Written Public Comment Policy, incorporating feedback from a previous meeting.
   • Key points included clarifying public comment as a limited public forum restricted to city business, allowing the chair discretion for public comment at standing committee meetings (defaulting to none for general comment, but allowed for specific agenda items), and outlining time limits for general comment at Council meetings.
   • Discussion involved clarification on rules for standing vs. advisory committees and ensuring employee groups could still speak on non-grievable matters.
   • Outcome: Approved to move forward to the full Council. A separate discussion on policies for council-appointed/advisory committees will be added to a future agenda.
8. Community Connector Update:
   • Assistant City Manager provided an overview of the Community Connector transit system, covering its service area, funding (largely federal), fixed routes, ADA paratransit service (seeing increased demand), staffing challenges (driver shortages, CDL requirements), the current internal CDL training class (14 participants), recent structural updates, the transition to fixed stops, and technology implementations (rider app, automatic counters/announcements).
   • I asked if the grant for driver training was going to be offered annually. The answer was no.
   • Discussion focused on paratransit costs, plans to reinstate Saturday service, potential separation of driver classifications for fixed-route vs. paratransit, and the timeline for CDL class graduates.
   • A future, more in-depth session on the Community Connector was requested.

Finance Committee

The agenda for this meeting had 5 main topics.

Key Discussions and Decisions:

1. Community Connector Bus Engine Replacement:
   • Retroactive approval was sought for an engine replacement on a 2017 bus due to a faulty fuel pump outside the warranty period.  
   • The purchase followed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines for small purchases (under $250,000), requiring three quotes instead of a formal bid process.  
   • Quotes ranged from $41,000 to $57,000.  
   • Approval was given to proceed with the lowest bidder, Freightliner Maine, for a Cummins engine model at $41,000, plus $3,500 for a 5-year warranty, totaling $44,525.  
   • Funding is 80% FTA and 20% local share from the Community Connector’s maintenance budget.  
   • The committee voted unanimously to approve the retroactive purchase.  
2. Pickering Square Parking Control Systems:
   • A sole-source purchase was requested to install new payment machines from Amano (distributed by CTR Maine) at the Pickering Square parking garage, matching the equipment recently installed at the airport’s Monty Moose lot.  
   • The new machines offer various modern payment options and have been well-received.  
   • The quote of $109,430 was under the $110,000 budgeted amount and only covers the exit payment machines, not software or gates, requiring compatibility with the existing system.  
   • A question was raised about extending garage hours to 24/7 with the new system’s customer support connection; it was clarified that council sets garage hours and extending them would involve payroll and security costs. Current extended hours are until 1:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  
   • The committee voted unanimously to approve the sole-source purchase.  
3. Verizon Wireless Equipment Relocation at Airport:
   • A sole-source request was made to contract Wireless Construction for $130,402 to relocate Verizon Wireless equipment housed in a building that obstructs the airport’s connector project.  
   • The city is responsible for relocation costs per the lease agreement with Verizon, and Verizon requires a specific vendor for the move.  
   • The cost is not federally reimbursable (FAA) because it’s considered a landlord-tenant issue.  
   • Concerns were raised about the high cost relative to Verizon’s $2,000/month lease payment.  It would take us over 10 years just to break even on the moving costs.
   • It was confirmed the lease lacks a city-side termination clause, making relocation necessary to proceed with the connector project. Breaching the contract was deemed likely more costly than paying for the move.  
   • While I was hesitant to vote in favor, I felt we were being held over a barrel here. The committee voted unanimously to approve the contract. I made a point that we need to be very careful with future lease agreements to avoid this scenario.
4. Airport Fuel Control System:
   • A request was made to waive the bid process to install a new Petren PB200 fuel control system at the airport’s fill station, replacing an old, malfunctioning Card Master reader.  
   • This system matches the one used by the city’s Fleet Maintenance, allowing for shared knowledge and integration with the Dossier maintenance tracking program.  
   • Quotes were received from Portland Pump ($29,514) and Gafftech ($32,500).  
   • Approval was sought to contract with the lower bidder, Portland Pump. The cost exceeds the $20,000 budget, with the extra $9,000+ coming from savings on other capital items.  
   • The committee approved waving the bid process and proceeding with the purchase.  
5. Traffic Signal Pole Replacement (State St. & Waterworks Rd.):
   • A request was made to waive the bid process for replacing a traffic signal pole and cabinet damaged by a motorist on Christmas Day.  
   • A working signal is legally required, and Public Works created a temporary setup.  
   • Due to long lead times (6 months) for new poles, staff obtained quotes ranging from $43,000 to $109,000 to expedite the order.  
   • Approval was sought to contract with the low bidder, Frasier Signal Technologies, for $43,350. Most costs are expected to be recovered from the motorist’s insurance.  
   • The committee approved waving the bid process.  
6. Metal Castings Purchase (Water Quality):
   • A request was made to waive the bid process for purchasing metal castings (manhole covers, risers) due to volatile market prices preventing multi-year contracts.  
   • Following past practice, Water Quality obtained three quotes for the anticipated need (approx. 230 pieces) for the upcoming season.  
   • Quotes ranged from $28,000 to $31,000.  
   • Approval was sought to contract with the low bidder, FW Webb, for $28,156.  
   • The committee approved waving the bid process.  
7. Police Dispatch Consoles:
   • A bid was awarded for new consoles/workstations for police dispatchers, replacing 19-year-old equipment.  
   • Five bids were received, ranging from $94,300 to $143,000.  
   • Staff recommended the low bidder, Watson Furniture Group, for $94,248.  
   • Initially, the item was tabled due to a discrepancy on the bid tabulation regarding the breakdown of costs (furniture vs. installation/freight).  
   • Later in the meeting, the Police Chief clarified the cost breakdown ($68,000 for furniture, $19,000 for installation, balance for freight), and the committee voted to approve the purchase as amended.  
8. Property Possession Recommendations (Unpaid Taxes):
   • 450 Ohio Street: Recommendation to take possession due to unpaid taxes, sewer, stormwater fees, and vacant building registry fees totaling just under $5,000 since 2021. The property was previously sold by the city via sealed bid in 2017 but taxes have largely gone unpaid. The current owner entity is administratively dissolved. The process follows new state law, requiring securing the property, notifying the former owner, and eventually listing it for sale, with proceeds above city costs returned to the former owner (or state abandoned property unit). The committee approved the recommendation.  
   • 299 Essex Street: Recommendation to take possession due to unpaid taxes and fees totaling over $7,100 since 2021. The property is vacant and placarded. The same process as 450 Ohio St. applies. The committee approved the recommendation.  
9. State Revenue Sharing Testimony:
   • Discussion on submitting testimony supporting Senator Baldacci’s bill to increase state revenue sharing percentages (to 5.5% in 2026, 6% in 2027).  
   • Increased revenue sharing provides direct property tax relief (dollar for dollar). The potential increase could mean about $500,000 more for the city annually.  
   • The committee approved submitting supportive testimony.  
10. Auditing Services RFP:
    • In response to a question, the Finance Director confirmed the RFP for auditing services was posted on the city website that afternoon.  

Business and Economic Development Committee

The agenda had 3 publicly discussed items on it. (The other was an executive session matter.)

1. Housing Study Presentation  

• HR&A Associates presented the final draft of the Bangor Housing Production Study.  
• The study focused on understanding housing demand, market challenges, unmet needs, and affordability gaps in Bangor. It involved stakeholder engagement and data analysis.  
• Key Findings & Needs:
  • More homes are needed for residents of all incomes, with particularly high needs for low/moderate-income workers, first-time homebuyers, and seniors.  
  • Types of homes most needed include smaller units (studio/one-bedroom), townhomes, and multi-unit homes.  
• Recommendations:
  • Land Use: Continue pursuing zoning changes to reduce developer risk (e.g., allowing attached housing, reducing minimum lot sizes) and conduct outreach to attract and build developer capacity. Land use changes alone are insufficient due to high building costs.  
  • Subsidy: Dedicate a predictable stream of local funding for affordable housing development (e.g., annual funding, housing bond) and establish clear processes for deploying funds based on city priorities.  
• Discussion:
  • A potential typo in the median wage for cashiers ($80,000) was noted and will be checked.  
  • Concerns were raised about the age of some data used (2022 American Community Survey), though it was explained that this is standard and the most recent available at the time of the study.  
  • I expressed interest in receiving the internal implementation guide and exploring options like an affordable housing bond.  
  • The study confirmed the need for housing types similar to the Grandview Ave. project and interest in making such funding sustainable.  
• Action: The final report action was postponed pending correction of typos.  

2. Bangor Lights Project  

• A proposal for installing large, lighted “Bangor” letters at a major downtown intersection was presented. The project was initiated years ago with High Tide Capital, shelved during COVID, and now revisited. High Tide Capital offered some funding ($3,000).  
• Discussion:
  • Some council members were excited, seeing it as a modern, “instagrammable” marketing tool. Betsy Lundy (Downtown Bangor Partnership) supported it, comparing it to the successful Umbrella Sky project and noting it fits Bangor’s evolving, quirky brand.  
  • Concerns were raised by citizens and some council members about whether it fits Bangor’s brand, the cost (especially using TIF funds), potential vandalism, and traffic/parking issues at the proposed location.  
  • The potential for customizable colored lights (e.g., for holidays, Pride) was discussed.  
  • The use of TIF funds was debated, with points made that it’s taxpayer money versus funds generated and reinvested downtown.  
• Action: The item will be brought back after review by the Cultural Commission and Historic Preservation Commission, with further investigation into financing options.  

3. LD 2106 / LD 146 (Historic Tax Credit)  

• A request was made to provide testimony supporting LD 146 (originally misidentified as LD 2106), which proposes increasing the cap on the state historic tax credit from $5 million to $10 million.  
• The increase is needed because construction costs have risen significantly, making larger revitalization projects more expensive. The credit has been vital for downtown revitalization.  
• Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve providing testimony in support of LD 146. The motion passed. A request was made to ensure council members receive copies of testimony submitted on behalf of the city.  

February 10, 2025

City Council Workshop

5 items on tonight’s agenda. (4 Public, 1 Executive Session)

Parks and Recreation Center/Sawyer Arena Feasibility:

• The council discussed a feasibility study completed about a year prior regarding the Parks and Rec Center and Sawyer Arena.  
• Sawyer Arena has about four years of life left, prompting the need for a decision on either building a new consolidated facility or investing in existing ones.  
• A recommendation was made to establish a special committee, similar to the one for the Bangor Auditorium replacement, to review the feasibility study and report back to the council by July 10th. This timeline allows for a potential ballot question in November.  
• The committee will consist of nine members, likely including one councilor and eight other Bangor residents appointed by the council, focusing on diverse representation (users, finance, construction backgrounds).  
• The committee’s duties include reviewing the plans, potential phasing, operating/capital costs, physical layout, private fundraising opportunities (like naming rights), and potential partnerships. The location, previously recommended as Griffin Road, would also be reviewed.  

Legislative Updates:

• The council discussed several legislative items (LDs).  
• Support was recommended for LD 347, which would return a portion of adult-use cannabis sales and excise tax revenue to municipalities where the businesses are located.  
• Opposition was recommended for LD 349, an act to repeal same-day voter registration, as it could disenfranchise hundreds of Bangor voters. The City Clerk confirmed the Clerk’s Association opposed it and offered to submit testimony against it.  
• Support was reaffirmed for LD 487, a passenger rail study initiative connecting Portland to Bangor, which the council has supported previously.  
• Other bills mentioned included potential bond issues for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and a bill regarding cold storage.  

Public Health Updates:

• Health Equity Alliance’s (HEAL) syringe service program certification was revoked, with their appeal period ending soon. Wabanaki Public Health has been temporarily filling the gap.  
• Due to limited providers, a proposal is forthcoming for the city’s Public Health Department to potentially become a syringe service provider, similar to Portland.  
• Discussions will include impacts on the health department, process, funding (including opioid settlement funds), needle pickup coordination (potentially transitioning some work from Wabanaki), and location.  

Other Updates:

• Updates on the commercial kitchen project indicated a potential need for a new location as the current building might need demolition.  

Regular City Council Meeting

The agenda formalized a number of decisions made during previous committee meetings.

I was assigned Order 25-065, “Accepting the 2024 Annual Report from the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights.” The report had previously been presented to the Government Operations Committee on February 3rd.

Tonight was also the evening in which we voted upon Resolve 25-074, “Reaffirming Bangor’s Commitment To Be a Welcoming, Open, and Supportive Community for All.” By my count 13 members of the public came to speak on this resolve, with 10 in favor and 3 opposing.

I voted in favor of the resolve. 3 members of the Council were absent that night, so the resolve ended up passing unanimously 6-0. My reading of the resolve as well as my words in favor of it can be viewed in the video below.

The entire meeting can be viewed here:

February 19, 2025

I was absent during today’s meetings due to illness. You can view the meetings below:

Business & Economic Development Committee

Click here for the agenda.

Finance Committee

Click here for the agenda.

Infrastructure Committee

Click here for the agenda.

February 24, 2025

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Theresa’s Place

I had the honor and privilege of representing the City of Bangor at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Theresa’s Place. Theresa’s Place is a housing project that created 41 units of safe, affordable, permanent supportive housing. I gave remarks during the ceremony and joined other officials for the cutting of the ribbon.

WABI covered the event:

City Council Workshop

On the agenda were a number of updates from the City Solicitor and City Manager. The biggest pieces were the actions the City were taking against the owners of the Bangor Mall, as well as an update with how the City was handling the number of vacant properties in our community. That data is included in the agenda I’ve linked here.

Regular City Council Meeting

The agenda formalized a number of items previously discussed in committees, as well as some zoning changes.

I was assigned what could be argued as the most fun item of the evening:
Order 25-080, “Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Donation from Author Jessica Blood to Support the City’s Canine Teams.”

How cool is that? A local author, writing about about a real K-9 pup as part of the Bangor Police Department, and part of the proceeds going to support the Patrol K-9 Program. It feels great to have an item on the agenda that gives us all an opportunity to celebrate a part of our community.

Jessica Blood’s book, “The Adventures of K-9 Jesi: Jesi’s First Day of School”, is available for purchase on Amazon. At the time of me writing this it’s only $13.00. You can find it by clicking here, or on the image below.

Ending February 2025 on a fun note!

I wouldn’t have expected ending the month celebrating a children’s book, but you know what? I’ll take it. Bangor is a great community with so many residents doing wonderful things. I’m happy to take any opportunity to celebrate good being done. Way to go, Jessica Blood, and thank you for your generous donation to the K-9 program!