Summary of Bangor City Council Meetings on April 23rd, 2025

Mike Beck's summaries of the Bangor City Council meetings he attended on April 23, 2025.

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.

City Council Workshop

You can read the meeting agenda here.

Opioid Settlement Funds Committee:
The major part of this meeting was the establishment of the Opioid Settlement Funds Committee, which I discussed in my previous blog post – and you can click here to view it.

The official establishment of this committee will be on the agenda for the regular City Council meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 7pm. The result in the workshop was 8-1 in favor. Unless minds have changed on City Council since Wednesday night, I anticipate this item will have passage. That will set the stage for the next step, which will be to nominate the members of this new committee.

Support for LD 1687:

There was a request for the council to support LD 1687, which seeks additional state funding related to HIV and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) testing.
This support was requested because federal funding for these services has been reduced, and the city works with groups involved in this testing.

Update on Local HIV Status:

The importance of medication adherence was stressed, as viral suppression leads to healthier lives and prevents transmission.
Although not on the formal agenda, an update was requested on the local HIV situation (referred to previously, but no longer formally called a “cluster”).
The Director of Public Health reported that increasing numbers continue to be seen.
Current significant challenges include plateaus in testing rates and difficulties with medication adherence among those diagnosed.
Efforts are underway, in collaboration with local organizations and hospitals (like PCHC and Northern Light), to overcome barriers to testing (using incentives, self-test kits) and medication adherence (addressing issues like housing).

Finance Committee

You can read the agenda for this meeting here.

Bids and Purchasing:
- The committee discussed a limited source purchase for mechanical seals for pumps at the wastewater treatment plant and the Kenduskeag pump station.
- These seals are vital components, and only specific types sold by two companies are compatible.
- The department plans to purchase seven seals to restock and replace current ones.
- After contacting the two companies, the recommendation was to purchase seven TF split seals from Industrial Packing for a total of $47,482, which is within the water quality department’s preventative maintenance budget. A motion for approval was made and seconded.
Resolution for Fire Department Funds:
- The committee discussed a resolution, already referred from a council first reading, to accept and appropriate $192,565 from the Maine Emergency Medical Services Stabilization and Sustainability Program for the Bangor Fire Department.
- These funds are intended for ambulance stretchers, training equipment, software, and specialized personnel training.
- A motion to recommend was made and seconded, with final council action expected the following week.
Audit Update:
- The Finance Director provided an update on the audit, stating that a new draft incorporating requested changes regarding leases was sent to the auditors the previous week.
- They are awaiting review and final comments from the auditors.

Business and Economic Development Committee

You can read the agenda for this meeting here. I am not a voting member of this committee, but I was in attendance.

Main Street Mural Project: Bangor Beautiful presented plans for a mural project on the fence along Main Street, fulfilling a requirement from the waterfront concerts lease amendment. The project features a large “Wicked Good Time” mural by artist Jared Goulette with 20 smaller panels by local artists on the theme of Maine. They are seeking council approval for a planned June 1st installation. The committee approved moving this to the full council.
Airport Development Zoning: A proposal was discussed to add a “public safety use” or “government use” to the airport district zoning to allow for a new fire department training facility. The committee gave informal feedback before the proposal goes through the formal planning board process.
Land Development Fee Changes: The committee discussed proposed changes to land development fees, primarily decreases, to better reflect staff time and encourage development. While this could reduce budgeted revenue by $10,000-$12,000, it aligns fees with neighboring towns and actual costs. The committee approved moving forward with the proposed changes.
State Legislation Testimony: The committee discussed and agreed to submit testimony on several state bills:
- LD949: Opposing a bill that would limit fees for manufactured home park installations.
- LD1396: Supporting the intent of a bill to ease subdivision requirements for smaller multi-unit projects, while noting inconsistencies and supporting a stakeholder review group.
- LB1498: Opposing a bill that would restrict the collection and use of impact fees for development.
Jane’s Walk Update: An update was provided on the upcoming Jane’s Walk event scheduled for May 3rd at 10:00 AM, starting at the Harbor Master’s office. This year’s walk, in partnership with the Bangor Historical Society, will focus on the history and planning of the waterfront area. A separate walk focusing on downtown public art will occur later that day.
- I have attended one of these walks in the past, and it was really informative. I encourage every resident of Bangor to attend a Jane’s Walk if you are able.
Business Retention and Attraction: The Business Development Specialist updated the committee on efforts to support local businesses, including meeting with 28 businesses since January 1st to connect them with resources like funding sources, licensing information, and potential properties. There was discussion about the importance of proactive outreach to existing businesses and utilizing social media to share resources.