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.
Finance Committee
You can read the agenda from this meeting here.
- Sewer Maintenance Vehicle: A bid was put out for a new maintenance pickup for the sewer department, with five bids received. The bids ranged from a high of $67,566 to a low of $48,390. Staff recommended awarding the purchase to the lowest bidder, Darlings, for $48,390, which was a budgeted replacement. This item did not require full council approval as it was below the necessary threshold.
- Central Fire Floor Drains: The committee addressed the need to repair floor drains at Central Fire, which are approximately 50 years old and have become a safety hazard. An RFP resulted in four bids, with a wide range from $45,000 to an unusually high $570,000. The committee recommended awarding the project to the lowest bidder, Hines Ground Services, for $45,000. The Deputy Fire Chief clarified that the high bid was not due to any underlying issues with the floor itself, but that the project involves cutting and retapering the drains.
- Airport Fuel Farm Painting: A request was made to waive the formal bidding process for painting the fuel farm tanks at the airport. The tanks, which were last painted in 2011, require specialized work to maintain their integrity. Quotes ranged from $61,470 to $185,000. Staff recommended waiving the bid process and awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, West Virginia Paint LLC, for $61,470, in order to get the work done during the summer. This amount was noted to be slightly over the budgeted figure. Some concern was raised about the precedent of waiving the bidding process when the need for the work was known for a long time.
- Chip Seal Pavement Preservation: A single bid was received for specialized chip seal pavement work from All States Construction of Richmond, Maine, in the amount of $112,262. The Public Works Director confirmed that the price was in the expected range and that the contractor was reputable. He explained that chip sealing is a cost-effective method to extend the life of roads for 5 to 10 years and allows the city to stretch its pavement budget. This work is part of the FY25 budget and is planned for July.
Business & Economic Development Committee
You can read the agenda from this meeting here.
Bangor Farmer’s Market Lease Amendments
The committee discussed two proposed amendments to the Bangor Farmer’s Market’s lease.
The first amendment involves the installation of a new 20-foot storage container to help the growing market with logistical needs and equipment storage. A local company, City Main Trailer Company, has offered to provide the storage unit lease-free. The market has requested community involvement in beautifying the container with a mural. City staff recommended placing the unit in a location near the gate of Abbott Square to preserve grassy areas and avoid taking up parking spaces. The initial approval for the container would be for one year. Concerns were raised about potential security issues and ensuring the temporary structure complies with city code, which may require planning board approval if it remains for more than six months. The market representative noted the container could be removed during the winter months when the market operates at a different location.
The second amendment would permit Outland Farm Farmers Brewery, an approved market member, to sell sealed containers of beer. There will be no sampling or on-site consumption. A suggestion was made to prohibit the storage of beer in the new unit.
The committee voted to move both proposals forward to the full City Council for approval.
Banair Update
The city’s economic development team is working to transform the Banair Innovation Center into a true business incubator by providing on-site services to support tenant growth and sustainability. They are in discussions with a UMaine manufacturing spin-off to become the final tenant in the building, which currently houses three businesses. Recent renovations include an upgraded conference room. The committee staff emphasized the need for more engagement from the Banair board and plans to schedule a tour and a board meeting, noting that a quorum of six members is needed.
Modification to Development Agreement for 8 Harlow Street
The committee addressed a request to modify the development agreement for 8 Harlow Street. The property was sold over a year ago to a new owner to avoid city foreclosure for unpaid taxes, with an agreement that the new owner would make necessary repairs. The current owner has not met the agreement’s terms, which expired in December 2024, but has found a prospective buyer.
The sale is hindered by a “reverter clause” in the agreement, which would be difficult to enforce as the city never owned the property. To move the sale forward, staff proposed an amendment to the development agreement that would:
- Change the name to the new buyer.
- Remove the reverter clause.
- Add a requirement for a performance bond or letter of credit to ensure repairs are completed.
- Grant the new owner a two-year timeline for completion.
Committee members debated whether to impose conditions like a bond on the new buyer, who reportedly owns other properties in the city. Some members expressed concern over the building’s deterioration and the need to ensure safety issues are addressed promptly.
Ultimately, the committee determined it lacked sufficient information, specifically an estimated cost for the required repairs, to make a decision. The motion to send a recommendation to the council failed, and the issue will be brought back to the committee at its next meeting with additional information, including cost estimates for the necessary work.
My Perspective as a Councilor
The reason I am focused on this issue is my belief that we must learn from the original 2023 agreement. (Click here for order 24-032.) That order was approved with original buyer’s “reliable track record” listed as justification. Since that reliance proved insufficient to guarantee performance, I believe the city must now focus on more tangible guarantees for this new agreement. This history is why I support requiring a performance bond or letter of credit, rather than approving a sale based on reputation alone. It is the most direct way to protect the city’s interests and ensure this prominent downtown building is finally rehabilitated.
Executive Session
The committee concluded the public portion of the meeting and moved into an executive session to discuss the disposition of real property or economic development.
Government Operations Committee
You can read the meeting agenda by clicking here.
City Clerk’s Update
The City Clerk announced several updates from her office:
- Online Payments: The city is finalizing a contract with TRIO, its financial software provider, to enable online payments for taxes, utilities, and motor vehicle services. This service, new for any municipality in the state using TRIO’s system, will be offered at no cost to the city. Users will pay a 2.5% fee, similar to in-person credit card payments. The system is expected to be operational in about two to three months after a testing phase. The city plans to conduct outreach to inform residents, potentially using QR codes to provide easy access.
- Early Voting: Goodwin proposed moving all early voting for the upcoming November election to City Hall instead of the Cross Center. This change is prompted by low turnout at the Cross Center during off-year elections, which makes it costly to staff. The move is expected to save approximately $7,000 and better utilize city resources, especially given the new conference rooms at the refreshed City Hall.
- Voter Records: Old voter registration records have been discovered, and the library is interested in scanning the records. A concern was raised about privacy for records of voters who might still be alive. The Secretary of State’s office suggested that records from 1940 and older could be scanned. The committee agreed with the recommendation to release records in 10-year intervals as they age.
- Petition Signatures: This year marks the first time residents can sign more nomination petitions than there are open seats, a change that simplifies the process for the clerk’s office.
- Office Workload: The issuance of new license plates and the continued demand for REAL IDs are causing backlogs and longer wait times at the counter.
Vacant Buildings Ordinance Revisions
The City Solicitor presented proposed revisions to the vacant buildings registration ordinance, aimed at more effective enforcement and reducing the number of vacant properties.
The key proposed changes include:
- Fee Deferrals: Property owners could defer the vacant building registration fee in two specific situations:
- Fire or Casualty: An owner-occupant whose home becomes uninhabitable due to a fire or other casualty (not caused by their own criminal act or gross negligence) can defer the fee for six months. A six-month extension can be granted if they are making good faith progress toward reoccupying the property. The fee may be waived if the property is occupied within that period.
- Active Building Permit: Owners with an active building permit who are renovating a property can also receive a six-month deferral, with a possible six-month extension if work is progressing in good faith.
- Good Faith Efforts: The determination of a “good faith effort” for renovation progress will be at the discretion of Code Enforcement.
- Fee Waivers: If a property is occupied within the deferral period, the registration fee “shall” be waived or reimbursed. An additional 90-day extension for a waiver, at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Director, is available only in casualty events. If the property does not become occupied, all accrued fees become due.
- Elimination of Interim Permits: The proposed revisions do away with “interim vacant building permits,” which were found to be confusing and impractical.
- Maintenance Standards: The ordinance’s maintenance standards for vacant properties will be updated to be less redundant and excessive, focusing on protecting buildings from weather and trespassers. This is intended to encourage owners to comply with inspection requirements.
The committee expressed support for the changes, noting they would help individuals actively working to improve vacant properties. The proposed revisions will be moved on to the full City Council for consideration.
