Bangor committee weighs portable restroom options, approves homelessness measures

The Government Operations Committee discussed the performance of four portable public restrooms, noting mixed results and requesting staff to present cost scenarios for various management strategies. The committee also approved resolutions to accept HUD rental incentive funds, accept a Maine Cancer Foundation grant for alcohol prevention, and amend the Homelessness Advisory Committee's mission. Additionally, the committee voted to grant the City Manager authority to apply for grants without prior council approval.

Key points

• Committee members debated the effectiveness of four portable restrooms, with some citing issues of misuse and others arguing for their necessity to reduce strain on businesses and parks.
• Staff will prepare a memo by June 10 outlining options for the portable restrooms, including costs and potential strategies for relocation or removal.
• The committee voted 5-0 to refer a resolution accepting $685,221 in HUD grant funds for the rental incentives program to full council.
• The committee voted 5-0 to refer a resolution accepting a $41,312 Maine Cancer Foundation grant for workplace alcohol prevention challenges to full council.
• The committee voted 5-0 to refer an ordinance amending the Homelessness Advisory Committee's mission to include immediate response to council referrals to full council.
• The committee voted 5-0 to refer an ordinance granting the City Manager authority to apply for grants without prior council approval to full council.

Next steps

• Staff to provide a memo with options and costs for the portable restroom program by June 10.
• Staff to organize a community learning and listening session on homelessness in June and an online session in July.
• Full council to vote on the referred resolutions and ordinances.

Read the full transcript