Bangor council backs day-space RFP, weighs park police detail

At its April 27 workshop, the Bangor City Council voted unanimously to let staff prepare a request for proposals for a daytime space for unhoused residents, and discussed a proposal to add a police detail in parks and possibly shorten park hours. The council also heard a presentation on the child care and gymnasium portions of a proposed parks and recreation facility, with several councilors raising cost concerns.

Key points

• The council voted 9-0, by roll call, to direct staff to prepare and issue an RFP for a day space; Councilor Beck made the motion.
• City Manager Carollynn Lear proposed a dedicated police detail to monitor park activity, primarily at Pierce Park, at a cost of up to about $680 per shift, and said the city is considering shortening park hours to limit the cost.
• Councilor Deane said the city needs to be able to tell unhoused residents where they can go if they are asked to leave parks; Lear said the day-space discussion is meant to address that.
• Councilor Fish said she worries about a long-term city financial commitment and wants accountability and expectations set for any spending, while Councilor Leonard said the city should act now rather than wait for the homeless advisory committee.
• Recreation Director Tracy presented on the child care and gymnasium components of the proposed rec facility, saying the child care program is at capacity with 130 participants and youth basketball uses seven different gyms.
• Councilor Beck and Councilor Carson said their opposition to the larger project was driven by cost and funding, not the child care or gym components; Beck suggested separating the ice arena into a community-led project.

Next steps

• Staff will prepare and issue an RFP for a day space, with Public Health Director Jen Gunderman expected to lead the effort.
• The council will continue its discussion of the parks and recreation facility at a later session.
• The council planned to go into executive session to discuss a bargaining issue.

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