[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6258724,"mediaKeyId","3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22","parentId",3145808,"title","Committee approves bike-rack grant for buses; staff outline transit technology rollout, trolleys and bus-barn grant","audioSeconds",846,"startMs",2438000,"endMs",3284000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22&start=2438&end=3284","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22/thumbnail_2438000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6258724/Maine/Committee-approves-bike-rack-grant-for-buses-staff-outline-transit-technology-rollout-trolleys-and-bus-barn-grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258724-927bb7249d503c1da42e276c03eccc83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154214&Signature=aHL8bUel-OxanGYAn806OGWA~LV3pcG9yv-zbXmfodaJ7dK3cw72cor-MHKsh7rvy7UDIstjkBjB4LN-8smvdN885SI3fODy5f~h9RVhDndeHbzzSb3qmjyEE2tMvGRNlUWnKljLAuwHt3vb6zP9Kjgf66MMJXTvzvzeIa2pm2jCUWn2xY90dJIiaWPvZrxSRzONsOXC6biG7DACa~UxLTXfPxNL5~b1DFHCrg~fDVb5IkqYcSBmQL0fbWzPmUs~QgxlkiQy~CKlSJZ2PM-~RGBh3vIphXYK42uLc9DlpjpmyHp~bysC-1-~Nhp5W62v~HEwUI4zEHAeoZcB66BZcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-29T14:14:49.45Z","article","The Government Operations Committee on Aug. 5 agreed to accept $45,000 from the Maine Department of Transportation’s carbon-reduction program to install bicycle racks (including e-bike-compatible racks) on Community Connector buses, and staff provided a broader update on transit technology, trolleys, staffing and a bus-facilities grant.

Courtney O’Donnell and Lori Lynn Scott (bus superintendent) described the $45,000 award as funding to outfit the fleet with racks that accommodate larger bicycles, improving last-mile connections for riders. Committee members moved and seconded approval; the motion was recorded as approved in committee with no roll-call tally provided.

Staff said the transit system is rolling out new technology that will include automatic passenger counters, real-time bus tracking, trip announcements, driver tablets and a rider-facing app. An early version of the app appeared on Apple’s store prematurely; staff said the system is not yet fully live and a public launch and press release will come when ready. Automatic passenger counters are expected to produce more accurate ridership counts, which staff said will help funding formulas.

Staff also reported a 33% year-over-year ridership increase in fiscal 2024 (ending in June) to more than 130,000 rides. The city has reacquired three “Molly” trolleys from another Maine agency for special events and service; staff hope to have at least one roadworthy soon. The transit system is recruiting drivers with Class B licenses and will assist with endorsements.

On capital facilities, staff said they secured a bus-and-bus-facilities award of roughly $8,000,000 plus $2,000,000 (described as additional grant/local match) for a $10,000,000 project to rehab and electrify the cold bus barn; the finance committee later reviewed a design-services bid as the first step. The project would include classroom space, washrooms and bus-wash upgrades; staff warned the work will take multiple years. No formal vote beyond the bike-rack acceptance was recorded in committee for the other informational items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Government Operations Committee - 8/5/24","oneSentenceSummary","Committee approved accepting $45,000 from the Maine Department of Transportation for bicycle racks on Community Connector buses. Staff also briefed councillors on upcoming transit technology, trolley acquisition, driver shortages, and a large bus facilities grant to rehabilitate and electrify the bus barn.","taxTitle","Government Operations Committee, Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine","taxId",69277,"location","Maine","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258729,"City solicitor recommends removing petition-signature limit from charter; committee refers amendment to council",331,2174000,2505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22&start=2174&end=2505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22/thumbnail_2174000.jpg","/articles/6258729/Maine/City-solicitor-recommends-removing-petition-signature-limit-from-charter-committee-refers-amendment-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258729-094b2d391a7507db6db25f5dcab92f88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154214&Signature=YAa1P9-Ax~Dle65I~OQjZDfVh~0NoBDkqyy5rGe6-Ef9vn46~ijmysuSwMZpr9zgkwk~gzuxjV5KUU7w~eKkWhcMV5Lc2p~pKWsD-eLp7KRLFWna0ehgnOz-5SLaVmE2TiEmJ0QXmsmZfzxYUh0FKtd3h6g3SUlYwgGxX4NyGnzyE85Cpsw7NMPOceRtpjLAUMsL1WXxsy~fY-eHlL~91CAGgc34dfQMKvQY6Gx~GYvktmyoC1rIFpRmLrP9Mogv5wY3NVc3oQ4DGFP1tTX4hwTOgYBeC~lE1XC3L~v4VUmhT0mn9w2BhO7zsNHQlXF6I3bI1Ac60cyGvwRODqkhcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Solicitor David Sobchak told the Government Operations Committee on Aug. 5 that a provision in Article 6, Section 3 of the city charter limits the number of candidate petitions a single voter may sign to the number of vacancies for that office, and that the legal department views the provision as of questionable enforceability under First Amendment protections for political speech.

Sobchak described the change as a narrow charter amendment (deleting a phrase) rather than a broader charter revision. The recommended process would be for the council to issue an order scheduling a public hearing, publish notice, hold the hearing and then vote on whether to place the amendment on an upcoming referendum ballot. Sobchak said the provision has been enforced informally by the city clerk, who has not counted signatures beyond the limit and has advised candidates when more signatures are needed.

Committee members discussed local practice and the small-town context that can make overlaps in signatories common. A motion to move the staff recommendation passed in committee; the matter will go to the full council and, if approved there, to the ballot for voter consideration. The transcript records the committee approval but does not list a roll-call vote tally.","Legal staff recommended deleting a charter phrase that limits the number of candidate petitions a voter may sign; the committee voted to forward the charter amendment process to the city council for a public hearing and potential referendum.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258734,"Parks director gives Kanduskeag Stream Trail update; invasive-plant management, lighting and retaining walls planned",279,1920000,2199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22&start=1920&end=2199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22/thumbnail_1920000.jpg","/articles/6258734/Maine/Parks-director-gives-Kanduskeag-Stream-Trail-update-invasive-plant-management-lighting-and-retaining-walls-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258734-bcbcd7d48e175d275e049a3393ce2873/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154214&Signature=NtE3WBfQz9~CpPc8BxIet6Ng69wUFek3gKW2f3Z-GN5ZliasZ3lqjxJ5m0nW9Zz83h4Ago~XKOrB2~g1ymeV6oLv2QYdS~-EgD-1v-N77jrLBnUYkHjjpI20~4~72D2-BZvyL9MlHte6mhnPW2yAOlXvWA4gss~OcXIMG7QS0uRkHvcH51UODOIbi4mfSJM9dyjUFKvBHl9bI4mAeePDNu8w69O6BYim-FTXm6G1ulpThVQ8YJUf21a1BWNm2-a7qI1clXr4LOFTKgWrpL0TI4ocQXT-Ycrgmz9qYZOVr0lk9UqJwpEon3-UXwaMpbpkJ0OOdfxv2TLZE0Ht6mDNZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tracy Willett, Parks and Arts Director, updated the Government Operations Committee on Aug. 5 on work along the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, including volunteer partnerships, invasive-plant management and preliminary plans for trail lighting.

Willett said the Friends of the Lower Kenduskeag (a community volunteer group) has partnered with the city since a 2016 council order to improve trail access, including project work such as removing dilapidated steps and creating a switchback. Volunteers have focused recent work between Franklin Street and the bridge near Hollow Street.

She said the city plans to collaborate with the Department of Conservation (Forest Service) on an invasive-plant management plan for the stream corridor and is exploring locations for fixtures that would illuminate the trail without flooding surrounding areas. Work completed in recent years includes retaining-wall repair and installation of crossing signals on the Valley Avenue bridge. Willett said the corridor is a valuable downtown resource and that the city appreciates the volunteers’ ongoing efforts.

Committee members thanked Willett and highlighted volunteering opportunities for residents. No formal action or vote was taken on the update.","Parks and Arts Director reported ongoing volunteer partnership on the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, plans to work with the Department of Conservation on invasive-plant management, potential lighting installations, retaining-wall work and other maintenance projects.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258738,"New homelessness response manager outlines limits of PIT count, urges improved data sharing",532,392000,924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22&start=392&end=924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22/thumbnail_392000.jpg","/articles/6258738/Maine/New-homelessness-response-manager-outlines-limits-of-PIT-count-urges-improved-data-sharing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258738-15916ec4792bf8881d5d5c9a56f080b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154214&Signature=V8N~MRV2C5eh-uUEBIDkpMvl3~W-s8qbmyz9BVI4z5ZtH2DaLTnYGUGxRjz3qdJ9Nu6WjTeIxrvCouayhzLlZUjPvXQcCJe0RXQfj5YJRZjjim2umZFHvC9WYSLd1gkKAJ2-JXn~fi-99VF-OL2CjTl2oFIM23hJF0PJ6BZuz5JGbgu2sZ-ww1Rb7LVPpsT6ejLTj8lG-lzg440y6GcyoYNqeHX8iFALCIQuiSIb7vE1jC4KbgK-16YRbG3WijrZH~VLteGOausZyYuFew4HCBbrKBdz71g3XUgBSK9wJ~rGcQmR~ldhxLJdFIoMEhSKPZub3lA3poVJMOjzZTCfFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jen Jones, introduced as the city’s new homelessness response manager, told the Government Operations Committee on Aug. 5 that the 2024 point-in-time (PIT) count — conducted Jan. 23, 2024 — provides an imperfect but important snapshot of people experiencing homelessness in Hub 7 (Penobscot and Piscataquis counties).

Jones said the PIT count is required under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and that Maine Housing compiles and publishes statewide results; Maine’s 2024 aggregate PIT total was reported as 2,695. She cautioned that the statewide decrease relative to some prior years reflects changes in program availability and reporting definitions rather than a simple decline in need, pointing to the end of emergency hotel programs and differences in whether “doubling up” or couch surfing is counted under HUD definitions.

The manager described Hub 7 as the local continuum led by a hub coordinator; local volunteers, providers and city staff canvassed a large geographic area and submitted data to Maine Housing. Jones said the region lacks robust community-level disaggregated outputs from Maine Housing, which complicates local planning. She said providers and outreach workers on the ground communicate frequently, and the city maintains a by-name list and weekly meetings to track individuals — but that the HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) is not configured to make community-level reports easily available, and providers enter data in different ways.

Committee members asked whether couch surfing could be incorporated in future reporting; Jones said that would require a definitional change at the reporting level. She and other staff said Maine Housing has recently aligned more closely with HUD in how transitional housing is reported, which explains year-to-year shifts in some categories. Jones said Maine Housing has indicated plans to replace HMIS but that a state-level change will be slow; the city is building local reporting tools but needs partner participation. Hub 7 and Maine Housing were invited to brief the committee in September.

The presentation included multiple requests from councillors for more local reports (quarterly or monthly) on how many people have been housed; staff said some provider-level reports exist but there is not a single uniform, pullable community report from HMIS. Staff committed to continue coordination with providers and to seek a data briefing from Hub 7 and Maine Housing in the fall.","Newly hired homelessness response manager reviewed the Jan. 23, 2024 point-in-time count, highlighted state reporting differences and HMIS data-sharing limits, and said local partners are building a by-name list and weekly coordination despite central reporting gaps.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6258743,"Committee approves acceptance of supplemental nutrition education grant funding",175,121000,296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22&start=121&end=296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3145808-e2ddda1230ad24482138ce586691fa22/thumbnail_121000.jpg","/articles/6258743/Maine/Committee-approves-acceptance-of-supplemental-nutrition-education-grant-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6258743-66d356d6bd89f998c001934913eb1a0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154214&Signature=TipUK53prSlUERUPjLVW9muNLbexBACDy-g9kNsTlV52ZmPuMgBG5vJ2xf2-5uAEvnwrijTLWyK-FiMxxKalnDkSzD8w1OFWOWEYeeQWOR54Dj3Knf6bisAUKio3UId505Nzk8YKKzpgPTmmZAKbm1CGb4p-44pNusLuvNcaQF3OSgOKogk0bFfjD5XZY6E3XDxA71lsKXE5dtLZL-Zq1eqBb4AKJk2mPot3-7dS1bx-3usU1R5WUbdTr1jIddhHPkh0iOu0A4Rj8L6faqOoKLD7AZJiD3D2izjOMgvDcpGjPSGOEmIe1QmRZQcbNgYwlnv38Wr0Zo2yqDywgEBVGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Government Operations Committee on Aug. 5 voted to accept and appropriate supplemental nutrition education grant funding that will continue a longstanding nutrition-education program serving Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

The funding supports staffing for nutrition education tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the program has operated in the local public health department since about 2012, with four nutrition educators serving schools during the academic year and providing adult programming during school breaks.

Jayla Comstock, a presenter from the public health department, said the program is in its second extension cycle of a five-year grant term and that the current year’s extension provides a “little bit more money than we received last year.” Comstock said the University of New England currently holds the state contract and that Maine may issue a new request for proposals when the term ends, meaning future funding could be re-competed.

Committee members moved and seconded approval; the motion was recorded as approved in committee. No detailed vote tally or named mover/second was provided on the record.

The action will maintain local staffing and school-based services that the department described as its primary delivery channel; when schools are not in session, educators shift to adult-intensive programming. The committee took no further formal direction beyond approving the acceptance and appropriation of the extension funding.","The Government Operations Committee voted to accept additional extension funding for the supplemental nutrition education program administered by University of New England and delivered locally by public health staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves bike-rack grant for buses; staff outline transit technology rollout, trolleys and bus-barn grant

City solicitor recommends removing petition-signature limit from charter; committee refers amendment to council

Parks director gives Kanduskeag Stream Trail update; invasive-plant management, lighting and retaining walls planned

New homelessness response manager outlines limits of PIT count, urges improved data sharing

Committee approves acceptance of supplemental nutrition education grant funding