Committee accepts two bench donations for municipal golf course and waterfront, forwards to council

The Government Operations Committee on May 5 accepted two proposed bench donations and agreed to forward both items to the City Council.

Tracy Ouellette, Parks and Recreation Director, told the committee the Masters family requested a bench at the Bangor Municipal Golf Course to honor Bill Masters, described as an active community member and avid golfer. Ouellette said staff typically matches donated benches to the existing amenities where they will be placed and will work with the family to choose an appropriate bench and plaque. "Families have been very good about working with us for that purpose," Ouellette said.

Committee members asked whether the city establishes a standard bench and how the city handles maintenance and replacement. Ouellette said benches that become city property are maintained by the city; an advisory committee is drafting a policy to standardize donation details and maintenance. She estimated typical waterfront iron benches range in price from about $750 to $1,000; golf-course benches are likely less expensive.

The committee moved and seconded acceptance of the Masters family donation and, with no objection, forwarded it to council.

The committee also accepted a bench donation from the family of Eliana Campbell to be placed on the waterfront and noted the family hopes to have the bench installed in time for a memorial walk later in the month. Ouellette said the family had found a fabricator and had been coordinating to match existing waterfront benches.

Both donation acceptances were moved and seconded at the meeting; committee members raised no objections and the items will appear on the council agenda.