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Bangor council to form nine-member special committee to review parks and rec feasibility study
Summary
At a city workshop, staff recommended creating a nine-member special committee to review a Parks and Recreation Center feasibility study and Sawyer Arena condition; the panel would report back by July 10 to allow time to consider a November ballot question.
City staff told the Bangor City Council at a recent workshop that a previously completed Parks and Recreation Center and Sawyer Arena feasibility study recommends creation of a special committee to review options for a consolidated facility or investments in existing facilities.
The recommendation, presented by city staff, asked the council to establish a nine‑member committee that would "deliver to the Council no later than July 10" so the council could have time to consider placing a ballot question in November. City staff said the committee would review capital and operating costs, potential phasing, location suitability, opportunities for private fundraising and naming rights, and partnerships with other organizations.
The nut of the proposal is that an arena replacement or major renovation would be a voter‑approved capital project and the council needs a narrower, community‑driven review to determine whether to pursue a consolidated facility or a plan B that invests in existing buildings. "That would allow you all adequate time and to maybe, or potentially place a ballot on the, a ballot for, a question on the ballot for consideration in November," city staff said.
Council discussion focused on membership and representation. Staff proposed a nine‑member panel with the council allowed to nominate up to two individuals and the council ultimately appointing the full committee. Councilors suggested at least one council member attend committee meetings as a liaison to keep the council updated. Councilors also pressed for member expertise, suggesting inclusion of facility users, finance and construction professionals to evaluate phasing and technical feasibility.
Staff noted the feasibility study identified physical issues with Sawyer Arena and estimated the arena had a limited remaining useful life; staff said earlier projections placed that remaining life at five years and more recently at about four years. The study, staff said, also outlined concepts, projected capital and operating costs, and possible implementation phasing.
On next steps, staff said a council order establishing the special committee and detailing purpose, appointment process and term will be drafted for the next council meeting. "We will draft a council order for the next meeting, which will establish this special committee, and we will lay out the purpose, the appointment, and the term," city staff said. Councilors were asked to submit nominations quickly because of the July 10 deadline tied to a possible November ballot.
Ending — The council did not take a formal vote at the workshop on creating the committee; staff will prepare a council order for the next regular meeting listing the committee purpose and appointment process and the council will consider appointing members at that meeting.
