[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5983279,"mediaKeyId","5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f","parentId",5765972,"title","Committee hears proposal to opt out of 287(g) agreements; city solicitor cautions legal and funding risks","audioSeconds",1428,"startMs",176000,"endMs",1604000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f&start=176&end=1604","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f/thumbnail_176000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5983279/Maine/Committee-hears-proposal-to-opt-out-of-287g-agreements-city-solicitor-cautions-legal-and-funding-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983279-488cef6a92affd322e481352da17fa95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770702270&Signature=jLzimmJlriL~UH9OwelYJ5GJ0aRO9vpikV9P8q3ifDJb89yd-Qzh5ppCw7KdBVIVeEnhihrbNDHQB0KKtknipEFrak5IZa6NovjtiYlaJb7xryXzBdVFGxb3PetuvmzyN8L3ZmqUYSMKrotUkW-vwYrGZ5wEZJc35aoasNo3RqxSjUVx2KC5EewP6pnQiBiIVj2qd6GFr54QQg4EfZ1zHUAVwtUxQbGR-IXW7068KjFWOc5RukaE2hq8FwebetvpHlBZ2b6hbAc8a3M-L9QMQPm~27R3U-CJJINjjeu6NLukFkU-649ICh4SZU5O4yvfGdt2ED2dsEGk~kCBgKTZUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bangor","date","2025-09-16T11:35:58Z","article","Members of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Rights presented a proposal Sept. 15 asking the Government Operations Committee to consider a formal city resolve to opt out of federal 287(g) agreements, which deputize local law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Katie Bridal, chair of the advisory committee, told the committee the proposal would make clear the city “is choosing to opt out of 287(g). Hard stop.” She said the recommendation is intended to reduce fear among community members who, she said, are “seeing their friends and neighbors disappear, in Bangor, in Greater Maine.”

The city solicitor, appearing at the committee’s invitation, said the proposed resolve raises three problems. First, he told the committee “a legislative body cannot bind a future legislative body,” meaning a present council cannot impose an irrevocable obligation on future councils. Second, he warned passage could invite federal scrutiny and potentially jeopardize federal funding for projects that rely on federal dollars, citing the airport and some public-health programs. Third, he said the draft contained statements presented as facts that “multiple members of the council would feel are actually matters of opinion.” He recommended not passing the resolve as written.

Council members raised both policy and practical concerns. Councilor Fish and others said they wanted to consult the police department and the city solicitor further to understand unintended consequences and any operational impacts; Councilor Beck urged action to protect minority residents but said he wanted more information about consequences. The committee agreed to request more information and to invite Chief Hathaway to the next meeting; no vote was taken on the resolve.

The advisory committee mentioned a pending state-level effort that had been on Governor Janet Mills’ desk earlier in the year; Katie Bridal said that bill — which would have applied statewide — had not been signed and could be resolved when the legislature returned in January. The city solicitor said he had discussed the draft with the Maine Municipal Association legal staff, which shared concerns similar to his own.

No formal action was taken; staff and committee members said they would bring a revised proposal and additional information, including comments from the police chief and the city solicitor, to a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Government Operations Committee - 9/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","Members of the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Rights presented a proposal Sept. 15 asking the Government Operations Committee to consider a formal city resolve to opt out of federal 287(g) agreements, which deputize local law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.","taxTitle","Government Operations Committee, Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine","taxId",69277,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5983284,"Bangor approves Rotary partnership to add signage and trailhead at Gateway Park",47,60000,107000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f&start=60&end=107","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f/thumbnail_60000.jpg","/articles/5983284/Maine/Bangor-approves-Rotary-partnership-to-add-signage-and-trailhead-at-Gateway-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983284-e31fd93185374e5e011615755ced24e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770702270&Signature=RmxVJSw1mRgPZYN8t8VDba-0bT1evaER8EGaIXB1Nj3kNp0peoFIrI2Zqw3iZu2GIZT5nLxdTww9W1xcR39ZP~1EAPkrNMQE~objyyCGEEFA~jt23AQ3I-Ys~HXjLLu-nr27PGEyNNgU7hclrMifsw3JRkIt~HcTK1rgt9sam14EUN2Xoevsqcl2jEwtHoyBdw2bTL2KPVDVEFuato3iyqZv1PvD8YHkFMcq3kGxCnBaokQY15rvM8nNfLxL3~crxCsvfH7-mLdLdA4mcZbSK8k0SF8uu5vRvW8g-tr1iAqFdhbo2YLuqQzlbP~40yfLDBm-~zxKeqkv94xsw8wYCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Government Operations Committee on Sept. 15 authorized the city’s parks and recreation department to partner with the Bangor Rotary to install signage along the Kandusky Extritten Trail and create a trailhead entry at Gateway Park on 14th Street.

The committee voted, with no recorded opposition, to allow the parks department to work with the Rotary on the project. Tracy Ouellette, director of parks and recreation, said the Rotary “approached us some time ago about some potential projects they could partner with us on” and that the organization “is gonna commit both volunteers and funds to the effort.”

The project was identified using the city’s master plan and follows other ongoing work in the same trail corridor, Ouellette said. Committee members moved and seconded the order during the meeting; no further formal conditions or funding allocations were recorded in the committee action.

The authorization directs staff to continue planning with the Rotary and the parks department; details such as final design, a construction schedule, and any required permits were not specified at the meeting.","The Government Operations Committee authorized the parks and recreation department to partner with the Bangor Rotary to add signage and create a trailhead at Gateway Park on 14th Street, with Rotary providing volunteers and funding.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5983267,"Bangor reduces Community Connector service amid driver shortages; city outlines training and recruitment challenges",656,2397000,3053000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f&start=2397&end=3053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f/thumbnail_2397000.jpg","/articles/5983267/Maine/Bangor-reduces-Community-Connector-service-amid-driver-shortages-city-outlines-training-and-recruitment-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983267-5f05510002fd364ab90e13726758bed4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770702270&Signature=hbfDAJrYe8jnFOxoc8HaQ9TphUz6RZDUCoV961HbgSiKS2AG4l2UiwwOdYGDvVUXVCECIlLnP29G4~UKUtkx8Yb0RVJbOONlKsbb6kYQnqY~zyN5HLK5ioT4l2LRPnnrqWDrliVPlgZBtq0u-di6QbyFzQ388P4WnPz6I9PpcAvAXPqZlvgRm~0ZxUqsbf-e44iapZqPheHNEbJdLonAfpSuglqDXz5syUf9~krEniYHj74mD75y9EEoLrPtgHX9mjUMvXA66hOQwrzWmIbvIbRLsXjjLa87SD83J0s7geiZTXPQjRj6hekQ8xWZXZBsjPntx-xw8s6R-aGMCeYkqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 15 that the Unity/Community Connector reduced fixed-route service after losing drivers to medical leave and other staffing shortages.

Courtney O’Donnell, assistant city manager, said the transit system currently has 20 drivers for fixed stops and six for ADA paratransit; the system previously operated 26 shifts per day and reduced to 22 shifts, leaving staffing gaps and some double shifts. “We currently have 20, drivers for the the transit the the fixed stop side and 6 for the ADA paratransit,” O’Donnell said.

Staff described a multi-pronged recruitment effort that includes continuous CDL training and a passenger-endorsement program. O’Donnell said each training pathway takes time: obtaining a passenger endorsement can be roughly a two-month process for candidates who already hold a commercial driver’s license, and it is longer if candidates must obtain a CDL first. In addition, the city faces competition from school-district and private employers offering higher wages or endorsements that attract prospective drivers.

Councilors and staff discussed partnering with Eastern Maine Community College or other institutions to rebuild CDL pipelines; staff said the city has explored those options but noted the resource and instructor constraints at local schools. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules increasing training requirements were mentioned as a factor that tightened the licensing pipeline.

No formal action was taken; staff said they will continue recruitment, evaluate making some driver positions full-time during the next budget cycle, and seek council support for investments to stabilize service.","The city reported reduced Community Connector transit service because of driver shortages and medical leaves. Staff described ongoing CDL training efforts, competition with school bus and other employers, and plans to explore longer-term staffing and wage changes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5983273,"Bangor public health reports 28 HIV cases, hires case managers and seeks federal grant funds",561,1659000,2220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f&start=1659&end=2220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5765972-a79d5d94417fc662040b9a6f12ccde4f/thumbnail_1659000.jpg","/articles/5983273/Maine/Bangor-public-health-reports-28-HIV-cases-hires-case-managers-and-seeks-federal-grant-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983273-4f21bdf1541ceb5b4e8272cdde91e8d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770702270&Signature=KfFQfCZzQ7jCHnJbFrg9dYEngKuDaJshT9nfSjp8VZra9HP9~vdrRkjyin9YfvV3D~jRsJO-k9BlK1CW4S7WJRyJWgKcQVEI6SB08pHNuZeX1McfBbYTU5OEAji9DzoiAxrNUf4WbR1L0N2sr9mryCzoyhG0rhcCuY0m7ga-0NnkYsUtXi3GfxSx2FlazHsXJtEqH-YJoK1W3p9aIurxd8yXPx13jRn7bm1~4oW-i5l1-bdDdqSUEnWiiVoRsfmnh5S5yoQGnqCR2y3THC1raVe8TEPmGLQk9FKqOrxSoIu1tHdxHNCkeri5j4knVkbG-V~oM3bAFyvPbEWQb3IqBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jen Gunnerman, director of Bangor Public Health and Community Services, told the Government Operations Committee on Sept. 15 that the city is tracking 28 reported cases in an ongoing HIV outbreak and is addressing testing fatigue among community partners.

Gunnerman said the department has filled two intensive case manager positions funded through Bangor’s opioid-settlement funds; one hire is a licensed clinical social worker already working locally and the other is an experienced HIV case manager joining from Vermont. An RFP for a vehicle lease is pending, and the department has secured clinical oversight for the case-management program through a memorandum of agreement noted in the committee packet.

Gunnerman said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention visited local partners and provided recommendations that Maine CDC incorporated into a report. She said the department plans follow-up meetings with federal CDC to review procedural implementation and that the program hopes to begin enrolling clients the week of Oct. 6.

On mosquito-borne disease, Gunnerman said Maine CDC issued a health alert placing Penobscot County at severe risk for eastern equine encephalitis; she said colder and drier weather may curb mosquito activity but the department is distributing educational materials to city departments, schools and the public.

Gunnerman also briefed the committee on accreditation-related work, maternal and child health grant discussions with Maine DHHS, and a public-health infrastructure grant. The agenda included a resolve to accept and appropriate up to an additional $730,000 from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to support Bangor Public Health’s infrastructure; committee members moved, seconded and recorded no objection to the packet of three orders and one resolve related to public-health work.

Gunnerman noted a statewide increase in general assistance maximums that will affect city costs, citing an example that the unheated one-bedroom maximum rose from $898 to $1,043. She said the department is watching federal budget negotiations for potential changes to grant eligibility and policy requirements.

The packet approved on the record included: a memorandum of agreement with Karen Gardner, LCSW, for clinical oversight of the intensive case-management program; authorization for the city manager to apply for up to $400,000 from the state to support housing stability expenses; a resolve to accept and appropriate up to $730,000 in DHHS funds for public-health infrastructure; and authorization to apply for a foundation grant of $243,225 to support a community paramedicine program.","Bangor Public Health updated the committee on an HIV outbreak with 28 reported cases, the hiring of two case managers funded by opioid-settlement money, a pending public health infrastructure grant of up to $730,000, an eastern equine encephalitis alert, and several grant-related orders the committee approved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears proposal to opt out of 287(g) agreements; city solicitor cautions legal and funding risks

Bangor approves Rotary partnership to add signage and trailhead at Gateway Park

Bangor reduces Community Connector service amid driver shortages; city outlines training and recruitment challenges

Bangor public health reports 28 HIV cases, hires case managers and seeks federal grant funds