Welcome everyone.

This is a regular scheduled city council meeting.

Today is October 15th, 2025.

It is seven o'clock.

And as usual, we always start off with a Pledge of Allegiance.

And I'll ask Amanda Coss to get us going.

Oh yeah.

Thank you, Amanda.

First up, uh, we have a proclamation uh proclaiming October is domestic violence awareness month.

Uh whereas domestic violence is a widespread community problem affecting main families, regardless of geography, income, or education.

And whereas dating violence and intimate partner violence are parts of the problem of domestic violence.

And whereas the effects of domestic violence are felt not only by the survivors who are robbed of their dignity and sense of security, but also their children, families, and those that care about them.

And whereas domestic violence exact a high price of on Maine's economy by keeping a survivor away from a job, classroom, and diminishing productivity at the workplace or school.

And whereas the most effective way to utilize the collective resources committed to ending domestic violence in Maine is through coordinated community-based response, including law enforcement agencies, courts, advocacy programs, social service agencies, schools, healthcare professionals, employers, municipalities, and all Maine citizens.

And whereas domestic violence is not only a crime, but a violation of a person's basic human rights.

And whereas consistent with our tradition of neighborly concern for one another and the sense of fairness and justice, citizens are encouraged to report to law enforcement, all suspect incidents of domestic violence and make referrals to deb domestic violence helplines, such as Partners for Peace in Penopscot and Piscataquis Counties for 24-7 support.

And on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Bangor, to hereby recognize October as domestic violence awareness month, and are hereby pledge our support in cooperation for ending domestic violence in our community.

So just this one hits really close to home for me.

So with that, Amanda Greenville.

Right in Greenville.

Yep.

There you go.

Now thank you.

Um, just another great example, not knowing who has been affected by domestic violence.

It's just something that is so incredibly prevalent in our community.

Um, I want to thank you for having me here this evening and for the proclamation.

My name is Amanda Cost, and I'm the executive director at Partners for Peace.

Uh, Partners for Peace is the domestic violence organization that provides support to people in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

Each year we serve approximately 1,600 people through our 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter support groups, legal advocacy program, transitional housing outreach, and in general advocacy.

October is domestic violence awareness month, and this year marks the 44th year of uniting advocates, the community, and survivors in our mission of ending domestic abuse.

This month is all about strengthening the network of people who already function as the safety net for survivors.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to amplify the voices and experiences of survivors in solidarity, justice, and liberation.

It's a month where advocates and anti-violence activists organize community opportunities for people to learn more about domestic abuse and how they can help individuals who are experiencing it by attending events and supporting the advocacy work at programs like Partners for Peace, not only in October, but all year long.

In our region, we're hosting a few events.

Tomorrow is actually where Purple Day.

You don't have to go anywhere to be involved in that event.

Wear purple, take a picture, share it on social media if you'd like.

Just please visit our website for more information.

Um again, I want to just thank you for acknowledging uh the lasting impact that domestic violence has on our community and the life-saving work that Partners for Peace does every day.

As we are all navigating these uncertain times, we must consider how our neighbors, friends, and family members who are living with abuse are managing.

This ever-changing world directly impacts their safety and the safety net that they've come to depend on, and it further isolates and traps them in situations where their options are already very limited.

I still remain hopeful though for a world without domestic violence.

It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and shifts in our beliefs.

But more humane systems that prioritize focus interventions and prevention strategies will do it.

It won't be easy, and frankly, we've been around for over 50 years now, and those 50 years have not been easy, but we're still at it.

And we want you all to consider how you can be a part of the solution and ending domestic violence.

Thank you all.

Thank you, Amanda.

And thank you for all that you do.

So this is a portion of the meeting set aside for general public comment related to city business that does not appear on this evening's agenda.

Uh public comment, whether in person or via Zoom requires a person to state their name and whether they're a resident of Bangor.

City Council has adopted a public comment policy that we will adhere to that governs topics, comments considered to be out of order or offensive or confidential.

And a limit of 15 minutes at the beginning of the meeting, with the ability of the of the chair at the conclusion of the regular business meeting to add on a little bit more time.

The public comment period is for city council members to listen, not to respond or debate with persons during the public comment period.

If you do not live in Bangor or own a property in Bangor, please allow those who do to have the opportunity to speak first.

If you'd like to offer uh comment on any item related to city business not appearing on the regular agenda, you may approach the podium on Zoom.

The public can be recognized to speak by utilizing the raise hand function or by um on the phone by pressing star nine.

Um again will limit the amount of uh comment time to three minutes per individual.

With that, we'll open up the public comment.

My name is Richard Ward.