County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes for December 5th, 2017
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes December 5, 2017 #2166 9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Tom Davis and Laura Sanborn 33°
Approval of Minutes-
Commissioner Baldacci made a motion to approve the November 21st, 2017 and November 28th, 2017 minutes. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Old Town Leonard Middle School Robotics Team Presentation –
Gamma Group, consisting of five young ladies from Leonard Middle School, presented to the Commissioners their Water Purification Project. Presenters were: Avery Ell, Emma Tupper, Lily Millard, Maddie Weston and Phoebe Sanborn. (Coach Dorothy Dawson)
They stated they had been given the theme of Hydro-Dynamics by the Maine Robotics – Lego League for this competition. This competition has three parts. The first is the Robot / Robot Game where they build and program a robot. Second is the presenting and designing a solution to solve a real-world problem. Third is demonstrating Core Values where they show respect for their teammates, coaches and competitors.
They knew they needed to be innovative as there are many different water filters out on the market. They had to determine what was missing in the other filters that would make their design stand apart and be sure their product was affordable.
The system they designed is taking out organic and inorganic substances. It is built with a rechargeable 9-volt battery pack that lasts for a long time since you can turn the switch on and off to save power. The filters used can be cleaned and reused. It also can produce a gallon of clean water in four minutes.
Gamma Group said they’ve been given a great opportunity as youth to show what they can do. They care about their future and the future of generations to come. They feel this is a very important value of their team.
They thanked the Commissioners for their time.
Gamma will be competing this coming Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. The Commissioners wished them the best of luck and thanked them for their presentation.
UT Update –
Barbara Veilleux and Chad Labree came to the Commissioners to discuss that T2 R8 NWP and T2R9 NWP (mile markers 227 through 239 on the interstate) have no contract or agreement for fire service or ambulance service. Chad said that at this time no one is obligated to respond.
There is meeting set up on December 14th that Barbara, Chad, Lincoln, Howland, Medway and East Millinocket will be attending to work out the details of who is willing to cover this area. Barbara and Chad have spoken to East Millinocket. They offered prior to this meeting to take responsibility on this territory.
Commissioner Davis suggests requesting a proposal from Lincoln and East Millinocket for the fire-ambulance services for this section of interstate. Commissioner Davis also believes coverage could be divided (north bound / south bound) on the interstate between Lincoln and East Millinocket as to who responds.
Barbara will come back to the Commissioners when she has more information.
Commissioner Baldacci made a motion to approve renewal of the liquor license for Northern Timber Cruises. Commissioner Davis seconded it. Motion to approve 3-0.
Barbara submitted for signature the Municipal Withdrawal Agreement to MRC and a letter to PERC stating the county’s intentions to remain owners. Ed Bearor recommends we sign the MRC withdrawal agreement. This was signed by Bill. Barbara provided an “intent” letter to remain partners with PERC since there is still work to be done. It was signed by Bill.
Commissioner Baldacci made a motion to approve the ambulance contract with the Town of Patten and initialed the change to read T1 R6 which should read North of MM 253. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Barbara, George Buswell and Commissioner Laura Sanborn will be attending the public informational meeting hosted by Wolfden Industries, the Canadian firm that is exploring mining in T6 R6 WELS tonight.
Administrative Update –
Bill stated that it was recognized that employees that work 37.5 hours a week in administration are not eligible to purchase short term disability insurance. Commissioner Baldacci made a motion to allow administration employees that work 37.5 hours a week be eligible to apply for short term disability. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Bill reminded the Commissioners that next week’s meeting will be the Public Hearing on the County and Unorganized Territory budgets.
The City of Brewer municipal tax payment was mailed to the County but made payable to the County Fire Chief’s. A new check has been issued.
Bill stated that our cash flow is decreasing due to the boarding out of inmates. Accounting keeps two sets of financial books (Jail and County). This is doubling the entries and audits keeping two sets of books. Commissioner Baldacci made a motion that we keep one set of books effective the calendar year as recommended by our Finance Director, Judy Alexander. P Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Bill gave the Commissioners a copy of a letter from an inmate. Bill will respond to the inmate acknowledging receipt of his letter. The Sheriff has been notified and will contact the inmate’s attorney.
Commissioner Davis stated that he and Joanna Russell from NWDB went to Augusta last Friday to vote on the federal workforce training funds. Governor LePage’s proposal failed. There were to be no changes for the remainder of this year.
A federal lawsuit was fine against the governor for holding back these federal funds.
Payroll change notices signed for: Robert Booth, Christopher Boulier, Adam Smith, Donna Smith, Louis St. Pierre, Ryan Fitch, William Haefele, Cody Haverly-Johndro, Kari Kurth, Jason Matheson, Sean McCue & Bobbie Pelletier. Hired part-time Kelly Fennelly.
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 252,392.45 Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $ 373,067.18 Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for: -NONE-
Executive Session- Commissioner Davis motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss a contract matter at 9:45 am under 1 MRSA §405 (6) (D) Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3 – 0. The Commissioners, Administrator Bill Collins, Treasurer Dan Tremble, Dick Hansen were in attendance. Executive Session ended at 10:10 a.m. with no votes taken.
Executive Session- Commissioner Davis motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss a contract matter at 10:10 am under 1 MRSA §405 (6) (D). Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3 – 0. The Commissioners, Administrator Bill Collins, Sheriff Troy Morton, LT Keith Hotaling, Rob Frank and Mat Ward were in attendance of WBRC and Citizen Jim Ring. Mr. Frank and Mr. Ward exited at 10:48 am. Executive Session ended at 11.20 am with no votes taken.
Public Comment - None
Meeting Adjourned- The meeting was adjourned at 11:22 am with no further business on the agenda.
Certified By:
Administrator, William Collins
Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman
Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
Thomas J. Davis, Jr., Commissioner
