Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes January 2nd, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes January 2, 2018 #2170
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Tom Davis and Laura Sanborn -7°
Election of Chairman –
Commissioner Davis made a motion to re-elect Commissioner Baldacci as Chairman. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Approval of Minutes -
Commissioner Davis made a motion to approve the December 26th, 2017 minutes. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Sheriff’s Department Update –
Sheriff Troy Morton stated that today’s jail population is 195 inmates comprised of 160 males, 35 females with 40 boarded out to other county jails. There are 66 in Maine Pre-trial programs. There are no federal inmates and no county swaps.
Sheriff communicated with DA Almy that when protesters are arrested and need to pay a donation, to please consider donating to the jail.
Sheriff stated that we are up to date on submitting information for Maine Pre-trial to the courts. This pre-trial list inmate goes out every two weeks per statute. It includes the court dates, docket number, amount of time in jail and who id the defense counselor.
The Sheriff’s department will be naming the new clerical hire later today.
LT Linda Golden has submitted her resignation. She will retire by March 1. She has been with the Sheriff’s Dept. for 30 years. The Sheriff plans to post for this position immediately.
The Sheriff’s office has offered the Patrol position to Nicholas Covell from Newport Police Department. His background check was outstanding. There is an $18,000 buyout to bring him to the County.
There are still high numbers of suicides and drug overdoses the SO is responding to.
We have Bryan Eggert as our department chaplain as well as an added chaplain, Terry Dinkins. Inmates have been requesting special meals stating religious beliefs. These two Chaplains have been working with the State in forming menus that are consistent with the standards.
Executive Session---Commissioner Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:10 a.m. under1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (E) Medical Contract Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins and Sheriff Morton. Session ended at 9:30 am.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to accept Medpro as the medical contractor for the jail. The first year price is $666,768 for 11 months; with a 3% increase for year two and a 2% increase year three. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Executive Session---Commissioner Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:32 a.m. under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (E) Legal/Contract Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. Present were: Dan Tremble, Bill Collins, Sheriff Morton, and Attorney James Belleau. Executive Session ended at 10:00 am.
Commissioner Davis made a motion authorizing Penobscot County to join in the lawsuit against the opiate pharmaceutical companies. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0 for the County to sign a resolution and allow Administrator Collins to sign onto the Lawsuit on behalf of Penobscot County.
UT Update –
Barbara Veilleux and George Buswell came before the Commissioners to have the liquor license for Sawmill Grill from Indian Purchase TWP renewed. Commissioner Davis made the motion to approve the liquor license. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Barbara and George also provided the PERC contract to be signed. Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve a 15 year term waste disposal agreement with PERC as presented. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
The snow removal with the Millinocket Lake Road is going smoothly. The employees are upbeat and understand that they are now working for Diem LaPierre.
Barbara and George have moved into their new space on the 3rd floor. It is working out well and is very quiet.
Commissioner Sanborn passed on to Barbara and George a positive comment she received from a resident from Greenfield.
Administration Update -
Bill stated that he will put forward the advertisement for the Human Relations Director position.
Our EMA snow trailer got snowed during last week’s snowstorm. It was recommended that we contact all parties to work together in advance of the projected storm that will be hitting us later this week.
The Deputy Director for PRCC interviews have been set up for 1/29/18.
An employee has been granted permission to park against the wall when the lower parking lot is icy.
The grievance decision from last week were sent out electronically and certified mail.
Bill stated he will be taking vacation February 23 returning March 5th.
Payroll change notices signed for: Suzy Worster – Hired; Trevor Smith and Kimberly Jordon – Resigned; Tina Morrison – Rate change; Denise Molinaro - Promotion.
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 204,123.12
Account Payable Warrant to be approved for: $365,044.64
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved: -NONE-
Executive Session---Commissioner Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:44 a.m. under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. Present were the Commissioners and Bill Collins. Session ended at 11:10 am with votes taken.
Public Comment - None
Meeting Adjourned- Commissioner Davis moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:11 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Moved to approve 3-0.
