Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes April 10th, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes April 10, 2018 2184
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Tom Davis and Laura Sanborn 31°
Sheriff’s Department Update –
Sheriff Troy Morton stated that today’s jail population is 194 inmates; 165 males, 39 females with 52 boarded out to other county jails. There are currently 53 inmates in pre-trial services. There are no federal inmates and 1 swap. There are ten inmates on home release.
Sheriff reports we have one deputy on medical leave since October when he was involved in a car crash. It may be an additional six months before he is able to return to work.
Sheriff states that one of our deputies was involved with a high speed chase that ended up in another county. The suspect was later charged with multiple charges including OUI.
Sgt. Roy Peary while working a Greenbush detail responded to a possible overdose. The subject was administered Narcan and revived at the scene.
Sheriff attended a town meeting in Lincoln regarding contracting with the Town. Lincoln was looking for 24/7 coverage which would require another supervisor. Sheriff advised the Town it would be more cost effective for them to utilize our specialty services versus contracting with the Sheriff’s Office full time.
Cumberland County will continue to house one of our inmates that was injured at Washington County in order for the follow up doctor appointments.
Sheriff states we have a female inmate that has been hospitalized for the past five days. She is refusing to sign a Maine pre-trial contract.
Sheriff wanted to make mention that this week is National Dispatchers Week.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:10 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins and Sheriff Morton. Session ended at 9:25 a.m. NO votes taken.
Probate Update –
Renee Stupak mentioned that the most recent legislative updates will drastically affect her office in good ways.
A proposed change is for guardianship on adults that are incapacitated (dementia). Right now they want to provide an attorney for each adult that is under this clause. This will cause a tremendous burden on the probate budget.
A person that had issues with the probate office procedure last week has since completed all the paperwork and has a hearing date in May.
Executive Session---Commissioner Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:35 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: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble and Chad Labree. Session ended at 9:50 a.m. NO votes taken.
PRCC Update –
Chad informed the Commissioners’ that he is still meeting with Bangor dispatch regarding their transition. We have identified a small punch list of items that still need to be resolved, but we are actively working on getting them taken care of.
Chad states that Bangor is struggling with their IT department being responsive to their needs.
Chad reported that his department is moving well with legislative mandated EFD training. It should be completed Saturday. The "go live" date is scheduled for May 23rd. The transition for landline phones for Bangor is scheduled for May 30th, with the remainder of the calls coming in on/or about June 13th.
Chad announced that he has offered four position to call takers. He is just waiting on two of the background checks following the interviews that went on last week. If all goes well, we will be ready by June 1st.
The workspace will be ready for the new equipment when it comes in. We are currently making due with the space available.
Chad states he is waiting to hear from Mr. Boucher in regards to the Radio RFQ. He is waiting on a final copy before we can receive quotes. Chad believes he should have information available to meet with the Commissioners next week.
EMA Update –
Michelle Tanguay said she’s been working on critical infrastructure with Emera for the last two months.
The records between Michelle and Emera didn’t match up during the October wind storm. Bangor Fire Chief Higgins and Michelle have been meeting monthly with Emera creating a data base with up to date contact information in the event of a major outage event in Penobscot County. This information will be updated continually.
Michelle is working with Waldo and Hancock Counties on an Emergency fuel supply plan.
Michelle states that multiple towns still haven’t heard back from FEMA as FEMA has a major employee shortage. FEMA is actively hiring more people.
EMA is sponsoring an active shooter training that will be held April 26th and June 5th at Jeff’s Catering. This planning will be for schools, health care and businesses on what to do with active threats.
Michelle and Dispatcher, Betty Stone are still going out and teaching "Until Help Arrives" to the communities. They will be teaching two classes in Old Town next month.
Opening of Shower Bids –
One bid was received for the Wellness Center shower installations located at 71 Hammond Street, Bangor. There were three companies that looked at the job and this was the only bid that was received by April 9th 4:30 p.m. deadline.
The bid was submitted by Aaron Newcomb Building Construction, Inc. in the amount of $31,088.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to take this quote under advisement. Commission Sanborn
seconded the motion. Moved to approve 3-0.
Public Session Announcement –
ADA Marianne Lynch and Fr. Augustine Nellary from St. Joseph’s Hospital came before the Commissioners asking them for support. There will be an Interfaith Opiate Healing Service being held at St. John’s Catholic Church April 25th at 6:30 p.m.
Marianne states that together we will pray for healing and an end to this epidemic. This interfaith healing service will be for those on the front lines of the crisis – first responders, law enforcement officials, health care providers, and most importantly, families who have lost a loved one to this addiction. Sheriff Morton has been part of the committee planning this event and will be speaking.
Fr. Nellary introduced himself as Vice-President of Mission Integration for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Fr. Nellary stated that the health care professionals take responsibility by the over prescriptions of opiates.
Fr. Nellary states that about three years ago it was recognized there was a severe problem. Community Health Leadership Board is made up from nine organizations that meets monthly.
The physicians/hospitals are currently working on limiting the amount of opiates that are being prescribed to patients.
Marianne is personally inviting the Commissioners to attend the service and pass on this information.
Administrative Update –
Jack Parlon of the FOP has contacted Bill to start the Patrol Line and Supervisor contract negotiations which expires end of year.
When WBRC came in for the tours, the jail population was at 197. During Friday’s summary there were some recommendations that will be further discussed at the next meeting recap.
Payroll change notices signed for: Tyler Thompson – Comp time; Joanne McIntyre – Human Resource Director Hired; Jason Brooks Hired full-time
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 219,433.22
Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for 4/3/18 2nd run: $51,234.09
Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for 4/10/18: $103,797.59
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved: -None-
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Davis moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:42 am with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Moved to adjourn passed 3-0
Certified By:
Administrator, William Collins
Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman
Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
Thomas J. Davis, Jr., Commissioner