Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes for July 10th, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes July 10, 2018 2197
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Tom Davis and Laura Sanborn 74°
Approval of Minutes -
Commissioner Davis made a motion to approve the July 3rd, 2018 meeting minutes. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Sheriff’s Update –
Sheriff Troy Morton stated that today’s jail population is 205 inmates; 165 males, 40 females and 35 boarded out to other county jails. There are currently 55 inmates in pre-trial services. Sheriff said there were 110 new admissions last week. The Sheriff has reviewed the charges for all new arrests and will continue to discuss with law enforcement agencies.
Sheriff reports there were very few releases at court arraignments yesterday. Sheriff is working on moving some of the inmates out of the facility today. We currently have three inmates in custody that are not mentally competent to stand trial and that they do not belong in jail.
Sheriff states that he has received communication from Two Bridges requesting a longer term contract. It expires next week. After discussion, the Commissioners are requesting that Bill Collins and the Sheriff negotiate with other counties. The Sheriff will make sure that there are similar services available such as phone, medical and canteen as well as what type of inmate population will they accept.
Sheriff attended the USDA Opiate Conference at Husson University yesterday. Rural areas are the hardest hit and they have the least amount of services available.
PCHC was funded another year yesterday which will allow the RISE program to continue with plans to address the male population.
Sheriff saw on a social media site comments from a nurse stating the emergency department has been a dumping ground for mental health patients. Commissioner Baldacci stated that we need to collaborate jail and medical personnel. We need a model to follow from other states that have succeeded. Commissioner Davis believes if we partner with other counties it would benefit all those involved. Sheriff would like to host a meeting here with hospital administration, law enforcement, medical & mental providers and the court coming together as a community to work for a solution.
Commissioner Sanborn moved that we approve the 2019 supplemental contract for the Town of Enfield. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. Signed.
Sheriff reported last week the 2012 transport van with 267K miles broke down in Knox County with transmission problems. Sheriff was able to locate a rebuilt transmission for $2650 with an additional $500 for labor. The van’s body is in good condition. This rebuilt transmission will carry a three year warrantee.
UT Update –
Barbara Veilleux reported that the liability policy for the Greenfield caretaker for the cemeteries policy is for $500 K not $1 M like other contractors. The Commissioners gave their approval to continue with that amount. Barbara says that the lawn is getting shabby and may have to go take care of it.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion for a one year trial for Mt Jefferson Back Country Riders ATV Club to travel across the Tar Ridge & a portion of North Road in Prentiss to connect to their other trails in Webster & Carroll Plantations. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Greenfield Township Paving Bids Opening –
Seven vendors bid for the Littlefield Myra Road and Cross Road paving contracts.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to take the bids under advisement and allow Barbara and George to gather the information and report back. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion moved. 3-0
Barbara and George reported back to the Commissioners later in the meeting with the recommendation to award each bid to Eaton.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to award the bid on the Littlefield Myra Road to Eaton. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion passed. 3-0
Commissioner Davis made a motion to award the bid on the Cross Road to Eaton. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion passed. 3-0
Public Hearing – Special Event Permit for New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) –
Barbara presented a list of dates that NEOC has requested for Special Events. The Center has requested Special Event permits for six weddings and one rehearsal dinner through the summer. There were no public comments in regards to the permits. Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to grant NEOC the Special Event permits for the before mentioned events. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to grant NEOC the liquor license extensions for each of the special events to be held through the summer. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Deeds Update –
Susan Bulay updated the Commissioners on the Map/Scanner/Copier machine that she was having problems with. Currently the piece of equipment is able to scan and copy, but only prints two sizes when on occasional four sizes are used. After discussion within her department it was decided that the use of four sides is not used enough to warrant losing the other options that the new piece of equipment has. Susan states she will send out the payment. Okayed.
Susan states that June’s revenue was $115 K and she will be sending that over to the County General Fund.
NWDB Update –
Joanna Russell presented that she received word the US Department of Labor (USDOL) approved ME Department of Labor (MDOL) recommended policy of local boards allocating 70% of the total contract for training.
Joanna heard there was a statement made by USDOL that Governor LePage cannot penalize the local boards if they didn’t meet the 70%. Although Joanna has yet to see this in writing, because she doesn’t have a copy of the decision. When she contacted USDOL they stated she had to get the letter through the Governor’s office. Since the request is being refused, a formal letter is being crafted to receive the written the USDOL decision.
There is consideration not to sign the PY18 contract. However, was advised that they should sign the contract or the Governor could immediately take over the local area.
Finance Update –
Judy Alexander reported to the Commissioners that the TAN is down to $ 215 K after today’s draw down.
Judy states that she received PILT funds today of $350 K.
Judy plans on sending the department heads budget proposals at the end of the week or first of next week.
PRCC Update -
Chris Lavoie reported to the Commissioners that two outside agencies plan on sending employees down to learn more about PRCC.
Chris picked up Jim Ryan from the airport Friday night. He is settling in well. Jim has been given a key to the building and was in and out all weekend and has been well received by the staff.
Chris informed the Commissioners that there is only one work station not working. It is a motor issue and the part is being expedited for delivery to repair it.
A building that we own in Medway, overheated last week and shut down the tower. Chris purchased an air conditioner and brought it up to cool the building down. Chris states that these building should be constructed out of concrete. Currently some of this building is in disrepair and need to be repaired.
Atlantic Communications will contact Chris to visit tower centers/shacks.
A call taker recently resigned. There will be more interviews held next week. Our concentration is on more staffing.
There will be a supervisor meeting tomorrow addressing concerns.
Administrative Update –
Bill presented the Commissioners with the communication from Charlie Pray regarding the Jail funds.
It was reported that Mary Anne LaMarre accepted the position with MSA.
Bill reported that he, Dan Tremble and Rob Frank attended a meeting with the City of Bangor last Tuesday. The City did request that Rob keep in contact with the City Engineer.
Rob Frank confirmed that the architects from New York will be here next Thursday and Friday. The Sheriff will not be available on Thursday, but will make himself and his department available Friday.
Attorney Adam Lee was unable to be available for today’s Commissioners meeting. Bill will ask Mr. Lee to attend our meeting on July 24th.
Commissioner Baldacci will not be available for next Tuesday’s meeting. There was conversation on whether or not to hold a meeting next week.
Emera Maine has assigned a specialist on our case due to the recent power outages. It seems as though voltage surges may have come from squirrels.
The advertisement has been placed for EMA full time Deputy Director Position.
We will place on the next agenda for the Commissioners to inspect the jail along with the Board of Visitors to attend as well.
Bill will be in Augusta tomorrow to attend the monthly MCCA meeting.
Payroll change notices signed for: Tracy L. Novak and Joseph Howard - Resignation
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 213,943.35
Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $ 172,570.85
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for 2017-2018: $11,375.85
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for 2018-2019: $ 11,522.57
Public Session – None
Executive Session---Commissioner Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:45 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble, Renee Stupak, Suzie Worster and Joanne McIntyre. Session ended at 10:55 a.m. NO votes taken
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:00 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, Dan Tremble and Jim Ryan. Session ended at 11:22 a.m. NO votes taken
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:23 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 Dan Tremble. Session ended at 11:35 a.m. NO votes taken.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Davis moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:36 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 3-0.
Certified By:
Administrator, William Collins
Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman
Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
Thomas J. Davis, Jr., Commissioner
