Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes from October 9, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes October 9, 2018 2209
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci and Laura Sanborn – Present 69°
Andre Cushing - Absent
Unorganized Territory Budget Presentation-
Barbara Veilleux presented the UT budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (July 1st – June 30th).
The most significant expense increase is for snow removal. Barbara noted this is the annual contract increases with the county’s snow removal vendors.
There is $ 100K +/- in Salt Sand Shed escrow. Barbara plans to put a metal roof on the Matagamon shed as well as two other sheds in the future. The Commissioners recommend an increase of $10K (for a total of 20K) to be put in Salt Sand Shed Capital Account.
Barbara then explained the tax assessment would be $1,114,032. There is a decrease in the assessment due to the transfer from the fund balance. Barbara feels we are in good financial shape with the reserves we have on hand.
As presented the UT Budget cap is 18.28%. Commissioner Sanborn motioned to approve the UT Budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year with the amendment noted. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0.
There was conversation on adding and expense for a Katahdin Revitalization economic planner. This will be discussed further.
Unorganized Territory Administrative Budget (Dept. 14) Presentation-
Barbara then presented the UT Administration budget for the 2018 year.
Barbara has adjusted her printing services expense line ($300 vs $200 in 2018) as we have found putting up signs is more effective than putting ads in the newspapers, but that is an additional cost.
The projected revenue for next year will be $ 70K to cover our Road Agent Admin fees.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve the UT Administration Budget for the 2018 fiscal year. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0.
NWDB Update –
Joanna Russell reported that she has submitted PY18 budget and program plan to Maine Department of Labor. She was informed that the Governor did approve the budget and plan to move forward and the Local Boards are waiting for the Commissioner of Labor to sign the contracts.
Joanna explained that the State of Maine’s workforce system is being observed by other states due to Governor LePage’s required 70% allocation to training. The highest percentage of workforce funds being allocated to training in other states is 55%. Those states allocating above 40% are receiving funding from their state’s general fund.
Commissioner Baldacci asked Joanna if she has heard of the major candidate’s stance on this program. She states that they have been very quiet on workforce development. The major focus with the candidates right now is the opioid crisis which is not including the recovery piece that needs to be addressed.
Joanna thinks employers need to be educated on what tax incentives are available to them for hiring someone with a criminal background.
The NWDB will host a workshop/meeting November 19, 2018 at Eastern Maine Community College’s Rangeley Hall from 10am-12pm.
Building’s (Dept. 8) Budget Presentation-
Department Head Cap Ayer presented his Building’s department budget for the 2019 year. Cap stated the dramatic increase (over $310 K) is due to the utility costs from the jail. (Sewer, water, heat and electric)
Cap stated that the Building/Equipment repair and maintenance went up minimally with the plowing and salting contract increase of the last year ($7.5K).
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to accept the Building’s (Dept. 8) budget. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0.
Building Improvement (Dept. 32) Budget Presentation-
Cap presented the Building Improvement Dept. 32 budget for the 2019 fiscal year.
The major capital improvements planned is the repaving of the driveway and parking area to the post office including the exit ramp behind the post office. A contractor provided a budgetary price of $50 K +/-.
Cap stated that we need to think about new boilers since ours are 30 years old and the life expectancy is 20.
There is one 10 K gallon tank and Cap has requested permission to buy oil to run though it as it is standard operation procedure. Cap states they will switch back to gas after order amount is used up.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve the Building Improvement (Dept. 32) Budget for the 2019 fiscal year. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0.
PRCC Update –
Jim Ryan started his presentation in thanking the Commissioners and Bill Collins for their support to him during his time assisting PRCC with their recent restructuring. Jim said that there have been a lot of changes with dispatch since he was here last. The Staff working upstairs are outstanding and their daily work is amazing. The type of calls they receive every day now is saving lives. They are very professional and very good at what they do. Jim has nothing but good things to say.
Jim reported that Whitten’s was notified to begin work to transfer the radios from MSP to PRCC. It should be done this week and in place.
The Supervisor opening was filled by Brad Fitzgerald.
One of the dispatchers, Taylor Keeran, has built an internal website for PRCC. It will have refillable forms, punch list as well as standard operating practices, and instant messenger. We bought a five drive tower as our hub so that we can use it as a backup center.
Administrative Update –
Bill reminded the Commissioners that we are hosting the Spirit of America awards this afternoon.
Michael Osterby from the Probate Office recently submitted his resignation.
Standard Life Insurance is requesting signatures for the amendment of reclassification of the Commissioners and Treasurer. Signed.
LT. Ellis mother has passed away.
State Claims Commission Hearings to be held tomorrow here in the Commissioners Room.
Judy Alexander, Barbara Veilleux and I will be holding a budget meeting with Katahdin Revitalization on Thursday.
FOP Patrol Supervisor negotiations has been postponed until 10/26th.
Maine Tow Association will be meeting Saturday in the Great Room.
Bill is waiting to hear back from one of the HR candidates.
The Sheriff’s Department was on local and national media regarding a little boy with cancer and his ride along with the Sheriff.
Payroll change notices: Christopher Lavoie - Payroll Change; Chris Fox – Comp Time.
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 222,617.38
Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $ 196,814.52
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for: -NONE-
County Audit –
Tim Poitras of Chester Kearney presented the county audit 2017 Calendar Year. Tim stated that it was no surprise that it was a clean audit. No findings on any of the reports and there were no significant adjustments.
Tim stated that he would provide advice when the time comes for a bond.
Stated Net Position decreased $68K which is not a great loss considering depreciation.
On the governmental side of things – general fund decrease of $207K most of that as a result of the purchase of the building next door.
Since we are the fiscal agent for NWBD there was need for an additional audit, which has been completed.
Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve the audit as read. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Motion approved 2-0.
Judy Alexander states now that it has been approved she will send it to the banks.
Public Comment –
Citizen Doug Dunbar from Hermon thanked Dan Tremble for helping with the BARN event last week end.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:21 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve 2-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble and Chris Lavoie. Session ended at 10:50 a.m. Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve hiring Chris Lavoie as Executive Director of the Penobscot County Regional Communications Center effective Sunday, October 15th at a beginning salary of $ 70 K. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2 – 0.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Sanborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:52 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 2-0.
Certified By:
_______________________________
Administrator, William Collins
Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman
Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
_______-ABSENT-_______________
Andre E. Cushing, III, Commissioner
