Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes for November 20, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes November 20, 2018 2215 9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Laura Sanborn and Andre Cushing 30°
Approval of Minutes -
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve the November 6 and November 13, 2018 meeting minutes. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Sheriff’s Update –
Sheriff Morton thanked the Commissioners and Finance Director Judy Alexander for their efforts in the budget process.
Sheriff stated that today’s jail population is 160 with 62 boarded out to other county jails. There are no federal inmates, no county swaps and 57 inmates in Pre-Trial Services.
Sheriff reported that Cumberland took an additional six inmates at no additional cost.
Sheriff reports a sergeant from Millinocket PD has accepted the northern zone deputy position. Marty Legassey will be starting the first week of December.
Sheriff reminded that this time is the of year law enforcement responds to a lot of suicides. Sheriff wants to reiterate that there are a lot of good sources to help those that are depressed. Most recently a family lost a third family member in the last four years from suicide.
Sheriff states that there is an open investigation of a child shooting.
Sheriff reported that uniform crime reporting statistics show that crimes have gone down, but calls for service have gone up.
Sheriff reported that the paperwork for patrol vehicles going out to auction have been given to Judy.
The Penobscot JAG funding is now being managed by Brewer Police Chief Jason Moffatt. This grant is for $14K that is divided by 10 departments. Sheriff’s department typically receives around $3,000 and will present his proposal on what his department will spend the funds on. He is looking at purchasing a one handed tourniquet system as well as a couple safety devices.
The Sheriff met with Peter Schleck regarding Civil processes on Monday. He has been a valuable asset for the Sheriff in working with the jail. He is now assisting with the civil department.
Sheriff had a second in-depth meeting with St. Joseph’s hospital in trying to find housing for the inmate with a severe medical conditions.
Sheriff will meet next Monday with Peter Schleck, Ann Jordan and Judge Anderson before the meeting with Chief Justice Saufley and legislators in Augusta. Sheriff has been asked to facilitate the discussion since he is such a proponent of Pre-Trial services.
Sheriff is working with our programs division to provide warm clothing for inmates that are released without appropriate clothing for the weather. BARN association provided the Sheriff with a booklet for families of inmates with children.
Deeds Update –
Susan Bulay informed the Commissioners that the Deeds website was previously registered with a Franklin County associate. Susan had been advised by Browntech Systems that it would be wise to put the domain in the county’s name.
A week went by with multiple assorted requests to complete, with still no resolve in populating a domain change. A request to Kevin Brokaw in our IT department resulted in a resolution very quickly.
Discussion: Jail Advisory Committee –
Commissioner Baldacci spoke about the option presented to the Budget Committee last week. This option is a stand-alone new jail for 300 inmates.
Commissioner Baldacci referred to the jail advisory group that consisted of engineers, architects, WBRC and the New York firm STV and citizens from the county. It is felt that we form a new committee with recommendations of the Commissioners that will broaden the group. Commissioner Baldacci feels that we need to add people that are knowledgeable in operations, programming as well as communication skills. Sheriff recommended that Police Chiefs and some professionals from the Board of Visitors be utilized to form a sub-committee to voice their opinions/thoughts on what would be helpful for them in their capacity working with the jail.
Commissioner Cushing recommended getting Rob Frank (WBRC) back and providing a timeline at our next Commissioners’ meeting. Sheriff would like Tori Britton (WBRC) invited as she is the marketing Director and would be an asset to get the word out.
Administrative Update –
Bill Collins publically thanked Finance Director Judy Alexander for holding the fort down while he was on vacation that last couple weeks. She did an amazing job balancing all the tasks from both positions. Bill stated that this is the first Budget meeting he’s missed in 16 years and a special thank you to all that made it work.
Barbara Veilleux is working on the flexible spending paperwork. Bill would like to remind all that it needs to be turned in by November 23rd.
PRCC advisory board is next Wednesday. Bill will be attending. Commissioner Baldacci attended the MCCA meeting in Augusta and the focus was on legislative leadership and transition teams.
Martin Legassey – Hired Full-time; Scott Denniston – Resignation; Tina Morrison, Cap Ayer, Mary Anne Hesseltine – Comp Time
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 219,834.29 Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $ 37,053.07 Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for: -None-
Finance Update –
Judy Alexander came back to the Commissioners regarding the Delta Dental 7.95% increase for the coming year. If the Commissioners increase what the county pays for the employees from $13 to $15 a month it would cost the County an additional $4,032 a year.
Commissioner Cushing moved to subsidize an additional $2.00 more a month per plan for Delta Dental. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Baldacci congratulated Judy on a job well done for the budget meeting.
Public Comment –
Christopher Swift, a Woodville resident, presented the Commissioners minutes of the discussion held in regards to the T2R9 National Guard Facility. Those in attendance ironed out who would be responding should it be needed. Representing Maine National Guard was Col. Norm Michaud who admitted he had just taken over the project and declared that the Training Facility is State operated and owned, but federally supported. Col. Michaud stated that the current plan, subject to change, is for battalion sized operation training area with a light demolition and short range small arms ranges on 3400 acres.
John Hiatt, Treasurer Elect presented questions to the upcoming transition period for his taking over as Treasurer as well as an update for the upcoming Human Resource Position. Commissioner Baldacci stated that there were eight applicants for the HR position and interviews will start this week. Commissioner Baldacci then shared what is expected of a County Treasurer. The position is part time with no actual office space. He should give advice on financial matters, attend meetings when able, and to work with our finance director. The treasurer should know how the budget process works. The Finance Dept. and Administrator will keep you updated and informed on where we stand financially and the challenges we face.
John then thanked current Treasurer, Dan Tremble for his kindness that he has shown him. He also thanked Dan for his service to the Community as treasurer as well as a Bangor City Councilor. John notes that Dan is a true gentleman and community servant.
Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:10 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D) Contract Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble and Chris Lavoie. Session ended at 10:40 a.m. No votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:41 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, and Chris Lavoie. Session ended at 10:56 a.m. No votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:57 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 and Dan Tremble. Session ended at 11:22 a.m. No votes taken.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Cushing moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 3-0. Certified By: William J. Collins, Administrator Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner Andre E. Cushing, III, Commissioner
