Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes for February 26, 2019
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes February 26, 2019 2228 9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Andre Cushing & Laura Sanborn 16°
Sheriff’s Update -
Captain Richard Clukey reported that today’s jail population is 176 (142 males, 34 females) with 74 boarded out to other county jails. There is one federal inmate, no county swaps and 84 inmates in Pre-Trial Services.
Captain introduced the newly promoted Lieutenant Nick Hardwick. LT Hardwick started out as a corrections officer 17 years ago and has moved up in the organization to this current role. Commissioner Baldacci and the other Commissioners congratulated Nick on his recent promotion.
Captain stated that the jail is still holding trainings for first aid certification and licensing.
The jail is still short five correction officers. Four full time corrections officers are finishing up their academy training next week, then continuing with three weeks of in-house training.
Captain stated that there is continued work with Securus on the video visitation equipment. There will be 23 phone units strategically placed around the jail in order for the inmates to use. Bill questioned if there would be an additional cost if we move to an updated facility. Captain would have to revisit this but believes there would be no additional cost when the time comes.
Chief Deputy Birch reported that Sheriff Morton is unable to attend today’s meeting because he is attending a Maine Chiefs meeting in Augusta.
LT Hotaling then spoke about introducing automatic vehicle locators to our fleet which is a GPS device that can be used as a means of location. LT Hotaling states that Verizon has recently started a national pricing service including this product. We would not notice a pricing difference. This data can be used on Spilman or the Verizon website with a bonus is that if a deputy is separated from his vehicle, we would be able to ping his cell phone and locate the officer.
Commissioner Cushing asked if the AFES (fingerprint machine) situation has been fixed. He was told that the State’s is still working on it. Unfortunately, the booking process is now a two-step process at this time.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:15 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D) Contract Matter. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Rob Frank, Judy Alexander, John Hiatt, Lt. Hotaling, Captain Clukey, Chief Birch, LT Hardwick and the Commissioners. Session ended at 10:04 a.m. No votes taken.
PRCC Update –
Josh Lilley, Assistant Director introduced new hire Kayle Prescott to the Commissioners.
Whitten’s was able to locate another microwave unit through a different vendor. It is currently going through the testing phase.
Josh reported that the Fish Hill tower audio quote came in and is approximately $3,500 to repair.
Josh stated there was another radio issue. All agencies north of us couldn’t hear us, but we could hear them during a 20 minute time span. One of our senior operators was able to fix the issue.
Josh reported that both he and Chris will be attending a meetings on LD 674, LD 675, LD 473 and LD 475 in Augusta.
UT Update -
Barbara Veilleux reported that her Deputy George Buswell is on the road checking for snow drifting as a result of the heavy winds we are experiencing.
Barbara presented the grant proposal for the LED lighting in the Argyle Salt/Sand Shed. Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve obtain a grant with Efficiency Maine to get LED lighting in the Argyle Salt/Sand shed with our cost at $516. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Sanborn mentioned that there will be a town meeting in Alton regarding broadband. She also suggested getting pricing for Argyle too.
Finance Update –
Judy Alexander reported to the Commissioners that we need to start our TAN process. As it takes a several weeks to complete. Commissioner Cushing made a motion for Judy to start the process in procuring a TAN for the year 2019. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Judy stated that she will have the Tax Warrant prepared for approval so that the tax bills can be sent out.
Administration Update –
Bill Collins reported he and the Sheriff are attending the Appropriations Committee hearings and testifying to ensure our County interests are protected.
THE LUPC application has been extended until March 22nd.
New signage has been placed on the Treasurers’ door.
Rudman and Winchell created a federal certification that they provide legal counsel for the County. Commissioners are the duly elected officials and Bill Collins is the day to day manager. Bill has not heard back from Shanita Cunningham whether this is satisfactory or not to the federal government.
MMA has a bill in to fund medical and mental health expenses at Count Jails.
There was discussion on whether or not there would be a meeting next week, as Commissioner Baldacci is at the National County Convention. Commissioner Cushing made a motion to next meet on March 12th. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Payroll Change Notices signed for: Andrew Rideout – Hired Full time; Seth Scholl, Deborah Sargent, Ian Libby, Aaron Smith and Ann Dunkerley – Payroll Changes.
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 214,293.32 Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $262,479.34 UT A/P Warrant to be approved for : -NONE- UT TIF Warrant to be approved for: -NONE-
Public Comment –
Doug Dunbar, citizen from Hermon discussed legislation regarding mental health care in the jail.
Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:35 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D) Contract Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Captain Clukey, LT Hotaling, Judy Alexander and Chief Bill Birch. Session ended at 10:46 a.m. No votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:47 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 and HR Director Erika Honey. Session ended at 11:14 a.m. No votes taken. Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Sanborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:15 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 3-0
Certified By: Administrator, William Collins Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
AAndre E. Cushing, III, Commissioner
