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Penobscot County Commissioners' Minutes from October 1, 2019

For a downloadable copy click HERE

Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes October 1, 2019 2257 9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Andre Cushing & Laura Sanborn 48°

Public Comment – None

UT Update –

UT Director Barbara Veilleux reported that the Greenfield paving project and the Myra Road gravel project have been completed. George Buswell reports both projects came out nicely.

Commissioner Sanborn moved to name a road in Argyle Township “Balsam Lane”. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. Signed.

George worked on repairs to the Matagamon salt/sand shed with the inmate work crew last week. They rented a lift and the crew painted both ends of the building which hadn’t been done since it was built.

Today George is measuring salt/sand piles and is moving the York rake out of storage so that James Reinzo can start putting up his material.

Barbara learned that three contractors have completed putting up their sand, two other contractors have ordered their salt, with one contractor that has not ordered yet.

George reports that we are getting a good quality salt from Morton this year. We are working through some issues getting timely deliveries.

There was a fire in Greenfield Township on September 15th. Barbara has received bills thus far from Greenbush and Milford totaling over $4,000. She states that with two structure fires, two new contracts and with Milford requesting an increase in their contract, our fire budget is going to take a hit this year.

Barbara, George and Commissioner Sanborn attended the second Argyle broadband expansion public meeting last night. The meeting was well attended with positive feedback. Unfortunately, the struggle is with not getting enough community support. One of the Committee members has offered to create a Facebook page with hopes that more residents will complete out survey.

Commissioner Cushing stated that Tracey from OTELCO has been very complimentary on Barbara’s work on the Broadband Committee.

Unorganized Territory Administrative Budget (Dept. 14) Presentation-

Barbara then presented the UT Administration budget for the 2020 year.

Barbara stated the small changes come from when hiring a new person to replace her when she retires; telephone, clothing and insurances.

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 2020 fiscal year. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0. HR Director, Erika Honey presented the new budget for her department. The department has moved $136K from Department 6 (Commissioners) budget. Erika mentioned that money is saved as she isn’t covered by the County’s health insurance.

Erika reviewed the following:

o $5K for Legal Services; this is in anticipation that we will be reviewing policies and require legal oversight. o $8,400 on Employee Assistance Program; typically each department had been charged this benefit; this benefit covers drug testing, crisis and also supports those that are not covered by our health insurance. o $1,200 for Employee Benefit Programs; this is going to replace the Sunshine Fund holiday party that is held every December for all County Employees.

Erika is requesting for Registration and Enrollment $480 to cover annual Human Relations memberships and fees. Erika states that $2,000 for more comprehensive leadership training, communication and diversity training that may require outside facilitators to come in. Support materials that may be needed for these Workshops County wide.

Erika is requesting $600 under furniture, for more filing cabinets since more files will be coming over to her office.

Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve the Humans Relations Budget for the 2020 fiscal year. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.

Administration Update –

Finance Director Judy Alexander is out today, but did relay that last week’s cash flow was good including the Town of Orono payment.

Additional letters from the public voicing their opinion on the new jail were shared.

A notice of land taking and maps on Ohio Street affecting the Cemeteries was presented.

A State Claims Hearing will be taking place Wednesday, November 13 for Dexter properties. Richard Estabrook is looking for a Commissioner to sit on the board.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony tomorrow for the new PERC facility in Orrington in which the Commissioners have been invited to attend.

Commissioner Crosby from Sagadahoc County would like to have continued conversation with Penobscot County in regards to boarding our inmates.

Karon Noyes from VOYA will be on campus this Thursday.

Penobscot County received Gold Recognition for Spirit of America Awards. Cap Ayer reported that the paving of post office parking lot is set for October 8th in the evening.

HR Director Erika Honey and Administrator Bill Collins will be in Portland for training sponsored by MCCA and will not attend next week’s Commissioners meeting.

Bill presented for signature two criminal forfeiture request for the Sheriff’s Office.

o State vs Lugo and State vs Bowman in the forfeiture amount of 50% of $8,000 ($4,000) to the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Cushing moved to approve these funds transferred to the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. Signed.

Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve Bangor Drug as the new provider for Pharmacy services in the jail. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. Signed.

Payroll Change Notices signed for: Jashelle Hall and Rebecca Ireland – Hired Full time; Donna Webber – Resignation; John Knappe, Patricia McLaughlin and Rebecca Woodard - Payroll Changes; George Buswell, Chris Fox, Tracy Hall, Alexis Smith and Jordanna Sprague – Comp Time.

Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $225,187.37 Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for pay date 9/27/19: $218.04

Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for pay date 10/1/19: $355,853.30 Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for: $25,489.17 Unorganized Territory TIF Warrant to be approved for: $7,427.73

Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:21 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter GCN #149. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Erika Honey, Captain Clukey, Lt. Babb, and James Mackie. Session ended at 11:09 a.m. No votes taken.

Executive Session---Commissioner Cushing made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:10 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. Present were: Bill Collins and Erika Honey. Session ended at 11:32 a.m.

Commissioner Cushing made a motion to deny GCN # 145. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to deny passed 3 – 0. Commissioner Cushing made a motion to deny GCN # 159. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to deny passed 3 – 0. Meeting Adjourned-

Commissioner Cushing moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:42 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Moved to approve 3-0

Certified By: Administrator, William Collins Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner

Andre E. Cushing, III, Commissioner

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