Penobscot County Commissioners' Minutes from July 7, 2020
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes July 07, 2020 2291 9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci, Andre Cushing & Laura Sanborn 66°
Public Comment – None
PRCC Update –
• Director Chris Lavoie reported that the final Public Hearing went well in Corinna. We received a lot of good questions.
• There is a media event scheduled at 10:30 today on the third floor with members of the press and our end users in attendance sharing their support for our Referendum vote.
• After discussion with our Attorney Ed Bearor he has determined it isn’t necessary to go out for an RFP to repair the desks. Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve Wrightline quote to replace the mechanical components of ten (10) desks at the cost of $107,459. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
• Director Lavoie reported that Deputy Lilley is currently in a meeting with the State Emergency Services Communications Bureau. This is the last meeting before the ESCB comes in to conduct a 9-1-1 refresh on our equipment. This will be a fairly large operation providing newer equipment such as new monitors and computers.
• This past weekend there was a county wide problem with law enforcement radios. As this was the he 4th of July we were very busy on Saturday. Unfortunately, our call to our maintenance vendor for support was not timely.
EMA Update –
• During last week’s Director’s call with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, we were told to plan for a resurgence of COVID late summer/early fall. Although the State isn’t sure exactly what that will look like, preparations are in place. Director LaBree requested the State EMA Director include the EMA’s in the process at the State level. Our numbers are starting to rise and some feel it is due to the State reopening and tourists.
• The Governor is working on a mandated order regarding the wearing of face masks. What is being found is that incidents in workplaces are rising. We need to anticipate at this happening and be more pro-active. It would be unfortunate if someone came into our building sick without following protocol. It could negatively impact County Operations.
• We are working on an after-action review of the EMA operations from the beginning of COVID. We hope to identify gaps to improve if this were to happen again and document what went well.
• The Homeland Security Grant deadline was yesterday; $190K was requested and there is $133K available in funding. Michelle will send out a list of the requests and when the review committee meets next week. She will send the recommendations of the Committee. • Discussion continued revolving around COVID-19. Michelle reported that some states are regretting opening up too soon. They are seeing a rise in numbers; Penobscot County is seeing a rise as well. There are currently four (4) people in our area hospitals ICU. We are seeing a lot of people come into the State without quarantining.
UT Update –
• Director Shaw Weeks reported the Mattamiscontis Paving Project Bid will be opened at next week’s meeting.
• Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve Darlings bid for a 2020 Ram 1500 Tradesman Crew Cab in the amount of $27,517. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
• Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve additional funds in the amount of $ 800 for a back-up camera and a 32-gallon expanded fuel tank on the new truck. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
• Deputy George Buswell reported that since the new fiscal year has begun work projects are being lined up.
Maintenance Update –
• Facilities Director Cap Ayer presented three quotes received for asphalt and foundation sealing around the courthouse. Commissioner Cushing moved to approve Driveway Maintenance Paving, LLC each bid in the amount of $2,142. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Finance Update –
• Finance Director Judy Alexander reported PILT funds have been received in the amount of $ 361 K. We budget revenue for the county in the amount of $ 175 K.
• The jail fiscal year budget has been completed and has been sent over to the Sheriff’s administration for their final review.
• Judy is concerned that we will not receive the jail operations monies in a timely manner. We typically receive money by the second week of July; there has been no information as to when these monies will be released. Currently we have a $1.5M cash balance from our TAN; this is about a month’s worth of operation. Judy is working with Machias Savings Bank for gap funding if needed. • Administrator Bill Collins commented that he understands Criminal Justice Committee plans to meet next week. They will look at the rewrite of LD 973 and what the formula will mean to County Jails. If approved as presented we are looking at a significant increase in funding. There is no time given as to when these funds will be distributed. Administration Update –
• Administrator Collins reminded all that the Radio Bond Referendum is one week away.
• There is a MCCA Risk Pool and Commissioners Board meeting tomorrow morning.
• Erika Honey and I will be working on negotiations with FOP for both Line and Supervisors next week.
• VOYA representatives will be in the County next Wednesday.
• We have scheduled a tax abatement hearing for Tuesday, July 28th at 10:30 am.
• The Commissioners have received an update from Shayna Sacks regarding the Opioid lawsuit.
• A meeting with the Sheriff’s Office Administration regarding payroll concerns is tomorrow.
• We should have all the information from our Attorney’s to send out the FOIA requests.
• There is sad news to report; NWDB Director Joanna Russell and Treasurer John Hiatt each lost their father’s this weekend.
• Reminder that there is a press conference being held today in the third floor on the Radio Bond.
• A cleaning company was here over the weekend washing windows.
• Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve four (4) new laptops and docking stations for a total of $4,898.43 for the DA’s office. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve 3-0.
• Administrator Collins has heard from Lincoln Town Manager Rick Bronson that Lincoln and East Millinocket are dissolving their EMS and ambulance service relationship.
• Payroll Change Notices signed for: Michaleb Niles and Gabriel Woodrow – Hired Full Time; Jacob Braz and Devin Gantt – Hired Part time.
• Payroll Warrant to be approved for July 3, 2020: $ 232,216.12 • Accts Payable Warrant to be approved for July 7, 2020: $ 42,822.50 • Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved for July 7, 2020: $55,892.04 • Unorganized Territory TIF Warrant to be approved: NONE Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:48 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (D) Contract Matter. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approved passed 3-0. Present were: Commissioners, Administrator Collins, Treasurer John Hiatt, Director Ayers and James Gallant. Session ended at 10:05 a.m. NO votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:06 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approved passed 3-0. Present were: Commissioners, Administrator Collins, and Director Honey. Director Honey left at 10:34 a.m. Session ended at 10:53 a.m. NO votes taken.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Sanborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:54 a.m. with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0
Certified By: Administrator, William Collins Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner Andre E. Cushing, III, Commissioner
