Commissioners Minutes from November 17, 2020
Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes November 17, 2020 2310
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci & Laura Sanborn 39°
Commissioner Andre Cushing by phone
Approval of Minutes –
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to approve October 27, 2020 meeting minutes. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
Public Comment – None
UT Update –
Director Shaw Weeks presented the following Fire and Ambulance Contracts
• Town of Howland
o Combined services with Burlington Fire
o Now covers Matamiscontis as primary department for fire and ambulance; also covers Grand Falls Township
o $1,500 increase in price with Ambulance service with no call billing
• Town of Lincoln
o Fire and Ambulance service for the Territory of T2R8 NWP for $1,500; no billing
o Secondary response for Matamiscontis; no billing as per contract with Howland and Lincoln
• Town of East Millinocket
o Previously worked with Lincoln
o Cover the same territories with exception of Matamiscontis and T2R8 NWP
o Decrease of $2,000 between Fire and Ambulance Services
• Overall increase of $1,000 for all fire and ambulance service but now all territories are covered. Monies are budgeted.
• Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve the contracts as presented. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
PRCC Update –
Director Chris Lavoie presented the Phase I – Zetron Console and Base Radios Upgrade Proposal
• Phase I is replacement of the consoles and radios at the dispatch center at a total cost $684,197. There is an eight-week lead time from getting shipped to when they are received. Director Lavoie states that he was told that we won’t be billed until the first of the year.
• Commissioner Sanborn moved to approve this proposal as presented. Commissioner Cushing seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3-0.
• Administrator Collins reported that the RFP for the bond financing is still in legal review.
EMA Update –
Interim Director Bradley Nuding reported the following COVID related update:
• There are currently 128 active cases in Penobscot County. Statewide, the hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions. It has doubled since last week for critical care (28 statewide).
• Our Binax rapid test have been successful working with EMS agencies. We were allotted 22 and all have been distributed. EMS agencies are able to go onto the Maine EMS website for training.
• Massachusetts has been taken off the exempt list; no exceptions provided even for medical appointments
• Brad sent out reminders to municipalities to apply to FEMA for public assistance grant. It is 100% reimbursement for all expenses that is COVID related up until December 30th. After December 30th, it will go back to the traditional 75% federal, 15% State and 10% local disbursement. There was an explanation of what can be included for wages which is overtime and hazard pay.
• Old Town and Veazie have applied for the COVID supplemental grant (50-50 match).
Director Nuding then reported on non-COVID update:
• FEMA sent out their preliminary revised flood insurance maps to 25 of our municipalities. The towns have 30 days to review these maps and respond back with questions and comments before they become effective.
Maintenance Update –
Director Brian MacDonald reported the following:
• Director MacDonald met with members from WBRC yesterday and toured the old YMCA building. They reviewed the inspection report performed pre-2017. The following information was noted:
o The report looked at the building as administrative and not just institutional use; it was not favorable. Their opinion is it would be more economical to build new. Anything is possible in trying to use part of the building that had been used by the church, however, at what cost?
o Director MacDonald noted a significant amount of work completed by the previous tenants; it would be shameful not to get a second opinion, if any of it could be salvaged.
o WBRC mentioned that they are willing to do more and come up with a price tag for renovation versus new construction.
o Director MacDonald would like permission to obtain a second opinion regarding the building.
• Brian has heard from employees that with the time change they do not feel comfortable walking to the lower parking lot near the stream due to the lighting. He has contacted a few electricians for quotes.
• The video conferencing project in the jail has been given the green light. Director MacDonald is hopeful the work will start before the new year.
• The plexiglass dividers have been ordered for the Commissioners Chambers, DA’s Office and Deeds.
• Facilities has recently purchased a disinfecting atomizing gun.
Administration Update -
Administrator Collins reported the following:
• The tax abatement to be heard today has been cancelled as the town and the citizen have come to a mutual agreement.
• Tonight, is our second 2021 Budget Hearing Meeting with members of the Committee via Zoom. We are looking to approve the County Budget as well as the UT Budget tonight.
• Commissioner Baldacci, Director Honey and Administrator Collins participated in MCCA Meeting last week. The focus of this meeting was to prepare for the coming year legislative agenda.
• Attached for Commissioners signature is the contract to purchase printers for the Registry of Deeds. Signed.
• Director Honey and Bill met with the AFSCME Supervisors; another meeting is scheduled for this coming Friday.
• Director Honey, Sheriff’s Staff and Bill will meet with the FOP for both Line and Supervisors Units this Thursday.
• Commissioners should have received their open enrollment benefit paperwork. The Benefits Fair will take place tomorrow on the third floor.
• We received communication from Rudman and Winchell regarding eminent domain by Lincoln Sanitary District on six properties.
• Administrator Collins has been contacted by the City of Bangor regarding the retaining wall on Franklin Street near the park. Bill shared this information with Facilities Director MacDonald.
• The Sheriff’s Office has received a three-year mental health grant in the amount of $750K. There are two phases to attaining these funds – the administrative phase has been completed. However, the financial piece (accepting the award) has software issues. Bill has contacted Senator Collins office for assistance.
• Notices signed for: Ivan Fitzwater and Michael Niles - Resignations
• Payroll Warrant to be approved for 11.13.2020: $275,089.69
• Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for 11.17.2020: $87,829.59
• UT Warrant to be approved for: NONE
• UT TIF Warrant to be approved: NONE
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:45 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, Sheriff Morton, Facilities Director MacDonald, Finance Director Alexander, Treasurer Hiatt and Director Honey. Session ended at 10:07 a.m. No votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at -10:08 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, Director Alexander, Treasurer Hiatt and Director Honey. Session ended at 10:36 a.m. No votes taken.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:37 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. Session ended at 11:03 a.m.
Commissioner Cushing made a motion to approve Facilities Director Brain MacDonald and Lt. Keith Hotaling to preparing a Control Room RFP for the Jail. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3 – 0.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Sanborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:04 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
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