Penobscot County Commissioners' Meeting Minutes for July 3rd, 2018
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Penobscot County Commissioners’ Meeting Minutes July 03, 2018 2196
9:00 AM Commissioners Peter Baldacci and Laura Sanborn 70°
Tom Davis – Absent
Sheriff’s Update –
Sheriff Troy Morton stated that today’s jail population is 186 inmates; 152 males, 34 females and 44 boarded out to other county jails. The jail had 47 new inmates brought in over the weekend.
Law enforcement responded to 157 calls over the weekend.
Sheriff attended a meeting with Maine Towing Association last Saturday which he found to be beneficial. MTA would like to be included in the "Move Over" public service announcement.
Sheriff would like the County to consider when financially feasible to look into some type of property that would include a garage for vehicles that are involved in more serious crimes for storage. This is a cost that the county has to pay as vehicles cannot be released until after possible charges have been resolved.
The Sheriff’s Department had their first meeting with Keefe Commissary. Six out of 15 county jails utilize this company as well as the Department of Corrections. The feedback received is positive as most everything can be completed through the phone.
Sheriff is still very frustrated with Spectrum cable. He has been working them to provide the jail a channel of our own so that educational videos can be shown.
Sheriff is looking into the Miller Drug (aka EMMC) contract. He finds that generic drugs have sensible pricing. However, the Sheriff is requesting Miller they work with our medical and mental health providers to see what can be done on pricing on other drugs.
The Sheriff is extending Two Bridges contract for another month. They would prefer a longer term plan. Sheriff will look into other facilities for boarding such as Somerset.
The Sheriff has responded to local Media that our department is not participating with ICE enforcement.
Riverside Adult Ed are the new facilitators for education in the jail. They should have a plan set up within the next two weeks. They are hoping the current facilitator Alden McPike will agree to stay on part time.
The City of Bangor has requested that the Sheriff’s Office discontinue washing county vehicles outside because of the drainage and start using the wash bay.
The power surge yesterday caused problems with the air conditioning in the jail. It has since been resolved.
Commissioner Sanborn moved that we approve the 2019 supplemental contract for the Town of Passadumkeag. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0. Signed.
Sheriff will be going to Augusta Monday to meet with legislators to again talk about our jail funding financial crisis.
UT Update –
Barbara Veilleux informed the Commissioners she will not be attending the hearing for Mr. Rackliff today since he will not be changing his plea.
Barbara states that the warning letters to other property owners in Prentiss Township regarding their illegal junkyards have made major improvements in cleaning up their properties.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion for a new road name in T1 R8 to be Roland’s Way. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Move to approve passed. 2 – 0. Signed.
Commissioner Sanborn moved to renew the liquor license for Matagamon Wilderness LLC. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 2 -0. Signed.
Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to accept Barbara’s recommendations of increasing the Greenfield contract on caring for the cemeteries to $ 5 K a year. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Moved to approve passed 2 - 0.
Charlie Pray was unaware that he still held a seat on the LUPC. He will look into it further once this session of the Legislature ends.
Leola Cochran has requested permission to use a photo of the courthouse in the book she is writing about her son Michael Cochran. Commissioner Baldacci has agreed that there is no harm in the photo and for her to state "With Permission of the County".
Deeds Update –
Susan Bulay updated the Commissioners on the new Map/Scanner/Copier machine. Currently it is able to scan and copy, but can only print two sizes of four. Browntech and Transco are still working on correcting the problem.
Susan stated Transco holds our old piece of equipment.
Finance Update –
Judy Alexander reported to the Commissioners that the TAN is down to $ 315 K after today’s draw down.
The Treasurer’s Office will be processing the retroactive pay to the corrections and corrections supervisory union members on July 13th.
The Sheriff’s Office has requested that we begin the bid process for the replacement of two copiers. Judy will be preparing the specs for that process within the next couple of weeks.
PRCC Update –
Chad Labree reported that all new call takers furniture is installed. We are waiting on one piece that was damaged.
Interviews were held yesterday and of 34 applicants, ten confirmed but only four showed up. Background checks will be completed by next week.
Chad reported on the Radio RFQ opened last week. Each company will make an oral presentation to the Radio Committee.
Chris Lavoie reported our staff is transitioning well into their new roles.
Chris reported that County administration visiting and communicating with the night shifts is providing positive morale.
Chris reported that Article 29 referral has been sent to Jim Mackie for signature.
Bill interjected that former PRCC Director, Jim Ryan will be arriving this Friday in his consulting role.
Administrative Update –
Bill reported that since the Governor vetoed LD 463 Jail Funding bill we need to contact legislators again before they meet on Monday.
Bill informed the Commissioners that the County’s Email mailbox was shut down for two days as approved at last week’s meeting. So far there have been no more questionable emails received.
Bill notified the Commissioners that he, Dan Tremble and Rob Frank from WBRC will be meeting with the city officials later today.
The County recently received a tax abatement request from attorney John Pottle of Eaton Peabody. Maine Revenue has confirmed that we are not the Court of jurisdiction since the property value is more than $1 M.
We received notification that the County will receive PILT funds of $ 350,569. This most probably is as a result of the National Monument
Bill received notification from the Postmistress that there were three cars that have been illegally parked in post office spots. Bill will negotiate with Clair to see if there can be additional parking spaces for the County.
There was a second power failure yesterday that knocked the phone system off line on the second floor. Bill has been provided a contact at Emera and will investigate if the surge problem is with Emera or an internal problem.
Bill has sent out notification to the Department Heads that WBRC and New York architects will be coming up to meet in a couple weeks. Bill notified Rob Frank Wednesday the 18th and Thursday the 19th would be best.
Michelle from EMA mentioned there was a scam email using her name.
IT has been unable to identify the source of where the spam is originating.
Payroll change notices signed for: Rick Canarr and John Knapp – Probationary Period Ended; Chaz Gray - Promotion; Steven Buzzell - Resignation
Payroll Warrant to be approved for: $ 225,402.47
Accounts Payable Warrant to be approved for: $ 424,027.20
Unorganized Territory Warrant to be approved: $ NONE
Public Session – None
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) (A) Personnel Matter. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0. Commissioner Davis called in to participate by phone. Present were: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble and Michelle Tanguay. Session ended at 10:34 a.m.
Commissioner Davis made a motion to go advertise for a Deputy EMA Director. Commissioner Sanborn seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 3 – 0.
Executive Session---Commissioner Sanborn made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:35 a.m., under 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C) Legal Matter. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Vote to approve passed 2-0. Present were: Bill Collins, Dan Tremble and Attorney Frank McGuire. Commissioner Davis participated by phone. Session ended at 11:15 a.m. NO votes taken.
Meeting Adjourned-
Commissioner Sanborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 am with no further business on the agenda. Commissioner Baldacci seconded the motion. Moved to approve 2-0.
Certified By:
Administrator, William Collins
Peter K. Baldacci, Chairman
Laura J. Sanborn, Commissioner
Thomas J. Davis, Jr., Commissioner
