April 12, Executive Department business was called to order at 5:25 p.m.

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1 Minutes of the Washington County Commissioners Regular Meeting held in the Probate Courtroom Machias, Maine Attending the meeting were: Commissioner Christopher M. Gardner Commissioner John B. Crowley, Sr. Commissioner Vinton E. Cassidy Betsy Fitzgerald, County Manager Carla Manchester, Administration Mike Hinerman, Emergency Management Agency Lora Whelan, Quoddy Tides Nancy Oden, Clean Earth Farms Nancy Harrison, Lubec Edward Harrison, Lubec Susan Hatton, SCEC Reid Albee, County Wide News Sharon D. Strout, Registry of Deeds Paula Johnson-Rolfe, WCSO Rich Rolfe, Jail Administrator Barry Curtis, Sheriff Mike Crabtree, Chief Deputy Josh Rolfe, RCC Darrell Daniels, Jail Lyman Holmes, Porter Memorial Library Jill Holmes, Treasurer Executive Department business was called to order at 5:25 p.m. Approval of the minutes for the Regular Commissioners meeting held on February 8, 2018 (Crowley/Cassidy, 3-0) Approval of the minutes for the Regular Commissioners meeting held on March 8, 2018 (Crowley/Cassidy, 3-0) Monthly and Quarterly Reports The Commissioners were provided a written report from Emergency 27 Management Agency and the Treasurer s Office. The reports were accepted under the gavel. (See attached)

2 Emergency Management Director Michael Hinerman announced his retirement date of April 29, Mr. Hinerman stated that although he will be finished at the end of the month, he plans to be available to allow a smooth transition for his successor. Commissioner Gardner thanked Mr. Hinerman for a job well done and acknowledged the evolution of the position and department due to Mr. Hinerman s work over the past twelve years. Mr. Hinerman stated that Office Assistant Lynn Dwelley and County Manager/Emergency Management Deputy Director Betsy Fitzgerald will be taking care of regular business as well as any situation that arises in the interim Update for the Washington County ME Hazard Mitigation Plan EMA Director Michael Hinerman presented the 2018 Update for the Washington County Maine Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Hinerman stated the plan is updated every five years and is required by FEMA. Mr. Hinerman noted FEMA approved the language of the updated plan. The Commissioners reviewed the updated plan. *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to adopt and sign the 2018 Update for the Washington County ME Hazard Mitigation Plan as so presented. (Cassidy/Crowley, 3-0) Award TAN TAN bids were opened and reviewed on April 12 th by the County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald and County Treasurer Jill Holmes. The result of the bids is attached. Treasurer Jill Holmes recommended to the County Commissioners that the TAN bid be awarded to The First National Bank. County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald concurred. *MOTION* Commissioner Cassidy moved to award the TAN bid to The First National Bank with 2.15% based on 360-day year and $32, interest. (Cassidy/Crowley, 2-0-1) Commissioner Gardner abstained. He stated his wife has recently started working for The First National bank. 28 Payroll Change Notices Sheriff Curtis recommended Deborah Palman be hired as a part-time Patrol Deputy. Sheriff Curtis stated her expertise as a K-9 trainer will be used to help run the K-9 training program.

3 *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to hire Deborah Palman as parttime Patrol Deputy effective 02/18/18 not to exceed 30 hours except for training and emergency purposes. (Crowley/Cassidy, 3-0) Jail Administrator Rich Rolfe recommended Darrel Daniels to be reclassified from part-time to full-time Corrections Officer. Mr. Rolfe confirmed there was a hiring process per union contract. *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to reclassify Darrell Daniels from part-time to full-time Corrections Officer effective 03/04/18. (Crowley/Cassidy, 3-0) Jail Administrator Rich Rolfe recommended Benjamin Fritz to be promoted to Sergeant in the Corrections division effective 03/04/18. The promotion selection process was waived by the Union as CO Fritz was the only eligible candidate. By consensus, the Commissioners recognized the promotion per Mr. Rolfe s recommendation. Jail Administrator Rich Rolfe recommended CO Sean Carrier be discharged from the position of part-time Corrections Officer. By consensus and without prejudice, Sean Carrier was discharged effective 03/06/18. By consensus and without prejudice, resignations of CO Katie Searles and CO Cody Fenderson was accepted. Both resignations are effective 04/12/18. EMA Director Michael Hinerman s retirement was accepted by consensus. Mr. Hinerman s effective date of retirement is 04/29/18. Six-month Certificates Jail Administrator Rich Rolfe requested the six-month introductory period to be waived for newly hired CO Darrell Daniels. As an 29 explanation, Mr. Rolfe stated CO Daniel s has worked as a part-time Corrections Officer for the past few years and has been a model employee for the jail. Mr. Rolfe also noted that his previous employment was with the Down East Correctional Facility where he worked full-time for the past 13 years. Commissioner Gardner questioned how approval of waiving the introductory period may affect any future promotions within the Corrections division. The Board of Commissioners decided the County policy should reviewed. By consensus, the Commissioners tabled the request.

4 Tax Abatement decision for Gray vs. Robbinston The tax abatement request for Gray vs. Robbinston was denied. Reschedule Tax Abatement Hearing for Internity vs. Town of Machias The tax abatement hearing for Internity vs. Town of Machias has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 14 th at 3 p.m. Schedule Tax Abatement Hearing for Legris vs. Town of Lubec The tax abatement hearing for Legris vs. Town of Lubec has been scheduled for Thursday, May 10 th at 3 p.m. Continued discussion on Sheriff s request for additional deputies Commissioner Gardner stated that there have been several special meetings held to discuss the need for additional deputies for the Sheriff s Office. Commissioner Gardner stated the meetings were not about the escalating crime related to the drug problem in Washington County but how to handle the extra coverage needed while dealing with the drug problem. Naturally, to add additional Patrol Deputies, a massive budget increase would be needed. The purpose of those meetings was to hear from the citizens of Washington County. Commissioner Gardner stated the Board of Commissioners felt public meetings would help alert citizens of the immense problem facing the Sheriff s Office. Commissioner Gardner stated the drug-related crime 30 seems to be getting worse with no indication of the situation getting better and no help in sight. Commissioner Crowley stated most families in Washington County will be affected if they are not already. Commissioner Gardner stated that some communities have responded that they can not afford an increase in taxes; therefore, leaving the problem as status quo. Commissioner Gardner expressed his frustration with the City of Calais. The City of Calais completely missed the point. Commissioner Gardner adamantly proclaimed that we must all understand that we (the whole Community) owns whatever happens! County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald reported of all Washington County towns, 11 responded to the survey. In response to the question of raising tax money to add deputies for coverage, 5 towns were

5 against it, 3 were in favor and 3 did not respond for or against but made suggestions. Some suggestions were to have the discussion be part of the budget process, form a committee and/or add one deputy per year. Ironically, the Budget Advisory Committee wanted more public input. Commissioner Cassidy noted that the negative reaction to the discussion about adding deputies received by the City Council was not representative of all the City of Calais. Chief Deputy Crabtree stated the same discussion took place in 2002 with the same response by the same communities. Chief Crabtree questioned whether the County should continue to allow certain communities to dictate what happens. Commissioner Gardner stated that is why a survey went out to all towns. Unfortunately, there was not sufficient response for a conclusion. Commissioner Cassidy suggested the Board of Commissioners take on the task of attending more meetings with different clubs and organizations as a way to provide more accurate information. It was also noted that instead of providing the percentage of budget increase needed per town for the additional deputies, an average tax increase per taxpayer would be helpful. In conclusion, Commissioner Gardner reiterated the discussion was not for the purpose of raising taxes but to find out how the community as a whole would like to handle the situation. Commissioner Cassidy pointed out the need to educate the people of Washington County to help them make an informed decision. It appears there are no immediate or concreate answers. Signatures on Boundary Line Agreement with Porter Memorial Library 31 Judge Lyman Holmes presented a boundary agreement for the Commissioners review and approval. The boundary agreement is based on a survey done by Andrew Mullholland concerning a strip of land owned by the County located behind the Porter Memorial Library and Attorney Jeffrey Davidson s property. The boundary agreement is intended to create a new and more defined boundary between lands of the Porter Memorial Library Association, Jeffrey and Candace Davidson and the County of Washington. The signed document will confirm that all parties are in agreement with the lines described within said boundary agreement. Judge Holmes stated there is no change in boundary lines. The purpose is to just make the boundaries clear. *MOTION* Commissioner Cassidy moved to approve and sign the boundary agreement as presented. (Cassidy/Crowley, 3-0)

6 *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to go into Executive Session. Commissioner Cassidy seconded the motion which passed 3-0. It was 6:15 p.m. Commissioner Gardner stated the purpose of the executive session was to speak with the county attorney in regards to the closing of the Downeast Correctional Facility. *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to come out of Executive Session. Commissioner Cassidy seconded the motion which passed 3-0. It was 6:45 p.m. *MOTION* Commissioner Crowley moved to continue participation in the law suit with the Attorney General s Office and the Labor Union Maine State employees regarding the Down East Correctional Facility. ADJOURNMENT 6:45 p.m. ATTEST: Carla J.R. Manchester, Admin. Asst. 32