Knox County public meetings in 2023
37 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Joint Commission Budget Committee 2024 Budget Review Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to conduct a budget review for several departments. The agenda includes reviews of the Emergency Management Agency, Communications, Airport Security, and the Airport.
- Budget review for Emergency Management Agency
- Budget review for Communications
- Budget review for Airport Security
- Budget review for Airport
- Charter Review Update
Joint Commission Budget Committee Proposed 2024 Budget Mtg. (Public Hearing)
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are holding a joint meeting to present the proposed 2024 budget. The session includes a public hearing and a review of specific department budgets including Probate, Registry of Deeds, District Attorney, Restorative Justice, and the Sheriff’s Office.
- Public hearing on the 2024 Proposed Knox County Budget
- Presentation of the proposed 2024 budget by County Administrator Andrew Hart
- Budget review for Probate, Registry of Deeds, District Attorney, and Restorative Justice
- Budget review for Sheriff’s Office Corrections and Patrol Divisions
- Election of Budget Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners are holding a special meeting to discuss the draft of the 2024 Knox County Budget. No other specific items or decisions are listed on this agenda.
- Review of the 2024 Knox County Budget Draft
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners are holding a special meeting to conduct consultations with legal counsel and discuss a personnel matter in executive session. The board will also act on a request for legal representation.
- Consultations with legal counsel
- Discussion of a personnel matter
- Approval of legal counsel request for representation
Revised Meeting
The Knox County Commission will meet to consider several action items, including a new hangar lease at the Knox County Regional Airport and equipment bids. The meeting also includes a presentation on the 2024 visual budget and a discussion regarding potential sales of county property.
- New hangar lease at Knox County Regional Airport for KRKD Jobe Hangar LLC
- Bid award for a 2023 Loader Snow Pusher for the Knox County Regional Airport
- Approval of the Exempt Employee Policy
- Amendment to Section 6.1.3 of the Knox County Personnel Policy Handbook
- Discussion of county property identified for potential sale
Charter Review Subcommittee
The Charter Review Subcommittee will meet to discuss a marked-up version of proposed changes to the Knox County Charter. The committee will also review an executive summary and discuss upcoming legal and policy steps.
- Review of marked-up version of proposed Knox County Charter changes
- Review of the Executive Summary
- Discussion of legal and policy next steps
Special Meeting - UPDATED
The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to address personnel matters and staff policies. The commission will consider approving a retention and recruitment policy for KRCC staff and signing a memorandum of understanding with the National Correctional Employees Union.
- Approval of the Retention and Recruitment Policy for KRCC Staff
- Approval and signing of the MOU between Knox County and the National Correctional Employees Union
- Executive session to discuss a personnel matter
Charter Review Subcommittee
The Charter Review Subcommittee will review a marked-up version of proposed changes to the Knox County Charter. The committee will also discuss the process for presenting its final recommendations to the Commission.
- Approval of minutes from August 3, August 17, and September 7, 2023
- Review of marked-up version of proposed Knox County Charter changes
- Discussion on presenting recommendations to the Commission
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners will meet to vote on selling cemetery property at the Knox County Regional Airport to the Town of Owls Head. The board will also consider accepting a $294,000 grant for electric aircraft and vehicle charging stations.
- Sale of cemetery property at Knox County Regional Airport to the Town of Owls Head
- $294,000 Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Grant acceptance
- Appropriation of funds for Electric Aircraft and Vehicle Charging Stations Project
- Approval of monthly departmental reports and warrants
Charter Review Subcommittee
The Knox County Charter Review Subcommittee will meet to discuss specific topics for charter review. The discussion includes the process for budget approval voting and the recommendation of three or five commissioners.
- Discussion on the process of voting for budget approval
- Discussion on the recommendation of 3 or 5 Commissioners
County Commissioners
The commission held a special meeting that consisted entirely of an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. No substantive public decisions were recorded.
- Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners will hold a special meeting to act on a litigation settlement and two amendments to the County Personnel Policy Handbook. The agenda also includes an executive session for consultations with legal counsel.
- Approval of a litigation settlement
- Amendment to Section 4.3 of the County of Knox Personnel Policy Handbook
- Amendment to Section 6.1.3 of the County of Knox Personnel Policy Handbook
County Commissioners
The Commission approved a litigation settlement following an executive session. Proposed amendments to the Personnel Policy Handbook were not acted upon. The board also discussed dispatch communications and server updates.
- Approved litigation settlement (unanimous)
- No action taken on amendment to Personnel Policy Handbook Section 4.3
- No action taken on amendment to Personnel Policy Handbook Section 6.1.3
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners are holding a special meeting to vote on an action item regarding emergency communications. The agenda focuses on approving an agreement with Waldo County to manage 911 calls.
- Approval of agreement with Waldo County to handle 911 calls
County Commissioners
The Commission approved a six-month agreement for Waldo County to manage 911 calls to allow Knox County to rebuild its dispatch staff and morale. Commissioners discussed the need for structural changes and potential audits of the Knox Regional Communications Center.
- Approved agreement with Waldo County to handle 911 calls (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners scheduled a special meeting for August 15, 2023. The agenda includes a session to consult with legal counsel in executive session.
- Executive Session for consultations with legal counsel
County Commissioners
The Commission held a special meeting dominated by public comment from police and fire chiefs regarding the status of the 911 dispatch center. No substantive public decisions were made; the board convened in executive session for legal consultations before adjourning.
- Convened in Executive Session for consultations with legal counsel (Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E))
- Adjourned meeting (2-0)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint meeting to review the quarterly budget and discuss personnel staffing challenges. The agenda also includes an HVAC presentation by Siemens and the appointment of a District 4 Budget Committee member.
- Appointment to the District 4 Budget Committee seat
- HVAC presentation for Knox County Facilities by Siemens
- Quarterly budget review including 2023 YTD through July 2023
- Discussion of recruitment and retention staffing challenges
- Review of 2024 budget projects, items, and calendar
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners are meeting to vote on several action items including airport engineering services and utility easements. The agenda also includes updates to county policies regarding GIS, health insurance stipends, and position classifications.
- Designating a consultant engineering firm for airport planning and easement acquisition
- Authorizing underground line easements for Central Maine Power Company and Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC
- Approving a Memorandum of Understanding for the Knox County Live Fire Training Facility in St. George
- Increasing the health insurance opt-out stipend effective January 1, 2024
- Appointing two members to the District 6 Corrections Committee
County Commissioners
The Commission approved several consent items, including warrants and reserve withdrawals. They authorized an underground line easement for the airport and approved an updated GIS policy. The board also discussed critical staffing shortages and wage concerns within the Sheriff's Department, Corrections, and Dispatch.
- Approved consent items 1-5, including agenda, minutes, departmental reports, warrants, and reserve withdrawals (unanimous)
- Approved authorization for Airport Manager to sign underground line easements to Central Maine Power Company and Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC
- Approved updated Knox County GIS Program GIS Policy
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners are holding a special meeting to discuss the acquisition of a K-9 named Marek. The agenda includes authorizing the County Administrator to sign a purchase and sale agreement with former Deputy Timothy Davis.
- Purchase and sale agreement for K-9 Marek from former Deputy Timothy Davis
County Commissioners
The Commission authorized the County Administrator to sign a purchase and sale agreement to sell K-9 Marek to former Deputy Timothy Davis. The Commission also approved a purchase and sales agreement to acquire a donated K-9 named Lucy for Deputy Chris Taylor for $1.
- Approved sale of K-9 Marek to former Deputy Timothy Davis (unanimous)
- Approved $1 purchase and sales agreement for K-9 Lucy (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The subcommittee will hold an election for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary positions. Members will also discuss the process and timeline for Knox County Charter changes and begin an initial review of proposed charter modifications.
- Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Discussion on Charter Revision versus Charter Amendment processes
- Initial review of proposed Knox County Charter changes
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Council 93 and authorized a grant agreement with Volunteers of America. The board also appointed Chief Jason Peasley to the KRCC Executive Board.
- Approved Consent Items including June 13 minutes and warrants (unanimous)
- Authorized County Administrator to sign Connect & Protect Grant agreement with Volunteers of America (unanimous)
- Approved 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Council 93 for airport union (unanimous)
- Appointed Chief Jason Peasley to the KRCC Executive Board to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2024 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners will meet to vote on a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Council 93 and a grant agreement with Volunteers of America. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the sale of county properties and the elimination of the aircraft excise tax.
- Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME Council 93 (Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2025)
- Authorization of Connect & Protect Grant agreement with Volunteers of America
- Appointment of Chief Jason Peasley to the KRCC Executive Board
- Discussion of LD 2005 regarding the elimination of the Aircraft Excise Tax
- Discussion of potential sale of identified County Properties
County Commissioners
The Commission approved several contracts and agreements for the Knox County Regional Airport, including electric charging stations and paving work. They also authorized the sale of cemetery property to the Town of Owls Head for $21,000.
- Awarded $569,840 contract to BETA Technologies for electric aircraft and vehicle charging stations (unanimous)
- Approved $1,021,350 bid to Sitewerx Inc. for apron and parking lot rehabilitation (unanimous)
- Authorized sale of airport cemetery property to Town of Owls Head for $21,000 (unanimous)
- Approved easement agreement between Knox County and Jeremy B. Shaw (unanimous)
- Approved concessionaire agreement for M&M Real Estate Group to lease airport terminal space (unanimous)
- Approved new hangar lease for David Carter (unanimous)
- Approved revised Airport Aircraft Parking Program (unanimous)
- Approved revised Airport Vehicle Parking Program (unanimous)
Revised Meeting
The Knox County Commission is meeting to vote on several items regarding the Knox County Regional Airport, including charging stations and hangar leases. The Commission will also consider a $21,000 sale of cemetery property to the Town of Owls Head.
- Award bid for electric aircraft and vehicle charging stations at the airport
- Bid award to Sitewerx Inc. for $1,021,350.00 for airport apron and parking lot rehabilitation
- $21,000 sale of cemetery property at the airport to the Town of Owls Head
- Approval of a resource-sharing agreement between multi-county jail authorities
- Formation of a Charter Review Subcommittee to recommend government changes
County Commissioners
The Commission awarded six airport hangars to the highest bidders and authorized contracts for a solar energy project at the Knox County Regional Airport. Other actions included appointing a member to the Airport Public Advisory Committee and approving budget transfers to retirement reserves.
- Awarded Benner Lane Hangars #1-6 to high bidders (Unanimous)
- Authorized Chair to sign bills of sale and lease agreements for Hangars #79-84 (Unanimous)
- Authorized Airport Manager to sign underground line easements for CMP and Northern New England Telephone Operations, LLC (Unanimous)
- Authorized County Administrator to sign $1,234,800 solar installation contract with Pine Tree Solar, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved appointment of Van Thompson to the Airport Public Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
- Approved transfer of 2022 budget funds to retirement reserves (Unanimous)
- Approved consent items including April 11, 2023 minutes and warrants (Unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commissioners will meet to vote on several action items regarding the Knox County Regional Airport, including a solar installation contract and hangar agreements. The agenda also includes discussions on funding policies and potential state-level fee increases.
- Awarding bids for Benner Lane Hangar Complex (Hangars #1 through #6)
- Authorizing bills of sale and lease agreements for Hangars #79 through #84
- Solar project installation contract with Pine Tree Solar LLC at the airport
- Underground line easement for Central Maine Power Company and Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC
- Creation of a Knox County Charter Review Subcommittee
County Commissioners
The Commission voted to create a subcommittee to review and recommend changes to the 2004 County Charter. Additionally, the board approved new airport hangar leases and appointments to the Airport Public Advisory Committee.
- Approved appointments of Kathleen Oldakowski, Roger Peabody, and Jan Gaudio to the Airport Public Advisory Committee (unanimous)
- Approved and authorized a new hangar lease for Dan Dufault at Knox County Regional Airport (unanimous)
- Approved establishment of a Charter Review Subcommittee to recommend changes to county government operations (unanimous)
- Approved consent items including March 21, 2023 minutes, warrants, and reserve withdrawals (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Commission will vote on appointments to the Airport Public Advisory Committee and a new hangar lease at the Knox County Regional Airport. They will also act to establish a subcommittee to review county government charter issues.
- Appointments to the Airport Public Advisory Committee (APAC)
- New hangar lease at Knox County Regional Airport for Dan Dufault
- Establishment of a Charter Review Subcommittee
Joint Quarterly Budget Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will conduct a quarterly budget review. The meeting includes an EMA presentation on programs and a review of the first quarter of 2023.
- Appointment to the District 4 Budget Committee seat
- Appointment to the District 6 Budget Committee seat
- EMA presentation regarding community programs
- Review of 2023 budget projects and items
- Review of 2024 budget projects and items
Rescheduled Meeting
The Knox County Commission will meet to consider several action items including an airport hangar lease and updates to job descriptions. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the Correctional Facility HVAC Project.
- New hangar lease at Knox County Airport for Dr. Hans Tobler
- Acceptance of Brad Ketcher's resignation from the Knox County Airport Public Advisory Committee
- Optional arrest powers for the Sheriff and Deputies per Maine Revised statutes Title 30-A Section 405
- Revised job descriptions for EMA Resources and Operations Planner and Geospatial Database Manager
- Update on the Correctional Facility HVAC Project
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission approved optional arrest powers for law enforcement and authorized a new airport hangar lease. The board also updated EMA job descriptions and appointed Sheriff Patrick Polky to a regional steering committee.
- Approved optional arrest powers for Sheriff and deputies per Title 30-A Section 405 (unanimous)
- Authorized new hangar lease at Knox County Regional Airport for Dr. Hans Tobler (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Brad Ketcher from Airport Public Advisory Committee (unanimous)
- Approved revised job descriptions for EMA Resources and Operations Planner and Geospatial Database Manager (unanimous)
- Appointed Sheriff Patrick Polky to Penquis Knox County Steering Committee (unanimous)
- Approved consent items including February 14 minutes, warrants, and reserve withdrawals (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will consider awarding a $1,234,800 solar energy facility contract to Pine Tree Solar, set the 2023 mil rate and interest rate on delinquent taxes, and confirm the appointment of an HR manager. The board will also discuss opioid settlements and receive an update on the correctional facility HVAC project.
- Act to award $1,234,800 solar energy facility contract to Pine Tree Solar
- Act to set the 2023 mil rate
- Act to set the 2023 interest rate on delinquent county taxes
- Act to confirm appointment of HR manager
- Discussion of new National Opioid Settlements
County Commissioners
The Commission elected its 2023 leadership and representatives for various committees. It approved a fund transfer for airport obstruction removal and signed two union Memorandums of Understanding. The board also received updates on airport property sales and the correctional facility HVAC project.
- Elected Commissioner Glaser as Chair for 2023
- Elected Commissioner Pohlman as Vice-Chair for 2023
- Approved transfer of $167,000 from 'Paving Project' to 'Obstruction Removal' for Knox County Regional Airport
- Approved and signed MOU with Fraternal Order of Police Knox County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Lodge 700
- Approved and signed MOU with National Correctional Employees Union
- Approved consent items including agenda and minutes from December 1 and December 13, 2022
Revised Meeting
The Knox County Commission will vote on transferring $342,000 from the CARES Act paving project line to obstruction removal at the county airport, and on approving memoranda of understanding with the deputy sheriffs' union and the corrections employees union. The meeting also includes election of officers for 2023 and updates on the Benner Lane hangars, Owls Head Cemetery, and the correctional facility HVAC project.
- Transfer $342,000 from CARES Act 'Paving Project' to 'Obstruction Removal' at Knox County Regional Airport
- Approve MOU with Fraternal Order of Police Knox County Deputy Sheriff's Association Lodge 700
- Approve MOU with National Correctional Employees Union
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2023
- Updates on Benner Lane hangars, Owls Head Cemetery, and correctional facility HVAC project