ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS ORGANIZATION MEETING JANUARY 3, 2017

Transcription

1 ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS ORGANIZATION MEETING JANUARY 3, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: The organization meeting of the Board of Legislators was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Clerk of the Board Brenda Rigby Riehle. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Veterans Service Agency Director Michael D. Hennessy. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Legislator David Pullen. ROLL CALL: 15 Legislators Present: Scott Burt, Curtis Crandall, Philip Curran, David Decker, Dwight Fanton, Karl Graves, Dwight Mike Healy, Judith Hopkins, Charles Jessup, Kevin LaForge, Aaron McGraw, Timothy O Grady, David Pullen, Debra Root, Norman Ungermann, Jr. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED: Allegany County Judge Terrence Parker administered the Oath of Office to Legislator Judith D. Hopkins. RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTION NO REAPPOINTMENT OF LEGISLATOR CURTIS W. CRANDALL TO CHAIRMANSHIP OF BOARD OF LEGISLATORS; AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS ON COMMITTEES RESOLVED: Offered by: Legislator Dwight R. Fanton Pursuant to County Law That Legislator Curtis W. Crandall is reappointed Chairman of this Board of Legislators, with term of office commencing immediately and expiring December 31, That said Chairman is authorized to determine the number of Board members to serve on each of the standing and special committees of this Board which have been or may be established by this Board.

2 Page 2 of 13 Moved by: Mr. Fanton Seconded by: Mr. Jessup Adopted: Voice Vote OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED: Allegany County Judge Terrence Parker administered the Oath of Office to Chairman Crandall, who was accompanied by his wife, Cathy, following adoption of Resolution No Chairman Crandall assumed leadership of the meeting. Resolution Intro. No (APPOINTMENT OF LEGISLATOR SCOTT R. BURT AS VICE CHAIRMAN) was DEFEATED on a roll call vote of 6 ayes and 9 noes. Voting No: Crandall, Curran, Fanton, Hopkins, Jessup, LaForge, McGraw, Pullen, Root RESOLUTION NO APPOINTMENT OF LEGISLATOR KEVIN S. LAFORGE AS VICE CHAIRMAN RESOLVED: Offered by: Legislator Kevin S. LaForge Pursuant to Rule 70 of County Board Rules as enacted by Resolution No That Legislator Kevin S. LaForge is appointed Vice Chairman of this Board of Legislators to act pursuant to, and during the designated time periods specified in, County Board Rules. Moved by: Mr. Fanton Seconded by: Mrs. Hopkins Adopted: Roll Call 10 Ayes, 5 Noes, 0 Absent Voting No: Burt, Decker, Graves, Healy, Ungermann Comments made regarding Resolution No included: Legislator Healy stated that he was disappointed in his fellow Republicans. It s nothing personal against Mr. LaForge, he likes him personally, but he s not a Republican. Legislator Healy said that he hopes it doesn t interfere with the work of the Board or of the party. Legislator Ungermann stated that he d known Mr. LaForge for a long time and has done business with him and hopes to continue doing so. His comments are nothing against Mr. LaForge. Legislator Ungermann remarked on a comment made in the past by Legislator Pullen, If we keep doing the same thing, we wind up with the same result Mr. Ungermann remarked, That s where we re headed here. Legislator O Grady said he agreed with both Legislator Healy and Legislator Ungermann. He stated that he would support the resolution because the Board needs a Vice Chairman. He doesn t understand why they waste their time with a Republican caucus when

3 Page 3 of 13 we don t follow the results of the caucus. He also said, I find it peculiar that Legislator Healy was chastised a couple of weeks ago for bringing a resolution forward with just his name on it; yet here we are with a resolution with just one name on it. Chairman Crandall said his only comment is that a portion of the Board rules that call for pre-filed resolutions is suspended for the Organization meeting. Legislator Graves asked what would happen if a Vice Chairman wasn t chosen at this meeting. Chairman Crandall indicated that they would have 30 days to choose one. County Attorney Tom Miner stated that the Board has until February 1 to choose a Vice Chairman. If they aren t able to do so, then the County Clerk would name a Vice Chairman. If the resolution is defeated today, the Board would have to decide to come back with another name to consider. Legislator Healy stated that Legislator Graves brought up a good point. Legislator Healy feels that the proper thing to do would be to come up with another name for Vice Chairman. Legislator Burt stated that out of respect for his peers and this room, he wouldn t go into this deeply, but there are a great number of hidden agendas whether it is for political or personal gain. He said that he was disappointed in his fellow Republicans and that this is the second time in three years the Board has told the Republican party, never mind. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED: Allegany County Judge Terrence Parker administered the Oath of Office to Vice Chairman Kevin S. LaForge, following adoption of Resolution No RESOLUTION NO DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS FOR THE PUBLICATION OF LOCAL LAWS, NOTICES AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE PUBLISHED IN 2017 Offered by: Ways & Means Committee WHEREAS, in accordance with subdivision 1 of Section 214 of the County Law the members of this Board of Legislators representing respectively each of the two principal political parties into which the people of this State are divided have designated in writing the newspapers set forth below to publish, in 2017, the concurrent resolutions of the State Legislature, election notices issued by the Secretary of State, and the official canvass: Concurrent resolutions of the Legislature: The Alfred Sun, Alfred, New York (Republican) Cuba Patriot & Free Press, Cuba, New York (Democrat) Election Notices and Official Canvass: Wellsville Daily Reporter, Wellsville, New York (Republican) Cuba Patriot & Free Press, Cuba, New York (Democrat)

4 Page 4 of 13 WHEREAS, subdivision 2 of Section 214 of the County Law requires this Board of Legislators to annually designate at least two newspapers within the County of Allegany as official newspapers for the publication of all local laws, notices, and other matters required by law to be published, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: 1. That the newspapers listed below are designated as the official newspapers of the County of Allegany for the publication of local laws, notices and other matters required by law to be published in 2017: Wellsville Daily Reporter, Wellsville, New York (Republican) Cuba Patriot & Free Press, Cuba, New York (Democrat) Moved by: Mr. Jessup Seconded by: Mr. Root Adopted: Roll Call 15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent APPOINTMENTS: ACCORD Board of Directors (1-year term) Kevin LaForge, an elected official is appointing Reita Sobeck-Lynch Curtis W. Crandall, Chairman, is appointing Vicki Grant Allegany County Affordable Government Group Kevin S. LaForge, District IV Legislator, Wellsville, NY (Committee Chairman) Jodi Adams, Assistant to the County Administrator, Little Genesee, NY H. Kier Dirlam, County Planner, West Almond, NY Darwin Fanton, Wellsville, NY Charles O. Jessup, District V Legislator, Alfred Station, NY Ronald Oakerson, History & Political Science Professor, Houghton, NY Brenda Rigby Riehle, Clerk of the Board, Belmont, NY Terri L. Ross, County Treasurer, Angelica, NY Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group (1-year term) Edward Eicher, Wellsville Donald Cameron, Alfred Station Bryan Gamache, Belmont Gretchen Hanchett, Belmont Lynn Bliven, Belmont Linda Clayson, Belmont Lee Gridley, Wellsville Steve Havey, Wellsville

5 Page 5 of 13 Lee James, Cuba Michael Johnsen, Dalton William Shuler, Cuba Charles O. Jessup, Alfred Station Steven B. Rennie, Fillmore Scott Torrey, Belmont Comprehensive Planning Board (2-year term) Legislative Members: Kevin S. LaForge Charles Jessup Planning Board Members: Lee Gridley Aaron Dale Foster At-Large Members: Michael Johnsen Richard Ewell Edward Eicher Cornell Cooperative Extension (1-year term) David T. Pullen, Fillmore (Legislative Representative) Judith D. Hopkins, Fillmore (Legislative Representative) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (Local Board) (1-year term) Jeffrey N. Luckey, Fillmore Emergency Interim Successor (1-year term) Charles O. Jessup, Alfred Station Emergency Management and Fire Director (1-year term) Jeffrey N. Luckey, Fillmore EMS Coordinator (1-year term) Jeffrey N. Luckey, Fillmore

6 Page 6 of 13 Hazard Mitigation Team Jeffrey Luckey, Allegany County Office of Emergency Services Karl Graves, Allegany County District IV Legislator, Member of Resource Management Committee Guy R. James, Allegany County Public Works Superintendent Kevin (Fred) Demick, Allegany County Highway Superintendent Association President H. Kier Dirlam, Allegany County Planning Director (GIS Mapping) Scott Torrey, Allegany County Soil and Water Conservation District Executive Director Ryan Paulsen, Allegany County Soil and Water Technician Jason Carmen, Disaster Program Specialist, American Red Cross InterCounty Association (1-year term) Voting Members: Charles O. Jessup, Alfred Station Kevin S. LaForge, Wellsville Brenda Rigby Riehle, Belmont Alternate Voting Members Philip B. Curran, Alfred Station Debra A. Root, Scio Open Space Advisory Committee (1-year term) H. Kier Dirlam, Angelica Resource Conservation and Development Board County Representative Member Scott Torrey, Belmont, NY County Alternate: Philip B. Curran, Alfred Station, NY Legislative Member Norman G. Ungermann, Jr., Cuba, NY Member at Large Thomas Parmenter, Fillmore, NY

7 Page 7 of 13 Solid Waste Hearing Board (1-year term) Members must include the Chairman of Public Works and two Legislators that are not on the Public Works Committee. Dwight R. Fanton, Chairman of Public Works Scott R. Burt, District III Legislator Debra A. Root, District III Legislator Alternates David A. Decker, District II Legislator Dwight Mike Healy, District II Legislator STOP-DWI Coordinator (1-year term) Linda S. Edwards, Houghton Transportation Task Force (1-year term) Dwight R. Fanton, Wellsville Dwight Mike Healy, Belmont CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENTS SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL: Veterans Service Agency Director Michael Hennessy ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.: 1. Communication from the Republican Party members recommending that the Chairman designate Dwight Mike Healy as Majority Leader for Communication from the Conservative Party members recommending that the Chairman designate Kevin S. LaForge as Minority Leader for Any Legislator wishing to attend the NYSAC Conference in Albany from January 30 through February 1, 2017, should let Brenda Rigby Riehle know today or as soon as possible.

8 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: Allegany County Board of Legislators, Organization Meeting, 01/03/17 Page 8 of 13 Chairman Crandall presented a certificate to outgoing Vice Chairman Dwight Fanton. Legislator Fanton has served as Vice Chairman since January Chairman Crandall remarked that in his time as Vice Chairman, Legislator Fanton had only chaired one meeting when Chairman Crandall was called to Albany. He noted that even though he hadn t utilized him much on the dais, he has been a big help to the Board as well as the departments. Chairman Crandall said that Legislator Fanton had been not only a good friend but a supporter of the Board with moving things forward. Legislator Fanton stated that he appreciated the support that he d had. He felt that he had held the position long enough and it was time for someone else to step in. He remarked that he looked forward to working with everyone in Chairman Crandall then delivered his message. Allegany County is a rich and vibrant place to enjoy and a great place.... to do business... to work... to live... We have many opportunities for fun and recreation, and there is a very bright future here in Allegany County. I encourage you to visit and see for yourself! Those are a few words of welcome from our new website that is now up and running; it s the result of action taken in 2016 that helps set the tone for good things to come and look forward to in 2017 and beyond. My original thought for this Organizational Meeting Statement if given the opportunity to speak as your Chairman was to be extremely brief with a quick thank you to my colleagues, acknowledge the work done by our Department Heads and Employees in 2016, and encourage us all to look at 2017 with optimism and excitement for new opportunities as they come our way. But then I took a few minutes to run through the minutes of 2016 and was personally surprised and enthusiastic by the number of significant actions taken by this Board. I think it s worth a few minutes to recap some of them. I hope you realize as I did, when you hear the following actions, what a meaningful year 2016 was. A year ago at this time we were without a County Administrator. Former County Administrator John Margeson was acting as our Interim Administrator, but we were still working our way through a process to update the requirements and duties of the position before we advertised for applicants. Despite this void, we didn t go into neutral waiting for the position to be filled, quite the contrary.

9 Page 9 of 13 We started out in January with our fourth resolution of the year providing startup funding for the Allegany County Telecommunications Corp., a recently formed Local Development Corporation set up to oversee the infrastructure purchased with our Broadband Grant which will expand communications and provide private investment opportunities in Allegany County. At the second meeting in January, Resolution No ESTABLISHED THE ALLEGANY COUNTY LAND BANK CORPORATION addressing the need to strengthen and revitalize local communities, take control and redevelop vacant, abandoned, and/or tax-delinquent properties to rebuild and foster local economic development. Our February 8 meeting was addressed by Jones Memorial Hospital CEO Eva Benedict who informed us of recent developments regarding the hospital. The most exciting news was Jones Memorial Hospital s official affiliation with the University of Rochester Medical Center which became official on January 1, 2016, and the benefits that will be realized from this relationship. At that same meeting, Resolution No called for ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF NEW YORK STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Awarded in the amount of $850,000 in partnership with Cattaraugus Community Action. This had been applied for in the past but this resolution was the first county-wide success for this amount and impact. With several months of homework done and numerous proposals submitted, Resolution No on February 22 brought forth the ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL OF OPTION #4 PROVIDED BY LABELLA ASSOCIATES, FOR THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING. Authorization was given to prepare the necessary plans and specifications to go out to bid for construction work based upon Option #4 of the space needs study with the added requirement that all windows be replaced and demolition work includes the entire third floor. Prior to our March 28 meeting, we met on the Courthouse lawn at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for a ceremony conducted by the Daughters of the American Revolution Catherine Schuyler Chapter where they placed wreaths at the memorial and paid tribute to the men and women who served during the time of the Vietnam War. During that ceremony, March 29, 2016, was proclaimed as Vietnam Veterans Day in Allegany County. At our regular meeting that day, after we dried out from the torrential downpour at the ceremony on the lawn, Resolution No addressed the updates we felt necessary to the TERMS OF OFFICE, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTATOR of whom we had yet to appoint. Resolution No was for the ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS FROM CASELLA WASTE DISPOSAL, STEUBEN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT; and AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR THE DISPOSAL of our SOLID WASTE; we had solicited bids for the cost of disposing of County solid waste in outside landfills, anticipating the end of our County-owned and operated landfill. On April 25, PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: was granted to Allegany County Industrial Development Agency CEO & Chairman Jack Wood who addressed the Board with news regarding economic development in Allegany County. He introduced new vision and mission statements for development in the County, as well as strategies and objectives. A special committee including members from business, industry, education, and government spent

10 Page 10 of 13 most of the prior year putting together this plan for economic development. The plan was then handed off to Dr. Craig Clark our new leader in Development for Allegany County. Later in the meeting, the Board passed Resolution No ADOPTION OF 2016 ALLEGANY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT VISION STATEMENT AND 2016 ALLEGANY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT MISSION STATEMENT WITH RELATED STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES Legislator Kevin LaForge also addressed the group regarding a new Ad Hoc Committee for Heroin & Opioid Abuse. He announced that the new committee would be chaired by Legislator Judy Hopkins and would consist of leaders from government, law enforcement, health treatment industry, and the faith community. He noted that the committee was added to enhance, not compete with any existing community-based efforts. Since that announcement the committee has been busy collaborating with others to meet challenges we wouldn t have imagined to be a concern in Allegany County a few years earlier. May 9 was the meeting we acted IN SUPPORT OF AN ACT TO AMEND THE HIGHWAY LAW TO DESIGNATE A PORTION OF THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM AS THE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DUANE C. SCOTT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY We also paid tribute to Private Scott who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, being killed in action on September 29, 1969, by having friends and family of Duane lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and presenting a certificate and Honors Pin to his mother Patricia. Our May 23 meeting brought us Resolution No the APPOINTMENT OF TIMOTHY T. BOYDE AS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR - That effective June 6, 2016, Timothy T. Boyde would officially step in as County Administrator. The vote was unanimous. At the same meeting, we voted for the APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR WEBSITE UPGRADE WITH MASON DIGITAL, LLC another long talked about, but until now, not acted upon project that helps the image and information provided to residents and visitors alike. In June, County Treasurer Terri Ross shared with the Board that Moody s Investors Service had recently upgraded Allegany County s Bond Rating from A2 to A1. The upgrade to A1 reflects the County s strong financial position, limited but stable tax base and manageable debt and pension burdens. The long-term rating reflects and takes into consideration the County s: Good and adequate management with standard financial policies and practices; Strong budgetary flexibility, with a history of available reserves above 20% of expenditures; Strong liquidity to cover debt service and expenditures; Strong budgetary performance, with stable operational results; and Strong debt and contingent liabilities, with limited future debt plans. Allegany County Treasurer Terri Ross said, This is great news for Allegany County and is reflective of the long-range financial planning and continual monitoring of the County s financial condition.

11 Page 11 of 13 Resolution No TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE ASSIGNED UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE ACCOUNT TO FUND THE CLOSURE OF THE COUNTY LANDFILL $3,000,000 was transferred from Assigned Unappropriated Fund Balance Solid Waste to Landfill Closure Phase 4 to fund the capping and permanent closure of the County Landfill. Proper financial planning for the inevitable end to our landfill allowed for this action to be taken. On July 11, Social Services Commissioner Vicki Grant addressed those in attendance regarding a recent Efficiencies Study Completed by The Bonadio Group. The study looked at specific programs in the Department of Social Services. The findings will give them guidance in best practices and efficiencies that will save money and improve service. Allegany County DSS ventured into an agreement to have the company use their expertise in three areas in the department. Commencing in January 2016, Chronic Care Medicaid, Fraud Investigation, and Title IV-E Foster Care were areas that Bonadio visited on-site in order to assist the Department with identification of efficiencies, research, and technical assistance and to realize a savings to the Department of $275,000 in retroactive funding claims. Allegany County paid $24,000 to find the $275,000 and other, more long-term, benefits. Resolution No at the July 11 meeting ESTABLISHED A 2016 CAPITAL PROJECT ACCOUNT FOR A NEW CENTRALIZED TELEPHONE/UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR COUNTY OFFICES; PROVIDING FUNDING FOR SUCH CAPITAL ACCOUNT AND APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR the NEW SYSTEM. Our current telephone system has become obsolete and can no longer be maintained. The new system also gives an opportunity to save on maintenance costs and energy costs. It was a move that was well overdue. Our second Board meeting in July took us to the Fair Grounds, and annual event we might take for granted if it wasn t for comments from other legislators across New York State that think this is incredible from their perspective. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Boy Scouts, 4-H Members, Allegany County Fair Board President Karen Tripp, Jim Young, of Angelica, in recognition of his contributions to the Allegany County Fair and having this year s Fair dedicated to him. August was highlighted by a trip to Judge Brown s Courtroom where we witnessed the dedication of former Justice of the Supreme Court Hamilton Ward s portrait and the portrait of Hamilton Ward Jr., former New York State Attorney General. By Resolution No , this Board of Legislators granted approval to the Allegany County Bar Association to display these historic portraits. Resolution No ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM THE ALLEGANY SENIOR FOUNDATION RESOLVED: That the donated sum of $36,428 from the Allegany Senior Foundation for the Office of the Aging, is accepted. Another action we sometimes take for granted but should never forget the fact that only a short time ago, the Senior Foundation didn t exist.

12 Page 12 of 13 September 19-25, marked a highpoint in the year for many as we proclaimed and celebrated ALLEGANY COUNTY HISTORY AWARENESS WEEK with numerous events throughout the County spotlighting our rich history as well as the Fire Ball Run events going on at the same time. Resolution No on October 11 APPROVED A SEVEN-YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, (PEF) Resolution No AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS IN THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR REPAIRS FOR REPLACEMENT OF BOILERS AND STORAGE TANKS AT THE COUNTY JAIL; TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM THE GENERAL FUND RESERVE FOR REPAIRS TO CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Another example of good financial planning and one that we need to adhere to as we anticipate future needs just as this one. On October 14, we celebrated the Ribbon Cutting for the $5 Million Dollar Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center at Alfred State. The 16,000-square-foot facility will help prepare welding and machine tool technology students for in-demand jobs, while learning state-of-the-art sustainable practices in advanced manufacturing. November marked the Adoption of the Budget, still staying within the imposed tax cap legislation as well as a reduction in the County-wide tax rate. Resolution No on December 12 - APPROVEL AND RATIFICATION OF FIVE- YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION; extends to December 31, 2019, yet another contract between this Board and employees. Yes, we have been busy and we have made significant headway in Now, back to my original thought for this Organizational Meeting Statement if given the opportunity to speak as your Chairman - Department Heads and Employees of Allegany County, thank you for your hard work and dedication; we do take notice and appreciate your hard work. To our County Administrator Tim Boyde, thank you for the expertise and professionalism you have brought to Allegany County in your new position and for the capable day-to-day management of operations. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Clerk of the Board Brenda Rigby Riehle for the work that she and her staff carry out on behalf of the Board of Legislators. The office is run proficiently under Brenda s supervision, and it is truly the hub that keeps our Board in motion.

13 Page 13 of 13 Thank you, also, to Tom Miner, our County Attorney, for the research, legal work, and advice he and his staff perform on our behalf. The people at the dais do an excellent job day in and day out for this Board and for Allegany County. Also, at this time, I would like to announce a State of the County address that will be scheduled and presented within the next few weeks. It will give an accurate snapshot of our County government and help set goals as we finish out our term together for the remainder of the year. Finally to my colleagues I again say thank you for the honor and privilege you have given me by selecting me Chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators. I accept this position with the greatest sincerity, and I continue my promise that I will treat this position with the dignity it deserves. I look forward to 2017 and ask that you join me as together we not only meet, but exceed the responsibilities each of us has accepted as Allegany County Legislators. Thank you. Curtis W. Crandall, Chairman Chairman Crandall distributed committee assignments for ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m. following a motion made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Burt, and carried.