WAYS AND MEANS

Monday, February 27, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m.

 

 

James Monty, Chairman

Shaun Gillilland, Vice-Chairman

 

Chairman Monty called this Ways & Means Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. with the following supervisors in attendance: Clayton Barber, Derek Doty, Charles Harrington, Ken Hughes, Noel Merrihew, Jim Monty, Matthew Stanley, Tom Scozzafava, Michael Tyler, JoePete Wilson, Davina Winemiller, Margaret Wood and Mark Wright.

Robin DeLoria, Stephanie DeZalia, Shaun Gillilland, Roy Holzer and Steve McNally were previously excused.

 

Department heads present were: James Dougan, Judy Garrison, Dan Manning, Michael Mascarenas, David Reynolds and Matt Watts. Michael Diskin was excused.

 

Also present:  Nicole Justice-Green, Michael LaVallie and Bill Tansey.

 

News media:  Alana Penny – Sun News and Tim Rowland – Adirondack Explorer.

 

MONTY:  Good morning.  We’ll call the ways and means committee to order.  I ask you stand and join me with the pledge.  Judy, roll call please.  Thank you.  Moving onto resolutions please.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Monday, February 13, 2023

Chairman – S. McNally     Vice-Chairman – I. Tyler

 

1.    RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND PLACING ON FILE THE 2022 WEIGHTS & MEASURES ANNUAL REPORT.  Tyler, Doty

 

2.    RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND PLACING ON FILE THE 2022 BOARD OF ELECTIONS ANNUAL REPORT.  Wright, Scozzafava

 

3.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO GO OUT TO BID A CONTRACT FOR TOWER LIGHTING AND MAINTENANCE AT TERRY MOUNTAIN RADIO TOWER WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS.  Scozzafava, Tyler

 

4.    RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND PLACING ON FILE THE 2022 SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNUAL REPORT.  Winemiller, Wright

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Monday, February 13, 2023

Chairman – I. Tyler    Vice-Chairman – R. Holzer

 

5.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE COMMUNITY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,998.11 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE LGE GRANT.  Tyler, Stanley

 

6.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE COMMUNITY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00, AND CREATING A REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR SUCH FUNDS - CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY GRANT.   Hughes, Merrihew

 

7.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO BID AND AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE FARMWORKER HOUSING RENOVATION WITH MONIES TO COME FROM GRANT FUNDING.  Hughes, Barber

 

8.    RESOLUTION NAMING ESSEX COUNTY AS LEAD AGENCY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE PURPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND YOUTH CENTER.  Tyler, Stanley

 

 

HUMAN SERVICES

Monday, February 13, 2023

Chairman – JP. Wilson   Vice-Chairman - C. Harrington

 

9.     RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE ESSEX COUNTY SERVICES BOARD OR SUBCOMMITTEE FOR A TERM EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2023 TO DECEMBER 31, 2026.  Hughes, Winemiller

 

10.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A RATE INCREASE OF INNOVATEL/FLIGHTSUITS CONTRACTED PRESCRIBING STAFF FROM $139.00 PER HOUR TO $145.95 PER HOUR WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS.  Tyler, Scozzafava

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  What is this?

 

MONTY: I believe that was the increase for the Mental Health position.

 

MASCARENAS: Which one are we on?

 

MONTY: Number six Mike.

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  Innovatel Flight Suits, number six.

 

MASCARENAS:  Yeah, I can check with Terri but I believe it is just an increase in that annual rate.  I think it’s something we do annually and she’s asking for an increase in that rate from $139.00 to $145.

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  Flight suits threw me off.

 

GARRISON:  It is the name of the contractor.

 

MONTY: Judy thinks it’s the name of the contractor.  Further discussion?  No further discussion all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

11.  RESOLUTION DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 6 – 10, 2023, AS SCHOOL COUNSELING APPRECIATION WEEK IN ESSEX COUNTY.  Wood, Hughes

 

12.  RESOLUTION URGING GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY REGARDING THE OVERDOSE EPIDEMIC IN NEW YORK STATE TO REMOVE STATUTORY BARRIERS TO LOCAL DATA SHARING NECESSARY FOR TIMELY INTERVENTIONS.  Wright, unanimous

 

13.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING DEPARTMENT INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,481.50, ADIRONDACK COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM.  Scozzafava, Tyler

 

14.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ESSEX COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING DEPARTMENT AND THE ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR A TERM BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2021 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, TO PROVIDE COVID 19 VACCINES TO THE HOMEBOUND POPULATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,050.00.  Stanley, Barber

 

15.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ESSEX COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING DEPARTMENT AND NORTH COUNTRY HEALTHY HEART NETWORK FOR A TERM BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2023 TO MAY 31, 2023, FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE CHRONIC DISEASE SELF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1800.00, FOR THE SAME.  Stanley, Wright

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

 Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Chairman – R. DeLoria     Vice–Chairman – C. Barber

 

16.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT TO THE ADIRONDACK SPORTS COUNCIL FOR THE USE OF COUNTY ROUTE 83, SPRINGFIELD ROAD LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF WILMINGTON AND JAY FOR THE WILMINGTON WHITEFACE 100K BIKE RACE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023, UPON APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND WITH THE PROVISION OF INSURANCE.  Wilson, Stanley

 

17.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE DPW- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000.00, STATE AID UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM.  Winemiller, Wright

 

18.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH JFP ENTERPRISES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000.00, FOR WORK AT THE ESSEX COUNTY COURTHOUSE AS REQUESTED BY THE NEW YORK STATE COURT SYSTEM WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS.  Tyler, Merrihew

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

HUGHES:  Is the New York State Court System provided funds or is this an unfunded mandate?

 

MASCARENAS:  No sir.  I think the resolution before that, increased the allocation by $40,000, yes they are paying for those upgrades.

 

HUGHES:  Okay thank you.

 

MONTY: Any other questions?  No other questions, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

19.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING IN THE FIRST INSTANCE 100% OF THE FEDERAL-AID AND STATE “MARCHISELLI” PROGRAM-AID ELIGIBLE COSTS OF A TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL-AID PROJECT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE – WATER STREET OVER THE BRANCH BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT.  Merrihew, Doty

 

20.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO EMCOR SERVICES NEW ENGLAND MECHANICAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,258.00, FOR HEATING AND COOLING CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AT THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT.  Scozzafava, Wood

 

21.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) BETWEEN CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION/4H AND ESSEX COUNTY DPW FOR THE USE OF THE DPW WELDING SHOP BY THE 4H WELDING CLASS MEMBERS.  Hughes, Doty

 

22.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PAWLOWSKI LAND SURVEYING FOR AS NEEDED GENERAL SURVEYING SERVICES AT AN HOURLY RATE, WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT.  Barber, Wright

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

DOTY:  For specific jobs or just to have a contract with a surveyor for anything?

 

MASCARENAS:  Yup, just for as needed, as we go we often, during the year things come up and we have those folks in place to be able to do the work we need them to do.

 

DOTY:  Do we have surveyors, is it under a bid program?

 

MASCARENAS:  Yup we bid it out.  You guys are welcome to piggyback off of anything that we’ve done so if you have that need you can come and utilize that contractor as well.

 

DOTY:  Great, thanks.

 

HUGHES:  And this organization was chosen through a bid process?

 

MASCARENAS:  Yes, sir.

 

HUGHES: Okay thank you.

 

MONTY:  Any other questions? No other questions, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

23.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO ALLTECH INTEGRATIONS, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,820.00 FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM MONITORING AND PREVENTION MAINTENANCE ON COUNTY OWNED BUILDINGS, WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT.  Tyler, Merrihew

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

HUGHES: Is this an annual contract?

 

MASCARENAS:  Yes, typically you’re going to see a lot of those coming through now the budget is passed and we get all of our contracts that we’re budgeted for in place for normal maintenance and those types of things.  Yup, that’s an annual.

 

HUGHES:  Thank you.

 

MONTY:  All in favor, opposed – carried.

 

24.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO ALLTECH INTEGRATIONS, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,913.25, FOR SECURITY SYSTEM INSPECTIONS AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON COUNTY OWNED BUILDINGS WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM BUDGETED FUNDS AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT.  Wright, Tyler

 

25.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT IN THE DPW-BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, INCREASING REVENUES AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,185.17, 2022 CARRYOVER FUNDS.  Barber, Doty

 

PERSONNEL

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Chairman – S. DeZalia     Vice-Chairman – JP. Wilson

 

26.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH CLINTON COUNTY FOR MUTUAL AID WITH RESPECT TO CORONER SERVICES.  Hughes, Tyler

 

27.  RESOLUTION INTRODUCING LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2023 ENTITLED, ESSEX COUNTY ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX LAW CONTINUING THE IMPOSITION OF A HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX.  Merrihew, Tyler

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

DOTY:  Is this a result of we’ve been on for three years and it’s a renewal?

 

MANNING:  Yes.  In November our current law expires so from November 2023 until December 31st and then 2026, this new law will kick in.

 

DOTY: Okay.  Language remains the same, no changes?

 

MANNING:  No changes in any of the language.

 

DOTY: Okay, thank you.

 

MONTY:  Further questions?  No further questions, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

28.  RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WORKING DOCUMENT SUBMITTED AS THE AMERICAN RECOVERY FUNDS REPORT.  Wright, Stanley

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  So the word, working document is just what it states, correct?  Changes down the line, on some of those items I would guess?

 

MASCARENAS:  No, actually this, well, it is a working document but it gives us permission to start spending funds in those areas that we labeled in the document.  Obviously everything is built upon an estimate.  I’ve been around long enough and worked in the grant world to know that somethings just don’t happen so there’s a contingency built into that plan and that’s what you’ll see below the funding lines.  So any of you that have ever dealt with EFC IUP that’s kind of how I set this document up, that there’s projects above the funding line, there’s projects below the funding line but keep in mind that we need to spend these funds by the end of next year or at least have them committed.  So, in order to do that we have a lot of work in front of us to get the ball rolling on several of these projects so my intent of this report is that you’re approving the expenditures within this report as well as the document.  It doesn’t mean it can’t be amended from time to time but I plan on setting up the books based upon what I’ve got in front of you.

 

SCOZZAFAVA: Thank you.

 

MONTY:  Further questions?  No further questions, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

FINANCE/TAX REDUCTION/MANDATE RELIEF

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Chairman – T. Scozzafava     Vice-Chairman – N. Merrihew

 

29.  RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND PLACING ON FILE THE 2023 REAL PROPERTY TAX OFFICE ANNUAL REPORT.  Merrihew, Barber

 

30.  RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION OF THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE EXCESS TAX FORECLOSURE PROCEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO PRIOR OWNERS.  Scozzafava, unanimous

 

MANNING: I just want to add in addition to the verbiage that you have before you that we add, in calling upon the Governor to remove these measurers from the 2024 Executive Budget.

 

MONTY:  Do you want to amend that resolution?

 

MANNING:  It’s worded here in the committee, you really don’t have to go through the formality of that, that’s the resolution.

 

MONTY:  Any questions on that?  No questions?  I guess we already voted.  Moving on.

 

31.  RESOLUTION APPROVING A POLICY FOR THE CHARGE POINT ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS.  Scozzafava, Wilson

 

32.  RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ESSEX COUNTY LAND BANK APPLICATION TO THE EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT.  Hughes, Stanley

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

33.  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT ALLOWING USE OF COUNTY ROADWAYS FOR THE WILMINGTON WHITEFACE WHISKEY 5K & 10K RUN/RACE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023, UPON APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND WITH THE PROVISION OF INSURANCE.  Wilson, Stanley

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

DOTY: I noticed that Wilmington on June 4 is also having a race, I’m assuming maybe the same race course?  So, that’s two major things within a short time.  I assume Roy would be on board with all this?

 

WILSON:  One is a bike race, one is a running race yes.

 

DOTY:  Okay.

 

MONTY: And they are different courses.  Any further questions?  No further questions, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

34.  RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2023 LAKE CHAMPLAIN LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD BUDGET.  Hughes, Tyler

 

35.  RESOLUTION AMENDING ESSEX COUNTY'S PROCUREMENT POLICY TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S UNIFORM GUIDANCE FOR PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DISBARMENT PUSUANT TO 2 CFR PART 200, SUBPARTS A THROUGH F.  Scozzafava, Wright

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

TYLER:  Can you explain this a little bit?

 

MANNING:  This relates to the Federal procurement, we do a lot of Federal contracts and the Federal Government requires our procurement policy comply with certain Federal guidelines, most of which we do, they ask that we do sealed bids, competitive proposal, small purchase procedures we have all of that.  It also provides for notice of suspension and disbarment which we already have as part of our process.  Suspension and disbarment is when a particular vendor or contractor has been in trouble, they are suspended or disbarred by the State from participating in contracting so this is just a pretty much a housekeeping measure that is mandated by the Federal Government and we need to comply.

 

TYLER: Thank you.

 

MONTY:  Any other questions?

 

MERRIHEW:  Do individual municipalities should we have to pass that also?

 

MANNING:  Yes.

 

MERRIHEW:  Thank you.

 

WINEMILLER:  Is that only if you have Federal –

 

MANNING:  Yes.  If you’re receiving Federal monies or want to receive Federal monies you’ve got to comply with this.

 

WINEMILLER:  Including grant funds?

 

MASCARENAS:  Correct.

 

MANNING:  The resolution itself, you’ll get a copy and it has all the specifics if you want a copy for your towns.

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  If they are the low bid we don’t care what they’ve done in the past.  (laughter)

 

MONTY:  Anything else you want to add Mr. Scozzafava?  Further discussion?  No further discussion, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.

 

36.  RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LONG TERM EMPLOYEES OF ESSEX COUNTY FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.  Wood, Merrihew

 

37.  RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF NYS SENATE BILL AND ASSEMBLY BILL ESTABLISHING A SEPARATE OFFICE OF FAMILY COURT JUDGE FOR THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.  Harrington, Merrihew

 

GARRISON:  There’s one more from the DPW department, a resolution authorizing the purchasing agent to award a purchase order to Elitsac Inc. in the amount of $5,226.63, for building materials for the Community Resources cubicles project, with funds to come from the Community Resources budget and further authorizing the Chairman or County Manager to execute said contract.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING ORDER TO AWARD A PURCHASE ORDER TO ELITSAC INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,226.63, FOR BUILDING MATERIALS FOR THE COMMUNITY RESOURCES CUBICLES PROJECT, WITH FUNDS TO COME FROM THE COMMUNITY RESOURCES BUDGET AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN OR COUNTY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT. Wright, Barber

 

MONTY:  Dan, you had one?

 

MANNING:  Yes.  As Mike I think he explained to everyone on the State of New York and the Governors most recent 2024 fiscal budget has diverted our eFMap monies to the tune I think of $800,000, which were monies that would come to us as a result of Covid now they are taking those monies.  Mike can speak to the fiscal problems that were raised if we don’t get this money.

 

MASCARENAS:  So essentially, Dan started talking the eFMap funding was, eFMap funding is handed out to States annually to keep down their costs of Medicaid. There’s two states in the United States that are require their counties to contribute to Medicaid costs, those states are New York and California.  We have weekly shares that we budget upwards $7 million dollars a year where the state basically does an electronic transfer weekly out of our account to the state’s account.  Basically, if every other service went away in Essex County and we all went home you’d still have a $7 million dollar levy in order to pay for those costs it’s a large amount of what represents our levy with that being said, during Covid the Federal Government increased their, what they call eFMap funding which is the enhanced funding and what they were trying to do is bring relief into the payers of the system.  Normally, in most states the state is the payer into the system so the state was the one that experienced that relief and Essex County and counties throughout New York State that was passed down to counties so we were getting about $800,000 additional dollars a year through the Covid relief and what they considered eFMap funding.  The state and this budget cycle has decided to keep that statewide and utilize those funds.  I think some of their thought process on that is that they capped our Medicaid funding at $7 million dollars and that they are entitled to those funds.  Every county across New York State is fighting this thing but I’m not sure I think it is falling on deaf ears.  Just so you’re aware, financially that creates a hole.  Mr. Scozzafava is well aware that we planned on getting those funds in 2023, to the tune of $800,000 and where it’s really going to hit us hard is in 2024, where we start out with an $800,000 deficit before we can consider any other increases to our budget so, that amount alone exceeds our tax cap allowance that we’ll likely experience in 2024.  So, basically doubling down on a policy and removing revenue from a system that can’t afford to lose that revenue is really put us in a situation where we’re going to struggle to meet our obligations going into next year.  So, the resolution that we’re looking for today is really to be in opposition of the eFMap funding and the State taking those funds for themselves and if so, then they need to suspend the tax cap and realize they are putting counties at a disadvantage by imposing both those things that they don’t simply add up. They are forcing counties to exceed the tax cap before we even look at a number going into next year.  That would represent 3% for us alone.  I can tell you, counties across New York State are much higher seven, ten percent, millions of dollars in some of these larger counties that they are going to fall short.

 

MANNING:  Okay so I will just recite the resolution so everybody knows what it is about.  It’s a resolution opposing the diversion of the Affordable Care Act eFMap monies from Essex County to the State of New York that is presented in the Governor’s 2024 state fiscal year budget and/or in the alternative if it passes that they suspend the imposition to tax cap for the year 2024.

 

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE DIVERSION OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT EFMAP MONIES FROM ESSEX COUNTY TO THE STATE OF NEW YORK THAT IS PRESENTED IN THE GOVERNOR’S 2024 STATE FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND/OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE IF IT PASSES THAT THEY SUSPEND THE IMPOSITION TO TAX CAP FOR THE YEAR 2024.  Doty, unanimous

 

MONTY:  Any questions?

 

HUGHES:  This is a big deal and it effects all counties in New York State and I was just wondering if there was an opportunity to be the leader on the consortium of counties in the Northern part of the State that might actually jump on to what we’re doing to strengthen our resolution?  Not just one county but ten counties across the Adirondacks.

 

MANNING: I do know St. Lawrence County has passed a similar resolution and I think a couple of the others also but yeah, we could definitely send this to all our neighboring counties and request it.

 

MASCARENAS:  Yeah, and most counties Mr. Hughes are on board with this they are passing some form of a resolution.  What they are starting to look on this morning I think where we have been leaders is our Chairman suggested that we add the suspension of the tax cap to that and we’re starting to see other counties respond to that and say, hey, that’s really a good idea they never kind of put the two and two together on how that’s going to impact them going into 2024, exceeding the tax cap and that idea came from our Chairman.

 

HUGHES:  I just feel like there is strength in numbers.

 

MASCARENAS: Yup and most counties are passing a resolution that’s very similar to ours.

 

HUGHES:  Great, thank you very much.

 

MONTY:  Any other questions?  Okay we passed that right Judy?

 

GARRISON: Yes, it was unanimous.

 

MANNING:  I just have one last resolution I ask that we, just some background information we had a very long protracted disciplinary proceeding here at the county which has lasted several months. I won’t mention any names or any departments but it was a great deal of investigation that needed to occur because of a conflict of interest with our office and the individual we had to secure the services of outside counsel which we did get a resolution to do.  We received a bill from the outside counsel which is the amount of $9,541.63.  I know that sounds large but in today’s day and age legal expenses are not cheap so I’m going to ask for a resolution authorizing payment to Stafford, Owens, Murnane, Kellener, Miller, Meyer & Zedick, in the amount of $9,541.63, as for a disciplinary proceeding which is concluded in our favor. They did a very good job and this could have been dragged out forever had we not secure the services of outside counsel. We could have handle it but the conflict precluded us from.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO STAFFORD, OWENS, MURNANE, KELLENER, MILLER, MEYER & ZEDICK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,541.63, AS FOR A DISCIPLINARY MATTER.  Scozzafava, Barber

 

MONTY:  Discussion?

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  Dan, with cases like that we’re not insured for that?

 

MANNING: No, we have to take care of it.  We’ve done it forever and some of these they go all the way up a couple courts so no, unfortunately.

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  Thank you.

 

MANNING:  You’re welcome.

 

MONTY:  So this is the end of it?

 

MANNING:  Yes, it is.

 

MONTY: And where does that money come out of contingency?

 

MANNING:  Yeah, that’s another thing.

 

MASCARENAS:  Yeah, we’ll take it out of contingent.

 

MONTY:  Further discussion?  No further discussion, all in favor signify by saying aye, opposed – carried.  Resolutions from the floor?

 

HUGHES: Mr. Chairman, I would like to offer a resolution of appreciation and congratulations to Gerald Pierce of Essex who is retiring at the end of this week after working in our highway department for 40 years.

 

RESOLUTION OF CONGRATULATIONS TO GERALD PIERCE UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE TOWN OF ESSEX.  Hughes, unanimous

 

MANNING:  How many years Ken?

 

HUGHES:  Forty.

 

MANNING: Okay I thought you said four.

 

MONTY:  Any other discussion?  Now I know some of our colleagues went to New York City for the Association of Towns meeting.  Do you want to report back on anything that you might think might be relevant to Essex County?  I know you had a conversation about our cellular service.

 

STANLEY:  So there is a couple of things that I brought one was during the EMS meeting we had this morning about saving fire departments, long term fire service.  I think some of those things can go to EMS as well, some of those changes that could help with administrative things with our department within the county. 

The other thing was cell service, I went to a panel which was led by Assemblyman Matt Simpson, Senator Dan Stec and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and pretty much they feel that cell service has gotten better in the Adirondacks.  I strongly disagree but one thing that came out of that meeting was the fact that we should definitely not separate the conversation of broadband and cell service.  They should be lumped together and that was actually brought up by a service provider, that they should be thought about together because they are a problem that is together.  So as disappointed as I was in hearing that our leaders think that cell service is getting better in the Adirondacks, I had hoped some service providers can start to speak some sense into our local State leaders that there are some issues that need to be taken care of in our immediate area and around the State.

 

MONTY:  Thank you.  Any questions for Matt?  Ken, you were there did you have anything?

 

HUGHES: I was in D.C. not NYC. 

 

MONTY:  Anything from DC?

 

HUGHES:  DC was amazing.  It was a great conference. I thank the county for allowing me to go. I attended primarily because I’m on the National Housing Task Force for NACo, National Association of Counties.  They are having four meetings, this is the second and is basically still a get to know you meeting, conversation where we are identify what the major issues are but urban and rural travel through all fifty states and six territories so great conversation.  I’ll be going to Dallas in June and then Austin in July to finish up the report.  I sat in on Broadband conversations, room full of people, 200 people every single person raised their hand and said they had inadequate broadband in their county but it was a great conversation.  The one big takeaway, is they are thinking big and you have to think big when you are thinking a national organization and when you think big you don’t necessarily think local right?  Our responsibility here in these chambers is to think local and our responsibilities in our town halls is to think hyper-local because we have our constituents who walk into our offices at any moment at any time, we can’t do that in DC so for me, it was an eye opening experience to just to pose those two energies of thinking big, thinking broadly while also thinking how do I serve my individual community constituent in the moment so great conference. I encourage any of you to attend, if you have not.  Great opportunity to network and talk to people whom I would talked to.  The County Executive for St. Lewis County, the guy in charge of St. Lewis I sat there and talked to him  for three hours, we had a lot in common it was really great. So, that’s my brief report.

 

MONTY:  Thank you.

 

TYLER: I would just like to add that I was at the same class that Mr. Stanley was in, I didn’t care for the dialogue the way it was going there but I went to quite a few things but overall, the classes were better I thought this year. They touched on a broader range of topics.  I’ve been going down there for twenty some on years, almost as long as Scozzy has but anyway I feel the same as Ken does, if you get a chance to go to these conferences and another thing is a huge part in talking to other people in the towns in the State that have similar issues you get to touch base with different companies and stuff down there that’s huge. As far as the conference itself, it was a little smaller but I thought it was better this year.

 

MONTY: Thank you.  Anyone else who attend want to add?  I have one thing, this afternoon or late tomorrow you’re going to be receiving a questionnaire that we have that Mr. Hughes kindly developed to help us understand what’s going on in broadband in our area and I think he had a question on cellular on it too and stuff. We’re asking that each supervisor respond as it pertains to your community to that so that we can pull this information all together and have it from each individual town other than Ken and I trying to figure out what’s going on in Jay or Westport or – Ken, do you want to add to that?

 

HUGHES:  Yes, we’ve had some conversations with Connect All office directly about Essex County and what our needs are so we’re fostering a solid conversation and relationship there and they replied back to us with about nine questions which six were specifically related to the individual municipalities so Jim is going to send out a link to a Google form and just put down your name and there are six questions and they are short answer and you can answer one or all six but having some answers for something I think it’s possible for everybody in the room so if you can do that before March 5th or the 3rd or whatever the deadline was on there, we’ll collate all that information and we’ll send that directly back to the Connect All office so that they know exactly what Essex County’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are.  Thank you for taking a few moments to do that.

 

MONTY:  Yes, thank you.  Any questions?

 

WINEMILLER: I don’t actually have a question. I have actually another topic if we’re done with that one?

 

MONTY:  We’re done.

 

WINEMILLER:  Okay, so I have in my hand here a postcard and I’m sure this went out to everyone, it was a law I guess and it says, you may be eligible for the senior citizens tax exemption so this all came from our assessors.  I know these all went out.  I believe if memory serves, this was a deadline issue and there was a problem and we had to do it rather quickly?

 

MASCARENAS:  Correct.  I can explain if you need me to.

 

WINEMILLER: No, I get you. I just, I think that with a little more information we could have prevented about 95 phone calls and people questioning this little post card so I’m hoping that next year when we do this we can put some more information on this postcard?  It was my understanding it was sent to every single taxpayer and it’s about the senior citizens exemption so I had a lot of people coming in being like, why are you wasting tax payer money sending this to me?  I’m forty years old, so I think just a little more information on this postcard in the future would be really, really helpful.

 

MASCARENAS:  Yeah and it was required to be sent to every property owner, regardless of age so that is an issue. I don’t disagree that that is silly but that was the law that was put in front of us and I think Dave agrees at this point that he, he went by what the law said that he should have been more descriptive on the postcard and what it actually meant but it does have to go to every tax payer I mean, we had to spend $12,000 in postage to get that out which is absurd.

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  Each town was billed for whatever the postage was and believe me, I’m sure we all received numerous calls and people coming into your office but the flip side of all of this is that I know in my community I think there was four or five people that didn’t realize the age exemption existed and now they can get that and they were unaware of that so, you know which will be a substantial help to them when it comes time for property tax but I do agree the wording probably should have been better.

 

MONTY:  Are you eligible for both?

 

SCOZZAFAVA:  No, I make too much money and it sure as hell isn’t from here.

 

WINEMILLER: I do have one other question.  And forgive me, I know I was out last week  have we received any type of report from ROOST, expense report, progress report, annual report of any kind?  Do we get that?  Is that something we normally get from them?

 

MANNING:  We usually do, yes.

 

WINEMILLER: Any idea when that is due?

 

MANNING: It usually follows the contract, it comes before the contract.  I think our current contract is still in effect but we’re going to modify that based upon the 2% that we are going to retain of the overall 5% of the hotel/motel tax.

 

MASCARENAS:  I can request that from them.

 

WINEMILLER:  I’m just curious.  A lot of folks have said things to me recently about ROOST and questioning expenses etc. so I’d like to have them information so that I can answer questions.

 

MASCARENAS:  Okay I can request that for you.  Along the same topic, at the end of last week, I sent you all draft guidelines for the 2% that is going to be retained and pushed out to the towns.  I’m going to ask for approval of those guidelines at the board meeting next week so if you have any other thoughts, concerns about what those guidelines are let me know and we can finalize those prior to the board meeting next week.

 

WINEMILLER:  Good job on that Mike, it was very well done.

 

MASCARENAS:  Thank you.

 

MONTY:  Anything further?  Nothing further, ways and means stands adjourned.  Thank you.

 

            As there was no further discussion to come before this ways and means committee it was adjourned at 10:38 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Judith Garrison, Clerk

Board of Supervisors