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