ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

REGULAR SESSION

AUGUST 23, 2010

 

** APPROVED **

CALL TO ORDER:  The regular meeting of the Board of Legislators was called to order at 2:06 p.m. by Chairman Curtis W. Crandall.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by former United States Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Gerald E. Kirk.

 

INVOCATION:  The Invocation was given by Legislator David Pullen.

 

ROLL CALL:  12 Present; 3 Absent (Legislators Fanton, Hopkins, and Russo).

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

            The Board meeting minutes of July 22, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator O’Grady and carried.

 

            The Board meeting minutes of August 9, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Curran, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried.

 

            The Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of August 9, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

            Chairman Crandall closed the regular meeting to hold a public hearing on Local Law Intro. No. 3-2010, Print No. 1, entitled, “A Local Law Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 105, Laws of 2010 for the Eligible Employees of the County of Allegany.”  There being no one desiring to speak, the public hearing was declared closed and the Board reconvened in regular session.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

            Chairman Crandall presented a certificate to Gerald E. Kirk, former United States Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class, in grateful appreciation of his service to our Country.  Mr. Kirk’s service dates were from June 1965 to August 1969.  Following Basic Training at Great Lakes, IL, bases and assignments included:  “A” School Radar, USS Boston, and USS Northampton.  Mr. Kirk served overseas in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968, where he participated in DMZ Naval Gunfire Support and Operation Sea Dragon off North Vietnam.  Commendations he received were:  Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.  Mr. Kirk led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at the beginning of the meeting as part of the Veterans’ Honorary Pledge of Allegiance Program.

 

            Chairman Crandall granted privilege of the floor to the following:

 

            NYS Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Peter Kehoe addressed the Board regarding New York State Accreditation.  On behalf of all New York State Sheriffs, he recognized and honored Sheriff William Tompkins and his staff for the outstanding achievement of accreditation by the Sheriff’s Corrections Division.  Only 22 of the 62 counties in New York State have qualified, so this is a very significant accomplishment.  Some of the positive effects of the accreditation include:  improved operations and performance of the Sheriff’s Office (particularly the Jail Division), increased morale (employees know that, measured by some objective standard, they are doing a good job), reduced incidence of lawsuits and liability, reduced insurance costs, reduced claims resulting in fewer successful claims, and increased public confidence. 

 

            To achieve accreditation, a Sheriff’s Correction Division is required to meet a very stringent set of standards developed by experts in the corrections field including 166 individual components.  The Jail submits to scrutiny by an outside board of assessors who reviews their operations to determine whether or not they meet the standards.  Allegany County met or exceeded every one.  Congratulations were extended to the Sheriff’s Office, the County Legislature, and the citizens of the County.  Mr. Kehoe also noted that without the support of the entire staff of the Sheriff’s Correction Division, this achievement would not have been possible, and he particularly recognized Undersheriff William Goetschius, Jail Administrator Chris Ivers, Assistant Jail Administrator Kevin Morsman, Confidential Secretary Janice Givens, and Administrative Sergeant Dawn Bentley. 

 

            Sheriff Tompkins accepted a plaque from Mr. Kehoe, and commented that this achievement doesn’t just reflect the months of work and attention, but it’s the result of a commitment to excellence by his entire administrative team.  He thanked the Legislature for their support and involvement.  Each time the facility has been inspected, and also when they went through this accreditation process, the auditors always mention that we implement programs here that are not being done in other places, and that’s due to the cooperation and support of this Board.  Another example is the Forensic Crisis Counselor (FCC) position in the Jail.  The auditors and correctional professionals understand the importance of that position and what it does to mitigate problems.  Some Sheriffs struggle with their County Boards to just get by, and Sheriff Tompkins thanked this Board for their positive interaction with his Office.

 

            Public Health Director Lori Ballengee spoke about Allegany County Cancer Services.  They organized in 2006, and began providing services in 2007.  Ms. Ballengee provided an update of services and noted that this will be their most active year.  A total of 120 individuals have been served financially, seven of them for more than one year.  Areas of residence within the County vary.  The only requirements for service are:  a cancer diagnosis, expenses directly related to that cancer, and County residence.  At first, ACCS assisted individuals with up to $200 per year, but now that’s up to $400 per year; most is used for gas cards for travel to treatment.  The total amount awarded to date is $35,317.41.  ACCS is 100 percent volunteer; there is no paid staff.  According to the 2009 Cancer Burden Profile just released from the American Cancer Society, Allegany County statistics indicate that five County residents are diagnosed with cancer every week; and two County residents die from cancer every week.  Annually, that’s 260 new diagnoses and 104 deaths.  In a County with a population of less than 50,000, that’s a very alarming statistic.  Ms. Ballengee thanked the Board for their support and announced the “250 Club” fundraiser to be held September 25 at the American Legion in Wellsville.

 

            Chairman Crandall presented Lori Ballengee with a donation for the Allegany County Cancer Services from the Legislators’ Flower Fund (non-tax dollars).  He noted that there are a couple of organizations that the Legislators like to support, and this is one where all of the money raised stays in the County to benefit County residents.  Chairman Crandall expressed his appreciation for the services provided by ACCS.

 

            Youth Court Coordinator Jessica Jennings provided an update on Youth Court in recognition of National Youth Court Month.  She thanked the County for allowing the use of space in the Board Chambers and the Main Courtroom for their board meetings and Youth Court hearings.  In the past year, Youth Court worked with 24 youthful offenders, with 18 successful completions, and six still working on sentences.  The student members continue to do an excellent, professional job.  They are looking forward to a new student member hearing training in the fall.  Ms. Jennings speaks in local schools to recruit members, and some of the past defendants have expressed an interest in going through the training to become members.  She shared a story about a past defendant to illustrate how the program affects people and changes lives.  Ms. Jennings thanked the Board for their support.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.:

 

Copies of the following were placed on each Legislator’s desk:

 

            1.         September 2010 Calendar of Board and Standing Committee meeting dates.

 

The following communications were also acknowledged:

 

            1.         The County Treasurer filed a Certificate of Withdrawal for Delinquent Tax Lien pursuant to Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law for property in the Town of Wellsville in the Clerk of the Board’s Office on August 12, 2010.

 

            2.         Invitation for Legislators to attend a press conference and reception where Senator Schumer will be visiting the School of Applied Technology at the Wellsville Campus on Tuesday, August 24, at 4:30 p.m. in honor of receiving a $500,000 appropriation in support of a renewable energy technical training center.

 

            3.         Correspondence from the following entities in support of funding to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update which will be considered in Resolution Intro. No. 172-10:  American Red Cross, Allegany County Department of Health, Allegany County Department of Public Works, Allegany County Soil & Water Conservation District, Town of Caneadea, Town of Friendship, Town of Granger, Town of West Almond Highway Department.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

            The Clerk of the Board announced that Chairman Crandall, in a joint measure with Michael T. O’Brien, Chairman of the Cattaraugus County Board of Legislators, has appointed Lisa Graham to fill the unexpired three-year term of Brad Walters ending December 31, 2010, on the CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD.

 

            Chairman Crandall has appointed Benjamin Lipscomb of Fillmore, New York, as a member of the ALLEGANY COUNTY PLANNING BOARD, to fill a vacant, unexpired, three-year term, effective immediately and expiring December 31, 2012, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators.

 

PROCLAMATION:

 

            Chairman Crandall proclaimed September 2010 as Youth Court Month, and urged the citizens of Allegany County to celebrate the valuable contributions that youth courts and their volunteers, adult and youth, make to keep our communities safe.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 159-10

 

ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW INTRO. NO. 3-2010, PRINT NO.1, IN RELATION TO

A LOCAL LAW ELECTING A RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 105, LAWS OF 2010

FOR THE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            WHEREAS, this Board wishes to offer a retirement incentive for certain employees of Allegany County as provided under Part A of Chapter 105 of the Laws of 2010, now therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That proposed Local Law, Intro. No. 3-2010, Print No. 1, is adopted without any change in language, to wit:

 

COUNTY OF ALLEGANY

Intro. No. 3-2010                                                                                                                   Print No. 1

 

PART A – CHAPTER 105, LAWS OF 2010

 

A LOCAL LAW ELECTING A RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 105, LAWS OF 2010

FOR THE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY

 

            BE IT ENACTED by the Board of Legislators of the County of Allegany, State of New York, as follows:

 

            Section 1.       The County of Allegany hereby elects to provide all of its eligible employees with a retirement incentive program authorized by Chapter 105, Laws of 2010.

 

            Section 2.       The commencement date of the retirement incentive program shall be the first day of October, 2010.

 

            Section 3.       The open period during which eligible employees may retire and receive the additional retirement benefit, shall be ninety days in length.

 

            Section 4.       The actuarial present value of the additional retirement benefits payable pursuant to the provisions of this local law shall be paid as one lump sum, or in five annual installments. The amount of the annual payment shall be determined by the Actuary of the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System, and it shall be paid by the County of Allegany for each employee who receives the retirement benefits payable under this local law.

 

            Section 5.       This local law shall take effect on the 23rd day of August, 2010. 

 

            Moved by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                                              Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                          12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 160-10

 

ABOLISHING ONE POSITION OF REGISTERED NURSE AND

CREATING ONE POSITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE IN

THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES DUE TO RECLASSIFICATION

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That one position of Public Health Nurse is created and the position of Registered Nurse is abolished in the Department of Social Services.

 

            2.         That this resolution shall take effect August 24, 2010.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                                              Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Burdick                                                           12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

(Memo:  The position upgrade approved by Resolution No. 160-10 was requested because the incumbent in the position has obtained her Bachelor’s Degree.  This position assists with home care assessments and tracks medical records for children in foster care.  The change will cost $941 annually; however, the position is funded through Medicaid, and there is no local share other than what is paid through the Medicaid Cap.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 161-10

 

AUTHORIZING PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR TO CONTRACT WITH

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE RENEWAL OF ADOLESCENT TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTION (ATUPA) SERVICES; AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         This Board authorizes the Public Health Director to contract with the New York State Department of Health for the renewal of Adolescent Tobacco Enforcement and Prevention (ATUPA) services for the period October 1, 2010, to September 30, 2011.

 

            2.         That the sum of $29,467 in funds from the New York State Department of Health for use in providing Adolescent Tobacco Enforcement and Prevention services is accepted. 

 

            3.         That the accepted sum of $29,467 is appropriated as follows:  $14,870 to Account No. A4051.4 (Tobacco Awareness – Contractual), $14,597 to Account No. A4010.1 (Health Department – Personnel), with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A10.3450.04 (State Aid – Tobacco Awareness).

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                               12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

(Memo:  The term of the contract approved in Resolution No. 161-10 is 10/01/10-09/30/11.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 162-10

 

ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM

THE GOVERNOR’S TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM

STEPS IN SAFETY GRANT (SAFETY ON WHEELS)

 

Offered by:  Public Safety and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Governor’s Traffic Safety Program STEPS in Safety Grant funds in the amount of $3,000 is appropriated to Account No. A3114.4 (Traffic Program – Contractual), with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A10.3389.3114 (State Aid – STOP DWI – STEPS in Safety).

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                              12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

(Memo:  The period covered by the grant accepted by Resolution No. 162-10 is 10/01/10-09/30/11.  Funds will be used for mileage, supplies including helmets, educational materials, and promotional items.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 163-10

 

ACCEPTANCE OF INSURANCE PAYMENTS FROM NYMIR AND

APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS TO RISK RETENTION ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            WHEREAS, a check in the amount of $3,097.28, representing the cost less a $500 deductible to repair a County vehicle that was damaged when the vehicle struck a deer on July 20, 2010, has been offered by NYMIR in settlement for property damage caused by such accident, and

 

            WHEREAS, a check in the amount of $1,185.60, representing a full reimbursement of the cost to replace filters that were damaged/destroyed as a result of the February 1, 2010, water damage, has been offered by NYMIR in settlement of such claim, now therefore, be it 

           

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the amount of $3,097.28 from NYMIR representing the cost less a $500 deductible to repair a County vehicle involved in a July 20, 2010, vehicle-deer accident and the amount of $1,185.60 representing a supplement to the total of the reimbursable expenses, less a $5,000 deductible, associated with the February 1, 2010, water damage claim are accepted.

 

            2.         That the total sum of $4,282.88 is appropriated to Account No. CS1931.429 (Risk Retention – Uninsured Property Loss), with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. CS07.2680.00 (Risk Retention – Insurance Recovery).

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Curran                                                             12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 163-10, the vehicle referred to in the first “Whereas” was a Public Works 2005 Chevrolet Pickup.  The check for $1,185.60 referred to in the second “Whereas” was a supplement to the $10,993.58 check and $330 supplement previously received from NYMIR in settlement of the 02/01/10 water damage claim less a $5,000 deductible.  This check completes our claim.  Expenses amounting to $5,822.56 associated with the claim were not covered or reimbursed by insurance.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 164-10

 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS WITHIN PUBLIC HEALTH ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $4,950 is transferred as follows:  $4,500 from Account No. A4010.4 to Account No. A4010.2, and $450 from Account No. A4071.4 to Account No. A4071.2 to cover cost of office and medical diagnostic equipment purchased for Public Health and Cancer Services programs.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                          12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 165-10

 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACCOUNT

TO LAW ENFORCEMENT E-911 DISPATCH ACCOUNT

 

Offered by:  Public Safety and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That sum of $27,059 is transferred from Account No. A3410.1 (Fire – Personnel) to Account No. A3112.1 (Dispatch – Personnel) for the salary of the 911 Coordinator who was transferred from Fire Service to the Sheriff’s Office.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Curran                                                             12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 166-10

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR THE COMPLETION OF

THE MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE AND AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT WITH

WALKER BUSINESS SERVICES FOR PERFORMANCE OF SAID WORK

 

Offered by:  Planning and Economic Development and Ways and Means Committees

 

            WHEREAS, Allegany County adopted the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in April 2005 and the HMP was subsequently entered into the County Comprehensive Plan in 2007, and

 

            WHEREAS, in order to maintain eligibility for all local municipalities, agencies and groups, to the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the County has initiated the required 5-year HMP update, and

 

            WHEREAS, over the past 5 years, access to FEMA Hazard Mitigation Funding has resulted in over $3,000,000 coming into Allegany County municipalities for hazard mitigation, and

 

            WHEREAS, the ongoing update process was initially funded with a Homeland Security planning grant in the amount of $17,000 and County Comprehensive Plan Implementation funds in the amount of $5,000, which have now been expended, with an estimated 60 percent of the task completed, and

 

            WHEREAS, it is estimated that the FEMA review, edit and final adoption of the HMP update will require an additional four months after the time of draft submission to FEMA, and

 

            WHEREAS, the contractual arrangement with Walker Business Services has been very successful at completing progress on the HMP to date, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Allegany County Board of Legislators authorizes the extension of 667 hours on the contract with Walker Business Services for the work on the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.

 

            2.         That the sum of $14,000 to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update will come from an account to be designated by the County Administrator.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                          12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 166-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Ungermann requested clarification that the scope of work had changed for the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and that was why additional funds were needed.  He expressed concerned about the need for updating the plan every five years.  Mr. Ungermann stated that he prefers this work be done out-of-house on a contract basis, rather than hire someone on the County payroll with benefits to do it.  He also noted that in four and one-half years, the County should solicit bids for services for the next update.

 

Legislator Sinclair remarked that we received eight letters in support for the extended funding to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and he read the letter from Public Works Deputy Superintendent Guy James, who has been an active member in hazard mitigation over the past five years and is a member of the committee: 

 

“Allegany County definitely needs to complete the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for 2010-2015 that is currently underway.  This plan is vital to all municipalities in Allegany County, and the overall benefit to the municipalities will far exceed the investment.  I believe that we should approve the $14,000 funding request at this time and plan to hire a Hazard Mitigation Coordinator or combine these duties into a job description in the very near future.  The municipalities in this County definitely need a knowledgeable, ‘go-to’ person or point of contact for mitigation planning, both during a disaster and at non-disaster times.  We currently have a very good plan in the works, and we need to move ahead to see it to completion.”

 

Mr. Sinclair made note of the other support letters from the Red Cross and concerned townships and agencies that are actively involved in hazard mitigation.  Stopping disasters prior to them occurring is a mindset that can avoid loss of life and huge expense to us as citizens and to the County.  This is a good investment in terms of preparing for the future.

 

Legislator O’Grady reiterated Mr. Ungermann’s point, and he agreed that we need to see this plan through.  He also agreed with Mr. Sinclair; however, he’s not particularly sold on the hazard mitigation coordinator position referenced in Mr. James’ letter.  That’s something that will need to be addressed when the time comes.

 

Legislator Cady expressed concern that the agreement includes wording about additional work, if needed, beyond what the previous $17,000 and this newly requested $14,000 will cover, and noted that we need to go into this with our eyes open.  This allows them to come back for more.  Chairman Crandall replied that it would be our decision to continue beyond this, because it would require another resolution.  Mr. Sinclair remarked that the unfolding of this plan update is totally under the control of our Planning and Development Office.

 

Legislator Ungermann suggested that possibly the County’s contract with the Soil and Water Conservation District could be re-worked to include the administration of hazard mitigation.

 

            Resolution Intro. No. 173-10 (Approval of Transportation of Preschool Children with Handicapping Conditions Agreements with Fourteen Central School Districts and Authorizing Chairman to Execute Agreements) was amended on a motion made by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried, to change the title and the first line in “Whereas” to read fifteen central school districts instead of fourteen, and to add Pioneer in the list of school districts in “Resolved No. 1.”

 

 RESOLUTION NO. 167-10

 

APPROVAL OF TRANSPORTATION OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

WITH HANDICAPPING CONDITIONS AGREEMENTS WITH

FIFTEEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND

AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            WHEREAS,  fifteen central school districts have agreed to provide transportation for County preschool children with handicapping conditions, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That each Agreement titled “Agreement Concerning the Transportation of Preschool Children with Handicapping Conditions” for the period July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, with the respective Central School Districts of Alfred-Almond, Andover, Arkport, Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg, Canaseraga, Cuba-Rushford, Fillmore, Friendship, Genesee Valley, Pioneer, Portville, Scio, Wellsville and Whitesville is approved.

 

            2.         The Chairman of this Board is authorized to execute all such Agreements.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Curran                                                             12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 168-10

 

APPROVAL OF INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH

STEUBEN AND SCHUYLER COUNTIES TO CONTRACT FOR

A STUDY DETERMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF SHARED SERVICES

 

Offered by:  Public Safety Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Inter-Municipal Agreement between Allegany County, Steuben and Schuyler Counties for a study determining the possibility of shared services for the three counties’ 911 dispatch centers, is approved.

 

            2.         That the Chairman of this Board is authorized to execute such agreement.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                          12 Ayes, 0 Noes, 3 Absent

 

(Memo:  Previously, the Board approved Resolution No. 168-09 for submission of a joint application for a local government efficiency planning grant for the regional E-911 planning project.  That grant has been awarded to Steuben County in the amount of $45,000, and an inter-municipal agreement between the three counties is needed for a study of possible shared E-911 services.  There is no new financial impact.  A local match of $1,700 was dedicated with the prior resolution.)

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 168-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Ungermann questioned if there was a possibility that there would be just one central 911 center for all three counties.  Chairman Crandall replied that he believes that will probably be addressed in the shared services study.

 

Sheriff Tompkins noted that Steuben County spearheaded this initiative.  The results of the study will determine what the relationships will be, if any.  The grant will allow for a review of all three centers and what can be done to share services.  It might end up that it makes sense to share a center, but no one knows.  They’re hoping that, at the very least, the counties will be able to share some significant parts of the operations in terms of software and maybe hardware services that are very expensive.  The study will take 12 to 18 months.  There are huge changes in the industry that are happening very quickly, so it’s hard to predict what the end result will be.  Chairman Crandall stated that the idea of shared services is to streamline the process or cost savings and for better service, but nothing will happen beyond that study as far as our center is concerned without it coming back to this Board.

 

AUDITS:

 

            A motion was made by Legislator O’Grady, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried, that the audits be acted upon collectively and by totals.

 

            A motion was made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and adopted on a roll call vote of 11 Ayes, 1 No, 3 Absent, that the audit of claims, totaling $3,790,808.46 including prepaid expenses, be approved for payment as recommended by the County Administrator (opposed:  Ungermann).  (Allegany County’s Local Dollar Share of the NYS Medicaid Program paid year-to-date is $4,910,697.)

 

COMMENTS:

 

            Legislator Cady commended maintenance employees Roger Hoshal and Sharon Strope for their prompt action taken during the evening of August 11.  Upon smelling smoke, they immediately dialed “911.”  Sheriff Tompkins responded, and during the investigation, Mr. Hoshal found the problem to be an overheated pop machine.  He unplugged the machine, possibly avoiding a fire or smoke damage at the very least.   Mr. Cady also commended the Sheriff for his rapid response.

 

            Legislator Ungermann noted that the budget process will begin in earnest next week.  He related some figures from the “Property Tax Monitor,” published by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.  From the second quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2010, the median sale price of existing single-family homes fell 31.1 percent in Allegany County.  This was the largest reduction for any county in the state.  Between the second quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2010, there was a 35.3 percent drop.  Mr. Ungermann remarked that this is one reason why he can’t vote to pay for the Court Facility Project.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 p.m. on a motion made by Legislator O’Grady, seconded by Legislator Curran and carried.