ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

REGULAR SESSION

 

MARCH 22, 2010

 

** APPROVED **


 

CALL TO ORDER:  The regular meeting of the Board of Legislators was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Chairman Curtis W. Crandall.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by former United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael L. Chechele.

 

INVOCATION:  The Invocation was given by Legislator Pullen.

 

ROLL CALL: 15 Present; 0 Absent.

 

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

 

            Chairman Crandall requested that the order of business be changed to allow a proclamation to be read following action on the resolutions, rather than before.  A motion approving this request was made by Legislator Sinclair, seconded by Legislator Hopkins and carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

            The Board meeting minutes of March 8, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Curran and carried.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

            Chairman Crandall presented a certificate to Michael L. Chechele, former United States Army Staff Sergeant, in grateful appreciation of his service to our Country.  Mr. Chechele’s service dates were from October 1977 to his retirement in December 2006.  Following Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Mr. Chechele’s assignments included Fort Meade, MD; Schofield Barracks, HI; Enewetak, Atoll, in the Central Pacific; Dexheim, Germany; and Iraq, where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom #2 from 2004-05.  Commendations Mr. Chechele received included: Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon (3), and Overseas Service Ribbon.  Mr. Chechele led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at the beginning of the meeting as part of the Veterans’ Honorary Pledge of Allegiance Program.

 

            Representatives from the following departments and agencies were present to answer questions regarding their 2009 Annual Reports:  Employment & Training, Veterans’ Service Agency, Youth Bureau, STOP DWI, Public Defender, and Workers’ Compensation.  Legislator Ungermann questioned Public Defender Barbara Kelley if both full-time public defenders had closed their private practice, as he was concerned about the number of referrals to outside counsel.  Ms. Kelley responded that not many of the conflict referrals arise from the fact that they have private clients.  Ms. Kelley doesn’t have any private clients left, and the Assistant Public Defender has just a few.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.:

 

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

 

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

 

            2.         HAVA Compliance Survey for 2009 from the Board of Elections.

 

            3.         2009 Annual Reports for review:  Soil & Water Conservation, Parks & Forests, Weights & Measures, Information Technology, County Historian, and Sheriff.

 

The following communications were also acknowledged:

 

            1.         The County Attorney filed an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) on the First Baptist Church parking lease, EAF on the IDA parking lease/purchase, Negative Declaration on the First Baptist Church lease, and Negative Declaration on the IDA lease/purchase in the Clerk of the Board’s Office on March 10, 2010.

 

            2.         The County Treasurer filed a Certificate of Withdrawal of Delinquent Tax Lien pursuant to Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law for property in the Town of Caneadea in the Clerk of the Board’s Office on March 18, 2010.

 

            3.         The next Fire Advisory Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 8 p.m. in the Public Safety Building.  The Fire Investigators will also meet at 6:30 p.m. and the District Coordinators at 7 p.m. on that same evening.

 

            4.         The Allegany Business Center announced that they will be holding the Third Annual Networking Night and Table Top Expo at the Crossroads Center on March 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.

 

            5.         Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board forwarded a copy of their February 18 minutes along with a meeting notice for March 18.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 64-10

 

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE COUNTY BOARD RULES

TO REFLECT THE ELIMINATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD,

THE ELIMINATION OF THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TOURISM,

AND THE CHANGE IN THE WAY VOUCHERS ARE PROCESSED

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That County Board Rule 220.G.2.a is amended to read as follows:

 

2.a.      Supervision of the Office of Development and the Advisory Board to the Office of Development.

 

            2.         That County Board Rule 220.G.2.m. is amended to read as follows:

 

                        2.m.     General supervision of the Tourism Advisory Board.

 

            3.         That County Board Rule 220.G.3.e and 3.h. are deleted, 3.F. is amended, and the section is relettered as follows:

 

                        e.         County Development Advisory Board.

 

                        f. e.      County Comprehensive Planning Implementation Committee Group.

 

                        g. f.      County Office of Employment and Training.

 

                        h. g.     Advisory Committee on Tourism.

 

                        i. g.      Allegany County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

 

                        j. h       County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.

 

                        k. i.      County Historian.

 

            4.         That County Board Rule 240.B.1. is amended to read as follows:

 

B.1.     The vouchers covering such expenses shall may be audited by the County Board at its either regular meeting held on the second Monday of each calendar during the month.

 

            5.         That County Board Rule 240.C.1 is amended to read as follows:

 

C.1.     Completed vouchers covering such expenses shall be delivered to the office of the Clerk of the Board by the regular meeting of the County Board held on the fourth second Monday of each calendar month following the month of the voucher.

 

            6.         That County Board Rule 250 is amended to read as follows:

 

A.        Any claim against the County that is to be audited by the County Board shall be in properly written form and be temporarily filed in the Clerk of the County Board’s Office at least seven business days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the committee having jurisdiction over the administrative unit filing such claim.

 

A. B.    The County Administrator shall examine each such properly filed claim and after such examination shall submit such claim to the County Board for audit together with a written recommendation from the County Administrator for payment or nonpayment of such claim.

 

B. C.   The form of a claim shall be as prescribed by County Law Section 369.

 

D.        All claims processed pursuant to this Rule 250 may be submitted at any regular meeting of the County Board.

 

C.        Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this Rule 250 to the contrary The County Administrator may authorize the submission of any claim processed pursuant to this Rule 250 to the County Board for audit at any regular meeting of the Board. The evidence of such consent shall be the County Administrator’s signature on the Abstract of Claims.

 

            7.         That any grammatical, clerical, and typographical changes to the County Board Rules agreed upon by the Clerk of the Board and County Attorney may be made.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                               Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                            15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 65-10

 

SALE OF TAX LAND IN TOWN OF BOLIVAR

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            WHEREAS, Joseph A. Breau and Victoria M. Pearson of 86 Massachusetts Avenue, Lockport, New York 14094, have agreed to Terms of Sale and offered the sum of $300 plus current year taxes for a deed of the County's interest in premises formerly assessed on the tax rolls to Oscar Gaines and described as follows:

 

ALL THAT LOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in Town of Bolivar, County of Allegany and State of New York, described as follows, viz:  .35 Acre, Tax Map No. 260.6-1-13, and

 

            WHEREAS, the Ways and Means Committee believes that the Terms of Sale and the above sum offered is fair and reasonable and the best that can be obtained under the circumstances and that the said sale will be advantageous to the County, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That such agreed to Terms of Sale and monetary offer is accepted and the Chairman of this Board is authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the County of Allegany and to cause to deliver to such purchaser a quit claim deed of the County's interest in such premise, and to attach to such deed the official seal; all upon satisfaction of the Terms of Sale and full payment to the County Treasurer of the monetary offer.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                               Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                               15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 66-10

 

CONFIRMATION OF BOARD CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO COUNTY YOUTH BOARD

 

Offered by:  Public Safety Committee

 

Pursuant to Resolution No. 95-79

 

            RESOLVED:

 

     1.         That the appointments by the Chairman of this Board of Corinne Davis (District I), Angelica, New York, Susan F. Myers (District II), Friendship, New York, Ann Baldwin (District IV), Andover, New York, and Edna Kayes (District V), Alfred, New York, to the County Youth Board, with term of office for each commencing March 26, 2010, and expiring March 25, 2013, are confirmed.

 

     2.         That the appointment by the Chairman of this Board of Deborah Aumick (District I), Rushford, New York, to fill a vacancy on the County Youth Board, with term of office commencing March 3, 2010, and expiring March 25, 2011, is confirmed.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                              Adopted:  Voice Vote

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton

 

RESOLUTION NO. 67-10

 

UPGRADING THREE POSITIONS IN COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE DUE TO

HUMAN RESOURCES REEVALUATION; AMENDING NON-UNIT SALARY PLAN

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            WHEREAS, the Human Resources Office has upgraded three positions of Deputy County Clerk in the County Clerk’s Office, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the position of Deputy County Clerk is upgraded from Grade 8 to Grade 9, the position of Deputy County Clerk II is upgraded from Grade 6 to Grade 7, and the position of Deputy County Clerk III is upgraded from Grade 5 to Grade 6 in the Non-Unit Salary Plan.

 

            2.         This resolution shall take effect on October 1, 2010.

 

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

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                             15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 67-10 included:  Legislator O’Grady noted that the resolution takes effect October 1, and the upgrades are due to an increase in responsibilities the employees will be taking on in the near future.  The goal is to improve the overall efficiency in the County Clerk’s Office.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 68-10

 

ABOLISHING VACANT POSITIONS IN VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the following positions in various County Departments are abolished:

 

                        Department                                                    Position

                        Clerk of the Board                                         Switchboard Operator

                        Aging                                                              Home Delivered Meal Coordinator

                        IT                                                                     Data Processing Aide (PT)

                        Social Services                                             Social Welfare Examiner (3)

                        Social Services                                             Typist (2)

                        Social Services                                             Typist (PT)

                        Social Services                                             Case Manager

                        Workers’ Compensation                              Sr. Account Clerk Typist

 

            2.         This resolution shall take effect on March 23, 2010

 

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

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                              15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 68-10 included:  Legislator Pullen acknowledged Legislator O’Grady’s initiative in pursuing this issue, as it will make it more reflective of what’s going on in terms of staffing and it will also make it more difficult for those positions to be filled when there is presently no need for them.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 69-10

 

ACCEPTANCE OF NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FUNDS THROUGH HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE FOR TARGETING OBESITY AND APPROPRIATION OF SUCH FUNDS TO VARIOUS ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That funding from the New York State Department of Health through Healthy Communities Initiative for targeting obesity in the amount of $34,000 is accepted.

 

            2.         That the sum of $34,000 is appropriated as follows: $642 to Account No. A4010.1 and $33,358 to Account No. A4073.4, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A10.3450.4073.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                          15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

(Memo:  The major benefits of accepting the grant referred to in Resolution No. 69-10 are that the Allegany County Department of Health, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Allegany-Western Steuben Rural Health Network, will provide educational opportunities throughout the County to address prevention strategies to improve the health of County residents.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 70-10

 

REAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDING NOT SPENT IN CALENDAR YEAR 2009

FROM THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT THROUGH

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, NEW YORK STATE

HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM, AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS

TO VARIOUS HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $41,712 in state funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act not spent in 2009 is reappropriated as follows: $20,000 to Account No. A4010.408, $10,000 to Account No. A4010.1, $3,000 to Account No. A4052.2, $8,712 to Account No. A4052.4, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A11.4489.HLST.

 

            2.         That the sum of $22,871 in state funding through the Homeland Security Program not spent in 2009 is reappropriated as follows:  $19,378 to Account No. A3645.2, $3,493 to Account No. A3645.4, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A10.3306.HTH9.

 

            3.         That the sum of $114,315 in state funding through New York State Department of Health to aid in Public Health Emergency Preparedness not spent in 2009 is reappropriated as follows: $25,000 to Account No. A4010.1, $17,913 to Account No. A4189.2, $66,352 to Account No. A4189.4, $5,050 to Account No. A4189.8, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A11.4489.4189.

 

            4.         That the sum of $5,025 in gifts and donations not spent in 2009 is reappropriated to Account No. A4071.4, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A08.2705.4071.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                             15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 70-10, Resolved No. 1:  of the $41,712 in grant funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, originally accepted by Resolution No. 235-09, $21,712 was through the NYS DOH Bureau of Family Health Early Intervention Administration, and $20,000 was through the NYS DOH Bureau of Immunization.  Resolved No. 2:  funding was provided through the State Homeland Security Program for emergency preparedness efforts and the H1N1 outbreak and planning, and was originally accepted by Resolution No. 200-09 in the amount of $27,778.  Resolved No. 3:  funding was provided through the NYS DOH to aid in public health emergency preparedness, such as H1N1 activities, vaccinations, and planning, and was originally accepted by Resolution No. 236-09 in the amount of $170,299.  Resolved No. 4:  funds were donated to the Cancer Services Program, and were originally accepted by Resolution No. 234-09.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 71-10

 

REAPPROPRIATION OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS FROM

NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND FUNDS FOR

THE ACT II BATTERERS PROGRAM NOT SPENT IN CALENDAR YEAR 2009

TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Public Safety and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Homeland Security Program grant funds in the amount of $27,881 not spent in calendar year 2009 are reappropriated to Account No. A3645.217 (Homeland Security – Equipment), with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A10.3306.SHF7 (Homeland Security – Sheriff’s Office).

 

            2.         That funds in the amount of $4,431 for the ACT II Batterers Program not spent in calendar year 2009 are reappropriated to Account No. A3117.4, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A15.599.00.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                          15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 71-10, Resolved No. 1:  of the $27,881 in Homeland Security Program funding to Enhance Interoperable Communications Equipment, $23,750 was through DCJS Project No. LE08-1057-E00 accepted by Resolution No. 41-09, and $4,131 was through DCJS Project No. LE07-1079-E00 accepted by Resolution No. 83-07.  Resolved No. 2:  funding was originally accepted by Resolution No. 57-09.)

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 72-10

 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM OFFICE FOR THE AGING RESERVE ACCOUNT

TO OFA-SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ACCOUNT

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $21,250 is transferred from Account No. A14.511.03 to Account No. A6773.201 (OFA Supportive Services – Equipment) for the purchase of office equipment.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Pullen                                                                                  Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                          15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 73-10

 

APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN

THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL AMERICAN

RED CROSS CHAPTER REGARDING SERVICE IN TIME OF A DISASTER

 

Offered by:  Public Safety Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Allegany and the Southwestern Regional American Red Cross Chapter regarding service in time of a disaster is approved.

 

            2.         That the Chairman of this Board is authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                             15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 73-10, the individual Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany County Chapters have united to form the Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 74-10

 

APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN

NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES AND

ALLEGANY COUNTY FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE NEW YORK STATE

1033 FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY PROGRAM AND

RATIFYING SHERIFF AND BOARD CHAIR’S SIGNATURES

 

Offered by:  Public Safety Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Memorandum of Agreement between the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the County of Allegany for participation in the New York State 1033 Federal Surplus Property Program is approved.

 

            2.         That the signatures by the Sheriff and the Board Chair are ratified by this Board.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                   Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                              15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

            Resolution Intro. No. 75-10 (APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH WALKER BUSINESS AND STAFFING SERVICES TO ASSIST THE COUNTY IN UPDATING THE MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN; TRANSFER OF FUNDS WITHIN THE HOMELAND SECURITY ACCOUNT) was not pre-filed and was considered from the floor on a motion made by Legislator Sinclair, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried by an affirmative voice vote of the requisite two-thirds of the Board membership.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 75-10

 

APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH WALKER BUSINESS AND STAFFING SERVICES TO ASSIST THE COUNTY IN UPDATING THE MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL

HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN; TRANSFER OF FUNDS WITHIN THE

HOMELAND SECURITY ACCOUNT

 

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

 

            WHEREAS, on April 25, 2005, by Resolution No. 107-05,  Allegany County approved the Allegany County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan as this jurisdiction’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and

 

            WHEREAS, as part of that Plan the Allegany County Board of Legislators agreed that the Plan would be updated no less than every five years, and

 

            WHEREAS, Walker Business & Staffing Services has identified an individual who will be employed by them who is ready, willing and able to provide the services to coordinate the update of such Plan, and

 

            WHEREAS, the County and Walker Business & Staffing Services desire to enter into an Agreement to provide the services of an individual who will assist the County in updating the Countywide Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, now therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the agreement between Walker Business & Staffing Services, Inc. and Allegany County to provide for the services of an individual to assist the County in updating the Countywide Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan is approved.

 

            2.         That the total cost of the agreement shall not exceed the sum of $17,000.

 

            3.         That the sum of $17,000 is transferred from Account No. A3645.2 to Account No. A3645.4 within the Homeland Security Account.

 

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

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                              15 Ayes, 0 Noes, 0 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 75-10 included:  Legislator Sinclair noted that the hazard mitigation plan was created five years ago, and we’re at the point in the cycle when we have to update that plan in order to continue having access to hazard mitigation money.  Several projects over the past five years have been funded through this process very successfully.  The update will require a concerted effort to contact all towns, villages, departments, agencies, and special groups in the County that have input in the plan.  The proposal is to spend $17,000 in Homeland Security grant funds that have come to the County as part of a Homeland Security package for planning to hire someone to do the legwork.  It will be orchestrated by the Planning Committee and the Planner.  These funds can’t be spent to subsidize an existing employee.  The plan update needs to be completed as close to April 29 as possible.

 

            Resolution Intro. No. 76-10 (RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION TO QUICKLY COMPLETE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE AND LIFTING OF THE DRILLING MORATORIUM) was not pre-filed and was considered from the floor on a motion made by Legislator LaForge, seconded by Legislator Fanton and carried by an affirmative voice vote of the requisite two-thirds of the Board membership.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 76-10

 

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE NEW YORK STATE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION TO QUICKLY COMPLETE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE AND LIFTING OF THE DRILLING MORATORIUM

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            WHEREAS, Allegany County faces severe economic challenges which have only become more acute due to the recent worldwide economic crisis, and

 

            WHEREAS, there now exists an opportunity for significant economic development through the proper exploitation of natural gas within the Marcellus Shale region underlying Allegany County and much of New York State's Southern Tier, and

 

            WHEREAS, in order to encourage the development of such natural gas resources and compete effectively with other states, New York State's regulatory environment needs to be able to act quickly in its permitting process as it pertains to well drilling, and

 

            WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has already shown itself capable of protecting the environmental interests of New York State residents, and

 

            WHEREAS, the economic cost from lost gas drilling, lost gas production, lost ancillary jobs, and lost tax revenue far outweighs any environmental benefit from a prolonged environmental review of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, and

 

            WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has had an ample opportunity to review environmental concerns relative to gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation quickly complete its environmental review process concerning drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

 

            2.         That the moratorium concerning further drilling in the Marcellus Shale be lifted.

 

            3.         That the process of issuing drilling permits be sped up once the moratorium is lifted.

 

            4.         That certified copies of this resolution be mailed to New York State Governor David A. Paterson, NYS DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis, the Senate and Assembly En-Con Committees, Senator Catharine M. Young, Assemblymen Daniel J. Burling and Joseph M. Giglio, NYSAC, and the InterCounty Association of Western New York.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. LaForge                                                                         Adopted:  Voice Vote

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton

 

(Memo:  Regarding the natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale and lifting of the drilling moratorium, a similar Resolution, No. 6-09, was adopted on January 12, 2009.)

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 76-10 included:  Legislator Pullen remarked that development in the Marcellus Shale strata has the potential for great benefit for the County, its residents, and landowners.  It’s not that the Department of Environmental Conservation has found the drilling unsafe; they just haven’t rendered a decision.  This resolution will help encourage them to get past the moratorium that’s holding everything up.  Legislator Ungermann felt the effort was too little, too late.  The mobilization in Pennsylvania and West Virginia has been phenomenal, and now the big players from Exxon Mobil have gotten involved.  Mr. Ungermann is afraid they will find enough gas there, and it will take the bottom out of the price of natural gas so that it won’t be worth drilling for here.  This is something we should have done a long time ago.  Legislator Fanton noted that the Board approved a resolution just like this one back in January 2009.  Resolution 76-10 is a re-submittal.  It’s New York State that is lagging.  Chairman Crandall stated it’s important that the state realizes this is important to us, so the re-submittal is appropriate.

 

AUDITS:

 

            A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried, that the audits be acted upon collectively and by totals.

 

            A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and adopted on a roll call vote of 14 Ayes, 1 No, 0 Absent, that the audit of claims, totaling $4,016,446.53 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 $1,636,899.)

 

PROCLAMATION:

 

            Chairman Curtis W. Crandall proclaimed April 5, 2010, as Citizen Day, that the week of April 5 through 11, 2010, be a week of honor and celebration memorializing the heroic and patriotic actions 20 years ago of those who resisted the threat of a radioactive dump, and that this time be a time honoring the Spirit of Allegany County and her Citizens who stood their ground.  James Lucey, Tom Barber, and Mary Gardner-Ruch were invited forward to accept the proclamation.  Chairman Crandall made note of a poster announcing a celebratory event to be held in Belfast on April 10, and noted that the picture on the poster was taken from an area newspaper dated April 6, 1990.  The proclamation read at the meeting was designed by several people, signifying the history of the grassroots effort that evolved from the “I don’t want it in my backyard” to a landmark Supreme Court decision.  There were many efforts on many different fronts that all helped contribute to this grassroots cause and lead to the legislation.  It was a historical event and important to be remembered.  Mr. Lucey and Mr. Barber expressed appreciation for the proclamation and remarked that it was the friends and neighbors, the County Legislature, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and the people of Allegany County who all came together to accomplish something this memorable.    They invited everyone to attend the get-together on April 10.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. on a motion made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator O’Grady and carried.