ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

REGULAR SESSION

 

NOVEMBER 22, 2010

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 Lieutenant Pilot Rod Ballengee.

 

INVOCATION:  The Invocation was given by Legislator David Pullen.

 

ROLL CALL:  14 Present; 1 Absent (Legislator Russo).

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

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

 

            The Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of November 8, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Curran, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried.

 

            The Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of November 10, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Ungermann, seconded by Legislator Hopkins and carried.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

            Chairman Crandall presented a certificate to Rod Ballengee, former United States Army Lieutenant Pilot, in grateful appreciation of his service to our Country.  Mr. Ballengee’s service dates were from 1969 to 1972.  Following Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ, and Officers’ Training at Fort Rucker, AL, assignments included Fort Hood, TX, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and a tour of duty in the 1st Aviation Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Airmobile in Vietnam.  Mr. Ballengee 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 presented a plaque to retiring Veterans’ Service Agency Director H. Scott Spillane in recognition of his 12 years of dedicated service for Allegany County.  Chairman Crandall highlighted Mr. Spillane’s accomplishments and thanked him on behalf of the Board and the people of Allegany County.

 

            Chairman Crandall granted privilege of the floor to Dale Beebe, from the United Way.  Some of the past year’s accomplishments achieved by partner agencies with assistance from United Way funding included:  Literacy West distributed 14,000 books to students in grades K-6 last year and 35,000 books over the past three years; the initiative called Success by Six distributed activity calendars and 18,000 books for new parents; through their partnership with the Earned Income Tax Credit Program last year, over $250,000 was brought back to the County that wouldn’t have come back otherwise (five years ago, it was estimated that $1.8 million in EITC money was going unclaimed in Allegany County); and Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network brought in the Caremark Program for prescription assistance for the uninsured or underinsured.  United Way partners with 24 programs through 18 agencies.  United Way has embarked on a program called Community Impact and formed three Community Impact Counsels for the areas of Education, Income, and Health.  Each one will look at a segment of the County’s needs and ways to meet those needs.  They will then request proposals from County organizations to try to fund these areas.  This year’s campaign is set at $280,000, down a little from last year.  County employees will receive this year’s brochure and pledge card with their next paychecks.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.:

 

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

 

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

 

            2.         Minutes from the Public Hearing on the 2011 Tentative County Budget on November 10, 2010, for review.

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 

            The Clerk of the Board announced that Chairman Crandall has appointed Kimberley Toot, of Wellsville, as a designated representative of the Allegany County Board of Legislators on the ACCORD BOARD OF DIRECTORS, to serve at his pleasure.

 

PROCLAMATION:

 

            Chairman Crandall proclaimed November 22 through 27, 2010, as Winter Weather Awareness Week, and urged all citizens to prepare for the upcoming season by heeding the advice and information from the emergency management community so that they can enjoy winter with a greater sense of comfort and safety.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 218-10

 

APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

Pursuant to Election Law §§ 3-202, 3-204

 

            WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Allegany County Democrat Committee has filed with the Clerk of this Board, a certificate in accordance with Election Law § 3-204 that recommends the appointment of Catherine (Cass) Lorow to the office of Commissioner of Elections, and

 

            WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee has determined that Catherine (Cass) Lorow is qualified to hold such office, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Catherine (Cass) Lorow is appointed Commissioner of Elections with term of office commencing January 1, 2011, and expiring December 31, 2014.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                                        Adopted:  Voice Vote

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton

 

RESOLUTION NO. 219-10

 

AMENDMENT OF 2011 COUNTY TENTATIVE BUDGET

 

Offered by:  Committee of the Whole

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the 2011 County Tentative Budget dated October 4, 2010, is amended as follows:

 

SCHEDULE 1-A

APPROPRIATIONS-GENERAL FUND

 

Account No.                Account Name                                    Amendment

 

A3150.1           Jail-Personnel Services                                  Change from 3,992,053 to 3,967,053

A4010.1          County Health Dept.-Personnel Services       Change from 871,800 to 861,800

A6010.1           Social Services Adm.-Personnel Services    Change from 4,414,232 to 4,389,232

A9522.9          Interfund Trans. County Road Fund               Change from 7,354,480 to 7,339,480

 

SCHEDULE 1-D

APPROPRIATIONS-COUNTY ROAD FUND

 

D5110.1          Personnel Services                                         Change from 1,859,032 to 1,844,032

 

SCHEDULE 2-D

ESTIMATED REVENUES OTHER THAN REAL PROPERTY TAXES

 

D12.5031.03   Interfund Revenue from General                   Change from 7,354,480 to 7,339,480

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Pullen                                                                               Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                        14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 220-10

 

ADOPTION OF 2011 COUNTY FINAL BUDGET

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the 2011 County Tentative Budget dated October 4, 2010, as amended and revised, is adopted as the 2011 County Final Budget.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                              13 Ayes, 1 No, 1 Absent                 Voting No:  Ungermann

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 220-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Pullen stated that this is a solid Budget.  He noted that the zero percent property tax rate increase illustrates that, although we are still trying to achieve a responsible budget, one that can hold the line and not result in some pay date in the future, we can do that without an increase.  It has not been easy, but hopefully we can continue to see decreases.  The Committee of the Whole saw a presentation on the nine major state and federal mandates and other mandates that together leave the County with very little of the tax levy available for discretionary spending.  The Board has worked on this and found ways to make reductions, and is also looking at things such as reduction in the workforce through the recent retirement incentive. The NYSAC website indicated that Chemung County had six years of zero percent property tax rate increases or decreases.  That was not done through spending cuts, but through increased revenue from sources other than the property tax levy.  They have commercial hubs and other development areas and have seen their sales tax revenue increase from $20 million in 2000 to $36 million in 2010.  What could Allegany County do if we had an additional $16 million in sales tax revenue?  But there’s only so far we can go with cuts; the future will be through growth. Hopefully we can overcome the dysfunction in Albany, because we have to if the County is going to survive and grow.  Mr. Pullen thanked every member of this Board and the previous Board for their efforts.  If we keep at it, we’ll be able to provide not only a zero percent increase, but hopefully a reduction.  The status quo is simply not acceptable.

 

Legislator Ungermann read a prepared statement: 

 

“The minutes from the Public Hearing for the Budget state that the assessed value of Allegany County rose by over $24 million.  There may have been a few new structures added to our tax base here and there, but for the most part, this increase is from several re-evaluations done on existing properties.  At the same tax rate of $16.92 per thousand dollars of assessed value, this means that over $406,000 more in revenue will be raised by property taxes.  Thousands of us (including myself) will see a tax increase, despite the touted 0 percent rate increase over last year.  I, like the people who appeared at the two recently held public hearings, am not at all happy with it.  We are tired of giving our hard-earned dollars to this government and others.

 

This Board has bought into threats of sanctions if we didn’t build a new Courthouse, when in reality the Office of Court Administration has never sanctioned anyone.  I also believe there are several areas where savings could be had.  There are still too many County cars being driven home.  And, not to single out the Department of Public Works, but when I see four or five County dump trucks going down the road nose to tail with each other, it signals to me that the first truck waited until the last truck was loaded before leaving for its destination.  This creates a traffic jam at the dumpsite as well, and over the course of the day, perhaps one or two round trips are lost to waiting time.  Furthermore, single axle trucks hauling sand clear across the County with a payload of seven or eight tons, versus a larger capacity truck carrying 18 to 20 tons, is simply not efficient.

 

We still have too many employees (including legislators) that do not contribute towards health insurance.  The benefit package exceeds 50 percent of the base wage – twice that of what the very best in the private sector sees.  Yes, we’ve made improvements.  Some employees now contribute as much as four percent towards the cost of a health plan, but even state employees pay upwards of 18 percent.  The maximum longevity payment here is $1,650 per year.  Perhaps that could be lessened and/or capped at five or six hundred per year instead.  We allow the sell-back of unused vacation and sick time that costs the taxpayers over $330,000 per year – some without record of what time has already been taken over the course of the year.  I believe that 50 to 75 percent of that bill would disappear if an accurate time-clock system were installed.

 

I’ve now been through four or five budgets as a legislator.  There has been some improvement, but for the most part it remains status quo.  Things like pay raises, equipment purchases, and building add-ons have become par for the course despite downturns in the economy, private sector job losses, and a decrease in the population.  We must re-evaluate our way of governing, just like we seem to be able to re-evaluate the property owners year after year.”

 

Legislator Cady pointed out that the state is not insisting on re-evaluations now, because prices are not going up.  We’ve all felt that it’s been inflated artificially, but we just can’t plan on that every year, and you wonder how many towns are left in the County to be re-evaluated.  We have to take care in budgeting, and if something is left, we may need it for subsequent years.

 

Following adoption of Resolution No. 220-10, Chairman Crandall commented that this is an honest budget.  When he began, the tax rate was being reduced.  In 2001, the property tax rate was actually reduced by 1.85 percent, following several years of reductions, but it was being done irresponsibly.  Allegany County’s finances were not in a position to allow us to do that.  In 2004, we ended up with a more than 20 percent property tax rate increase to adjust those faults in setting the property tax rate.  But this is an honest budget.  Good suggestions were made on how to improve the budget process.  We need to continue to implement better practices to keep ourselves on good financial footing.  It’s long-range financial planning that does that.  The zero percent property tax rate increase is a good thing; a reduction is better, but it has to be done on a firm financial footing.  Chairman Crandall stated that his biggest concern is state and federal mandates, which looms heavily on us.  To deal with those, we responsibly used $950,000 of the fund balance to put us in this position, but it’s uncertain how long we can maintain this if the state doesn’t address their unfunded mandates and before capping property taxes.  Chairman Crandall thanked the Board and everyone else for working through this.  It’s a step in the right direction.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 221-10

 

RESOLUTION MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF

THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            WHEREAS, this Board, by Resolution No. 220-10, has adopted a budget for the fiscal year 2011, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the several amounts specified in the 2011 County Final Budget in the column entitled “Final Budget 2011” be and they are appropriated for the objects and purposes specified.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                        14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 222-10

 

APPROVAL OF APPORTIONMENT OF MORTGAGE TAX TO TAX DISTRICTS AND AUTHORIZING WARRANT THEREFOR

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

Pursuant to Tax Law § 261 (3)

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Semi-Annual Report for the period April 1, 2010, through September 30, 2010, relating to Mortgage Tax Receipts and Disbursements, and the proposed distribution of such mortgage tax receipts therein, is approved.

 

            2.         That the Clerk of this Board is authorized and directed to execute a warrant of this Board to the County Treasurer directing her to distribute to the several tax districts in the County their respective share of such mortgage tax.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Curran                                                          14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 223-10

 

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO TOWNS AND VILLAGES FROM

ADDITIONAL MORTGAGE TAX FEE RETAINAGE BY COUNTY CLERK; APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 214-2004 the County Clerk was authorized pursuant to Section 262 of the Tax Law to request and receive reimbursement from the State of New York for all of his necessary expenses incurred in the administration of the Mortgage Tax Program on behalf of the State of New York, and

 

            WHEREAS, it was the intent of this Board in adopting such resolution that the Towns and Villages of the County would not suffer any adverse financial consequences as a result of any increased retained expense reimbursement to the County Clerk, and

 

            WHEREAS, the County Clerk has received reimbursement of his necessary expenses incurred in the administration of the Mortgage Tax Program for period April 1, 2010, to September 30, 2010, and

 

            WHEREAS, this Board wishes to appropriate part of such reimbursement of necessary expenses received by the County Clerk for the administration of the Mortgage Tax Program to the Towns and Villages of the County, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         The amount of $25,844.31 is appropriated from Account No. A1410.432 (County Clerk – Contractual) and shall be distributed to the Towns and Villages of the County as follows:

 

TOWNS

AMOUNT RETAINED BY COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE FOR MORTGAGE TAX FEE

REBATE AMT TO TOWN

REBATE AMT

TO VILLAGE

VILLAGES

 

  Alfred

1,458.63

1,170.60

288.03

 

  Alfred

  Allen

375.07

375.07

 

 

  Alma

580.95

580.95

 

 

  Almond

743.15

684.85

58.30

  Almond

  Amity

975.19

816.55

158.64

  Belmont

  Andover

561.14

459.56

101.58

  Andover

  Angelica

649.11

539.68

109.43

  Angelica

  Belfast

1,105.00

1,105.00

 

 

  Birdsall

92.89

92.89

 

 

  Bolivar

1,149.40

913.53

218.03

  Bolivar

 

 

              

17.84

  Richburg

  Burns

489.74.

424.04

65.70

  Canaseraga

  Caneadea

1,774.11

1,774.11

 

 

  Centerville

730.70

730.70

 

 

  Clarksville

546.56

546.56

 

 

  Cuba

2,872.77

2,445.35

427.42

  Cuba

  Friendship

918.35

918.35

 

 

  Genesee

799.31

799.31

 

 

  Granger

493.90

493.90

 

 

  Grove

414.46

414.46

 

 

  Hume

1,069.73

1,069.73

 

 

  Independence

757.74

757.74

 

 

  New Hudson

209.81

209.81

 

 

  Rushford

1,884.10

1,884.10

 

 

  Scio

878.02

878.02

 

 

  Ward

101.88

101.88

 

 

  Wellsville

3,367.97

2,459.71

908.26

  Wellsville

  West Almond

188.90

188.90

 

 

  Willing

211.77

211.77

 

 

  Wirt

443.96

412.81

31.15

  Richburg

 

 

 

 

 

TOTALS

25,844.31

23,459.93

2,384.38

 

 

            2.         The Chairman of this Board, Allegany County Clerk, and Allegany County Treasurer are authorized to execute any and all vouchers, warrants, and other necessary documents of every nature and kind in order to effect the purpose of this resolution.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                          14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 224-10

 

RESOLUTION LEVYING TOWNS 2011 SHARE OF

ALLEGANY COUNTY MUTUAL SELF-INSURANCE PLAN

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

 

Pursuant to § 67 (2) and § 71 of the Workers’ Compensation Law

and § 13 of Local Law No. 3 of 2002

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That this Board levies the sum of $337,851 upon the taxable property of the Towns participating in the Allegany County Mutual Self-Insurance Plan, in the proportionate amount which each such Town is required to pay for such participation as determined by the provisions of Section 12 of Local Law No. 3 of 2002.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. O’Grady                                                        14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 225-10

 

AUTHORIZING THE PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF

THE ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS TO ACT AS

TOURIST PROMOTION AGENCY AND TO APPLY FOR STATE FUNDS FOR

TOURISM PROMOTION PURPOSES

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

Pursuant to Article 5-A of the Economic Development Law

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Planning and Economic Development Committee of this County Board of Legislators is authorized to act as a tourist promotion agency and to apply for state funds up to $213,000 for tourism promotion purposes.

 

            2.         That if the application for the funding is approved, such Committee shall submit the grant agreement to this Board for approval and appropriation of such funds prior to commencing any work pursuant to the terms of the grant agreement or expending any of such funds.

 

            3.         That the Clerk of this Board is directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the New York State Commissioner of Economic Development.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                         14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 225-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Sinclair remarked that this is a formality that will allow us to take advantage of state funds if they become available.  Last year they were not, so we tailored back the program.  We’re prepared to do that again; however, if state matching funds are available, we would be able to have a broader program.  There is no additional fiscal impact; the amount of funds in the approved Budget will remain the same.

 

Legislator Ungermann questioned the effect this resolution will have on our relationship with the County Chamber of Commerce.  Legislator Sinclair stated that it supports our County Chamber in their tourism efforts.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 226-10

 

ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC)/NEW FREEDOM GRANT FUNDS FROM NEW YORK STATE;

FUNDS TO BE ADMINISTERED BY ALLEGANY/WESTERN STEUBEN

RURAL HEALTH NETWORK

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That grant funds from New York State in the amount of $250,000 to be administered by Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network to provide Mobility Management Services in Allegany County are accepted.

 

            2.         That the sum of $250,000 is appropriated to accounts to be designated by the County Treasurer.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                            14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

(Memo:  The grant program referenced in Resolution no. 226-10 strives to help low-income individuals to get to their place of employment easier and maintain their employment so they can move towards separating themselves from the welfare system.  The funds cover a two-year grant allocation.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 227-10

 

ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION FROM THE ALLEGANY SENIOR FOUNDATION AND

AN INCREASE IN FUNDING FROM ALLEGANY COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR OFFICE FOR AGING ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $5,000 from the Allegany Senior Foundation  and $5,500 from the Allegany County Social Services Department for OFA Accounts, is accepted.

 

            2.         That the accepted sum of $10,500 is appropriated as follows: $5,000 to Account No. A6776.4 (OFA – Community Services for Elderly – Contractual) with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A02.1972.09 (CSE) and $5,500 to Account No. A6777.474 (OFA – HEAP) with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A09.2801.40 (HEAP).

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                             Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                           14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 227-10, the donation accepted from the Allegany Senior Foundation will be used for Blizzard Boxes for Meals-on-Wheels recipients during inclement weather, and the increased Social Services funding goes toward the 2010-2011 contract with Office for the Aging to certify HEAP applications for seniors.)

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 227-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Pullen noted that the donation from the Senior Foundation represents an effort to cover some of the shortfall caused by state cuts, but it will not be enough to keep things at full level, and it will do nothing about future cuts from Albany.  Support will be needed from the public and other community organizations, such as the United Way, to continue to meet these needs.  The seniors receiving these services are some of the most vulnerable individuals of any of the County’s taxpayers.  Addressing this problem in the months and years ahead will take proper planning and efforts to look ahead.  Mr. Pullen stated that he appreciates the efforts made by the Office for the Aging staff, and hopefully we can continue to meet the commitments made to the senior population.  He commended the Senior Foundation.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 228-10

 

ACCEPTANCE  AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FROM

THE EMPLOYEES AND AUXILIARY OF CUBA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TO

PUBLIC HEALTH ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            WHEREAS, the sum of $500 has been offered to the Allegany County Department of Health from the Employees and Auxiliary of Cuba Memorial Hospital to provide services to cancer residents of Allegany County, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

                                                                                                                 

            1.         That the sum of $500 offered by the Employees and Auxiliary of Cuba Memorial Hospital is accepted and appropriated to Account No. A4071.409 (Cancer Services – Fees) with a like sum credited to Revenue Account No. A08.2705.01.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                             Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. LaForge                                                        14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 228-10:  Chairman Crandall thanked the Cuba Hospital Auxiliary and employees.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 229-10

 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION PHC ACCOUNT TO

RABIES CLINICS ACCOUNT

 

Offered by:  Human Services and Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $25,000 is transferred from Account No. A2960.4 to Account No. A4043.4.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Burdick                                                                             Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                            14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

(Memo:  The transfer approved by Resolution No. 229-10 was necessary to cover the cost of post-exposure shots provided by local hospitals to County residents who go through the rabies series due to exposure to a high-risk animal (bat, raccoon, stray animal) or dog bite.  There has been a dramatic rise in the number of County residents needing to go through the series.  As a result, the Health Department is currently over budget, and there are approximately ten more individuals who have been identified as needing treatment.  The transfer should provide enough funds to cover expenditures through the end of the year.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 230-10

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE ALLEGANY-WESTERN STEUBEN RURAL HEALTH NETWORK IN

PROVIDING MOBILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN ALLEGANY COUNTY

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committees

 

            RESOLVED:

           

            1.         That the Agreement with the Allegany-Western Steuben Rural Health Network in providing mobility management services in Allegany County for period September 1, 2010, to August 31, 2012, is approved.

           

            2.         That the Chairman of this Board of Legislators is authorized to enter into such Agreement.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Hopkins                                                                            Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                            14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 231-10

 

APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH J2 SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR

E-MAIL INTERFACE FOR PSIMS COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM

 

Offered by:  Public Safety Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Agreement between J2 Software Solutions, LLC and the County of Allegany, for E-mail Interface for PSIMS Computer-Aided Dispatch System, is approved.

 

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

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Healy                                                                                 Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Burdick                                                         14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

(Memo:  Regarding Resolution No. 231-10, the e-mail interface for the PSIMS Computer-Aided Dispatch System will provide a text message to the fire and first responders at about the same time the tones go out for a fire or ambulance alarm.  The first responder will have the address and nature of the call on his cell phone, which should eliminate much of the radio traffic.  If the department has a computer set up and running, an informational e-mail can be sent for their information when they arrive at the hall.  When the system is installed, many first responders will not need their expensive pagers.  Contract cost is $3,500 plus an annual $200 maintenance fee.  Funds are already included in the Budget.)

 

RESOLUTION NO. 232-10

 

APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND

DOUGLAS DILLON FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Agreement between the County of Allegany and Douglas Dillon in relation to providing consultant services to the Allegany County Mutual, Self-Insurance Plan at the rate of $45 per hour, with the total amount paid not to exceed $12,000, for a six-month period, is approved.

 

            2.         That the Chairman of this Board is authorized to execute said Agreement.

 

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

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                          14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 232-10 included the following: 

 

Legislator Pullen recognized Douglas Dillon for his years of service to the County in the position of Executive Secretary of the Mutual Self-Insurance Program dealing with workers’ compensation issues.  He is retiring, and we will use him as a consultant during the time of transition.  Legislator Pullen thanked Doug for his service and wished him well in retirement.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 233-10

 

APPROVAL OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SOLUTIONS-RMSCO, INC. FOR

ADMINISTRATION SERVICES ON WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the Agreement between Employee Benefits Solutions-RMSCO, Inc. and the County of Allegany, for Administration Services on Workers’ Compensation claims is approved.

 

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

 

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

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                           14 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Absent

 

(Memo:  Resolution No. 233-10 approves a Third-Party Administration contract between EBS-RMSCO and the Allegany County Mutual Self-Insurance Plan for workers’ compensation claim administration for the 13-month period of 12/01/10-12/31/11.  The 13-month contract fee is $23,835 plus expenses.  Medicare Reporting costs are included.)

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 233-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Sinclair noted that this agreement is a good example of capitalizing on outsourcing to a firm that will handle workers’ compensation claims after the retirement of Mr. Dillon.  In this type of economy, there are significant savings to be realized by taking this approach.

 

Legislator Pullen remarked that this is another example of a mandated service, not only for ourselves, but for many of the other municipalities, fire departments, and emergency dispatch within the County.  By doing it at a cost-effective level, it helps keep local taxes down.  They keep adding new aspects to this at the state level, so we are upgrading services as well as keeping costs down.

 

AUDITS:

 

            A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, 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 LaForge and adopted on a roll call vote of 13 Ayes, 1 No, 1 Absent, that the audit of claims, totaling $4,388,891.18 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 $7,051,529.)

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. on a motion made by Legislator Ungermann, seconded by Legislator Hopkins and carried.