ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

REGULAR SESSION

 

SEPTEMBER 13, 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 Specialist 4th Class Cecil E. Jenison.

 

INVOCATION:  The Invocation was given by Legislator David Pullen.

 

ROLL CALL:  13 Present; 2 Absent (Legislators Hopkins and Russo).

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

            The Board meeting minutes of August 23, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Fanton and carried.

 

            The Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of August 23, 2010, were approved on a motion made by Legislator Curran, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

            Chairman Curtis W. Crandall presented a certificate to Cecil E. Jenison, former United States Army Specialist 4th Class, in grateful appreciation of his service to our Country.  Mr. Jenison’s service dates were from September 1961 to October 1964.  Following Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he received welding training in Aberdeen, Maryland, and served overseas in France.  He received a medal for marksmanship.  Mr. Jenison 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 Curtis W. Crandall read a proclamation declaring September 13 through 19 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Allegany County.  In recognition of this event, Chairman Crandall was joined by Literacy West NY, Inc. CEO Lisa Lee and Genesee Valley Central School Superintendent Ralph Wilson to honor Vietnam Veteran Cecil Jenison as someone who embodies the meaning of a lifelong learner.  Ms. Lee spoke about Mr. Jenison’s goal of earning his high school diploma and his work with Literacy West NY, Inc. and Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES GED classes.  He left school in 1961 to serve the military during the Vietnam War.  In 1991, he began working with Literacy Volunteers, and his wife, Carol, trained as a volunteer tutor to help him reach his goal.  Ms. Lee noted that Cecil Jenison is an excellent representation of an adult education student and the power of family literacy.  Mr. Wilson spoke about the Operation Recognition Program.  This program allows school districts across New York State to confer on veterans who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict diplomas based upon the experiences they had in the service and the sacrifices they made for their communities.  Education is a lifelong process, and after spending some time with Cecil Jenison, Mr. Wilson recognized that he really is a lifelong learner and is someone who exemplifies what can be done if we’re tenacious and don’t give up.  Mr. Wilson presented Cecil Jenison with his high school diploma, Genesee Valley Central School Class of 1962.

 

            Chairman Crandall granted privilege of the floor to Allegany County Area Foundation Executive Director Robert Christian and Board Member Leslie Haggstrom.  Mr. Christian thanked the Legislative Board for its support.  The past two years have been tough, financially, for the Foundation, as well as individuals.  The theme of their annual report is “Bridging the Gap,” illustrating that they are doing their best to bridge the “gap” of the financial situation that both they and the people of the County are in.  Although their gifts, grants, and scholarships have all been down from what they were prior to the economic downturn, they will still be giving over $100,000 in scholarships to County kids this year.  This past May, the Foundation awarded $35,000 in new scholarships, along with all of the renewable existing scholarships.  There were also several grant awards.  The two most recent were start-up grants to the Wellsville Community Center for their new youth program and the new Allegany County Historical Society.  The grants are not large, but they have been able to encourage and show support to groups trying to get started.  A perfect example is the CORE Learning Center.  A few years ago, they gave the first start-up grant to the CORE Initiative, and they have come a long way.  It’s been a privilege for them to be able to give back to community, and Mr. Christian thanked the Board for their donation.  Ms. Haggstrom related that the Allegany County Area Foundation was created through an idea of a former Allegany County Legislator, Peter Sprague, as a way to help our County’s people.  Many of our adjoining counties have been amazed at what we’ve been able to do, not just with scholarships, but also in assisting community non-profits.  Ms. Haggstrom noted that Foundation board members are willing to speak to community organizations.  She also thanked the Board for their donation to help the Foundation meet the needs that are not being met in other ways.  Chairman Crandall presented the Allegany County Area Foundation with a donation made directly from the Legislators’ “flower fund,” which is non-tax money.  Mr. Christian extended an invitation to their Annual Meeting next week where grant recipients and scholarship winners will be speaking about what they have been able to accomplish.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, REPORTS, ETC.:

 

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

 

            1.         Report of Intrafund Transfers approved by the County Administrator in August.

 

            2.         Report of Tax Bill Corrections approved by the County Administrator in August.

 

The following communications were also acknowledged:

 

            1.         Allegany County Planning and Economic Development Committee Chairman Frederick Sinclair filed a copy of the Allegany County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2010-2015, 5-Year Update in the Clerk of the Board’s Office on September 8, 2010.

 

            2.         Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board July 15 minutes and September 23 meeting notice.

 

            3.         The next Fire Advisory Board meeting will be September 23, at 8 p.m., in the Public Safety Building.  Fire Investigators will meet at 6:30 p.m., and District Coordinators will meet at 7 p.m.

 

            4.         Correspondence from Senator Catharine Young confirming receipt and support of our resolutions regarding the establishment of a Joint Revenue Resource Center, opposition to the DEC’s revised regulations on outdoor wood boilers, and Medicaid reforms.

 

            5.         Copy of correspondence that Assemblyman Daniel Burling sent to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in support of the grant application to the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives entitled, “Implementation Assistance for Leandra’s Law.”

 

            6.         Correspondence from the Allegany Senior Foundation thanking the Board for its donation in memory of Patrick Jessup.

 

            7.         Correspondence from the Genesee River Wilds Project Committee and Supporters inviting Legislators to attend An Afternoon by the River on Saturday, September 25, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Cuba Specialty Products at 81 South Genesee Street in Fillmore.

 

PROCLAMATION:

 

            Chairman Crandall proclaimed September 13-19, 2010, as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Allegany County (see second paragraph under Privilege of the Floor).

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 169-10

 

APPOINTMENT OF ONE MEMBER TO THE ALLEGANY COUNTY PLANNING BOARD

 

Offered by:  Planning and Economic Development Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Benjamin Lipscomb of Fillmore, New York, is appointed to fill a vacant un-expired three-year term in District 1 to the Allegany County Planning Board, with term of office commencing August 23, 2010, and expiring December 31, 2012.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                                           Adopted:  Voice Vote

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen

 

            Resolution Intro. No. 176-10 (Approval of Sale of 2010 Tax Sale Properties) was amended on a motion made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried, to change the spelling on the second to the last name listed on page 2 of the resolution from Dune, Michael A. to Dunn, Michael A.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 170-10

 

APPROVAL OF SALE OF 2010 TAX SALE PROPERTIES

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

Pursuant to New York Uniform Delinquent Tax Enforcement Act and

Resolution No. 195-97, as amended by Resolution No. 95-98

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sale of tax delinquent properties as shown below, to the owners and purchasers shown, for the consideration shown, subject to terms and conditions of sale for such properties, is approved.

 

            2.         That upon the securing by the County Attorney of a proper court order authorizing the conveyance to the County of such of the below mentioned properties which are subject to the 2008 and/or back to the year 1995 (TF95 up to and including TF08) tax foreclosure proceedings and the subsequent execution of a deed of all of the below mentioned properties to the County by the County Tax Enforcement Officer, the Chairman of this Board of Legislators is authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the County of Allegany and to cause to deliver to such owners and purchasers quit claim deeds of the County’s interest in such properties and to affix to each such deed the official seal; all upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions of sale and the full payment to the County Treasurer of the monetary considerations.

 

New Owner                                                                                                                County Title

Address                                                                                                                     Recorded Date

Sale Price                                                      Parcel Details                                    Liber, Page

 

WILSON-WHEELER, NORA L.

87 Plum Street

Bolivar, NY 14715

Tax sale amount: $500

 

Parcel ID: 022400/301.-1-28

Prop Loc: 5903 Co Rd 18

Assessed value: $28,000

Acreage: 0.50

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1172

Page: 113

 

MIDDAUGH, RICHARD C.

6148 County Rd 18

Alma, NY 14708

Tax sale amount: $125

Parcel ID: 024200/52.3-1-66

Prop Loc: 20 Thayer St

Assessed value: $101,300

Acreage: 0.46

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1632

Page: 137

 


 

MIDDAUGH, RICHARD C.

6148 County Rd 18

Alma, NY 14708

Tax sale amount: $510

Parcel ID: 025000/182.7-1-59

Prop Loc: 18 Queen Ann St

Assessed value: $45,000

Acreage: 0.44

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1384

Page: 225

 

LANANGER, RANDY T.

2612 Harland Ames Rd

Bolivar, NY 14715

Tax sale amount: $6,600

Parcel ID: 025000/195.-1-30.1

Prop Loc: 4231 State Route 275

Assessed value: $26,400

Acreage: 1.92

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1199

Page: 38

 

KELLY, GIRARD

DUNN, MICHAEL A.

3928 Co Rt 16

Angelica, NY 14709

Tax sale amount: $19,501

Parcel ID: 025000/196.-1-30.31

Prop Loc: 4328 Moss Brook Rd

Assessed value: $17,000

Acreage: 39.90

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1362

Page: 260

 

 

BREAU, JOSEPH A.

PEARSON, VICTORIA M.

86 Massachusetts Ave

Lockport, NY 14094

Tax sale amount: $16,100

Parcel ID: 025000/196.-1-30.32

Prop Loc: 4328 Moss Brook Rd

Assessed value: $17,600

Acreage: 9.50

County of Allegany

 

Book: 1362

Page: 242

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Fanton                                                                                 Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                                   12 Ayes, 1 No, 2 Absent

                                                                                                                                  Voting No:  Sinclair

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 170-10 included the following:  Legislator Ungermann pointed out that we’re taking in about $43,000 on $235,000 assessed value for these properties, and we accepted only $125 for a parcel assessing for $101,000.   

 

RESOLUTION NO. 171-10

 

A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THAT ERRORS EXIST ON THE

2010 COUNTY AND TOWN TAX ROLLS FOR THE TOWNS NAMED

WITH REGARD TO REAL PROPERTY OF VARIOUS TAXPAYERS THEREIN;

DIRECTING MAILING OF NOTICES OF APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS

FOR CORRECTED TAX ROLLS AND

ORDERING THE VARIOUS TOWN TAX COLLECTORS TO

CORRECT THE TAX ROLLS; PROVIDING FOR CHARGE BACKS OR CREDITS

 

Offered by:  Ways and Means Committee

 

Pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 554

 

            WHEREAS, applications, for the taxpayers hereafter described, have been made to the County's Director of Real Property Tax Service Agency, for the correction of certain errors affecting their real property on various tax rolls, and

 

            WHEREAS, the Director has transmitted to this Board the applications, in duplicate, together with a written report of his investigation of the claimed errors and his written recommendation for action thereon by this Board as to each application, and

 

            WHEREAS, this Board has examined each application and report to determine whether the claimed error exists, now, therefore, be it

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That with regard to the applications for the named taxpayers pertaining to claimed errors regarding their real property on the respective tax rolls of the named Towns, this Board of Legislators does determine that the claimed errors as alleged in those applications exist and does approve those applications.

 

            2.         That the Chairman of this Board is authorized and directed to make a notation on those applications and the duplicates thereof that they are approved, to enter thereon the respective correct extension of taxes as set forth by the Director in his report, to enter thereon the respective date of mailing of a notice of approval, to enter thereon the date of mailing of a certified copy of this resolution to the proper Tax Collector, and to sign thereon as Chairman.

 

            3.         That the Clerk of this Board is directed to mail to the below listed taxpayers a notice of approval stating, in substance, that their application made has been approved, to inform the Chairman of this Board of the date of the mailing thereof, and to inform such respective taxpayers of the applicable provisions of subdivision seven of Section 554 of the Real Property Tax Law.

 

            4.         That the Tax Collector of the Town of Cuba is ordered and directed to correct in the 2010 County and Town Tax Roll the assessment or taxes, or both, of the property assessed to the following taxpayer and described as follows:

 

            a.         Al-Humadi, Adil H. & Al-Humadi, Jehan;  Parcel 144.22-1-35

                        Assessment:  Land $248,000 Total $248,000

 

grievance changes were not added to the file, and by reducing the Taxable Value to $112,500, and by correcting the taxes, as follows:

 

Allegany County

$1,766.55

Town of Cuba

933.17

Cuba Fire

56.00

Cuba Lake District

153.17

Cuba Sewer District

246.95

Total

3,155.84

 

and the County Treasurer is directed to make the following refund:

 

Allegany County

$2,127.71

Town of Cuba

1,123.96

Cuba Fire

67.44

Cuba Lake District

184.48

Total

3,503.59

 

            5.         That the Clerk of this Board is directed to forthwith mail a certified copy of this resolution to the various Tax Collectors for the Towns stated above together with the original copies of those applications completed in accordance with section two of this resolution.

 

            6.         The Clerk of this Board shall mail a copy of this resolution to the above named School and the amount to be charged to each School shall not be charged until 10 days after such mailing.  Such amount shall be deducted by the County Treasurer from the money payable to each School as a result of school taxes returned after the date such amount is charged and which shall be paid to each School after May 1, 2011.  The County Treasurer shall send a written notice to each School of the amount of such deduction prior to May 1, 2011.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Fanton                                                                                 Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                               13 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 172-10

 

ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF CARRY-OVER FUNDING FROM

THE AMERICAN REINVESTMENT AND RECOVERY ACT (ARRA);

AMENDMENT OF CONTRACT BETWEEN

THE CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD, INC. AND

THE ALLEGANY COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CENTER

FOR ARRA ONE STOP SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE ALLEGANY COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AMENDED AGREEMENT

 

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

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $62,821 from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) is accepted and appropriated as follows:  $6,700 to Account No. CD1 6400.101, $3,170 to Account No. CD1 6400.806, $5,000 to Account No. CD1 6402.101, $11,500 to Account No. CD1 6402.474, $2,521 to Account No. CD1 6402.806, $3,500 to Account No. CD1 6406.101, $28,730 to Account No. CD1 6406.474, $1,700 to Account No. CD1 6406.806, with a like sum credited to Revenue Account CD1 11.4789.STIM.

 

            2.         That the Amended Agreement between the Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Investment Board, Inc. and Allegany County Employment & Training Center regarding term of agreement and total funds not to exceed $62,821, is approved.

 

            3.         That the Allegany County Employment and Training Director is authorized to execute said Amended Agreement.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Pullen                                                                                  Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Fanton                                                             13 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 173-10

 

TRANSFER OF FUNDS WITHIN OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS

 

Offered by:  Planning and Economic Development Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That the sum of $525 is transferred from Account No. A6430.4 to Account No. A6430.2, for purchasing a laser printer.

 

            Moved by:  Mr. Sinclair                                                                                Adopted:  Roll Call

            Seconded by:  Mr. Healy                                                               13 Ayes, 0 Noes, 2 Absent

 

RESOLUTION NO. 174-10

 

APPROVAL OF FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES FEDERATION, AFL-CIO;

IMPLEMENTING 2010 COMPENSATION

NOTWITHSTANDING PROVISIONS OF RESOLUTION NO. 225-09

 

Offered by:  Personnel Committee

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            1.         That Agreement between the County of Allegany and the Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, covering the period January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012, is approved.

 

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

 

            3.         That notwithstanding the provisions of section 4 of Resolution No. 225-09 to the contrary, retroactive to and from January 1, 2008, each employee occupying a position set forth in Agreement between the County of Allegany and the Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, approved by this resolution, shall receive the salary or rate of compensation for the step of the grade of the position occupied that is set forth in such Agreement, and which salary or rate of compensation such employee is entitled to receive commencing January 1, 2008, pursuant to such Agreement; the increment recommendations from the department heads for each employee under their jurisdiction receiving such recommendation being approved.

 

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

            Seconded by:  Mr. Pullen                                                                  12 Ayes, 1 No, 2 Absent

                                                                                                                           Voting No:  Ungermann

 

Comments made regarding Resolution No. 174-10 included the following:

 

Legislator Ungermann noted that the contract was moved to the full Board without the committee having an opportunity to read it, although Mr. Rooney, the negotiator, provided a synopsis.  After reading the agreement, Mr. Ungermann had several questions.  One issue is that he doesn’t believe the County should have to worry about deducting payments for auto and homeowner insurances, disability, and life insurance from employees’ pay checks.  That should be their responsibility.  Another issue is contributions to health insurance.  For one health plan, there is a substantial contribution of 14 to 15 percent; for the other plan, it’s only about four percent.  Most state workers pay about 18 percent.  Mr. Ungermann had asked Mr. Rooney if it would be a lot easier to negotiate a contract if everyone contributed to health insurance, and he said, “Absolutely.”  Mr. Ungermann commented on leading by example, and pointed out that there are Legislators and Department Heads who should be contributing a like amount to health insurance.  One of the other issues relates to people who have commercial drivers’ licenses being reimbursed for hazardous materials endorsements, which he felt was alright, but he didn’t see any mention of a random drug and alcohol testing program for them, which the general public has to have.  Mr. Ungermann won’t support any contracts until the leadership starts paying too.

 

Legislator O’Grady agreed with Mr. Ungermann about getting health insurance contributions from all employees.  Approving this contract is a step in that direction.  He also pointed out that the reason we have this union is a comment made three years ago about being able to change these benefits with the stroke of a pen.  Mr. O’Grady felt that the contract was fair for all parties, and even though there are no immediate savings on the health insurance front, there will be savings long term.

 

Legislator Pullen commented that this is the first contract with this unit, and it represents a significantly improved set of terms and conditions versus what have existed in the past for other unions.  Mr. Pullen supports the contract as the best that we can achieve at this point.  Hopefully things can continue to be negotiated to reach a fair and appropriate balance, although this is more balanced than contracts we’ve had in recent years, and it represents the direction we have to move.  It’s similar to what other municipalities have sought and some have been fortunate enough to obtain some of what we have achieved here.

 

Legislator Cady questioned if the longevity to be awarded at various times was just for the one year or if it would continue on as part of the salary.  County Administrator John Margeson responded that it continues on.

 

Chairman Crandall responded to an earlier comment by stating that all Legislators received copies of the contract.  He noted that the approach of the Legislature, when they began working through this, was to establish an ad hoc committee through the Personnel Committee that would act as a liaison between this Board and the negotiations.  Mr. Pullen has spent as much time sitting in on meetings and helping to work through management’s position in negotiations as some Legislators spend on all other areas of Board work together.  Chairman Crandall thanked Legislator David Pullen, the management team led by County Administrator John Margeson, Personnel Officer Ellen Ruckle, and the employees of PEF.  An agreement isn’t an agreement until you can get the two sides together and work out the details.  The employees and the executive board from PEF have agreed to this contract, and the Board’s vote is the last vote to be taken.

 

AUDITS:

 

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

 

            A motion was made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Fanton and adopted on a roll call vote of 12 Ayes, 1 No, 2 Absent, that the audit of claims, totaling $4,601,234.66, 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 $5,500,919.)  Legislator Ungermann questioned if there were any expenses related to the Article 78 filed against the Town of Cuba, and Mr. Margeson replied that there were not.

 

COMMENTS:

 

            Legislator Ungermann made note of the 6th Annual Cuba Garlic Festival to be held next weekend (September 18 and 19).  Approximately 8,000 people attended last year.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m. on a motion made by Legislator O’Grady, seconded by Legislator Burdick and carried.