Public Safety Committee

April 7, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **

 

Present: Mike Healy, Chairman John Tucker
  Glenn Benson Paul Gallmann
  Doug Burdick Barb Kelley
  Ted Hopkins  Bob Starks
  Aaron McGraw Linda Edwards
  Dan Russo Bill Tompkins
  Dwight Fanton  Gilbert Green
  Kevin LaForge Terry Parker
  Curt Crandall Brenda Rigby-Riehle
  John Margeson Russ Hall
  Mitchell Alger Chris Ivers

 

Fire Advisory Board Rep:  Dick Sortore

 

Chairman Healy called the meeting to order at 11:04.

 

On motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Russo, the minutes of the March 3 meeting were unanimously approved.

 

Public Defender

Chairman Healy called on Barb Kelley, Public Defender for her report.  Barb wanted to support the Sheriff’s request for the Forensic Clinical Coordinator position in the Sheriff’s Department.  Barb noted of the high percentage of the inmates that have mental health issues.  These people need assistance and assessment to determine what services may help them.  Barb gave an example of one of her clients that needed a mental health referral.  It was noted these individuals should not be placed in jail.  This Coordinator’s position can identify these types of individuals.

 

District Attorney

Chairman Healy called on Terry Parker, District Attorney for his report. Terry submitted a request that the main court room in the court house be dedicated to James Euken upon his retirement. 

 

On motion by Mr. McGraw and seconded by Mr. Hopkins the committee unanimously approved the request and referred it to the Court Facilities Committee.

 

STOP/DWI, Youth Bureau

Chairman Healy called on Linda Edwards, Coordinator for her report.  A request was made for a resolution to authorize approval of the 2010 New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant funding appropriations and contractual agreements. 

 

Approved unanimously on motion by Mr. Healy and seconded by Mr. Benson.  County Attorney Prepare Resolution

 

Weights and Measures

Chairman Healy called on Gilbert Green, Director for his report.  Gilbert reported on a recent diesel fuel contamination.  It was rectified without incident.

 

 

Probation Department

Chairman Healy called on Bob Starks, Director for his report.  Bob commented in support of the Sheriff’s request for the Forensics Clinical Coordinator position.  Future grant funds will no longer be available for this position.  Elimination of the position will create delays in the mental health assessments of prisoners at the jail.  This would affect the pretrial release to free jail space and delay correct assessment.  It has been a valuable asset to the Probation Department.

 

Bob noted the Probation Department’s annual plan has been approved by the State.  The Alternatives to Incarceration Plan has also been approved.

 

A request was made for a resolution to transfer $120.00 from A3140.413 to A3140.201 (equipment) for a new fax machine. 

 

On motion by Mr. Burdick and seconded by Mr. Russo the committee unanimously approved the request.  County Attorney Prepare Resolution

 

Bob reported on the Ignition Interlock aspect of Leandra’s Law.  The State is requiring each county to develop a plan and submit it to the State by June 15, 2010.  There will be an ATI Advisory Board meeting on April 28 to address the local plan development.  Bob noted indigent individuals arrested could not pay and would cost the county.  Mr. Burdick noted this is an unfunded mandate.

 

On motion by Mr. Healy and seconded by Mr. Burdick a resolution was approved similar to the attachment from Madison County to delay the implementation of the Ignition Interlock Program.  The resolution would be brought off the floor of the April 12 Board meeting and be forwarded to Inter-county.

 

Sheriff’s Department

Chairman Healy called on Sheriff Tompkins for his report.  The Sheriff noted the NY State Sheriffs’ Association has also requested adjustments to the Ignition Interlock aspect of the Leandra’s Law.

 

The Sheriff discussed the Forensic Clinical Coordinator position in the jail facility.  It has previously been funded through grants.  Chris Ivers, Jail Administrator was called on to explain in detail the position and its vital need.  The mental status of inmates must be evaluated.  It is critical for intervention of those inmates that should not be in jail.  Mr. Ivers was asked how many inmates have benefited from these assessments.  Numbers will be gathered and forwarded.  This resource also assists in dealing with ICE and US Marshall’s prisoners.  It was noted these assessments assist in freeing up jail space.

 

It was asked if possible funding could be obtained from other mental health programs.  There was discussion as to continuing with a contract with ARA or to create a full time county position.  Currently the Sheriff’s Department offers space at the jail and the person answers to the Sheriff, Probation Department and the ARA.

 

Chairman Healy recommended exploring continuing the contract set up or creating a full time county position.  Mr. Russo suggested we try to continue the program operation as it currently is. 

 

On motion by Mr. Russo and seconded by Mr. Burdick the committee unanimously referred the matter to the Personnel Committee for review.

 

The Sheriff requested approval to fill two vacant part time cook positions at the jail. 

On motion by Mr. Healy and seconded by Mr. Burdick the committee unanimously approved the request and referred it to Ways and Means.

 

The Sheriff noted of the positive effect on the jail budget regarding the Cook-Chill program and the use of the jail garden produce.  There has been a large cost savings to the county.

 

Fire Service

Chairman Healy called on Paul Gallmann, Fire Coordinator for his report. Paul submitted a request for a resolution to request NY State appropriately disburses the $200 million dollars collected from the Statewide Wireless 911 Cellular Surcharge to the local Public Safety Answering Points in NY State.

 

Approved on motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Burdick to be brought off the floor at the Board meeting on April 12th.

 

Office of Emergency Services

Chairman Healy called on John Tucker, Director for his report. John submitted a request for a resolution to authorize Board Chairman Crandall’s signature on the new 2009-2012 Homeland Security Grant application.

 

On motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Benson the committee approved the request stipulating the county attorney review the contract.

 

Old Business

Chairman Healy discussed the Communications and Technology sub-committee addressing the county wireless service and fiber optic services potential for the public.  It was noted that a wireless rather than fiber optic system would be better.  There is funding through the federal stimulus program.

 

Russ Hall noted there have been investigations on the current communications system used by the county and a handout noted of current tower sites.  The Alfred tower could access fiber optic lines outside the county and then connect communications to our other towers.  Only one of the county towers is rated for microwave equipment. 

 

It was noted the county has received proposals on the Communications Enhancement project.  The two bids will be opened at a special Public Safety Committee meeting after the Board meeting on Monday, April 12.

 

The Sheriff noted the Telestaff program will be activated and used next week.

 

Mr. Burdick noted the County Health Department still has extra free hepatitis vaccine for public safety personnel.

 

On motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Burdick the committee moved into executive session to discuss a matter leading to dismissal, removal, promotion, appointment, employment, discipline, demotion or suspension of a particular person or corporation.

 

On motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Burdick the committee moved out of executive session.

 

The meeting adjourned at 12:50 on motion by Mr. Hopkins and seconded by Mr. Benson.