Public Safety Committee

August 4, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **


 

 

Present: Mike Healy, Chairman  John Tucker
  Doug Burdick      Paul Gallmann
  Glenn Benson  Bob Starks
  Aaron McGraw Terry Parker
  Dwight Fanton Barb Kelley
  Fred Sinclair     

Linda Edwards

  Kevin LaForge   Bill Tompkins
  Curt Crandall     Lori Ballengee
  John Margeson   
  Mitchell Alger  

 

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

 

On motion by Mr. McGraw and seconded by Mr. Burdick, the minutes of the July 7 meeting were approved with the following amendment; Sheriff’s Report: Request was made to allow the filling of a vacant sergeant’s position due to a demotion (not a promotion).

 

STOP DWI – Youth Bureau

Chairman Healy called on Linda Edwards, Coordinator for her report.  Linda requested a resolution to accept the STEPS grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Program totaling $3,000 for the period Oct. 1, 2009 through Sept. 30, 2010. 

 

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

 

Probation Department

Chairman Healy called on Bob Starks, Director for his report.  Bob noted the State has reviewed and approved the ISP and PED program applications. 

 

Sheriff

Chairman Healy called on Sheriff Tompkins for his report.  The Sheriff requested the legislature approve by resolution an Inter-Municipal Agreement with Steuben and Schuyler counties to contract for a study to determine the possibility of shared services for the three counties 911 dispatch centers.  A $50,000 grant was approved and the county had previously approved a local amount of $17,500 for the study.

 

On motion by Mr. Burdick and seconded by Mr. McGraw the committee unanimously approved the request for a resolution for the Inter-Municipal Agreement.  County Attorney Prepare Resolution

 

The Sheriff requested a resolution for a transfer of funds for the 911 Coordinator’s salary as follows:  $18,059 from A3410.101 (Fire Service) to A3112.101 (Dispatch) and $9,000 from A3410.103 (Fire) to A3112.103 (Dispatch).

 

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

 

The Sheriff noted the jail population for July averaged 84 per day which is the highest it’s been.  There were 70 federal inmates on average each day.

 

It was noted some cells will be altered to allow double bunking which has been approved by COC.  An estimate for the work is coming from a contractor to install bunks. 

 

There are some other cells that can have bunks added to them which will create extra permanent space.  Investigation as to what is needed for required changes to the ‘day room’ is being done.

 

The Telestaff computer employee tracking system has created over $100,000 in savings since May.  At this point it has paid for itself.

 

An audit by the State of the ‘Cook Chill’ program inmate meals using state food supplies showed a 2009 savings of $73,000.  The jail is augmenting the program with food from the jail garden.  A recent inspection done on nutrition gave a very good report on the county jail food program.

 

Mr. Margeson noted the recent landscaping work at the fail facility looks very good.  The Sheriff thanked the DPW and the County Bicentennial organization for some funding.    The labor was supplied by the jail inmates.

 

The inmate work program was discussed.  Inmates were used at details to clean the fairgrounds, scrape and paint at the new Cuba food kitchen and cleaning the cemetery in Short Tract.  The Sheriff is keeping track of inmates work hours.  Organizations must be not-for-profits.  The Sheriff invited the legislators to visit the jail and observe the work program.

 

The Sheriff noted approximately 2,100 pheasants have been received and are being raised this year for release for hunting in the county.

 

The Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Director estimated a 5% increase in the county’s economy should be realized with the pheasant program.

 

Office of Emergency Services

Chairman Healy called on John Tucker, Director for his report. John noted he will be retiring from the position at the end of October.  He has worked for the county for thirty years and has enjoyed the job.  Chairman Healy thanked John for his work.

 

On motion by Mr. Burdick and seconded by Mr. Benson the meeting adjourned at 11:33.