WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE

February 5, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **

Committee Members Present

T. Hopkins, D. Fanton, D. Burdick, M. Healy, K. LaForge, T. O’Grady, D. Pullen, F. Sinclair, C. Crandall

 

Others Present

M. Alger, L. Ballengee, G. Benson, M. Cole, S. Collins, P. Curran, C. Gowiski, L. Gridley, S. Grugel, K. Kruger, J. Margeson, T. Miner, B. Riehle, D. Roeske, T. Ross, E. Ruckle, D. Russo, R. Scott, R. Starks, K. Toot

           

            Ways & Means Committee Chairman Theodore Hopkins called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.

 

Approval of Minutes

            The January 20, 2010, Ways & Means Committee minutes were approved on a motion by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried.  The January 25, 2010, Ways & Means Committee minutes were approved on a motion by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried.

 

Request to Purchase Vehicles in Sheriff’s Office

            Sheriff William Tompkins distributed a spreadsheet listing the vehicles assigned to the Sheriff’s Office along with a request to purchase four new vehicles at an estimated cost of $112,000 as follows:

 

1.      A Crown Victoria with police package and additional costs for installation of radio, lights, siren and stripes to replace a 2006 Crown Victoria (#110) with 93,216 miles at an estimated cost of $24,000.

2.      A Crown Victoria with police package and additional costs for installation of radio, lights, siren and stripes to replace a 2000 Impala (#105) with 109,246 miles at an estimated cost of $24,000.

3.      A Tahoe 4 X 4 with police package and additional costs for installation of radio, lights, siren and stripes to replace a 2004 Jeep (#106) with 99,112 miles at an estimated cost of $32,000.

4.      A Tahoe 4 X 4 with police package and additional costs for installation of radio, lights, siren and stripes to replace a 2002 Trailblazer (#112) with 133,102 miles at an estimated cost of $32,000.  It was noted that the 2002 Trailblazer will be used to replace a 1998 Lincoln Navigator used for E-911 enumeration. 

 

Legislator Timothy O’Grady expressed concern about the County’s past practice of replacing vehicles and then turning around and keeping the vehicle that needed to be replaced.  With the exception of the Sheriff’s and Undersheriff’s vehicles and the vehicles assigned to undercover or federal transports, the Sheriff’s fleet consists of ten vehicles.  Legislator O’Grady indicated that he could support the Sheriff’s requests if the fleet doesn’t grow any larger.  The Sheriff’s request was approved on a motion by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Fanton and carried.

 

Prescription Discount Card Program

            Legislator Hopkins stated that Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network Executive Director Carrie Whitwood plans to attend the Board meeting this afternoon to talk about the Caremark Prescription Discount Card Program that the United Way and the Rural Health Network support and are currently participating with.  The presentation is being made as a follow up to the last Ways & Means Committee meeting where committee members looked at the ProAct Program.

 

REFERRALS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES:

 

Court Facilities and County Space Needs Committee

            The Court Facilities and County Space Needs Committee requested that the Ways & Means Committee consider co-sponsoring a resolution approving a lease agreement with the First Baptist Church of Belmont for the use of their parking lot for a period of two years.  It was noted that the negotiations for the use of this parking area commenced over a year ago.  The terms include:

 

  • Monthly lease payment of $500.
  • The County will hold the church harmless for any liability.
  • The lot will be used for parking by passenger vehicles and light trucks only.  No construction vehicles.
  • The lot shall be unavailable for parking during the period of August 4, 2010, through August 7, 2010.
  • The church will be responsible for snow removal.  The County will be responsible for de-icing and sanding.
  • The County shall, from time to time, provide gravel at its own expense to provide for proper maintenance of the lot.

 

The Court Facilities and County Space Needs Committee requested that the Ways & Means Committee consider co-sponsoring a resolution approving the purchase of a parking lot on South Street across from the former Belmont School from the Industrial Development Agency for $20,000, with monthly payments of $1,000 which will apply toward the purchase price. 

 

Court Facilities Chairman David Pullen expressed concern about the overall parking situation and stated that the proposed agreement with the First Baptist Church basically formalizes what the County has been doing for the last 20 years which started with a verbal agreement during a high-profile trial.  Legislator Pullen then noted that the lot opposite the Belmont School was never a part of what the County acquired from the tax sale, and the parking lot has never been County property.  The IDA recently purchased the parking lot from Steuben Trust, and they are willing to turn it over to the County for their investment of $20,000 which should provide a permanent solution to a long-term parking deficit.  Legislator Pullen indicated that the above referrals were approved at the Court Facilities and County Space Needs Committee meeting on Wednesday, and they had hoped to have resolutions come off the floor approving the lease and purchase at the Board meeting this afternoon.  County Attorney Thomas Miner indicated that pursuant to Board Rule 180 C., the County Attorney is to be afforded at least nine full business days to prepare or approve legislation.  In addition, Attorney Miner indicated that he would like to further review the contracts and prior to adopting any resolutions, the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act must be complied with.   Ways & Means Committee Chairman Theodore Hopkins stated that the Court Facilities Committee will address the matters related to complying with SEQR and will refer the matter back to the Ways & Means Committee once the County Attorney has determined that all necessary requirements have been met.   Refer to Court Facilities and County Space Needs Committee

 

Human Services Committee

            Social Services Commissioner Patricia Schmelzer requested approval to fill a Job Trak Supervisor (AFSCME, Grade 10) position contingent upon approval of Resolution Intro. No. 42-10 at the Board meeting this afternoon.  The position works with clients at community service worksites.  All recipients who are work eligible are required to participate in employment activities.  Allegany County used to have three mobile work crews, and now has a need to increase from one to two.  The position is financed 50 percent with federal funds, 25 percent with state funds, and 25 percent with local County dollars.   The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator Fanton and carried.   Notify Human Resources

 

            Office for the Aging Director Kimberley Toot requested a resolution to accept an increase in funding from the 2009-2010 Federal HIICAP Grant.  The funding will be used to purchase equipment (lap top, desk computer, projector, desk, & chair) as well as increase funding in supplies, telephone, postage, etc.  The grant is for health insurance counseling and information and should be appropriated as follows:  

 

            A6782.201  (OFA-Health Insurance Info., etc. - Equipment)  $3,050

            A6782.4  (OFA-Health Insurance Info., etc.  – Contractual)   $2,520

 

            Revenue Account A11.4772.06                                              $5,570

 

            The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried.   Prepare Resolution

 

Planning & Economic Development Committee

At the January 20, 2010, Ways and Means Committee meeting, committee members reviewed and forwarded the following referral to the County Attorney, County Administrator, and County Treasurer for contract development and resolution of financial issues.  The Planning and Economic Development Committee forwarded the proposed budget for the 2010 Tourism Contract submitted by the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce to the Ways & Means Committee for review with a request that Mr. Margeson be asked to develop a contract. The contract is for ten months from March 1 through December 31, 2010, to match the County’s fiscal year.  The contract calls for an increase of $19,500 over last year (from $52,000 to $71,500).  County Treasurer Terri Ross advised the committee that the funds to finance the increase were not budgeted, and all financing issues should be resolved before adopting the contract.  County Administrator John Margeson indicated that the contract and financial arrangements should be in final form next week.  A motion was made by Legislator Sinclair, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to approve the contract with the necessary transfer to come from accounts identified by the County Treasurer.  (Voting No:  T. O’Grady)   Prepare Resolution

 

Public Safety Committee

            Probation Director Robert Starks requested a resolution approving the Alternatives to Incarceration/Services for Shared Population Contract #C070467 effective July 1, 2009, and expiring June 30, 2010.  The grant program provides for the funding of a Forensic Clinical Coordinator to provide mental health services to offenders on pre-trial and probation supervision.  The contract was originally a two-year contract, but in early 2009, the Probation Department was notified that a third year of funding was available for the project.  The Director of Probation will be authorized to execute and deliver any and all agreements necessary to complete the approval process, and the Chairman of the Board is authorized to certify the approval of the contract.  The ATI/Services for Shared Population revenue is fixed at $44,676 and appears in the Probation Department’s 2010 budget.    Prepare Resolution

 

            Sheriff William Tompkins requested a resolution to reappropriate Homeland Security Grant (Contract #C838275) for Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) funding in the amount of $1,876,496 that was not spent in 2009.  The grant was accepted by Resolution No. 143-08 contingent on identifying a source for the local County share of $423,118.99, and then  Resolution No. 158-09 appropriated the necessary funds.  The $1,876,496 should be appropriated to A3645.217 (Homeland Security – Equipment) with a like sum placed in revenue account A10.3306.SHF7.   The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Burdick and carried.   Prepare Resolution

 

 Public Works Committee

            Public Works Superintendent David Roeske requested approval to fill an open Cleaner (AFSCME, Grade 5) position at the Jail.  Additional cleaning requirements are necessary under the ICE contract.  Mr. Roeske noted that he plans to have the Cleaner work from Wednesday through Sunday; however, the AFSCME Union is holding the County hostage over these arrangements.  AFSCME Union President Monica Cole requested to go on record saying that she opposed Mr. Roeske’s statement that the Union is “holding the County hostage over this.”  The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Fanton seconded by Legislator Healy and carried.   Notify Human Resources

 

            Mr. Roeske also requested a resolution to transfer $20,817 from A1990.4 (Contingency) to A3152.101 (Public Safety Complex – Buildings & Grounds – Regular Pay) to fund the Cleaner position.   Mr. Margeson suggested that the transfer come from the Jail Maintenance electrical account, A3152.4.  A motion was made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to transfer $20,817 from A3152.4 (Public Safety Complex – Buildings & Grounds - Contractual) to A3152.1 (Jail Maintenance – Regular Pay).   Prepare Resolution

 

            Due to a rollover balance from the SFY 09-10 Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funds, Mr. Roeske requested a resolution to reappropriate $349,871 to the 2010 budget as follows: 

 

            D5112.223      County Road CHIPS Paving   $349,871

 

            Revenue Account D10.3501.00  (State Aid CHIPS)   $349,871

 

            The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Sinclair and carried.   Prepare Resolution

 

Citizen for Responsible Government

            Karl Kruger from Friendship stated that he was attending the meeting on behalf of the Citizens for Responsible Government in his new role as president.  Mr. Kruger stated that he wanted to officially notify the County that the Citizens for Responsible Government plan to appeal the Court decision handed down recently.  Mr. Kruger stated that he is curious why the Industrial Development Agency would buy a parking lot with no apparent businesses in the neighborhood to serve, and then turn around and sell it back to the County at no profit.   IDA Executive Director John Foels stated that in July 2009, the IDA was made aware that the parking lot was for sale by Steuben Trust.  Prior to that, everyone assumed it was part of the school.  The IDA Board felt it was in the best interest of commerce to secure the lot for future use. Steuben Trust accepted the IDA’s purchase offer on August 7, 2009.  Mr. Foels stated that they ran into some considerable challenges because there were insurance liens on the property.  The IDA intended to find the best use for the property whether it ended up being for the school, municipal or County use.  Mr. Foels indicated that the IDA has the ability to move more quickly on these types of things than the other entities do, but it still took five months to resolve all of the issues.  The IDA closed the deal on January 29, 2010. 

 

            Mr. Kruger requested that Sharon Collins be permitted to make a few comments regarding the agreement with the First Baptist Church.  Ms. Collins thanked several Legislators for returning her calls from the day before.  Ms. Collins stated that the First Baptist Church is exempt from taxes, but the parking lot will no longer be exempt if the County is leasing it.  Ms. Collins asked if anyone informed the church about this.  County Attorney Thomas Miner indicated that he has not had any contact with the church.  Ways & Means Committee Chairman Theodore Hopkins stated they are slowing the process down to make sure everything is handled properly.  Ms. Collins stated she would like to come back in the future to address the committee further on this issue.

 

            Mr. Kruger stated that it seems counterproductive for the IDA to step into a situation where they buy a parking lot to prevent a private entity from buying it when that would end up on the tax roles.  Mr. Foels stated that the assessment on the parking lot is quite low.

 

Audit

            Committee members reviewed the February 5, 2010, audit of claims in the amount of $1,838,099.57 (including prepaid bills).   A motion was made by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to forward the audit to the full Board for approval of payment.

 

Adjournment

            There being no further business to come before the committee, a motion was made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator O’Grady and carried to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Rigby Riehle, Clerk of the Board