FACILITIES & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

JUNE 6, 2012

** NOT APPROVED **

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Committee Members Present: D. Pullen, M. Healy, G. Benson, K. Graves, D. Fanton, F. Sinclair, C. Crandall (Absent: A. McGraw)

Others Present: M. Alger, D. Burdick, D. Button, J. Foels, E. Herdman, T. Hopkins, K. LaForge, C. Lorow, J. Luckey, J. Margeson, T. Miner, B. Riehle, D. Roeske, C. Santora, D. Scholes

Media Present: B. Clark, Olean Times Herald

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 3:01 p.m. by Facilities and Communications Committee Chairman David Pullen.

Approval of Minutes:
          A motion was made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Sinclair, and carried to approve the Facilities and Communications Committee minutes of May 2, 2012.

Facilities-Related Matters

Updates on Renovation Projects

Superintendent of Public Works Dave Roeske brought the Committee up-to-date on various renovation projects, including the District Attorney’s office space which he predicts will be completed by next week, allowing the District Attorney’s Office to move into its new space within the next couple of weeks. Mr. Roeske also commented that the Maintenance Building’s heating system is being installed, the wiring is done, and 80 percent of the studs for the walls are in place. His crews will begin working on the Support Collection Building as soon as the District Attorney’s space is complete. Mr. Roeske also noted that some projects were on hold until the more urgent projects were caught up. Questions arose about the elevator in the County Building which had not been working for the past week or so. Mr. Roeske indicated that the circuit boards were replaced, but needed reprogramming. He expected the software to arrive at any time. Discussion followed regarding possible temporary measures for people who need elevators, including being escorted by deputies on guard at the entrances, and leaving certain doors between buildings unlocked for easier access. Legislator Sinclair suggested that an “emergency plan” be composed so that in a similar instance, all one would need to do is direct the staff to implement the emergency plan, and everyone would be aware of what that plan entailed. Mr. Pullen agreed to write something up, circulate it to Judge Brown, Sheriff Whitney, Mr. Roeske, and County Administrator John Margeson for approval and suggestions. As regards the Landfill Storage Building, Mr. Roeske indicated the racks had been delivered and need assembly and once that occurs, the security will be installed. Mr. Pullen commended Mr. Roeske and the Department of Public Works for all that has been accomplished by that group over the past two years. Mr. Pullen also inquired about the plans for a second elevator in the County Building. Mr. Roeske indicated that he is waiting for feedback from Otis.

Communications-Related Matters

ION and Point of Presences

Development Director John Foels indicated that ION has had to redeploy its staff because of other projects, including additional work in Alfred, but indicates that although no firm dates are set for connection, he’s hopeful that some movement will occur within the next 45 days. He notes that he is pleased with the progress that has been made thus far. The building itself is complete and any additional requirements will be in place when ION arrives. Legislator Pullen noted that he had received an electronic newsletter from ION and would distribute copies.

911 Update

Legislator Pullen indicated that as far as he knows the bugs have been worked out and it is operating successfully.

Executive Session

The Committee entered executive session at 3:17 p.m. on a motion by Legislator Sinclair, seconded by Legislator Fanton, and carried to discuss the acquisition of real property. The Committee exited executive session at 3:52 p.m., following a motion by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Healy, and carried.

New Business

Legislator Pullen distributed an article “Verizon and AT&T Want to Eliminate the Use of Land Lines” to the Committee, indicating that FCC regulators are trying to block this action which, if Verizon and AT&T are allowed to proceed, could be critical for rural areas like Allegany County. Legislator Pullen suggested we let our Senators and Congressmen know that we need assistance in keeping this from occurring.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4:02 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Healy, and carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cynthia Santora, Secretary to the Clerk of the Board

Allegany County Board of Legislators