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Meeting Minutes

COUNTY FACILITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 12, 2012

JUDITH A. TASSONE, CHAIR

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Shepard

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Rapp, Mrs. Tassone

ALSO PRESENT:  Chairman McMahon, Mr. Meyer, and see attached list

Vice Chair Dougherty called the meeting to order at 10:36 a.m.  A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard to waive the reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.  A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.

1.     ONONDAGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Sally Carmer, Director of Administrative Services

        a.     Transfer from Supplies and Materials 693000 ($7,000) and Library Books and Materials 693230 ($1,200) to Maintenance Utilities and Rents 694130 ($8,200)

• Central Library’s security camera system component failed, DVR used for recording
• Costs $9,500   

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

Vice Chair Dougherty took the agenda out of order.

3.     PARKS AND RECREATION: Nathaniel Stevens, Administrator

        a.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Provide Additional Funding for Equipment for the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter into Contracts to Implement this Resolution ($49,000)

• Funds approved in 2013 budget via Vehicle Use Review Board (VURB)
• 5 pieces of equipment requested
• Funds from Veterans Cemetery Perpetual Care Account; formal ask to move funds

Vice Chair Dougherty asked Mr. Stevens to describe the uses for the equipment.  Mr. Stevens responded:

• 2 mowers requested, currently have 2-1999 mowers with 3k hrs. or more, 3k hrs. standard for replacement, 1 spent large amount of time at WEP being fixed, calculation of hours no longer works on 1 model, outlived their usefulness; mow 27 acres 2x per wk
• 2005 John Deere Gator, over 1,500 hrs, more than industry standard for replacement
• 1982 Snow blower, out lived its useful life
• 1970’s auger, used to drill holes
• Unable to locate parts for repair of the snow blower and auger

Vice Chair Dougherty asked what happens with the old equipment.  Mr. Stevens stated they work with WEP to determine best use; may be used for parts or a temporary replacement for unexpected losses or will be sent to auction. 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     Transfer from Maintenance Utilities and Rents 663460 ($70,000) to Automotive Equipment 671500

• 2012 budget, vehicle requested and approved in 2011 via VURB; bid higher than expected
• Held off purchase to insure available funds
• All Track 2000 utility track vehicle used for plowing, transporting materials via dump bed, and grooming cross country ski trails
• Huge upgrade, 5x12 feet, track instead of wheels
• Currently using F350’s to transport materials; weigh more, larger and harder to get on trails, wheels dig in and cause significant damage
• All Track weighs less, will reduce summer trail maintenance work
• Can be used for winter trail grooming; currently using snowmobiles, has better transmission and more power

Mr. Ryan stated the item is more money than was discussed by the Vehicle Use Review Board.  Mr. Stevens stated the original estimate was $50k, now $107K.  Between the timeframe of the original estimate and Purchasing’s competitive bid, company supplying the original pricing went out of business.  They still believe this to be worthwhile.  The item will replace at least 3 vehicles; 2 snowmobiles and an F350.  Snowmobiles cost $14-$15k each and F350’s cost $40-50k.  No matter how you price it, the All Track vehicle comes out ahead with an estimated life of 15 years.  Even when using the most conservative estimates, this would still be a push.  This vehicle will also make their staff more efficient. 

Vice Chair Dougherty asked why the money wasn’t budgeted for this as approved.  Mr. Stevens stated it was approved in 2011, for the 2012 budget.  They initially thought this vehicle would cost $50k and have these funds on hand.  When the bids were returned, the item came back $57k higher.  Due to this variance, they did not have enough money but still think it is worth doing.  It will make the staff more efficient and improve their product at Highland Forest. 

In answer to Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Stevens confirmed the difference was $57k; projected $50k, bid came back at $107k. 

Mr. Shepard asked if the quote was abnormally lower than the rest when received. Mr. Stevens stated that typically they just check with one place; can’t go through the whole bid process as it would be in bad faith on their part, only received the one quote.  The factory that made the belts for the original item quoted was hit by the tsunami, and part of the factory was destroyed.  Shortly after, the company was sold. 

In answer to Mr. Shepard, Mr. Stevens stated $107k was the lowest bid; other bids were $125K, $148K &169K.  This product meets their needs and will be a sound transaction based on the useful life of this equipment; twice that of an F350 and three times the life of two snowmobiles. 

Mr. Dougherty stated he still questioned some of the numbers.  They allocated $50k, bid came back at $107k but they are requesting a transfer for $70k; why aren’t they transferring $57k.  Mr. Stevens stated they also have a compact tractor that has been sent out for bid but not yet purchased; estimated at $22k.  These two items had initial estimates totaling $72,000; currently have $71,930 in the account, only off by $70 from their estimates.  They are in the process of verifying bidders for the compact tractor, with estimates of $26k, $29k and $31k; hope $25k will meet their needs.  They are asking to transfer $70k as they don’t want to have to come back and ask for a small transfer to complete these transactions. 

In answer to Vice Chair Dougherty, Mr. Stevens confirmed that the Maintenance, Utilities and Rents account was going to be dropping by $70k without issue.  The weather has been very mild and removing the stadium utilities has also been a huge boost.  Their plan is to encumber the money on the last day of the year, making sure they are all set with this account. 

Mr. Ryan asked it the F350 would be taken out of service.  Mr. Stevens responded that their fleet is in rough shape.  They might repurpose the truck in another park; new vehicle won’t arrive until March or April of 2013.  For this winter they will be using the F350.  Mr. Ryan stated that if this equipment is going to make them more efficient, perhaps some equipment should be coming out of their budget.  He believes that the county taxpayers should be paying for fewer vehicles.  If they are over budget, they need to compensate for this somewhere else.  Mr. Stevens stated once they get the new machine, it is tested and working properly, he believes you will see one less F350 request for next year.  Also, they have lost a lot of vehicles to WEP; 20 vehicles in the past 3-4 years, replaced 10-11, large reduction in vehicles.  Mr. Ryan stated they are getting there, still have some work to do.   Mr. Stevens stated he believes they will see this via repurposing vehicles to WEP.  Mr. Ryan stated they might have to hold them to this via the VURB.  Mr. Dougherty agreed.  Mr. Stevens stated this is their goal.  

A motion was made by Mr. Shepard, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

2.     CBC: Ryan McMahon, Chairman

        a.     A Local Law Regarding the Lease of Alliance Bank Stadium by the Community Baseball Club of Central New York, Inc.

• Stadium purchase option 24 month extension, additional time to arrange funding
• In the best interest of the county   

Vice Chairman Dougherty pointed out they still have 1 year to purchase in the current lease; questioned if they really need 3 years to accomplish this.  Mr. McMahon stated they haven’t made any real progress and had to pay more money for the new scoreboard than anticipated.  Their financials indicate they are just slightly profitable or breaking even each year.  They need time to revamp their business plan, which they have tried this year and to generate more business sources.  It is still the board’s intent to purchase the stadium.  This is the key to keeping minor league baseball in Syracuse, as they own that asset. 

In answer to Mr. Ryan, Mr. McMahon confirmed that they are just asking for more time to get the funds together.  He sees this as good news; asking for extension verses just letting the option expire, where we are left still owning the facility.  Mr. Ryan stated he agrees that it is in our best interest to keep minor league baseball in Syracuse and to get out of this business.  He is apprehensive; all we can do at this point is just extend the option and hope that they do make the purchase.  

In answer to Vice Chairman Dougherty, Mr. McMahon confirmed that they asked for an additional 2 years, total 3 years from today. 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  AYES:  2; NOES: 1 (Dougherty); ABSENT:  2 (Tassone, Rapp).  MOTION CARRIED.

Vice Chairman Dougherty stated he was OK with giving them more time but believes an additional 48 months is too long. 

5.     ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: Gregg Tripoli, Executive Director

          a.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Make Authorized Agency Funding Available for use by the Onondaga Historical Association

• Requesting release of $75k contingency funds, required $75k match
• In-kind contribution from Syracuse University, paying salary for Great Law of Peace Education Center Founding Director; in excess of $75k

In answer to Vice Chairman Dougherty, Ms. Stanczyk confirmed this to be the entire amount of the contingency budget for this project. 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

4.     VETERANS SERVICES:

        a.     Confirming the Appointment of Corliss I. Dennis as Director of the Veterans Service Agency

 PULLLED - No presenter; item was not discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine M. French, Deputy Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

* * *

HEALTH COMMITTEE MINUTES - DECEMBER 14, 2012

DANNY J. LIEDKA, CHAIRMAN

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Jordan, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Shepard, Ms. Williams

ALSO PRESENT:  Also see attached list

Chairman Liedka called the meeting to order at 9:41 a.m.  A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Shepard to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Rooney:

• Started process 2 years ago; committee well informed about actions taken since original RFQ
• First was Upstate Medical - transaction not consummated; stipulations of original RFQ – had to identify 2 and 3
• Went to number 2 Upstate Services Group - negotiations since summer; voted 2013 budget in anticipation of transaction that Van Duyn would transfer to private vendor as of Nov. 30th 2013
• They will carry on mission of Van Duyn – serve as safety net facility for most difficult to place; Upstate currently is doing a better job at placing difficult cases in nursing homes
• Owner of Vivian Teal Howard, now Central Park - made it a viable nursing home in community
• Introductions:  Efraim Steif, CEO; Dave Camerota, Administrator at Central Park; MaryPat Carhart, Vice President of Clinical Services

Upstate Services Presentation

Mr. Steif:

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mr. Jordan’s questions:

• Surveys - Department of Health inspections; inspected from 9-18 months; surprise visits; sometimes feds will come with Dept. of Health, or follow up; room for zero error; will review to see what the facility is doing wrong
• Surveys of family and staff – have mock surveys; send nurses to do inspections; many facilities have a discharge survey - resident can send back comments without signing name
• Largest facility, long term goal or plan with Van Duyn– advantage of Van Duyn being large, can provide services don’t have in area; look at what’s needed; Binghamton – started trach unit; room in Van Duyn allows for specialty units
• Level of assurance for jobs – haven’t studied extensively; believe if not all, but most employees to be offered jobs; they will have to want to take them; in past almost every facility had all come over; not easy to find staff or good staff
• Syracuse has 3 large hospitals for competition in staff; want to be successful; not looking to come in, move the staff
• If the current staff knows the resident, they will continue on with those residents; majority of employees from Vivian Teal are still working there
• 95% at Pine Valley; employees been there 20, 25, 30 years; old owner to new ownership – employees still there

Mr. Steif’s responses to Ms. Williams’ questions:

• Not familiar with County pensions; pay rates driven by market - always been in the middle of it; supply and demand
• County and private are paying more/less the same pay rates; benefits will change; County may have better pensions
• Don’t know specifics for County but pay salaries are within the same; $.50 more or less; spend time meeting and presenting a package to the employees; don’t want people running away or unhappy employees

Mrs. Rooney responded to Ms. Williams’ question that maintaining Van Duyn as a safety net is written in the letter of intent.  Mr. Steif commented that Central Park was not a safety net but Upstate made it a safety net.

Ms. Williams asked of the facilities Upstate Services Group has taken on, how many were unsuccessful.  Mr. Steif responded that all have been successful, but some have taken longer than others.  At one time, they had to take over six facilities overnight, and almost all have turned around.  One facility had 55 residents in a 120 bed facility, and it is now full; including difficult to place patients.  There are 70 more patients than before. 

Ms. Williams stated Upstate seems to be the answer for all nursing homes issues, and asked how they handle the issues and maintain a profit.  Mr. Steif replied they do not take on all nursing homes that come their way.  They look for those that have potential.  Vivian Teal had a great staff but no leadership.  Upstate Services educates and trains the staff, but some facilities are too much to take on.  Syracuse is a central area for corporate staff, and it is possible to move offices into Van Duyn. 

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mr. Meyer’s questions:

• Facility larger than others – seen as an opportunity; allows to do more; large facility with three administrators; can’t look at 513 bed facility as an 80 bed
• 2 facilities in one community – there is a need; Albany has 3; also different neighborhoods for Van Duyn versus Central Park
• Meeting with Upstate Hospital to do projects Upstate was going to do with Van Duyn; bring in their doctors as a training facility
• Same doing with Binghamton and USH hospital; services – way advanced and ahead of facilities in area
• OCC and Upstate Hospital training programs – offer building and facilities to hospital for training

Mr. Camerota stated they have had discussions with other universities and colleges in the area; currently there are students at Central Park so Upstate Services is developing educational relationships.  Central Park would like to be a site for nurse practitioners in their clinical rotation.  Upstate Services believes in education, clinical competency, taking care of people, looking at industry trends and keeping them in place, and reducing hospitalizations/rehospitalizations.  Mr. Steif commented in Bridgewater there is a fellowship program with Binghamton University.  Rockland and Pine Valley have a nurse practitioner training program along with some of the local colleges. 

Mr. Steif’s responded to Mr. Meyer that there are no thoughts on what to do with the total parcel.  The operations will go on, and possibly new buildings could be down the road.  There may have to be a lot of convincing from the Department of Health, but would consider it.  Also, there are a lot of hills on the parcel.

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mr. Shepard’s questions:

• Advantage of private vs County – assume County would max the mix; reimbursement paid based on average; Average Case Mix Index – average score of residents; higher score means higher reimbursement
• Successful; not allow things to lie on table that could get reimbursed; not mix of type of patients but within the patients
• MDS – measure created by gov’t for case mix index on each resident; discusses different depts – psychosocial, social, rehab, nursing, activities, ADLS; different measure for rating each resident – want a good mix of those
• Train staff for better care, the score will go up; teach to capture the requirement

Ms. Carhart stated the people that are difficult to place have clinical issues and things that are over and above. Upstate Services is capturing the case mix to get to a rate, but it is also indicative of how sick people are.

Mr. Camerota:

• NYS Medicaid has a pie – higher the case mix, the bigger the piece of pie
• Upstate Services job to ensure staff understands regulations; 3 days in hospital, have Medicare and coming to Upstate Services, then need access to Medicare benefits - it is not just for rehab but also for staying in nursing home
• Bridging rehab to nursing, max Medicare Part A dollars – either Medicare to pay for first 100 days of stay or private funds, private insurance or Medicaid system
• Medicare Part B – therapy, decline in long term care but paid in Medicare; pick up and get therapy on part B side
• Not just expenses and cutting; go to top half to drive reimbursements, max revenue so there is no cutting of expenses

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mr. Jordan’s questions:

• Higher level of care required, then higher case mix – making sure to train staff so nothing is left that can’t bill for

Mr. Camerota commented that no one will know the transition from one day to the next happened.  From the resident’s perspective, one night to the next, they will be sleeping, and the next morning it will be potentially under new ownership, but their day will not be interrupted.  Mr. Steif stated the same is true for the staff.

1.     Van Duyn:  Lori Tarolli, Chief Deputy County Attorney; Ann Rooney, Deputy County Executive Human Services

        a.     Approving the Classification of an Unlisted Action Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act; Declaring Lead Agency Status; Accepting the Short Environmental Assessment Form; and Accepting and Adopting the Negative Declaration for the Transfer of Van Duyn Home and Hospital (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

A motion was made by Mr. Shepard, seconded by Mr. Jordan, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     A Resolution Authorizing The Demolition Of The S-1 Building On The Van Duyn Campus In And For The County Of Onondaga, New York, At A Maximum Estimated Cost Of $2,500,000, And Authorizing The Issuance Of $2,500,000 Bonds Of Said County To Pay Costs Thereof ($2,500,000) (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        c.     Authorizing The Sale of The Van Duyn Home and Hospital Real Property and Related Operations, Authorizing the County to Lease Back Van Duyn Home and Hospital to Operate said Facility During the Transition Period, Amending Resolution No. 159-1999 Regarding the Disposal of Surplus Property, and Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Agreements to Implement this Resolution (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        d.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Make Available Funding with Respect to the Sale of Van Duyn Home and Hospital ($2,000,000)(Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

Mrs. Tarolli:

• Part of transaction; special revenue fund; no separate books; needed cash amount for vendor

A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        e.     A Local Law Amending Article 11 of the Onondaga County Administrative Code Regarding Long Term Care Services and Van Duyn Home and Hospital (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

Mrs. Tarolli:

• Amending code - provision of long term care services; new vision of how department integrated

Mrs. Rooney:

• Maintaining two positions; Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Services
• Still Long Term Care Services County will be providing
• Community Services component - residents can call and navigate system for those unfamiliar; anticipating moving adult protective in SS under this; more comprehensive services absent ownership of nursing home
• More formal coordination; more formal alignment in 2014 budget; paperwork change; housed in Civic Center

Mrs. Tarolli agreed with Mr. Shepard that Long Term Care may be too broad a term so they are considering a name change.

A motion was made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

2.     HEALTH:  Cynthia Morrow, MD, Commissioner; Linda Karmen, Deputy Commissioner; Ellen Wilson, Fiscal Officer

        a.     Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into an Agreement with Oneida County for the Provision of Medical Examiner Services, Amending the 2013 Adopted Budget to Appropriate Funds, and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into Agreements to Implement this Resolution ($487,000)

Dr. Morrow:

• Oneida County agreement; Oneida ME agreement did pass on 12/12/12; here to request proceeding with contract

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     A Local Law Relating to Fees Established Through the Onondaga County Sanitary Code and Collected by the Onondaga County Health Department, as Previously Amended by Local Law No. 16-2002

Ms. Karmen:

• Address local law for adding fees to tanning facilities; Health Department issuing permits for tanning salon
• Fee for permit and charge for bi-annual inspections for tanning equipment; add fees to those fees in local law
• Taking program over locally; address complaints quickly; new under age requirements added in August - 17 have to have parental permission, under 17 cannot use indoor tanning; 18 or older need driver license or photo id
• Incorporate into inspections; current trainers cross trained; fees in Article VI revenue to offset costs
• Verify person there has photo id; facility maintains who visits and frequency which is state law; they may have the license number on the form
• Bi-annual inspection per tanning device; 5 tanning beds charging $250 for each; required by law
• Adding fees because not done previously and enforcement of regulation; estimated revenue of $16,500; approximately 50 facilities, revenue based on estimate

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:42 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie McNamara, Assistant Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

* * *

WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 17, 2012

David Knapp, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Jordan, Mr. May, Mr. Stanczyk, *Mr. Holmquist, Mrs. Ervin

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mr. Kilmartin

ALSO PRESENT:  Chairman McMahon, Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Ryan; see attached list

Chairman Knapp called the meeting to order at 8:54 a.m.  A motion was made by Mr. May, seconded by Mr. Jordan to waive the reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.  A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.

1.     OCPL:

        a.     Transfer from Supplies & Materials 693000 ($7,000) and Library Books and Materials 693230 ($1,200) to Maintenance, Utilities & Rents 694130 ($8,200)

2.     PARKS AND RECREATION:  Nathaniel Stevens, Administrator

        a.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Provide Additional Funding for Equipment for the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into Contracts to Implement this Resolution ($49,000)

        b.     Transfer from Maintenance Utilities and Rents 663460 ($70,000) to Automotive Equipment 671500

Mr. Stevens responded to Mr. Jordan’s question reference item 2a:

• Fund is proceeds and principles – plot cost is $500:  $450 goes to Parks operating revenue, $50 goes to this fund
• Principle generates interest; access of $200,000 in account; in past purchased trucks, mowers; this is in line with past purchases and was approved by VURB; the vehicles were approved as part of the budget

Mr. Stevens responded to Mr. May that the fund can be used to for cemetery expansion, but it is specifically meant for expenses like mowers.  It does cover capital requirements. 

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve the items on the consent agenda.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE REGULAR AGENDA

1.     PURCHASE:

        a.     Revenue Contract Report – Sean Carroll, Director – NO REPORT

2.     CNY ARTS:

        a.     3rd Quarter Report – ON FILE

3.     FINANCE:

        a.     Southwood Jamesville Water District Tax Town of DeWitt Apportionment

        b.     Southwood Jamesville Water District Tax Town of Onondaga Apportionment

        c.     Southwood Jamesville Water District – General Apportionment

        d.     Warners Water District Tax, Town of Camillus Apportionment

        e.     Warners Water District Tax, Town of Van Buren Apportionment

        f.      Warners Water District Tax – General Apportionment

        g.     2013 Town Tax Rates, Fixed, Ratified and Confirmed

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve items 3a through 3g.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

4.     EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:  Kevin E. Wisely, Commissioner

        a.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Accept Homeland Security Funds for the Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management, and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into Contracts to Implement this Resolution ($55,000)

• Funds for Regional Hazardous Response Team; operate as fiscal fiduciary centrally located; work with Madison, Oswego and City of Syracuse; utilized to maintain equipment

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

5.     SHERIFF:  John Balloni, Chief, Civil Department

        a.     Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into Lease Agreement

• Request from Great Northern Mall; give office to work out of; gives mall presence of Sheriff; place for work and reports
• 1,000’s of shoplifter complaints; need the space; law working on wording - sent standard lease
• Malls provide their own security; criminal complaint needs to have police involvement for investigation, arrest, etc.
• DestiNY has Syracuse police response; Great Northern has no local so Sheriff response; Clay is County Sheriff
• No cost - contingency required; not permanently staffed, only when needing the office; mall gets appearance of Sheriff

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan to approve this item.

Mr. Stanczyk requested a listing of outposts the Sheriff’s Department has. 

Mrs. Tarolli responded to Chairman Knapp that she is comfortable that both parties will be agreeable.

Mr. May seconded the motion to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

6.     HEALTH:  Linda Karmen, Deputy Commissioner

        a.     Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into an Agreement with Oneida County for the Provision of Medical Examiner Services, Amending the 2013 Adopted Budget to Appropriate Funds, and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into Agreements to Implement this Resolution ($487,000) 

• Ask for approval - Oneida County for ME services; amend 2013 budget for appropriating $487,000
• Went through Health committee and was unanimous; gave prior info 2 months ago and reviewed
• Oneida – not continuing with coroner; asked to enter into contract for ME services with Onondaga County
• Priority of service – incorporated anticipated case load; added positions within 2013 budget; 2 existing vacant and adding a pathologist, also added a position in the 2013 budget; forensic investigators on contract in Oneida County

Dr. Stoppacher:

• Priorities – cases called in a certain time frame get number; first in, first out; homicide need more attention, top of list
• Never been Onondaga vs other counties; whatever is there gets done so need for additional staff
• The money is coming in from Oneida County, it is not in the Health Department’s budget

Mrs. Rooney responded to Mr. Stanczyk’s question:

• Approached by Oneida County, and their perspective wasn’t about cost - costs very similar; about quality of operation and lack of confidence in coroner system
• Elected coroners with the technical work - became difficult to make recommendations on whether an autopsy should be performed or not
• Approached Onondaga County because of quality of ME office; cost free reimbursable contract; reconcile at end of year; cost in line with what they experienced

Mr. Morgan’s responses to Mr. Stanczyk’s questions:

• Not billing admin costs; any additional costs by taking over that work will be covered including staff, fringes, supplies, additional costs and interdepartmental charges

Mrs. Karmen replied to Mr. May that there are positions that are being added to staff but there are also individuals who will be doing forensic investigations in Oneida County on contract.  Mr. May asked if they will be over and above.  Mr. Morgan responded the forensic investigators will be contracted to work on the scene, and this is built into the budget. 

Mr. Morgan replied to Mr. Jordan that the contract allows for flexibility and reconciliation.  Mr. Morgan stated when there is more experience with this, there will be a better idea of what the actual costs will be.  Mr. Morgan agreed with Mr. Stanczyk that the internal charges are included.

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

7.     VETERANS SERVICES:  Ann Rooney, Deputy County Executive Human Services

        a.     Confirming appointment of Corliss I. Dennis as Director of the Veterans Service Agency

• Corliss Dennis came from Veteran’s Administrative Hospital; honorably discharged veteran from Iraq conflict

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Rooney’s response to Chairman Knapp’s questions:

• Dramatic increase with number of veterans coming back and state cutting back; department seeing huge increase
• Partnership approval with service center – moving forward and Corliss Dennis the point person

8.     VAN DUYN:  Lori Tarolli, Chief Deputy County Attorney; Ann Rooney, Deputy County Executive Human Services

        a.     Approving the Classification of an Unlisted Action Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act; Declaring Lead Agency Status; Accepting the Short Environmental Assessment Form; and Accepting and Adopting the Negative Declaration for the Transfer of Van Duyn Home and Hospital

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. May to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     A Resolution Authorizing the Demolition of the S-1 Building on the Van Duyn Campus in and for the County of Onondaga, New York, at a Maximum Estimated Cost of $2,500,000, and Authorizing the Issuance of $2,500,000 Bonds of Said County to Pay Costs Thereof ($2,500,000)

Upstate Services Presentation

Mr. Steif:

• Census means occupancy rate

*Mr. Holmquist arrived at the meeting.

Mr. Steif’s responses to Chairman Knapp’s questions:

• Safety net – hospitals combined to form a counsel, they list difficult to place patients and keep stats for local facilities; no other county works together for this
• 2009 at 52% for difficult to place patients; 2010 at 45%; 2011 at 53%; YTD close to 50%
• Capstone in Amsterdam – took over with 120 beds and 53 residents, today it’s full; either good representation or many residents that other nursing homes didn’t want to take; most nursing homes owned are at full occupancy

Chairman Knapp asked how a for-profit business does better at running the facility than the County, and still make a profit:

Mr. Steif’s response to Mr. May’s question about improving the case mix and preserving the safety net:

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mr. Jordan’s questions reference hard to place patients and other local nursing homes:

Mr. Steif responded to Mrs. Ervin that the staff will have to decide which union they would like to join.  Central Park, Pine Valley and the nursing home in Rome are all unionized facilities.  There are some that are not.  Chairman Knapp asked if Upstate has done an analysis of the current staff.  Mr. Steif responded they have looked at it, and the rates are controlled by the market.  Some of the departments will be a little higher, some will be a little lower, but overall it is pretty level.  Mr. Steif stated he does not believe they are overstaffed.  There are about 50 empty beds, and Mr. Steif would like to fill the remaining beds which would require more staff.  Mr. Steif commented that people think a private entity will throw all the staff and residents out, but where would the new staff and 513 residents come from.  Upstate will work with the staff, and once the contract is signed, will have a transition committee to make the transition very smooth. 

Mrs. Rooney responded to Mrs. Ervin that in the contract there is an August 1st check date knowing the County will go into the 2014 budget with some uncertainty.  If there was not a good status check with Upstate on where they are with the certificate of need application, then there would adjustments made to the 2014 budget.  Mr. Steif commented that the Berger Committee has recommended many years that the County should get out of the nursing home business.  Upstate has good surveys and good inspections so Mr. Steif does not see why the NYS Department of Health would not be approve them.  Mr. Steif is not aware of any other operator that has had more receivership at the same time; receivership for eight facilities at the same time, and six happened overnight.  Upstate won two grants, and they do not give those to bad providers. 

Mr. Steif’s responses to Mrs. Rapp’s questions:

• Biggest challenge – getting to know each other; each facility is unique operating a certain way; try to keep seamless
• Another challenge - filling the beds; it is the largest facility; 2 buildings with 3 administrators
• Would like to have own nitch – figure out what the staff is good at, and create specialty units
• Work with Upstate Hospital with their goals; try to do training program they wanted to achieve
• Scale not a concern - Bridgewater a big jump at 356 beds; looking for space to move admin to the Van Duyn campus
• Different challenges with larger facility – education with staff
• Very few public facilities have changed hands successfully; independent nursing home cannot survive today
• If one facility is to go sour, have other facilities to work with; want it to be successful and will be successful

Mr. Stanczyk asked Mrs. Tarolli for a review of the financials for the transaction regarding Van Duyn.

Mrs. Tarolli’s response to Mr. Stanczyk:

• Needed two separate buyers - real estate buyer and operations buyer
• Hard assets (depreciable) – facility, real estate, furniture, fixtures and equipment go to OCDC and goes back to County in a lease agreement so the County can operate the facility while buyer gets approval – happens shortly
• At end, operating assets – tangibles, rights to receive payment, inventory, supplies and disposables go from County directly to LLC in Nov. 2013

Mrs. Rooney’s response to Mr. Stanczyk:

• Key financial terms of deal - purchase price of $5 mil; goes through OCDC in monthly installments over 5 year period; no interest mortgage; proceeds go from OCDC back to County
• Offset of purchase price:  $2 mil in operating cash; typical for new operator to need operating funds for bills, payroll since there is no revenue coming in to pay for it – little less than half a month of operating cash
• Another offset:  accts receivable, cut off of Nov 30th - anything outstanding will be collectable by new operator; had significant challenges over last several years in collection efforts; staffing challenges at Van Duyn
• Brought in Bonadio Group to assist with collections particularly in Medicaid and Medicare
• Another offset - demolition of S1 building; condemned; $2.5 mil bonding because amount of asbestos that has to be abated before bringing down

Mr. Morgan agreed with Mr. Stanczyk that the stranded costs are health care to retirees, and the estimated amount of stranded costs is $5 million per year for the foreseeable future.  The stranded costs also include interdepartmentals.  The retiree health is approximately $2 - $3 million, and the rest is interdepartmentals which will be spread to other parts of the County. 

Mrs. Rooney responded to Mr. Stanczyk that the accounts receivable is primarily Medicare and Medicaid.  There are some amounts that are uncollectable.  Mrs. Rooney stated the Law Department did a thorough review of the uncollectable amounts, and went after them but some of those should be written off.  Mr. Morgan replied to Mrs. Rooney that the ending balance in 2011 was $11 million.  Mrs. Rooney stated they don’t anticipate it being that high.  Mrs. Rooney responded to Mr. Stanczyk that there is reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid as long as the paperwork is filed in a timely fashion.  Mr. Stanczyk asked what the write off amount is.  Mrs. Rooney replied between $2 and $2.5 million.  Mrs. Rooney answered Mr. Stanczyk that ideally there would be nothing in accounts receivable but it looks to be approximately $2 - $2.5 million; Medicare, Medicaid and some private pay.  There has been Medicare/Medicaid debt written off; given one year to bill.  Mr. Morgan stated the Comptroller’s office has been assisting in receivables.  The goal of the date of transfer is to have the receivables tight, and there will be a better picture of where receivables are at the end of 2012.  Mrs. Ervin asked if some of those with debts are still residents of the facility.  Mrs. Rooney answered yes.  Mrs. Tarolli responded to Mrs. Ervin that they will still be cared for.  Mrs. Rooney stated some are pending with Medicaid.  Mr. Steif stated they will not throw anyone out.  They will try to get coverage day to day, and work with the families to get the applications.  Mrs. Rooney commented Upstate will work with the County’s Department of Social Services same as they do with Central Park for the Medicaid pending cases. 

Mr. Morgan responded to Mr. May that pension liability is not directly tied to an employee.  There will no longer be 500 employees in the retirement system.  Mr. Jordan stated there will be stranded costs but there will not be an increase.  Mr. Morgan commented the retirement is based on an aggregate of salaries.  Mr. Seitz stated the retirement bill is based on active employees, cost and tier; 500 less employees, then bill will drop the equivalent.  Mr. Seitz agreed with Mr. May that the County will still have to carry liability for the retirees. 

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        c.     Authorizing the Sale of the Van Duyn Home and Hospital Facility and Related Operations, Authorizing the County to Lease Back Van Duyn Home and Hospital to Operate Said Facility During the Transition Period, Amending Resolution No. 159-1999 Regarding the Disposal of Surplus Property, and Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Agreements to Implement this Resolution

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve this item.  Ayes:  5  Abstentions:  1 (Ervin); MOTION CARRIED.

        d.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Make Available Funding with Respect to the Sale of Van Duyn Home and Hospital ($2,000,000)

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk to approve this item.  Ayes:  5  Abstentions:  1 (Ervin); MOTION CARRIED.

        e.     A Local Law Amending Article 11 of the Onondaga County Administrative Code Regarding Long Term Care Services

Mrs. Rooney:

• County provides other adult services like community services
• Department of Aging; Department of Mental Health – vision to have these services combined under one umbrella -2014; Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for customer friendly support
• Separate department; SS components but separate; envision Aging being wrapped up within; calling one place

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. May to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

9.     ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION:  Gregg Tripoli, Executive Director

        a.     Amending the 2013 County Budget to Make Authorized Agency Funding Available for Use by the Onondaga Historical Association ($75,000)

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item. 

Chairman Knapp stated he would like Mr. Tripoli to keep the committee informed and up to date, and to stay in touch with any milestones.

Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

10.   PERSONNEL:

        a.     Correcting Clerical Errors in the Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution, and Amending Resolution No. 109-2012

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

11.   MANAGEMENT & BUDGET:  Steve Morgan, Chief Fiscal Officer

        a.     Authorizing the County Comptroller, Upon Approval of the Division of Management and Budget and the County Executive’s Office, to Transfer 2012 Unencumbered Appropriation Account Balances in Excess of $7,500 Into, Between, and Among All Interdepartmental Chargeback Appropriation Accounts and Adjust the Corresponding Interdepartmental Revenue Accounts

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     Authorize the County Comptroller to Transfer 2012 Unencumbered Appropriations After Expiration of the 2012 Fiscal Year Upon Approval of the County Executive and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

12.   WAYS AND MEANS MISCELLANEOUS:

        a.     Providing Continuous Individual and Family Dental and Health Insurance Benefits Through December 31, 2013 at County Expense for Those County Officers and Employees During Their Active Military Duty (Sponsored by Mr. Meyer)

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     Authorizing Onondaga County to Pay the Difference in Pay Between Military Pay and Base County Salary to County Officers and Employees While Performing Ordered Military Duty (Sponsored by Mr. Meyer)

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        c.     Reappointing Two Directors to the Onondaga County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation (Casey Jordan, David Knapp) (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        d.     Confirming Reappointments to the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District Board (David Knapp, Derek Shepard) (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Stanczyk to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMIE M. MCNAMARA, Assistant Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature