COUNTY FACILITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
JUDITH A. TASSONE, CHAIR
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Shepard
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Dougherty
ALSO PRESENT: See attached list
Chair Tassone called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp, seconded by Mr. Dougherty to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.
1. ONONDAGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Elizabeth Dailey, Executive Director
a. Amending the 2012 County Budget to Accept Additional CNY Library Resources Council Funds for the Onondaga County Public Library ($10,000)
- Grant – few years in a row; NYS; administered through The 3 R’s Counsels – local CLRC
- Awarded $10,000 for cataloging local history materials at Central Library as well as Baldwinsville and Solvay Libraries
- Hiring temp part time; in sublines on roster; people pulled in with expertise for local history cataloging
- Duration of grant: few hours a week only – almost a year to spend money and hope for another grant next year
A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp to approve this item.
- All libraries are involved in identifying special materials; every year different libraries chosen
Mr. Shepard seconded the item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
2. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Brian Donnelly, Commissioner
a. Authorizing the Onondaga County Commissioner of Transportation to be the Responsible Local Official for the New York State Department of Transportation’s Equitable Business Opportunities System, and Authorizing the County Executive to Enter into Agreements
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Establish Mr. Donnelly as responsible local official for Equitable Business Opportunities System
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Wholly electronic reporting system for Disadvantaged Business program (equivalent to County’s Minority in Women Business Enterprise system) – eliminate paperwork, same info but not hard copy; need someone from entity listed
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State has Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - same concept as MWBE where business, regardless if women minority owned, are identified through analysis as disadvantaged business
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Required: percentages on construction contracts to meet – system is reporting after fact of who came in, what percentages were met, efforts to meet the requirements and certified payrolls
- Resolution makes Mr. Donnelly the responsible officer for the electronic system
Mr. Rauber responded to Mr. Ryan that the percentages that DOT meets are dependent on the nature and size of the contract. The State has a sliding scale; $750,000 paving project currently has a 3% goal. There may be projects that will go up to around 12% as Mr. Donnelly mentioned. Mr. Rauber replied to Mr. Ryan that the goal is based on a table, and is set to meet. If the contractor cannot meet the percentage, then he has to show that he tried. Mr. Donnelly commented he has to show he tried to reach those numbers, and the State makes the determination whether it was a good effort or not. If not, they will suggest vendors to get them closer to reaching the numbers.
A motion was made by Mrs. Rapp, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
b. Amending Resolution No. 33-2012 to Increase the Authorization to Pay in the First Instance 100% of the Federal and State Aid Eligible Costs by an Additional $1,140,000 for the Construction Phase of Fremont Road Bridge Over the CSX Railroad, C.R. No. 136, C-906, Bin 3358210, Pin 3754.78 ($1,140,000)
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$1,140,000 – Fremont Road bridge; past Spring bid Costello Parkway and Fremont Brides together (1/4 mile apart and both cross CSX Railroad); enough federal funding to get under contract for Costello
- Bids came in high on Fremont; bid together but separate prices on bridges
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Did not enter under contract on Fremont at the same time, went back through SMTC; there were projects the State could not advance so DOT was able to free additional federal money – now able to get under contract
- Need authorization from Legislature to spend money upfront and get reimbursed
- $60,000 cost to County; 5% - construction is 80% federal, 15% state; design is 80% federal, no state
- Costello work has started; should be done mid to end of November
- Fremont expecting to start mid march (weather permitting) – hoping for light winter; anticipate to be done in 1 season
A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie M. McNamara, Assistant Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
KEVIN HOLMQUIST, CHAIRMAN
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Tassone, Mr. Ryan, Mr. May
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Dougherty
ALSO PRESENT: see attached list
Chairman Holmquist called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. A motion was made by Mrs. Tassone, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
1. PROBATION: Andrew Sicherman
a. Confirming Appointment of Andrew Sicherman as Commissioner of Probation
Mr. Sicherman thanked the committee for their consideration.
A motion was made by Mrs. Tassone, seconded by Mr. May to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED
Ms. Rooney noted, on behalf of the County Executive, she is thrilled that Mr. Sicherman has accepted the position and he has proven his worth.
2. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Kevin Wisely, Commissioner
a. Amending the 2012 County Budget to Accept Funds from the New York State Emergency Response Commission for Use by the Onondaga County Local Emergency Planning Committees ($4,703)
- NYS makes federal funds for local emergency planning committees - updating plans emergency response and preparedness
A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mrs. Tassone to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES – September 12, 2012
David Knapp, Chairman
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Stanczyk, Mrs. Ervin, Mr. Kilmartin, Mr. Jordan, *Mr. May
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Holmquist
ALSO PRESENT: see attached list
Chairman Knapp called the meeting to order at 9:50 a.m. A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk, to waive the reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk to approve the minutes of proceedings of the previous committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. ONONDAGA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
a. Amending the 2012 County Budget to Accept Additional CNY Library Resources Council Funds for the Onondaga County Public Library ($10,000)
2. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
a. Amending the 2012 County Budget to Accept Funds from the New York State Emergency Response Commission for Use by the Onondaga County Local Emergency Planning Committees ($4,703)
A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve the items on the consent agenda. AYES: 5; NOES; 0; ABSENT: 2 (May, Holmquist). MOTION CARRIED.
REGULAR AGENDA
1. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Brian Donnelly, Commissioner
a. Amending Res. No. 33-2012 to Increase the Authorization to Pay in the First Instance 100% of the Federal and State Aid Eligible Costs by an Addl. $1,140,000 for the Construction Phase of Fremont Rd. Bridge Over CSX Railroad, CR No. 136, C-906, BIN 3358210, PIN 3754.78 ($1,140,000)
Mr. Stanczyk asked about a coding system for roadways and bridges in Onondaga County. Mr. Donnelly explained that New York State DOT rates bridges every 2 years if they span in 20’ for more, regardless of ownership. The County has over 110 bridges over 20’. The State goes out every 2 years and looks at various structural elements of the bridge – piers, deck, seal, etc., and come up with a combined rating; a numeric ranking from 1 – 8, with 8 being the best (8 is only for a brand new bridge or one that has just been rehabilitated). Once the ranking falls to a 5 or below, it qualifies for federal funding. Bridges are looked at for being structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Structurally deficient doesn’t mean that the bridge is necessary unsafe, but may mean that an element of the bridge needs repair. Functionally obsolete means that a structure, if it were built today, would have certain features that wouldn’t meet today’s standards. County DOT can be called any time about the ratings; NYS publishes reports of every bridge in New York State and its current ratings. Mr. Stanczyk asked if the County has bridges that are less than 20’; Mr. Donnelly said that it does and they are rated internally by County DOT.
Mr. Stanczyk asked for a snapshot to be provided during the budget review process of the conditions of county bridges and county roads.
A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item. AYES: 5; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 2 (May, Holmquist)
2. WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION: Michael Lannon, Deputy Commissioner
a. Authorizing the County Executive to Enter into a Contract with the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, for the Operations and Maintenance of Stream Gaging Stations in the County of Onondaga County
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Agreement with US Dept. of Interior, Geological Survey – to share operation and maintenance costs for 9 discharge gage stations, one lake gage station, and re-caliberization of Bloody Brook gage statin
- County has entered into this agreement for past 10+ years with USGS.
- Data received used in Ambient Monitoring Program, mandated by NYS DEC for the ACJ
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Important to get data, couple it with analytical sampling data collected throughout the year – used in ambient monitoring reports sent to DEC on yearly basis
- County’s cost $87,720; USGS cost $42,710; ratios established by USGS
- Ratios have changed a little, a re-grading on a federal level was done
Mr. Jordan asked if the USGS provides the agreement and the county signs it. Mr. Lannon said they do.
*Mr. May arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Stanczyk asked what it measures. Mr. Lannon explained:
Mr. Stanczyk said that this is done by a machine, which provides data. Mr. Lannon agreed; and confirmed that for the concentration, personnel goes in and physically takes samples. Mr. Stanczyk asked if a machine can be put in there to get the same data instead of physically going in. Mr. Lannon said that it can be done for certain parameters, but for others a grab sample is needed. Mr. Stanczyk asked if a machine is being used for as much as it can be. Mr. Lannon said that they are, but there is a robust list of parameters wherein samples have to be collected right then and there. He noted that for a storm event sampling, they have to react to the weather right then; can’t always have a sampler set up due vandalism, batteries, etc. Chairman Knapp noted that some things need to go to a lab where a physical sample is need; Mr. Lannon agreed.
A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin. AYES: 5; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist).
3. MENTAL HEALTH: Robert Long, Commissioner
a. Amending the 2012 County Budget to Provide Funding for the “Be Safe” Initiative (Bath Salt Awareness and Education Initiative) to Combat the Use of Dangerous Synthetic Drugs, $15,783 (Sponsored by Mr. Kilmartin, Mr. Liedka)
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Appropriate $15,783 for synthetic designer drug education campaign, primarily targeted at high school youth, parents and school personnel to prevent spread of use in Onondaga County
- Joint initiative between Health Dept .and Mental Health Dept.
- Working to get Prevention Network and Poison Control Center to develop the materials
- $20,783 needed; $5,000 is coming from existing Mental Health Dept. budget to offset cost
Mr. Kilmartin thanked Commissioner Long, Dr. Morrow, and Anne Rooney for their hard work on this program recently. They have reached out to agencies in the county. He has received feedback from the community with a high level of excitement about this program; as it is very important public safety, mental health and health issue especially because of the spread of the substances continuing in Onondaga County and Central New York. It is a priority in schools because there is a high level of anxiety within schools that the use of these substances will continue as the school year gets started and through the fall and winter. Mr. Liedka has spoken to a number of people involved in this and has been actively involved in supporting it. One superintendent stated that he has seen the synthetic drug issue in his school district for over 2 years and it is growing. There is a great deal of public support for this and it is an important program. He noted that this an unusual use of fund balance for this; however, the likelihood of success and the critical nature of the sensitivity of the issue, is that these will be monies well spent.
Chairman Knapp asked how this will logistically work. Mr. Long explained that they are developing educational materials, forums and a train-the-trainer program. There will be 3 sets of materials which will focus on students, parents, and school personnel. The information will be posted on the County website as well as Prevention Network’s website and others. Additionally there will be one or two school forums where schools would be asked to come together for education and discussion regarding the issues around bath salts. Thirdly, there will be a training of trainers within school buildings who would be able to deliver this on an ongoing basis.
Mr. Kilmartin noted that there has been discussion about not only live presentations but also webcast; having it available to schools to utilize it at their disposal when it is convenient for them. The train the trainer program will allow trainers to go into different schools and get the message out about this issue. It is hoped to use the model going forward – a combination of materials, train the trainer and presentations. Webcasts will help keep down the long-term costs and make it very convenient for schools.
In answer to Mr. May, Mr. Long said that the $20,000 covers the development of material and delivery.
Mr. Jordan asked if the $20,000 is a gear up cost; will there be an annual cost. Mr. Long explained that for this particular initiative, they don’t anticipate an annual cost at this scope. At some point, things would need to be updated. Prevention Network, Poison Control Center, Health and Mental Health Departments have already started to look at this as a model for the future and are already talking about prescription opiates as the next potential target for this kind of initiative. Outside funding is being sought.
Mrs. Ervin asked if education is still done regarding other kinds of drugs. Mr. Long said it is; there are specific programs in some, not all, schools – Student Assistance Program and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Education Program (ADAPEP). ADAPEP targets elementary and some middle schools; Student Assistance targets high schools. Additionally, Prevention Network and some other agencies do ongoing regular updates and information. Prevention Network’s primary mission is to prevent the abuse of substances in Onondaga County.
A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mr. Stanczyk to approve this item. AYES: 6; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist); MOTION CARRIED.
4. PURCHASE: Sean Carroll, Director
a. Revenue Contract Report (report on file with Clerk)
Video Visitation:
- Cost going down to inmates – proposals less than last time
- Difference in how Correction and Sheriff operates there facilities due to the difference in turnover – Sheriff has high turnover; Jamesville does not
- Turnover affects the types of phone calls and features
- May be able to use one company for one facility and a different one for the other
- Obtaining information from Sheriff’s Dept.; once complete, will share with committee
Highland Forest:
- Number of vendors submitted proposals for catering
- Different models examined
1. Allow anyone hosting a party to hire whatever caterer they wanted. Ran numbers; by having a permanent caterer, someone would also run snack shop for winter sports with a permanent staff person. With multiple caterers, that would not exist and there would be an increase in Highland Forest budget.
2. Single caterer – feel it is a better plan. One vendor offered 20% of gross revenue, as opposed to 13% - about at $16,000 difference.
Concerns about 20% vendor; current vendor has made adjustments in the building, which would leave if they were no longer the vendor. First years there is nearly $0 cash difference – would need to buy a new stove and replace additional equipment. Concerns about proposed fee structure.
Reliance on vendor – Highland Forest location – having a vendor with a facility locally to the County facility is an advantage, as they can send staff people out when needed. Important that if County hosts and event at Highland Forrest, that the vendor will be a partner
- Recommend going with current vendor – current proposal was 12%; new proposal is 13% escalating to 14%
In answer to Mr. Stanczyk; Mr. Carroll explained that the contract is for 5 years; vendor can start booking now, and contract starts a year out. Contracts have to overlap because of planning weddings. The county receives $34,000 - $36,000. The vendor does about $250,000 of business at Highland Forest. Mr. Stanczyk suggested that the revenue contract report the income, the length of contract, and who is awarded the contract.
Mr. Jordan questioned the professional level of experience, referencing the recent transfer to a company who can market the Oncenter more effectively and raise revenues. If another company was selected that manages a wide variety of venues then perhaps the revenues could be higher. It seems the $250,000 per year is low; someone who is more business savvy could generate more revenue. Mr. Carroll explained that RFP committee looked at this; attended events by both vendors, looked at reputation, frequency the facility is booked now. It is booked consistently now. Also sometimes when a company comes in, it increased the cost to the customer. It may detract from the facility being an affordable place to hold a function. Mr. Jordan asked who handles the promotion of the venue and the cost of promoting it. The County makes the facility available; there was no proposals from the vendors to change that. Vendors proposed putting the information on their website. Promotion is done through Parks Dept. website. Customer reviews have been very strong for the current vendor as has word of mouth.
In answer to Mr. Stanczyk, Mr. Carroll said that the county would get 13% of the food costs from an event.
Mr. May referenced video visitation and suggested that more information be provided. There are 3 other huge areas of expense underneath that umbrella, either technology related or opportunity has to do with technology that should be explored. Arraignment needs to be looked at, need to look at how any of the physical technology being brought in could possibly support constant watch. He also believes there is an opportunity for telemedicine. He wants to make sure that the scope of these initiatives are taking all of this into consideration so that we are attacking the real bleep that is going on inside of that budget financially. Mr. Carroll said that the companies that provide video visitation and the phone service at the facilities are phone companies. They are not security companies; it is outside the business model for what these companies do. Mr. May said that there is infrastructure going in where these decisions and wants to be sure the whole picture as it is approached. Mr. Carroll said that there is very little exclusive infrastructure going in for phones or video visitation. There is a video line that has to be brought in. The security system at each facility is what would support the 24-hr. watch situation. He will defer to the respective departments, but believes the items brought up are legislative issues. Permission has to be granted from Dept. of Corrections for video arraignment or 24-hr. watch. Installing the technology into the buildings can be done very quickly. Mr. May said he wants to make sure they are being considered. Mr. Carroll noted that they were discussed, but the primary function of these companies if phone and video. Mr. Jordan added that we have to keep the vision in mind so that when they are added, the component is put in now to allow expansion to include the other elements. Mr. Carroll said that he doesn’t believe there is any overlap. Telemedicine was included in the RFP for video visitation; there is overlap there for the technology; 24 hr. watch is one way closed circuit video, which operates on a different systems. There is a technology overlap for video arraignment, but there is a policy issue.
Mr. May said that he intends to bring the matter back to Public Safety Committee, as that is where it should be more appropriately discussed.
Mr. Stanczyk referenced video arraignment and wants to make sure the system put in can to add this on--consider this as we do any new system – should be proactive and provide incentives/rewards for incarcerated people who have the right to physically go for arraignment, but give them an opportunity to, i.e. get a $25 credit in the commissary or something, if they try video arraignments. It is his understanding that they can volunteer now for a video arraignment. The structure should be in place and the incentives thought out to be put in place.
5. MISC.
a. Changing the Date of the November 2012 Legislative Session (Sponsored by Mr. McMahon)
Chairman Knapp noted that the November session falls on Elections; the resolution would move the session to Wednesday, November 7th.
Mr. Jordan noted that he was opposed to the change, as he has already set his work schedule around the original date and can’t be present on the 7th.
A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin, to approve this item. AYES: 5 (Knapp, Kilmartin, May, Ervin, Stanczyk); NOES: 1 (Jordan); ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist).
6. LAW DEPT.: Kathy Dougherty, Senior Deputy County Attorney
Mr. Jordan made motion to enter into executive session to discuss matter of James Tanner, individually and by and through his Power of Attorney, Debra Tanner, Plaintiff, vs. Van Duyn Home and Hospital, Onondaga Guild to the Van Duyn Home and Hospital, Inc., County of Onondaga Long Term Care and County of Onondaga. AYES: 6; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist); MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, second by Mr. Kilmartin to exit executive session and enter into regular session. AYES: 6; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist); MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Knapp noted for the record that no action was taken during executive session.
A resolution entitled “Authorizing the Settlement of the Action Filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Onondaga, James Tanner, Individually and by and through his Power of Attorney, Debra Tanner V. Van Duyn Home and Hospital, Onondaga Guild to the Van Duyn Home and Hospital, Inc., County of Onondaga Long Term Care and County of Onondaga” was introduced.
A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mrs. Ervin to approve this resolution. AYES: 6; NOES: 0; ABSENT: 1 (Holmquist); MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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