Committee Present: Larry Cornell, Chair, Mike McKee, Vice Chair, Sandy Price, Don Spaulding, John Troy, Tom Williams. Absent: Steve Dafoe
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Danny Ross, Scott Schrader, Dennis Whitt, Richard VanDonsel, Susan Morgan, Annette Barber, Elizabeth Larkin, Thomas Buttino, Jim Buttino
Meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM.
Minutes of April 12, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved.
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Suggested Legislative Review in Bold
Chairman, Larry Cornell moved
the discussion item-Authorize Contract with System East: County Clerk
to be considered first on the Agenda. Ms. Larkin explained the background
saying that it has been previously discussed and Mr. Schrader has advised her
that a resolution will be presented to Budget and Finance Committee. Mr.
Cornell said that is because Mr. Schrader wants to add two additional
departments for the resolution. Ms. Larkin introduced Thomas and Jim Buttino
from Systems East who explained the program capabilities. Mr. Cornell asked if
it could be used for the Landfill. Mr. Buttino replied yes. Ms. Price asked
what 3 departments are being proposed. Mr. Schrader said along with the County
Clerk it would include Real Property and the Treasurer’s Office. He wants
the Treasurer’s Office to experience both sides of the transactions to
understand the flow of information. It is important to understand that a
transaction goes through a clearinghouse for payment that does not break out
expenses by department. There are a couple of snags that need fine-tuning:
contested payments and how refunds are handled. We are unable to include the
Landfill and/or the Airport, as they do not have internet access at those
sites. Ms. Tytler asked if payment access can be made on our website. Mr.
Buttino said that a link would be made with minimalpayments.com. Mr. Schrader
added that the software does not accommodate cash so we are talking to our
external auditor to make sure that is addressed. Ms. Tytler asked if there was
any cost to the County. Mr. Buttino said no, that there is a site fee paid for
by the user that covers the cost of delivery to the County and his company.
Mr. Cornell asked how long have they been in business. Mr. Buttino said they
have been in business since 1981, have worked with the County in the past,
they are based in Cortland and have this system in place in 6 different
states. He added that they are waiving enrollment and renewal fees for the
County for five years.
RESOLUTIONS:
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Spaulding Agenda No. 1: Amend Budget/Authorize Contractual Agreement Info Quick Solutions, Inc. was unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION: None
On motion of Mr. Spaulding, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 2: Amend Budget, Transfer Funds Personnel/Civil Service was unanimously approved.
DISCUSSION: Chairman asked why this is so high. Ms. Barber said that they have budgeted the past three years and did not reach the budgeted amount. There are no predictors for this item. Mr. Cornell asked if this covers us for the year. Ms. Barber replied she hopes so.
Vacancy Report-Personnel
Mr. Troy asked the status of the Conflict Attorney. Mr. Schrader said a resolution was discussed in the Judiciary/PS Committee and there will be a resolution submitted to the full legislature for the next session. That resolution lacked a name because we had two viable candidates. One had problem starting in a timely fashion and uncertain with the salary, however they have been resolved. He hopes to present appointment by email later this week. Mr. Troy asked about the Psychiatrist. Mr. Schrader said the candidate did not take the job; defaulted on the offer. The Health Committee approved a resolution to hire a headhunter to assist the County recruitment and that will be considered at the next legislative meeting. Mr. McKee asked why three on-call Hospice RPN’s all resigned within a week. Ms. Barber said they were inactive and we were just cleaning up files.
Rules of Order
Mr. Troy requested this item for discussion due to the situation two meetings ago where the speaker exceeded her time limit and was disrespectful to the Legislature. He asked that the committee look at the rules to avoid future situations of this sort. Ms. Price explained that the Privilege of the Floor section was new to the rules to try it out and see where it goes. Discussion followed on various ways of handling this situation such as taking microphone control, allowing speaker opportunity to finish after three minutes, using visible timer devices and how other counties address the issue. Mr. Whitt advised the Committee that this is all about public perception. There is a need for an identifier, designated Sergeant of Arms and establish a protocol with the legislature when the situation gets out of hand to recess the meeting. Mr. Cornell said he doesn’t believe this requires a rule change but developing a process on how we do things. Mr. VanDonsel asked who would be selected as the Sergeant of Arms. Mr. Whitt said that the Sheriff would designate.
Mr. Williams asked the committee to consider a policy allowing County employees to use the bus line for free to ease parking and save on energy costs. Mr. Ross said he would put that on the next Planning agenda.
Ms. Price requested that the County Historian provide an update on the Bicentennial plans to the committee for their next meeting.
On the motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Spaulding the committee moved into executive session at 10:10 AM to discuss a personnel matter.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:15 AM
C/
Legislators
Richard
Van Donsel, Co. Attorney
Scott Schrader, County Administrator
Robert Howe, Election Commissioner
Annette Barber, Personnel
William Wood, Election Commissioner
Betsy Larkin, Co. Clerk
Jeremy Boylan, County Historian
Prepared
by Susan Morgan, Clerk