May
8, 2007 at 9:30 AM
Committee present: John Daniels, Chairman, Larry Cornell, Don Spaulding, Danny Ross, Ron VanDee Absent: Tom Williams, Vice Chair; Sean Clark.
Others present: Scott Schrader, Marilyn Brown, Susan Morgan, Lee Price, Bob Duell, Ric VanDonsel, James Seamon, Mike Quinn, Jim Mulhern, Eric Mulvihill, Corey Preston
Meeting called to order by Mr. Daniels at 9:32 AM.
On the motion of
Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Spaulding and all voting aye, minutes of April 10,
2007 were approved.
SUGGESTED LEGISLATIVE REVIEW
Fire/EM
On motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Spaulding and all voting aye, Agenda No. 1 Renew Agreement Cortland County and Suit-Kote Corporation was approved.
Discussion: Mr. Duell stated this is the annual renewal for fire training only this year it is being proposed for a two-year period.
Sheriff’s Department
On motion of Mr.
Cornell, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No. 2 was introduced. Mr. Daniels
offered an amendment to the resolution to change the amount to $4,000.00. Lee
Price said that the price was reduced because we were under 50,000 population. He added that this is money received from Gary Finch. All members voting
aye Agenda No. 2 Authorize Agreement/Amend Budget (Offender Watch) was
approved.
DISCUSSION/COMMITTEE ACTION
Department Head Forum
Sheriff Price said he has a Mercedes that was impounded and it will not
pass inspection and is looking to sell and/or trade the vehicle. Mr. Schrader
said it is required to go out for bid and he will work with the Sheriff on
that.
The Sheriff reported that the 911 Center is up and running and they are
now working on the maintenance of filing cabinets. The radio is complete
except the interagency frequency. He further discussed the meeting with the
City regarding consolidating with a Public Safety Building in the City. He
urged legislators to give him direction regarding the Jail. We need to start
discussions with the State Commission if it is feasible to add on to this
facility. Right now we only have one boarded out prisoner but that fluctuates
and is costly. The Sheriff offered a tour of the Jail to any legislator who
has not done so. Further he said the property on Bernie Road and the Buckbee
Mears property have been speculated and have many unanswered questions. The
tax status and contamination of Buckbee Mears were discussed. He suggested
that the Committee meet with the State Commission to move forward. The
Committee agreed that possibly it could be arranged that they meet at the
Public Safety Building for their next meeting and arrange to meet with State
Commission personnel.
The Sheriff said that the Public Safety Building consolidation concept
has many advantages but cannot be located outside of the City. Mr. VanDee
asked if we could do it with satellite TV. The Sheriff said that the prisoners
won’t agree to that. Mr. Daniels said he thought that the judges also couldn’t
arraign outside of their jurisdiction. Mr. VanDonsel confirmed that to be
true. Mr. Schrader said if we had District Courts it would be possible. The
District Court concept has been discussed for years and nothing has been
implemented. Mr. Spaulding asked if we build a new jail or add on to the
present one, do we foresee prisoners coming to us as a potential revenue
source. Sheriff Price answered yes stating that Tompkins County would be a
potential.
Mr. Duell spoke of the new facility built by Chenango County that was
designed to take in prisoners and suggested that the Committee tour that
facility. The Committee agreed that is a good idea and it should be arranged
to go as a group.
Ms. Goldner addressed her annual report that was received and filed at
the last legislative session and said if there are any questions to let her
know. She added they have 600 probationers in this County and although
electronic monitoring reduces the cost to the County it doesn’t reduce the
crime rate.
Mr. Schrader updated the Committee on the Conflict Attorney vacancy. He
said the position was advertised and they received 6 applicants. They
scheduled interview for 3 interested candidates and only 2 of the 3 responded.
He hopes to have a recommendation ready for the next meeting. He further
reported that two invoices from assigned counsels from 2005 have been rejected
for payment due to the 30-day provision for payment in the Local Law. He said
we may see costs up for the next two months for assigned counsel due to that.
He added that in the Criminal Justice System consolidation, the Domestic
Violence Court has been analyzed by Mr. Hartnett. He has objected to the State
and has asked the State for funding assistance. The concern is “boutique
courts” dedicated to certain problems and becoming burdensome on budgets and
staffing at a local level. Mr. Hartnett said he voiced concern, not objection
that we are being asked to do more with no funding and/or additional staff.
Further the State doesn’t seem to understand our budget cycle. They
requested this in July and I had no money in my budget to implement it. Mr.
Schrader explained that with the Treatment Courts we went kicking and
screaming and advised that we can’t just walk into this, as it has no local
benefit. Mr. Hartnett said the goal is consolidation. Mr. VanDonsel added it
might require an additional judge. Ms. Goldner suggested that this be called a
“problem solving court” not a boutique. Mr. Schrader repeated that they
would work if we had District Courts.
Mr. Hartnett reported that he applied for a grant for $4,300. for ADA
recruitment & retention and will be submitting a resolution to the
Committee upon final approval. Mr. Schrader said that will need to be
discussed further as we have a Management Plan, therefore he will need to see
the specifics of the Grant. Mr. Hartnett questioned how we can turn down money
from the State. Mr. Schrader answered, when it cost the County more in the
long run. Mr. Hartnett concluded saying to legislators that we have had three
studies regarding the Jail. His advice is to stop studying and just get it
done.
Mr. Schrader concluded by commending the Sheriff’s Department,
Probation, Public Defender and District Attorney departments for all their
efforts to reduce out-boarding cost.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:16 AM
cc:
All Legislators
Robert Duell, Fire/EM
Bonnie Doughty, Web Page
Scott Schrader, County Administrator
Lee Price, Sheriff
Jane Goldner, Probation
David Hartnett, District Attorney
Keith Dayton, Public Defender
Coroners
News Media
Minutes prepared by: Susan Morgan, Clerk