Personnel Committee

January 17, 2008 – 9:00 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Present:                      Larry Cornell, Chairman; Tony Piombo, Vice Chairman; Steve Dafoe, Sandy Price, Dan Tagliante, John Troy and Kathie Wilcox

Others present:          John Daniels, Chairman, County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Carol Tytler, Legislator; Kathie Arnold, Legislator; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Laurie Gosse, Deputy Personnel Officer; Bob Howe, Board of Elections; Bill Wood, Board of Elections; Jeremy Boylan, County Historian; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard

Mr. Cornell called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Mr. Cornell announced that he had asked Mr. Piombo to be Vice Chair of the Personnel Committee.  Mr. Troy made a motion to make Tony Piombo the Vice Chair of the Personnel Committee; seconded by Ms. Wilcox.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; Mr. Piombo appointed as Vice Chair of Personnel Committee.

Mr. Troy moved adoption of the minutes of the December 6, 2007 meeting; seconded by Ms. Price.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

DISCUSSION:

ELECTIONS OFFICE

Mr. Wood distributed a sample ballot for the February 5, 2008 Presidential Primary and discussed the changes.  He further discussed consolidation of polling places.  He stated that cards are being sent to individuals notifying them of polling places being changed.  He further stated that the one reason for consolidation is the decrease in the number of inspectors.  Mr. Cornell inquired as to the reason for the shortage of inspectors.  Mr. Wood explained that the inspectors are aging and they are nervous about the new machines.  He did state that he has tapped into the college population in regards to being inspectors but then added that new inspectors need to be trained.  Mr. Wood further discussed the implementation of handicapped accessible machines in the fall of 2008 and the training being more complicated.  He added that they would need to think about more consolidation in the near future.  Mr. Wood discussed space specifications for the 2008 Primaries in September.  Mr. Schrader questioned the availability of new voting machines by September.  Mr. Wood discussed not replacing the lever machines and added there is a need for 41 marking devices.  He further discussed handicapped machines at each polling place.  He explained that the 41 marking devices are a temporary solution and the total cost would be approximately $250,000.  He explained that the County has received $550,000 in HAVA funding.  Committee members discussed concerns regarding the spending of $250,000 for a temporary solution of the $550,000 in HAVA funds.  Mr. Wood stated that the Federal Government regulates this.  Mr. Cornell stated that 1% of the taxes are being thrown out the window for a temporary solution.  Mr. Wood discussed a meeting he attended on December 7, 2007 regarding the situation and further stated that there has been no progress.  Mr. Howe explained that polling districts in Homer have been consolidated.  Mr. Piombo inquired about consolidation in the City of Cortland.  Mr. Wood expressed that more consolidation could be implemented but reminded Committee members that there are stipulations as to the total number of registered voters per polling place.  Mr. Cornell inquired if the Committee could create a resolution to send to the floor expressing the need for more money.  Mr. Schrader cautioned Committee members and reminded them that there has not been any machines certified and they do not know how much more money will be needed because the cost of the machines is not known yet. 

RESOLUTIONS:

COUNTY HISTORIAN

1.                  Accept Funds, Bicentennial Oral History Project – Mr. Taglienete moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Boylan explained that this is a grant to obtain equipment for an oral history project.  He discussed the project and the goal of having the schools involved in the project.  He explained that this would be putting together 10 - 15 minute documentary pieces and have them available through out the County.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION:

PERSONNEL

1.                  Vacancy Report – A Vacancy Report was distributed to Committee members.  Mr. Troy inquired about the position of Assistant Director of Information Technology.  Ms. Gosse explained that the position was created in 2007 and has recently been filled.  Ms. Price inquired about the Accountant position.  Ms. Gosse explained that Ms. Barber has been working with Mr. O’Mara regarding this vacancy.  Mr. Dafoe inquired about the Assistant Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds.  Mr. Schrader explained that the position has been filled but added that he will have him available at the Legislative Session.  Ms. Wilcox inquired about the Senior Elections Clerk vacancy.  Ms. Gosse expressed that it had recently been filled. 

2.                  Code of Ethics – Mr. Troy explained that he and Mr. McKee have had a meeting with Mr. Schrader and Mr. Whitt.  He expressed that Mr. Whitt distributed a large amount of material he obtained regarding the Code of Ethics.  Mr. Schrader explained that he and Mr. Whitt are going to put together a draft Code of Ethics as requested by Mr. McKee and Mr. Troy.  Ms. Price expressed that she shared a copy of TC3’s Code of Ethics and stated that TC3 employees are required to sign this annually.  Mr. Tagliente inquired if the draft Code of Ethics would be available at the next meeting.  Mr. Schrader expressed that it would be baring any unforeseen problems.  Mr. Troy stated if not at the February meeting then at the March meeting. 

Mr. Cornell discussed the desire of the Committee when to hold the Personnel Committee meeting.  Committee members discussed leaving the meeting time the same. 

Mr. Tagliente made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Cornell adjourned the meeting at 9:22 a.m.