May
6, 2008 at 9:30 AM
DRAFT
MINUTES
Other Legislators/Staff Present:
Scott Schrader, County Administrator;
Others Present: Eric Mulvihill, WXHC News Director; Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard Reporter Ken Smith, Homer Avenue Methodist Church; Jim LeFever, Former Fire/Emergency Management Director; Ronald Dennison, First National Bank of Dryden; Paula Currie, Walden Place Director; Ronald Schultz, Suit-Kote
The meeting was called to order at 10:00a.m. by Chairman Tom Williams
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 8, 2008 MEETING MADE BY MR. SPAULDING - 2ND BY MR. PIOMBO - ALL PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – MINUTES APPROVED
RESOLUTIONS
1. Accept FY07 State Homeland Security Grant Program Fire & Emergency Management
(NYS Office of Homeland Security-C838470) – MOTION BY MR. SPAULDING - 2ND BY MR. ROSS - ALL PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR WITH ACCOUNT NUMBERS BEING AMENDED – MOTION PASSES
Discussion: Mr. Schrader explained that this grant will be used for tower improvement and tower equipment. Mr. Schrader pointed out that the account numbers were incorrect and needed to be corrected before this resolution goes to the full Legislature.
2. Discontinue Monitoring Alarms Sheriff's Department – MOTION BY MR. PIOMBO - 2ND BY MR. HARTNETT – NO VOTE TAKEN – ITEM TABLED
Discussion: Mr.
Williams explained that they would like to discontinue monitoring alarms
because the equipment is aging out and the system does not have redundancy.
Mr. Williams thought that the consumer would be better served by a
private provider. Mr. LeFever,
former Fire/Emergency Management Director advised the Committee that they
started monitoring the alarms in the early 1980’s.
Mr. Hartnett pointed out that Walden Place and the First National Bank
of Dryden are fairly new so if we did not want to monitor the alarms then why
is this service being promoted. Mr.
Hartnett further stated that he has a problem with telling businesses and
individuals that this service can be provided and then taking it away.
Mr. Smith and the congregation at the Homer Avenue Methodist Church are
concerned that this service is being dropped.
A lot of the members of the church are senior citizens. Mr. Denniston,
President of the First National Bank of Dryden stated that he is concerned
about the response time would be longer. A
few minutes in a robbery would make a difference.
Mr. Denniston indicated that they would be willing to pay for the
service. Ms. Currie, Director of
Walden Place stated that she is also concerned about the response time.
She has senior citizens and ambulances need to go there a lot.
Right now they have a rapid response time.
Ms. Currie further stated that they are also willing to pay.
Mr. Shultz from Suit-Kote indicated that a private company would serve
their purpose so discontinuing the alarm monitoring would not affect them.
Mr. Williams asked how much it would cost to update the system.
Mr. Wagner indicated that he does not have exact figures but it is in
the ballpark of $32,000. Mr.
Wagner advised the Committee that they would also have to duplicate at the
backup 911 Center in Cortlandville too so that is an additional $32,000. If
we updated and started charging a monthly fee it would take a long time to
re-coup that money. Mr. Schrader
pointed out that the list of businesses and individuals is not updated and
accurate. The people speaking
today are not even on the list. Mr.
Williams commented that 3rd party providers may have a problem
competing with the County. Mr.
Williams asked Sheriff Price and Mr. Wagner to bring more accurate figures and
information to the next meeting about updating the system.
Mr. Loomis said that Tompkins County does not have a fee schedule and
that they charge just to cover their expenses.
They also worry about response time.
Mr. Loomis would be willing to bring someone in from Tompkins County to
discuss this issue. He will also
get a copy of the local law. Mr.
Schrader warned the Committee of the additional costs associated with charging
a fee such as the cost of the software for billing and hiring more staff.
The Treasurer’s Office is understaffed as it is and the 911 Center
doesn’t have the staff either. Ms. Price commented that she feels
this issue is important to people and would like to see the service continued.
MOTION TO TABLE TO DAY
CERTAIN MADE BY MR. ROSS – 2ND BY MR. HARTNETT – ALL PRESENT
VOTING IN FAVOR – MOTION TO TABLE PASSES
3. Intermunicipal Agreements – MOTION BY MR. HARTNETT - 2ND BY MR. PIOMBO ALL PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – MOTION PASSES
Discussion: Sheriff Price explained that every year Schuyler County requests mutual aid for their car racing at Watkins Glen. This is no expense to Cortland County. Schuyler County takes on all the responsibility. We send equipment and manpower. This is the first time we have had an agreement with them. Schuyler County even takes the responsibility of any injuries incurred by our staff and would also be responsible for any 207C that was filed.
4.
Authorize Agreement Probation
Department/Electronic Monitoring (BI
Incorporated) – MOTION BY MR. LOOMIS - 2ND BY MR. SPAULDING - ALL
PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – MOTION PASSES
Discussion:
Mr. Loomis asked how many people are using the electronic monitoring.
Mr.
DISCUSSION/REPORTS
Coroner’s Transports – Moved to next month’s meeting
Sheriff - Sheriff Price indicated that things are going well. There are extra dispatchers working on Friday and Saturday nights and during the college weekend. 6 females are currently housed out from the jail.
District Attorney – DA Hartnett hired new ADA, Veronica Krause and she is working out very well. He also thanked the Personnel Office for their assistance. One of the requirements is 1 year experience after passing the bar.
MEETING TIME – Mr. Williams advised the Committee that the Judiciary & Public Safety Committee will start at 10:00a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40a.m.
Minutes taken and prepared by