Fleming public meetings in 2022
35 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Legislature
The Legislature ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Sheriff’s Employees Association of Cayuga, Inc. The agreement covers the period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.
- Approved Collective Bargaining Agreement with Sheriff’s Employees Association of Cayuga, Inc. (all in favor)
- Entered Executive Session for contract negotiations (all in favor)
- Exited Executive Session (all in favor)
Board of Health
The Board approved a new videoconferencing policy and revised the Board of Health hearing process. Members also approved several hearing and consent orders and voted to send a letter to the Governor regarding delays in reviewing Owasco Lake Watershed Rules and Regulations.
- Approved minutes from November 22, 2022 meeting
- Approved claims with warrant dates 11/10/22 and 11/22/22 and credit card statements 10/29/22 and 11/15/22
- Adopted videoconferencing policy as written by County Attorney’s office
- Approved hearing and consent orders for 10 properties/businesses including Lakebreeze Subdivision and Giuseppe’s Pizzeria
- Approved revised Board of Health hearing policy
- Approved sending a letter to the Governor regarding NYSDOH delays on Owasco Lake Watershed Rules and Regulations
Community Services Board
The Board reviewed proposals for the distribution of $475,892 in Opioid Settlement Funds. Members unanimously decided to move the detailed analysis of these proposals to an executive session using a developed rubric.
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes
- Unanimously decided to discuss Opioid Settlement Fund proposals in executive session
General Municipal Law 239-l, m & n Review Committee
The Committee reviewed two items from the Town of Sterling and found no intermunicipal concerns for a solar farm amendment and recommended approval of a wellhead protection law. The committee also approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022 meeting with one correction.
- Approved November 17, 2022 minutes with correction to Town of Cato case (All AYE)
- Determined Town of Sterling solar farm SUP amendment is of local concern only (All AYE)
- Recommended approval of Town of Sterling Wellhead Protection Overlay District local law (All AYE)
Legislature
The Legislature adopted the 2023 County budget, including a 1.0% increase to the tax levy. It also approved tax levies for towns, fire districts, and the City of Auburn, while authorizing several new personnel positions and service contracts.
- Adopted 2023 County Budget with a 1.0% tax levy increase
- Approved 2023 tax levies for towns and fire districts
- Directed $8,960,505.56 tax levy against the City of Auburn for 2023
- Approved 3.0% salary increase for Part II and Part IV non-bargaining employees
- Set 2023-2026 salaries for Sheriff ($92,800 in 2023) and Coroner ($18,834 in 2023)
- Authorized creation of four part-time Veterans Services Officer positions
- Adopted Owasco Lake Watershed Nine Element Plan for phosphorus reduction
- Approved one-year trash and recycling contract with Morgan Rubbish, Inc.
Water & Sewer Authority Board
The Board approved the purchase of 2-4 Commerce Way in Auburn for $310,000 and authorized a new site plan for the property. New water and sewer rates for 2023 were approved, including a $3.04 per 100 cubic feet sewer rate for discharge to the City of Auburn. The Board also converted a part-time labor position to full-time for 2023.
- Approved purchase of 2-4 Commerce Way, Auburn NY for $310,000
- Approved Tim Carpenter to create a new site plan for 2-4 Commerce Way
- Approved new 2023 water and sewer rates (including $1.15/thousand gallon increase)
- Approved 2023 sewer rate of $3.04/100cf for discharge to City of Auburn
- Approved conversion of PT labor position to FT for 2023
- Approved payment of bills including Comp Alliance ($685.00 and $8,840.00) and Riccardo Galbato ($6,531.75)
- Approved checking account reconciliations for October and November 2022
- Approved board appointments for Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Attorney, Engineer, and bond council
Mental Health Sub-Committee
The December 8, 2022, meeting of the Mental Health Subcommittee was cancelled because a quorum was not reached. No decisions were made.
Legislature
The Legislature approved an increase to the sales tax and distribution of sales tax, resulting in a 1.0% increase to the tax levy. Two motions to adjust the budget—one regarding CEDA funding and one regarding the Chair's salary—were defeated.
- Approved increase to A10100 4110 Sales Tax by $423,148 and A10154 54000 Distribution of Sales Tax by $211,574, increasing tax levy by 1.0%
- Defeated motion to increase CEDA budget to $410,000.00 (8-5)
- Defeated motion to decrease Chair salary from $45,000 to $30,000 (11-3)
Ways & Means Committee
The committee approved multiple resolutions to levy taxes for towns, fire districts, and unpaid water/sewer bills. Members also authorized filling several vacancies in Real Property Tax Services, the Office for the Aging, and the Index & Recording Clerk position.
- Approved levy of taxes for Towns and Fire Districts (12-22-WM-2)
- Approved filling Principal Supervising Real Property Tax Services Specialist position (12-22-WM-3)
- Approved levy of unpaid water and sewer bills (12-22-WM-4)
- Approved 2023 salaries for elected officials (12-22-WM-10)
- Approved salary adjustments for non-bargaining employees for 2023 (12-22-WM-9)
- Approved contract renewal with Finger Lakes Dog Protection Agency, Inc. (12-22-HH-1)
- Approved creation and filling of four part-time Veterans Services Officer positions (12-22-GO-10)
- Approved one-year trash and recycling agreement with Morgan Rubbish, Inc. (12-22-PW-1)
Judicial & Public Safety Committee
The Judicial & Public Safety Committee approved a resolution to increase the Coroner’s/Medical Examiner budget. The meeting otherwise consisted of departmental updates regarding 911 training, court arraignments, and emergency management projects.
- Approved salary increase to the Coroner’s/Medical Examiner budget (Resolution 12-22-JP-1)
- Approved November 9, 2022 meeting minutes
Government Operations Committee
The Government Operations Committee approved the creation of four part-time Veterans Services Officer positions and the filling of one full-time Index & Recording Clerk vacancy. The committee also approved a bundle of eight resolutions covering safety policies, newspaper designations, and tax rolls.
- Approved creation and filling of four part-time Veterans Services Officer positions (all in favor)
- Approved filling one full-time Index & Recording Clerk position (all in favor)
- Approved amending Buildings & Grounds, Highway & Parks General Safety Rules & Safe Work Practices Policies (all in favor)
- Approved amending Buildings & Grounds, Highway & Parks Lead Paint Policies (all in favor)
- Approved amending Buildings & Grounds, Highway & Parks Policy Respiratory Protection Plan (all in favor)
- Approved designating newspapers to publish County matters for 2023 (all in favor)
- Approved extending Auctions International contract to December 31, 2023 (all in favor)
- Approved taxes as extended and authorized signing of tax rolls (all in favor)
Public Works Committee
The committee approved a one-year agreement with Morgan Rubbish, Inc. for trash and recycling removal from county buildings. Other business included department updates on weights and measures, park facility rental rates, and highway repairs.
- Approved one-year agreement with Morgan Rubbish, Inc. for trash and recycling removal (all in favor)
- Approved November 8, 2022 minutes (all in favor)
- Tabled 2023 Parks Department Facility Rental Rates
Planning & Economic Development Committee
The committee approved several planning resolutions, including the adoption of a watershed plan for phosphorus reduction. Members also authorized state assistance applications for hazardous waste and a grant contract amendment for Emerson Park improvements.
- Approved adoption of Owasco Lake Watershed Nine Element Plan for Phosphorus Reduction
- Authorized filing of applications for Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Grant Program
- Authorized amendment to NYS Grant Contract No. PRK01-C73363GG for Emerson Park Improvements
- Approved November 8, 2022 minutes
- Appointed Slade Cox to Cayuga County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Directors
- Appointed Darrin Rooker as Chair of Cayuga County Planning Board
- Appointed Patricia Bianconi as Vice Chair of Cayuga County Planning Board
- Appointed Deborah Ross, PHD as Secretary of Cayuga County Planning Board
People with Development Disabilities Sub-Committee
The December 1, 2022, meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not reached. No substantive decisions were made.
Health Insurance Consortium Board of Directors
The Board approved the 2023 meeting schedule and renewed stop loss coverage at a $375,000 deductible. A decision on the Wellness Plan renewal was tabled pending further data from USI. Financial reports showed a medical budget surplus of $460,060 and a dental surplus of $21,570 through October 2022.
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule
- Renewed stop loss insurance with $375,000 deductible
- Tabled Wellness Plan renewal decision
- Approved consent agenda and previous minutes
Health & Human Services Committee
The Health & Human Services Committee approved several contract renewals and new agreements for youth development, aging services, and disability services. The committee also authorized filling a vacant Aging Services Specialist position.
- Approved contract renewal with Finger Lakes Dog Protection Agency, Inc. (12-22-HH-1)
- Approved contract with Upstate Medical University Department of Psychiatry (12-22-HH-2)
- Approved 5-year contracts with human service agencies for individuals with disabilities (12-22-HH-5)
- Approved contracts with subcontractors for Aging Services (12-22-HH-3)
- Approved filling an Aging Services Specialist position (12-22-HH-6)
- Approved agreements with agencies for Youth Development Services (12-22-HH-4)
- Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes
Board of Health
The Board approved the October 18 meeting minutes, accepted financial claims, and approved several hearing and consent orders. Members discussed rising microcystin levels in Owasco Lake and planned to draft a letter to the Governor regarding delays in Watershed Rules and Regulations updates.
- Approved October 18, 2022 meeting minutes
- Accepted claims with warrant dates 10/13/2022 and 10/27/2022
- Approved Hearing and Consent Orders for Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park, McDonalds-West Genesee, Sterling NY Performing Arts Center, Chili’s Bar and Grill, Bennetts Mobile Court LLC, and Mapley Property
Legislature
The Legislature enacted Local Law No. 4 of 2022 to allow remote participation in public meetings under specific extraordinary circumstances. The body also approved numerous personnel fills, budget adjustments, and safety policy updates.
- Enacted Local Law No. 4 to authorize videoconferencing for public meetings
- Approved $460,000 local and $460,000 state funds for HVAC project at 248 Grant Avenue
- Authorized $753,509.42 in mortgage tax distributions to municipalities
- Approved $50,000 DHSES Cyber Security Grant
- Awarded 2-year natural gas bid to Empire Natural Gas Corporation
- Awarded 2-year electrical energy bid to Direct Energy
- Authorized $2,300/year tower lease agreement with T-Mobile
- Approved $36,175 initial cost for Info Quick Solutions pistol permit software
General Municipal Law 239-l, m & n Review Committee
The Committee determined a storage barn in the Town of Cato was of local concern only and recommended approval of a flood damage prevention law in the Town of Sterling. No action was taken on a proposed solar farm in the Town of Scipio pending additional documentation.
- Approved October 20, 2022 minutes (All AYE)
- Determined Town of Cato storage barn SUP has no intermunicipal concerns (All AYE)
- Recommended approval of Town of Sterling Flood Damage Prevention Local Law (All AYE)
- Tabled Town of Scipio solar farm site plan pending additional stormwater and sediment documentation (All AYE)
Community Services Board
The Board approved the Request For Proposals (RFP) template for Opioid Settlement Funds. The RFP is scheduled for issuance on November 18 with a submission deadline of December 9. The meeting ended early due to a lack of quorum.
- Approved October 27, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved RFP template for Opioid Settlement Funds
Ways & Means Committee
The committee approved the 2023 Budget Officer’s Tentative Budget and a series of personnel and operational resolutions. Key actions included authorizing healthcare worker bonuses, approving various department hires, and updating safety policies. The committee also amended the Chairman's salary to $45,000.
- Approved 2023 Budget Officer’s Tentative Budget (all in favor)
- Approved payment of Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (all in favor)
- Approved amendment of Chairman salary to $45,000 (all in favor)
- Approved Local Law to authorize videoconferencing for public meetings (all in favor)
- Approved transfer of tax-delinquent property to Town of Summerhill (all in favor)
- Approved hiring of Junior Accountant and Grants Manager grade change (all in favor)
- Approved 2-year snow and ice agreement with Onondaga County (all in favor)
- Approved tower lease agreement with T-Mobile at Ira Tower Site (all in favor)
Water & Sewer Authority Board
The Board approved the implementation of credit card processing for customers and the acquisition of a $1,000 authority credit card. It also voted to advertise for a public hearing regarding sewer rates at the December meeting. Additionally, the Board accepted the retirement of the Director of Operations and rehired her as a part-time typist.
- Approved implementation of credit card processing (Unanimous)
- Approved $1,000 credit card for the authority (Unanimous)
- Approved advertising for a public hearing on sewer rates (Unanimous)
- Accepted retirement of Jeanine Wilson as Director of Operations (Unanimous)
- Approved rehiring Jeanine Wilson as part-time typist (Unanimous)
- Approved payment of bills (Unanimous)
- Approved amended October 19, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
Ways & Means Committee
The committee conducted a budget workshop reviewing the Government Operations, Public Works, and Ways & Means committees. The session focused on reviewing salary changes, equipment purchases, and departmental transfers; no formal votes on budget approvals were recorded.
Ways & Means Committee
The committee conducted a budget workshop reviewing the Health & Human Services, Judicial & Public Safety, and Planning committees. The session focused on reviewing revenue changes, staffing adjustments, and equipment requests for 2023.
- Held CC Soil and Water Conservation District funding flat at $750K
Health & Human Services Committee
The Health & Human Services Committee approved several personnel changes for the Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging. The committee also authorized five-year contracts for disability services and approved the 2022 Shared Services Plan.
- Approved 2022 Shared Services Plan
- Reappointed Ralph Battista to the Board of Health (Term 1/1/23 to 12/31/28)
- Approved creating a Clerk (Grade 3) and abolishing a Typist (Grade 3) position in Social Services
- Approved filling two Human Services Examiner positions in Social Services
- Approved filling a part-time Caseworker position in Social Services
- Approved five-year contracts with human service agencies for individuals with disabilities
- Approved filling a Food Service Helper (Non-Rural) position in the Office for the Aging
- Approved abolishing one Principal Account Clerk and creating one Fiscal Officer 1 position in the Office for the Aging
Mental Health Sub-Committee
The subcommittee approved the minutes from the June 16, 2022 meeting. Members agreed to move the November 10 meeting to November 9. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved June 16, 2022 meeting minutes
- Moved November 10 subcommittee meeting to November 9
Judicial & Public Safety Committee
The committee approved several administrative actions, including a tower lease with T-Mobile and the acceptance of a statewide communications grant. It also authorized the filling of multiple vacancies in the Sheriff's Office and Probation Department.
- Approved budget adjustments in the E-911 budget (11-22-JP-1)
- Approved acceptance of 2021-22 Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (11-22-JP-2)
- Approved tower lease agreement with T-Mobile at Ira Tower Site (11-22-JP-3)
- Approved filling one Senior Typist position in Probation (11-22-JP-4)
- Approved filling seven vacant Sheriff Custody Officer positions (11-22-JP-5)
- Approved software services agreement with Info Quick Solutions, Inc. for pistol permits (11-22-JP-6)
- Approved appointment of a new Undersheriff (11-22-JP-7)
- Approved appointment of a new Confidential Secretary for the Sheriff (11-22-JP-8)
Government Operations Committee
The Government Operations Committee approved a local law to allow videoconferencing for public meetings and authorized a grant from the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The committee also approved several safety policy amendments and the filling of two part-time driver positions for the Veterans Service Agency.
- Approved Local Law to authorize videoconferencing for public meetings
- Approved grant from NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (11-22-GO-13)
- Approved filling two part-time driver positions in Veterans Service Agency (11-22-GO-14)
- Approved revised SUNY Capital Request/Plan Resolution for Cayuga Community College (11-22-GO-2)
- Referred resolution to abolish Records Retention Clerk and create Records Retention Specialist to Ways & Means (11-22-GO-1)
- Approved designating December 13, 2022 as the final legislature meeting and tax warrant annex date (11-22-GO-4, 11-22-GO-5)
- Approved several safety policy amendments for Buildings & Grounds, Highway & Parks (11-22-GO-7 through 11-22-GO-12)
- Approved date for Public Hearing on the Tentative County Budget (11-22-GO-6)
Public Works Committee
The committee approved the hiring of two part-time laborers for buildings and three part-time museum aides. It also authorized filling three Motor Equipment Operator Medium positions for the Highway Department and a two-year snow and ice agreement with Onondaga County.
- Approved hiring two PT Laborers for county buildings and towers (All in favor)
- Approved filling three Motor Equipment Operator Medium positions in Highway Department (All in favor)
- Approved 2-year Snow and Ice agreement with Onondaga County (All in favor)
- Approved filling three PT Museum Aide vacancies at Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum (All in favor)
- Tabled resolution to increase Parks & Trails facility rental rates
Planning & Economic Development Committee
The committee approved the meeting minutes from October 13, 2022. No other resolutions were passed, and the remainder of the meeting consisted of departmental updates regarding grants, zoning, and workforce training.
- Approved October 13, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
Legislature
The Legislature approved a contract for a financial consultant to provide training and assistance following a vacancy in the Finance Director position. The board also received a presentation on the tentative 2023 budget.
- Approved contract with Mary Beth Leeson for financial consulting at $125 per hour through March 31, 2023 (all in favor except Kerr)
- Approved budget transfer of $15,000 from Salaries (Account No. A13101 51001) to Professional Services (Account No. A13104 54059) (all in favor except Kerr)
Planning Board
The board approved the minutes from the August 17, 2022 meeting and nominated its officers for 2023. The remainder of the meeting consisted of staff updates on countywide planning projects and local status reports.
- Approved August 17, 2022 meeting minutes (All AYE)
- Nominated Darrin Rooker as Chairperson for 2023 (All AYE)
- Nominated Pat Bianconi as Vice Chairperson for 2023 (All AYE)
- Nominated Deborah Ross as Secretary for 2023 (All AYE)
Community Services Board
The Board reviewed the 2023 Local Services Plan goals and the Opioid Settlement Fund summary. It was decided that Lauren Walsh will draft and email the Request For Proposals (RFP) for the fund. The Board also approved the minutes from the September 22, 2022 meeting.
- Approved September 22, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved motion for Lauren Walsh to draft and email the Opioid Settlement Fund RFP
Legislature
The Legislature approved a new hybrid-remote work policy for eligible employees and established a requirement for PILOT agreements for solar and wind energy systems. The board also authorized several department grants, budget transfers, and personnel appointments.
- Adopted Hybrid-Remote Work Policy for eligible employees (all in favor)
- Approved requirement for PILOT Agreements for Solar or Wind Energy Systems (all in favor)
- Approved $139,011 contract with Chapel House for supportive case management (all in favor)
- Accepted $1M DOJ grant for Substance Use Diversion Program (all in favor)
- Approved $200,000 in federal FFFS funding for Social Services (all in favor)
- Authorized $134,170 in state-reimbursed 'Tenant Work' for courthouses (all in favor)
- Appointed Debra Dennis as Youth Bureau Director (all in favor)
- Approved $432.72 tax penalty and interest cancellation for 31 Melrose Parkway (all in favor)
General Municipal Law 239-l, m & n Review Committee
The Cayuga County GML 239-l, m & n Review Committee approved a site plan for a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in the Town of Scipio without change. The committee noted the applicant had resubmitted the plan with a thorough Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as previously recommended. The motion carried unanimously.
- Approved Town of Scipio site plan for RNG facility without change (unanimous).