Steuben County public meetings in 2022
39 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Legislature
The County Legislature adopted a local law increasing compensation for coroners, physicians, and aides. The board also awarded a $94,825 demolition contract for highway garages and approved several state grants for mental health and youth sports.
- Approved Local Law No. 6 increasing Coroner pay to $235/case, Physician pay to $130/case, and adding Aide pay at $155/case
- Awarded $94,825 bid to Sessler Environmental Services for Mt. Washington and Curtis Highway shops demolition
- Approved $40,863 change order for Civil Defense Building roof replacement
- Awarded $16,000 legal retainer to Hannigan Law Firm PLLC for EMS Certificate of Need services
- Accepted $100,000 NYS OMH grant for Veterans Peer Support Programs
- Accepted $8,372 NYS OCFS Youth Sports Opportunity Funding
- Accepted $198,000 Community Development Block Grant for well, septic, and housing repairs
- Appointed Veronica Olin and Colleen J. Hauryski as Commissioners of Elections
Community Services Board
The board received presentations on CASA-Trinity's behavioral health and recovery services, including a proposed crisis stabilization center in Elmira. The board also reviewed the 2023 budget, which increased to $1.6 million due to building acquisitions and staff pay raises.
- Approved 2023 budget at $1.6 million
Ad Hoc Office Space Committee
The Ad Hoc Office Space Committee approved a bid for the demolition of two highway garages and a change order for a roof replacement. The committee also authorized a one-year extension of a parking lot lease.
- Approved one-year parking lot lease extension with Dickson for $5,000 (5-0)
- Awarded bid for demolition of Mt. Washington and Curtis highway shops to Sessler Environmental Services for $94,825 (5-0)
- Approved $40,863 change order for Building Innovation Group for Civil Defense Center roof replacement (5-0)
Administration Committee
The committee approved several contract renewals and personnel salary changes. It also moved to present local laws to increase income limits for disability and senior citizen tax exemptions and to update the membership weights of the Legislature.
- Approved renewal of Info Quick Solutions, Inc. (IQS) contract (4-0)
- Approved presenting local laws to increase disability and senior citizens tax exemption income limits (4-0)
- Approved presenting local law to change membership and composition weights of the Legislature (4-0)
- Set Assistant Jail Superintendent appointing salary at $70,464 (4-0)
- Approved reclassifying one vacant Staff Social Worker position to Senior Social Worker (4-0)
- Rejected the RFP for body shop repairs (4-0)
- Forwarded appointments of Veronica Olin and Colleen Hauryski as Elections Commissioners to the Legislature (4-0)
- Approved contract renewals for Securitas ($231,418), Perham Communications ($24,050), and Iron Mountain (4-0)
Finance Committee
The committee approved a budget transfer for the Wayland Transfer Station and authorized the acceptance of state funds for youth sports and veterans' mental health services. Members also discussed the allocation of opioid settlement funds and noted a 10 percent increase in sales tax collections.
- Approved budget transfer for Wayland Transfer Station: reduced paving account by $80,000 to increase compactor ($55,000) and overhead door ($25,000) accounts (4-0)
- Authorized Youth Bureau to accept $8,372 in NYS OCFS Sports Opportunities Funds (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $3,213 in COLA funds from NYS Office of Mental Health for Arbor Development ($1,339) and Aspire Hope ($1,874) (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $100,000 in NYS Office of Mental Health veterans funding for a peer-to-peer support program RFP (4-0)
- Approved minutes of the November 9, 2022 meeting (4-0)
Traffic Safety Board
The board approved the minutes from the June 24, 2022, meeting. Members received updates on road paving projects, a speed limit extension on State Route 36, and the 2023 STOP DWI Plan.
- Approved minutes of the June 24, 2022, meeting
Steuben County Land Bank Corporation (SCLBC)
The board adopted a resolution to allow videoconferencing for open public meetings under extraordinary circumstances. Members also approved a budget transfer between accounts and the minutes from the previous meeting.
- Approved resolution for expanded use of videoconferencing for public meetings (4-0)
- Authorized transfer of $7,050 from Renovations Account to Demolitions Account (4-0)
- Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
Human Services, Health & Education Committee
The committee approved numerous 2023 contracts for the departments of Community Services, Social Services, the Office for the Aging, and Public Health. It also authorized $100,000 in state funding for a veterans' peer-to-peer mental health support program and approved several youth sports and preschool speech pathology contracts.
- Approved $100,000 NYS Office of Mental Health funding for veterans peer support (5-0)
- Approved 2023 Community Services contracts, including $1.7M for Pathways, Inc. (5-0)
- Approved 2023 Office for the Aging contracts, including $393,102 for ProAction nutrition (5-0)
- Approved 2023 Public Health contracts, including Planned Parenthood (4-1)
- Approved 2023 Social Services contracts, including $6,000 for DiMarco Consulting Group (5-0)
- Authorized $16,000 contract with Wendy Allard for Youth In Government (5-0)
- Authorized $8,372 in NYS Sports Opportunities Funds for youth programs (5-0)
- Approved reclassifying a vacant Staff Social Worker position to Senior Social Worker (5-0)
Agriculture, Industry & Planning Committee
The committee accepted a CDBG Well and Septic Grant and authorized a sub-recipient agreement with Arbor Development. Members approved several 2023 maintenance contracts and confirmed the appointment of Marie Myers Shearing as Planning Director. The committee also authorized the use of $28,000 in funds as a match for a state workforce grant.
- Accepted CDBG Well and Septic Grant of $198,000 (5-0)
- Authorized sub-recipient agreement with Arbor Development for CDBG grant (5-0)
- Authorized bid for countywide A/C services and maintenance contract (5-0)
- Approved 2023 Buildings & Grounds contracts for Eastern Security, Emergency Power Systems, Imperial Door Controls, SDS of NY, and Southern Tier Fire Extinguisher (5-0)
- Authorized Three Rivers to use approximately $28,000 as a match for a state workforce navigator grant (5-0)
- Confirmed appointment of Marie Myers Shearing as Planning Director effective January 9, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved minutes from November 2, 2022, meeting (5-0)
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The committee approved several equipment and service contracts, including a legal RFP for fire and EMS services. They also authorized the purchase of a patrol vehicle and generator maintenance. The board discussed supplemental EMS coverage and an inmate housing cost saving of $384,000.
- Awarded generator maintenance bid to Emergency Power Systems for $3,650 annually (4-0)
- Awarded mini bid for one Dodge Durango unmarked road patrol vehicle to L.T. Begnal Motor Company for $35,185.18 (4-0)
- Approved $65.00 meal expense reimbursement for Sheriff's swearing-in ceremony (4-0)
- Awarded RFP for Certificate of Need application for fire and EMS services to Hannigan Law Firm, PLLC, not to exceed $16,000 (4-0)
- Approved minutes from November 7 and November 28, 2022 meetings (4-0)
- Set January meeting date for January 9, 2023 (4-0)
Public Works Committee
The committee approved shared service agreements for salt purchases and awarded several bids for aggregates, utility location, and mechanical services. A budget transfer for the Wayland Transfer Station Capital Project was authorized, and a forestry services contract was extended.
- Approved salt purchase agreements with Avoca Central School District and Village of Cohocton (5-0)
- Authorized $80,000 budget transfer within Wayland Transfer Station Capital Project (5-0)
- Awarded quarry stone and crushed gravel bids to 12 vendors, including Spallina Materials, Inc. (5-0)
- Awarded underground utilities location services RFP to USIC Locating Services (5-0)
- Awarded industrial mechanical services bid to Frey & Campell at $90.00 per hour (5-0)
- Awarded cutting edges, sander chains & shoes bids to five vendors on a line item basis (5-0)
- Extended Professional Forestry Services bid for one year ending Dec 31, 2023 (5-0)
- Set January meeting date for January 9, 2023 (5-0)
County Legislature
The County Legislature approved the 2023 annual budget and an appropriation resolution setting the tax levy at $52,295,266.00, reduced by sales tax credits and other offsets. The board also established 2023 salaries for several elected and appointed officials and created three new positions.
- Adopted 2023 annual budget (Roll Call)
- Approved 2023 appropriation resolution with tax levy of $52,295,266.00 (Roll Call)
- Adopted Local Law No. 5 establishing 2023 salaries for officials including Sheriff and County Attorney (Roll Call)
- Created and funded three positions: one Paralegal Assistant and two Staff Social Workers (Roll Call)
- Approved 2023 budget for Marsh Ditch Watershed Protection District at $12,500 (Roll Call)
- Approved 2023 budget for Upper Five Mile Creek Watershed Protection District at $44,302 (Roll Call)
- Directed levy of $42,381.00 for Lamoka/Waneta Lakes' Protection and Rehabilitation District (Roll Call)
- Approved 2022 assessment rolls for Marsh Ditch, Upper Five Mile Creek, and Lamoka/Waneta Lakes districts (Roll Call)
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety & Corrections and Administration committees approved a local law to increase salaries for coroners and coroners' aides. They also authorized the creation of one grant-funded paralegal assistant position in the Public Defender's Office.
- Approved local law to increase salary for coroners and coroners' aides (PS&C 5-0, Admin 5-0)
- Authorized creation of one zero-based 16(B) paralegal assistant position in the Public Defender's Office (PS&C 5-0, Admin 5-0)
Human Services, Health & Education Committee
The Human Services, Health & Education and Administration committees approved the creation of two zero-based 16(B) staff social worker positions within the Department of Community Services. These positions are funded in the tentative 2023 budget and transition roles from contract staff to internal staff.
- Approved creation of two zero-based 16(B) staff social worker positions (5-0 HSH&E, 5-0 Administration)
Ad Hoc Office Space Committee
The Ad Hoc Office Space Committee approved a change order for Building Innovation Group to address drainage requirements. The funds will be sourced from construction contingency.
- Approved $18,369 change order for Building Innovation Group for catch basins and curb cuttings (6-0)
Administration Committee
The Human Services, Health & Education and Administration committees approved the creation of two zero-based 16(B) staff social worker positions in the Department of Community Services. These positions are funded in the tentative 2023 budget and transition roles from contract staff to internal staff.
- Approved creation of two zero-based 16(B) staff social worker positions (5-0 HSH&E, 5-0 Administration)
Administration Committee
The Public Safety & Corrections and Administration Committees approved a local law to increase salaries for coroners and coroners' aides. They also authorized the creation of one grant-funded paralegal assistant position in the Public Defender's Office.
- Approved local law to increase salary for coroners and coroners' aides (PS&C 5-0, Admin 5-0)
- Authorized creation of one zero-based 16(B) paralegal assistant position in the Public Defender's Office (PS&C 5-0, Admin 5-0)
County Legislature
The County Legislature appointed Nicholas D. Pelham to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Legislator Guy R. Hammond. The board also approved several state grants, updated coroner compensation, and eliminated fees for e-waste recycling.
- Appointed Nicholas D. Pelham to District 3 vacancy (Adopted)
- Eliminated tip fee for CRT and non-CRT televisions and computer monitors (Adopted)
- Approved $651,564 Upstate Family Defense Quality Improvement grant (Adopted)
- Approved $172,413 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant (Adopted)
- Approved $150,000 contingency fund transfer for jail kitchen and food (Adopted)
- Adopted Steuben County Fire Mobilization Mutual Aid Plan (Adopted)
- Created 16 permanent part-time Correction Officer positions (Adopted)
- Proposed increase in Coroner and Coroner's Physician compensation (Adopted for public hearing)
County Legislature
County Manager Mr. Wheeler presented the proposed 2023 budget, which includes a 1.5% increase in the property tax levy and a 5.53% decrease in the average full-value tax rate. The session consisted of a budget presentation and workshop; no formal votes to adopt the budget were recorded.
- Presented 2023 budget proposal with a 1.5% property tax levy increase
- Proposed $500,000 to support municipal EMS Certificate of Need application process
- Proposed $1.9M for Public Works highway major equipment
- Proposed $1.143M for Landfill major equipment via Enterprise Fund
- Proposed $1.816M for General Fund capital projects
- Proposed $34.7M total County share for sales tax revenue
Administration Committee
The committee approved several IT security expenditures, including a $50,000 grant and software purchase. It also authorized personnel reclassifications and the creation of 16 part-time court security positions. A request for a tax exemption for the Village of Cohocton was not approved.
- Approved acceptance of FY2020 Cyber Security Grant for $50,000 (5-0)
- Approved purchase of Beyond Trust software for $14,382 (5-0)
- Approved semi-annual mortgage tax distribution of $860,672.64 (5-0)
- Adopted Table of Equalization Rates, Report of County Equalization, and Percent Change Report (5-0)
- Authorized penalty taxes on 20 acres of converted agricultural land in Troupsburg (5-0)
- Approved reclassifying a Senior Typist to Paralegal Assistant and a Senior Social Worker to Chief Fiscal Officer (5-0)
- Created 16 permanent part-time Correction Officer positions for court security at $20.00 per hour (5-0)
- Authorized renewal of Enterprise Fleet Management contract through April 18, 2026 (5-0)
Finance Committee
The committee authorized the acceptance of four grants for public safety, legal services, and IT. It also approved budget transfers for jail overtime and food, and updated the highway equipment list.
- Approved semi-annual mortgage tax distribution of $860,672.64 (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $172,413.00 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $651,564 Upstate Family Defense grant (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $50,000 FY2020 Cyber Security Grant (4-0)
- Authorized acceptance of $18,300 bulletproof vests grant (4-0)
- Approved $200,000 transfer from Salary and Wages to Overtime in Jail Budget (4-0)
- Approved $150,000 transfer from Contingency Fund to Kitchen & Food in Jail Budget (4-0)
- Approved deleting two box trucks and one mechanic truck to add one 2022 Hyundai HL960 Wheel Loader (4-0)
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The committee approved several grants for the Public Defender and Director of Public Safety, including $651,564 for family defense and $172,413 for domestic terrorism prevention. The Sheriff's Office received authorization for budget transfers totaling $350,000 to cover overtime and food costs. Additionally, the committee approved the creation of 16 part-time court security positions.
- Approved $651,564 Upstate Family Defense grant (5-0)
- Approved Steuben County Fire Mobilization Mutual Aid Plan (5-0)
- Renewed Linstar contract for $3,612.11 (5-0)
- Renewed Code Red contract for $23,518.69 (5-0)
- Approved $172,413 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant (5-0)
- Renewed PrimeCare contract for one year (5-0)
- Awarded uniform bids to United Uniform and Ranger Outfitters (5-0)
- Approved $18,300 bulletproof vests grant (5-0)
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee approved the start of the bidding process for the landfill cell expansion following permit approval from the DEC. The committee also eliminated the e-waste tip fee for televisions and monitors and awarded several equipment and service contracts.
- Authorized bids for landfill cell expansion construction (4-0)
- Changed e-waste collection tip fee for televisions and monitors from $15.00 to $0.00 effective Dec 1, 2022 (4-0)
- Approved deleting two box trucks ($170,000) and one mechanic truck ($60,500) to add one 2022 Hyundai HL960 Wheel Loader ($212,000) (4-0)
- Authorized shared services agreement with NYSDOT for salt use at Greenwood Shop (4-0)
- Awarded environmental sample laboratory analysis to Eurofins Environment Testing for $175,369.00 per year for two years (4-0)
- Awarded Bath landfill tire purchase to McCarthy Tire Service, Parmenter, Inc., Sedam Tire, and Tallmadge Tire Service (4-0)
- Extended bid awards for Freon recycling, oxygen & acetylene, bottled water, leachate tank inspection, and utility permit consulting through Dec 31, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved minutes of October 3, 2022 meeting (3-0)
Steuben County Land Bank Corporation (SCLBC)
The Land Bank authorized an RFP for a ranch-style home in Riverside and awarded a demolition contract in Hornell. The board also approved a budget transfer and the sale of a property in Hornell.
- Approved RFP for architectural/engineering services for a ranch-style home at 20 Townsend Avenue, Riverside (4-0)
- Awarded demolition bid for 91 Hartshorn Street, Hornell to MJR Partners for $9,700 (4-0)
- Authorized sale of 274 Walnut Street, Hornell for $8,000 (4-0)
- Approved transfer of $22,000 from Renovations line to Demolition Costs line (4-0)
- Authorized public hearing for resolution regarding expanded use of videoconferencing (4-0)
- Approved renewal of contract with County Manager’s Office for Land Bank Executive Director services (4-0)
- Approved minutes of October 5, 2022 meeting
Human Services, Health & Education Committee
The committee authorized additional spending for Office for the Aging recognition events and extended a COVID-19 vaccine contract for homebound residents. It also approved the reclassification of a Senior Social Worker position to a Chief Fiscal Officer position in the Department of Community Services.
- Approved additional $800 for OFA Volunteer Recognition event (5-0)
- Approved $600 for OFA Advisory Council recognition event (5-0)
- Approved contract extension with Arnot Health for homebound COVID vaccines through December 31, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved reclassifying a Senior Social Worker position to Chief Fiscal Officer in Department of Community Services (5-0)
- Approved minutes of the October 5, 2022 meeting (5-0)
Agriculture, Industry & Planning Committee
The committee approved the renewal of a service contract with Livingston County. The Steuben County Industrial Development Agency provided updates on various local infrastructure, housing, and energy projects.
- Approved renewal of Weights & Measures contract with Livingston County for $62,500 plus IRS mileage (5-0)
- Approved minutes of October 5 and October 24, 2022 meetings (5-0)
County Legislature
The Steuben County Legislature approved a local law setting 2023 salaries for elected officials and department heads, with a public hearing scheduled for November 28. They also authorized a $250,000 transfer from the Traffic Diversion Program to purchase five Dodge Durangos for the Sheriff's Office, and ratified the October 2022 delinquent tax auction sales. Additionally, they approved $60,630 and $108,200 in opioid settlement funds to CASA-Trinity for treatment programs, and awarded a jail food services contract to Trinity Services Group.
- Approved 2023 salaries for elected officials and department heads via Local Law Tentatively No. Five (acclamation)
- Authorized $250,000 from Traffic Diversion Program for five Sheriff's Office vehicles (roll call, adopted)
- Ratified delinquent tax auction sales from October 5-12, 2022 (roll call, adopted; 2 abstentions)
- Approved $60,630 in opioid settlement funds to CASA-Trinity for DIVERT program (roll call, adopted)
- Approved $108,200 in opioid settlement funds to CASA-Trinity for AIR program (roll call, adopted)
- Awarded jail food services RFP to Trinity Services Group (roll call, adopted)
- Awarded electrical and paving bids for Woodlands Inc. to John Mills Electric for $822,800 (roll call, adopted)
- Set legislator salary at $15,000/year and chair at $27,000/year for 2023 (roll call, adopted; 3 no votes)
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The committee voted unanimously to authorize the county manager to start the Certificate of Need process for EMS services and to issue a Request for Proposals for ALS and BLS services. Discussion included timing, costs, and potential countywide coordination. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Authorized county manager to start Certificate of Need process for EMS services (5-0)
- Authorized county manager and purchasing director to issue RFP for ALS and BLS EMS services (5-0)
Agriculture, Industry & Planning Committee
The Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee awarded a $822,800 bid to John Mills Electric for electrical upgrades and paving at the Woodlands CDBG Project, and authorized submission of a 2021-2023 Section 5311 grant application for transit funding. Both motions passed unanimously 5-0.
- Awarded $822,800 bid to John Mills Electric for Woodlands CDBG electrical and paving improvements (5-0)
- Authorized submission of 2021-2023 Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 grant application (5-0)
Administration Committee
The Administration Committee approved a one-year renewal of the Filebound electronic document storage contract through Instream at a cost of $13,110. The motion passed unanimously 5-0. The meeting then adjourned.
- Approved $13,110 Filebound contract renewal (5-0)
Finance Committee
The Steuben County Finance Committee approved a $500,000 appropriation for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the 2023 budget and authorized a 1.5% tax levy increase, with $2 million from sales tax and the balance from unrestricted fund balance. Both motions passed 5-0. The committee also discussed adjustments to the 2023 budget, including increased interest earnings and community college chargebacks.
- Approved $500,000 appropriation for EMS in 2023 budget (5-0)
- Authorized 1.5% tax levy increase with $2 million from sales tax and balance from unrestricted fund balance (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety & Corrections Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the Arson K-9. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion regarding the Arson K-9
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety and Corrections Committee will discuss departmental requests from the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and Emergency Services. The body is reviewing equipment upgrades, bid awards, and personnel waivers.
- E-911 requests for Dispatch PC upgrades, Motorola change order, and Vision Recorder upgrade
- RFP for Pinnacle Tower Site Environmental and Site Development
- Sheriff's Office bid awards for jail dryers and inmate uniforms
- 16B Waiver for one full-time Assistant Public Defender ($57,491 - $89,898) and one part-time position ($28,746 - $44,949)
- District Attorney's Office review of Climate Survey and Reorganization Plan progress
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Steuben County Legislature has scheduled multiple special committee meetings to occur prior to the regular legislative meeting. These sessions include discussions on public works, administrative code revisions, jail budget transfers, and room tax allocation.
- Road Use and Repair Agreement
- Administrative Code Revisions
- Sheriff – Jail Budget Transfer for Grease Trap
- Room Tax Allocation
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The committee is discussing departmental requests from the Public Defender, District Attorney, Sheriff, and Emergency Services. Key items include contract approvals, grant acceptances, and personnel staffing waivers.
- Acceptance of $2,000 Walmart Grant and $3,250 STOP DWI HVEC Grant funds for the Sheriff's Office
- 16B Waiver for one Full-Time Supervising Dispatcher ($43,824 - $55,801)
- 16B Waiver for one Full-Time Assistant Public Defender ($57,491 - $89,898) and one Full-Time Paralegal Assistant ($43,437 - $64,253)
- Contract with Institute for Human Services for a Child Advocate
- Investigative Services Contract for the Public Defender's Office
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety & Corrections Committee will hold a special meeting on March 7, 2022. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the EMS Study.
- Discussion of the EMS Study
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety & Corrections Committee is meeting to discuss Emergency Services/E-911. The specific focus of the discussion is the Pinnacle Tower.
- Emergency Services/E-911: Pinnacle Tower
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The committee will discuss departmental requests from the Public Defender, Emergency Services, District Attorney, Sheriff, and County Manager. Key items include grant acceptance, fiber agreements, and staffing updates.
- Upstate Family Defense (Child Welfare) Quality Improvement & Caseload Reduction Grant ($500,000)
- Pinnacle Fiber Agreement – STN ($99,432)
- HP Support Services ($1,414.75)
- RFP for Cohocton Tower Enhancements
- Award for Jail Fencing Project Utilizing Gordian
Public Safety & Corrections Committee
The Public Safety and Corrections Committee is reviewing funding requests for the Sheriff's Office and several contract approvals for emergency services and the District Attorney's Office.
- Sheriff's Office Chiller Project using $400,000 in ARPA Funds
- Sheriff's Office Detention Fencing Project costing $120,000
- Emergency Services Office contracts for JFB Enterprises, EMSTAR, and Environmental Emergency Services
- District Attorney's Office Diversion Management Contract renewal
- Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. contract for $10,000