Washington County public meetings in 2022

Government Operations

The committee will discuss and possibly act on a budget amendment to remove heating/cooling costs related to the Valmet demolition, a real property assessment services cost, and a parcel combination in Granville. An election process update from the Board of Elections is also on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for December 20, 2022.

• Amend budget – Remove Heating/Cooling - Valmet Demo
• Assessment Services Cost (Real Property)
• Parcel Combination for Property in Granville
• Board of Elections – Election Process Update

The committee approved combining two county-owned parcels in Granville and forwarded several budget items to the Finance Committee. A motion was also adopted to move a budget amendment for election technology grant purchases to the Organization Board meeting.

• Approved parcel combination for two county-owned properties in Granville
• Forwarded Middle Falls highway barn engineering bid to Finance Committee
• Approved $1,920 budget amendment for Valmet trailer HVAC decommission for Finance Committee review
• Approved moving budget amendment for $57,000 technology grant purchases to Organization Board meeting
• Accepted minutes from November 22, 2022 meeting

Public Safety

The Public Safety Committee approved waiving procurement rules to contract with Eden Center for jail mental health services and authorized a grant-funded vehicle purchase. The committee also approved a religious sect exemption form and forwarded an EMS budget amendment to the Finance Committee.

• Approved waiver of procurement to contract with Eden Center for jail mental health services ($118,440)
• Approved grant-funded vehicle purchase via Onondaga County contract (not to exceed $48,000)
• Approved Religious Sect Exemption Affidavit form with check boxes on top
• Approved request for BOCES students to shadow court appearances
• Forwarded EMS Capital Project budget amendment ($3,100) to Finance Committee
• Accepted November 29, 2022 meeting minutes

Planning Agency

The Planning Agency approved the minutes from the November 29, 2022 meeting. The agency also determined that a commercial and residential renovation project in the Village of Fort Edward is a matter of essentially local concern.

• Approved November 29, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Found building renovation at 117 Broadway to be a matter of essentially local concern (2-0)

Information Technology

The committee accepted the minutes from the November 22, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed a cybersecurity report and IT project updates, including the addition of a pump station technology installation for the Sewer District.

• Approved minutes of the November 22, 2022 meeting

Health & Human Services

The Health & Human Services Committee approved a budget amendment to recognize a $25,000 Adult Protective Services grant. The committee also approved the Winterfest event scheduled for February 4th at Lake Lauderdale. Members reviewed the 2022 Social Services budget comparison spreadsheet.

• Approved budget amendment to recognize $25,000 Adult Protective Services grant
• Approved Winterfest event for February 4th at Lake Lauderdale including food and contracts
• Accepted minutes of the November 29, 2022 meeting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors adopted four introductory local laws and approved several resolutions regarding infrastructure projects, budget amendments, and personnel contracts. The board also authorized the purchase of property in the Town of Easton and established a reserve for opioid litigation.

• Adopted Introductory Local Laws E, F, G, and H of 2022
• Approved purchase of property adjacent to County Owned Highway Barn in Town of Easton
• Ratified 2023-2025 agreements with NYS Nurses Association and Sheriff’s Association PBA
• Approved funding for Church Street and CR 61 bridge projects
• Established reserve for Opioid Litigation
• Approved award for Law Center Roof Replacement bid
• Adopted Washington County Domestic Terrorism Prevention Plan
• Authorized agreement with Benetech for health insurance broker services

Audit

The Audit Committee approved the payment of monthly bills totaling $1,748,274.17 across multiple funds. The committee also accepted the minutes from the November 16, 2022 meeting.

• Approved payment of all audited bills totaling $1,748,274.17
• Accepted minutes of the November 16, 2022 meeting

Finance

The Finance Committee approved the lowest cost proposal from Benetech for health insurance broker services. The committee also authorized several budget amendments for bridge projects, grants, and the establishment of an opioid settlement reserve.

• Approved Benetech as health insurance broker (lowest cost proposal)
• Approved $252,769 General Fund Reserve for opioid settlement funds
• Approved $5,944,080 budget amendment for American Rescue Plan Act revenues
• Approved $22,067 budget amendment for Sheriff's Explosive Detection Canine Team grant
• Approved budget amendments for Church Street Bridge (Project 127) and Shushan Bridge (Project 126)
• Approved purchase of property for the new Middle Falls Highway Barn
• Approved renewal of accounting services contract with LCLGRPB
• Authorized out-of-state travel to San Antonio, Texas for Treasurer and IT staff

Personnel

The committee approved several staffing backfills across public works, health, safety, and social services. It also adopted a new streamlined process for handling routine backfills and approved the 2023 staffing pattern for Board review.

• Approved backfills for Highway Supervisor II and Highway Supervisor I
• Approved replacing 35-hour Account Clerk with 40-hour Clerk in Public Health
• Approved backfill for Communication Officer and blanket approval for future vacant Communication Officer backfills
• Approved backfills for Case Supervisor Grade B, Senior Caseworker, and Caseworker
• Approved backfill for Senior Clerk and removal of Senior Typist from staffing pattern
• Forwarded 2023 Staffing Pattern to full Board and approved filling 2023 budget positions
• Approved Employee Handbook change for mileage reimbursement rates
• Approved up to $10,000 for CLIP purchases and use of county logo on items

Office For the Aging Advisory Council

The council approved the meeting minutes from September 12, 2022. Members reviewed updates regarding the 2023 budget, staffing changes, and the 2023 meeting schedule. No vote was held for the Senior of the Year nominees due to a lack of quorum.

• Approved 9/12/2022 meeting minutes
• Set 2023 meeting dates for March 6, June 5, September 11, and December 4

Public Safety

The committee approved a framework for a Domestic Terrorism Plan to be sent to the full Board and authorized a $22,067 grant for an explosive detection canine team. Other actions included increasing coroner transport rates and granting blanket approval to fill vacant communications officer positions.

• Approved Domestic Terrorism Plan for full Board review
• Accepted $22,067 Explosive Detection Canine Team grant
• Increased coroner transport rate to Glens Falls Hospital morgue to $375 (effective Jan 1, 2023)
• Authorized blanket approval to fill budgeted and vacant Communications Officer positions
• Authorized applying for a CDC/Public Health network grant up to $20,000 for the coroners office
• Reappointed Mal Lambert and Robert Porter to the EMS Advisory Board
• Approved minutes from November 1, 2022 meeting

Planning Agency

The Planning Agency approved the minutes from the November 1, 2022 meeting. No actionable GML referrals were submitted, and no actions were taken regarding listed project public notices.

• Approved November 1, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)

Public Works

The committee authorized an interfund loan from the General Fund to the County Road fund to cover payroll and expenses until CHIPS revenue is received. Members also approved funding for the Church Street project and authorized a survey for the subdivision of county-owned property in Granville.

• Approved interfund loan from General Fund to County Road not to exceed CHIP's reimbursement
• Approved $26,790 supplemental for construction inspection funds for Church Street project
• Approved increase of car pool charges to $9 half day and $12 full day effective Jan 1, 2023
• Authorized survey of county-owned Church Street property for subdivision
• Accepted minutes of the November 1, 2022 meeting

Health & Human Services

The committee approved the purchase of two Nissan Rogues and granted a procurement waiver for transitional shelter beds at Open Door Mission. Members also approved several board appointments and a reserve for opioid settlement funding.

• Approved lowest bid for two Nissan Rogues at $29,866 each, contingent on State approval
• Granted procurement policy waiver for DSS to contract with Open Door Mission for transitional shelter beds
• Approved $101,239 grant for pre-trial services to offset 2022 expenses
• Appointed Tina McDougall to the Washington County Community Services Board
• Approved OFA Advisory Council membership changes, including appointment of Quimby Mahoney
• Extended Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad clinic contract through June 30, 2023
• Approved disposal of expired medical supplies to veterinarians to avoid disposal costs
• Moved request to create a reserve for opioid settlement funding to the Finance Committee

Government Operations

The Washington County Government Operations Committee will meet to consider updates on ongoing Buildings & Grounds projects and a report from the Board of Elections. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and other business, but no specific proposals or dollar amounts are listed.

• Updates on ongoing Buildings & Grounds projects
• Board of Elections report

The committee approved a contract for roof replacement at the Law Center. Members also discussed ballot printing failures during a recent election and the potential need for new voting machines and on-demand printers.

• Approved $1,607,000 contract to Greenwood Industries, Inc. for Law Center roof replacement
• Accepted minutes of the October 25, 2022 meeting
• Concurred with County Attorney's recommendation to purchase title insurance for Middle Falls Highway Barn land

Information Technology

The committee approved the minutes from the October 25, 2022 meeting. Members received updates on cyber security statistics and the status of ongoing IT projects, including camera installations.

• Approved minutes of the October 25, 2022 meeting

Agriculture, Planning, Tourism & Community Development

The committee approved starting the process to opt out of a New York State hunting season occurring December 26 through January 1. Members also supported seeking broadband proposals from providers to connect unserved addresses. The committee recommended letting the situation with HomeFront's viability play out after a CDBG grant was not awarded.

• Approved motion to start process of opting out of Dec 26-Jan 1 hunting season
• Supported Economic Development Director pursuing broadband proposals from providers
• Accepted minutes of October 25, 2022 meeting
• Recommended letting HomeFront's viability situation play out

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted the fiscal year 2023 budget and associated salary schedules. They also approved several budget amendments for sewer districts and county operations, and designated official newspapers.

• Adopted Fiscal Year 2023 Budget (16-0-1)
• Adopted 2023 Non-Union Grade Schedule (16-0-1)
• Established salary schedule for exempt, stipend, seasonal, and per diem employees (16-0-1)
• Approved sale of land (15-1-1)
• Designated official newspapers for Democrat and Republican parties
• Approved agreement with Warren County for 2023 snow removal and salting/sanding
• Approved budget amendments for Sewer District No. 2 and the Car Pool Fund
• Approved bid 2022-29 for law enforcement equipment

Audit

The Audit Committee approved the payment of monthly bills and stale vouchers. The total amount presented to the committee for approval was $4,988,834.49.

• Accepted minutes of the October 19, 2022 meeting
• Approved $1,588.09 for Public Health stale vouchers to Saratoga Hospital
• Approved payment of all audited bills totaling $4,988,834.49

Finance

The Finance Committee approved the fiscal year 2023 budget, which increases the tax levy by $1,045,528. The committee also established new salary schedules for exempt and non-union employees and set a public hearing for Local Law “G” of 2022.

• Adopted 2023 budget with 3% tax levy increase
• Approved $256,998 for law enforcement equipment (Bid 2022-29)
• Set 2023 mileage reimbursement rates at $0.60 and $0.50 per mile
• Approved $210,500 for Route 197 force main replacement project
• Approved $20,404 for Public Defender office furniture
• Approved $39,696 in additional Youth Bureau funding for WAIT House
• Approved $13,800 for Valmet trailer demolition
• Denied $2,500 salary increase for Commissioner of Social Services

Personnel

The committee approved requests to backfill five vacant positions across multiple county departments. The board also noted updates to employment application forms following changes to Civil Service Law.

• Approved backfill for Aging Services Aide per diem (Office for the Aging)
• Approved backfill for Carpenter II (Department of Public Works)
• Approved backfill for Highway Worker II (Department of Public Works)
• Approved backfill for Social Services Examiner (Department of Social Services)
• Approved backfill for Senior Account Clerk (Public Health)
• Accepted minutes from September 8 and October 13, 2022

Community Service Board

The Washington County Community Services Board approved a request to change the behavioral health services provider at the Correctional Facility from BHSN to the Eden Center for 2023. The board also approved the October 13, 2022, meeting minutes.

• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved contracting with Eden Center for 2023 jail behavioral health services and decreasing BHSN contract (unanimous)

Public Safety

The committee accepted bids for emergency response equipment and authorized a new RFP process for a domestic terrorism grant if a waiver is denied. Members also approved the creation of a religious sect exemption form for code enforcement.

• Approved $256,997.02 in bids for emergency response equipment
• Approved motion to issue RFP/bid for Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant if M/WBE waiver is denied
• Approved creation of a religious sect exemption form for code enforcement
• Accepted meeting minutes from August 30 and September 27, 2022

Planning Agency

The Washington County Planning Agency reviewed four site plan applications. The agency determined that each project is a matter of essentially local concern.

• Found business expansion at 128 Broadway to be a matter of essentially local concern (2-0)
• Found billiard hall at 49 Broadway to be a matter of essentially local concern (2-0)
• Found commercial auto fluid changes at 3614 Burgoyne Ave. to be a matter of essentially local concern (2-0)
• Found barn conversion to event space at 129 County Route 17 to be a matter of essentially local concern with comments (2-0)

Public Works

The committee approved the purchase of a Buildings and Grounds pickup truck and a one-year snow and ice agreement with Warren County. Several budget amendments for the Sewer District were approved and forwarded to the Finance Committee. The committee also declared various vehicles and equipment surplus for auction.

• Approved budget amendment and bid process for a Buildings and Grounds pickup truck
• Approved 10-week unpaid BOCES intern for heavy equipment
• Authorized one-year snow and ice control agreement with Warren County
• Approved declaring surplus vehicles and equipment for auction
• Approved request for DPW and County Attorney to draft a priority bidding policy for county towns
• Approved $9,500 and $4,000 Sewer District budget amendments for auto fuel
• Approved $4,000 Sewer District budget amendment for compost overtime
• Approved $15,000 for Sewer personal services and $27,500 for consultant SPDES reporting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors adopted two resolutions to rescind previous dates and set new timing for the annual meeting and the 2023 tentative budget public hearing.

• Approved Resolution No. 239 to rescind Resolution No. 237 and set a new date for the Annual Meeting (3,602 Ayes, 506 Noes)
• Approved Resolution No. 240 to rescind Resolution No. 238 and set a new time and date for the 2023 Tentative Budget public hearing

Finance

The Finance Committee presented the 2023 Tentative Budget and the 2023 Budget Packet. The projected tax levy is $35,872,858, which represents a 3% increase of $1,045,528. A public hearing on the budget will be held.

• Presented 2023 Tentative Budget and Budget Packet

Health & Human Services

The committee approved the purchase of two SUVs for Public Health and the appointment of Jennifer Hogan to the Community Services Board. It also authorized additional funding for the Youth Bureau and updated the Aging Advisory Council by-laws.

• Approved bidding for two all-wheel drive compact SUVs for Public Health
• Approved unpaid internship in Public Health
• Approved $39,696 in additional NYS OCFS RHY funding and forwarded to Finance Committee
• Forwarded WAIT House contract for $87,556 to Finance Committee
• Waived Procurement Policy for the new WAIT House contract
• Appointed Jennifer Hogan to the Community Services Board
• Approved revised Aging Advisory Council By-Laws

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will consider a local law to increase the filing fee for a lis pendens and hear a feasibility study presentation on the Middle Falls property. The meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2022, following the IT Committee meeting.

• Discuss local law to increase charge for filing a lis pendens
• Middle Falls Feasibility Study Presentation

The Government Operations Committee approved moving forward with final engineering bids for a new DPW facility at Middle Falls. Other actions included approving a demolition contract, furniture fund transfers, and a safety boot reimbursement program. The committee also moved to set a public hearing for a new filing fee.

• Authorized bidding for final engineering services for the Middle Falls barn
• Approved $13,800 low bid to Charles Friedman Excavating for Valmet Trailer demolition
• Approved transfer of $20,403.12 from Public Defender to Buildings and Grounds for office furniture
• Approved $125 annual reimbursement for Buildings and Grounds employees' safety boots
• Approved introducing and setting a public hearing for a $25 Lis Pendens filing fee

Information Technology

The committee accepted the minutes from the September 20, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed a cyber security report and IT project updates, including the receipt of a $50,000 federal grant for information security policy updates.

• Approved minutes of the September 20, 2022 meeting

Agriculture, Planning, Tourism & Community Development

The committee approved revisions to the county-wide Solid Waste Management Plan for submission to the NYS DEC. Members also approved the inclusion of three parcels into agricultural districts and the exclusion of one parcel. Additionally, the county received a NYS DEC grant totaling $740,000 for a septic replacement program.

• Approved changes to the Solid Waste Management Plan
• Approved three inclusions and one exclusion for certified agricultural districts
• Accepted minutes from the September 20, 2022 meeting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors adopted Introductory Local Law 'D' of 2022, continuing the occupancy tax, and approved 13 resolutions including updated building use policy, staffing changes, contracts, and budget amendments. All resolutions passed with majority support; one resolution (No. 232) had a single no vote.

• Adopted Local Law 'D' of 2022 continuing occupancy tax (15-0-2)
• Approved updated Building Use Policy (15-0-2)
• Amended DSS staffing pattern for part-time caseworkers (adopted)
• Appointed Commissioner of Elections (Democrat) (adopted)
• Authorized contract for domestic terrorism prevention plan (adopted, Haff opposed)
• Authorized contract with Warren County for youth services (adopted)
• Amended Board rules for member videoconferencing (14-1-2)
• Set public hearing date for 2023 tentative budget (adopted)

Government Operations

The Finance and Government Operations committees are meeting to consider the 2023 budget requests for various county departments. The agenda includes reviews for the Legislative Board, County Administration, County Attorney, Real Property, County Clerk/Historian, Treasurer, Buildings & Grounds/Parks, and Board of Elections.

• 2023 Departmental Budget Requests: Legislative Board/Clerk of the Board
• 2023 Departmental Budget Requests: County Administration (Capital Program/Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability & Technology Grant)
• 2023 Departmental Budget Requests: County Attorney
• 2023 Departmental Budget Requests: Real Property
• 2023 Departmental Budget Requests: County Clerk/Historian, Treasurer, Buildings & Grounds/Parks, and Board of Elections

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will discuss several engineering proposals for county facilities and department budget requests. The body is reviewing staffing changes and equipment purchases.

• Request to increase Secretary to County Attorney hours from 35 to 40 per week
• Budget amendment for $1,749 to purchase a passport camera
• Engineering proposals for Law Enforcement Center RTU 5/6, St. Paul’s School roof, and Municipal Building chiller
• Request to spend $500 for Buildings & Grounds Safety Days
• Creation of budget lines for Fort Ann and Middle Falls projects

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet via teleconference and in person to review the June 21, 2022, minutes. The agenda includes updates from the Buildings & Grounds department.

• Review of June 21, 2022, meeting minutes
• Buildings & Grounds department updates

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet to discuss department reports and requests. The agenda includes a grant budget amendment for the County Clerk and a review of full value tax rates from Real Property.

• County Clerk grant budget amendment
• DMV update
• Real Property full value tax rates and graph
• Buildings & Grounds updates

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet via teleconference and in person to discuss various department reports and policies. Discussion items include staffing requests from Real Property and updates regarding the Board of Elections.

• Real Property: Part Time Assessor Position request
• Board of Elections: August Primary unbudgeted cost
• Board of Elections: Possible NYS mandated inspector pay rate increase
• Board of Elections: Redistricting and increased postage costs
• Policy/Procedure for use of video conferencing

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet via teleconference and in person to discuss various department reports and requests. Items include discussions on remote DMV startup, shared services funding, and building updates.

• Remote DMV Start Up discussion
• Shared Services Funding discussion
• DPW Barn Updates discussion
• Milfoil SONAR Lake Lauderdale discussion
• BOS Chambers Audio/Visual System upgrade

Government Operations

The committee will meet via teleconference and in person to review department reports and requests. Discussion items include real property annual reports, software funding transfers, and DPW barn updates.

• Real Property Annual Report
• New aerial photography in a limited area
• County Clerk request to transfer grant funds for software
• Buildings & Grounds discussion regarding DPW Barn updates

Government Operations

The Washington County Government Operations Committee is meeting to discuss a matter regarding the Fort Ann Barn and M/E Engineering. The meeting includes time for other business.

• Fort Ann Barn – M/E Engineering

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet to review department requests and reports. Discussion items include the Buildings & Grounds capital plan and a purchasing policy review by the County Administrator.

• Capital Plan: LEC Roof, Campus Fire Sys., and Lighting Cntl. Sys.
• Municipal Campus Signage
• Parks Update
• County Administrator Purchasing Policy Review

Government Operations

The Government Operations Committee will meet to receive updates from Buildings & Grounds and review the County Administrator's overnight travel policy.

• Review of County Administrator overnight travel policy
• Buildings & Grounds updates