April 6, 2015
St. Lawrence County DRAFT Board Meeting
Board of Legislators Monday, April 6, 2015
Board Room 7:00 P.M.
Chair Lightfoot called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: All Legislators were present with the exception of Mr. Paquin and Mr. LaPierre. Mr. Putman was present via FaceTime.
Mr. Lightfoot led everyone in prayer and the pledge of allegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Mr. Arquiett moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Denesha and Mr. Perkins and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mr. Perkins moved to approve the January 26th and March 16th Special Board Meetings minutes and the March 2nd Full Board meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Dann, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
APPOINTMENT OF LEGISLATOR, DISTRICT 15
The Ad Hoc Committee recommends appointing Lisa Bell as Legislator to District 15.
RESOLUTION NO. 89-2015
APPOINTING LISA BELL TO THE VACATED SEAT OF THE
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS, DISTRICT 15
By Mr. Arquiett, District 13; Mr. Paquin, District 14;
Mr. Perkins, District 7; and Mr. Putman, District 9
WHEREAS, former Legislator Jonathan S. Putney, having submitted his resignation to this Board effective April 5, 2015, and by virtue thereof the seat from District 15 having been vacated, and
WHEREAS, an ad hoc committee of the remaining Democratic Legislators has been appointed by the Chair of Board, and
WHEREAS, the ad hoc committee has submitted its recommendation to fill the vacancy created to this Board, and
WHEREAS, by the wording of Local Law 7 for the Year 1978, this Board is bound to follow that recommendation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the ad hoc committee, Lisa Bell is hereby appointed effective April 6, 2015, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation, and pursuant to Section 42 of the New York State Public Officers Law, that this appointment will expire on December 31, 2015.
***
Mr. Arquiett moved to adopt Resolution No. 89-2015, seconded by Mr. Perkins, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
The Honorable Mary Lou Rupp swore in Lisa Bell to the Board of Legislators, District 15
PRESENTATION OF A RESOLUTION:
RESOLUTION NO. 90-2015
RECOGNIZING THE MASSENA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM FOR EXCELLENCE AND OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
By Mr. Arquiett, District 13
Co-Sponsored by Mr. Dann, District 5; Mr. Paquin, District 14; and Mr. Putney, District 15
WHEREAS, the Massena Central High School Girls Hockey Team finished their stellar 2014-2015 season with a record of 10-8, and
WHEREAS, the Red Raiders won their first Section X Title in team history and continued their winning ways going undefeated in post-season play and dominating the Kenmore East Bulldogs with a three to zero victory capturing the NYSPHSAA Girls Hockey Championship, and
WHEREAS, with this victory the Massena Central High School Girls Hockey Team was crowned New York State Division I Champions, and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of Head Coach Jennifer Gray and Assistant Coaches Greg Paquin and Taylor Zappia, the team’s performance this season is a testimonial to hard work and dedication, and
WHEREAS, this team has 13 all Academics and is a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar Athlete Team with a combined overall Grade Point Average (GPA) being 96 with fourteen players having an average of 90 or above demonstrating what a true student athlete is, and
WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County is very proud of the accomplishments of the team as student athletes for devoting the time and energy, putting forth a team effort, thereby bringing honor and credit to your School, Town, and County, and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Board of Legislators recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of the Massena Red Raiders Girls Hockey Team and their coaches on their impressive and successful Championship season,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators recognizes the Massena Central High School Girls Hockey Team for excellence and outstanding achievements.
***
Mr. Arquiett moved to adopt Resolution No. 90-2015, seconded by Mr. Burke, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the Massena Central High School Girls’ Hockey Team, Managers, and Coaches for winning the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Division 1 Championship.
PRESENTATION OF A RESOLUTION:
RESOLUTION NO. 91-2015
RECOGNIZING A MASSENA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER FOR EXCELLENCE AND OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
By Mr. Arquiett, District 13
Co-Sponsored by Mr. Paquin, District 14 and Mr. Putney, District 15
WHEREAS, Massena Central High School Senior, Nolan Terrance, made school history by becoming their first-ever wrestling champion at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), and
WHEREAS, the Red Raider has participated in wrestling since the eighth grade compiling an impressive career record of 104-15 and finishing this season with a 42-1 record, and
WHEREAS, the athlete went on to defeat Section 11 Edwin Rubio of John Glenn School in a double-overtime victory, thereby capturing the Division I 285 pound NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championship title, and
WHEREAS, under the direction of Head Coach, Scott Perrine, the wrestler’s performance this season is a testimonial to hard work and dedication, and
WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County is very proud of the accomplishments of this student athlete for devoting the time and energy, putting forth effort, thereby bringing honor and credit to his School, Town, and County, and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Board of Legislators recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of Nolan Terrance, Wrestling Champion, and his Coach on an impressive and successful Championship season,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators recognizes Nolan Terrance for excellence and outstanding achievements.
***
Mr. Arquiett moved to adopt Resolution No. 91-2015, seconded by Mr. Dann, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to the Massena Central High School Varsity Wrestler and his Coach for winning the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association (NYSPHSAA) Division 1 Championship.
COMMUNICATIONS: The following correspondence was read by the Deputy Clerk:
1. Three resolutions were received from the Adirondack Park Government Review Board:
· Resolution No. 1– Requesting amendment of the Vehicle and Traffic Law regarding designation of Highways for travel by ATVs.
· Resolution No. 2 – Supporting ATV weight limit increase.
· Resolution No. 3 – Requesting retention of 30 additional Danzer Forestland camps on the Long Pond Easement.
2. A letter was received from the Town of Dekalb supporting the St. Lawrence County Legislators in their continued efforts to have the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013 repealed.
3. Three resolutions were received from Delaware County Board of Supervisors:
· Resolution supporting the position of the Upper Delaware River Tailwaters Coalition for modifying the Operating System Tool and Flexible Flow Management Plan.
· Resolution calling for New York State to provide support and 100% financial reimbursement to the Counties to offset the costs of providing HIV and Hepatitis C treatment to incarcerated individuals.
· Resolution calling on the Governor and State Legislature to reform the home rule process so it works as efficiently as possible.
4. A Resolution was received from the Essex County Board of Supervisors requesting FEMA or State Reimbursement to help relieve Essex County of financial stress from damages caused by the long stretch of below freezing temperatures.
5. A Resolution was received from Lewis County Board of Legislators urging New York State to fund probation departments 100% for costs related to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18 years of age.
6. A Resolution was received from Niagara County Board of Legislators opposing executive action to ban widely-used common rifle ammunition designation by the US Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and condemning all backdoor gun control via executive actions.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Mr. McDougall, Mayor of Gouverneur spoke in support of adding additional Assistant District Attorneys to the District Attorney’s Office.
Dan Manor, Chief Investigator of the District Attorney’s Office, said with the increase to the drug issues, he also is asking for support in adding Assistant District Attorneys to the staff.
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS:
Operations Committee: 3-9-2015
RESOLUTION NO. 92-2015
AUTHORIZATION TO FILL A DEPUTY SHERIFF POSITION
IN THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CRIMINAL DIVISION
By Mr. LaPierre, Chair, Operations Committee
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2008, the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators adopted Resolution No. 281-2008, which implemented a non-essential services hiring freeze, and
WHEREAS, that Position No. 605000019, Deputy Sheriff, became vacant due to a resignation as of February 28, 2015, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that there is a need for the Deputy Sheriff position to be filled and this opening is an entry level position with a starting salary of $39,336 and the position is in the 2015 Budget,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators authorizes the Sheriff to immediately fill Position No. 605000019, Deputy Sheriff, in the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division.
***
Mr. Acres moved to adopt Resolution No. 92-2015, seconded by Mr. Forsythe, Mr. Arquiett, and Mr. Burke, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Operations Committee: 3-9-2015
RESOLUTION NO. 93-2015
MODIFYING APPROPRIATION AND REVENUE ACCOUNTS
WITHIN THE ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY BUDGET FOR THE
BROWNFIELDS OPPORTUNITIES AREA (BOA) GRANT
By Mr. LaPierre, Chair, Operations Committee
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 65-2013 accepted a 2012 Brownfield Opportunities Area (BOA) Grant, and
Whereas, it is requested to locate the grant fund accounts in the Planning Office,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators authorizes the Treasurer to modify the following accounts in the 2015 St. Lawrence County Budget:
INCREASE REVENUE:
N1030895 56000 BOA N SA State Aid $360,000
INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS:
N1080204 460GP BOA N ADM DOS Grant $360,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any unspent funds be rolled over to the following year annually until expended.
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Mr. Acres moved to adopt Resolution No. 93-2015, seconded by Mr. Denesha and Mr. Arquiett, and carried by a roll call vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Operations Committee: 3-9-2015
RESOLUTION NO. 94-2015
PROCLAIMING EARTH DAY IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY
By Mr. LaPierre, Chair, Operations Committee
WHEREAS, the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators has traditionally emphasized the preservation and improvement of the quality of the natural and man-made environment within the County, and
WHEREAS, since its establishment by the Board of Legislators in 1971 the County’s Environmental Management Council has worked to advise the Board of Legislators about, and to foster public understanding of, environmental matters affecting the County, and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with "Earth Day", celebrated on April 22, 2015, the Environmental Management Council will sponsor and encourage public participation in environmentally responsible activities and educational programs,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators does hereby designate April 22, 2015 to be “Earth Day” in St. Lawrence County, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators does hereby encourage all persons throughout the County to participate in programs and activities, on Earth Day and throughout the year, that promote a healthy environment in conjunction with a stronger economy, and that improve awareness about the interactions between people and the environment.
***
Mr. Acres moved to adopt Resolution No. 94-2015, seconded by Mr. Arquiett, Mr. Burke and Mr. Hooper, and carried by a voice vote with twelve (12) yes votes, one (1) no vote (Dann), and two absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Operations Committee: 3-9-2015
RESOLUTION NO. 95-2015
DESIGNATing April 2015 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH
By Mr. LaPierre, Chair, Operations Committee
Whereas, April 11, 2015 marks the 47th Anniversary of signing of the Fair Housing Act into law, which proclaims a national policy of equal housing opportunity for all citizens without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability, and
Whereas, since its inception, the St. Lawrence County Fair Housing Task Force has implemented a variety of activities to promote equal access to housing for all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, familial status or disability, and
WHEREAS, this year’s Fair Housing activities include: publishing public service announcements to increase awareness about housing discrimination when homes are either rented, sold or financed; sponsoring an April landlord workshop on best management practices for rental properties; and preparations to initiate a new Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators reaffirms its commitment to promote equal opportunity for all County residents to live in safe, decent housing of their choice, and designates April 2015 as Fair Housing Month.
***
Mr. Acres moved to adopt Resolution No. 95-2015, seconded by Mr. Burke and Mr. Forsythe, and carried by a voice vote with thirteen (13) yes votes and two (2) absent (Paquin and LaPierre).
Operations Committee: 3-9-2015
RESOLUTION NO. 96-2015
AUTHORIZING THE CREATION AND FILLING OF AN ATTORNEY POSITION TO REPLACE THE CRIMES AGAINST REVENUE PROGRAM (CARP) GRANT POSITION AND MODIFYING THE 2015 DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE BUDGET
By Mr. LaPierre, Chair, Operations Committee
WHEREAS, the Office of the District Attorney prepared the 2015 Budget with the expectation of $98,500 in revenue from the Crimes Against Revenue Program (CARP) Grant and unfortunately were not awarded the Grant for the 2015 period, and
WHEREAS, there are appropriations included the cost of one attorney position and the fringe benefits associated with that position, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Legislators is interested in preserving the attorney position with consideration given to the needs of the office, and
WHEREAS, the $5,177 balance of the revenue budgeted does not have budgeted appropriations and the total reduction that will increase county cost to the Department, and