Wells continues as chairman of the board

 Supervisors January 5 2023

 Wells continues as chairman of the board

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on January 5, the first order of business was to select a Temporary Chair of the Board. Phil Snyder was selected as the Temp. He then called for nominations to the Permanent Chair and Brian Wells was again selected as Permanent Chair, thus continuing his position for his second year after replacing Bill Farber who had held the position of chairman since 1998 until Wells gained it last year, and before that from 1994 and 1995. Farber continues to be supervisor of the Town of Morehouse, a position he has held for 33 years.

The board then went on to approve the following resolutions.

INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE COUNTY OF HAMILTON

WHEREAS, the Investment Policy for the County of Hamilton is to be renewed on an annual basis, and

WHEREAS the County Treasurer recommends the banks where monies are deposited, and the maximum amount as follows:

NBT: $15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million); Community Bank: $2,000,000.00 (Two Million); Key Bank: $5,000,000.00 (Five Million); JP Morgan: $10,000,000.00 (Ten Million); Bank of America: $5,000,000.00 (Five Million); Chemung Canal Trust Company: $3,000,000.00 (Three Million); T.D. Bank: $12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million); Bank of the Finger Lakes-Wayne Bank $2,000,000.00 (Two Million); Bank on Buffalo-Division of CNB Bank $2,000,000.00 (Two Million)

be it

RESOLVED, that the above listed amendments be adopted, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

SETTING RATE FOR TRAVEL ALLOWANCE – 2023

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County will, effective January 1, 2023, compensate auto mileage incurred by employees on behalf of the County at the rate of $.655 per mile and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

APPROVAL OF PAYMENT – 2023 WORKERS COMPENSATION

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors awarded the County Workers Compensation package to PERMA, and

WHEREAS the County is in receipt of the annual premium for 2023 from PERMA for Workers Compensation in the amount of $108,760.00, and

WHEREAS the County is only eligible for this premium if said premium is paid in full, be it

RESOLVED, that the premium be paid in the amount of $108,760.00 from the 2023 Budget charging the several accounts so noted for Employee Benefits Workers Compensation and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

APPROVAL OF PAYMENT – 2023 COUNTY INSURANCE PACKAGE AND CYBER INSURANCE

WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors awarded the County Insurance Package to NFP with NYMIR Insurance as the carrier, and

WHEREAS, the current premiums are due and payable at this time, be it

RESOLVED, that payment due in the amount of $179,570.84 for the period January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 for the County Insurance Package be hereby approved, and be it further

RESOLVED, that payment due in the amount of $17,974.69 for the period of January 7, 2023 – January 7, 2024 for cyber insurance be hereby approved, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is authorized to make payment at this time by issuing a check to NFP, in the amount of $179,570.84 for Invoice No. 657534 and $17,974.69 for Invoice No. 657243 from the several accounts for insurance.

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

WHEREAS Resolution No. 350-22 adopted November 3, 2022 appointed Betsy Bain and Nick Mauro as Supervisor Representatives to the Board of Directors of the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District for a period of January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023, and

WHEREAS Nick Mauro has resigned, creating a vacancy on the Board of Directors, and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors has recommended the appointment of Chris Rhodes to fill the vacancy, be it

RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 350-22 is hereby amended to appoint Chris Rhodes, instead of Nick Mauro as Supervisor Representative for a term of one year, commencing January 1, 2023 and terminating December 31, 2023.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN-LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD

WHEREAS the by-laws of the Lake Champlain – Lake George Regional Planning Board state that each member-county shall appoint six directors to the Board with the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Financial Officer and the Highway Superintendent of each member county being Ex-Officio members and three additional directors shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors of each member county, and

WHEREAS the tenure of Ex-Officio Officers shall be consistent with their terms of office and the additional three (3) members shall be appointed to terms of three (3) years and staggered so that one director term shall expire each year, be it

RESOLVED, that the following appointments be made to the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board:

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent, William G. Farber – Term of January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023, Christy Wilt – Term January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024, Clay Arsenault – Term of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025

AGREEMENT WITH THE ADIRONDACK PARK LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW BOARD – 2023

BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman is hereby authorized to execute an Agreement with the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board for the 2023 appropriation in the amount of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00), charging Account No. A6326.0403, and is hereby approved for payment and the County Treasurer be so advised.

AGREEMENT WITH CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ASSOCIATION OF HAMILTON COUNTY

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has appropriated the sum of Forty-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Ten Dollars ($49,810.00) for the support and maintenance of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Hamilton County,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Subdivision 8 of Section 224 of the County Law, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to enter into a memorandum agreement with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Hamilton County for the fiscal year of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 in the amount of Forty-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Ten Dollars ($49,810.00), and be it further

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize payment of Forty-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Ten Dollars ($49,810.00) to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Hamilton County in one payment, on or about February 2, 2023 and said amount shall be paid from Account No. A8750.0401, and the Hamilton County Treasurer be so advised.

CONTRACT WITH THE HAMILTON COUNTY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN’S CLUBS, INC.

WHEREAS this Board desires to enter into a contract with the Hamilton County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc., for the year 2023, and

WHEREAS, the “Federation” has an established program, for promotion and education with respect to wildlife and environmental conservation, and

WHEREAS the “Federation” through the relationships they have established with the local Fish & Game or Rod & Gun Clubs has an ability to provide a needed service to the County, and

WHEREAS, such service is anticipated to be promotion and education surrounding wildlife, fishing, and environmental conservation, and

WHEREAS there are opportunities to provide these services through existing camps, kids fishing derbies, etc.,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the County Attorney be authorized to prepare a contract to pay One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) to the Hamilton County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc., giving them authority to carry on a program including conservation education, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman be authorized to execute such contract and that One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) be paid on or about March 2, 2023 from Fish and Game Account No. A8720.0402 Federal Fish and Game, and that the Fish & Game Account No. A8720.0402 be charged for any and all other expenses authorized herein, and be it also

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County would provide funding for up to eight local Hamilton County Fish & Game or Rod & Gun Clubs at up to $500.00 per club for promotional or educational programs as above defined approved by the Committee of the Hamilton County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc. and also be covered by this contract, and be it further

RESOLVED, that upon completion of the Federation’s Coyote Contest they will be reimbursed up to $500.00 as part of said contract, and be it further

RESOLVED, that all expenses under Fish and Game Account No. A8720.0402 Fish & Game will be reimbursements to the Federation for expenses already paid under the $500.00 per club formula and $500.00 for said Coyote Contest, and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

WHEREAS it is necessary for the Department of Social Services to enter into a cooperative agreement with the County Attorney in order to justify and obtain funding for such representation, and

WHEREAS the Office of the County Attorney provides representation to the Department of Social Services through appointment of the Assistant County Attorney, be it

RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of the Hamilton County Department of Social Services, the Hamilton County Attorney, and the Hamilton County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors are hereby authorized to execute a Cooperation Agreement for the term of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 between the Department of Social Services and the Hamilton County Attorney upon review of the Hamilton County Attorney.

APPROVAL TO FUND AND PAY INVOICES RECEIVED UTILIZING THE ARP ACT FUNDS FOR THE NEW FINANCIAL SOFTWARE BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THE TREASURERS, PERSONNEL AND CLERK OF THE BOARD’S OFFICE

WHEREAS one invoice has been received from Tyler Technologies for the new financial/personnel software being implemented for month of December, and

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 288-21 dated November 10, 2021 the Board created the ARP Act accounts to cover the expenses of this implementation, be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to fund Account No. A1325.0412 – ARP Act Financial Software in the amount of $390.00 to be offset by funding Revenue Account No. A4089.0200 – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $390.00, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Tyler Technologies for Invoice No. 025-404824 in the amount of $390.00, from Account No. A1325.0412 ARP Act, Financial Software.

2022 - ESTABLISH PETTY CASH/CHANGE FUND - COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE

DATED: JANUARY 5, 2023

BY

WHEREAS customers continually use large bills to pay for their DMV transactions and the starting cash drawers do not have sufficient cash to make the necessary change due the customer, and

WHEREAS, in order to make change, it is necessary to make change from the previous day's receipts, if possible, and

WHEREAS, a recent DMV Audit frowned upon this practice, and

WHEREAS a meeting was held with the Central Government Committee, and they approved establishing a fund specifically for this purpose in the amount of $500.00, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a check in the amount of $500.00 payable to Jane S. Zarecki, Hamilton County Clerk, from Account No. A1410.0405 Supplies so she may establish the petty cash-change fund as described above.

AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH SENIOR MOTOR VEHICLE POSITION

COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE

WHEREAS major staffing changes will be occurring in the County Clerk/ DMV Offices in the next couple of years, and

WHEREAS, these changes will require the shifting of duties currently handled by existing staff, and the possibility of cross training to other areas, and

WHEREAS one of the major changes will be in the area of the DMV and a need for a supervisory person whose duties have been outlined per the proposed Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk job description currently under review by the Personnel Officer, and

WHEREAS many “Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk” job descriptions from New York State along with job descriptions from other counties who currently have an active Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk among their staff and have written a job description for Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk that reflects the duties required in this unique situation have been reviewed, and

WHEREAS, in a meeting with the Central Government Committee, it was agreed that this position should be established sooner than later, and

WHEREAS, with approval of the Personnel Officer of the job description, the civil service test for this position would be ordered and posted as a competitive/promotional exam, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the new position of Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk, and the Personnel Officer is so authorized, and the County Treasurer is so notified.

AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE FIVE BOAT PATROLMEN TO SERVE IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE

WHEREAS, the Sheriff has reported to this Board there is a need for five boat patrolmen to patrol lakes in Hamilton County during the 2023 Summer Season (June through September), therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Sheriff be authorized to hire five boat patrolmen for the 2023 Summer Season beginning June 16th with any advance required training authorized, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to prepare proper contracts to submit to the State of New York to meet the requirements of the State of reimbursement.

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, FIRE COORDINATOR AND EMS COORDINATOR

BE IT RESOLVED that Jill Dunham is hereby appointed Director of Emergency Services for a term of January 1, 2023 ending December 31, 2023 at an hourly rate of $28.292, 40 hours per week, paid from Account No. A3640.0101, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Sean O’Brien is hereby appointed Fire Coordinator for the term of January 1, 2023 ending December 31, 2023 at an hourly rate of $26.358 from Account No. A3640.0103, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Avis Warner is hereby temporarily appointed EMS Coordinator at an hourly rate of $26.358 from Account No. A3640.0102, until such time that a permanent EMS Coordinator is appointed, and the County Treasurer and Personnel Officer be so advised.

AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH PEER COUNSELOR FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAM

WHEREAS, according to the NYS Department of Health, the local health department provides administration of WIC program initiatives, and

WHEREAS, according to WIC program requirement, the Hamilton County Nursing Service (HCPHNS) must provide a Peer Counselor to assist mothers in the successful breast feeding of their children, and

WHEREAS, Kaeli Abraham of Wells, NY is qualified to provide peer counseling support through the WIC program, and

WHEREAS, Kaeli Abraham has agreed to maintain any ongoing training required of her to maintain her Peer Counselor designation, and

WHEREAS Kaeli Abraham will be reimbursed at a rate of $15.00 per hour plus travel reimbursement at the prevailing county mileage rate, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into a contract with Kaeli Abraham to provide Peer Counselor services to mothers in Hamilton County, as described above, to begin January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 upon approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer be so notified.

AETNA INSURANCE COMPANY OVERPAYMENT REFUND CHECK

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service/Home Health Agency in furnishing its patient services receives reimbursement from the Federal and State Governments, private insurance, and various other sources, and

WHEREAS, Aetna Insurance Company has done a routine review of claim payments finding that there was overpayment of $2,250.50 provided to Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service/Home Health Agency, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Treasurer refund $2,250.50 to AETNA, 29408 Reliable Parkway, Chicago, IL 60686-0294 from Account No. A1610.

KEUKA COLLEGE EDUCATION AFFILIATION AGREEMENT AND FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR MADILYN BRAUNIUS

WHEREAS, Madilyn Braunius who attends Keuka College has expressed interest in completing a field experience with Hamilton County Public Health, and

WHEREAS, the field experience is from January 16, 2023 through January 27, 2023, and

WHEREAS, Keuka College has sent an education affiliation agreement and certificate of liability insurance, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors be authorized to sign the education affiliation agreement between Keuka College and Hamilton County Public Health, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Madilyn Braunius be permitted to complete her field experience with Hamilton County Public Health.

AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN “CERTIFICATION STATEMENT FOR PROVIDER UTILIZING ELECTRONIC BILLING”

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service submits electronic claims to the State’s Medicaid Fiscal Agent, and

WHEREAS the agency maintains three programs for which one or more “Certification Statement for Provider Utilizing Electronic Billing” forms is required as follows:

Preschool Special Education Program:

ETIN: 6N8 – Medicaid Provider Number 03085178 - Expires May.

ETIN: BE56 – Medicaid Provider Number 03085178 – Expires December.

Early Intervention Program:

ETIN: NY7 – Medicaid Provider Number 02960992, NPI 1528197894 – Early Intervention Service Coordination. Expires October.

ETIN: 00E8 – Medicaid Provider Number 02960992, NPI 1528197894 – Hamilton County Public Health Early Intervention Service Coordination. Expires May.

Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service (CHHA):

ETIN: NY7 – Medicaid Provider Number 02997386 – Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service. Expires October.

ETIN: OZ7 – Medicaid Provider Number 02997386 – Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service. Expires February.

ETIN: J5T (BlackTree) – Medicaid Provider Number 02997386 – Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service. Expires October.

ETIN: CLHF – Medicaid Provider Number 02997386 – Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service. Expires July.

be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to sign each “Certification Statement for Provider Utilizing Electronic Billing” for the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service, as needed, for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

APPROVAL OF VETERANS SERVICES CONTRACT - 2023

BE IT RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign a contract with Fulton County, within the meaning of Section 800 of County Law, to provide assistance to members of the armed forces and veterans and their dependents in Hamilton County in obtaining any benefits and awards to which they may be entitled under any Federal, State or local legislation, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract shall be effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County shall pay to Fulton County the sum of $16,500.00 per annum in quarterly installments on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2023, plus expenses incurred by the Director for travel, postage, telephone, office supplies, printing, flags, and markers, miscellaneous, conferences, schools, and seminars not to exceed $900.00.

AUTHORIZING LEASE WITH ONEWORKSOURCE – 2023

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, working with the local WIOA, and the North Country Regional Workforce Investment Council (OneWorkSource), have worked out the details of a lease for the OneWorkSource space, and

WHEREAS, the lease will cover the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, and

WHEREAS the monthly rent to be paid by said tenant will be $475.00 per month (to cover the use of the lease space together with the cost of heat, electricity, telephone, internet, and insurance), therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into, and sign said lease on behalf of Hamilton County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that certified copies be forwarded to DSS Commissioner Roberta Bly.

APPROVAL TO AMEND PATRICE JOAN HICKS’ 2022 CONTRACT

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton has approved the contract with Patrice Joan Hicks to provide clinical social work services to residents of Hamilton County, and

WHEREAS, due to the unanticipated demand the utilization of services provided by Ms. Hicks will exceed the cap of $12,500.00 for clinical counseling and the overall cap of $14,500.00 for clinical counseling and mental health evaluations combined as specified in the contract during the past year, and

WHEREAS services projected to be provided by Patrice Joan Hicks will require additional funding through the end of the current year, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby approves amending the County’s 2022 contract for Patrice Joan Hicks to a cap of $14,960.00 for clinical counseling and an overall cap of $16,960.00, and the Treasurer be so advised.

AUTHORIZING OUT OF STATE TRAVEL – COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS Stephanie Hample is a Prevention Educator for Hamilton County Community Services, and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Services (HCCS) Prevention Program has been actively involved in supporting the Four Rivers Alliance Coalition and other prevention initiatives in the County, and

WHEREAS Hamilton County Four Rivers Alliance is offering to cover all costs for Stephanie Hample to attend the annual SAMHSA sponsored CADCA Leadership Forum scheduled for January 30-February 2, 2023 at the Gaylord National, National Harbor, Maryland, and

WHEREAS there is no cost to the County and Stephanie Hample will receive continuing education credits toward her Prevention Certification through participating in this conference, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes Stephanie Hample to attend this Conference as a work event, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR RAISE THE AGE SERVICES - HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PREVENTION INITIATIVE

WHEREAS, in 2018 NYS approved legislation to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18 years of age; New York State was previously one of only two states that automatically prosecuted 16 and 17 year-olds as adults, and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Department of Social Services, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hamilton County Probation Department have applied for funding for prevention of placement of these Raise the Age Youth, and

WHEREAS, Community Services has developed a Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative that offers Hamilton County Schools Clinical Social Worker and Resource Officer services, and

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has been approved to use Raise the Age Funding for this program, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with the Hamilton County Department of Social Services for the Hamilton County School and Community Prevention Initiative for an amount not to exceed $94,535.00 annually effective January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, Hamilton County Community Services is hereby authorized to contract with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for the services of a Resource Officer, for an amount not to exceed $99,366.00 annually effective January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023.

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS - 2023

WHEREAS each year the DPW Superintendent needs to purchase materials and supplies for road construction projects, road maintenance projects and have some inventory available for emergencies for the county system, and

WHEREAS, in all instances the purchases are made through New York State Contract, Hamilton County awarded bids or through a piggyback contract bid from another county of New York State, and

WHEREAS most of these purchases are over the threshold of the County Highway Superintendents authority to purchase without either Chairman’s authorization or by Board resolution authorizing the said purchases, and

WHEREAS these materials and supplies include but not limited to stone items, culverts, hot mix asphalt, equipment rental, road striping and general construction items, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize the County Highway Superintendent to purchase materials and supplies as needed without specific authorization for each purchase for county road construction and maintenance if it is within the current adopted budget for 2023 and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised.

APPROVAL - USE OF COUNTY ROADS AS DESIGNATED FOR SNOWMOBILE USE FOR YEAR 2023

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes any town within the county to designate any County Road or part thereof for snowmobile usage for the year 2023, be it further

RESOLVED, if a town chooses to designate a County Road or any part thereof within that particular towns boundary the town shall follow all rules and regulations of designating a road for snowmobile use per the guidelines set forth in New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservations Snowmobile Unit and also be subject to provide Hamilton County with an insurance certificate covering said use in favor of the County as an additional insured.

Supervisors close out the year 2022

By PETE KLEIN

 EXTENSION OF AWARD OF BID FOR HEATING OIL FOR THE YEAR 2023

WHEREAS, Hamilton County DPW solicited bids for the County’s purchase of Heating Fuel per Specification No. 17-2021 for all owned County facilities for the year 2022, and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 40-22 the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors awarded the Heating Oil bid to G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc., and

WHEREAS, the referenced bid provides for a contract extension if both parties (Hamilton County and G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc.) agree that terms and conditions remain the same for the duration of the extension, and

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent has contacted G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc. and that G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc. will agree to a contract extension for Heating Fuel at the same terms and conditions, and

WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent believes it is in Hamilton County’s best interest to extend the current contract with G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc. due to price stability resulting in no increase to 2023 bid delivery prices, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has determined that the bid awarded to G. A. Bove & Sons, Inc. for Heating Fuel should be extended for the fiscal year 2023 subject to the approval of the County Attorney, and the County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO COORDINATED CARE SERVICES, INC. (CCSI)

FOR STAFFING RECRUITMENT SERVICES – COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 214-22 duly adopted on July 7, 2022 authorizes Hamilton County Community Services to enter into an agreement with Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) to assist in staffing recruitment services, and

WHEREAS, Phase 3 of this agreement has been completed by Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) in the amount of $13,703.00, and

WHEREAS, Community Services has 2022 funding available in Account No. A.4310.0117 Mental Health Social Work C to cover the cost, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer $13,703.00 from Account No. A4310.0117 Mental Health Social Work C to Account No. A4310.0403 Supplies & Services, and be it further

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment to Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI), Attn: Accounts Receivable, 1099 Jay Street, Building J, Rochester, NY 14611 in the amount of $13,703.00 and the funds be taken out of Account No. A.4310.0403 Supplies & Services and the Community Services Interim Director and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM

FROM CLINIC SOURCE – COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, the Community Services Department has determined the need to implement an electronic health records system (EHR) to support mental health treatment services in accordance with Federal and State requirements, and

WHEREAS, an extensive review of applicable EHR systems were conducted and Clinic Source was determined to best meet the needs and cost requirements of the department, and

WHEREAS, the cost of the system includes an initial set up fee of $250.00 which has been waived by Clinic Source and a current monthly fee of $151.80 which consists of 1 Clinician at $69.95, 2 Clinicians at $34.95 each and 1 Administration/Other at $11.95, and

WHEREAS, the contract will be annually but will be paid on a monthly basis as we are able to adjust the monthly cost based on our need to add/remove clinicians at a cost of $34.95 per month per clinician and our need to add/remove Administration/Other at a cost of $11.95 per month per Administration/Other, be it

RESOLVED, that with the approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign applicable contracts to purchase the Clinic Source EHR, and the County Treasurer be so notified.

AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 419-22 – AGREEMENT WITH BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH FOR NON-SECURE DETENTION SERVICES

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 419-22 adopted December 16, 2022 authorized the agreement with Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth for Non-Secure Detention Services, and

WHEREAS, said Resolution mistakenly stated the per diem rate for an unreserved bed as $475.00 when it should have been $545.00, be it

RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 419-22 is hereby amended to correct the per diem rate for an unreserved bed to $545.00.

Hamilton County Supervisors approve Secret Domestic Terrorism Plan

 Supervisors December 16 2022

Hamilton County Supervisors approve Secret Domestic Terrorism Plan

You have no right to know what is in it.

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on December 16, it approved THE HAMILTON COUNTY DOMESTIC TERRORISM PLAN.

The following is a copy of the resolution creating the Secret Plan.

WHEREAS, on May 18, 2022 New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order 18 which required every county in New York State to submit a Domestic Terrorism Prevention Plan to New York Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), and 

WHEREAS Hamilton County was awarded a New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Grant for FY2022 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant Program – DT22-1014-E00, and

WHEREAS one of the objectives of the FY2022 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant Program is to develop plans, polices, and protocols, inclusive of services and resources to help implement threat assessment management strategies, and 

WHEREAS, Hamilton County hired Lucretia L. Ferry of Mayfield, New York to develop a Domestic Terrorism Plan to prevent domestic terrorism, and

WHEREAS Lucretia L. Ferry has submitted a Domestic Terrorism Prevention Plan that meets the objectives of the FY2022 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant Program, and

WHEREAS, due to the sensitivity of the Hamilton County Domestic Terrorism Plan the plan will not be released to the public, but has been reviewed by the stakeholders and Hamilton County’s Emergency Preparedness/Emergency Response Committee, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby supports the Domestic Terrorism Plan submitted by Lucretia L. Ferry and authorizes the plan to be submitted to New York Responds (NYR) before December 31, 2022.

In other business, some of which you have the right to know:

LEVYING 2023 COUNTY AND TOWN TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS

WHEREAS there has been presented to this Board of Supervisors a duly certified copy of the annual budget for each of the nine towns of Hamilton County for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2023, and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has duly adopted its annual budget for the fiscal year 2023 on November 18, 2022, which budget provides for appropriation of funds in the total amount of $24,369,845 and for a total tax levy of $9,411,620, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to Town Law §115, the amounts specified in the annual town budgets, as adopted by the respective Town Boards, to be raised by tax or assessment shall be levied, assessed, raised, and collected against, from, and upon the real property of the respective towns liable therefore at the time and in the manner provided by law for the levy of county taxes, and be it further

RESOLVED, that pursuant to County Law §360, the amounts specified in the 2023 County budget to be raised by tax, amounting to $9,411,620 be levied, assessed, raised, and collected against, from, and upon the real property of the County liable therefore at the time and in the manner provided by law, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town and County taxes be extended against each parcel on said rolls, with such taxes as extended being hereby determined to be the taxes due on each such parcel as set forth thereon, and be it further

RESOLVED, that there be annexed to each of said rolls a tax warrant in the form prepared by the Director of Real Property, as provided by Real Property Tax Law §904, that such warrants should be in the respective amounts heretofore authorized to be levied upon said rolls, that under the seal of Hamilton County Board of Supervisors the said rolls with said warrants are to be forthwith collected within and from the several tax districts of the County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that such taxes and assessments, when collected, shall be paid to the Supervisor of the respective town and to the Hamilton County Treasurer in the amounts as shown on the Contents of Collectors Warrants for distribution by them in the manner provided by law.

AUTHORIZING THE RELEVY OF UNPAID SCHOOL TAXES AND VILLAGE OF SPECULATOR TAXES ON THE 2023 TAX ROLLS

WHEREAS, the School Districts within Hamilton County have transmitted to the Hamilton County Treasurer the amounts of unpaid school taxes duly verified and certified as provided by Real Property Law §§1330, and

WHEREAS, the unpaid school taxes, together with an additional 7% thereon, are subject to re-levy and collection pursuant to Real Property Tax Law §§1330, and

WHEREAS, the Village of Speculator has transmitted to the Hamilton County Treasurer the amounts of unpaid school taxes duly verified and certified as provided by Real Property Law §§1442, and

WHEREAS, the unpaid Village of Speculator taxes, together with an additional 7% thereon, are subject to re-levy and collection pursuant to Real Property Tax Law §§1442, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes and directs that the amounts of 2022-2023 School Taxes remaining unpaid as of December 1, 2022 be relevied upon the 2023 tax roll, and that any payments which are mailed and contain a postmark as of December 1, 2022 shall be deemed to have been actually received by the County Treasurer on said date, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes and directs that the amounts of 2022-2023 Village of Speculator Taxes remaining unpaid as of November 1, 2022 be re-levied upon the 2023 tax roll, and that any payments which are mailed and contain a postmark as of November 1, 2022 shall be deemed to have been actually received by the County Treasurer on said date.

RESOLUTION TO PAY 2023 SALARIES

WHEREAS this Board on November 18, 2022 adopted the Budget for 2023, and

WHEREAS such Budget sets up salaries to be paid during the year 2023, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to pay said salaries bi-weekly, as set up in the Adopted Budget for 2023.

RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR YEAR 2023

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 214 Subdivision 1 of the County Law, the Hamilton County Express be designated as the official Newspaper for the year 2023 for the County of Hamilton for publishing of official publications and notices and that this designation be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and notice of the designation be forwarded to the Secretary of State before January 1, 2023.

AUTHORIZING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF 2023 – A LOCAL LAW TO PROVIDE INCREASES IN THE COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICERS

BE IT RESOLVED, that proposed Local Law No. 1 of the year 2023 entitled, “A Local Law to Provide Increases in the Compensation of Certain County Officers” be and the same is hereby introduced to the Board of Supervisors, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of the aforesaid proposed Local Law be laid upon the desks of each member of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors shall hold a public hearing on the said proposed Local Law at the County Office Complex, Route 8, Lake Pleasant, New York, on the 5th day of January 2023, at 2:30 PM, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors publish or cause to be published a public notice in the official newspaper of the County of said public hearing at least five (5) days prior thereto.

 LOCAL LAW TO PROVIDE INCREASES IN THE COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICERS BE IT ENACTED, by the Hamilton County 

In keeping with that compliance, Local Law No. 1 of 2023 is hereby enacted setting the annual salaries for the year 2023 for the following county officers who are elected or appointed for a fixed term, and whose terms did not expire on December 31, 2022.

POSITION 2023 ANNUAL SALARY

District Attorney $126,040; Sheriff $110,301; Treasurer $96,375; County Clerk $100,244; Real Property Tax Director $87,010; Personnel Director $67,002; Commissioner of Social Services $104,244; Highway Superintendent $112,898; County Attorney $94,185; Clerk of the Board $74,533; County Historian $13,294; Director of Weights & Measurers $18,465; Director of Public Health $99,929.

SECTION 2. These salaries shall be effective as of January 1, 2023. 

SECTION 3. This Local Law shall take effect forty-five (45) days from the date of adoption by the Board of Supervisors unless a petition is filed in accordance with Municipal Home Rule law, and after filing with the Secretary of State. All Department Head salary changes will be implemented uniformly after such filing.

AUTHORIZING TOWNS OF BENSON, HOPE, AND LAKE PLEASANT SHARED SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR ACCOUNTING IN 2023.

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors set the agenda for developing a Shared Services Plan with all the Towns, Villages, and School Districts within Hamilton County, and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Treasurer’s office has been providing Back Office functions, including but not limited to Accounting and Payroll, and

WHEREAS, Hamilton County Treasurer’s office would like to continue these functions, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the Towns of Benson, Hope, and Lake Pleasant to provide Bookkeeping Services for the year 2023, with the approval of the County Attorney, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Contracts will be in the following amounts:

Benson $ 8,580; Hope $10,670; Lake Pleasant $14,850; and be it also

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be so authorized, and the Clerk of the Board and Personnel Officer be so notified.

AUTHORIZING ADVERTISING FOR A PART TIME ACCOUNT CLERK FOR THE CLERK OF THE BOARD’S OFFICE

WHEREAS, the Clerk of the Board has met with the Finance Committee and explained that there is a need for a Part Time Account Clerk in the Clerk of the Board’s office, and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee supported this request, be it

RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer be authorized to advertise for a Part Time Account Clerk for the Clerk of the Board’s office. 

AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO ENTER INTO RENEWAL OF INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH ESSEX COUNTY FOR E911 SERVICE

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 145-04 on June 3, 2004 supporting the Town of Long Lake in participation in the Essex County E911 system, and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 131-05 adopted on June 2, 2005 the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorized the Chairman to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with Essex County for 911 service for the Town of Long Lake, and

WHEREAS, the Town of Long Lake has requested the County authorize renewal of the Essex County 911 agreement for 2023, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign a renewal of the inter-municipal agreement on behalf of Hamilton County for the provision of E911 service to the Town of Long Lake through Essex County, upon the approval of the County Attorney.

PURCHASE OF BATTERIES FOR BLUE MTN

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received a grant from New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) in the amount of $544,803.00, contract C198186, with part being for to purchase equipment for communications sites, and 

WHEREAS, due to DEC upgrades to Blue Mtn we are able to purchase battery for our equipment located on Blue Mtn. Tower Site, and

WHEREAS, Hamilton County Emergency Services has obtained 3 quotes for the batteries required, and

WHEREAS Solar Signature provided Quote # SSQ690150 for EG4-LL lithium batteries equipped with communications alarms in the event of failures at a price of $6,796.00, and

WHEREAS these quotes were obtained separately from a quotes from Capital Digitronics as the batteries could not be purchased on state contract, and 

WHEREAS, Capital Digitronics will purchase the racks, inverter, converter, rectifier and provide the labor for installation of the batteries, and 

WHEREAS, the Signature Solar quote is a part of the Capital Digitronics quote, Quote # CDI-12142022-01, in the amount of $16,074.94. and

WHEREAS the total cost for the project will be $ 22,870.94, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Services, purchase the EG4-ll lithium batteries having Capital Digitronics do the installation labor, charged to Account No. A3645.0402 DHSES SI18-1047-D00.

PURCHASE OF VESTA HARDWARE REFRESH FOR HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – SI20-1028-E00

WHEREAS Hamilton County Emergency Management was awarded SICG Grant from NYS Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula Grant SI20-1028-E00 in the amount of $566,267.00, contract C197841, and

WHEREAS, $350,000.00 of Grant SI20-1028-E00 was allocated for Dispatch Software (Compliant Customer Premises Equipment), and

WHEREAS the Vesta Hardware Refresh for Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will be purchased from Motorola after review of two quotes offered by Frontier Communications and Motorola, and

WHEREAS the Vesta Hardware Refresh is based on the Piggyback Clause contained in the competitively bid contract with Onondaga County for their S=Vesta solution, be it

RESOLVED, that the Director of Hamilton County Emergency Management Department is hereby authorized to purchase the Vesta Hardware for Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office from Motorola for $350,000.00 from Account No. A3645.0425 – SI20-1028-E00 grant.

PURCHASE OF SERVERS FOR THE HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

WHEREAS Hamilton County Emergency Management was awarded the SICG Grant from NYS Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula Grant SI20-1028-E00 in the amount of $566,267.00, contract C197841, and

WHEREAS, $133,867.00 of Grant SI20-1028-E00 was allocated for Compliant Interop Communications Equipment, and

WHEREAS four (4) new server will be part of the CAD upgrades for Interoperable 

Communications, from DELL Technologies under NYS Contract PM20820, be it

RESOLVED, that the Director of Hamilton County Emergency Management Department is hereby authorized to purchase the servers from Dell Technologies for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for $40,960.00 from Account No. A3645.0425 DHSES SI20-1028-E00.

AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH SPEECH THERAPIST

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service contracts with individual providers of speech and language pathologies for several programs, and

WHEREAS Patricia Wojcicki of 372 Ridge Road, Broadalbin, NY 12025, is a duly 

licensed Speech and Language Pathologist by the NYS Department of Education, Office of Professions and wishes to contract with the Nursing Service, and

WHEREAS the term of this contract shall be from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 and compensated at a rate of $75.00 per visit, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into a contract with Patricia Wojcicki, SLP to provide speech therapy to the residents of Hamilton County, for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at a rate of $75.00 per visit, upon approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer be so notified.

CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AT COMMUNITY 

SERVICES

WHEREAS, it has been determined that there is a need for psychiatric services, and

WHEREAS, psychiatric services were budgeted in the 2023 Community Services budget, be it

RESOLVED, that Psychiatrist Eileen Ehrenberg, MD, of 23 Featherfoil Way Malta, NY 12020, who provides this service, be paid $1,500.00 per day not to exceed an annual amount of $36,000.00, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023 and, be it further

RESOLVED, that upon the approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the Hamilton County Community Services with Dr. Eileen Ehrenberg and the County Treasurer be so advised.

CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR CLINICAL EVALUATIONS AND CLINICAL COUNSELING AT COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, it has been determined that during the year there may be a need to expand Community Services’ capacity for clinical evaluations and clinical counseling, and

WHEREAS, Clinical Services are budgeted in the 2023 Community Services budget, be it

RESOLVED, that Patrice J. Hicks, of 166 Spier Falls Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831, a Clinical Social Worker with R Certification, who provides these services, be paid $100.00 per hour for clinical evaluations not to exceed an annual amount of $4,000.00 and $90.00 per hour for clinical counseling not to exceed an annual amount of $21,600.00 for a total of $25,600.00, and be it further

RESOLVED that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the Hamilton County Community Services with Patrice J. Hicks and the County Treasurer be so advised.

LICENSED 

ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR THE DELIVERY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT SERVICES BY HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Community Services Board and the Hamilton County Community Services Department (HCCS) has identified a need for substance abuse services in Hamilton County, and

WHEREAS Citizen Advocates Inc. of Franklin County, DBA North Star Chemical 

Dependency Services, has agreed to maintain licensed substance abuse clinics at the Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant offices of HCCS, and 

WHEREAS Citizens Advocates, Inc. will provide administrative and management support to HCCS clinical staff co-located at these locations such that HCCS clinical staff can provide both mental health and licensed substance abuse services to Hamilton County residents, and 

WHEREAS this administrative and management support will include operational 

management of the substance abuse clinics, supervision of county clinical staff for the provision of substance abuse services, quarterly utilization of services reports to the Local Government Unit and other supports as necessary to comply with applicable state and federal regulations, be it 

RESOLVED, that a contract with Citizens Advocated Inc. of Franklin County, in the amount of $3,510.00 be made, and the Chairman be authorized to sign said contract upon approval of the County Attorney, for the purpose of operating this Clinic, to be paid in monthly installments, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract will be in effect from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

PREVENTION PROGRAM IN HAMILTON COUNTY

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Services Board (HCCSB), the HCCSB’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee, and the Hamilton County Community Services Department have identified a need for chemical dependency related prevention programming in Hamilton County, and 

WHEREAS the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) has approved the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery Prevention Council’s (HFM Prevention Council), 86 Briggs St., Suite 5, Johnstown, NY 12095, budget for $78,449.00, annualized, in recurring funding to support a chemical dependency prevention program in Hamilton County, and 

WHEREAS NYS OASAS has determined that it will provide this funding to the HFM Prevention Council through Hamilton County’s OASAS funding, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, upon approval of the County Attorney, is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with HFM Prevention Council for the purpose of providing chemical dependency prevention services in Hamilton County, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the designated funding will be paid in quarterly installments based upon the annualized amount of $78,449.00 when confirmed in Hamilton County’s OASAS state aid letter for the contracted period, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract will be in effect from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023.

PROVIDE TELEPSYCHIATRY IN HAMILTON COUNTY 

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Services Board has identified a need to provide Telepsychiatry on location in the Hamilton County Jail, in Hamilton County Public Schools and at HCCS Clinic sites, and 

WHEREAS, Comprehensive Medicine, PLLC, of One Fishers Road, Suite 230-A, 

Pittsford, NY 14534 has the capacity and appropriate licensure to develop and operate a Telepsychiatry program in New York State, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to enter into a contract with Comprehensive Medicine, PLLC to provide this service at a rate of $200.00 per hour for treatment in the County Jail, schools for a maximum of $46,500.00 per year, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that said contract will be in effect from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023 and the County Treasurer be so advised 

AUDIT ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FISCAL REPORTS FOR HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS Hamilton County Community Services (HCCS) is required annually to file a full Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR) for the previous state fiscal year by May 1st, and 

WHEREAS a full CFR under Mental Hygiene Regulations requires that it be audited by an independent auditor and a Compliance Review Letter signed by the independent auditor be submitted with each CFR, be it

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County will sign a letter of engagement with the accounting firm Drescher and Malecki, LLP to perform these audits at a cost of between $100.00 and $200.00 per hour dependent upon the staff used to perform each audit and provide a Compliance Letter for each CFR, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the cost of this service is not to exceed $5,200.00 and that it be charged to the department’s Account No. A4310.0403 Supplies and Service, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the Chairman to sign the letter of engagement.

NON- SECURE DETENTION SERVICES

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton, on occasion is required to place juveniles in a non-secured detention facility, and

WHEREAS Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth operates two (2) non-secured detention facilities for juveniles placed with the Department of Social Services, and

WHEREAS Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth requires an agreement in order to place juveniles in their facility, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into an unreserved usage agreement with Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth for the purposes of placing appropriate juveniles with a per diem rate for an unreserved bed of $475.00 and will be effective from January 1, 2023 through 

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO TIOGA CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. FOR FUEL ESCALATION FOR FAYLE ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT 

WHEREAS Resolution No. 388-22 authorized the final payment to Tioga Construction for Fayle Road Bridge, and

WHEREAS there was a fuel escalation for asphalt invoice that was inadvertently left out that is part of the contract, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent recommends payment of this charge, be it 

RESOLVED, that the County Board of Supervisors authorizes the County Treasurer to make a check payable to Tioga Construction Co, Inc., 333 Gros Boulevard, Herkimer, NY 13350 in the amount of $497.46 for asphalt fuel escalation for the Fayle Road Bridge Project, and the funds be taken out of Account H7.8760.401 Halloween Storm 2019 and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified. 

CREATING CAPITAL PROJECT ACCOUNT FOR BRIDGE NY PROJECT – BIG BROOK BRIDGE

WHEREAS a Project for the Bridge NY 2021: County Road 4 Over Big Brook (BIN 3307240), Bridge Replacement, Town of Indian Lake, Hamilton County, P.I.N. 2754.69.121 (the Project") was duly adopted by Resolution No. 148-22, and

WHEREAS the sum of $2,328,284.70.00 was appropriated from Unappropriated County Road Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of the Project, and

WHEREAS, GPI, the County’s consulting firm for the said project has begun preliminary design work and an account needs to be created for the said bridge project, be it 

RESOLVED, that Account No. H.5112.0207 Capital Project 2022-1 Big Brook Bridge is hereby rebrand any charges for this bridge project be a charge to this account and the County Treasurer be so authorized and the DPW Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

AWARD OF BID FOR UNLEADED GASOLINE 2023

WHEREAS Hamilton County Public Works Department solicited bids for the County’s purchase of Unleaded Gasoline pursuant to invitation to bidders and in accordance with Specification No. 10-2022, and

WHEREAS two bids were received in response to the said invitation to bidders, as follows: 1. Petroleum Traders Corporation, 7120 Point Inverness Way, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804. Bid: All Locations $0.4194 over “OPIS” per gallon

2. Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. 1025 Airport Parkway SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. Bid: All Locations $0.3496 over “OPIS” per gallon. be it

RESOLVED, that the award be made as follows:

Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc, All Locations $0.3496 over “OPIS” per gallon be it further

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a purchase agreement with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. beginning on January 1, 2023 for Unleaded Gasoline with the approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

AWARD OF BID FOR DIESEL FUEL 2023

WHEREAS Hamilton County Public Works Department solicited bids for the County’s purchase of Diesel Fuel pursuant to invitation to bidders and in accordance with Specification No. 11-2022, and

WHEREAS two bids were received in response to the said invitation to bidders, as follows: 1. Petroleum Traders Corporation, 7120 Point Inverness Way, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804. Bid: All Locations $0.4673 over “OPIS” per gallon.

2. Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc., 1025 Airport Parkway SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. Bid: All Locations $0.3708 over “OPIS” per gallon be it

RESOLVED, that award be made as follows pursuant to the low bid per location:

Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. All Locations $0.3708 over “OPIS” per gallon be it further

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a purchase agreement beginning on January 1, 2023 with Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. for diesel fuel with the approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer, Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified. 

State wants to close campgrounds early

 Supervisor December 1 2022

State wants to close campgrounds early

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on December 1, it passed a resolution opposing the plan by the people in Albany to close campgrounds early and wreck the economy in the Adirondacks.

Could it be the geniuses in Albany are angry that the Adirondacks did not vote for the Woke Democrats? Could be this is punishment for not voting for Democrats.

What follows is the resolution and others passed at the December 1 meeting.

OPPOSING PROPOSED EARLY CLOSING DATES FOR NYS REGION 5 HAMILTON COUNTY CAMPGROUNDS

WHEREAS the release of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s 2023 Campground schedule has listed closing dates for NYS Region 5 that will have a negative impact on Hamilton County, and

WHEREAS the proposed closing date of September 4, 2023 for Hamilton County Campgrounds will impact the affected Town’s fall economic economy; from event attendance, loss of jobs at campgrounds and ancillary businesses plus locations for temporary lodging in a negative manner, and

WHEREAS the proposed closure dates will shorten affected Hamilton County Towns tourist season by 4 to 5 weeks, and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors vehemently opposes the NYS Department of Conservation’s 2023 proposed schedule of operations for all Hamilton County NYS campgrounds, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is willing to meet and offer cooperation with NYS Department of Conservation to work on alternatives to this schedule that currently affects Hamilton County in a negative manner.

MEETING CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 2023

RESOLVED, that the attached calendar as submitted by the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors be set up through November 2, 2023 with dates for the Annual Session determined at a later date, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Committee meetings shall be held on the Tuesday, ten days prior to the regular Board meeting.

Organization Meeting 2PM January 5, 2023; February Meeting February 2; March Meeting March 2; April Meeting April 6; May Meeting May 4; June Meeting June 1; July Meeting July 6; August Meeting August 3; September Meeting September 7; October Meeting October 5; November Meeting November 2.

Committee meetings shall be held on the Tuesday, ten days prior to the regular Board meeting.

NEW FINANCIAL SOFTWARE IN THE TREASURERS, PERSONNEL AND CLERK OF THE BOARD’S OFFICE

WHEREAS three invoices have been received from Tyler Technologies for the new financial/personnel software being implemented for month of October, and

WHEREAS, per Resolution No. 288-21 dated November 10, 2021 the Board created the ARP Act accounts to cover the expenses of this implementation, be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to fund Account No. A1325.0412 – ARP Act Financial Software in the amount of $3,705.00 to be offset by funding Revenue Account No. A4089.0200 – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $3,705.00, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Tyler Technologies for Invoice No. 025-399586 in the amount of $780.00, Invoice No. 025-400062 in the amount of $1,755.00.00 and Invoice No. 025-400646 in the amount of $1,170.00 from Account No. A1325.0412 ARP Act, Financial Software.

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS 

WHEREAS a review of the current health insurance rates received for the year 2023 indicated a 11% increase in premium for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature PPO and Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield Hybrid PPO, and a 5.3% increase in premium for Aetna Medicare PPO, and

WHEREAS a review of the current dental insurance rates received for 2023 indicated a 6% increase in premium for The Standard dental insurance, and

WHEREAS, the Personnel Officer has reviewed the insurance proposals offered by Burnham Benefit Advisors and suggests the County renew its current health insurance benefits offered under Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Aetna and renew its current dental insurance benefits offered under The Standard, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors have authorized that the employee contribution to cost for health insurance remain flat for 2023 (employees will pay contribution they are paying for 2022), and

WHEREAS, it has been further determined that the County will offer a Cash Buyout or a Flexible Spending Account Buyout with a benefit card, for employees not enrolling with the County health insurance program and the buyout options will match the Annual Affordable Care Act (ADA) maximum limit ($3,050 for 2023), and

WHEREAS, it has been further determined that the County Flexible Spending contribution match should be increased from the current $700 amount to a rate equal to the annual health insurance policy premium percentage increase (11% equals $777 for 2023) for those eligible employees electing to take the Excellus PPO plans, be it

RESOLVED, Hamilton County will again offer eligible employees the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature PPO Plan and the Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield Signature Hybrid PPO Plan, and be it further

RESOLVED, Hamilton County will continue to pay 90% or 80% towards the premium cost for either Excellus plan, be it further

RESOLVED, that employee contribution to cost for health insurance remain flat for 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County will again offer the Aetna Medicare PPO to retirees, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Hamilton County will again offer The Standard Dental Insurance to eligible employees. and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County will offer a Cash Buyout or a Flexible Spending Account Buyout with a benefit card, for the employees not enrolling with the County health insurance program ($3,050 for 2023), and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Flexible Spending contribution match ($777 for 2023) will be offered to eligible employees electing to take the Excellus PPO plans, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the Hamilton County Personnel Officer to start meeting immediately with employees and to send out Retiree Aetna Medicare PPO information, effective for January 1, 2023, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer is hereby authorized to disseminate this information as appropriate and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors be authorized to enter into agreement with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for employee health insurance coverage for the year 2023 and the County Treasurer be so authorized, and Personnel Officer be notified.

APPOINTMENT OF EMS COORDINATOR

WHEREAS Avis Warner has retired from her full-time position in Public Health, under which she carried out the duties of the EMS Coordinator Position, and

WHEREAS, the Board now needs to fill said position independently of the Public Health position, and

WHEREAS Avis Warner has agreed to temporarily accept appointment as EMS Coordinator while the Board make more permanent plans and decisions, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that Avis Warner is hereby appointed EMS Coordinator effective immediately and for a term ending December 31, 2022 at an hourly base rate of $24.634 from Account No. A3640.0102, not to exceed the Appropriation, and be it further

RESOLVED, that EMS Coordinator is hereby established as Account No. A3640.0102 and funded by transferring $1,000 from A1990.0401 Contingent, and the County Treasurer and Personnel Officer be so advised.

REDUCTION OF EMPLOYEE VACATION TIME BUYBACK

WHEREAS numerous employees have an excess of vacation time due to the challenges of work and scheduling, and

WHEREAS, the Board and the Dept. Heads would like to see the vacation time levels returned to a more manageable total, and

WHEREAS the following employees would like to sell back some of their vacation time as listed below:

Sean O’Brien, 80 hours at $28.992 hourly rate = $2,319.36

Carrie O’Neill, 40 hours at $29.230 hourly rate = $1,169.20

James Luck, 100 hours at $24.288 hourly rate = $2,428.80

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer the following funds:

FROM: A3110.0105 – Deputy Sheriff “D” $5,917.36

TO: A3110.0104 – Deputy Sheriff “E” $2,319.36

A3110.0107 – Confidential Secretary $1,169.20

A3150.0106 – Corrections Officer “F” $2,428.80

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Sean O’Brien a lump sum of $2,319.36; Carrie O’Neill a lump sum of $1,169.20; and James Luck $2,428.80, to be paid in payroll ending December 10, 2022, and the Personnel Officer be notified.

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Services Board has completed interviews of qualified candidates for the currently vacant Hamilton County Director of Community Services Director position, and

WHEREAS, the Community Services Board has determined that Lynette M. Greene, currently the DCS of Livingston County, is the best fit for the position, be it

RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors will appoint Lynette M. Green as Hamilton County’s Director of Community Services pending approval by the Department of Mental Hygiene’s Inter-Office Coordinating Council with an annual salary of $110,000.00 and a start date of January 9, 2023.

AUTHORIZING PROMOTION OF RENEE RAJCA TO INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PATIENT SERVICES

WHEREAS Carriann Grexa-Allen, the Director of Patient Services, will be retiring on January 6, 2023, and

WHEREAS this position has continued to be advertised by our Personnel Director as a vacancy as Carriann Grexa-Allen has been working under a Section 211 Waiver, and

WHEREAS there have been no applicants, and

WHEREAS Renee Rajca of Lake Pleasant, NY is a registered nurse and has worked for Hamilton County for over one year, and

WHEREAS, during this time Renee has demonstrated excellent nursing and leadership abilities in her job, and

WHEREAS, the Director of Public Health is recommending Renee Rajca be appointed to interim Director of Patient Services, and

WHEREAS, New York State Department of Health has authorized Mrs. Rajca to move into the interim Director of Patient Services position, and

WHEREAS Renee will graduate with her master’s degree in Nursing in March of 2023, at which point she will be qualified to be the Director of Patient Services, be it

RESOLVED, that the Director of Public Health is authorized to appoint Renee Rajca, RN to interim Director of Patient Services effective January 7, 2023 at a salary of $80,000, and be it further

RESOLVED, that after graduation with her master’s degree, Renee will be appointed Director of Patient Services, and the Personnel Office be so notified, and the County Treasurer be so authorized.

MEDICAID AND MEDICARE COST REPORTS

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service is required to submit the following Cost Reports annually for all services provided by the Nursing Service: Certified Home Health Agency Medicare Cost Report, Certified Home Health Agency Medicaid Cost Report, Diagnostic and Clinic Services Medicaid Cost Report and

WHEREAS the current contracted provider of accounting services for the Nursing service is McCarthy and Conlon, LLP, and

WHEREAS, Michael McCarthy, CPA will complete the reports within appropriate timeframes and review results with the Public Health Nursing Service, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to sign the Medicaid and Medicare Cost Reports for Year 2022.

PROVIDER SERVICES WITH ADIRONDACK HEALTH INSTITUTE ON BEHALF OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service is required to perform periodic full and updated Community Health Assessments (CHA), and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service supported and participated in development and implementation of a regional community health assessment, through grant funding obtained by the Adirondack Health Institute, for completion of the Community Health Assessment, and

WHEREAS the cost share for the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service to remain a part of this valuable regional process is $5,000.00, which has been proposed in the 2023 Municipal Budget and is reimbursable through the State Aid process at 100%, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Public Health Nursing Service with the Adirondack Health Institute, not to exceed $5,000.00, for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 upon approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer be so notified.

CONTRACT WITH GLENS FALLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR RABIES SPECIMEN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service is required under New York State Public Health Law (PHL) and 10 NYCRR 40-2.100 and 2.101 to designate and maintain a system for communicable disease control, including rabies, and

WHEREAS PHL sections 2140 through 2145 gives primary responsibility for control and suppression of rabies to local health departments, and

WHEREAS, that responsibility includes provision of specimen preparation by a qualified veterinarian; provision of quarantine for un-vaccinated suspect rabid animals; as well as euthanasia and cremation as appropriate following PHL, and

WHEREAS, the Glens Falls Animal Hospital, 66 Glenwood Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804, is willing to provide said services for the County of Hamilton following NYS DOH guidance and directives, and

WHEREAS HCPHNS is supported by annual NYSDOH grant funding and NYS aid to fund these activities, and

WHEREAS Glens Falls Animal Hospital has agreed to collect fees for cremation, quarantine and/or subsequent required rabies vaccinations from animal owners as feasible per NYS Law, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Glens Falls Animal Hospital for provision of services as outlined above upon, for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, upon approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer be so notified.

CONTRACT WITH LAURA DAVIS, PHARMACEUTICAL CONSULTANT FOR THE YEAR 2023

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service is required to have a Pharmaceutical Consultant to insure compliance with all federal and state regulations relative to the storage of pharmaceuticals within the Agency, and

WHEREAS providers qualified to perform these services are limited within Hamilton County, and

WHEREAS, Laura Davis, 212 Meriline Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302 has agreed to perform the services for the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service at a charge of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per visit to the County plus mileage at the prevailing county rate, and

WHEREAS she also agrees to provide pharmaceutical services to the County in the event of an emergency requiring large scale distribution of drugs or vaccines by the Agency at the rate of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per hour plus mileage, and

WHEREAS she will maintain professional liability insurance in order to provide additional services during large scale distribution of pharmaceuticals, with the understanding that she will be reimbursed by the County for insurance premiums, not to exceed $200.00, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to enter into contract with Laura Davis, upon approval of the County Attorney, to perform Pharmaceutical Consultant Services for the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service pursuant to 10NYCRR Section 752.5, as delineated above for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 and the County Treasurer be so notified.

CONTRACT FOR PRESCHOOL SERVICE PROVISION WITH PROVIDERS

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service is required to provide for special education and related services for children aged 3 – 5 who reside in Hamilton County and have a developmental delay as defined through a comprehensive evaluation through the Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) process, and

WHEREAS the following organizations are approved providers of special education and related services through the New York State Department of Education: Lexington Center, 127 E. State St., Gloversville, NY 12078

Whispering Pines Preschool, 2841 Thousand Acre Rd., Delanson, NY 12053

Community Health Center of St. Mary’s and Nathan Littauer Hospital, 2-8 West Main St, Johnstown, NY 12095 and

WHEREAS the frequency and duration of services for each child is based on the findings of the comprehensive evaluation and rules applying to section 4410 of the New York State Education Law, as determined by the CPSE committee in preparing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and

WHEREAS the compensation for special education and related services are set at rates in conjunction with the Rate Setting Unit of the NYS Department of Education, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into contracts with these providers to provide the aforesaid services for the period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 pursuant to an aforesaid IEP for each eligible child, with compensation for each eligible child, with compensation for services rendered at the current approved rates set forth for Hamilton County by the Rate Setting Unit of the NYS Education Department, upon approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer be so notified.

CHANGE ORDER #1 AND FINAL PAYMENT TO TIOGA CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. FOR FAYLE ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Fayle Road Bridge Project is complete, and

WHEREAS the original contract amount for construction awarded was $1,160,000.00, and

WHEREAS, the final amount of the construction cost is $1,173,837.96, and

WHEREAS, to date Tioga Construction Co., Inc., has been paid $981,549.50, and

WHEREAS there is one Change Order that needed to be completed that included guide rail change on the northwest corner of the approach rail and stone adjustment for a total of $13,837.96 and was approved by the engineer, and

WHEREAS the final amount to be paid to Tioga Construction Co., Inc. is $192,288.46 bring the total for construction to $1,173,837.96, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Board of Supervisors authorizes Change Order #1, and the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to Tioga Construction Co, Inc., 333 Gros Boulevard, Herkimer, NY 13350 in the amount of $192,288.46 for the final payment for the Fayle Road Bridge Project, and the funds be taken out of Account H7.8760.401 Halloween Storm 2019 and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.