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.