Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Ranger Report September 22 2021

 Ranger Report September 22 2021

  


Town of Wells--On Sept. 17, Forest Ranger Scott joined New York State Fire and New York Task Force-2 at Auger Falls in the Sacandaga River Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area for a practice rescue scenario. Ranger Scott placed a mannequin at the falls and the team rigged a highline over the gorge to recover the mannequin. The training scenario focused on rigging, packaging, and extricating the patient. Photos, courtesy of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DSHES),

 


Town of Indian Lake--On Sept 18 at 10:15 a.m. Hamilton County 911 contacted DEC's Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a 34-year-old hiker from Baldwinsville with a knee injury on the Castle Rock Trail in Blue Mountain Lake Wild Forest. Forest Rangers Lomnitzer and Milano reached the subject at 11:12 a.m., and assisted him back to the trailhead. At 11:30 a.m., he advised he would seek medical attention on his own.

Monday, September 20, 2021

Hot motorcycle pursuit

 

Police Report September 17 2021

Hot motorcycle pursuit



On September 17, 2021 at approximately 3:06 p.m., State Police arrested two men on motorcycles on State Route 30 in the town of Indian Lake. The two motorcycles were speeding and then failed to pull over when a trooper attempted a traffic stop. They sped up and continued west toward the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. One of the motorcyclists, 30-year-old William T. Featherly of Cicero, lost control and was ejected from his bike.

Featherly was transported to the Glens Falls Hospital with abrasions and a torn ligament in his right shoulder. He was later released. The second motorcyclist, 30-year-old Dalton M. Stafford of Remsen, was taken into custody at the scene. Both men were charged with Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd degree and released with appearance tickets to appear in the Indian Lake Town Court.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Lost hiker found

 

Ranger Report September 15 2021

 Lost hiker found

Speculator--On Sept. 8 at 4:37 p.m., DEC's Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a 24-year-old despondent man from New Jersey heading to the Siamese Pond Wilderness Area. Rangers Kerr and Thompson responded along with New York State Police (NYSP) and Hamilton County Sheriff's Officers. The subject's vehicle was located, and Rangers searched areas he was likely to be found, without success. The next morning a command post was established at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and search efforts continued with a team of six Forest Rangers. At 12:21 p.m., Rangers located the man's camp, but he wasn't there. Two hours later, Rangers found the subject and carried him out of the woods. He was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. Resources were clear from the scene at 5:12 p.m.

 

Raquette Lake--On Sept. 9 at 2:50 p.m., Hamilton County 911 received a report of a wildland fire in a tree at the end of Northpoint Road in Raquette Lake. Forest Ranger Sabo responded and located a large, white pine snag (any dead or dying standing tree) with approximately 30 feet burned around the base. Ranger Milano responded to assist with fire suppression. Rangers extinguished the fire, likely caused by a lightning strike, by 5:50 p.m. Ranger Milano checked the fire the next day and found some warmth around the roots, but no active smoke or fire. Using hand tools, the Ranger dug out the roots and put more water on the hot spots.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Deadly accident in Long Lake

 

Police Report September 8 2021

 

On September 7, 2021, at approximately 12:43 p.m., State Police responded to a one-vehicle rollover on Lake Lila Road in the town of Long Lake. An investigation at the scene revealed a Suburban Propane delivery truck operated by 24-year-old Kurt J. Russel of St. Regis Falls, was traveling east on Lake Lila Road, when it ran off the edge of the seasonal road and rolled down an earth embankment, striking a tree. Russel was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam where an autopsy will be performed on September 8, 2021.

Friday, September 3, 2021

Thank Our Sheriff

 Supervisors September 2 2021



Thank Our Sheriff

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on September 2, it passed numerous resolutions including one recognizing the importance of the Office of the Hamilton County Sheriff. It reads as follows.

RECOGNITION OF SHERIFFS’ WEEK 

WHEREAS, the Office of Sheriff has been an integral part of the criminal justice system in New York State and in Hamilton County throughout our history, having been established in the State’s first Constitution in 1777 and continued in every succeeding Constitution, and having been one of our original Constitutional offices upon the founding of our County, and 

WHEREAS, despite changes in its function, status and powers during its long history, the Office of Sheriff has maintained a continuous existence, preserved its distinguishing heritage, and continued to be an essential component of our criminal justice community, and 

WHEREAS, the Office of Sheriff has evolved into a modern, professional, full-service law enforcement agency, manned by fully trained police officers, using state-of-the-art technology, and applying the latest and most advanced theories and practices in the criminal justice field, and 

WHEREAS, the Office of Sheriff is unique in the community, and the duties of the Office go far beyond the traditional role of “Keeper of the Peace,” and extend into many facets of public service, including maintaining the county jail, providing security in our courts, dispatching emergency services, and serving and executing civil process for our courts, and 

WHEREAS, as a constitutionally empowered Office directly responsible to the People, the ancient Office of Sheriff remains, even today, responsive, and accountable to the public it serves, and 

WHEREAS it is fitting to celebrate the historical contributions of the Office of Sheriff and the significant role that the Sheriffs play in our modern criminal justice system, be it 

RESOLVED, we, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors do recognize the important services provided to the citizens of this County by Sheriff Karl G. Abrams and the members of the Sheriff’s Office, and do hereby proclaim September 19 to 25, 2021 to be Sheriffs’ Week in Hamilton County.

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT INSURANCE REPAIR

WHEREAS Highway Plow Truck #135 was involved in an accident and the repairs for the damage were completed by Utica Mack, Inc., and 

WHEREAS the Fleet Coordinator recommends the payment of the said repairs of vehicle #135, be it 

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to increase Account No.  A1910.0402 Repairs to Vehicles-Insurance by $18,593.85 to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A2680.0000 Insurance Recoveries by $18,593.85, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to: Utica Mack, Inc. Interstate Billing, Inc. Decatur, AL for Invoice #010410615 in the amount of $19,593.85 and the funds be taken out of Account No.  A1910.0402 Repairs to Vehicles-Insurance and the Fleet Coordinator and Clerk of the Board be so notified.  

AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN EISEP CONTRACT AGREEMENT

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Department of Social Services maintains an agreement between Warren/Hamilton Office for the Aging, and  

WHEREAS Hamilton County Department of Social Services is to provide services for Hamilton County residents under an EISEP Contract, and  

WHEREAS this contract will be for the period of April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 in an amount not to exceed $30,500, be it  

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the agreement between the Department of Social Services and Warren/Hamilton Office for the Aging, upon approval of the County Attorney, on behalf of the Hamilton County Department of Social Services. 

CONTRACT FOR COMPREHENSIVE MEDICINE PLLC 

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton has approved the contract with Comprehensive Medicine PLLC to provide tele-psychiatry to residents of Hamilton receiving mental health services from Hamilton County Community Services, and  

WHEREAS the utilization of services will exceed the cap of $46,500.00 specified in the current contract, and 

WHEREAS services projected to be provided by Comprehensive Medicine PLLC 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 2021 contract for Comprehensive Medicine PLLC from a $46,500 cap to a $70,350 and the Treasurer be so advised.  

OFFICE OF INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES GRANT CONTRACT 

WHEREAS Resolution No. 86-19 authorized the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services Five-year Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant Contract No. CSTWIDEHH20 in the amount of $769,574.34, and 

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received the amended five-year Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring contract which reflects the budget and work plan for Years Three and Four, and 

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has also received from the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services contracts for Distribution 8 Contract No. T800001 in the amount of $25,896, Distribution 9 Contract No. T900001 in the amount of $12,948 and Distribution 10 Contract No. T100001 in the amount of $12,948.00, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the amended Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant Contract No.  CSTWIDEHH20 for Years Three and Four budget, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign Distribution 8 Contract No. T800001, Distribution 9 Contract No. T900001 and Distribution 10 Contract No. T100001.  

COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS SERVER AND SUPPORT SERVICES 

WHEREAS Cathleen E. Rogers, Democrat Election Commissioner and Marie C. Buanno, Republican Election Commissioner, by and on behalf of the Hamilton County Board of Elections have requested authorization for an intermunicipal agreement with Fulton County, and its Board of Elections, in accordance with Article 5-G of the General Municipal Law, and 

WHEREAS, Fulton County Board of Elections has proposed to provide Hamilton County Board of Elections server and support services including operation/maintenance of server(s), remote access in emergencies, regular backup of data, support for PCs to access software, and assistance with NYS Cybersecurity compliance, at a cost of $8,500 per year payable upon execution of the agreement together with an onsite service charge of $45/hr. plus mileage, now therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to execute an intermunicipal agreement with Fulton County for the purpose of said County’s Board of Elections providing server and support services to the Hamilton County Board of Elections for the consideration hereinbefore set forth. 

HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department has been awarded a NYS 2021 Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Grant through the DHSES SHSP program in the amount of $42,678, Grant SH21-1044-D00, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign said NYS 2021 SHSP grant, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to create and fund Account No.  A3645.0424 SH21-1044-D00 at $42,678 to be totally offset by creating and funding Revenue Account No. A3389.0128 SH21-1044-D00 at $42,678 and the Director of Emergency Management and Sheriff be so notified. 

AMENDING LANGUAGE IN THE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 277-12 adopted the Hamilton County Homeland Security Grant Administration Standard Operating Guideline, and 

WHEREAS, the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has requested an update to the language in said Guideline, be it 

RESOLVED, that Section B of the Hamilton County Homeland Security Grant Administration Standard Operating Guideline be replaced with the following language: 

B. Procurement 1. Once all application materials are in place and accounted for the process of procurement can begin. All procurements will be done in accordance with the most restrictive of Federal, State, General Municipal or Local/County Regulations. Written justification and documentation for all procurements must be maintained on file and made available upon request.  

CLOSE OF COUNTY ROAD PROJECT 2021

WHEREAS Resolution No. 117-21 authorizes County Road projects for 2021, and 

WHEREAS the following project is complete and has been over expended in the amount shown below: D5112.2525 CR6 – Benson Road – overage $2,873.61 be it 

RESOLVED, that the following transfer be made: From: Account D5112.202 Capital Projects $2,873.61 To: Account D5112.2525 CR6 – Benson Road $2,873.61 and be it further 

RESOLVED, that County Road Project No. 1 Account D5112.2525 CR6, Benson Road be closed, and the County Treasurer be so authorized to complete the transfers and close the account and the Clerk of the Board and the County DPW Superintendent be so notified.  

PETROLEUM BULK STORAGE REGISTRATION RENEWAL

FOR LAKE PLEASANT COUNTY DPW FACILITY 

WHEREAS, the Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) 5 year registration renewal fee is due for the Lake Pleasant Fuel Depot, and 

WHEREAS the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will not accept vouchers for the renewal of the registration, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors do hereby authorize payment for registration renewal fees of $500 for the County’s PBS #5-036129 located at the Lake Pleasant DPW Facility, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the amount of $500 for the said PBS renewal and the funds be taken out of Account No. DM5130.405 Gas & Diesel and the County Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.  

PAYMENT FOR STEEL TRAILER SUB-FRAMES 

WHEREAS the DPW advertised for bids per Specification 10-2021 for four (4) steel sub frames for solid waste trailers, and 

WHEREAS the County received one (1) bid for the said steel sub-frames for a cost of $30,000 ($7,500 ea.), and 

WHEREAS the DPW Superintendent reviewed the said bid and Spector Manufacturing met the specifications of Specification No. 10-2021, and 

WHEREAS the Superintendent was working with Spector Manufacturing to get the said trailer frames built and delivered to Hamilton County per the bid, and 

WHEREAS the County acknowledges that inadvertently this bid specification was not formally awarded by resolution but intended on making the award and purchase, and  

WHEREAS the said frames have been delivered to Hamilton County and it has been determined by the Superintendent the frames meet all specifications and recommends payment to Spector Manufacturing, be it 

RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors approve of the payment and the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment to Spector Manufacturing, Inc., PO Box 158, Industrial Park Road, St. Clair, PA 17970 in the amount of $30,000 and the funds to be taken out of Account No. DM5130.401 and the DPW Superintendent and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.  

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE (NCPA) 

WHEREAS the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA) is an organization that offers contract purchasing benefits through a national bidding process for materials and equipment, and 

WHEREAS, by being a NCPA member the County can purchase materials and equipment that has previously been bid by NCPA, and 

WHEREAS there is no cost to be a NCPA member, be it 

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board is hereby authorized to enter into a membership agreement with the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance and the County Treasurer, and Clerk of the Board be so advised. 

SOFTWARE FOR THE TREASURER’S OFFICE, CLERK OF THE BOARD’S OFFICE AND THE PERSONNEL OFFICE 

WHEREAS Resolution No. 180-21 authorized the County to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies to provide new Accounting and Personnel financial software at a cost of $79,590, and  

WHEREAS, it has been determined that the Project Management price of $5,000 and the Recurring Fee of $32,222 was not included in Resolution No. 180-21, therefore, be it  

RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 180-21 be hereby amended to authorize the County to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies to provide new Accounting and Personnel financial software at a onetime cost of $84,590 and annual fees of $32,222, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies to provide financial and personnel software to the County of Hamilton, and the Clerk of the Board, Personnel Officer and Treasurer be so advised. 

APPOINTMENT OF GAIL OSGOOD AS REPUBLICAN COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS 

WHEREAS, this Board has received a recommendation from Mr. Clark Seaman, Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Committee, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3- 204 sub 5 of the Election Law, to appoint Gail Osgood a resident and qualified voter of the Town of Arietta, Republican Commissioner of Elections, to fill a vacancy, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the recommendation be accepted, and Gail Osgood is hereby appointed as Republican Commissioner of Elections to fill a vacancy for a term beginning October 4, 2021 and ending December 31, 2024, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the annual salary of the Republican Commissioner of Elections is hereby set at $49,320 on an annual prorated basis for the remainder of 2021 and the annual salary be set by Local Law at budget time each year payable in bi-weekly installments and the County Treasurer and Personnel Officer be so advised. 

2021-2022 HRI AIDS INSTITUTE SCHOOL ELC GRANT 

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health through Health Research, Inc. (HRI) has been awarded a grant from the Center Disease Control Prevent and would like to contract with Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and School ELC COVID-19 Enhanced Detection Response for the period 7/1/21- 7/31/22, and  

WHEREAS the total grant contract is for $568,105 with $347,470 being restricted funds, be it  

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors be authorized to sign the Contract with the New York State Department of Health through Health Research, Inc. (HRI), pending approval by the County Attorney, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be hereby authorized to create and fund the following accounts: 

A4189.1104 - Personal Service – HRI COVID ELC EP/SCHOOL $31,039 A4189.4105- Supplies& Miscellaneous - HRI COVID ELC EP/SCHOOL $172,490 A4189.8720 - Fringe - HRI COVID ELC EP/SCHOOL $17,106 

To be total offset by creating and funding Revenue Account Number: A4401.0300 HRI COVID ELC Emerg.Prep/School in the amount of $220,635

AGREEMENT WITH RSTELECOM FOR MICROWAVE MAINTENANCE 

WHEREAS, with Resolution No. 236-19, Hamilton County hired RSTelecom for microwave service and maintenance for the Lake Pleasant, Oak Mt, East Mt., and Blue Mt. sites for a two-year period, and 

WHEREAS, RSTelecom has issued a proposal for a 1-year extension to that contract under the same rate and terms for the period August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman be authorized to sign the contract for the one-year extension for RSTelecom, and that the Emergency Services Director be so notified. 

AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF RADIO EQUIPMENT

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Dispatch is now utilizing a simulcast broadcasting system to dispatch Law, Fire, and EMS agencies to incidents, and 

WHEREAS broadcast signal to the agencies located in Wells and Hope is largely blocked by terrain from the broadcast point on Oak Mt., and 

WHEREAS, by placing communication system racks and antennas at both Wells and Hope, connected back to the Dispatch center in Lake Pleasant by fiber connection, the broadcast signal and area coverage can be substantially strengthened and increased, and 

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Services has received a quote from Capital Digitronics under NYS contract numbers PT68714, PT68716 and PT68724, for Harris Simulcast equipment, racking, and antennas, including all installation, in the amount of $243,969.04, and 

WHEREAS funding for said purchase is available through New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Interoperability Formula Grant SI18-1047-D02, C198204, Account No. A3645.0402, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Chairman be authorized to approve purchase of said radio equipment from Capital Digitronics by the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Services in the amount of $243,969.04 with funding from Account No. A3645.0402 DHSES Contract C198204, and the Treasurer and the Office of Emergency Services be so notified. 

PURCHASE GETAC V110 COMPUTERS

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Department has been awarded the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Grant Project SI18- 1047-D00 in the amount of $544,803, and 

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars need to connect to the Hamilton County PSAP Center and the current laptop computers are outdated, and  

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has received a quote for purchasing a seven GETAC V110 Laptop Computers from Brite Computer under National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance 01-97, for $26,250, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors authorizes the purchase of seven GETAC V110 Laptop Computers from Brite Computers in the amount of $26,250 with the funds coming from Account No. A3645.402 SI18-1047-D00. 

ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR COUNTY BRIDGE PROJECT

WHEREAS Hamilton County owns all bridges with a span of more than 20 feet in length on county and town owned roads in Hamilton County, and 

WHEREAS Bridge BIN #2204520 located on Cramer Road in the Town of Benson is inspected bi-annually by the New State Department of Transportation, and 

WHEREAS the county received a Prompt Interim Action (PIA) Red Flag on Bridge BIN #2204520, and 

WHEREAS, it has been determined by a professional engineer that the bridge superstructure, decking, and guide railing needs to be replaced, and 

WHEREAS Andrew S. Bell of A.S. Bell Engineering has designed a new superstructure, decking and guide rail for the said bridge, be it 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton does hereby authorize the DPW Superintendent to advertise for public bids for the said bridge materials and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised. 

REPAIRS AND PAYMENT FOR REPAIRS TO EJECTOR TRAILERS

WHEREAS, the DPW have several ejector trailers that have sub frames that are corroded to point they need to be replaced and can no longer pass NYS inspection, and 

WHEREAS the DPW advertised for bids for the new sub frames, and they have been delivered, and 

WHEREAS, the Superintendent had trailer #958 taken to Dunham’s Spring Shop to have one of the new sub frames installed, and  

WHEREAS the repairs were completed at a cost of $5,861.64 and the said trailer is back in service, and  

WHEREAS, the Superintendent has trailer #959 scheduled to be taken to Dunham’s Spring Shop for mid-September for the same sub frame installation, be it 

RESOLVED, that hereby the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to send payment to Dunham’s Spring Shop, Inc. in the amount of $5,861.64 for trailer #958 and the funds be taken out of Account No. DM5310.401 Repairs, and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to take trailer #959 to Dunham’s Spring Shop for the same sub frame installation repair at an estimated cost of $4,800 and Clerk of the Board and Highway Superintendent be so notified. 

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR LINE STRIPING 2021 

WHEREAS, Hamilton County has an awarded bid for road line striping with Seneca Pavement Markings, Inc., and 

WHEREAS the DPW annually stripes centerline and edge lines on County Routes 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 18 & 19, and 

WHEREAS, the Superintendent recommends adding County Routes 3, 5 and 9 to the county routes to be striped, be it 

RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors does authorize the DPW Superintendent to complete road striping on the county routes stated herein by Seneca Pavement Marking, Inc., 3526 Watkins Road, Horseheads, NY 14845 not to exceed $30,000.00 and the DPW Superintendent, County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised.