Tuesday, November 23, 2021

County adopted budget for 2022 is up

County adopted budget for 2022



By PETE KLEIN

Express News Staff

LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 19, it adopted the following county budget for 2022.

The General Fund is showing appropriations of $14,980,594 less estimated revenues of $9,288,168. less appropriated cash surplus of $1,250,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $4,442,426.

The Highway Fund is divided into two sections, County Road and Machinery.

The County Road Fund shows appropriations of $6,119,974, less estimated revenues of $2,351,358, less appropriated cash surplus of $100,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $3,668,616.

The Machinery Fund shows appropriations of $1,972,000 less estimated revenues of $840,500. less appropriated cash surplus of $100,000 equals to be raised by taxes of $1,031,500.

Comparisons

Last year’s budget figures are shown in (parentheses).

Totals combining all funds

Appropriations - $23,072,568 ($20,958,953) up $2,113,615.

Estimated revenues - $12,480,026 ($11,228,395) up $1,251,631.

Plus deferred tax revenue – $35,000 ($35,000).

Plus allowance for uncollected taxes – $3,000 ($3,000).

Equals net tax levy – $10,630,542 ($9,768,558) up $861,984.

Less appropriated cash surplus – $1,450,000 ($1,050,000).

Equals amount to be raised before chargebacks - $9,180,542 ($8,718,558) – up $461,984, up 5.3%.

Amount to be raised after $156,983 estimated chargebacks equals $9,337,527 by taxes.


Monday, November 22, 2021

County budget approved

 Supervisors November 19 2021



County budget approved

BY PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—The Hamilton County Board of Supervisor met on November 19 and approved the 2022 County Budget after holding a public hearing on the budget.

Details on the budget will be reported here latter this week when the details are available.

In addition to approving the budget, the board approved the following resolutions.

CONTRACT WITH ABSOLUTE AUCTIONS & REALTY

WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton has had success in our property tax auctions over the past several years with Absolute Auctions & Realty, Inc., and

WHEREAS, we have been able to put all of our properties in the auctions back on the tax rolls, be it

RESOLVED, that the County of Hamilton contract with Absolute Auctions & Realty, Inc. to hold property auctions on our behalf in conjunction with Fulton County’s tax property auctions or through internet auction bidding, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the contract will cover two years, terminating on December 31, 2023 with the option of a one-year extension at the mutual consent of both parties, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board is authorized to sign the contract with Absolute Auction & Realty, Inc.

LAKE PLEASANT TRANSFER SCALE

WHEREAS Resolution No. 119-21 awarded Bid Specification 6-2021 – 70’ Mechanical Truck Scale for the Lake Pleasant Transfer Station and authorized the purchase and installation of a 70’ Mechanical Scale from Gerhart Systems and Controls in the amount of $61,812, and

WHEREAS Resolution No. 269-21 approved project expenditures for said scale project from Account No. A8189.0401 Solid Waste Capital Reserve Expenditure, and

WHEREAS the said scale has been delivered and installed per the bid specification and the DPW Superintendent recommends payment be made, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to Gerhart Systems and Controls, PO Box 580, Tatamy, PA 18085 in the amount of $61,812 for the said scale and installation, and the funds be taken out of Account No. A8189.0401 Solid Waste Capital Reserve Expenditure and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

HASKELL ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Haskell Road Bridge is now complete, and

WHEREAS the final payment application and certification has been approved by A. S. Bell Engineering for this project, and

WHEREAS the said bridge project was on construction budget and no change orders were necessary and the DPW Superintendent recommends final payment be made, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to Luck Brothers, Inc., 73 Trade Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 in the amount of $262,109.85 for the final payment, 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.

SENECA PAVEMENT MARKING

WHEREAS Resolution No. 84-21 awarded Bid Specification 5-2021 to Seneca Pavement Marking, Inc for line striping county roads, and

WHEREAS Resolution No. 222-21 authorizes the DPW Superintendent to stripe the certain county roads not to exceed $30,000, and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent had County Routes 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 18 & 19 striped by Seneca Pavement Marking, Inc. per the bid specification at a cost of $23,140, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent needed to have approximately 200 feet of centerline milled off and removed on County Route 2 because it needed to be moved at a cost of $750 and this cost is outside of the specification, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to Seneca Pavement Marking, Inc., 3526 Watkins Road, Horseheads, NY 14845 in the amount of $23,890 for the said pavement markings, and the funds be taken out of Account No. D5110.402 Equipment Rental and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Supervisor review county budget

 Supervisors November 16 2021


Supervisor review county budget



By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT

The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 16. During the meeting it continued to work on the 2022 county budget. In addition, it passed the two following resolutions.

DATE OF ORGANIZATION MEETING

RESOLVED, that the Organization Meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 2:00 P.M.

SHERIFF BOAT PATROL

WHEREAS, there is a shortage of funds in the Sheriff’s Boat Patrol Account, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be hereby authorized to make the following transfer: FROM: A1990.0401 Contingent - $7,300. TO: A3110.0106 Boat Patrol - $7,300.


Thursday, November 11, 2021

County to purchase new vehicles

 Supervisors November 10 2021



County to purchase new vehicles

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASTANT—When the Hamilton County Board of supervisors met on November 10, it authorized purchasing vehicles for several departments as follows.

PURCHASE VEHICLE FOR SHERIFF

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office needs to replace one patrol vehicle, and

WHEREAS, the Main Motorcar has one (1) 2021 Dodge Durango available for purchase under piggyback bid from the City of Albany, and

WHEREAS, due to the uncertainty of the vehicle market place the Fleet Coordinator recommends the purchase of the said patrol vehicle, be it

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) 2021 Dodge Durango from Main Motorcar for the Sheriff Office under City of Albany Bid #19080091, Contract #PC66680 for a total of $35,553 delivered, and be it further

RESOLVED, that $35,553 be transferred from the Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. A3110.0202 Automobile and that hereby the County Treasurer is authorized to make the said transfer and the Clerk of the Board, County Sheriff and Fleet Coordinator be so notified.

PURCHASE PICKUP TRUCKS

WHEREAS, the Public Works Department needs to replace two pickup trucks, and WHEREAS, the Main Motorcar has two (2) 2021 Dodge ½ Ton Crew Cabs available for purchase under piggyback bid from the City of Albany, and

WHEREAS, due to the uncertainty of the vehicle market place the Fleet Coordinator recommends the purchase of the said pickup trucks, and

WHEREAS the adopted 2021 County Budget set a budgeted revenue of $25,000 for Sale of Equipment and the County is selling more equipment than originally estimated and the Fleet Coordinator believes that the sale of equipment will exceed the original budgeted amount and recommends increasing the revenue budget by $35,000, be it

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator is hereby authorized to purchase two (2) 2021 Dodge pickups from Main Motorcar for the DPW under City of Albany Bid #19080091, Contract #PC66680 for a total of $56,310 ($28,155 ea.) delivered, be it further

RESOLVED, that Revenue Account No. DM2665 be in increased by $35,000 and increase Account No. DM5130.0201 Equipment by $35,000 to offset the expenditure and the County Treasurer be so authorized and the Fleet Coordinator and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.

PURCHASE AUTOMOBILE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS the Social Service Department is in need of replacing one vehicle and the County Fleet Coordinator does recommend the replacement of the said vehicle, and

WHEREAS, the Main Motorcar in Johnstown currently has a new 2021 Dodge Durango available per piggyback bid from the City of Albany, and

WHEREAS the Fleet Coordinator recommends the purchase of the said vehicle because the of the uncertainty of the vehicle market because of a global shortage of materials to produce vehicles, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make the following transfers to cover the cost of said vehicle: FROM: A6010.0401 Travel $2,500, A6010.0403 Supplies $3,000, A6010.0405 All Other Direct Expenses $9,000, A6010.0414 Fraud Investigator $1,500, A6010.0415 Raise the Age $18,000

TO: A6010.0202 Automobile $34,000

and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) 2021 Dodge Durango from Main Motorcar of Johnstown under City of Albany Bid #19080091, Contract #PC66680 in the amount of $33,078 delivered for the Social Service Department and the funds to be a charge to Account No. A6010.0202 Automobile and the County Treasurer, Fleet Coordinator, Clerk of the Board and Social Service Commissioner be so notified.

PURCHASE AUTOMOBILE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS the Public Health Department is in need of replacing one vehicle and the County Fleet Coordinator does recommend the replacement of the said vehicle, and

WHEREAS, the Main Motorcar in Johnstown currently has a new 2021 Dodge Durango available per piggyback bid from the City of Albany, and

WHEREAS the Fleet Coordinator recommends the purchase of the said vehicle because the of the uncertainty of the vehicle market because of a global shortage of materials to produce vehicles, and

WHEREAS the Public Health Department was awarded the 2021-2022 HRI AIDS Institute ELC Grant No. 6896-01 which included funding for a vehicle, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to create and fund Account No. A4189.2551 HRI COVID ELC EP/School - Automobile in the amount of $34,000 by transferring $34,000 from Account No. A4189.4105 Supplies & Misc. HRI COVID ELC EP/School, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) 2021 Dodge Durango from Main Motorcar of Johnstown under City of Albany Bid #19080091, Contract #PC66680 in the amount of $33,078 to be delivered for the Public Health Department and charged to Account No. A4189.2551 HRI COVID ELC EP/School – Automobile and the County Treasurer, Fleet Coordinator, Clerk of the Board and Public Health Director be so notified.

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

WHEREAS, Hamilton County was awarded ARP Act monies, and

WHEREAS the 20% down payment of $32,222 for the new financial system is due to Tyler Technologies, and

WHEREAS, the new financial system is an eligible ARP Act expenditure, be it RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be hereby authorized to create and fund Account No. A1325.0412 – ARP Act, Financial Software in the amount of $32,222 to be totally offset by creating and funding Revenue Account No. A4089.0200 – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $32,222, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Tyler Technologies $32,222 for Invoice No. 025-352622 from Account No. A1325.0412 ARP Act, Financial Software.


Wednesday, November 10, 2021

County workers have a new paid holiday

 Supervisors November 8 2021



County workers have a new paid holiday

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on Monday, November 8 and began the meeting by approving the 2022 Holiday schedule, which follows below and includes a new paid holiday for county employees.

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has received a recommendation from the Internal Management Committee to approve the 2022 Holiday Schedule, and

WHEREAS, the Internal Management Committee has reviewed the 2022 Holiday Schedule proposed by the County Personnel Office, be it

RESOLVED, that this Board of Supervisors authorizes the Hamilton County Holiday Schedule for 2022 as attached and recommended by the Personnel Officer, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer is hereby authorized to disseminate the 2022 Hamilton County Holiday Schedule as appropriate and that a certified copy of this resolution be provided to the Hamilton County Personnel Officer.

COUNTY HOLIDAYS 2022

New Year’s Day - Friday, December 31, 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday - Monday, January 17, President’s Day - Monday, February 21, Good Friday - Friday, April 15, Memorial Day - Monday, May 30, NEW Juneteenth Day - Monday, June 20, Independence Day - Monday, July 4, Labor Day - Monday, September 5, Columbus Day - Monday, October 10, Veterans Day - Friday, November 11, Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, Christmas - Monday, December 26.


AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS 

WHEREAS a review of the current health insurance rates received for the year 2022 indicated a 18% increase in premium for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature PPO, a 7.5% increase in premium for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature Hybrid PPO, and a 4.9% increase in premium for Aetna Medicare PPO, and

WHEREAS, the Personnel Officer has reviewed the insurance proposals offered by Burnham Financial and suggests the following, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Hamilton County will renew its current health insurance benefits offered under Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and be it further

RESOLVED, Hamilton County will offer eligible employees the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature PPO Plan and will again offer the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Signature Hybrid PPO option, which offers employees the choice of significant savings by enrolling in a Deductible and 20% coinsurance plan; some examples of these include (In-network) Maternity Care (Office Visits); Outpatient Hospital surgery; In-patient medical care, which includes Semi- Private room, Surgery-Physician, Physical Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and Maternity Care, and Inpatient Mental Health and Inpatient Substance Abuse care, and be it further

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

RESOLVED, Hamilton County will renew its current health insurance benefits offered for retirees through Aetna Medicare PPO with no changes, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the Hamilton County Personnel Officer to start meeting with employees and to send out Retiree Aetna Medicare PPO and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield information, effective January 1, 2022, 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 sign the agreements with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Aetna Medicare PPO, for health insurance coverage for the year 2022 and the County Treasurer be so authorized, and Personnel Officer be notified.

CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH INFO QUICK SOLUTIONS

WHEREAS Resolution No. 235-16 of September 1, 2016 authorized a renewal of the 5-year contract with Info Quick Solutions, and

WHEREAS this contract is due to expire on December 31, 2021, and

WHEREAS, Info Quick Solutions has agreed to extend said contract for an additional five (5) years, under the same terms and conditional along with an equipment refresh, with an increase in the monthly fee of $200 per month for a total of $2,200 per month, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that with approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to extend such agreement for a term of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2026.

LEASE AGREEMENT WITH WELLS FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR TOWER SITE

WHEREAS Resolution 218-21 authorized the purchase of Simulcast Radio Equipment for sites in both Wells and Hope, and

WHEREAS the site to be utilized in Wells for both placement of the equipment and tower space for antennas is located at the Wells Fire Department, and

WHEREAS, Wells Fire Department has submitted a lease agreement to Hamilton County for use of said space, and

WHEREAS, that lease agreement has been approved by both the County Attorney, Charles Getty, and the County insurance carrier, R & K, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors approve the adoption of this lease agreement by signature of the County Chairman, and the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Services be so notified.

EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH WILDERNESS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT – TRAILS INTO PROSPERITY GRANT

WHEREAS, the County has been awarded the Adirondack/Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Grant Contract No. C01054G Hamilton County Trails into Prosperity, and

WHEREAS Wilderness Property Management possesses the requisite skill, expertise and necessary licenses required to provide services to implement the Hamilton County Trails into Prosperity Grant by providing and crafting a trail management plan and providing work plans required for the said Smart Growth Grant Contract, and

WHEREAS, Wilderness Property Management has agreed to render and provide the desired services to the County, and

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No 29-20 on January 7, 2020 authorizing the Chairman to enter into a contract with Wilderness Property Management which is not yet completed, and

WHEREAS the contract in place with Wilderness Property Management expires December 2021 and both parties are in agreement to fulfill the work plan cited in the contract, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that with the approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman is hereby authorized to extend the contract with Wilderness Property Management through December, 2022 to develop a trail work plan for Hamilton County using data developed on site to address corrective actions needed resulting in a more sustainable and recreationally acceptable trail, and to conduct outreach to community stake holders to review proposed implementation and collaborate on strategies to maintain trails in future for remuneration in the amount of $10,000 for completion of these services.


Saturday, November 6, 2021

County might need to override tax levy limit

 Supervisors November 4 2021



County might need to override tax levy limit

By PETE KLEIN

LAKE PLEASANT—The Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on November 4 and passed a number of resolutions, among which was the following which will set the stage to override the state-imposed tax levy limit.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Your Committee on the tentative budget of the fiscal year 2022 as filed by the Budget Officer with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, respectfully reports that in its opinion the amounts in the columns headed “Recommended Appropriations” will be necessary to meet the expenditures of the County for the ensuing year.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

John Frey, John M. Stortecky, Brian Wells, Clay J. Arsenault

ACCEPTING REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

RESOLVED, that the Report of the Finance Committee is accepted as on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF 2021 A LOCAL LAW OVERRIDING THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR HAMILTON COUNTY FOR 2022 AND AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION BY HAMILTON COUNTY OF A BUDGET FOR 2022 THAT WILL REQUIRE A TAX LEVY THAT IS GREATER THAN THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR THE 2022 FISCAL YEAR

RESOLVED, that proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2021 titled “A LOCAL LAW OVERRIDING THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR HAMILTON COUNTY FOR 2022 AND AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION BY HAMILTON COUNTY OF A BUDGET FOR 2022 THAT MAY REQUIRE A TAX LEVY THAT IS GREATER THAN THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR THE 2022 FISCAL YEAR” attached hereto and made a part hereof, be, and the same hereby is introduced before the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, and in order to give interested members of the public the opportunity to be heard thereon, the Board of Supervisors shall hold a public hearing at the Supervisors’ Rooms in the Hamilton County Municipal Building on the 19th day of November, 2021, at 11:15 a.m., on the matter of the adoption of said proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2021, entitled “A LOCAL LAW OVERRIDING THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR HAMILTON COUNTY FOR 2022 AND AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION BY HAMILTON COUNTY OF A BUDGET FOR 2022 THAT MAY REQUIRE A TAX LEVY THAT IS GREATER THAN THE TAX LEVY LIMIT FOR THE 2022 FISCAL YEAR”, and it be further

RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors be, and she hereby is authorized and directed to give notice of such public hearing in the manner provided by law.

CONTRACT WITH CONSTELLATION ENERGY SERVICES

WHEREAS the County agreement with Constellation Energy Services for purchase of electricity for all County facilities expires on November 5, 2021, and

WHEREAS, Constellation Energy Services has given a proposal to the County to enter into a fixed price agreement for a period of twelve (12) months beginning November 6, 2021, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Constellation Energy Services of New York, Inc. for a fixed price of .09726kWh for a period of twelve (12) months.

MORTGAGE TAX DISTRIBUTION DATED: NOVEMBER 4, 2021

WHEREAS it appears from the reports of the County Clerk and the County Treasurer for the period April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, that there remains for distribution of moneys received by taxation on Mortgages pursuant to the provision of Article Eleven, Section 261 of the Tax Law, the sum of $168,142.38, for the distribution among the Towns and Village of the County of Hamilton, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton that the sum of $168,142.38 be and the same hereby is apportioned as follows:

Arietta - $16,253.50, Benson - 1,290, Hope - $8,416, Indian Lake - $30,779.88, Inlet - $21,780.50, Lake Pleasant - $33,546.96, Long Lake - $30,918, Morehouse - $3,731, Wells - $14,893.50, Village of Speculator - $6,533.04.

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to pay the respective sums so appropriated to the Supervisors of said Towns.

CONTRACT WITH NORTHEAST PARENT AND CHILD SOCIETY, INC. FOR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

WHEREAS children placed in the care and custody of the Commissioner of Social Services as a result of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or voluntary surrender require out-of-home placement in residential treatment centers, and

WHEREAS, these residential treatment centers are certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and

WHEREAS, maximum state reimbursable rates are established by OCFS, be it RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, upon review and approval of the County Attorney, is hereby authorized and directed to enter into agreements with Northeast Parent and Child Society, Inc.

RESCINDING RES. NO. 237-21 AND AUTHORIZATION TO BEGIN REPAVING PARKING LOT, PURCHASE VEHICLES AND PURCHASE COMPUTERS - COMMUNITY SERVICES

WHEREAS, it has been recommended by the DPW Superintendent that the parking lot at the Community Services Building needs to be repaved, and

WHEREAS, it has been recommended by the DPW Superintendent that two of the Department’s vehicles be replaced, and

WHEREAS, it has been recommended by Hamilton County’s IT provider that the computers used by Community Services staff to perform their duties need to be upgraded, and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 237-21 was passed on October 7th to partially address these needs, and

WHEREAS, it has been determined since Res. No. 237-21 was passed that Federal Salary Sharing funds that were to cover the costs identified must be expended by December 31, 2021 thus requiring that a different spending plan be developed, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has provided the Community Services Department with a new modified estimate to begin repaving the parking lot in 2021 at a cost of $7,000 and purchase two vehicles at a cost of $34,540, and

WHEREAS the quote to purchase the computers was increased by $507 due to the required change in Office from Office 19 to Office 21, and

WHEREAS the upgraded computers can be purchased under state contract at the cost of $12,770.62, be it

RESOLVED, that Res. No. 237-21 is hereby rescinded, and be it further

RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors hereby authorize $54,311.00 from Federal Salary Sharing currently in the unappropriated general fund balance to be transferred from the Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. A4310.0403 Supplies and Services to cover the said cost and the County Treasurer be so authorized and the Community Service Director, Clerk of the Board and the DPW Superintendent be so advised.

AMENDING RES. NO. 233-21 - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH BERKSHIRE FARM FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL (QI) ASSESSMENT SERVICES

WHEREAS Resolution No. 233-21 authorized a contract with Berkshire Farm for Qualified Individual (QI) Assessment services but did not specify the term or the fee, and

WHEREAS children placed in the care and custody of the Commissioner of Social Services as a result of abuse, neglect, maltreatment, or voluntary surrender require out-of-home placement in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP), and

WHEREAS, these QRTP’s are certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) [P.L. 115-123], an independent assessment of a child in foster care places in a QRTP is required to make determinations, including, but not limited to, whether the QRTP is appropriate, and

WHEREAS the assessment must be completed within 30 days of placement of the child in the QRTP, and

WHEREAS, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth has been approved as a Qualified Individual (QI) program to provide assessments through OCFS, and

WHEREAS, Berkshire has agreed to a Per Assessment Model of $2,000 per assessment with ability to accept assessments based on Agency capacity in the region with a not to exceed amount of $113,980 for a term of October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022, be it

RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 233-21 is hereby amended to include the Per Assessment Model of $2,000 per assessment with ability to accept assessments based on Agency capacity in the region with a not to exceed amount of $113,980 for a term of October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022, and be it further

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, upon review and approval of the County Attorney, is hereby authorized and directed to enter into agreements with Berkshire Farm to complete comprehensive assessments of youth placed in QRTP’s within 30 days as required by the FFPSA.

CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AT COMMUNITY SERVICES – EILEEN EHRENBERG, MD

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

WHEREAS, psychiatric services funding is requested in the 2022 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 per day not to exceed an annual amount of $36,000, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022, 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.

WITH DR. HOWARD AXELROD

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Service Board has recommended contracting with Dr. Howard Axelrod, of 13 Stony Brook Drive, Rexford, NY 12148, for psychological services at the Hamilton County Office Building, located at White Birch Lane, Indian Lake, New York, on a bi-weekly basis, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors does hereby authorize contracting with Dr. Howard Axelrod to perform psychological services at the County Office Building, located at White Birch Lane, Indian Lake, New York, on a bi-weekly basis, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Dr. Howard Axelrod shall be paid One Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($1,100) per day for the services rendered with the total annual cost not exceeding Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000), and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign a contract with Dr. Howard Axelrod, upon approval of the County Attorney, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR CLINICAL EVALUATIONS AND CLINICAL COUNSELING AT COMMUNITY SERVICES – PATRICE J. HICKS

DATED: NOVEMBER 4, 2021 BY

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 funding is requested in the 2022 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 per hour for clinical evaluations not to exceed an annual amount of $2,000 and $80 per hour for clinical counseling not to exceed an annual amount of $12,500 for a total of $14,500, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022, 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.

CONTRACT WITH CITIZEN ADVOCATES, INC. TO PROVIDE 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 be made, and the Chairperson 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

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022, and the County Treasurer be so advised.

RESOLUTION TO CONTRACT WITH THE HAMILTON FULTON MONTGOMERY PREVENTION COUNCIL TO PROVIDE A 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 has 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 $74,245, 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 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 $74,245.00 when confirmed in Hamilton County’s OASAS state aid letter for the contracted period, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022.

RESOLUTION TO CONTRACT WITH COMPREHENSIVE MEDICINE, PLLC TO 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 per hour for treatment in the County Jail, schools for a maximum of $46,500 per year, and be it further

RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022 and the County Treasurer be so advised

AUTHORIZING THREE (3) YEAR CONTRACT WITH FRONTIER FOR BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR INDIAN LAKE AND LAKE PLEASANT COUNTY FACILITIES

WHEREAS Resolution No. 240-19 authorized Broadband Internet Connections for Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant County Facilities with Frontier for five years, and

WHEREAS Frontier was unable to fulfill the original five (5) year contract that Hamilton County and Frontier agreed to due to IT issues that couldn’t be resolved, and

WHEREAS the said original five (5) year contract is now null and void, and WHEREAS, Frontier has offered a new proposal that would connect both Indian Lake and Lake Pleasant facilities with a broadband connection that meets the bandwidth needs of both facilities for a three (3) year fixed rate contract, and

WHEREAS the Chairman and the DPW Superintendent have spoken with Frontier in regard to the new contract and recommends moving forward with the new three-year contract at a fixed price of $1,100 per month per location (Indian Lake & Lake Pleasant), be it

RESOLVED, the Chairman of the Board is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Frontier for a three (3) year contract for Broadband and also authorized to sign any other related documents per the Frontier proposals per the County Attorney’s approval and the County Treasurer, Clerk of the Board and Public Works Superintendent be so advised.

APPROVAL OF PROJECT EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRUCK SCALE – LAKE PLEASANT TRANSFER STATION

WHEREAS Resolution No. 119-21 awarded Bid Specification 6-2021- 70’ Mechanical Truck Scale for the Lake Pleasant Transfer Station, and

WHEREAS the County Highway Superintendent recommends the total appropriation of $120,000 for the scale project to include the scale purchase, installation, ready mix concrete and related items, and

WHEREAS there is a current balance of $84,000 in Account No. A8189.0401 Solid Waste Capital Reserve Expenditure, be it

RESOLVED, that $36,000 be transferred from the Solid Waste Equipment Reserve to Account No. A8189.0401 Solid Waste Capital Reserve Expenditure for the said scale project as recommended by the County Highway Superintendent and the County Treasurer be so authorized to make the transfer and Clerk of the Board and County Highway Superintendent be so advised.

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF COUNTY ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT – WASHBURN BRIDGE

WHEREAS Washburn Bridge located on Storer Road in the Town of Benson needs a new superstructure, decking and abutment work, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has met with the Public Works Committee and recommends the rehabilitation of County owned Washburn Bridge on Storer Road in the Town of Benson, and

WHEREAS the County Highway Superintendent recommends the appropriation of $125,000 for the rehabilitation of the following bridge project:

COUNTY BRIDGE PROJECT NO. 2 Town of Benson, Washburn Bridge, BIN2204520, Storer Road - $125,000, Account No. D5120.2009 and

WHEREAS, the above designated bridge is owned by Hamilton County, be it

RESOLVED, that $125,000 be transferred from the Unappropriated County Road Fund in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. D5120.2009 for the rehabilitation of the above designated project as recommended by the County Highway Superintendent and the County Treasurer be so authorized to make the said transfer and Clerk of the Board and County Highway Superintendent be so advised.

AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ROAD TRACTOR FOR DPW

WHEREAS Resolution No. 120-21 authorizes the Superintendent to purchase a road tractor from Utica General Truck, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent was notified from Utica General Truck that the Purchase Order for the said tractor was cancelled due to market instability and cost increases, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has met with the Public Works Committee to discuss the purchase of a different make and model road tractor from Tracey Road Equipment, and

WHEREAS, the County DPW Superintendent has received a written quote for a new 2023 Western Star Road Tractor with a five-year extended warranty from Tracey Road Equipment under Onondaga County Contract delivered for $157,951.56, be it

RESOLVED, that hereby the County DPW Superintendent is authorized to order said road tractor from Tracey Road Equipment under Onondaga County Contract pricing at a cost of $157,951.56 and it will be a charge to Account DM5130.0201 Road Machinery and the County Treasurer, Clerk of the Board and County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR REPAIRS TO EJECTOR TRAILER

WHEREAS the Public Works Committee verbally gave the Superintendent permission to have sub-frame installation repairs done to Solid Waste Trailer #957, and

WHEREAS the repairs were completed to trailer #957 at a cost of $5,576.38 and the said trailer is back in service, be it

RESOLVED, that hereby the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to send payment to Dunhams Spring Shop, Inc. in the amount of $5,576.38 for trailer #957 and the funds be taken out of Account No. DM5130.401 Repairs and Clerk of the Board and Highway Superintendent be so notified.

AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO GORMAN BROS. INC. FOR HMA PLACED ON COUNTY ROUTE 3, NORTH POINT & COUNTY ROUTE 9, & LAKE SHORE DRIVE

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 117-21 authorizes the paving of County Road projects, and

WHEREAS, payment is due to Gorman Bros., Inc. for placing HMA on County Route 3, North Point Road and County Route 9, Lake Shore Drive, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make payment as follows: $69,253.50 from Account No. D5110.0404 Asphalt made payable to: Gorman Bros., Inc, 200 Church Street Albany, NY12202 and the Highway Superintendent and Clerk of the Board be so notified.

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER BALANCES FROM A COMPLETED 2021 PERMANENT PROJECT ACCOUNT AND CLOSE ACCOUNT – CR 3, NORTH POINT ROAD

WHEREAS County Road Project Account No. D5112.2528 North Point Road is completed for 2021, and

WHEREAS, this project has a balance, and the balance can be used for another County Road Project, and

WHEREAS the Superintendent recommends the following transfer be made: From: Account D5112.2528 CR3 North Point Road - $14,284.25 To: Account D5112.2526 Hope Falls - $14,284.25 be it

RESOLVED, the County Treasurer be so authorized to complete the said transfer hereon and close Account No. D5112.2528 CR3, North Point Road and the Clerk of the Board and the County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

AUTHORIZING TRANSFERS FOR COMPLETED 2021 PERMANENT PROJECT ACCOUNTS AND CLOSE ACCOUNTS – LAKE SHORE DRIVE, CEDAR RIVER ROAD AND SABATTIS ROAD

WHEREAS three (3) county road permanent improvement projects are completed for 2021, and

WHEREAS, all of the project funds have been appropriated and estimated through the CHIPS program, and

WHEREAS the following projects are complete and over-expended: D5112.2527 CR9 – Lake Shore Drive 2021 - $ (2,203.51), D5112.2529 CR12 – Cedar River Road 2021 - $ (4,065.20), D5112.2530 CR10 – Sabattis Road 2021 $(10,823.72) be it

RESOLVED, that the following transfers be made: From Account D5112.202 to Account D5112.2527 CR9 - $ 2,203.51, From Account D5112.202 to Account D5112.2529 CR12 $ 4,065.20, From Account D5112.202 to Account D5112.2530 CR10 $ 10,823.72 and be it further

RESOLVED, that the three (3) completed 2021 county road permanent improvement projects referenced herein be closed and the County Treasurer be so authorized to complete the transfers and close the accounts and the Clerk of the Board and the County DPW Superintendent be so notified.

AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OF EXCESS VEHICLE

WHEREAS certain vehicles/equipment have become excess and no longer needed by certain County Agencies, and

WHEREAS, the County Fleet Coordinator has made the recommendation that the following equipment be disposed from the County inventory: 2005 New Holland/Skid Steer

RESOLVED, the above equipment be sold by auction on-line by Auctions International and funds from the mentioned auction shall be a revenue credit to Account No. A2665 Sale of Equipment, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Fleet Coordinator see that proper inventory notes be recorded when the transactions are accomplished, and the Fleet Coordinator, Director of Fixed Assets, and the County Treasurer be so notified.

APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR FLETCHER BROOK CULVERT

WHEREAS Fletcher Brook culvert located on County Route 4 in Indian Lake needed to have abutment repairs done, and

WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has met with the Public Works Committee to advise them of the need to repair the structure, and

WHEREAS, the above designated culvert is owned by Hamilton County, be it RESOLVED, that hereby the Highway Superintendent be so authorized to have the said repairs done by R&B Construction in the amount of $11,920.00 and the County Treasurer, Clerk of the Board and County Highway Superintendent be so advised.

AUTHORIZING ONE YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LISA BURGESS 

WHEREAS the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors wishes to renew its lease with Lisa Burgess, and

WHEREAS, this Board has determined it to be in the best interest of the County to extend this relationship, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a one-year lease with Lisa Burgess for January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, with the approval of the County Attorney, and be it also

RESOLVED, that the monthly rent is hereby set at $400 per month for 2022. 

AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE PERSONAL TIME DONATION RATE TOWARDS HEALTH INSURANCE COST AND ALLOW FOR THE ADDITION OF SELLING EMPLOYEE EARNED VACATION TIME FOR 2022

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has received a recommendation from the Internal Management Committee to increase the current personal time donation rate towards health insurance cost for 2022 for employees, and

WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has received a recommendation from the Internal Management Committee to also allow employees to sell their earned vacation time towards their health insurance cost for 2022 at the same donation rate as personal time, and

WHEREAS the current personal time donation rate for employees is $24.00 per hour, and WHEREAS, the Internal Management Committee is recommending the personal time and

vacation time donation rate for employees be $25 per hour, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the Personnel Officer to increase the personal time donation rate for employees to $25 per hour and add vacation time donation at $25 per hour, towards health insurance cost effective January 1, 2022, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the Hamilton County Personnel Officer to begin enrollment with employees to facilitate this change effective January 1, 2022 and the County Treasurer be so authorized and Personnel Officer be notified.

DISBURSEMENT OF FLEXIBLE SPENDING FOR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS TO FUND COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND DETECTION EFFORTS IN SCHOOLS

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health through Health Research, Inc. (HRI) has been awarded a grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and has contracted with Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and School ELC COVID-19 Enhanced Detection Response, and

WHEREAS Resolution No. 247-21 created the Appropriation Account No. A4189.4105 Supplies & Miscellaneous, and

WHEREAS the budget for the 2021-2022 HRI School ELC Grant included funding for each school district to purchase health screening equipment and air filtration units, and

WHEREAS the funding will be split between the four school districts in Hamilton County, be it

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be that the County Treasurer be so authorized to write four checks, each in the amount of $5,560, and issue one to each of the four following school districts. Indian Lake Central School District, Long Lake Central School District, Lake Pleasant Central School District, Wells Central School District.