May is Mental Health Month
By PETE KLEIN
LAKE PLEASANT—When the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors met on May 4, it passed a RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH IN HAMILTON COUNTY.
WHEREAS the area that someone lives in plays a significant role in their overall health and well-being, and
WHEREAS surroundings can impact if, how, and when a person’s needs are met, which in turn affects mental health, and
WHEREAS, having safe, stable, and healthy home conditions set the foundation for achieving and maintaining good mental health, and
WHEREAS, with early and effective interventions, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives, and
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization, and citizen shares the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims May 2023 as Mental Health Month in Hamilton County and calls upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Hamilton County to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.
APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF ETHICS
WHEREAS the term of office of Munro Collie Smith, member of the Hamilton County Board of Ethics terminated December 31, 2022, and
WHEREAS, Munro Collie Smith has been a dedicated member of the Hamilton County Board of Ethics since the creation in 1995, and
WHEREAS it is the desire of the Board of Supervisors that Monro Collie Smith, continue as a member of the Board of Ethics, be it
RESOLVED, that Munro Collie Smith, be appointed to the Hamilton County Board of
Ethics for a term commencing January 1, 2023 terminating December 31, 2027.
FUNDING DOMESTIC TERRORISM PREVENTION GRANT – DT22-1014-E00
WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the New York State
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Grant Project DT22-1014-E00 in the amount of $172,413.00, and
WHEREAS, the funds have not entirely been spent, be it
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to fund Account No. A3645.0405
Domestic Terrorism Grant SH22-1014-E00 at $152,163.00 to be totally offset by funding Revenue Account No. A3389.0113 – Domestic Terrorism Grant SH22-1014-E00 at $152,163.00 and Sheriff be so notified.
AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH CONSULTANT FOR NYS DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT
WHEREAS, Resolution No 308-22 authorized and funded NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Grant – Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant – DT22-1014-E00 in the amount of $172,413.00, and
WHEREAS the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will be working in conjunction with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to prevent domestic terrorism within both of the counties, and
WHEREAS the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office funding will be used to hire a consultant to implement the Domestic Terrorism Plan that was submitted to NYS DHSES on December 28, 2022, and
WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office would like to hire Lucretia L. Ferry, a consultant to meet the needs of the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant, be it
RESOLVED, that with the approval of the Hamilton County Attorney, the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign a contract with Lucretia L. Ferry of Mayfield, New York to provide consulting for the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Lucretia L. Ferry will be paid a fee of $75.00 per hour plus any travel and/or required training expenses in an invoice from A3645.0405 – DT22-1014-E00, and the Treasurer and Sheriff be so notified.
REFRESHING THE HARDWARE FOR THE MAX DISPATCH SYSTEM AND SERVICE
WHEREAS Hamilton County Emergency Management was awarded SICG Grant from NYS Statewide Interoperable Communications Formula Grant SI21-1050-E00 in the amount of $1,126,497.00, contract C197759, and
WHEREAS, $66,934.81 of Grant SI21-1050-E00 will be allocated for refreshing the hardware for the MAX Dispatch system and service plans, and
WHEREAS the refresh will take place with Capital Digitronics and,
WHEREAS all hardware to be used under NYS OGS contract PT68728 as well as a five year service plan, be it
RESOLVED, that the Director of Hamilton County Emergency Management Department is hereby authorized to purchase the refresh equipment and a 5-year service plan for the hardware for the MAX Dispatch system from Account No. A3645.0427 – SI21-1050-E00 grant.
AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN CONTRACT FOR EVALUATION AND SERVICE PROVISION WITH ADIRONDACK ENRICHMENT FOR CHILDREN AGED 3-5 YEARS
WHEREAS Hamilton County is required to provide for Comprehensive evaluations for children aged 3-5, who reside within Hamilton County and have a suspected developmental delay through the Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) process, and
WHEREAS, Hamilton County is required to provide for any combination of CenterBased itinerant or related professional services including: Special Education Itinerant (SEIT) Services; skilled Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Related services; Counseling and/or one-on-one Aide services for children determined to have an eligible level of developmental delay and require center-based services to fully meet their needs; as defined through the CPSE Process, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4410 of the New York State Education Law, the County is required to maintain contracts with several providers for the provision of comprehensive Evaluation and specialized center-based services as described above; in order to provide parents with a choice for service provision, and
WHEREAS reimbursement for comprehensive evaluation and subsequent center-based services is determined by the extent of the evaluation and results, and based on rates set in conjunction with the Rate Setting Unit of the New York State Education Department, and
WHEREAS Comprehensive Evaluations may be requested at any time and/or professional related service provision may be requested at any time through the regular school year and/or the 30 day summer session, and
WHEREAS the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service represents Hamilton County as administrator of this program, be it
RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign contracts, upon approval of the County Attorney, for Comprehensive Evaluation and Center-Based professional service provision for children residing within Hamilton County at rates set by the New York State Department of Education, for the period of May1, 2023 through April 31, 2024 between the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service and, not limited to but including, the following center-based preschool service providers:Adirondack Enrichment Queensbury, NY 12804
FEDERAL SALARY SHARING FUNDS – COMMUNITY SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Community Services Department has received Federal Salary Sharing funds that can be used to support services provided by the Department, and
WHEREAS, $16,766.15 in Federal Salary Sharing currently in the unappropriated general fund must be spent by December 31, 2023, and
WHEREAS there is a need to increase available funds in supplies and services due to the purchase of an electronic medical record program, equipment for Trailblazers Program, and other necessary supplies and services for the remainder of the year, be it
RESOLVED, that $16,766.15 from Federal Salary Sharing currently in the unappropriated general fund balance be transferred from the Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to A4310.0403 Supplies and Services.
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM FROM PSYCHEASE – COMMUNITY SERVICES
WHEREAS, the Community Services Department has determined the need to implement an electronic health records system (EHR) to support mental health treatment services in accordance with Federal and State requirements, and
WHEREAS an extensive review of applicable EHR systems were conducted and PsychEase was determined to best meet the needs and cost requirements of the department, and
WHEREAS the cost of the system includes an initial set up fee of $2,500.00 of which 50% will be credited on future statements after six months. The monthly fee will be $1.55 per visit (minimum of 100 visits) and includes unlimited users. Additional expenses may include subscription fees to Dr First for e-prescribing services at $450 per year per medication provider, be it
RESOLVED, that with approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign applicable contracts to purchase PsychEase and the County Treasurer be so notified.
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO WARRENSBURG COLLISION CENTER, INC
WHEREAS Vehicle # 621 - 2018 Chevy Tahoe was involved in an accident and the repairs for the damage were completed by Warrensburg Collision Center, Inc., and
WHEREAS, the Fleet Coordinator has received a supplemental invoice and recommends the payment of said repairs of the 2018 Chevy Tahoe, be it
RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to increase Account No. A1910.0402 Repairs to Vehicles-Insurance by $2,717.12 to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A2680.0000 Insurance Recoveries by $2,717.12 and be it further.
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to:
Warrensburg Collision Center, Inc., Warrensburg, NY 12885 for Invoice #5816 in the amount of $2,717.12 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 PAYMENT TO WARRENSBURG COLLISION CENTER, INC
WHEREAS Vehicle # 95 - 2015 Chevy Silverado was involved in an accident and the repairs for the damage were completed by Warrensburg Collision Center, Inc., and
WHEREAS, the Fleet Coordinator recommends the payment of said repairs of the 2015 Chevy Silverado, be it RESOLVED, the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to increase Account No. A1910.0402 Repairs to Vehicles-Insurance by $3,595.54 to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A2680.0000 Insurance Recoveries by $3,595.54, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to make a check payable to Warrensburg Collision Center, Inc., for Invoice #5815 in the amount of $4,595.54 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.
APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF COUNTY ROAD FUND
PROJECTS FOR 2023
WHEREAS there has been appropriated in the 2023 highway budget the sum of $1,071,333.00 for the construction of County Road Fund Projects for 2023 and these funds are 100% reimbursed through the Consolidation Highway Improvement Program (CHIP’s), and
WHEREAS, the County Highway Superintendent has recommended the expenditure of $1,035,000.00 for the construction of the following projects: COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 1 Town of Indian Lake Co. Rd. No. 12 – Cedar River Rd., Improve drainage, recycle base and HMA Base & Top @ 20 ft. Approx. 1.0 mile $300,000.00 Account No. D5112.2534
COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 2 Town of Arietta Co. Rd No. 24 – Old Piseco Road, HMA overlay Base &Top @ 20 ft. Approx. 2.0 miles. $275,000.00 Account No. 5112.2535.
COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 3 Town of Wells Co. Rd No. 8 – Griffin Road, HMA overlay Base & PPST Top @ 20 ft. Approx. 1.5 mile $210,000.00 Account No. 5112.2536.
COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 4 Town of Benson Co. Rd. No. 6 – Benson Road, Reconstruct, Full Depth Reclamation, HMA Base & Top @21 ft. Approx. 0.6 miles. $150,000.00 Account No. 5112.2537.
COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 5 Town of Indian Lake Co. Rd. No. 4 – Big Brook Road, Replace Large Culvert, and pave Base and Top Approx. 0.4 miles $100,000.00 Account No. 5112.2538 and
WHEREAS the above designated roads and bridge are on a completed system of the Hamilton County Road map adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Hamilton County and approved by the Commissioner of Transportation, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton does allot and appropriate from Account No. D5112.202 Capital Projects, the sum of $1,035,000.00, for the construction of the above designated projects as recommended by the County Highway Superintendent and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the Board be so advised.
APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE ON VARIOUS COUNTY ROADS 2023
WHEREAS there has been appropriated in the 2023 highway budget the sum of $350,000.00 for HMA for maintenance of County Roads, and
WHEREAS there are roads that need to have Hot Mix Asphalt overlay treatments to keep the road in overall good condition, and
WHEREAS the County Highway Superintendent recommends the approval of the following locations to have pavement maintenance completed:
County Route 3, North Point Road, Town of Long Lake Approx. 2.4 miles Est$200,000.00County Route 12 – Cedar River Road, Town of Indian Lake
Approx. 1.6 miles. Est $135,000.00 Total estimate for all mileage $335, 000.and
WHEREAS purchase costs estimates are under New York State Contract or Piggyback Contracts from other County’s pricing which are subject to Escalation/De Escalation and above costs are based on estimates of current pricing, and
WHEREAS the above designated roads are on a completed system of the Hamilton County Road map adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Hamilton County and approved by the Commissioner of Transportation, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Hamilton does approve the said paving projects and funds be taken from Account No. D5110.0404 Asphalt and Emulsion in the estimated amount sum of $335,000.00 as recommended by the County Highway Superintendent and the Clerk of the Board be so advised.
REQUEST TO EXTEND THE ONE PERCENT (1%) INCREASE IN COUNTY SALES TAX
WHEREAS, Hamilton County has continued to suffer under the burden of decreasing state revenues, and
WHEREAS, the County has continued to be confronted by increasing mandated costs, and
WHEREAS, the County Highway infrastructure is not adequately funded through CHIPs, and
WHEREAS all of these factors make the County’s financial situation unsustainable without the increase to the County Sales Tax, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby requests Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Robert Smullen, Hamilton County’s elected representatives in the New York State Legislature, to cause to be introduced in the Senate and in the Assembly, a bill to allow Hamilton County to impose by Local Law or Resolution an additional one percent (1%) sales tax, which is not subject to preemption, to extend for the longest period of time allowable by amendments to the New York State Tax Law Section 1210, and any other sections of law which are necessary to fulfill this purpose, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors would like the additional one percent (1%) sales tax to go into effect at the soonest possible date, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors requests that Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Robert Smullen make every reasonable effort to secure prompt passage of said legislation, and be it further
RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be forwarded to Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Robert Smullen.
MORTGAGE TAX DISTRIBUTION
WHEREAS, it appears from the reports of the County Clerk and the County Treasurer for the period October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023, 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 $127,590.00, 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 $127,590.00 be and the same hereby is apportioned as follows:
Arietta $3,340.50; Benson 2,438.50; Hope 5,953.50; Indian Lake 40,353.00; Inlet 36,318.00; Lake Pleasant 5,548.96; Long Lake 23,718.50; Morehouse 787.50; Wells 7,995.00; Village of Speculator 1,136.54 and be it further
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to pay the respective sums so appropriated to the Supervisors of said Towns.
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 two invoices have been received from Tyler Technologies for the new financial/personnel software being implemented for month of February and March, 2023, 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 $5,882.50 to be offset by funding Revenue Account No. A4089.0200 – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $5,882.50, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Tyler Technologies for Invoice No. 025-414908 in the amount of $5,492.50 and Invoice No.025-416736 in the amount of $390.00 from Account No. A1325.0412 ARP Act, Financial Software.
ADOPTION OF UPDATES TO HAMILTON COUNTY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
WHEREAS there was a need to update and add to the Hamilton County Employee Handbook, and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the handbook, the Personnel Officer has recommended the adoption of said updates and additions to the handbook, and
WHEREAS, the following additions, changes, and deletions, be created in the employee handbook:
Addition – Section 406 – Employee Recognition, page 400-3 and 400-4; Change – Section 503 – Emergency Situations, page 500-3; Change – Section 504 – Time Records, page 500-4; Deletion – Section 702 – Overtime/Compensatory Time, (No employee may accrue more than one (1) hour per week by working through the lunch hour, unless written approval has been obtained from the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors), page 700-2; Change – Section 703 – On Call, page 700-3; Addition – Section 801 – Holidays, page 800-1; Change – Section 802 – Vacation Leave, page 800-2 and 800-3; Addition – Section 805 – Personal Leave, page 800-10; Change/Addition – Section 807 – Medical Insurance, page 800-12 and 800-13; Addition – Section 808 – Medical Insurance for Retirees, page 800-15; Change/Addition – Section 812, Flexible Spending Account, page 800-19; be it
RESOLVED, that the provisions and policies contained in the Employee Handbook are intended to supersede any and all prior manuals, guidelines or related policies issued by Hamilton County, and be it further
RESOLVED, that unless specified, this Employee Handbook supersedes and replaces any previous personnel policies issued by the County concerning all policies contained in the Employee Handbook, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer will provide all employees with a copy of the updated employee handbook with said changes highlighted for their convenience.
APPOINTMENT OF EMS COORDINATOR
WHEREAS Avis Warner is retiring from the EMS Coordinator Position and the Board wishes to fill said position, and
WHEREAS, after two rounds of interviews, as well as follow up, the Committee recommends Jon Wilcox, and
WHEREAS Jon Wilcox has agreed to accept appointment as EMS Coordinator, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Jon Wilcox is hereby appointed EMS Coordinator effective immediately and for a term ending December 31, 2023 at an hourly base rate of $26.358 from Account No. A3640.0102, not to exceed the Appropriation, and the County Treasurer and Personnel Officer be so advised.
AUTHORIZING CORRECTIONS OFFICER POSITION IN SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WHEREAS there is a need to hire a Corrections Officer for the coverage in the Jail, and
WHEREAS, Desiree Ross, of Hope New York has expressed an interest in becoming a Corrections Officer for Hamilton County, be it
RESOLVED, that a new Corrections Officer position be created in the Sheriff’s Office, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Account No. A3150.0112 Corrections Officer J be hereby created and funded at Correction Officer Hire Rate of $18.238, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer $26,000.00 from Account No. A1990.0401 Contingent to Account No. A3150.0112 Correction Officer J, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Desiree Ross, of Hope, New York will be hired provisionally as a Corrections Officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer and Personnel Officer be so authorized and the Sheriff be so notified.
AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO SIGN A CONTRACT FOR WELFARE FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
WHEREAS the Commissioner of Social Services of the County of Hamilton (hereinafter the “Commissioner”) is charged with the responsibility for the administration of all health and welfare services provided in Hamilton County, at public expense pursuant to the Statewide Managed Care Program, Chapter 165 of the Laws of 1991, directly or through an authorized agent, and
WHEREAS it is economically and organizationally feasible for the HCDSS to contract with the Provider for the provision of Supportive Investigative Services for the Social Services Programs, and
WHEREAS, upon mutual agreement the previous contract was terminated, and the new contract will commence from June 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 at $26.00 per hour not to exceed 20 hours on a bi-weekly basis, and
WHEREAS the HCDSS and Provider are desirous of further specifying their mutual obligations and responsibilities owed under this Agreement, and
WHEREAS the provider has secured liability insurance as part of the contract and the HCDSS is desirous of the provider to be reimbursed said expense to retain contract, be it
RESOLVED, that the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors, be and hereby are, authorized to enter into a contract between the Hamilton County Department of Social Services and the Welfare Fraud investigator, with said terms, to provide supportive investigative services for the Social Services Department.
