Board of Supervisors March, 2025
County expands Public Defender office
By Pete Klein
LAKE PLEASANT—The March 6, 2025 meeting saw the supervisors being introduced to Alison Webbinaro – the Governor’s Representative, North Country Region. This was followed by the board approving the following resolutions.
AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN AMENDMENT TO THE SECOND STATEWIDE EXPANSION OF HURRELL-HARRING GRANT
WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received an amendment to the Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant, Contract No. CSTWIDE220 with a term of April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026, and WHEREAS, said amendment increases the amount of the Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant from $1,165,574.34 to $1,665,574.34, be it RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the amendment to the Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant.
2025 SALARY AND BUDGET INCREASES – PUBLIC DEFENDER – AMENDED SECOND STATEWIDE EXPANSION OF HURRELL-HARRING GRANT
WHEREAS, the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services has amended Hamilton County’s Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant, Contract No. CSTWIDE220, and WHEREAS, NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services has increased the budget of said grant for Hamilton County in order to reach or maintain compliance with Executive Law §832(4), be it RESOLVED, that the salaries for the following positions in the Public Defender’s Office be created and/or set for 2025 as follows, with said salaries being prorated effective April 1, 2025: ACP Admin./Public Defender - $141,000.00 (includes $1,000.00 Family Court Admin.) Confidential Legal Administrator (Formally Admin Staff) - $66,102.00 Account Clerk (New) - $45,000.00 First Assistant Public Defender (PT) - $85,500.00 (includes $1,000.00 Family Court Admin.) Second Assistant Public Defender (FT) - $91,454.00 (includes $10,000.00 Family Court Cases) Arraignment Stipend CSTWIDE220 (New) $20,000.00 Intern (New)- $20,000.00 and be it further RESOLVED, that the following expenditure accounts be created and/or set for 2025 as follows: 18-B Panel Specialized Services - $53,445.75 Training - $9,000. Legal Reference Materials - $16,000.00 PD Specialized Services - $58,000.28 Rent - $15,000.00 Supplies & Phones - $47,240.00 Benefits - $208,528.00 and be it further RESOLVED, that the County Treasrer is hereby authorized to increase Revenue Account No. 3025.0100 State Aid Public Defender by $462,282.03 and be it further RESOLVED, that the Public Defender, Personnel Officer and the Clerk of the Board be so notified.
AUTHORIZING CREATION OF NEW FULL-TIME ACCOUNT CLERK POSITION IN THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received an amendment to the Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant, and WHEREAS, the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services has requested that a full-time Account Clerk position be created within the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office and is being funded by the Hurrell-Harring Grant, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors approve the Personnel Officer to create the position Account Clerk in the Public Defender’s Office effective immediately, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer be authorized to advertise for the position, and the Personnel Officer and Treasurer be so notified.
AUTHORIZING CREATION OF NEW FULL-TIME CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL ADMINISTRATOR POSITION IN THE PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, Hamilton County has received an amendment to the Second Statewide Expansion of Hurrell-Harring Grant, and WHEREAS, the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services has requested that the part-time Administrative Assistant position be changed to a full-time position, and WHEREAS, Susan Goodspeed has served in the part-time Administrative Assistant position since April 9, 2019 and she is willing and able to work a full-time 35-hour work week, and WHEREAS, the Personnel Officer has determined that under Civil Service Law §22, the appropriate civil service title for this position is Confidential Legal Administrator at a Grade 14, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors approve the Personnel Officer to create the full-time position, Confidential Legal Administrator in the Public Defender’s Office and remove the part-time Administrative Assistant position effective April 1, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Public Defender is authorized to appoint Susan Goodspeed as Confidential Legal Administrator, and the Personnel Officer and Treasurer be so notified.
FUNDING NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES (DCJS) FOR STATE’S LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY (LETECH) GRANT WHEREAS, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a NYS DCJS grant for State’s Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) in the amount of $25,000.00, and RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer be authorized to fund Account No. A3110.0419–DCJS LETECH at $25,000.00 to be totally offset by funding Revenue Account No. A3389.0200 – DCJS LETECH at $25,000.00 and the Sheriff be so notified.
AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF DJI M30T DRONE WITH ACCESSORIES-NYS DCJS LETECH GRANT
WHEREAS, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a NYS DCJS grant for State’s Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) in the amount of $25,000.00, and WHEREAS, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is requesting to purchase a drone and has received three quotes for DJI M30T Thermal Drone with accessories as follows: Dominion Drones DSLR Pros Advexure $14,098.00 $14,144.00 $14,144.00 be it RESOLVED, that Sheriff is authorized to purchase the DJI M30T Thermal Drone with accessories from Dominion Drones, 215 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 for $14,098.00 to be charged against Account No. A3110.0419 – DCJS LETECH.
HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECORDS REQUEST FEE
WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in requests for records, pictures, bodycam footage and other data that would be collected by this office, and WHEREAS, when a request is made to the Sheriff’s Office for records it takes staff time to search, print and in some cases redact sensitive information by hand to ensure it is not released, and WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office would like to implement a fee schedule and formalize the procedure in regards to any request for all reports, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors approve the following fee schedule and procedure for any record requests made to the Sheriff’s Office: All requests for records of the Sheriff’s Office will be made in writing. Each written request will be accompanied by a $5.00 fee for the initial report. Each additional page beyond the initial report shall be $1.00 per page. If the written request is to include any digital media, then an additional $5.00 fee will be accessed for a USB. If a report requires redaction, the Sheriff will reserve the right to have 30 days to review and complete the redaction before issuing the report. And be it further, RESOLVED, that the Sheriff’s Office Records Request Fee Schedule and Procedure take effect immediately.
CYBERSECURITY GRANT APPLICATION – SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, the Sheriff recommends the County apply for the 2025 Cybersecurity Grant Program for Hamilton County with the amount to be determined by DHSES at the time of award, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the Hamilton County Sheriff to complete and submit said grant application by the deadline of March 12, 2025.
FY2022 EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINE TEAM GRANT APPLICATION
WHEREAS, the Sheriff recommends the County apply for the 2025 Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant Program for Hamilton County with the amount to be determined by DHSES at the time of award, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby approves the Hamilton County Sheriff to complete and submit said grant application by the deadline of March 12, 2025.
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR 25-YEAR RETIREMENT PLAN SPECIFIC FOR PROBATION DEPARTMENT PEACE OFFICERS
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 36-25 adopted January 8, 2025 authorized the pension benefit of Sections 89-t and 603(p) of the Retirement and Social Security Law, and
WHEREAS, the County Treasurer has received the invoices from the Office of the New York State Comptroller for said benefit, be it RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to transfer $43,900.00 from Account No. A3140.0406 DCJS Pretrial Services Grant to Account No. A9010.0801 Employee Benefits-State Retirement, and be it further RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a check from Account No. A9010.0801 Employee Benefits-State Retirement to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System in the amount of $43,900.00 for Invoice No. 7150 ($6,800.00) and Invoice No. 7151 ($37,100.00) and the Personnel Office and Probation Office be so notified.
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL AS DONATE LIFE MONTH IN HAMILTON COUNTY
WHEREAS, through their membership in New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), New York Counties have come together to collectively support many important causes, and WHEREAS, in New York, there are approximately 7,940 people waiting for an organ transplant which represents the fourth highest need in the nation and there is an estimated 360 New Yorkers that die every day while waiting for an organ transplant, and WHEREAS, a single individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives; donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of 75 others, and WHEREAS, organ, eye and tissue donation are life-giving and healing acts recognized worldwide as expressions of compassion to those in need, and WHEREAS, New York State’s County Governments play a key role in raising awareness of the need of these organ donations through the interactions that county officials have with the public and through local DMV offices that have championed this cause for years on how individuals can help their fellow New Yorkers by signing up as organ donors or donating financially, and WHEREAS, counties across New York are proclaiming the month of April 2025 as “Donate Life Month” and engaging in various activities to promote awareness and increase the number of donors, and WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Clerk’s Office, through its Department of Motor Vehicles wishes to promote the month of April 2025 as “Donate Life Month” in Hamilton County, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of April 2025 “Donate Life Month” in Hamilton County and encourages all Hamilton County Departments and agencies to promote this life saving cause with the hopes of increasing the number of organ and tissue donations by enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry and to promote the awareness and need of these donations throughout all counties in New York State.
CONTRACT FOR PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AT COMMUNITY SERVICES –RACHEL JONES, MD
WHEREAS, it has been determined that there is a need for psychiatric services, and WHEREAS, psychiatric services were budgeted in the 2025 Community Services budget for a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at $155/hr, and WHEREAS, that provider is no longer available to serve Hamilton County, and WHEREAS, Dr. Rachel Jones is available to provide in-person care and treatment to individuals in Hamilton County, be it RESOLVED, that Psychiatrist Rachel Jones, MD, of 252 South Main St, Northville, NY 12134, who provides this service, be paid $250.00 per hour not to exceed an amount of $70,000.00 during this contractual period, and be it further RESOLVED, that said contract would be in effect from May 1, 2025 until December 31,2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that $34,920.00 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 Account No. A4310.0420 Telepsychiatry to cover the increased expense and the County Treasurer be so authorized, 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. Rachel Jones.
INCREASE OF FUNDS – SOCIAL SERVICES
WHEREAS, funds were exhausted in Hamilton County Department of Social Services Day Care Account No. A6055.0401 at the end of December 2024, be it RESOLVED, that Appropriation Account No. A6055.0401, Day Care, be increased by Eighteen Dollars and Ninety-five cents ($18.95) to be totally offset by increasing Revenue Account No. A4689, Federal Aid – Day Care, by Eighteen Dollars and Ninety-five Cents ($18.95) and the County Treasurer be so authorized.
AGREEMENT WITH TOGETHER FOR YOUTH FOR NON- SECURE DETENTION SERVICES
WHEREAS, the County of Hamilton, on occasion is required to place juveniles in a non-secured detention facility, and WHEREAS, Together for Youth operates two (2) non-secured detention facilities for juveniles placed with the Department of Social Services, and WHEREAS, Together for Youth requires an agreement in order to place juveniles in their facility, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that upon approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into an unreserved usage agreement with Together for Youth for the purposes of placing appropriate juveniles with a per diem rate for an unreserved bed of $740.00 and will be effective from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH TOGETHER FOR YOUTH FOR CERTIFIED FOSTER CARE HOMES
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 Certified Foster Family Boarding homes, and WHEREAS, these foster homes are certifies 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 said Foster Family Boarding Homes.
REINSTATING BUILDING PROJECT SUPERVISOR
WHEREAS, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 365-23 which approved the title change of Mark Stuart from Building Project Supervisor to Buildings & Grounds Manager, and WHEREAS, the Personnel Officer has identified that this title change has affected his permanent Civil Service status, and WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has requested that the employee be reinstated to his previous title of Building Project Supervisor in lieu of holding a new Civil Service Examination, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors approve the Personnel Officer to reinstate Mark Stuart to Building Project Supervisor effective immediately, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer and Treasurer be so notified.
AWARD OF BID SPECIFICATION – COLD STORAGE BUILDING
WHEREAS, the Public Works Committee authorized the County DPW Superintendent to advertise for bids for the construction of a Cold Storage Building at the Lake Pleasant Public Works garage location, and WHEREAS, five (5) bids were received for Cold Storage Building in accordance with the Specification as advertised by the DPW Superintendent and Public Works Committee, and WHEREAS, the following bids were received: Rozell Industries Inc. Queensbury, NY, Bid Price - $465,000.00 2.D.C. Building Systems, Inc. Watertown, NY – Bid Price - $529,800.00. 3.Stephen Miller General Contractors, Inc. Mayfield, NY – Bid Price - $710,370.00. Borderline Excavating & Fence, St. Johnsville, NY – Bid Price – 782,990.00. Plank, LLC Schenectady, NY – Bid Price - $754,927.00. and WHEREAS, Andrew S. Bell, P.E. has reviewed the bids and recommends awarding to the low bidder, and WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent recommends awarding the bid to Rozell Industries Inc. of Queensbury, NY, be it RESOLVED, that the award be made to Rozell Industries Inc., Queensbury, NY 12804, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for the said Cold Storage Building Construction in the amount of $465,000.00 with the approval of the County Attorney, and be it further RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized to create Account No. A1620.0415 Cold Storage Building Project and transfer $480,000.00 from the Unappropriated General Fund Balance in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. A1620.0415 Cold Storage Building Project for construction and engineering and the County Attorney, Clerk of the Board and DPW Superintendent be so advised.
AUTHORIZING PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT TO PURCHASE A BOBCAT UW56 TOOL CAT
WHEREAS, the Public Works Superintendent has spoken with the Public Works Committee to purchase a Bobcat UW56 Tool Cat with attachments under New York State Purchase Contract PC69396, and WHEREAS, the Superintendent feels this would be an advantageous piece of equipment for use by the Buildings and Highway Divisions, and WHEREAS, the said equipment purchase price is $87,970.93 delivered, be it RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to purchase one (1) new and unused Bobcat UW56 per written quote LR1005039 from Finke H. Finke & Sons Inc., Selkirk, NY 12158 delivered for a total of $87,970.93 delivered and it shall be a charge to Account No. DM5130.0201 Road Equipment and the Superintendent, County Treasurer and Clerk of the
AUTHORIZING DISPOSITION OF EXCESS VEHICLES
WHEREAS, certain vehicles/equipment have become excess and no longer needed by certain County Agencies, and WHEREAS, the County Fleet Coordinator has recommended that the following vehicle be disposed of from the County inventory: Year Make/Model 2013 Ford E350 Van VIN 1G1ZC5ST3MF0852 RESOLVED, the above vehicles/equipment be sold by auction online by Auctions International and the funds from the 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.
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR PURCHASE OF VEHICLE – DPW
WHEREAS, the Fleet Coordinator was authorized to order a new 2024 Ram 4500 Crew Cab with Dump Body from Main Motorcar for the Public Works Department under State Contract #68941 pricing, and WHEREAS, the said vehicle has been delivered, be it RESOLVED, that the Treasurer be authorized to make payment to Main Motorcar, Johnstown, NY in the amount of $82,806.00 out of Account No. DM5130.0201 Road Equipment and the Clerk of the Board and Fleet Coordinator be so advised.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH C&L ENTERPRISES FOR COMPUTER, SERVER, NETWORK AND ADVISORY SERVICES
WHEREAS, Hamilton County has determined that there is a need for a Hamilton County IT Department, and WHEREAS, C&L Enterprises has over 30 years experience in government IT services, and WHEREAS, C&L Enterprises not only has the expertise to provide basic PC and network support for the County, but also has the knowledge to advise on the creation and training of a new IT position within Hamilton County, be it RESOLVED, that with the approval of the County Attorney, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with C&L Enterprises for computer, server, network and advisory services for a term of April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR BRIDGE REPAIR & PNEUMATICALLY PROJECTED CONCRETE FOR 2025
WHEREAS, Hamilton County DPW solicited bids for Bridge Repair & Pneumatically Projected Concrete per Specification No. 4-2024, and WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 146-24, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors awarded the Bridge Repair & Pneumatically Projected Concrete bid to R&B Construction, L.L.C., and WHEREAS, the referenced bid provides the bid pricing for a one-year contract with the option of extending the contract by one year if both parties (Hamilton County and R & B Construction, L.L.C.) agree that terms and conditions remain the same for the duration of the extension, and WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent has contacted R&B Construction, L.L.C. and they will agree to a contract extension of the same terms and conditions for a one (1) year period, and WHEREAS, the DPW Superintendent believes it is in Hamilton County’s best interest to extend the current contract with R&B Construction, L.L.C. due to price stabilization, be it RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisor be so authorized to enter into a contract extension with R&B Construction, L.L.C. for the period of one (1) Year with approval of the County Attorney and the County Treasurer and Clerk of the board be so notified.
AUTHORIZING CREATION OF NEW FULL-TIME IT POSITIONS
WHEREAS, Hamilton County Board of Supervisors has determined that the County is in need of establishing an internal IT Department, and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors will be entering into a contract with C&L Enterprises for computer, server, network and advisory services, and WHEREAS, as part of the contract, C&L Enterprises will train a Hamilton County employee in IT Services for a municipality, and WHEREAS, the Personnel Officer has established the necessary job specifications for an entry level position and a promoted title to work under the advisement of C&L Enterprises and the Chairman of the Board, and that under Civil Service Law §22, the appropriate civil service titles for these positions are: Network and PC Trainee at a Grade 10, and Network and PC Specialist at a Grade 12, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors approve the Personnel Officer to create the full-time positions, Network and PC Trainee and Network and PC Specialist effective immediately, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Personnel Officer be authorized to advertise for the Network and PC Trainee position immediately, and the Personnel Officer and Treasurer be so notified.
AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO SIGN GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN OFFICE FOR AGING AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE FOR TITLE III-E FUNDING
WHEREAS, Warren/Hamilton Counties Office for the Aging has grant monies available to provide respite Home Health Aide Services under Title III-E for seniors who are patients of the Certified Home Health Agency and require these services to provide respite for caregivers, and WHEREAS, this agreement is for the period commencing January 1, 2025– December 31, 2025 for a total of $10,000.00, and WHEREAS, this anticipated funding was appropriated in the 2025 Municipal budget as a part of the budget development process, be it RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the grant agreement between the Office for the Aging and the Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service upon approval of the County Attorney, and the County Treasurer be so notified.
AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY INCREASE IN SCHEDULED WORK HOURS FOR LYNETTE GREENE FROM THIRTY-FIVE TO FORTY HOURS PER WEEK
WHEREAS, Lynette Greene is employed by Hamilton County Community Services for
thirty-five (35) hours per week as the Director of Community Services, and WHEREAS, Hamilton County Community Services is currently experiencing a staff shortage due to multiple vacant positions while demand for services has increased, and WHEREAS, Ms. Greene is willing to temporarily increase her work week to forty (40) hours per week to meet the demands, be it RESOLVED, that Ms. Greene’s regularly scheduled work, effective pay period beginning March 2, 2025, will be expanded to forty (40) hours per week for a period of six months, and be it further RESOLVED, that $8,457.00 be transferred from Federal Salary Sharing currently in the unappropriated general fund in accordance with Section 366 Subdivision 1 of the County Law to Account No. A4310.102 when needed to cover the expanded hours during 2025.
