May 6, 2008. All legislators present. Next meeting at 5 p.m. June 3. All votes 10-0.
Received commendation from Patrick M. Hooker, the state agriculture commissioner, about receiving more than $770,000 in state funding through the county Soil and Water Conservation District to help six farmers improve environmental management practices.
Heard from Gary L. Williams, a member of the county’s Empire Zone Administration Board, about concerns that the county switched administration of the local Empire Zone program without consulting his board and that no former mayors or supervisors were included on the county’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.
Approved the hiring of a temporary, full-time clerk in the Real Property Tax Services office, a temporary, part-time position in the treasurer’s office and two additional summer laborers for flagging during the extra paving projects. Also approved refilling of a secretary to the Department of Social Services attorney, a confidential secretary to the county attorney and an employment and training specialist.
Authorized a Mental Health employee to attend a training session in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, from June 9 to 12.
Heard from Legislator Joyce T. Hoch, chairwoman of the Office for the Aging Committee, that Ronda Davoy plans to resign from oversight of the senior meals program. Contract bids will be sent out soon and opened May 22.
Approved accepting applicants for DSS commissioner, since Commissioner Penny A. LaBarge’s five-year appointment expires in July. Mrs. LaBarge may apply for reappointment.
Authorized payment of $2,146,448.18 in claims.
Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. June 3 on a proposed law enacting flow control for county solid waste.
Commemorated the county bridge at Beaches Bridge in memory of two local soldiers — Marine Cpl. Kelly Matthew Cannan and Army Spc. James D. Gudridge — who were killed in Iraq and buried at the Beaches Bridge Cemetery.
Approved agreements with Fiscal Advisors & Marketing Inc. to provide arbitrage rebate compliance services for a $500 fee and act as dissemination agent for filings required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for $1,800, plus $500 for each notice of events that would materially impact the county’s credit rating; National Abstract Corp., Lowville, to conduct lien searches for delinquent property tax parcels; and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Inc. for $20,000 in connection with the Public Health Department’s breast cancer project.
Clarified that Gary P. Rosiczkowski, Turin, and John G. Jones, Beaver Falls, are currently representing the county on the Region 6 Fish and Wildlife Management Board.
Reappointed Jesse Schantz to the county Civil Service Commission through May 31, 2014. Also appointed Warren Rosenthal to serve on the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Investment Board through June 30 and Charles Sullivan, Deer River, to the county’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee through Dec. 31, 2009.
Created two senior planner positions in the Economic Development Department, with the intent of replacing the business development director and promoting Planner Renee J. Beyer when she’s eligible in August. “She pretty much ran the department and kept us out of hot water,” Legislator Richard C. Lucas, R-Barnes Corners, chairman of the legislative Economic Development Committee, said of Mrs. Beyer.
Accepted a food stamp waiver for able-bodied adults without dependents.
Approved a memorandum of understanding with the state Office of Children and Family Services to receive $32,000 for registration and inspection of daycare providers.
Appropriated $50,754 in federal Home Energy Assistance Program funds.
Authorized extension through July 1 of an agreement with USATPA Inc. for third party administration of the workers’ compensation program.
Approved budget transfers and amendments in the capital courthouse project, highway, Mental Health and veterans’ services funds.
Approved the opening of Burdicks Crossing Road and portions of Pine Grove, Cronk, Lee and Houseville roads to all-terrain vehicle traffic for one-day ATV rallies July 19 and Sept. 20.
Created six registered nurse positions, one social work assistant position and one phlebotomist position at Lewis County General Hospital and a full-time clerk in the district attorney’s office.
Accepted up to $25,000 from the state Community Development Block Grant fund to help fund development of a countywide comprehensive plan.
Awarded contracts to Barrett Paving, Paverite and Hanson Aggregate as low bidders on several hot mix paving projects this summer.
Heard a proclamation read in honor of Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz, a member of Fort Drum’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, who was killed last month in Iraq.
