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Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Minutes: Allegany County Resource Management Committee - March 20, 2019

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
March 20, 2019

Committee Members Present: D. Decker, K. Graves, G. Barnes, W. Dibble, B. Harris, C. Crandall (Absent: D. Fanton)
Others Present: T. Boyde, C. Braack, J. Burdick, P. Curran, K. Dirlam, L. Gridley, D. Healy, J. Hopkins, L. Hunsberger, C. Knapp, B. Perkins, J. Ricci, B. Riehle, D. Root, T. Ross, P. Stockin, M. Washer
Media Present: C. Potter – The Spectator, C. Dutton – Cuba Patriot
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:03 p.m. by Resource Management Committee Chairman David Decker.
Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Dibble, and carried to approve the Resource Management Committee minutes of February 20, 2019. COUNTY HISTORIAN County Historian Craig Braack attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Legislator Graves asked what the March 2 talk was about for the County Magistrates Association. Mr. Braack stated it was how our County and Town lines came to be. History Awareness Week Committee Chairman Decker asked if there are any plans underway for History Awareness Week. Mr. Braack stated they recently held a meeting with the brochure designers. Once the brochure is finalized, it will be sent to Dave’s Printing in Belmont, NY. Records Management Legislator Graves asked if there are any updates with records management. Mr. Braack stated they are in good shape; however, Social Services is currently waiting for the go ahead from the State to move forward with shredding old documents. Currently, the state has put a hold on any documents being shredded which has led the department to be drowning in paperwork. SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION
Soil and Water Conservation Executive Director Scott Torrey was unable to attend the meeting but submitted his monthly report to the committee for review.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Waste Storage Program
Committee Chairman Decker stated that he recently spoke with Mr. Torrey regarding the CAFO Waste Storage Program and feels there needs to be a lien placed on the properties that we provide a waste storage facility to. Legislator Decker recently learned of a farm in the County who received a waste storage facility two years ago, and they are now going to be selling out. Legislator Decker continued that these liens will help in the instances where farms go out of business because there will be a payback which will allow the grant funds to be turned around and used elsewhere so they don’t keep dipping into taxpayers’ pockets.
YOUTH BUREAU
Youth Bureau Director Brian Perkins attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Perkins briefly highlighted events he attended during the month of February and noted that he is working with Genesee Valley Central School to plan a mock crash drill at their campus that will also include surrounding schools.
Legalization of Marijuana
Legislator Barnes asked if there were discussions regarding the legalization of marijuana at the NY State Association of Youth Bureaus conference in Albany and whether or not they have a plan in place should it come to fruition. Mr. Perkins stated the conference was for Youth Bureau trainings and lobbying for monies to continue to be directed to them. It was not in relation to STOP-DWI; therefore, no conversations were dedicated towards the topic. Legislator Healy asked if Mr. Perkins believes legalization of marijuana is positive or negative as far as the effect it will have on our youth. Mr. Perkins stated in his opinion, it will be negative as there are a lot of risks for our youth when it comes to the legalization of anything like that. Mr. Perkins continued that they have plenty of discussions regarding the topic in their PPAC meetings, and they will be steadfast in their approach to continuously educate our youth on the dangers of not only marijuana, but smoking, drinking, and all types of drugs.
Town of Independence Baseball Fields
Legislator Graves asked for an update on the meeting with the Town of Independence regarding a request to use funds for necessary upgrades to their youth baseball field. Mr. Perkins stated he discussed with them that the funds we have are directly for programs, and he is not aware of anything more we can provide them at this time.
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Laura Hunsberger attended the meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Hunsberger briefly highlighted current and upcoming events happening within Cooperative Extension.
Farmer’s Market
Committee Chairman Decker stated it is his understanding that Olean, NY, is clearing out the trees at Lincoln Park and putting in a permanent farmer’s market and asked if Ms. Hunsberger is aware of any updates as he does not feel this is a good use of property. Ms. Hunsberger stated she is not aware of how it’s being handled but she can ask and report back next month. Legislator Stockin stated this has been a controversial issue for a long time, and the Olean Times Herald indicated a bid was being awarded.
Flash Freezer
Legislator Graves asked about the flash freezer being placed at the Jail. Ms. Hunsberger stated it is part of the Farm to School Program, and the Jail has agreed to house these freezers that will be external to the building so the schools can store their produce there. Committee Chairman Decker asked how many schools are participating in this program, and Ms. Hunsberger stated approximately five to eight.
Assisting Cafeteria Managers
Legislator Barnes referenced the assisting cafeteria managers in Ms. Hunsberger’s report and asked what the connection is with Hinsdale and Franklinville schools as they are not in the County. Ms. Hunsberger stated that Cassandra Bull, Farm to School Coordinator, attends cafeteria meetings on a monthly basis that are not just exclusive to Allegany County. Currently, there are only discussions going on; however, if anything further were to come of it, financials will be discussed.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Confidential Secretary to the Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators