RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE
May 17, 2017
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: J. Hopkins, D. Fanton, K. Graves,
N. Ungermann, C. Crandall, (Absent: A. McGraw, T. O’Grady)
Others Present: C. Braack, B. Budinger, R. Christman, P. Curran,
D. Decker, L. Edwards, L. Gridley, D. Healy, R. Hollis, K. Humbert, C. Jessup,
C. Knapp, K. LaForge, G. Richardson, B. Riehle, T. Ross, D. Root, P. Stockin,
M. Washer
Media Present: B. Quinn – Wellsville Daily Reporter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:03 p.m.
by Resource Management Committee Chair Judy Hopkins.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Graves, seconded by
Legislator Fanton, and carried to approve the Resource Management Committee
minutes of April 19, 2017.
County Historian
County Historian Craig Braack attended the meeting and
submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Braack stated
that 110 boxes were shredded on May 16, and because the truck filled up sooner
than anticipated, they will have to come back and shred the remaining boxes.
Legislator Ungermann asked if the information being shredded is stored on a
computer somewhere. Mr. Braack stated, yes, according to the Department of
Social Services they have all been scanned. Legislator Fanton asked where the
shredded documents are taken. Mr. Braack stated he has heard it goes to various
farms for bedding, or is used for home insulation. Legislator Graves asked
whose budget it comes out of. Mr. Braack stated Department of Social Services.
Resource Management Committee Chairman Judy Hopkins asked when they are
shredding these boxes, are they also shredding extra documents for the County.
Mr. Braack was unaware and stated it was a question for Public Works. Clerk of
the Board Brenda Rigby Riehle stated most of our paper that does not require
shredding goes into general recycling. Committee Chairman Hopkins then asked
Mr. Braack what topics were discussed during his scheduled talks. Mr. Braack
stated on April 19, he spoke about birds and birding, and basic things to look
for in Allegany County. On April 22, at the Cuba Library was in conjunction
with Earth Day, and he spoke about Letchworth State Park, hiking trails, and
nature photography opportunities. On April 26, at the Andover Historical
Society he spoke about the history of the Genesee River. On May 3, for the
Rushford senior citizens he spoke about the Underground Railroad. Legislator
Ungermann stated Mr. Braack’s program on the Amish is very interesting as well.
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. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated she and Legislator
Graves attended the Soil and Water meeting so could answer questions the
committee may have. Legislator Graves stated the high point of the meeting was
them receiving a letter from FEMA awarding funding for the stabilization
project in the town of Belfast on the Genesee River. They have been working for
five years to get this project funded, and were awarded $468,900. They are
currently working to get matching funds to reach the full $625,000 that is
needed. Legislator Ungermann asked if the design work is already done for it.
Legislator Graves stated he believes it is all done, but is not 100 percent
certain. Legislator Ungermann stated the last project on the Genesee River in
Scio needed to have the design work done three to four times before FEMA would
finally fund it, adding the river changes all the time and it creates quite a
problem. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated part of the problem with why this
project took 5 years to fund is because of the hurricane that hit New York
City; all of the money went there, and these projects got delayed. Chairman
Crandall stated in the past we’ve had situations of “work and bill” that ended
up needing the County’s involvement for funds, and asked if there was any
discussion about that. Legislator Graves stated, no, there was no discussion
about using any County forces or funds
Youth Bureau
Youth Bureau Director Linda Edwards attended the meeting and
submitted her monthly report for the committee to review. Ms. Edwards stated
the Youth Board dinner in April went very well. They recognized five youth for
Youth Recognition Awards, two kids who are graduating and leaving the board, as
well as a board member who is retiring after 33 years serving on the board. Ms.
Edwards continued that the graduating senior gave a very interesting
presentation with Scott Jordan on CRCS (Cuba Rushford Central School) Outdoors.
Legislator Fanton stated it was exceptional. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated
the youth that were honored were quite remarkable and their stories were
compelling. Committee Chairman Hopkins congratulated Ms. Edwards on working
with outstanding young people, and stated that the Cuba Rushford Outdoor
Program is an amazing program. Legislator Ungermann asked how many kids take
part in the Bicycle Safety Program. Ms. Edwards stated they are teaching second
graders, and depending on how many schools participate, they typically see 400
to 500 kids. Legislator Healy stated from what he has seen, there is good
participation all around, adding he has had the opportunity over the years to
attend a few of the trainings, and they are very worthwhile for the kids. Ms.
Edwards stated they usually have eight to ten schools, and also present to
Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville. Ms. Edwards stated they previously
indicated they needed money for bicycle helmets as it was not included in the
grant; however, they have received private donations totaling $300 from
individuals and Mike Cook with State Farm Insurance. Ms. Edwards continued that
they typically spend $1,400 on helmets, and after reaching out to the Highway
Superintendent’s Association for a donation, they have offered to finance the
remaining $1,100. Ms. Edwards expressed her gratitude to them for stepping up
and covering that difference. Legislator Fanton stated they were glad to do it.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Cornell Cooperative Extension 4H Issues Leader Krista
Humberg attended the meeting and submitted their monthly report to the
committee for review. Ms. Humberg stated on Friday, May 19, they have a
clothing review at the Angelica Grange that is open to the public, adding they
have 30 kids already signed up. Ms. Humberg stated they have their pre-fair
entries in, and although she does not have a tally on the animals, it looks to
be about the same size market sale as last year. The youth building theme at
the fair this year is Wild Wild West, and they are beginning to work on fair
prep. Ms. Humberg stated they currently have 209 members enrolled, 44
volunteers, 11 active clubs, 2 County wide clubs, and are active in four
different schools. Ms. Humberg stated they have been doing dog safety in a
couple of schools, and it has been very well received. Committee Chairman
Hopkins asked for some information on the “How Many Farmers Does it Take to
Make a Pizza?” program. Ms. Humberg stated they are working with seven Allegany
County schools, where they go in and make a regular and dessert pizza with the
kids, adding the kids really enjoy it, and it’s been a very rewarding
experience for everyone. Committee Chairman Hopkins asked if they talk about
the educational aspect of the ingredients going into the pizza. Ms. Humberg
stated, yes, there is a PowerPoint presentation that goes along with it, but it
also is very hands on. Chairman Crandall asked if they have come up with a
location for the Tractor and Machinery Safety Training yet. Ms. Humberg stated
she is not sure but will check with Laura Hunsberger and get that information
back to the committee. Committee Chairman Hopkins asked where it has been in
the past. Ms. Humberg stated it has been located at BOCES.
American Poppies
Clerk of the Board Brenda Rigby Riehle called the committees
attention to the poppy can located in the Chambers, stating if they buy a
poppy, the proceeds benefit the Disabled Veterans, and the can collecting
donations is from the American Legion Auxiliary, Herbert W Delong Post 808 in
Belmont. Committee Chairman Hopkins stated any size donation is welcome.
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 Ungermann, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to the Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
