PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
May 2, 2018
Members Present: D. Healy, W. Dibble, D. Decker, B. Harris,
J. Hopkins, C. Crandall (Absent: S. Havey)
Others Present: L. Ballengee, T. Boyde, H. Budinger, L.
Edwards, D. Fanton, K. Graves, G. Green, S. Grusendorf, C. Ivers, C. Jones, B.
Kelley, C. Knapp, J. Luckey, K. Monroe, B. Riehle, D. Root, K. Slep, R. Starks,
P. Stockin, R. Swarthout, R. Whitney
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m.
by Public Safety Committee Chairman Dwight “Mike” Healy.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by
Legislator Decker, and carried to amend the April 4, 2018, Public Safety
Committee minutes to read Emergency Services Assistant, rather than Emergency
Services Assistant Director on page 2. The amended April 4 Public Safety
minutes were then approved on a motion by Legislator Dibble, seconded by
Legislator Decker and carried.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND FIRE DIRECTOR
Public Safety Chair Dwight “Mike” Healy indicated that there
was a structure fire in the Village of Wellsville so they would move Mr. Luckey
up on the agenda as he had been requested to respond to the fire.
Cancer Bill for Firefighters
Emergency Management and Fire Director Jeff Luckey stated
that he attended the NYS OFPC (Office of Fire Prevention and Control) County
Fire Coordinators Conference in Montour Falls on April 4 and 5, and the Cancer
Bill (A711B, S1411B) was discussed in greater detail. Mr. Luckey indicated that
there really hasn’t been any updates since November, but more information
should be available by June 1. Mr. Luckey noted that the criteria for
eligibility has not changed – a volunteer firefighter will be eligible for the
enhanced cancer disability benefit if he/she served for at least five years as
an interior firefighter, and the coverage will remain in place for up to five
years after service. Mr. Luckey stated that they have talked to a couple of
insurance companies regarding coverage, but they are waiting for additional
clarifying information before any final arrangements are made.
Homeland Security Assessments
Mr. Luckey stated that they hosted the CEPA (County
Emergency Preparedness Assessment) update for Allegany County, and NYS
Emergency Managers, Allegany County Department Heads, and representatives from
NYS Fire, NYS DEC, and NYS DOH attended. CEPA is a framework and tool to help
state and local stakeholders assess risk, capabilities, and the potential need for
support and resources during emergencies or disasters. The CEPA Plan from three
years ago was reviewed and updated to reflect our current strengths and needs.
Mr. Luckey also met with our grant representative for the SHSP (State Homeland
Security Program). These meetings were positive, and only a few minor
corrections needed to be made. Mr. Luckey indicated that these reviews are part
of the grant requirement for homeland security funds.
Natural Disasters
Mr. Luckey indicated that he participated in the special
April 18 Resource Management Committee meeting regarding natural disasters via
telephone as he was at an ILO (Intelligence Liaison Officer) conference at the
time. Mr. Luckey stated that he wanted to clarify a few things as he didn’t
have an opportunity to say what his office had done in response to the June
2017 storms that caused damage in the Northwest part of our County. Mr. Luckey
asserted that they did respond and follow-up with normal procedures. They also
reached out to the town highway superintendents. Rushford was hit the hardest
with about $30,000 in damage, Centerville thought they had about $9,000 in
damages, there was nothing in Caneadea, and all of Houghton College’s losses
were covered by insurance. It quickly became evident that we were not going to
meet the $180,000 threshold. Mr. Luckey also spoke with the Farm Bureau to see
if any assistance might be available through other avenues. Mr. Luckey
indicated that Alice Decker did fall through the cracks, and unfortunately he
did not receive her messages in a timely manner. Legislator Karl Graves stated
that he did not believe that anyone was criticizing the job Mr. Luckey had
done, rather his impression was that it was more of a communication issue. One
of our citizens experienced a loss, they were looking for help, and they were
very frustrated because nothing could be done. Mr. Graves stated that he
doesn’t recall a conversation where the Board was upset with Mr. Luckey. Mr.
Luckey stated that Marv Covert and the Deckers have worked their whole lives,
and the one time they are looking for help, the system failed them, and he was
sorry that something more couldn’t be done. Mr. Luckey went on to say that one
of the worst parts of his job is when there is an incident and people are not
eligible for funding. He tries to help in any way possible, but unfortunately
there is nothing they can do to solve or fix some of these issues. Legislator
Graves suggested that having information readily available would be helpful.
Participation in Meetings and Drills
Mr. Luckey stated that he attended the Shared Services
Committee meeting at BOCES on April 24, and those meetings have been very
interesting. He participated in the Health Department drill on the 26th, and he
will be participating in the STOP-DWI drills in the near future.
Homeland Security & Emergency Services SHSP – FY2018
Grant
Mr. Luckey requested a resolution to apply for a Homeland
Security and Emergency Services SHSP (State Homeland Security Program) FY 2018
grant in the estimated amount of $52,485. Mr. Luckey indicated that the grant
period runs from September 1, 2018, through August 31, 2021, and the funding is
to support regional preparedness for the County. Legislator Brooke Harris asked
Mr. Luckey how long he has been getting the grant and what they plan to do with
the funding. Mr. Luckey stated that they have been receiving this grant for
approximately 15 years, and the funds have been used to purchase turnout
protective gear, generators, training unit simulators, and other practical
stuff related to emergency preparedness. A motion was made by Legislator
Dibble, seconded by Legislator Hopkins, and carried to authorize Mr. Luckey to
apply for the grant. Prepare Resolution
PUBLIC DEFENDER
Public Defender Barbara Kelley attended the meeting and
submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Kelley stated she
that didn’t have anything extra to report; however, they are a little busier
than last year at this time. Their new quarters are looking good, and they hope
to move at the end of the month.
Legislator Brooke Harris asked if Attorney Kelley’s office
was called out during the recent Hot Dog Day in Alfred, and Ms. Kelley
indicated that they were not. Legislator Judy Hopkins asked if there is any
information coming in about Public Defenders having to respond on weekends. Mr.
Kelly indicated that last weekend there were nine arraignments. They are
appearing at every arraignment that they can. From January 2 through April 29,
they were contacted 193 times, and they responded 191 times. The primary
on-call attorney is on-call for 24 hours a day for five days.
STOP- DWI
STOP-DWI Coordinator Linda Edwards attended the meeting and
submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. Edwards indicated
that she had to cancel an event that was scheduled in Houghton on April 19 due
to illness; however, she was able to attend the Drug and Alcohol Awareness
event at Alfred State College. She will not be able to attend the Resource
Management Committee meeting on May 16 because she will be at a conference. She
has been working on mock DWI drills, and they have three coming up next week.
In June she will be working on bicycle safety. The helmets and educational
items are in so they are ready to move forward with presentations.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
District Attorney Keith Slep attended the meeting and
submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Slep indicated
that activity has been fairly steady. They did have a couple of violent
incidences, but they were resolved quickly.
Traffic Diversion Program
(The Allegany County Vehicle & Traffic Diversion Program
is an education recidivism reduction program. The program offers drivers who
are ticketed for relatively minor traffic infractions the opportunity to take a
6-hour instructional course so that the driver may avoid points and other
penalties associated with traffic tickets and at the same time reduce the
likelihood that they will re-offend.)
Legislator Phil Stockin asked about the Traffic Diversion
Program and whether or not it saves money. District Attorney Slep explained how
the program works and noted that it doesn’t save money; however, it generates
revenue for the towns and County that we wouldn’t otherwise get. Our diversion
program was the second in the state, Livingston County’s was first, and other
counties patterned their programs after ours. Our program has not been as
successful as some more metropolitan areas. Legislator Stockin indicated that
he was inquiring because some questions came up at a recent town meeting.
Chairman Curt Crandall stated that there was discussion that the towns only
receive $25. Mr. Slep confirmed that the revenue was considerably more than
that. Legislator Hopkins asked at what point is someone ineligible for the
program. District Attorney Slep stated that there are numerous parameters that
are outlined on the website
(https://www.alleganyco.com/traffic-diversion-program/), but the program is
only for drivers who have received a citation for speeding or other moving
violations, and they must not be ticketed for a speed in excess of 30 mph over
the posted limited. Attorney Slep indicated that those with CDL licenses are
not eligible.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Probation Director Robert Starks attended the meeting and
submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Starks noted that
the juvenile supervision cases are up and our adults are down a little compared
to last year.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Weights and Measures Director Gilbert Green attended the
meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review.
Legislator David Decker inquired about the following notation on Mr. Green’s
monthly report: “Spring might finally be here so I can do gas stations.” Mr.
Green clarified that more accurate readings can be obtained if the temperature
is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Rick Whitney attended the meeting and submitted his
monthly reports to the committee for review. Sheriff Whitney introduced
Undersheriff Kevin Monroe, Jail Administrator Chris Ivers, Lieutenant Shawn
Grusendorf, and Head Dispatcher Randy Swarthout.
Pheasant Program
Legislator David Decker asked how the pheasant chicks are
doing, and Sheriff Whitney stated that they only lost 12 out of 1,000. Sheriff
Whitney indicated that he believes they may have received more than 1,000,
noting that they can be difficult to count
BOCES Student Internships
Legislator Judy Hopkins stated that she understands that the
Sheriff has been working with BOCES students at the Jail and asked him to
elaborate on it. Sheriff Whitney stated that the students were doing
internships. One was in the Nursing Program and several were from the Criminal
Justice Program. They were able to see parts of the Jail, do a ride along with
Civil Deputies, and sit in the 911 Center. It was a great experience for the
students.
CAD System
Legislator Karl Graves mentioned the CAD System and asked if
the new one was up and running. Lieutenant Shawn Grusendorf stated the new
system should be operational in September. Legislator Graves noted that we pay
a lot of money for these systems, and he inquired about the status of the vendor
for the old system. Acting County Attorney Carissa Knapp responded that she
believes that Lieutenant Grusendorf had forwarded information to former County
Attorney Thomas Miner, and she will look into it and report back on her
findings.
Legislative District Meetings
Legislator William Dibble thanked Sheriff Whitney for
attending the District III Legislative meeting on April 24.
Sheriff’s Financial Report
Sheriff Whitney reported that they are up $113,000 in
revenue for the first quarter of the year compared to last year despite the
loss of revenue from the ICE inmates.
Pill Drops
Sheriff Whitney stated that pill drop events were held in
Wellsville and Bolivar last week. Although they only brought in about 100
pounds, there were about 600 pounds in the drop boxes.
Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
Sheriff Whitney indicated that they will be holding an open
house on Tuesday, May 15, from noon until 7:00 p.m. at the Allegany County Jail
and Public Safety Facility in honor of National Police Week. Several displays
will be set up, and they plan to hold tours of the Jail and 911 Center as well
as the inmate garden and pheasant program if the weather cooperates. The
Sheriff plans to issue a press release later this week regarding the event.
Save the Michaels
Legislator David Decker asked about the Save the Michaels
event that was held at the Genesis Bible Church on April 18. Sheriff Whitney
explained that Save the Michaels of the World, Inc. is an organization out of
Buffalo that was started by Avi Israel who lost his son Michael to opioids.
Michael had Crohn’s Disease, and he ended up getting addicted to opioid pain
killers while they were trying to manage his disease. After getting out of a
rehab program, Michael ended up back on opioids, and when the insurance company
wouldn’t pay for a second rehab, Michael ended up committing suicide. Mr.
Israel travels around and gives programs, and they actually try to help people.
They provide counseling for families and find placement for people in rehab
programs, and their organization has been paying for it. Sheriff Whitney noted
that there was a girl from Erie County, and they ended up finding placement for
her in New York City, and the Save the Michaels Organization ended up paying a
taxi $1,000 to drive her. Sheriff Whitney stated that Mr. Israel hopes to do
more programs in Allegany County at the schools. They are a not-for-profit
organization, and they can obtain some funding that governments can’t.
Blood Drive
Sheriff Whitney reported that they recently held a
successful blood drive. Their goal was to take blood from 15 people, and 19
people ended up donating so they exceed their goal.
911 House Numbers
Monica Corwin from Orchard Park stated that she owns
property around Cuba Lake, and she came to the meeting today to express
concerns about the fact that her house number doesn’t match what the phone
company says it is. If she were to call 911 for medical or fire assistance, the
ambulance or fire truck would end up at the wrong house. She has been
attempting to get these issues fixed for over a year, but the last time she
called the County about the problem, the person she spoke with told her to just
explain to the Dispatcher where they are located. Ms. Corwin indicated that
this is especially concerning because she has a son with some health issues,
and she is not sure that he would be able to do that if he ever needed to call
for assistance. Ms. Corwin indicated that she is very frustrated and concerned,
and she can’t seem to get anyone to help her fix this problem.
Lieutenant Shawn Grusendorf stated that all fire numbers are
supposed to be assigned through Emergency Management. Lieutenant Grusendorf
stated he believes the resolution (Resolution No. 222-00 – Approving Official
Numbering Policy and Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement; Directing Allegany
County Fire Coordinator to Forward Policy and Agreement to Towns) should be
changed because right now the 911 Center does all numbering through the
Sheriff’s Office. They are aware that there are quite a few numbers that need
to be fixed, and it’s been an ongoing issue. Lieutenant Grusendorf asserted
that the resolution should be changed to give 911 the authority to assign house
numbers. They should be the ones held accountable that the numbers are
accurate. We have the equipment and trained staff to do it, but the issue is
timing and money. We really need someone in a full-time position to take care
of it. They have also had meetings about getting the GIS Department involved.
Chairman Crandall stated that there is a problem, and it’s larger than just
this one property. Perhaps someone can assist Ms. Corwin now, and then develop
a plan to move forward to fix these issues.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. following a motion by
Legislator Harris, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Rigby Riehle, Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
