September 2, 2020
Members Present: D. Healy, W. Dibble, B. Harris, S. Havey,
J. Hopkins, C. Crandall (Absent: D. Decker)
Other Present: G. Barnes, J. Burdick, P. Curran, D. Fanton,
K. Francisco, K. Graves, G. Green, K. Hooker, C. Knapp, J. Luckey, K. Monroe,
B. Perkins, J. Ricci, B. Riehle, D. Root, R. Starks, P. Stockin, R. Swarthout,
M. Washer, R. Whitney
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:38 p.m.
by Public Safety Committee Chairman Dwight “Mike” Healy.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Dibble, seconded by
Legislator Harris, and carried to approve the Public Safety Committee minutes
for August 5, 2020.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & FIRE
Emergency Management & Fire Director Jeff Luckey
attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for
review. Mr. Luckey thanked everyone for their letters and concerns regarding
the passing of his father. Mr. Luckey briefly highlighted events from his monthly
report stating it was a busy month with fires. Mr. Luckey is still working with
the State Police as well as the NYS Office of Fire Control regarding the fatal
fire that happened in Almond, NY. Legislator Harris asked if the test kits that
Mr. Luckey picked up in Batavia are for COVID-19 and what the procurement
process is for those. Mr. Luckey stated, yes, they are test kits for COVID-19.
He received a 12-hour notice to be in Batavia to pick up the kits, and he then
delivers them to the Department of Health. Legislator Hopkins asked if they are
the rapid test kits, and Mr. Luckey stated, no, they are the nasal swabs.
Legislator Hopkins asked what the timeframe is for getting test results. Mr.
Luckey stated it is his understanding that any testing done through Jones Memorial
yields results in 24 hours.
Request to Apply for the Homeland Security and Emergency
Services LEMPG 2020 Grant
Mr. Luckey requested a resolution authorizing him to apply for
the Homeland Security and Emergency Services LEMPG FY 2020 grant for the period
September 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022. This grant is used for the
following:
- Labor cost for three employees on a 50/50 split for work
on the Emergency Operations Plan.
- Training used to enhance the capabilities of state and
local emergency management personnel. Training related costs such as materials,
supplies, and equipment will be included. Travel and travel costs for attendance at FEMA
and/or approved training courses as well as allowable programs. Conducting all
hazards emergency management training, attending EMI training, and delivering
“Train the Trainer” courses.
- Funds will be used to design, develop, conduct, and
evaluate an exercise including planning, meeting space, and other facilitation
costs.
- Developing and enhancing the Continuity of Operation (COOP
Continuity of Government (COG).
- Development and enhancement of emergency operations plans
in integrating citizen, volunteer, and other non-governmental organization
resources and participation.
- Developing and enhancing logistics and resource management
plans such as developing and enhancing evacuation plans including
alerts/warning, crisis communications, pre-positioning of equipment for areas
potentially impacted by mass evacuations, sheltering, and re-entry.
- There will be funds used for renting the Emergency
Services office space. This will help to offset the rent paid for our office.
- Allowable equipment through the EMPG program through
categories such as information, cyber security, interoperable communication,
detection equipment, power equipment, CBRNE incident response vehicles, and
physical Security Enhancement Equipment.
- Any remaining grant money will be used to purchase
equipment for the Emergency Management Operations. This request was approved on
a motion made by Legislator Harris, seconded by Legislator Dibble, and carried.
Refer to Ways and Means
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
District Attorney Keith Slep was unable to attend the
meeting but submitted his monthly report to the committee for review.
STOP-DWI
STOP-DWI Coordinator Brian Perkins attended the meeting and submitted
his monthly report to the committee for review.
Victim Impact Panel
Mr. Perkins stated he has arranged for the use of the
Visiting Judges Courtroom once a week for September and October. This will
allow Mr. Perkins to get the Victim Impact Panel Program up and running again.
Mr. Perkins continued that he will have no more than five people and they will
watch a video and hear some testimonials. Legislator Hopkins asked if they have considered taping testimonials to use when they can’t have
people in the room. Mr. Perkins stated they are looking into that, and there is
some pre-recorded material they will show; however, at this point in time, he
wants to focus on securing a space.
Bike Helmets
Mr. Perkins stated he attended the ACASA play pack giveaway
in the month of August where he was able to give away 20 helmets. Mr. Perkins
has also worked with the Supportive Home and Parent Enrichment (SHAPE) Program
through Catholic Charities to give away 14 helmets to children in need.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Probation Director Robert Starks attended the meeting and
submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Starks briefly
highlighted his report stating the numbers are reflective of the fact that
there hasn’t been any school or court action in six months. Mr. Starks anticipates
things to pick up again in the next few months as schools re-open.
Youth Court
Mr. Starks stated their Youth Court Coordinator has decided
to resign to accept a better paying position in Pennsylvania. The Youth Court
Board has decided to leave the position vacant for now as they are unsure when
Youth Court activities will resume.
Bail Reform
Legislator Barnes asked how bail reform has affected Mr.
Starks’ office since the first of the year. Mr. Starks stated they have seen an
increase in individuals put on pre-trial; however, their hands are a little
more tied with bail reform. Previously, if an individual was in violation of a pre-trial
condition, the court could revoke the pre-trial supervision and send them to
jail. Now with bail reform, the person has the right to a hearing of the
alleged pre-trial violation making it harder for them to issue a warrant and
send them to jail. Legislator Barnes asked if bail reform has put the County
and public safety in a better situation. Mr. Starks stated to the extent they
changed the law, he doesn’t think it’s a good thing. Mr. Starks continued he
does think the bail situation needed to be addressed; however, they went too
far in his opinion. Mr. Starks went on to say that recently they did make some
changes to the law to allow for more crimes to be added to the judge’s option
to place people in jail. Legislator Graves asked if the changes gave justices
more discretion or if they just changed the crimes included. Mr. Starks stated
as far as he knows, it’s just more crimes added.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Weights & Measures Director Gilbert Green attended the
meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Green
briefly highlighted his monthly report noting that he had state inspectors come
a couple days a week to help re-certify 28 gas stations. Legislator Graves
referenced Mr. Green’s report that states he spent 10 quality weeks at home due
to COVID-19 and asked if Mr. Green was one of our furloughed employees. County Administrator
Knapp stated he was not eligible for furlough. Legislator Graves asked if Mr.
Green was receiving full pay while at home for those 10 weeks, and Mr. Green
stated, yes. Committee Chairman Healy stated Mr. Green was one of the
departments that worked from home. Administrator Knapp stated due to the
executive order limiting the workforce by 50 percent, she asked all departments
to decide who was essential and who was non-essential and could work from home.
Mr. Green stated he is the only person in his office and because no one goes to
see him, he deemed himself non-essential and worked from home.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Rick Whitney attended the meeting and submitted his
monthly reports to the committee for review. Legislator Harris asked what
happens if a local business receives multiple complaints regarding not
following COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Sheriff Whitney stated the only
communications he receives regarding complaints that he forwards on to state or
local police departments is that they have received it and will take care of
it.
County Route 12
Legislator Graves stated that the 45-mile per hour speed
zone on County Route 12 routinely has issues with people passing on double
lines and asked if the Sheriff’s Office had extra staff that could pay more
attention to that area. Sheriff Whitney indicated they have set up the speed
trailer in that location, but he will bring it to their attention again.
Alfred Tower
Legislator Dibble asked for an update on the Alfred tower.
Sheriff Whitney stated the paperwork has been signed and delivered. They are
now waiting on Public Works to clear the right-of-way. Administrator Knapp
stated they have been in contact with Public Works, and they are ready to go.
Route 305, Cuba, NY
Committee Chairman Healy asked Legislator Ricci to comment
on the speed limit issue on Route 305 in Cuba, NY. Legislator Ricci stated all
three District II Legislators along with a member from the Department of
Transportation and several others met on how they reduce the speed limit.
Legislator Ricci stated they plead their case and the issue will be looked at.
Committee Chairman Healy stated Public Works Superintendent Justin Henry also
attended the meeting, adding it was very productive with a lot of ideas thrown
out. Legislator Ricci noted the first step in this process was encouraging.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 1:57 p.m. following a motion by
Legislator Havey, seconded by Legislator Harris, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Confidential Secretary
Board of Legislators
