PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
October 2, 2024
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Public Safety Committee Chairman
Steven A. Havey.
Roll Call: Steven Havey, Adam Cyr, Gary Barnes, Kevin (Fred) Demick, Dwight (Mike) Healy, Philip
Stockin, W. Brooke Harris, (Absent: James Rumfelt)
Other Attendees: T. Boyde, J. Burdick, A. Carrow, S. Cicirello, P. Curran, B. Day, P. Degnan, D. Fanton, S. Grantier, G. Hanchett, K. Hooker, I. Jones, C. Knapp, S. Lanphier, T. Linn, W. Mackney, J. Ricci, J. Ricketts-Swales, B. Riehle, D. Root, T. Ross, J. R. Santana Carter, B. VanHousen, K. Waters
Approval of Minutes
The Public Safety Committee meeting minutes of August 21, 2024, were approved on a motion by Legislator Barnes, seconded by Legislator Healy, and carried. The Public Safety Committee meeting minutes of September 4, 2024, were approved on a motion by Legislator Stockin, seconded by Legislator Demick, and carried.
The Public Safety Committee meeting minutes of September 18, 2024, were approved on a motion by Legislator Demick, seconded by Legislator Barnes, and carried.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
District Attorney Ian Jones attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Attorney Jones recalled a question that Legislator Gary Barnes asked him at last month's committee meeting about the number of felonies from his monthly report. Attorney Jones clarified that what is captured in his report refers to a single case file for one individual who may have various or multiple crimes charged against them. Legislator Barnes surmised that the 22 felonies listed in this month’s report refer to 22 individuals with felonies. Attorney Jones responded with yes, with any number of crimes allegedly committed.
PUBLIC DEFENDER
Public Defender J. R. Santana Carter attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Attorney Carter stated that he and Attorney Degnan were on a conference call with Indigent Legal Services, and the main subject discussed was how well the CAP Court was working.
They were happy to be able to report that it was working better than expected, attorneys were showing up on time, and business was getting done. Committee Chairman Havey commented that there would be glitches and wrinkles whenever anything new is initiated, and he was sure there were some. He stated that he was very pleased that the group in general has been able to make the CAP Court work. He stated it is an important facet of our legal system and thanked all who have been involved with it.
CONFLICT DEFENDER
Conflict Defender Peter Degnan attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Attorney Degnan stated that there were many family court cases this month. He stated that the CAP Court has been doing great and that the Sheriff has been phenomenal and helpful. Committee Chairman Havey commented that as he said before, there are glitches when anything new is rolled out, but everyone involved has stepped up to make this work and he appreciates it.
Legislator Barnes asked what a typical situation would be for family court. Attorney Degnan stated that custody is the most common situation and noted that 37 new cases from his report are for custody.
He remarked that in our current legal system, for better or worse, you can settle a custody case one day, and then two days later, you decide you don't like it and file again. Legislator Healy asked if custody cases were provided to clients for free. Attorney Degnan responded that sometimes it is, but he has some suggestions on how to slow that down. He stated that if there are no filing fees and no real barriers to entry, then people will continue to file. Legislator Healy commented that family court decisions are not always in the best interests of children. Attorney Degnan agreed.
Request to Fill Paralegal
Attorney Degnan requested permission to fill one full-time Paralegal position (Non-Union, Grade: be
between $51,049.85 and $72,749.86, with annual benefits estimated to be between $20,869.18 and
$29,740.14. This position is funded with 100 percent State funds and is included in the 2024 Budget.
Attorney Degnan explained that this was a renewal of a position they were never able to fill last year.
They are still in the planning stages but believe if they can get a paralegal funded by ILS, they could do
a lot of the work for the lawyers on the panel, which could drive down the assigned council costs. The
request was approved on a motion by Legislator Cyr, seconded by Legislator Demick, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Havey asked if they are having trouble filling this position. Attorney Degnan stated that it is a little bit of a challenge because they need the right person with the right experience, and they are looking at other avenues to fill that right now. He explained that they need a program in place first and then they can find that person. Legislator Healy stated that many departments in the legal profession utilize an investigator and asked if a position like that would be helpful in his office. Attorney Degnan stated that they have specialized services through their budget with ILS which are on a per diem basis and not a County employee.
FIRE COORDINATOR
Fire Coordinator Bill Day attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for review. Mr. Day recognized the recent passing of a past Allegany County Fire Coordinator Paul Walter Gallmann. He noted that he was a long-time member of the Angelica Fire Department and that funeral services would be this weekend. Legislator Healy noted that Mr. Gallman was also a past Fire Chief and part of the ambulance service.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Acting Director of Emergency Management Services Bonnie VanHousen attended the meeting and submitted her monthly report to the committee for review. Ms. VanHousen stated that the first CPR Stop the Bleed training was completed, and they plan to hold them quarterly. She and Mr. Day attended a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill at Swain with patrollers, Fire, and EMS agencies. They also responded to the recent flooding event in Wellsville.
Request for Budget Modification
Ms. VanHousen requested permission for a transfer of funds in the amount of $52,700 within the department's 2024 Budget. The purpose of this transfer is to address current shortfalls in specific areas and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to meet operational needs. This transfer ensures the department can meet its financial obligations without exceeding the overall budget. These are crucial for ensuring that emergency services personnel are equipped, trained, and prepared to perform their duties effectively.
From: Amount:
A 3410.101 Fire - Regular Pay ($52,700)
To: Amount:
A 3410.201 Fire - Office Equipment $25,200
A 3410.203 Fire - Communications $ 8,000
A 3410.405 Fire - Conference Expense $ 6,000
A 3410.407 Fire - Office Supplies $ 500
A 3410.408 Fire - General Supplies $ 9,000
A 3410.411 Fire - Repairs: Personal Prop. $ 1,500
A 3410.449 Fire - Public Safety Contracts $ 2,500
Total: $52,700
The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Demick, seconded by Legislator Healy, and
carried. Prepare Resolution
Ms. VanHousen explained that they want to move money from the point ones so they can pay for some things this year with the leftover funds.
Approval for Lucas Greene from the Allegany County EMS Advisory Board to fill a Vacant Position on the Southwestern Regional EMS Council (SWREMS)
The Office of Emergency Services is requesting approval for Lucas Greene from the Allegany County EMS Advisory Board to fill the vacant position on the Southwestern Regional EMS Council (SWREMS).
Background:
- Name: Lucas Greene
- Current Position: Wellsville EMS Chief/ Allegany County 911 operator
- Residency: Allegany County (both resides and works)
Recommendation:
At the EMS Advisory Board meeting held on September 12, 2024, a vote was conducted, and it
was unanimously recommended to appoint Lucas Greene to the SWREMS council. The request was
approved on a motion by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Demick, and carried.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Probation Director Scott Grantier attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the
committee for review. Mr. Grantier echoed the District Attorney’s and Conflict Defender’s comments
about the introduction of CAP Court in Allegany County. He thanked the Sheriff’s Office for all their work
because it does impact Probation. He noted that there is much more efficiency and consistency with the
defendants coming to Probation on pretrial release.
2024-2025 Probation Annual State Aid Plan and Application Approval Letter
Mr. Grantier announced that the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of
Probation and Correctional Alternatives accepted the annual plan for 2025. The amount has not been
disclosed yet, but he is optimistic that it should be coming in October and will have an MOE in November.
Request to Fill Probation Officer Trainee
Mr. Grantier requested permission to fill one full-time Probation Officer Trainee position (AFSCME
Bargaining Unit, Grade: 16, Step: Base to 7) in the Probation Department. The annual salary of this
position is estimated to be between $46,739 and $58,308, with annual benefits estimated to be between
$19,106 and $23,837. This position is funded with 100 percent County funds and is included in the 2024
Budget. The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Cyr, seconded by Legislator Healy, and
carried. Refer to Ways and Means
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Scott Cicirello attended the meeting and submitted his monthly report to the committee for
review.
Committee Chairman Havey referred to the Sheriff’s report and asked if the jail experiences a lot
of jail violence. Sheriff Cicirello stated that they have had a drastic increase in incarcerated individual on incarcerated individual violence. He believes it is a direct result of HALT legislation, which unfortunately impairs their ability to punish someone long-term with solitary confinement. The only other way to hold those accountable is by arresting them. He stated that they have great cooperation with the District
Attorney's Office indicting these individuals with new felony cases. Sheriff Cicirello stated that he is
putting together a slideshow with videos to show at the next board meeting so everyone can see what
the Corrections Officers are dealing with. The violence inside the facility is becoming very problematic.
Legislator Philip Stockin asked if this type of violence is increasing across the State and might be
addressed from a higher level. Sheriff Cicirello stated that it is similar to bail reform issues that have not
been addressed by the legislature in Albany. He believes the problem extends across the State.
Corrections Officers must jump in to stop these violent assaults, and unfortunately, they expose
themselves to injury. He stated that an officer was injured breaking up a fight just last week.
Sheriff Cicirello touched on the CAP Court stating that it has been a success. It has many moving
parts and requires a commitment from many offices to make it work. He stated that everyone involved in
the process has made it look seamless. There have been bumps in the road they have been able to
address, and judges are supportive of law enforcement. It has been a benefit all the way around and he
is very proud of it. Sheriff Cicirello stated that credit goes to the Corrections Officers for handling all the
arraignments. They are accomplishing all of it with the same staffing level before the CAP Court. He
indicated they have had approximately double the number of arraignments and are much busier. Still,
the burden has been put on our Corrections Officers, who are doing a fantastic job.
Sheriff Cicirello stated that Bill Day and Bonnie VanHousen responded to the flash flooding in
Wellsville along with him and other deputies for significant issues with the erosion of roadways,
impassable bridges, and trees on roads. At one time, there were 44 active calls for service going on in
the Wellsville area. Sheriff Cicirello remarked that this was the worst flash flooding event he had seen in his 30 years as a first responder.
Sheriff Cicirello stated that there has been an uptick in swatting incidents in Allegany County. He
explained that swatting is an arbitrary, anonymous threat that comes through social media and is brought to a school’s attention, usually by administrators, principals, or teachers at which point they turn it over to law enforcement. Law enforcement must investigate every incident to determine if it is a viable threat.
They work directly with the FBI and send screenshots of the messages they have, which are entered into their database, and within 10 minutes, they send a response whether they believe it to be viable. He
remarked that the schools in Allegany County have been very responsive and involved with this, and he
can’t say enough positive things about their cooperation. Legislator Healy asked how many of these
incidents turn out to be real. Sheriff Cicirello stated he could not provide an exact number, but it is less
than 10 percent.
Chairman of the Board W. Brooke Harris stated that he received positive feedback from Alfred
State and the village mayor about the Sheriff’s Office support during some of Alfred’s more challenging
times at night and the weekends. They asked Chairman Harris to let him know they appreciate the
support they have been able to provide for the last couple of months. Sheriff Cicirello stated that he
appreciated the feedback and remarked that he worked in Alfred during the 90s when it was a kind of
Wild West. He stated it was crazy and not uncommon for them to have 1,000 kids wandering the streets
of the Village of Alfred at 2:00 a.m. Over the years, that dynamic has changed quite a bit, but at the start
of this semester, they were back to the 90s. He stated that the Alfred Village Police and the University
Police at Alfred State requested their assistance to provide extra manpower. The Undersheriff has been
there several times, and deputies are assigned on a weekend basis to assist.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:59 p.m. following a motion by Legislator Cyr, seconded by
Legislator Demick, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Tiffany N. Linn, Journal Clerk
Allegany County Board of Legislators
