The Board of Supervisors of the County of Warren convened at the Supervisors' Room in the Warren County Municipal Center, Lake George, New York, at 11:00 a.m.
Board called to order by Joan Sady, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.
Invocation was given by Reverend Bruce Hersey.
Salute to the flag was led by Supervisor Conover.
Roll called, the following members present:
Absent:
Members of the Board of Supervisors subscribed to the Constitutional Oath, as administered by Pam Vogel, Warren County Clerk.
Clerk announced the first order of business would be the selection of a Temporary Chairman.
Mr. Taylor nominated Mr. Girard as Temporary Chairman, seconded by Mr. Kenny.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Strainer moved that the nominations be closed, and the Clerk cast one ballot for Mr. Girard as Temporary Chairman, seconded by Mr. Champagne and carried unanimously.
Clerk requested Mr. Taylor and Mr. Kenny to escort Mr. Girard to the Chair.
Mr. Girard thanked everyone for coming today and welcomed the four new Supervisors. He stated that there had been a lot of work that needed to be done in 2009 and all was accomplished due to the exceptional leadership of Mr. Fred Monroe who had done an exemplary job. Mr. Girard added that Mr. Monroe initiated debate, while at the same time keeping things cordial, so issues did not become personal and business was handled as best as it could be. He said that Mr. Monroe was an asset to the County, noting that Warren County had many natural resources, and sometimes it was forgotten that between the lakes, streams and rivers, was the people; and one of the best natural resources the County had was Fred Monroe.
Mr. Girard stated the next order of business would be the selection of a Permanent Chairman.
Mr. Geraghty stated it was an honor to nominate Mr. Frederick H. Monroe as Permanent Chairman, and Mr. Bentley stated he would second the motion.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Belden moved the nominations be closed, and the Clerk cast one ballot for Frederick H. Monroe as Permanent Chairman. Mr. Sokol seconded the motion, and it was carried by unanimous vote.
Mr. Girard, Temporary Chairman, requested Mr. Merlino and Mr. Stec to escort Mr. Monroe to the Chair.
Chairman Monroe subscribed to the Constitutional Oath as administered by Pam Vogel, County Clerk of Warren County. The board members acknowledged Mr. Monroe with a round of applause.
Chairman Monroe welcomed and introduced family members and guests in attendance, including his wife Carol whom he thanked for all of her support over the years, his mother-inlaw Joan Conway and her friend Bill, family friends Barbara LaFlure, and Chuck and Mary Smith. Members of the board responded with a round of applause.
Mr. McDevitt introduced his son Brent and his significant other, as well as Richard McDevitt, his campaign confident, that were present today. Mr. Loeb introduced his son Jacob. The board members responded with applause.
Chairman Monroe presented the following remarks:
“State Of The County
January 5, 2010
“Thank you for your support and the confidence you have shown in me by re-electing me Chairman for another term. I take this responsibility seriously and I will do my best to keep you fully informed on key issues.
“I am pleased to welcome our new Supervisors, Ron Conover, Bill Loeb, Peter McDevitt and Frank McCoy. I look forward to working with you.
“This past year has been one of the most challenging in the history of Warren County. As a result of the State deficit, we experienced decreased revenues from the State throughout 2009. The state paid its $2.5 million property tax on NYS Forest Preserve lands over three months late and threatened to cap payments at 2008 levels. The State deficit is expected to continue to affect us in the form of additional reductions in revenue which will affect the real property taxes we will need to raise again in 2010.
“Our sales tax collections also decreased substantially due to the downturn in the economy. We expect to receive $2.2 million less in 2009 than we did in 2008. Our towns and the city will also receive an additional $2.2 million less.
“Never in the history of this County has the Board taken such an aggressive approach to reducing the budget to deal with these fiscal pressures. We made unprecedented reductions in staff and to the relatively small percentage of non-mandated programs we fund.
“In the spring of 2009, we were faced with a projected budget deficit of $6 million. We began the difficult task of reducing 2010 appropriations. Over the next few months, we reduced projected expenditures by $5 million. Meanwhile the deficit grew to nearly $11 million due to unanticipated increases in Waste Management, retirement, health insurance costs and some mandated programs. During the budget process we were able to reduce the amount to be raised by property tax by an unprecedented $7.6 million. After those reductions the 2010 property tax increase is at an unsustainable 6.1 percent.
“We lost many valuable employees in 2009. The reduction in staff was necessary in order to reduce our expected 2009 and 2010 deficits. All three of our unions cooperated in our plan to reduce health insurance costs by accepting one experience rated plan. They also cooperated with voluntary furloughs, voluntary reductions in force incentives and one person snow plowing. The members of the PBA made a much appreciated contribution by agreeing to forego six months of their 2010 pay increase. Non-bargaining unit employees will not receive a pay increase or longevity payments in 2010. Supervisors elected to take a 5 percent reduction in their salary.
“I would like to thank our Budget Officer, Kevin Geraghty and the entire budget team, Rick Murphy, JoAnn McKinstry and Joan Sady for their dedication and hard work on this budget. I would also like to thank the Supervisors and the department heads who worked very hard to reduce expenses and maximize revenues. They did a tremendous job of reducing their budgets in order to minimize the property tax burden, while maintaining essential services to the community.
“Cash flow issues have necessitated and will continue to necessitate borrowing to meet expenses, including costs of mandated programs and mandated staffing levels. We have a very limited general fund balance. We cannot rely on fund balance to meet cash flow needs as we have in the past. We expect even more serious cash flow problems in 2010.
“I would like to reflect on some highlights for 2009: “The long awaited Human Services Building is almost completed. Employees of Social Services, Youth Bureau, Office for the Aging, Probation, Planning, and Veterans’ have moved and are getting settled in their new offices.
“The construction of the new Soil & Water Building is completed.
“The construction of the Gristmill Bridge over Stony Creek was completed in 2009. Sewer District #2 was also completed. This added sewer service to 160 homes in the Town of Hague.
“The Fixed Based Operator at the Floyd Bennett Airport has done an excellent job of improving the Airport terminal building.
“Social Services staff has been reorganized to increase front line staff and reduce supervisory staff. This will ensure that customer needs will be met.
“A contract was executed with Pro-Act to provide discounts on prescription drugs to all Warren County residents. Discount cards were sent out and residents saved over $72,000 in the first six months.
“We will face many new challenges in the 2010 Budget year. I am confident that with the cooperation of Supervisors, Department Heads and employees we will meet the challenges again in 2010. We understand that the purpose of county government is to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of its residents. We will continue to provide those services to the best of our ability.
“Our Budget Officer and Budget Team must now begin planning for the 2011 Budget year.
“I am recommending the following goals for 2010: “We know that it will be a tough year for all levels of government with the fiscal crisis in both the State and County. As we proceed into the New Year with the expectation of new challenges. I ask that the Supervisors and Department Heads work closely together to continue to provide services to the residents of Warren County.
“I have been a strong proponent of legislation to increase our sales tax to reduce the property tax burden on our residents. The Board has elected not to include a sales tax increase in the 2010 budget. I respect that decision. We must now make it work. I have asked Finance Committee Chairman Dan Stec to take an aggressive approach in that committee by closely monitoring our 2010 expenditures. We must remember throughout the year that we do not have a fund balance to provide cash flow or to deal with unexpected expenditures and further reductions in revenues. I also ask that the Finance and Budget Committees make the development of a plan to restore the fund balance an immediate priority this year.
“I recommend that we adopt a three year fiscal plan in order for us to manage expenses and to adjust for decreasing revenues in the future. I also recommend that we create a capital plan for our infrastructure. We must analyze the services we provide; continue to reduce staffing levels; continue to maintain our roads and bridges; and provide health care, social services and public safety for our residents. We are not like a business which may discontinue some of its services. We are legally required to provide important services.
“I will ask the Gaslight Village Management Committee to explore options regarding either a plan for the development, or the sale of Warren County’s interest in the Gaslight Village property. I will also ask the Health Committee to explore options regarding possible closure or privatization of Countryside Adult Home.
“We will begin construction of the Tannery Road Bridge, Alder Brook Road Bridge, Woolen Mill Bridge, and Harrington Road Bridge will begin in 2010. Construction will also begin on the Exit 18 Corinth Road Corridor project.
“Broadband should be a major focus of our economic development efforts in 2010. CBN Connect has almost completed our broadband needs analysis. They will shortly begin the conceptual design. We have applied for federal funding for final design and hope to be in shovel ready position to be able to apply for stimulus funding for construction by the final round deadline in March. I believe broadband is the key to creating job opportunities in the rural areas of the county. The Global Foundries Project now underway should provide many opportunities.
“Finally, I would like to thank our Department Heads and all of our County employees for their loyalty and service to the public. I encourage Supervisors and Department Heads to continue to support the services we provide while working to control expenses in 2010.
“Respectfully submitted,
Frederick H. Monroe, Chairman
Warren County Board of Supervisors”
Chairman Monroe stated that the next order of business would be the selection of a Clerk, and he noted that nominations were in order.
Mr. Goodspeed acknowledged that a former Clerk of the Board, Joan Parsons, was present today. He noted that the County had been blessed by tremendous personnel in that position over the years. He added that it was with great pleasure that he acknowledge the current Clerk of the Board, Joan Sady. He said that each month, the Supervisors had asked her to do more and more and each month she responded to that challenge, not only doing what was requested, but doing it with a smile on her face. He concluded that Mrs. Sady was a model for all of the employees in the County.
Mr. Goodspeed nominated Joan Sady as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for a term of two years, seconded by Mr. Kenny.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Sokol moved that nominations be closed, and one ballot be cast for Joan Sady as Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for a term of two years. Mr. Strainer seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously.
Chairman Monroe announced the next order of business would be the selection of a County Attorney, and he added that nominations were in order.
Mr. Thomas nominated Paul Dusek as County Attorney for a term of two years, seconded by Mr. VanNess.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Stec moved that the nominations be closed and the Clerk cast one ballot for Paul Dusek as County Attorney for a term of two years. Mr. Belden seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously.
Clerk and County Attorney subscribed to the Constitutional Oath as administered by Pam Vogel, Warren County Clerk.
Board members and those in attendance responded with a round of applause.
Privilege of the floor was offered to Mrs. Sady, who thanked members of the board for the kind remarks, the support and the opportunity to continue to serve as Clerk of the Board. She said that she considered it an honor to serve the board and noted that it was a privilege to work along side some of the County’s most dedicated employees. She took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of her staff during what had been a very difficult and challenging year. She recognized JoAnn McKinstry, Deputy Commissioner of Administrative & Fiscal Services and Rick Murphy, Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal Services, for their continued support, as well as the County Attorney and his staff. Mrs. Sady noted that she could not do her job without all of their help. She introduced her parents, Marie and Bob McKinney, who were at the meeting today and she added that her parents had both turned seventy-five at the end of last year and it was a thrill to have them at the meeting to share this special day with her. She acknowledged her good friend and her mentor, Joan Parsons, who was also at the meeting. She again thanked the Board of Supervisors for their support. The board members and those in attendance responded with a round of applause.
Privilege of the floor was offered to Mr. Dusek who stated that it was an honor and a privilege to be reappointed and to continue to serve as Warren County Attorney, serving the residents of the County, as well as the Board of Supervisors, officers and employees of the County. He asserted that it had been his pleasure and honor to work with Chairman Monroe and the Chairmen of the various Committees of the Board of Supervisors, as well as each and every Supervisor to date. He noted that he looked forward to working with the new Supervisors. Mr. Dusek apprised it had also been a pleasure to work with the hardworking and dedicated department heads, which made his job much easier, in terms of rendering advice and giving opinions. He recognized the staff of the County Attorney’s Office because it was with their cooperation and dedication that the Office was successful and the work did get done. He listed his staff as follows: Amy Bartlett, First Assistant County Attorney; Trish Nenninger, Second Assistant County Attorney; Diana Morrissey, Confidential Legal Secretary; Terry McGarr and Shelly VanNostrand, Legal Assistants; and most recently Anthony Jordan and Bart McGee, Social Services Attorney’s and Gerry Sharpe, Secretary. He concluded that he had viewed his job as not only representing the County in handling various legal matters, but also to bring up to date, thoroughly researched legal opinions to the board, department heads and employees and to also come up with legal opinions that were innovative legal solutions to aid the County in its difficulties, as well as in its regular management and operations. He pledged to continue to do this and to draw on the experiences that he had gained as the County Attorney to date, to provide the best legal representation that he could for the benefit of the County. He thanked the Board of Supervisors. The board members and those in attendance responded with a round of applause.
Chairman called for reading of communications.
Clerk read communications, including the following:
William Lamy, Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW), pursuant to Local Law No. 2 of 1971, making the following appointments for the year 2010: Brian N. Humphrey, Acting Superintendent of Public Works and Deputy Superintendent of DPW; Jeffery E. Tennyson, Deputy Superintendent of Public Works/Environmental and Engineering Services; Joan Wolfe, DPW Records Officer and Deputy Superintendent of DPW for Administration; Donald DeGraw, Airport Manager. Brian Humphrey, Jeffery Tennyson and Joan Wolfe are hereby given the authority to sign all documents (voucher, purchase orders, contracts, etc.) for the Department of Public Works in the absence of Mr. Lamy.
Communications ordered placed on file.
Chairman Monroe called for reading of resolutions.
Clerk noted a motion was necessary to bring Resolution Nos. 1 through 23 to the floor. Motion was made by Chairman Monroe seconded by Mr. VanNess and carried unanimously, to bring Resolution Nos. 1 through 23 to the floor.
Chairman Thomas called for a vote on the resolutions.
Resolution Nos. 1 through 23 were approved. Certificate of Appointments, naming Director of the Warren County Youth Bureau; naming members to the Warren County Labor/Management Committee; naming member to the Quality Assurance Committee of the Westmount Health Facility; naming members to the Greater Adirondack Resource Conservation and Development Council; and naming representative to the Lake George Watershed Conference, were submitted.
Mr. Taylor apprised that he had developed a plan for the management of the County’s finances that he would like to share with the board members for consideration. He expressed his desire for the need to continue to improve County costs and maintain services with the reduced workforce. Without a system to monitor the County’s operations, he continued, it was likely that there would be a loss in efficiencies that had already been gained. He recommended that benchmarks be utilized to measure the County’s operations. He explained that through the Finance Committee, he would like a measurement system to be implemented and the establishment of a method to report to department heads. He stated that he planned to work with the Information Technology (IT) Department and the Office of Administrative & Fiscal Services to verify and collect data. Mr. Taylor said that when unfavorable trends were observed, he would recommend that suggestions be made to the Finance Committee as to how they should be addressed. He added that he would like to develop a mind set of continual improvement. He further stated that rather than using benchmarks set by other counties, he would like the County to create their own benchmarks in the year 2010. Mr. Taylor outlined the following benefits of this plan, such as early recognition of problems, a positive effort to reduce spending would be in place, the bonding companies would react favorably to such a plan, it would provide the potential to reduce taxes in the future and it would improve morale to have a consistent plan of improvement.
Chairman Monroe expressed his opinion that Mr. Taylor’s recommendation sounded like a great idea and requested the full board to support such a plan. Mr. Champagne agreed and noted that the Chairman should supply the board members with a list of his goals for 2010 that had been identified. He said he was looking forward to working with Mr. Taylor on the implementation of this plan.
Chairman Monroe announced the 2010 Standing Committees, and a copy of the committee listings was submitted. A copy was also distributed to each supervisor.
Chairman Monroe expressed his appreciation to the Board of Supervisors staff for the preparation of the luncheon that would be held after the meeting today and he invited all to attend.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Goodspeed and seconded by Mr. Girard, Chairman Monroe adjourned the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Return to the 2010 Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes