FIFTH REGULAR SESSION

Johnstown, NY May 10, 2021

Roll Call – Quorum Present

Supervisors: Argotsinger, Blackmon, Born, Bowman, Bradt, Breh, Callery, Fagan, Goderie, Greene, Groff, Horton, Howard, Kinowski, Lauria, Perry, Potter, VanDenburgh, Wilson, Young

TOTAL: Present: 20 Absent: 0

Chairman Callery called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance,

Chairman Callery asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to address the Board.

PUBLIC SPEAKERS

Tamara Dunlap, Amsterdam, New York: Ms. Dunlap stated that she believes that Fulton County students are being subjected to unnecessary COVID-19 quarantine guidelines that are detrimental to their health and education. Ms. Dunlap noted that she had also brought said concerns to local Boards of Educations. Ms. Dunlap explained that it is her opinion that the New York State guidelines relating to quarantine and social distancing, in relation to education, is being interpreted differently in different counties. She explained that the way that Fulton County interprets the guidelines is not how she views the guidelines and that the quarantine model, in her opinion, is significantly different than in bordering counties.

Kristen Baker, Johnstown, New York: Ms. Baker explained her interpretation of how the medical field defines risks in correlation to “numerators and denominators” and how those calculations relate to COVID-19 positivity numbers. Ms. Baker provided statistics of medical related deaths in Fulton County based on internet findings. She then provided statistics on deaths since COVID-19 stated and stated that COVID-19 deaths have been considerably less than deaths from other illnesses.

Ms. Dunlap stated that she and Ms. Baker have three (3) requests that they would like Fulton County to act upon. 1. Open schools at full capacity and give parents the choice whether or not to send their children for in-person learning. 2. Reduce mask requirements. 3. Be more flexible regarding the interpretation of New York State COVID-19 quarantine guidelines.

Ms. Dunlap and Ms. Baker asked the Fulton County Board of Supervisors to work with the Fulton County Department of Health related to these three requests.

Chairman Callery then asked for the reading of any Communications and Reports that were on the Agenda.

COMMUNICATION

1. Communication to Jon R. Stead from Essex County Board of Supervisors, dated 5 April 2021

Subj: Resolution No. 91 Opposing Legislative Agenda of Certain Adirondack

Environmental Groups Seeking to Decouple Broadband and Cellular Expansion Coverage in Essex County and the State (A copy was provided to all Supervisors)

LATE COMMUNICATION

1. Communication from Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc.

Subj: Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, September 30, 2020 and

2019 (with Independent Auditors’ Report Thereon)

REPORTS

UPDATES FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

Supervisor Potter provided COVID-19 update on behalf of the Human Services Committee. See attachment.

Mr. Stead stated that the County has been immersed in COVID-19 since March. He stated that the 7-day rolling average is now back over 3 percent. Mr. Stead stated that he has been trying to remind everyone that the important statistics are about the size of the group that is positive. Mr. Stead explained that a whole percentage point rise in a positivity rate is equivalent to about 4.8 people in Fulton County. If the same calculations were done in Albany County, the % rate rise would be equivalent to about 30 people. Mr. Stead stated that an outbreak in a metropolitan downtown area is more likely to spread as opposed to a rural area like Fulton County. Mr. Stead stated that Fulton County is hovering back and forth between 1.5 and 3.2 percent, and that Montgomery and Schoharie County are similar.

He also explained that emphasis is shifting away from county health departments administering large scale vaccinations. He stated that Ms. Headwell is now facilitating contractors to get onsite mobile vaccinations set up at schools in Fulton County. Mr. Stead stated that the vaccinations for schools have to be Pfizer due to age regulations. Ms. Headwell is reaching out to network Pfizer for local schools including Gloversville and Johnstown in the next couple weeks.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Soil and Water Conservation District: Supervisor Lauria stated that there is a project being done in Caroga Lake on Gray Road and that seeds and pipes and building materials are going up in price.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman of the Board Callery read a thank you card from the Gloversville Johnstown Joint Sewer Board related to the recent tours by some Supervisors there. Said thank you card is attached.

Chairman Callery thanked the Supervisors for attending the Purple Heart Sign Presentation by Assemblyman Smullen earlier in the day.

After a polling by Mr. Stead, the consensus of the Committee was to hold the next Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 1 p.m. and the next Public Works Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 3 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS (TITLES ATTACHED)

Chairman Callery opened the Public Hearing to receive comments on the Proposed Lease Agreements with N Number Holdings for lease of a Hangar Building and the Enterprise Building to Facilitate Air Medical Transport Services at the Fulton County Airport at 1:30 p.m. There being no one present to speak regarding the public hearing, Chairman Callery stated that he would leave the public hearing open to receive comments.

Resolution No. 132 (Resolution Authorizing Extension of Two Caseworker Positions for the School Intervention Partnership Program (Gloversville Enlarged School District): Supervisor Young stated that this is a valuable program and it is nice to be proactive.

Resolution No. 148 (Resolution Authorizing Reduced Tipping Fee Rate for the City of Gloversville for Demolition Debris from a Factory at 7 Glenwood Avenue): Supervisor Potter asked for a timeline and wanted to know when something would happen. Mr. Stead stated that he is not absolutely certain. He stated that the Mayor of Gloversville indicated that the City will have to go through a condemnation proceeding prior to any actual demolition work. The Tipping Fee is an extra measure so that if the City demolishes the building, environmental testing on the ground could be completed and then the City would decide if they wanted to take ownership. Mr. Stead stated that a huge portion of the roof superstructure has fallen down.

Supervisor Young stated that this is in his ward and that the building “was coming down a little and now it’s really coming down.” He confirmed it is a hazard.

Resolution No. 155 (Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Certain Tax Foreclosed Properties in the City of Gloversville to the City Of Gloversville to Promote Neighborhood Rehabilitation (Operation Green Scene): Supervisor Potter asked what the “TO BE DETERMINED” purchase price is for 48 Spring Street. Supervisor Potter stated that he would like to know how much revenue the County would receive from the sale of said property. Mr. Stead stated that the value of the first nine (9) properties are clear and that per the Resolved on Page 2 of said Resolution, the condition of 48 Spring Street is very poor, therefore, the Board of Supervisors was asked to transfer the property at no cost. However, if the City of Gloversville turned around and sold the property, the dollar amount would be provided to the County as a sale price. Supervisor Potter asked for the back taxes to be paid on 48 Spring Street. Mr. Stead stated that the City isn’t interested in purchasing the property for that amount. Mr. Stead stated that the exterior is brick and stone and is in pretty tough shape. Supervisor Potter stated that he wanted the property to go through tax foreclosure auction and thought that someone may pay the back taxes on it.

Supervisor Kinowski stated that according to Mayor DeSantis, there are one or two people interested in that building, but they are not interested in paying money for it in the condition it is in.

Supervisor Born stated that she spoke with Mayor DeSantis and believes the sale of these properties is really good for the City. If the houses can be renovated and sold again, it is beneficial for the City of Gloversville. She stated that the Board should help by standing behind this to get rid of “slum areas”.

Supervisor Lauria concurred with Supervisor Kinowski.

Chairman of the Board Callery stated that it was discussed in length in the Finance Committee Meeting and that he concurs with Supervisor Potter, but, he will stand by the Committee’s recommendation.

A motion was offered by Supervisor Potter, seconded by Supervisor Horton to Amend the Resolution by removing 48 Spring Street from the proposed Resolution. Supervisors Vandenburgh, Wilson, Young, Born, Bowman, Bradt, Breh, Callery, Fagan, Goderie, Greene. Howard, Kinowski and Lauria were opposed. MOTION FAILED.

Chairman Callery again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding the Proposed Lease Agreements with N Number Holdings for Lease of a Hangar Building and the Enterprise Building to Facilitate Air Medical Transport Services at the Fulton County Airport. There being no interested speakers, Chairman Callery closed the Public Hearing at 1:51 p.m.

A motion was offered by Supervisor Fagan, seconded by Supervisor Bradt and unanimously carried, to waive the rules of order to take action on Late Resolution 1.

PROCLAMATIONS

DECLARING MAY 12, 2021 AS “NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY” IN

FULTON COUNTY

WHEREAS, in 1902, Lina Rogers Struthers, RN entered a city school in New York City as the first school to provide service to four (4) New York City schools where absentee rates were among the highest due to communicable disease; and

WHEREAS, one year and 26 school nurses later, the absentee rate in the four (4) city schools had decreased by 90 percent; and

WHEREAS, National School Nurse day was established in 1972 to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting; and

WHEREAS, the role of the school nurse has expanded to include that of educator, advocate, manager, change agent and care provider; and

WHEREAS, school nursing has developed into a specialized practice that promotes the academic success of students through collaborations with parents, school staff, physicians and the community; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors hereby expresses its appreciation to all school nurses in the Fulton County region and throughout the country as they play an important role in shaping the future for generations to come; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims May 12, 2021 “National School Nurse Day” in Fulton County.

Mr. Stead stated that the Board has an extra special guest in the Chambers today. After many years of fantastic and dedicated service, as part of the Board of Supervisors’ family, Deputy Clerk of the Board Teresa Perry is retiring. Mr. Stead read the following proclamation and jokingly announced that May 10 shall now be forever known as “Teresa Mary Perry Day in Fulton County.”

P R O C L A M A T I O N

HONORING DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD TERESA PERRY FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO FULTON COUNTY

WHEREAS, Teresa Perry, through her dedication and team attitude, distinguished herself administering the day-to-day matters of the Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, Teresa stepped into her 37-year career of service to the County of Fulton in December of 1984; and

WHEREAS, her eagerness to accept every increasing responsibility offered to her, earned her advancement in County government; first as a Typist and Senior Typist in the Social Services Department, then Senior Typist in the Youth Bureau, and then to the Board of Supervisors as Secretary to the Chairman in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Teresa’s willingness to grow and expand her skills advanced her to the position of Legislative Aide in 2012 and Deputy Clerk of the Board in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Teresa took great pride in being a member of the Board’s executive staff and worked diligently to buttress Office professionalism at every encounter; and

WHEREAS, Teresa’s career may be most remarkable because she accomplished all her assignments while maintaining herself as a bright colleague and friend to everyone around her; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors hereby expresses its gratitude in honor of Teresa M. Perry for her distinguished service to the Board of Supervisors and to the County of Fulton.

Ms. Perry approached the dais and read the following statement:

I would like to take this time to express my sincere appreciation to the Board for their kind words in the Proclamation. As you heard, I have had an extensive career in County government over the past 36 years.

I am grateful for the opportunities that I was awarded in my career and have enjoyed the work that I was able to accomplish.

I am not retiring because I dislike what I do, but feel it is time to move on and maybe take it easy for some time.

I will miss everyone: including Supervisors, my co-workers as well as many County employees that I deal with on a daily basis.

My final thoughts are: I came, I saw. I accomplished, and now I am moving on!

Thank you!

Upon a motion by Supervisor Fagan, seconded by Supervisor Greene and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 2:01 p.m.

Certified by:

                                                           _________________________________________

                                                                Jon R. Stead, Administrative Officer/         DATE

               Clerk of the Board