FIRST ANNUAL SESSION
Johnstown, NY
November 8, 2021
Roll Call – Quorum Present
Supervisors: Argotsinger, Blackmon, Born, Bowman, Bradt, Breh, Callery, Fagan, Greene, Groff, Horton, Howard, Kinowski, Lauria, Perry, VanDenburgh, Wilson, Young
TOTAL: Present: 18 Absent: 2 (Supervisors Goderie, Potter)
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.
(Supervisor Young entered the meeting at 1:04 p.m.)
PUBLIC HEARINGS/SCHEDULED SPEAKERS
1:10 P.M. DAVID KARPINSKI OF THE PARKHURST FIELD FOUNDATION WILL ADDRESS THE BOARD TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF A NEW PARTNERSHIP TO BE HOUSED AT 45 HARRISON STREET
David Karpinski of the Parkhurst Field Foundation thanked the Board of Supervisors for its continuous support.
Mr. Karpinski stated that the “Field of Dreams” project has recently partnered with another organization that wants to join the area as well. He stated that the Parkhurst Field Foundation has entered into a cooperative agreement with the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. He explained what the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame is and noted that it has been in business for approximately 10 years. Mr. Karpinski stated that approximately 350 people attend an induction ceremony once a year. He stated that inductees are selected on body of work and service to the game rather than solely statistically-based. The Hall of Fame is to recognize baseball achievements from all levels that have a direct connection to New York State. Mr. Karpinski named some of the more famous inductees from previous years including Thurman Munson, Ron Guidry, Tino Martinez, Lou Piniella and noted that local high school coach Craig Phillips is also enshrined.
Mr. Karpinski stated that 45 Harrison Street is the building that the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame would like to move too. He stated that memorabilia would be placed on display there as well as induction plaques of every player who has been inducted into the New York State Hall of Fame. This would be the first physical operating location for the organization.
He showed an artist’s rendering of what the Hall of Fame would look like. He stated that the agreement has been made and artifacts and intellectual products would be on loan to the Parkhurst Field Foundation for its exclusive use. It is an accomplishment and attraction that can be built upon for many years into the future.
1:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED 2022-2024 CAPITAL PLAN FOR FULTON COUNTY
LATE SCHEDULED SPEAKER
2:00 P.M. BUDGET DIRECTOR ALICE KUNTZSCH WILL PRESENT THE 2022 TENTATIVE COUNTY BUDGET
COMMUNICATIONS
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Letter from the NYS Department of Public Service dated September 27, 2021
Subj: Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act
UPDATES FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
Public Safety: Ms. Breh stated that Public Safety will hold a special meeting on 15 November 2021 at 12:00 p.m. and noted that it will be held in County Office Building Meeting Room #1.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Inter-county Legislative Committee on the Adirondacks: Mr. Wilson stated that he attended a meeting last week in Lake Placid, NY. He stated that the Mt. Van Hoevenburg Recreational Area is a wonderful venue and noted that New York State has spent millions of dollars upgrading the Olympic facilities. He stated that the Committee went to the Bob Sled Run and it was a wonderful experience, despite poor weather that day.
Mr. Wilson discussed that the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) continues to encourage “Operation Green Light” in support of Veterans. He stated that Fulton County has been involved for a few years already. He provided other updates from NYSAC that were discussed at the meeting.
Soil and Water Conservation District: Mr. Horton stated that he was not able to attend the meeting. Mr. Lauria stated that some work has been done in Bleecker and other areas. He noted that it is difficult for Soil and Water to find piping, but it is trying to stock up on as much pipe as possible.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Mr. Callery stated that a great 2022 Tentative Budget will be presented today. He thanked all of the Supervisors and Departments for their hard work creating it. He noted that he attended the Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC) annual awards presentation. He expressed that it was “well attended” and was a nice presentation by the College.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. 336 (Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with the Parkhurst Field Foundation for County-owned Building at 45 Harrison Street, Gloversville): Mr. Callery stated that Mr. Stead was instrumental in promoting the NYS Baseball Hall of Fame moving to Fulton County and thanked him for the efforts. Mr. Stead noted that three (3) Standing Committees have already discussed the terms and conditions of the proposed lease prior to today’s meeting.
Chairman Callery opened the Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2022-2024 Capital Plan for Fulton County at 1:32 p.m. Chairman Callery asked any interested speakers to step to the podium. No one came forward.
The Board of Supervisors deliberated upon scheduled Resolutions before Chairman Callery again asked any interested speakers to step to the podium at 1:40 p.m.
Resolutions 333 through 392 were then considered by the Board.
At 1:46 p.m. Chairman Callery again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding the proposed 2022-2024 Capital Plan for Fulton County There being no other interested speakers, Chairman Callery closed the Public Hearing.
Chairman Callery called for a five-minute recess at 1:53 p.m. to allow the Budget Director to set up for her presentation on the 2022 Tentative Budget.
Ms. Kuntzsch presented the 2022 Tentative Budget for Fulton County. Following her MS PowerPoint slide show, she provided copies of the 2022 Tentative Budget to each member of the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Kuntzsch thanked the Board of Supervisors for its assistance completing the 2022 Tentative Budget.
Mr. Callery stated that the Budget Review meeting would be held on November 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Supervisor Young stated that he cannot attend that meeting sue to a scheduling conflict.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Fagan, seconded by Supervisor Groff and unanimously carried, the Board entered into Executive Session at 2:24 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and employment history.
(Supervisor Lauria left the meeting at 2:34 p.m.)
Upon a motion by Supervisor Groff, seconded by Supervisor Fagan and unanimously carried, the Board re-entered Regular Session at 2:46 p.m. and took action on Late Resolution 394, Resolution authorizing a contract with Johnson & Laws, LLC for special legal counsel services (“Charlene Winnie vs. Fulton County; and Does 1-10”)
Upon a motion by Supervisor Kinowski, seconded by Supervisor Groff and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 2:48 p.m.
Certified by:
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Jon R. Stead, Administrative Officer/ DATE
Clerk of the Board