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FIFTH REGULAR SESSION
Johnstown, NY May 13th, 2019
Roll Call – Quorum Present
Supervisors: Argotsinger, Blackmon, Born, Bradt, Breh, Callery, Fagan, Greene, Groff, Handy, Howard, Kinowski, Lauria, Perry, Rice, Selmser, Waldron, Wilson, Young
TOTAL: Present: 19 Absent: 1 (Supervisor Potter)
Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance,
Chairman Wilson asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to address the Board.
PUBLIC SPEAKERS
Dan Sardelli: Mr. Sardelli explained that he was here today to talk about a “proposition” for the Board to consider. He said that his idea could result in a lower price for heating oil and gasoline in the counties of Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton. He expressed that the municipalities should get together and “create a fund” to help out an oil company to construct a “tank farm” on the Mohawk River. Petroleum could then be brought directly to the local area by barge and not have to go through the Port of Albany. He said this would save money and the savings could be passed on to consumers. He also would like the counties to build a refinery near the river in a location with shale. Perhaps even in a dome for protection. Mr. Sardelli would offer his services to help with this start-up. He is looking for the Fulton County Board’s approval and hopes the County is interested in his proposal.
Karen Fagan, Johnstown, NY: Ms. Fagan expressed concern with the proposed eminent domain process being considered for the Hales Mills Development Project. She stated that she does not see “checks and balances”. She is against eminent domain, but did state that she does not have all information. She stated that it is wrong that the Board wants to take Mr. Bowe’s land (farm land) for development purposes. She said that she went to the Fulton County Industrial Development Agency website and found that it had information on eminent domain. She said she wondered if lower income housing units would be planned. She also expressed concern because there was no mention of using those lands for agriculture purposes. She said that her family has had a farm in the area for years and that there is no guarantee that this redeveloped land will bring people or businesses into Fulton County. The area is beautiful and people want nature, not retail. She ended her comments with a statement that farmers have shaped her life and deserve not to have their land taken.
SCHEDULED SPEAKERS
Mr. Peters, President and CEO, was present to provide his 2018 Annual Report and update from the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth.
Mr. Peters handed out copies of his 2018 Annual Report. He made reference to Page 31 on the report, which had the Center for Regional Growth’s Mission Statements and Vision.
Mr. Stead, Administrative Officer, asked Mr. Peters about the third round of the MicroEnterprise Grant Program. Mr. Stead asked Mr. Peters to explain the cycle and interest from people. Mr. Peters explained that 25 businesses and/or individuals have shown interest. He said that it has been a slow start so far and next month related education classes will start. Everyone is required to complete four (4) education cycles. He also advised that the funding should be distributed late fall and businesses have two (2) years to spend the funds. Mr. Peters advised that in the end, there is likely to be seven (7) or eight (8) eligible businesses that complete the whole process to obtain a Micro-Enterprise Grant.
Mr. Stead asked about the Northville 5 and 10 Store. Mr. Peters explained that it was a $500,000.00 anchor project for the Village of Northville and that it has worked out well. At the end of the construction, it will generate seven (7) to 10 jobs.
Mr. Peters introduced Kent Kirch, Chairman of the CRG Board.
Chairman Wilson then asked Mr. Stead for the reading of the Report on the Regular Agenda and the Late Reports on the Late Agenda.
REPORTS
A. 2018 Annual Report - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery County
LATE REPORTS
L-A
2017-2018 Audited Financial Statements from Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation |LS|Priority Reading|RS|
L-B
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Report regarding Hudson River-Black River Regulating District
UPDATES FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
Public Safety: Supervisor Breh announced that the May Public Safety Meeting would be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m. due to the Memorial Day holiday.
Public Works: Supervisor Fagan announced that the May Public Works Meeting would be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. due to the Memorial Day holiday
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Inter-County Legislative Committee of the Adirondacks: Supervisor Perry advised that the Inter-County meeting was held on April 18 and hosted by Warren County. She passed out a report from that meeting to all Board members, highlighting the topics discussed. She further advised that Fulton County will be the host for Inter-County in October. She also explained that next month the Committee meets in Essex County, but that she would be unable to attend. Chairman Wilson asked her to provide him the date and he would try to attend the meeting.
Soil and Water Conservation District Board: Supervisor Greene advised that the District Board met on April 23. They are continuing to assist with excavator work at the airport and at Tryon. They are also working at Fox Run, with the City of Johnstown for a bridge replacement and with the Town of Broadalbin with their new inter-seeder. Mr. Greene further advised that the Board has hired a tax service to conduct an audit and that pipe sales are up.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Wilson read a letter from Probation Director Cynthia Licciardi, who expressed her thanks to the Deputy Superintendent of Facilities, James Bornt, and his staff for help on their recent move.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Argotsinger, seconded by Supervisor Fagan and unanimously carried, the Committee entered into Executive Session at 1:32 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining and purchase, sale or acquisition of real property.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Callery, seconded by Supervisor Fagan and unanimously carried, the Committee re-entered into Regular Session at 2:12 p.m.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 166 (Resolution Authorizing the Fulton County Industrial Development Agency to Initiate an Eminent Domain Procedure Law Action to Obtain Certain Land Owned by Robert Bowe in the Hales Mills Area): Supervisor Callery advised that he is opposed to eminent domain; however, Mr. Bowe did put his property on the market for sale. The price Bowe is asking is “outrageous”. He would like to see the County/IDA continue to negotiate a purchase price that is lower.
Supervisor Young advised that he shares Supervisor Callery’s concern and it is not okay to use eminent domain to obtain the property for development.
Supervisor Howard expressed concern that in his opinion, this case is an improper use of eminent domain.
No. 170 (Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference for Raise the Age (RTA) Placements (Social Services): Supervisor Born advised that so far, the County has only had to place one (1) youth in a “Raise the Age” facility. The State is supposed to be reimbursing the County for such placements, but no money has been received yet.
No. 172 (Resolution Authorizing Extension of Temporary Full-Time Caseworker Position for the School Intervention Partnership Program (Gloversville Enlarged School District): Supervisor Young advised that it is a very valuable program and it is helpful for caseworkers to work with children early and “nip problems in the bud”.
No. 191 (Resolution Authorizing a Contract with C & S Companies for an Independent Fee Estimate of Construction Administration Services for the Runway 10-28 Rehabilitation and Connector Taxiway Construction Project (2019 Capital Plan): Supervisor Callery advised that this is “ridiculous and outrageous” and in the end “still taxpayer money”. Mr. Stead explained that an “Independent Fee Estimate” consultant is required by the FAA as a stipulation to receive the grant funds for the project.
OLD BUSINESS
(TABLED RESOLUTION) – PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 27 (FROM APRIL 8, 2019 BOARD MEETING) – RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FULTON COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 3: MECO
Supervisor Fagan made a motion to remove the proposed Resolution (Resolution Establishing Fulton County Sewer District No. 3: Meco) from the Table for consideration and Supervisor Lauria made the second. All present voted in favor with Supervisor Potter absent.
Supervisor Fagan advised that the questions brought up by the Chairman of the Joint Sewer Board at the prior meeting have been answered.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Rice thanked everyone for their expressions of sympathy for the recent passing of her husband, Frank.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Fagan, seconded by Supervisor Callery and unanimously carried, the Committee adjourned at 2:53 p.m.
Certified by: _________________________________________
Jon R. Stead, Administrative Officer/DATE Clerk of the Board