NINTH REGULAR SESSION
Johnstown, NY
September 9, 2019
Roll Call – Quorum Present
Supervisors: Argotsinger, Blackmon, Born, Bradt, Breh, Callery, Fagan, Greene, Groff, Handy, Howard, Kinowski, Lauria, Perry, Potter, Rice, Selmser, Wilson, Young
TOTAL: Present: 19 Absent: 1 (Supervisor Waldron)
Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Chairman Wilson asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to address the Board. No one came forward.
Chairman Wilson introduced Senator James Tedisco and asked him to speak in regards to Late Resolution No. 1. (Resolution Opposing Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Regulations Requiring New License Plates and Fees)
Senator Tedisco stated that Governor Cuomo announced plans to require new license plates that will force millions of motorists to pay a $25.00 per plate fee and another $20.00 if they want to keep their current plate number. He expressed that this is a “cash grab” for all of the constituents in New York State. He thanked the Fulton County Board of Supervisors for making history as the first governing body to oppose this regulation. He stated that for the first time in a long time, there is opposition from both parties in Albany to the Governor’s policies.
He advised that there is no law in the State of New York that requires a fee of $25.00 per plate. He did state that however, there is a law stating that constituents can be charged from $0.00 up to $25.00 for new license plates. He also said that there is no law that states constituents must be charged $20.00 to keep the current license plate number. He stated that former Governor Paterson chose to charge nothing when the yellow and blue license plates came out.
He expressed his appreciation for all that Fulton County does. He stated he is happy to represent this area and is grateful to have a district office here.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/SCHEDULED SPEAKERS
1:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW “D” OF 2019 ENTITLED “A LOCAL LAW OPTING OUT OF SECTION 487 NYS REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW EXEMPTIONS FOR SOLAR FARM PROJECTS”
2:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW “C” OF 2019 ENTITLED “A LOCAL LAW CREATING THE OFFICE OF ASSIGNED COUNSEL ADMINISTRATION
Supervisor Young stated that people who live around here depend on their vehicles and are struggling to get by. He stated that these fees are “outrageous” and will be difficult for some people to pay.
Chairman Wilson called for a Recess at 1:43 p.m.
Chairman Wilson again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding proposed Local Law “D” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Opting out of Section 487 NYS Real Property Tax Law Exemptions for Solar Farm Projects”. There being no interested speakers, Chairman Wilson closed the Public Hearing at 2:01 p.m. and moved forward with consideration of Resolutions.
Resolution No. 27 (Resolution Adopting Local Law “D” of 2019 “Opting Out of Section 487 NYS Real Property Tax Law Exemptions for Solar Farm Projects”): Supervisor Fagan stated that this Resolution will not stop solar farms from being developed in Fulton County; however, it does “level the playing field” and requires the business to pay property tax the same as other commercial property. He stated that it is no different than paying property tax on other businesses’ capital investments.
Supervisor Young added that solar companies have been doing a poor job with landscaping. He also stated that solar companies in Fulton County have started the construction process before completing the required PILOT process which is wrong; however, he would like to see more being done with local planning boards to make sure that PILOT agreements are in place. He expressed that passing this Resolution isn't the way to take care of the problem.
Chairman Wilson opened the Public Hearing to receive comments regarding Local Law “C” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Creating the Office of Assigned Counsel Administrator” at 2:05 p.m. and called for any interested speakers to come forward. He explained that he would hold the Public Hearing open for awhile.
At 2:09 p.m., Chairman Wilson again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding proposed Local Law “C” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Creating the Office of Assigned Counsel Administrator”. There being no interested speakers, Chairman Wilson closed the Public Hearing at 2:10 p.m. and moved forward with consideration of Resolutions.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Soil and Water Conservation District: Supervisor Greene advised that the Committee met on Aug 20, 2019 and stated that he was unable to attend due to 2020 County Budget Review meetings.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Wilson stated that the 2020 Budget Review meetings have started and he expressed that September is looking to be another busy month.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. 3 (Resolution Creating a SIPP Caseworker Position for the School Intervention Partnership Program in the Gloversville Enlarged School District (Social Services Department): Supervisor Lauria stated that the School Intervention Partnership Program is helpful because kids are missing too many days of school. He expressed that it is the parents’ fault. He stated that it is important that the County work with the Gloversville Enlarged School District to make sure kids are getting the education they need. Supervisor Young agreed that this is crucial to have a program like this.
Chairman Wilson opened the Public Hearing to receive comments regarding proposed Local Law “D” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Opting Out of Section 487 NYS Real Property Tax Law Exemptions for Solar Farm Projects” at 1:31 p.m.
Mr. Matthew Vertucci, Gloversville, NY - He advised that he is in favor of solar power. He expressed that his understanding is that the County thinks they are “unaesthetic”. He expressed that solar and wind energy is our “salvation” and it can run most of the country. He thanked the Board of Supervisors members for their time.
Joe and Rosemary Shepard - 2 W. Third Ave Johnstown, NY – Mr. Shepard expressed that he was in favor of solar and wind energy systems. He advised that he and his wife, Rosemary met with Mayor Vernon Jackson, City of Johnstown to discuss a Climate Awareness Rally. He urged the Board of Supervisors to oppose proposed Local Law “D”. He expressed that wind and solar farms should get tax incentives. Ms. Shepard stated that she was very happy that Johnstown was a part of the solar system. She stated that this is a non-partisan issue and the climate is important to the world. They thanked the Board of Supervisors for its time.
A motion was offered by Supervisor Fagan, seconded by Supervisor Callery and unanimously carried, to waive the Rules of Order to take Action on Late Resolution 1.
Late Resolution No. 1 (Resolution Opposing Governor Cuomo’s Proposed Regulations Requiring New License Plates And Fees): Supervisor Lauria stated that he is a Democrat and he strongly opposes the Governor’s License plate fee plan. He stated that if the state regulation goes through, the money that constituents have to pay for a new plate should go to the unfunded mandates the Governor imposes on local governments.
Supervisor Young stated that people who live around here depend on their vehicles and are struggling to get by. He stated that these fees are “outrageous” and will be difficult for some people to pay.
Chairman Wilson called for a Recess at 1:43 p.m.
Chairman Wilson again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding proposed Local Law “D” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Opting out of Section 487 NYS Real Property Tax Law Exemptions for Solar Farm Projects”. There being no interested speakers, Chairman Wilson closed the Public Hearing at 2:01 p.m. and moved forward with consideration of Resolutions.
Resolution No. 27 (Resolution Adopting Local Law “D” of 2019 “Opting Out of Section 487 NYS Real Property Tax Law Exemptions for Solar Farm Projects”): Supervisor Fagan stated that this Resolution will not stop solar farms from being developed in Fulton County; however, it does “level the playing field” and requires the business to pay property tax the same as other commercial property. He stated that it is no different than paying property tax on other businesses’ capital investments.
Supervisor Young added that solar companies have been doing a poor job with landscaping. He also stated that solar companies in Fulton County have started the construction process before completing the required PILOT process which is wrong; however, he would like to see more being done with local planning boards to make sure that PILOT agreements are in place. He expressed that passing this Resolution isn't the way to take care of the problem.
Chairman Wilson opened the Public Hearing to receive comments regarding Local Law “C” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Creating the Office of Assigned Counsel Administrator” at 2:05 p.m. and called for any interested speakers to come forward. He explained that he would hold the Public Hearing open for awhile.
At 2:09 p.m., Chairman Wilson again asked if there were any members of the public who wished to make comments regarding proposed Local Law “C” of 2019 entitled “A Local Law Creating the Office of Assigned Counsel Administrator”. There being no interested speakers, Chairman Wilson closed the Public Hearing at 2:10 p.m. and moved forward with consideration of Resolutions.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Young stated that he and Supervisor Blackmon attended the Townsend Leather Jubilee building grand opening which was the former Diana Knitting Mill. He encouraged everyone to take a tour. He stated that they kept the historic architecture and also have office space available. Chairman Wilson stated he attended a tour there as well and it is incredible what they have done with the renovation. He also advised that Townsend Leather has rented out the available office space.
Supervisor Blackmon stated that it is the best re-use of an old building in Fulton County.
Supervisor Fagan stated that Townsend General Manager Tim Beckett should be recognized for all of his work re-developing the Townsend Leather building and in community work.
Supervisor Born added that Ronald Peters, President, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, has worked very hard to help people with microenterprise loans to support local businesses.
Supervisor Callery added that the old Johnstown Hotel is also a great building and that has office space available for rent.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Callery, seconded by Supervisor Greene and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 2:11 p.m.
Certified by:
_________________________________________
Jon R. Stead, Administrative Officer/ DATE
Clerk of the Board