HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11 (::t A
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Newsletter for
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November, 1991
V o l u m e :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::":
. ....:..: N No. VIII
GUZZLE A THE COUNTY JAIL
SODA FOR
SANTA!
Cans For Kids B Jim Kazda - Public Works
�;_a y : 4. GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL.
7 1 "is DO NOT PASS GO.
_ DO NOT COLLECT $200.00
`— ® These words have been immortalized by a famous board game and now may have a
special meaning for some county employees.
® In 1932 the Tompkins County Board of Supervisors approved the construction of a new
It's that time of year again. "Cans for County Jail at 124 Court Street. This facility was state of the art both in its design and
Kids" is gearing up for the 1991 Christmas construction. It has served the County since its opening in 1933, until changes in state and
season. The can donations this year are going federal laws with respect to the treatment of prisoners made it obsolete. The Public Safety
great... but keep on guzzling! As of this date, Building on Warren Road which opened in 1986 now serves as the county jail.
we have approximately 5700.00 available to
purchase gifts, and anticipate more before The construction of this facility was unique in that the cell block area was constructed
the buying deadline arrives. as prefabricated metal boxes and lifted in place with a crane. Only after the cell blocks
We are welcoming any donations you may were in place was the roof structure installed. This method of construction reduced the
have, and will need Christmas wrap and time from initial ground breaking to grand opening.
volunteers to package the gifts. Anyone in-
terested or willing to donate wrap may con- in 1987 Fred Thomas Associates was hired to perform a feasibility study to determine
tact David Chase, Ted Merritt, or Denise the alternate uses for the building. In 1990 the capital project was approved to transform
Green at the Department of Social Services. the County Jail into modern office space. On November 4, 1991 bids were opened for the
construction phase which is scheduled to begin on December 9, 1991.
Again, thanks to all of you for the can
donations. It's sure to be a very happy Taking a building originally constructed in the 30's and transforming it into a totally
holiday for many families. different use in compliance with current codes and standards provides some unique
challenges. Removal of the existing smoke stack, construction of a stairway as a second
means of egress, aligning floors to meet handicap accessible codes, and adding an at -grade
entrance are just a few of these challenges. The estimate for this renovation project is
S1,640,000 which is 8 112 times the original construction cost of approximately $185,000.
ATTENTION When renovated there will be 12,560 sq. ft. of usable office space and Tompkins County
can stand proud of the preservation of a historically significant feature in the Ithaca
SUBMISSIONS landscape.
So who are those county employees being asked to go directly to jail? The current
ALL ARTICLES AND UNCLASS- proposal for assigning space includes record management and the children's interview
IFIEDS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY room on the ground floor, Personnel and file storage on the first floor, Purchasing on the
DECEMBER 9,1991, FOR PRINT IN THE second floor along with Planning and Planning occupying the entire third floor.
DECEMBER ISSUE.
If all goes well on the project, the grand opening will be held by the end of 1992. Go
ZJ directly to Jail? Those who get the notice probably won't mind not passing Go and not
collecting their $200.00.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
B Scott Heyman - County > Meet with Each Supervisor and Review , Review Draft County Motor Vehicle
Administrator Equipment, Training and Procedures Qualification Policy
As reported in this column in a recent in the Solid Waste Division , Coordinate First Responder Training
CORRIDORS, we have been developing a , Perform Noise Level Testing/Develop Program
significantly upgraded Employee Safety Hearing Conservation Program in , Recommend Welding Mask for Hi
Program in conjunction with County risk Public Works Department way Workers g
management consultants, Sedgwick James , Develop Confined Space Entry Proce- y
of Rochester, New York. > Review Reason for New York State
Larry Reynolds, Manager, Risk Control dure for Landfill Manholes and Train Not Requiring Seat Belts in Trucks
Services, after consultation with Personnel Users
> Review the Location of Emergency > Review Lockout/Tagout Program in
Commissioner Hugh Hurlbut and Public Grounds & Grounds Division and
Works commissioner Bill Mobbs and his Shower and Eye Washes in Highway Train Employees
staff, developed the following projects that Garage
will be undertaken between October 1991 > Provide Training and Worksite Traffic
> Review Personal Protective Equipment
and the end of 1992: and Respirator Policies in Highway Control for Highway Division
Administrative Review Division > Building Emergency Plans
• Review Safety Policy Statement > Review Application of OSHA Demoli- In addition Reynolds will personally con-
• Review Workers' Compensation Report- tion Standard in Highway Division duct defensive driving courses on a regular
basis on County premises. His first two
ing Procedures > Audit Every County Department's courses have been scheduled and fully sub-
• Review Incident /Accident Reporting Compliance With Right -to -Know Laws scribed.
Procedures > Review Handling Procedures in Mental Please direct any suggestions you have to
• Develop Lists of Safety Rules for Each Health Department for Used Needles improve our Employee Safety Program
Department either to Commissioners Mobbs or Hurlbut
• Obtain and Review Loss Statistics From > Develop County-Wide Back Injury or to Larry Reynolds at 2000 Lincoln First
State Fund (Workers'Comp Insurer) Prevention Program Square, Rochester, New York 14604 -1995.
• Develop Statistical Means of Measuring > Develop a Safety Component of New All of us need to make the health and safety
Department Job Safety Effectiveness Employee Orientation Program of employees a primary concern.
EMPLOYEE COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Employee Council met on October 7, Henry Chan proposed that the alternates Pros and cons of the two consulting firms
October 21, and November 4, at 9:00 a.m. in be voting members. This was voted on and were discussed. Jerry was favored because of
the Biggs A Conference Room. Highlights of approved. The four alternates are Mary Sue the following: he would train the Council, he
the meetings are as follows: Brenno, Michel Kelly, Pat Nowakowski and would give a different perspective on the
Peggy Sniezek. survey, and he would work with the Depart -
Discussion of several items and recom- ment Head group. Jerry's fee would be
mendations that were made as a result of the Scott distributed a memo on the status of $125.00 per hour.
Employee Survey. the budget. Scott emphasized that the
Board's intent is to cut costs first through the Phil LaPadula called for a vote on the
A presentation was made by Steve use of attrition. According to Scott any consultants. The results are as follows: OAP
Mitchell and Scott Bower of Organizational definite decisions would be made after the - 0, Jerry - 13, no consultant - 2, abstain - 2.
Analysis & Practice (OAP), the consultant Board voted on a budget on November 20th. Scott proposed that a subcommittee be set
firm that performed the Employee Recruit- up to discuss what the Council wanted the
ment and Retention Survey. consultant to do. Phil agreed to lead the
Jerry Bukiewicz, an organization subcommittee and volunteers were asked to
Nominations were held for the position of development consultant from Albany, meet after the meeting.
Secretary. By consensus, Peggy Sniezek was presented his thoughts on how he could help
selected to fill the role of Secretary. the County. He could help the Council grow Meetings will be scheduled for the second
and change in a positive way and identify and fourth Mondays of every month.
Carolyn Prince distributed a sum- steps in getting where the Council wants to
mary/analysis of the picnic. The goal of be. Jerry has experience in working with
achieving higher attendance this year was governmental organizations and is currently
met, 83.3% of the employees attended. working with DSS. His goal would be to help
Carolyn asked that any suggestions for next improve the work environment and work
year's picnic be directed to the Picnic Com- products of Tompkins County government.
mittee.
Serving The PERS Program
"Hank" McCrillis is the newest Office for Hank became interested in the program
the Aging employee and works part -time when serving as a member of the Advisory ,, , .,, .
with Barbara Mearse on the Personal Emer- Committee for PERS. Hank sees the PERS, �
gency Response System (PERS) program. program as an important part of a number , , �
fi
Hank and Jean and their two cats moved to of services aimed at helping older and dis- .4r t'
Freeville in July 1990 from Augusta, Maine. abled people to stay in their homes. The ,, ' ''
He retired from the Veterans Administra- PERS has gone from 15 households in 1985 , - `4
tion Medical Center after 21 years as a Medi- to the current 180 households in 1991. -, . s , ' 4 # i
cal Social Worker. Hank worked for the Statistically, 77% of PERS clients live ' ' '�` i t `; a
Tompkins County Public Health Depart - alone; 50% live in rural areas; and 79% are r , , ;`
ment as a Medical Social Worker from 75 or older. It is expected that there will be '
February 1991 - September 1991. He a continued increase in the demand for , ' ,''k f
graduated from Boston University School of PERS units. ` ff
Social Work in 1962 with a M.S.W. Degree. _,,
His wife, Jean Broborg R.N. is currently I
employed at the Groton Health Care
Facility. Hank is planning to continue to
work part -time to have more time for gar-
dening, antique hunting and other leisure
activities.
GOING FOR THE RECORD PHYSICALLY
HANDICAPPED
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
(PHCP)
In an attempt to be included in the next ascertain the weight at three different
Guinness Book of World Records, what is stages of the event. The first weight taken
hoped to be the world's largest lasagna was was that of the empty pan (the tare weight). by: Wendy Woodams, RN - Case
prepared and baked on the Cornell Arts The second weighing was done after the Manager - Health Dept.
Quad on Saturday, October 26, 1991. The lasagna was prepared prior to cooking and
lasagna measured 63 feet long by 7 feet wide the final weighing was conducted after the The Physically Handicapped
and weighed 3,860 pounds prior to cooking. lasagna was cooked. In order to obtain the Children's Program (PHCP) is a state and
The previous record was set in Dublin, weights required, jacks were used to raise local funded program for children up to
Ireland and weighed a meager 3609 pounds. the entry off the barbecue pit so that the the age of 21 who have a chronic illness or
The large pasta dish was sponsored by load cells could be placed under the pan. disability. Our staff is available to help
Shade Pasta Inc. but the joint efforts of near- The pan was then lowered onto the load families in planning and implementing ser-
ly 300 students from various Cornell frater- cells and the jacks were disengaged. The vices. Family members are an important
nities and sororities, the Cornell School of weight of the pan was deducted from the part of the evaluation and treatment plan.
Hotel Administration and the Cornell combined weight indicated on the load Some special health care needs which
School of Engineering were required in cells, and an official weight was recorded. PHCP provides services for are:
order to make the idea a reality. Working in After each weighing, the pan had to be
assembly line fashion, the students layered raised, the load cells removed and the pan Cerebral Palsy
970 pounds of cheese, 1288 pounds of Ragu lowered onto the barbecue pit. Scoliosis
spaghetti sauce, 720 pounds of ground beef Also on hand was Richard Ewald from Spina Bifida
and 128 square yards of pasta into the spe- the Health Department. Rick ensured that Hearing and visual impairments
cially built pan which set above a barbecue the lasagna was cooked and served accord- Malignant diseases
pit constructed specifically for the event. ing to Health Department regulations. He Congenital heart disease
Since the Guinness Book of World maintainedaconstantvigilduringthecook- Diabetes
Records requires accurate measurements ing process, checking the temperature of Cystic Fibrosis
and weights for an event such as this to be the lasagna. It was upon his determination
considered for entry as a record, JudyTynyk, that the cooking was complete and the This program served more than 100
Director of Weights and Measures was lasagna was ready for its final weighing. families in Tompkins County last year for
asked to be the official in charge of measur- Successfully weighed, and safely cooked, a variety of needs.
ing and weighing the lasagna. Assisting Judy the lasagna was served to over 1200 people For more information please call 274
in her official duties was Terry McCants on -site. The remainder was given to various 6644•
from General Electrodynamics Corporation shelters in Ithaca. All proceeds from the
in Arlington, Texas. Terry's company fur- event went to the Southside Community
nished the load cells which were used to Center.
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COUNTY BOARD BUDGET HEARING SET FOR
NOVEMBER 20, 1991
•
In one scenario a tax increase as "low" as Enactment of a one cent sales tax in-
By: Scott Heyman - County Administrator 20 percent would have required that nearly crease, while it would temporarily ease most,
all outside agencies be reduced still further perhaps all, of the current fiscal problems
On Wednesday, November 20, 1991, at to 90 percent of their 1991 funding and that confronting us, would still necessitate a
7:00 p.m. the County Board of Repre- County department heads during the course thorough review of the plans and priorities
sentatives will conduct its annual Public of the year identify nearly S2 million in cost of County government. Our local economy
Hearing on the Operating and Capital Pro- reductions beyond those already budgeted. has been exposed, perhaps for the first time,
gram budgets for Tompkins County for the Failure to accomplish these savings would as being recession - vulnerable -- sales tax
upcoming year. leave Tompkins County open to a lowering revenues that remained healthy during the
On November 7,1991 the Board's Budget of its credit rating - -an eventuality that recessions of the 1970s and the early 1980s
& Administration Committee found itself would result in long -term increases in debt have been nearly flat this year; Social Service
faced with what may have been a unprece- service payments. caseloads in our County remain below those
dented dilemma: a County budget had been The Committee met again on the after- of nearly all other counties of comparable
recommended by the Board's program com- noon of November 8th and recommended a size, but they increased this year by 28 per -
mittees that met, in every feasible instance, County operating budget that raises the cent while other upstate counties were
stringent guidelines recommended by the property tax rate 15 percent from $4.08 per averaging less than 13 percent.
Board in August. Funding for equipment $1,000 to $4.69 per $1,000, reduces outside In the event that spending reductions
purchases was slashed from $3,104,169 in agency funding to 90 percent of 1991 levels must be effectuated during 1992, I will be
1991 to $1,000,721 in 1992, funding for 14 with only a few exceptions, and leaves open working with department heads and other
full- time - equivalent staff positions was the issues of large scale cost cutting during County staff to develop a set of recommen-
abolished, and funding for 54 agencies 1992 and restoration of the County's reser- dations to the County Board for a staged
providing services on behalf of County vcs until a debate and discussion on a one response: least damaging actions first; more
government was reduced to less than 1991 cent increase in the County sales tax is com- painful reductions later. These would all be
levels. Yet, the projected property tax rate pleted. reviewed and adopted by the County Board.
increase stood at more than 38 percent. By the conclusion of these meetings, it These are trying times for local govern -
The Committee reviewed grim facts and was clear to members of the Committee that ment organizations, indeed for all levels of
figures indicating that Social Services pro- if a sales tax increase is not approved, a government. The level of cooperation and
gram cost increases totalled nearly $2 mil- "down- sizing" of Tompkins County govern- teamwork of County staff in developing
lion, sales tax and interest income revenue ment must occur. This would in all responses to these harsh realities has been
shortfalls exceeded $750,000, and costs of likelihood include a reduction in the size of the very highest. It will need to continue at
providing attorneys for indigent persons had the County work force of between 50 and that level for all of us to succeed in putting
increased nearly 50 percent. Compounded 100 positions. It would necessitate a County behind us the crisis of the moment and
by the timing of a Pay Equity/Reclass Project and community planning process aimed at developing better preparedness for the
that was long overdue but that was very ex- reexamining the purposes and priorities of deepening fiscal problems that continue to
pensive (more than $600,000 local tax -dol- our organization and of its relationship with come our way.
lars per year), the Committee was left to the community that it serves.
grope for answers.
STANDARDS COMMITTEE SAYS BUY RECYCLED
A growing trend for the '90s is for Airport. terhead, and all use recycled copier paper.
employees to become involved in all facets The Standards Committee has recently Creating this market has helped to make
of their jobs. Witness the growth of quality made its first major recommendation to all recycled paper more available and less ex-
circles, and the new Employee Council in County departments. They are asking pensive than it was a few years ago.
Tompkins County government. County departments to buy products with Projected for 1992 is a new half -time posi-
Some County employees are involved in recycled content when the price of these tion in Purchasing but paid for by Solid
helping to select products for use by the products is no more than 10% higher than Waste -- a Buyer whose job it will be to
County. This group is called the Standards similar products without recycled content. aggressively "push" buying recycled
Committee, which is advisory to the Direc- Aggressively purchasing products with products -- finding out what's available and
tor of Purchasing. Currently on the Stand- recycled content helps to create markets for making departments more aware of the
ards Committee are: the recycled glass, metal, plastics and paper recycled options.
Judy Tynyk, Weights & Measures; Jackie that we are all being asked to separate out The Standards Committee urges all
Yoder, Social Services; Peggy Kopsa, Public from our trash. Without markets, these County departments to join them in this
Health; Faith Allen, Probation; Kathy potentially recyclable products will just pile worthwhile effort to help save the environ-
West/Cindy Day, Budget & Finance; Lynn up. For example, most Tompkins County ment for future generations.
Watros, Sheriff's Dept.; John MacLean, departments now buy recycled content let-
! ! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!
1
HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE UNCLASSIFIEDS
FREE: Refrigerator, old style. Call 589-
6453
by Louise McEwen - Personnel FOR SALE: 1988 Redline RL -20B
Freestyle bike with Odyssy brakes, GT tires,
Effective November 14, 1991, you may call a "customized service" representative at ARAYA48 hard sprocket, Gyro, etc. Excel -
Blue Cross Blue Shield in Syracuse, for help on coverage /claim questions. Subscribers lent shape. $180. B.O. 607-257-2761 - Keith
who have questions on coverage or claims should call 800-633 -6066. Subscribers who
have questions about supplemental Medicare coverage . or claims should call $O0 -552- FOR RENT: 2 bedroom country home
0053. Please do not call with questions on Medicare coverage or claims -this information with garage and wood- stove. Near Mecklen-
must be obtained through Medicare's toll -free number or your local Social Security burg, $450. plus utilities. Call DJ. or Joe
ofInce. This number is intended for use by persons who submit claims to Blue Cross Blue evenings or weekends at 546 -2239.
Shield after Medicare has paid.
On another matter, please be aware that mammograms are covered at any time
they're ordered by your physician. This includes routine tests as well as tests for a PERSONNEL
suspected problem. Blue Shield will make a payment (in the case of Medicare sub -
scribers where Medicare is primary, claims must go to Medicare first). PERSONALS
Also, retirees and others on Medicare will soon receive notice of new County health
lasurilnce rates for 1/1/92 necessitated by an increase in Medicare. Part B premiums
tram $29.90 to $31.80 per month. Since Medicare is going up, our health insurance CONGRATULATIONS TO:
premiums will go down $1.90 per month for those on Medicare Part B. retirees will
be notified of new rates by letter; all active employees' premiums will be adjusted by New Hires...
Payroll. Cindy J. Mettler - Keyboard Specialist -
As ahways, I am happy to help if you have concerns, problems or questions. DSS Services Division
Dorothy M. Tompkins - Keyboard
Specialist - DSS - Services Division
New Parents...
NOTES FROM YOUR EMPLOYEE Carla Trenchard, DSS, on her new son.
WELLNESS COMMITTEE... Tom Cannon, Buildings and Grounds, on
his new son.
As most of you probably know by now, we Information will soon be sent to depart- COUNTY CORRIDORS
need a minimum of 12 employees' commit- ments regarding the stress management Articles and opinion pieces for County
ments for the Lung Association to begin workshops which will be conducted for non Corridors are selected by the volunteer
smoking cessation classes in 1992. Even supervisory personnel in January of 1992 by editorial board based on their interest to
though you may have missed the free infor- the staff from the Family & Children's Ser Tompkins County employees and retirees.
mational session in early November, please vice Employee Assistance Program. They Material is solicited from current
take time to reassess your goals for 1992 ... will be conducting three one -hour classes employees, retirees and others.
let a Wellness Committee member know if per session; no cost to the employee. County Corridors is published by County
you'd like to make a firm commitment to quit Central Services using "desktop publish
smoking in 1992. There's still time. Remember to get your "annual physical" ing" typography and layout.
bills turned in for your $50 rebate (or $25 if Material for publication is selected by the
We have sent out a poster for the free you're over age 50 and get the $50 Blue Cross editorial board which reserves the right to
informational session on WEIGHT payment). This is a good deal -- isn't it about edit any submissions. The editorial board
WATCHERS' At Work Program, to be held time for you to have a physical? Do it in 1991 is made up of: Karen Barry, Purchasing
December 10 in the Board of Repre- and we'll save you money. and Central Services; Bill Chapp, Social
sentatives Room. Join us to learn more about Services; Sharon Cooper, Assessment;
this proven way to shed pounds ... we'll be If you folks have suggestions for us at any Iretta Ellis, Public Works; Scott Heyman,
starting the classes in 1992. time, please let the Committee members County Administrator; Louise McEwen,
hear from you ... you're what makes the Com personnel; Joyce Musson, County Ad-
mittee keep going! ministration; Marilyn Strassberg, Office
for the Aging; and Judy Tynyk, Weights
H AV E A HAPPY C HANUKAH and respondence may be sent through
County inter - office mail to:County Cor-
ridors, c/o Purchasing and Central Ser-
vices: or contact any board member, or via
US Mail to: County Corridors, c/o Pur-
chasing and Central Services, 301 Harris B.
Dates Dr. Ithaca, NY 14850