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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Legislators ReportsLEGISLATOR REPORT FOR JANUARY 2020 �p Cor, From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> tac Phot Date 2019-12-2811:18 LEGISLATOR REPORT FOR JANUARY 2020 The last session of the year had many routine and housekeeping resolutions however there were a few that were worthy of being noted. Rob Corpora, the IT Director for many years, was appointed County Administrator. It is a four year term at $120,000 per year salary. I have full confidence in his abilities. He knows Cortland County government, knows all the people and we all know him. Rob is steady, quiet, courteous, knowledgeable and just what we need as a county administrator after our previous negative experiences. Congratulations and best wishes! A two per cent raise for next year was given to all employees in the Management Confidential Plan. The money for this was budgeted. Well deserved! After at least two years and recently intense discussion it was decided to change our Workers Compensation Plan. Onward and upward. Virgil's own Jim Murphy was reappointed to the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors. Congratulations and thank you Jim for serving. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy and prosperous 2020! Thouaht for the month: "Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 -page book. Write a good M R-4 - Brad Paisley Sent from my Pad LEGISLATOR REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2019 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> TO Jennifer Fox <towncIerk@htva.net> Date 2019-11-28 19:28 LEGISLATOR REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2019 The 2020 Cortland County budget was adopted. Many reductions were made to reduce the tentative budget; many were cuts that I wouldn't have supported in ordinary times - these are not ordinary financial times. I heard from those with heartfelt appeals for different programs. But I also heard loud and clear and over and over that taxes need to be as low as possible. I supported the reductions and the budget. The tax rate for Harford is estimated a decrease of .24 or 16.25 tax rate per 1000 and for Virgil an increase of .11 or 14.46 per 1000. Two resolutions were passed : first raising the constitutional tax limit to 2% increase of the tax rate thus averting possible loss in state funding. Second was a local law overriding the tax levy limit for fiscal year 2020. It is not anticipated that the less than 2% increase was over that but this is just an insurance policy just in case the state changes calculations. Semi- annual Mortgage tax distribution was was approved. Harford will receive $8,872.00 and Virgil $14,624.78. Additionally third quarter sales tax distribution was approved. Harford net distribution after tax credit is $79,729.80 and Virgil is $216,499.84. Thank you everyone for the honor of representing you again as your county legislator. It's means so much. I enjoy working with and for you. As always please keep the lines of communication open. With that is there anything I should be aware of or doing? I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Also a healthy, happy new year! Thouaht for the month from Charlie Brown: The smile on my face doesn't mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate what I have and what l have been blessed with. I choose to be happy. Sandy Price 1189 Church Street, Cortland, NY 13045 Cell or text 423-1019 Phone 835-6711 sandvoricena frontiemet.net LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2019 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> To Michelle Tottey Morse <shelba3@hotma€Lcom>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Daryl Cross <diggercross@aol.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.rain2014@yahoo.com>, Todd Loope <te11714@icloud.com>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <k1s13@comell.edu>, Jack Holcomb atownofharford@front€er.com?, <bbspayrollsery€ce@gmail.comy Date 2019-10-27 20;06 LEGISL.ATOR'S REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2019 Your always welcome at the Harford Senior Center for lunch on week days at 11:30. Please call Joyce at 844-3808 for reservations The Virgil Senior Club is looking for new members. They meet on the first Friday of every month at 11:30 for a dish to pass luncheon. Contact John Storie for more information at 835-6619. The year is winding down but things are heating up concerning the 2020 budget. I'm hearing from many to keep those taxes low. Even with many major cuts in almost all areas the projected tax increase is 7%. Understandably those who are affected by the cuts are very sad and upset. One area of cuts is to all the senior centers. Our Harford Center is proposed to be cut to two days a week. I'm sympathetic to all those affected especially those losing jobs however I know what a burden taxes are on most everyone, can't promise to give everything everybody wants but I'll try to do the best I can, At this point the choices are to take from the general fund or to reduce the budget further. More meetings are scheduled. Related is a resolution to increase a tax cap from 1 1/2% to 216 and to override the tax levy limit. Both are safeguards and I plan to support. Sadly the solar project at the landfill was defeated again. It would have generated $13,000 a year that would grow over time, provide pilot payments to the town of Salon, McGraw School district and the county. It was a chance to reduce our carbon footprint, increase clean energy and even reduce electric rates for residents. I voted yes. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? Thought for the month: "It is what it is". Sighted on waitress't shirt at Koffee Kove in Clayton, NY Sandy Price 1189 Church Street, Virgil 13045 sandy, rp €re[a:frontiernet.net Home phone - 835-6711. Text and cell 423-10i 9 Sent from my Wad 111 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2019 0 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiemet.net> ift To Michelle Tottey Morse <she1ba3@hotmall.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Todd Loope <te11714@icloud.com>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <k1s13[)a cornoll.edu>, Daryl Cross <diggercrossGla aol.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.rain2014@yahoa.com>, Jack Holcomb <townofharford@frontier.com> [late 2019.10-01 1 DA9 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2019 Please attend the Harford Senior Center A€iniversary Dinner on Wednesday, October 9th at 5:00pm. In addition to the celebration this is the last evening meal until spring. John Storie, as he has done for many many years will provide musical entertainment. Come one, come all. Please call Joyce at 844-3808 for reservations. The Virgil Senior Club is looking for new members. They meet on the first Friday of every month at 11:30 for a dish to pass luncheon. Contact John Storie for more information at 835-6619. A draft county budget was received, program committees have reviewed them line by line, and the tentative budget as prepared by the Legislative Chair/Acting County Administrator is to be received and filed by the Legislature on Monday, October 7th. Then the Budget and Finance Committee will review each budget, possibly make changes and then present to the full Legislature for approval. If it doesrit pass the tentative budget goes into effect. It has been a very busy past month and I expect that it will be this month as well. Some hard choices have and will have to be made to have an acceptable tax levy. Realistically that will mean that some services will be cut or cut back. I will do the best that I can balancing all factors. Your thoughts and recommendations are welcome. I'm sorry to report that due to the efforts of just six legislators, we have likely lost the chance to see $1,000,000s In economic development in a solar project at the landfill and over $500,000 In lease fees over the next 25 years. This land is not otherwise being used and generates no revenue for the County. We had a project lined up and ready to continue forward to the next step, which would have been negotiation for the best deal for Cortland. But this Gang of 6 chose to kill this project, to kill the construction jobs, to kill the new clean energy created in this time of climate crisis, to kill the possibility of a 10% discount on electricity costs for residents, and to kill the likelihood of future long-term economic development projects with the county. We had bi-partisan support for this local law to allow a long-term lease of the empty landfill area, but unfortunately, we needed a super -majority to move ahead. Regardless, I will keep working with my colleagues to help bring clean renewable energy projects to Cortland which benefit the county, the taxpayers, and the environment. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing! Thoughts for the month: "You have to have rain to have rainbows." Roger Wheeler, Creamery Hills May the sun bring you new energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries, May the breeze blow new strength into your being, May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life. Sandy Price 1189 Church Street, Virgil 13045 sandyprice(ql frontiernet. net Home phone - 835-6711. Text and cell 423-1019 Sent from my !Pad 111 Subject LEGISLATOR REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> 4 Michelle Tottey Morse <shelba3@hotmail.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Daryl To Cross <diggercross@aol.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.rain20l4@yahoo.com>, Karen Lynn Snover- Clift <klsl3@cornell.edu>, <theloope6@netzero.net>, Jack Holcomb <townofharford@frontier.com> Date 2019-08-25 09:46 LEGISLATOR REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 Three proclamations were given: National Preparedness Month, recognition of Eagle Scout Matthew Walter Lawrence Ekstrom for his volunteer work at Dwyer Park, and declared A Journey Through Time Day in celebration of the sale of their recently finished Historical Society history book on Cortland County. Hope to see you there : Citizens preparedness training program on Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 at the Cortlandville Fire Station. All participants must register in advance at www.prepare.ny.gov Cortland County Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Day is Saturday, September 28 at the County Recycling Center at 137 South Pendleton Street, Call 756-8077 to schedule an appointment. Karen Spafford was reappointed Director of Real Property Tax Services. Carl Bullock will return until the end of the year as Veterans Service officer. Both have always done and will continue doing a fine job for the county and its people. Congratulations! A five year contract with the union for emergency communications was unanimously passed with raises in year one 1.75%, two through five 2%. A good contract for all involved. Up to $50,000 was taken from the administration fee from the occupancy tax fund for improvements at Dwyer Memorial Park. This is the second year to do this. That money, attention by the highway superintendent and crew and many volunteer efforts and donations have made great improvements. However after many years of not doing much there is still a lot to do. Stop by, visit and enjoy your county park. Work has begun on the 2020 County Budget. It will be a challenging process with some difficult decisions. Any ideas? At the last meeting I did make a motion to consider having a hiring and spending freeze. I understand that there would be some inconvenience and even distress but when the financial situation is as I see it drastic measures must be taken. However I come from farming stock so I consider that I planted a seed that hopefully will be considered sooner rather than later. It was defeated but I don't feel defeated. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing. Thought for the month: Don't let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow. No matter what your situation is keep your chin up and put a smile on your face. Sandy Price 1189 Church Street, Cortland, NY. 13045 Home phone 835-6711 cell 423-1019 sandyprice(a)frontiernet.net Sent from my iPad 7.SVII&V1 y Webmail :: LEGISLATORS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2019 Subject LEGISLATORS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2019 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> Michelle Tottey Morse <shelba3@hotmail.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Daryl Cross To <diggercross@aol.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.rain2014@yahoo.com>, Todd Loope < tel 1714@!cloud.com>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <kls13@cornell.edu>, Jack Holcomb <townofharford@frontier.com> Date 2.019-07-2815:01 LEGISLATORS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2019 Congratulations and best wishes to Lisa Cutia, retiring Probation Director, and welcome aboard and congratulations to veteran Probation employee Nicole A1bro, the new Director. The final numbers for this year's Healthy Cortland Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) was impressive. There were a total of 2,477 patients seen with 15,121 procedures performed that included health screening, optometry, dental, dog & cat spaying, neutering and vaccinations. Many local partners joined the military reserves to provide this valuable service at no charge. Thank you one and all especially Dan Dineen, Planning Director. A Criminal Justice panel was named to address jail population, implement state criminal justice reforms, and how the current jail can be used. Because the full Legislature hasn't acted some think no decisions have been made. Quite the contrary for me I have and continue to believe that the county can not afford a $60 million jail. I do not support the Cortlandville site, and I support doing whatever is necessary to meet our needs at the present site. There are eleven others on the Legislature that feel the same. I'll let them speak for themselves but this is my position on the subject. Second quarter Sales tax distribution was approved. For Harford- $44,342.97 and Virgil- $205.931.31. I had a great response from my request for nominations for my Legislators Award for Good Neighbors. What a great place we live in to have so many good neighbors. Congratulations to the 25: Daryl and Melinda Cross, Michelle Tottey Morse, Dave Stoner, Karen Snover Clift, Todd Loope, Jennifer Fox, Mark and Judy Alsberg, George Chevelier, John and Viola Storie, Gail Sherman, Gary Wood, Edie Eaton, Lorraine Barber, Lee Price, Debbie Ford, Al and Gayle Kryger, Cindy Price,Sue Connelly, Ronnie Wade, Wilma Dryden, and Sylvia Cook. Certificates will be given to all. I'm finding my work as your legislator rewarding but it does have its ups and downs. Recently I have experienced many things: a judge for the 4-H Iron Chef contest at the Junior Fair, Dignitaries Reception with local leaders and military leaders from all over the country including the Pentagon, meeting with seniors, arranging for getting potholes filled and unplugging sluice pipes, attended many meetings that were mostly informative, giving speeches and awards, arranging outreach for veterans. I like doing things with and for people. The people I work with and for are all good people. We don't always agree but I do respect them all. In return everyone is very good to me. Thank you for this opportunity. I am blessed in so many ways. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing! Thought for the month: " Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid" Albert Einstein. Q Enjoy the rest of the summer, Sandy Price 1189 Church Street, Virgil 13045 sandyprice@frontiernet.net Home phone - 835-6711. Text and cell 423-1019 Sent from my iPad httpsalmail.htva.netl? task=mail& safe=0& uid=16558& mbox=INBOX& action=print& extwin=l 1!1 LEGISLATORS REPORT FOR JULY 2019 The Cortland County Health Dept. Healthy Neighborhoods Program will be at the Harford Senior Center on Wednesday, July 10th at 4:30 for dinner, and presentation and a bag of healthy homes items smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher and other safety items. For reservations please call Joyce Van Deweert at 844-3808. Additionally you may call 607-428-5410 for a free Healthy Home assessment. Healthy Cortland, a no cost medical event, is coming July 11-20 at Homer School. Services are dental, medical, optometry, veterinary. No income, insurance, or residency requirements. For more information on scheduling appointments and volunteering visit www.healthvcortland.ore or call 607-753-5049. This is a result of another successful grant that Dan Dineen of the Planning Dept. wrote. Appointed to the position of Cortland County Manager of Audit and Financial Projects was Stephen Trobert. Shoring up the county's financial duties are continuing. Discussions and exploration of the future of the Virgil School building and playground continue. It is planned that a referendum will be on the November ballot on whether to obtain it for a community center. Stay tuned. A tax is a tax is a tax. NYS has banned plastic shopping bags as of March 2020 and counties may impose a five cent fee on each paper bag. All Legislators voted no on a resolution that I sponsored. The jail has been reopened after the roof leaked and caused damage -inmates have returned. Once again I am soliciting nominations for the second annual Legislator Good Neighbor Award. Please let me know who you think should be recognized. All nominations are confidential. Last year we had twenty one. I wonder how many this year ???? The Sandra L. Price Legislators Award for perseverance was presented Kaden Hickson. It is given to a dedicated and hard-working graduating sixth grader at Virgil School in recognition for outstanding effort to overcome any and all obstacles. My advice is "Never stop trying!". I would also like to send letters to congratulate area seniors but I need your help in their names. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? Quote for the month: Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Sandy Price County Legislator for the towns of Virgil and Harford, District #14 1189 Church Street, Virgil, NY. 13045 Home -835-6711. Text or call cell -6071424-1019 Email - sandyprice@fror LEGISLATORS REPORT FOR JUNE 2019 I am happy to announce that once again I have arranged for the Art Timmons, Veterans Service Officer, to be at the Virgil Town Hall on Friday. June 7th starting at 8:30 am to meet with those who have served in the military and their relatives. In addition to meeting with people he will join the Virgil Senior Club for lunch. John Storie, president, reminds that all seniors are welcome. Just bring a dish to pass and your own table service. It has a reputation that some of the best cooks in Cortland County contribute to the fare - so come hungry. Please pass the world. All are welcome. The Harford Seniors meet at Creamery Hills on Mondav throuah Thursdav at 11:30 for lunch with the exception of the second Wednesday of the month when they have an evening meal. This month the 4:30 dinner meal is salad, baked chicken, stuffing, spinach and dessert with musical entertainment afterwards. Call Joyce Van DeWeert at 844-3808 for reservations. Hope to see you there! Highlights of the legislative resolutions considered: Three DSS caseworkers were proposed to meet the needs of CPS reports and monitoring. Along with following state requirements involving all reports of children in danger it made sense to me that all of our children are protected. No Russian roulette for me. The risk of bad happenings was greater than the dollars involved. I voted yes. A resolution unanimously passed opposing raising minimum wage in regards to the disabled population at the JM Murray Center. This action would essentially put 225 people out of work, Their pay checks can be small or large depending on the work produced (productivity is under 3011/b) and is a great source of pride. I wouldn't want to take that away from them. Of course I voted yes. A resolution reluctantly passed to raise the District Attorney's salary as mandated by NYS. That brings his salary to $200,400. When we opposed doing this in the recent past, state aid was threatened and withheld. No choice. Mortgage tax money was authorized to be distributed to all municipalities - Harford $399.10, Virgil $10,734.62. Results of the property tax auction were that 31 properties were sold for a total bid price of $646,100. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? Looking to expand my email list. If you're not getting my report by email and want to please send me your email address and I'll include you. Communication is important to me. I'll let you know what's happening in the Legislature and I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts, opinions, and requests. Thanks. Thought for the month: Joy is everywhere; it is in the earth's green covering of grass: in the blue serenity : in the severe abstinence of grey winter: in the living flesh of the sky: in the reckless exuberance of spring that animates our bodily frame: in the perfect poise of the human figure, noble and upright: in living, in the exercise of all our powers: in the acquisition of knowledge---3oy is there everywhere. Learn to seize your joy- for joy is always near. The Honorable Marilyn Stoker, retired Preble Town Justice Sandy Price Subject LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR MAY 2019 From Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> Michelle Tottey Morse <shelba3@hotmail.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Jack To Holcomb <townofharford@frontier.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.rain2014@yahoo.com>, Daryl Cross <diggercross@aol.com>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <kls13@cornell.edu>, Todd Loope <theloope6@netzero. net> Date 2019-05-0318:26 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR MAY 2019 A number of proclamations were made recently - all very important in their own right. Foster Parent Month , Mental Health Awareness Month, Donate (organs) For Life, Travel and Tourism Week. I fully support all these efforts. A Director of Finance has been hired. Andrea Herzog comes to the county with a wealth of experience. Other vacant positions are being aggressively being working on towards being filled. Stay tuned. Pro Nexus has been working on getting our financial books in order in preparation for the required AUD. Good news there. Unfortunately the County Treasurer resigned. Hopefully there will be candidates on the ballot this fall. In the mean time others most especially Legislator Don Boyden and IT Director Rob Corpora have been doing a good job filling in the gaps. Community action to make Cortland County an opportunity community is being spearheaded by CAPCO and in cooperation with an impressive number of agencies and county departments. In Cortland County there is 14.7% or approximately 6600 residents who are struggling with poverty. Workshops and a plan of turning this situation around are happening. I'll keep you informed. Plans are moving ahead to make a county owned building on 22 West Court Street the primary 911 communication center. The expenses are being covered with grant funds. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: Don't Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today." -- Will Rogers This is such a good quote because it reminds us to live each day, reflect on any experiences we can learn from that day, and then move on to seize the next day! And then keep up that pattern day after day. Try not to stress about what happened yesterday, or that can affect the quality of your "today." Wishing you peace and happiness for all your days. Keep in touch, Sandy Sandy Price 1189 Virgil Church Street, Cortland, NY. 13045 Text or call 423-1019 Home phone 835-6711 sandvorice@frontiernet.net Sent from my iPad 4!112019 Webmail:: LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR APRIL 2019 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR APRIL 2019 Fr;" T Sandy Price <sandyprice@frontiernet.net> Michelle Tottey Morse <shelba3@hotma1l.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, have Stoner <rain,rain 2014@yahoo.com>, Daryl Cross <diggercross@aol.com>, Todd Loope "' <theloope6@netzero,net>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <kls13@cornell.edu>, lack Holcomb <townofharford@frontler.com> jr a 2019-03-31 21:13 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR APRIL 2019 Eleven of the seventeen County Legislators ( myself included ) have stated publicly that they do not support a $58 million jail in South Cortland. Two different studies have either come in and are coming in shortly that have input on needs concerning the jail. With all that said, it's time to start on making plans to have the jail at 54 Greenbush Street meet those needs. I support doing whatever is necessary and financially feasible. I'll keep you informed of the progress. Key positions are in stages of being filled : County Administrator, Recycling Coordinator, Finance Director, Auditor, Safety officer, More information later... otherwise the committees and the Legislature are busy monitoring budgets, planning for future endeavors and setting policy. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH: "April dressed in all its trim, hath put a spirit of youth in everything." William Shakespeare, Sonnet 98 Wishing all a happy spring. Enjoy the wonder and beauty of the green grass, budding leaves, singing birds, fragrant flowers and most of the rejuvenation of all parts of our lives. In other words enjoy! Sandy Price, County Legislator District #14, Towns of Virgil and Harford _ X189 Church Street, Virgil, NY. 13645 Home phone - 835-6711 Cell phone - tail or text 423-1019 Sent from my V ad https:l/mail.htva.net/?_task=mail&_safe=0&_uid=15033&_mbox=INBOX&_action=print&_extwin=1 1I1 subject February reports From virgilcodeoffice@frontiernet.net<virgilcodeoffice@frontiernet.net> To Harford Michelle Tottey-Morse <townclerk@htva.net> Date 2019-03-02 09:17 • scan.pdf (-339 KB) Hi Michelle and ]en Here's my Feb. month end reports. Not too much exciting going on, but let everyone know that the junk accumulation at the corner of the Mobile Home Park entrance is one of the items being addressed. I spoke with Teff the owner of the property after he responded to my Notice of Violation and told him that the clock is ticking and, even though he's trying to sell the property on land contract, he's still the responsible party to get the place picked up. We will also be looking toward this Spring for a large addition (on Rte 38), that I've done the plan review on, and probably a new home in the Creamery/Lacey Rd area. I am currently working in my townships to go digital with most all of my permitting, while heading in the direction of minimal hard copies. Therefore, any blueprints that can be sent via pdf, and any building permit forms that can be scanned and emailed are a preferred method. This is proving to be a time saving, postage saving, and a file recovery bonus. I understand that certain items like subdivision maps that need signing are still needed as hard copies, but the majority of the items can be provided, viewed and approved through this email address. I check this email at the very least, once a day, five days a week. A quick reminder to all that I have office hours at the Virgil Town Hall 3-5 Monday, Wednesday and Fridays unless posted otherwise. Also, my cell phone below is the best way to get in touch and verify my availability for appointments. The Virgil Code Office phone is : 835-6614 but if you're going to post a number, my cell below is the best way to reach me. Thanks Kevin McMahon NYS Code Enforcement �— 607-745-0004 Subject LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2019 From sandy price <mrssandyprice@aol.com> Email <sandyprice@frontiernet.net>, Matt Denniston <mdnyrx@gmail.com>, Brett Morse <virgilgarage@frontier.com>, John Kaminski <kaminski@frontiernet.net>, Alane Van Donsel To <virgilhall@frontiernet.net>, Pat Snyder <psnyderlaw@aol.com>, Jereme Stiles <JerJen@frontiernet.net>, gary pelton <grpelton99@yahoo.com>, Eric Snow <ericsnow01@gmail.com>, Daryl Cross <diggercross@aol.com> 5 more... Date 2019-01-30 09:55 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2019 The Legislative agenda had quite of number of resolutions accepting grants which is a credit to the department heads who secure them This enables the county to provide valuable services at little or no cost to the county tax payers. Jim Murphy has retired from the Central New York Regional Planning Board where he has been a faithful member and chair for a number of years. Thank you Jim for your volunteer service. A resolution was passed to put a referendum on the ballot for voters in November to decide if they want county legislative terms extended from two to four years. I can see pros and cons. Now it up to the voters to decide. Emotional and sometimes heated discussions centered around the mobility management contract. That came to head with the full legislature rejecting taking over the program. Now discussions will begin on moving on and improving what was seen as deficits and continuing the good work that has been done. Onward and upward. A full time recycling coordinator position was created partially funded by a grant. The hope is to get a good handle on our recycling program thatches been a big financial drain. More as it happens... Additionally a expert law firm has been hired review and tighten up our flow control law. The biggest issue came on the day of session when the roof of the county jail failed and flooded the jail in a major way. All prisoners `- were transferred to other jails and will be there for some time. In the mean time assessment of the situation and options on how to proceed are being explored. I'll keep you informed. Meetings you might be interested in that are coming up: 216 6:00 pm Workers Comp meeting 2112 6:00 pm CCTVS presentations on FOIL requests and parliamentary procedures 2113 noon at Creamery Hills lunch with seniors and guest from Cornell barns Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? Thought for the month: "There is only one happiness in life:to love and be loved." -George Sand, author Happy Valentines Day! Subject LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR JANUARY 2019 From sandy price <mrssandyprice@aol.com> michelle morse <shelba3@hotmai1.com>, Jennifer Fox <townclerk@htva.net>, Daryl Cross To <diggercross@aol.com>, Dave Stoner <rain.raln2014@yahoo.com>, Todd Loope <theloope6@netzero.net>, Karen Lynn Snover-Clift <kis13@cornel1.edu>, Jack Holcomb <tow nofha rford @frontier. corn > Date 2018-12-2713:08 LEGISLATOR'S REPORT FOR JANUARY 2019 A number of appointments were made. Local folks are: Emergency Services Board -Daryl Cross ND Derek Reynolds; Fire Advisory Board -Justin Scott, Adam Brown, Jereme Stiles,Sandy Price;Youth Board -Brian Moore; Central NY Regional Planning Board -Jim Murphy, Sandy Price; Soil & Water Conservation Board- Tracey Evanick. Thanks to all those volunteers. Short notes; *A Citizens Advisory Committee was established for the county administer search process. *The Blodgett Mills bridge project was awarded to Economy Paving with work starting in May and done by the time school starts. *The contract with Tompkins County Recycling was terminated effective at the end of the year as required by the contract. Now there will be a new plan further researched and implemented. *A bid was awarded for generator inspection and maintenance was awarded. Also a bid for office supplies was accepted. Municipalities can piggy back on these bids if they wish. *Microenterprise grants are available for new and expanding small businesses. Hunter MacKenzie Creations, an event planning company, operating out of the former Gatherings was awarded $35,000. A wonderful addition to the Virgil community and the county as a whole. *Kevin Whitney was reappointed county administer. He has been doing a fine job. *The fiscal advisor will continue until March 31. *Unpaid water and sewer charges were added to the county tax bills. *The second half of the mortgage tax was distributed to Harford -$3,375.80 and Virgil -$26,605.87. *Approved the apportionment of the county tax levy. Tax levy for Virgil -net tax levy 42,557,928.62, taxable value- 4176,922,257, tax rate per 1000- 414.457924. Tax levy for Harford- net tax levy 890,358.69, taxable value 54,802,242, tax rate per 1000 16.246757. *Personnel (non union) covered by the management compensation plan received a 2% raise. Elected and certain appointed officials were not included. * The village of Homer has withdrawn from the Workers Compensation Plan. A "Smart Driver" 6 hour classes will be held at the Virgil Town Hall January 21 & 22 (Monday and Tuesday). Class fee is $25 or $20 with current AARP membership cardDept. Must register through the County Health Dept. 758-5509. Interesting bit of history: during the height of the 1918 flu epidemic the Virgil School was closed on recommendation of the Health Department. Fortunately we have medically come a long way in flu prevention. Did you get your flu shot? I am grateful for all the opportunities and blessings in 2018, Thank you for your part. I wish you and yours health, happiness and all the best for 2019. Is there anything I should be aware of or doing? THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH; Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let the new year find you a better person. Benjamin Franklin