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Clinton County Legislature approves multiple resolutions after public comment on several measures
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Summary
The Clinton County Legislature met Sept. 12, 2018, heard public comment opposing several resolutions, received committee reports and approved a large slate of resolutions including an amended mental‑health contract and a multiyear fuel supply contract; the meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
The Clinton County Legislature met Sept. 12 in Plattsburgh and approved a large slate of resolutions after committee reports and a public comment period.
Chairperson Harry McManus called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., and County Administrator Michael E. Zurlo conducted roll call. Legislator Robert Hall moved to accept the minutes of the Aug. 22, 2018 Regular Session; Legislator Pete Keenan seconded and the motion carried (9-0-1).
During public comment, resident Debra Buell opposed Resolutions #704, #721, #728, #730, #741, #752 and #753 and asked whether the Human Services Lounge and Annex fall under the Department of Social Services; she also requested that Clinton County Public Transit provide meeting information three to four weeks in advance to allow citizens with special needs to plan to attend.
Committee chairs delivered routine reports and placed numerous items on the agenda. Highlights included a Buildings and Grounds update from Superintendent James Cleveland on the Human Services Center Lounge and Annex Renovation Project and a Finance Committee presentation from representatives of the Plattsburgh‑North Country Chamber of Commerce on a proposed 2019 marketing plan. County Treasurer Kimberly Davis reported on sales tax and briefed the Legislature on an occupancy‑tax collection contract with Airbnb that the County Attorney had reviewed and provided for further discussion.
The Legislature approved Resolutions #702–#709 and later batches of resolutions. Resolution #710, described in the meeting as "Amending Resolution #31 dated January 10, 2018 ... Authorizing Various Contracts for the Year 2018 — Mental Health and Addiction Services," was moved by Legislator Patty Waldron and seconded by Legislator Simon Conroy. County Administrator Michael E. Zurlo stated, “The increase in the contract amount is not benefitting the County; it will be received by the Champlain Valley Family Center.” The amendment carried (9-0-1).
The board also approved a multiyear purchase contract for diesel fuel, unleaded gasoline, heating oil and kerosene covering 2019–2023 for the Highway Department (Resolution #726). County Administrator Zurlo asked legislators to remind town boards that the contract contains a piggybacking provision allowing towns to use the county contract. That motion carried (9-0-1).
Later in the evening, Legislator Robert Timmons moved to waive Rule 13.2; the motion carried (9-0-1). The Legislature approved additional resolution batches through #759. Resolution #756 amended a prior resolution to authorize backfill of a permanent, full‑time Registered Professional Nurse position in Mental Health and Addiction Services; the motion was moved by Legislator Mark Dame, seconded by Legislator Patty Waldron, and carried (9-0-1).
Before adjourning at 7:42 p.m., the Legislature scheduled future committee meetings and noted an Ethics Board vacancy; Deputy County Administrator Rodney Brown explained the Ethics Board reviews conflicts of interest for appointed boards and that roughly 70 appointees must file financial disclosure statements.
Votes at a glance - Motion to accept Aug. 22, 2018 minutes: mover Robert Hall; second Pete Keenan; result: carried (9-0-1). - Resolutions #702–#709: approved (batch vote as recorded in minutes). - Resolution #710 (amendment to mental‑health contract): mover Patty Waldron; second Simon Conroy; Zurlo noted funds flow to Champlain Valley Family Center; result: carried (9-0-1). - Resolutions #711–#725: approved (batch vote as recorded). - Resolution #726 (award bid for fuel supplies, 2019–2023; piggybacking provision noted): mover Rob Timmons; second Simon Conroy; result: carried (9-0-1). - Resolutions #727–#736 and #737–#755: approved (batch votes as recorded). - Waive Rule 13.2: mover Rob Timmons; second Jonathan Beach; result: carried (9-0-1). - Resolution #756 (backfill Registered Professional Nurse position): mover Mark Dame; second Patty Waldron; result: carried (9-0-1). - Resolutions #757–#759: approved (batch vote as recorded).
What the meeting means The session followed typical county procedures: committee reports placed a substantial number of routine and programmatic resolutions on the floor. A member of the public raised concerns about several agenda items and requested improved advance notice from county transit for attendees with special needs. The board approved contract and staffing actions that will affect county health and highway operations and signaled support for establishing a Public Defenders Office in future action.
Next steps Several committees set their next regular meetings in September and October to continue work on agenda items and follow up on budget reviews. The Legislature adjourned at 7:42 p.m.