Franklin County Legislature unanimously approves sidewalk and mental-health funding, backs Teamsters contract and urges against prison closures

The Franklin County Legislature met March 6, 2020, and unanimously adopted seven resolutions covering transportation funding, law‑enforcement contracts, youth-program reallocations and behavioral‑health grants. The meeting opened at 11:39 a.m.; Chairman Donald Dabiew called the roll and Clerk Penny A. Premo recorded all members present.

The Legislature amended a prior sheriff’s grant acceptance (Resolution No. 375 of Dec. 19, 2019) so the Sheriff’s Department may purchase not only an evidence locker but also evidence supplies (Resolution No. 62). The motion to amend was made by Legislator Ellis, seconded by Legislator Lauzon, and was adopted by unanimous vote.

The body approved a new collective‑bargaining agreement for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Unit with Teamsters Local 687 (Resolution No. 63). The Legislature approved the general terms and authorized the Chairman of the Legislature and the County Sheriff to sign the contract. Legislator Maroun moved the measure and Legislator Ellis seconded; Chairman Dabiew requested a roll call, Clerk Premo recorded all votes as affirmative, and the resolution passed.

On infrastructure, the Legislature authorized advancing the Malone Sidewalk project (PIN 7806.63) under Title 23 of the U.S. Code and the State Marchiselli program and appropriated $800,000 to cover the county’s share of design, right‑of‑way and construction work (Resolution No. 64). The resolution also authorizes the County Highway Superintendent and County Manager to execute necessary agreements and to file a certified copy with the New York State Department of Transportation. Legislator Lauzon moved the measure and Legislator Janisewski seconded; the measure passed unanimously.

Human Resources Committee business included a small reallocation of youth development funds: Resolution No. 65 amends Resolution No. 223 (Aug. 1, 2019) to move an unspent $500 from the Adolescent Life Skills, Education & Adulting 101 program to the Town of Franklin, following a Youth Advisory Board recommendation. Legislator Dumas moved the resolution; Legislator Ellis seconded and it was adopted unanimously.

The Legislature passed a political‑policy resolution (Resolution No. 66) strongly urging Governor Andrew Cuomo not to close any additional correctional facilities in the North Country. The sponsors cited prior local closures — Camp Gabriels (2008) and Chateaugay Correctional Facility (2013) — and warned of detrimental effects to Franklin County communities. The Clerk was directed to transmit copies to Governor Cuomo, State Senator Elizabeth O’C. Little and Assemblyman D. Billy Jones. The motion passed unanimously.

The Legislature also accepted a one‑time State Aid Funding Authorization of $350,000 to St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers for a Detox Capital project and amended the 2020 budget accordingly (Resolution No. 67). The County Manager was authorized, upon County Attorney review, to sign an amended contract reflecting the advance. Legislator Dumas moved the resolution and Legislator Maroun seconded; the body voted unanimously to adopt it.

Finally, Resolution No. 68 amended the 2019 budget and 2020 contracts after the Office of Mental Health completed a prior‑year State Aid closeout. The resolution records a $175,333 refund to prior years, reallocates $22,482 to Lakeside House and $152,851 to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Multiculture/Advocacy program, and authorizes the County Manager, with County Attorney review, to sign amended contracts. Legislator Dumas moved the measure, Legislator Ellis seconded, and it passed unanimously.

Legislator Maroun moved to adjourn; Legislator Lauzon seconded and Chairman Dabiew adjourned the meeting at 11:58 a.m.