NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Natural Resources in Our Counties
Volume 37, Issue 2 | Spring/Summer 2016
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President’s Page NYSAC OFFICERS Hon. William E. Cherry, Schoharie County President
From the NYSAC President, Hon. William E. Cherry
Hon. MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County First Vice President Hon. Kathleen M. Jimino, Rensselaer County Second Vice President Hon. Anthony J. Picente, Oneida County Immediate Past President
MEMBERS Hon. John LaPointe, Washington County www.co.washington.ny.us Hon. Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County www.ongov.net Hon. Edward P. Mangano, Nassau County www.nassaucountyny.gov Hon. John F. Marren, Ontario County www.co.ontario.ny.us Hon. Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County www.dutchessny.gov Mr. Charles H. Nesbitt, Jr., Orleans County www.orleansny.com Hon. Christopher Moss, Chemung County www.chemungcounty.com Hon. Mark Poloncarz, Erie County www2.erie.gov Hon. Scott B. Samuelson, Sullivan County www.co.sullivan.ny.us Hon. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of NYC www.nyc.gov
PARLIAMENTARIANS Hon. Herman Geist, Esq., Westchester County www.westchestergov.com
Hon. A. Douglas Berwanger, Wyoming County www.wyomingco.net
TREASURER
The State Budget and Your County
W
elcome to another edition of NYSAC News. The official publication of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, the 62 counties of New York State for their continued support of the mission and purpose of your Association. Our mission is to educate, advocate, educate and serve the counties of New York and with your guidance and support, our voice is collective and strong. The 2016-17 state budget has come to a close and on behalf of the membership, permit me to thank our Governor and our State Legislators for their service. The demands on the state are great and the needs many. The state provided significant fiscal relief to counties and local governments in infrastructure funding for roads and bridges and water and sewer. This investment is critical and much needed as these costs are beyond the capacity of local governments-especially under a tax cap. Another area where the state has invested in is higher education, our community colleges provide the backbone of higher education and we are grateful for the incremental increased investment. These funds help offset tuition costs for our students and local government contributions and aim towards a more balanced three way partnership between the state, county government and the student.
The NYSAC staff has delivered a more complete county-specific state budget impact report for your county. I encourage you to review this document and contact your state representatives with any questions you may have. I would like to compliment the NYSAC staff for assembling this material in one consolidated reference manual. As we continue through the late spring and into the summer, your Association will continue to advocate collectively on behalf of all of you. We will prioritize economic development, public safety and remain vigilant on preventing further unfounded mandates. Our state partners have been terrific to work with and together we can continue to make this state a vibrant and relevant state for future generations.
Save the Date September 19-21
2016 Fall Seminar Niagara Falls, NY
Mr. Robert F. Currier, Albany County www.albanycounty.com
www.nysac.org 5
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Director’s Note NYSAC STAFF (Partial listing)
From the Executive Director, Stephen J. Acquario
Stephen J. Acquario, Esq. Executive Director Angelo Catalano Legislative Assistant Karen Catalfamo Office/Financial Manager Nicole Correia Communication Coordinator Patrick Cummings, Esq. Assistant Counsel Jackie Dederick Records Manager Katie Hohman Program Specialist Mark LaVigne Deputy Director Dave Lucas Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs Jill Luther Program Administrator Patricia Milkiewicz Executive Assistant Juanita Munguia Marketing Specialist Jeanette Stanziano Director of Education & Training Tammy Thomas Communication Assistant & Receptionist NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors
Kelly Hansen Executive Director
NY Assoc. of Training & Employment Professionals
E
nacting a fair and responsible state spending plan is arguably the greatest responsibility of the Governor and the State Legislature. Balancing the needs of the citizens from all corners of the state is a complicated issue. In the end, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s priorities for raising the minimum wage and providing for paid family leave were the main focus of state budget negotiations between the executive branch and legislative leaders. Both items were included in the final spending plan, with the minimum wage increase subject to regional schedules over the next several years. An important win for counties in the budget fracas was what did not end up in the final enacted budget—an eleventh hour proposal to shift $250 million in Medicaid savings to counties and New York City. This $250 million was a proposal designed to help subsidize the increased minimum wage for health care agencies who rely on Medicaid or state funding for revenue. Other positive items in the budget include bringing parity between the Upstate DOT transportation and the MTA capital plans, including four year $400 programs for NY PAVE and NY Bridge programs; an increase of $200 million for water infrastructure; a $100 increase in FTE aid; and an increase in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), including $3 million for reimbursement for municipalities recycling electronic waste. Throughout the budget negotiation process, NYSAC provided the state with recommendations for progressive reforms that protect the safety of the public and
ensure that constitutional responsibilities are upheld. While many of these proposals were not incorporated in the final budget, we continue to advocate for the passage of measures in this legislative session that will help members govern at the local level. We are asking state lawmakers to enact a chapter amendment that would reimburse counties for the costs of the raise in District Attorney salaries. This is a new mandated expense that was not included in this year’s county spending plans. NYSAC is also calling on state lawmakers to address needed funding for upgrading 9-1-1 communication systems operated in counties across the state. In an era when acts of terrorism can take place anytime, anywhere, investing in a sound emergency communication infrastructure is more important than ever. We have submitted legislative language that will reduce the 9-1-1 surcharge on cellular phones and expand it to all devices that can contact our emergency dispatch centers, include prepaid cell phone plans and tablets (which currently are not subject to the surcharge). This change will reduce the individual surcharge and expand the base of revenue, providing additional resources for counties to reinvest in our critical emergency communication systems. As the Legislative Session proceeds NYSAC will continue to advocate for these items, and keep our members informed about measures that may impact county governments across the state.
Melinda Mack Executive Director
www.nysac.org 9
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Control Your Energy Costs
PUB L IS H ED 3 TIMES A YEAR President • Hon. William E. Cherry Publisher • Stephen J. Acquario Managing Editor • Mark F. LaVigne Editor • Nicole M. Correia Staff Writers • Angelo Catalano, Patrick Cummings, Katie Hohman, Dave Lucas, Jill Luther, Jeanette Stanziano Advertising Staff • Juanita Munguia NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate, advocate for, and serve member counties at the federal and state levels. Published 3 times a year by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) the NYSAC News is the official publication of NYSAC, a non-profit, municipal association serving the 57 counties of New York State and the City of New York with its five boroughs for over 80 years. NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties at the federal and state levels.
NYSAC NEWS MAGAZINE
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24 Spring/Summer 2016
NYSAC News • Volume 37, Issue 2
NYSAC Informs with e-news publications: NYSAC Weekly Wire Emailed every week during the Legislative Session. Highlights county-related issues and activities taking place in Albany. Counties in the News Daily news updates from counties across the state, compiled by NYSAC and delivered to your inbox every day. To sign up, visit www.nysac.org
Table of Contents Cover Photo: Tourists view Niagara Falls.
15
Fall Seminar Preview: NYSAC Sets Its Sights on Niagara County!
Counties & Natural Resources: Water
18 19 20 22
Your Water: Where Does It Come From and Who Ensures Its Safety? Regional Watershed Planning: Necessary for Conservation Building Local Capacity for Natural Resource-Based Planning
Cayuga County Plan Minimizes Potential Negative Impacts of Manure on Water Quality
Counties & Natural Resources: Farmland
24
Cultivate New York: An Agenda to Protect Farmland for Growing Food and the Economy
Counties & Natural Resources: Energy
25 28
Small Hydro: New York’s Past and Future
Target Your Market!
Advertise with NYSAC
contact NYSAC Marketing Specialist Juanita Munguia at 518-465-1473 or
The POWER Plus Plan: Economic Development for NYS Counties in the Appalachian Region
30
The Environmental Protection Fund Climate Account
Counties & Natural Resources: Mountains & Forests
Counties & Natural Resources: Waste Management
33 35
Tioga County Strives to be a “Zero Waste” Community Electronic Waste and Local Governments
County Issues and Updates
36 38 39
How the State Budget Prioritizes Spending
Funding 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Considerations for NYS Counties: An Insider’s View on Leveraging IT
41 43
How to Ensure Your Government’s Website is ADA Compliant Establishing a County Health Department Lactation Program: Filling the Gaps through Policy and Action
45 47 50
Local Laws: Counsel’s Corner
Welcome to the Following Newly-Elected County Leaders 2016 County Fairs
31
St. Lawrence County’s New Recreation Trails Promote, Protect Natural Resources
jmunguia@nysac.org www.nysac.org 13
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NYSAC
Fall Seminar Preview: NYSAC Sets Its Sights on Niagara County By Jeanette Stanziano, NYSAC Director of Education and Training
T
he “New York State of Mind” is often associated with urban icons like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. But as any true New Yorker knows, New York State is made up of a variety of breathtaking natural wonders and diverse landscapes, not the least of which is the mesmerizing power of Niagara Falls and the surrounding picturesque and historic community of Niagara County. Join us in September as the New York State Association of Counties returns to beautiful Niagara County to celebrate the 2016 NYSAC Fall Seminar. It has been eight years since Niagara has served as host-county and rolled out the red carpet for NYSAC’s annual autumn educational showcase. We have no doubt that the leadership of Niagara County will be shining a spotlight on the Western Region of New York State, showcasing some of the extraordinary success stories of their economic development initiatives. Hundreds of county officials from across New York will flock to Niagara Falls on September 19-21, 2016 for three days of educational training programs, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities crafted specifically for the training needs of New York’s dedicated county officials.
Get to Know Beautiful Niagara County The Niagara County Legislature's Chairman, Wm. Keith McNall, said he looks forward to introducing conference attendees to all Niagara County has to offer. "Niagara County has culture, history, and amazing natural scenery," McNall said. "We have a sport fishing industry that is unrivaled, the 'Flight of Five' locks that were the linchpin of the Erie Canal and the opening of the West, a Niagara Wine Trail that produces wines that rival California's best, and the world-famous Falls. We'll be endeavoring to introduce our fellow county leaders from across New York State to all this great county has to offer." McNall and County Manager Rick Updegrove, a former legislator and longtime NYSAC conference attendee, have formed a host committee that includes individuals involved with the last NYSAC conference held in Niagara County, to finalize venues and plans. Niagara County and the Niagara Falls community have a history steeped in hundreds of years as a travelers’ destination for explorers, newlyweds, and daredevils looking to challenge the awe inspiring natural power of the Falls. Niagara Falls was first discovered by French explorer Father Louis Hennepin in 1678 and the Niagara region soon became a French stronghold, as they built forts at the mouth of the Niagara River, which is now known as Old Fort Niagara.
The Niagara area has been a founding leader in alternative energy sources and was the birthplace of commercial hydro-electric power. Nikola Tesla developed the alternating current system in Niagara, which allowed for the transmission of power generated along the Niagara River to homes and businesses. In 1895, one of the world’s first commercial hydropower plants was constructed. Energy from the Niagara River has been harnessed for hydro-electric power generation as far back as the mid-eighteenth century. Power generation facilities along the Niagara River supply more than one-quarter of all power used in New York State and Ontario. Additionally, 50 to 75 percent of the water flowing along the Niagara River is diverted from the Falls to hydroelectric power generating stations, which makes it an efficient and clean source of alternative energy. Amazingly, four of the five Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River, (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie) before emptying into Lake Ontario. These five Great Lakes make up almost one-fifth of the world's fresh water supply, making the Niagara area truly a natural resource of epic environmental proportions. Another of Niagara County’s natural jewels can be found at Niagara Falls State Park, which is the oldest state park in the United States. In the late 1860’s, America’s first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted (perhaps best known for designing New York City’s Central Park), established a group of civic-minded industrialists championing some of the earliest environmental initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of the green spaces around Niagara Falls. Olmsted’s philosophy was based on the premise that parks should be places of natural beauty, where everyday citizens could embrace nature. Today, Olmstead is considered an environmental visionary ahead of his time. Today, the oldest American state park retains Olmsted’s original vision by maintaining native flora, preserving its world renowned vistas, and providing public access year around.
Vineyards and Wineries North of the Niagara escarpment and just below the mist of the powerful raging Falls is the Lake Ontario plain, located along the lower river. The fertile soil and adequate rainfall of the Niagara region make for excellent growing conditions for grapes. The well-known “Niagara” grape variety, which is the source of most American white grape juice, was first grown in Niagara County in 1868. In recent years, New York Continued on page 16
www.nysac.org 15
NYSAC
Continued on page 15
State developed an economic development initiative capitalizing on the grape growing areas of the Lake Ontario plain by establishing and promoting the Niagara Wine Trail. The Niagara region has a unique microclimate that contributes to the successful production of worldclass wines, along with beautiful countryside situated on the Niagara Escarpment. The Niagara Falls area now has over 16 working wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail and has helped to improve the economy of Niagara County by drawing thousands of wine enthusiasts annually to the region. Niagara wineries offer selections for all tastes and are open year around which has helped keep visitors coming to the area beyond the summer tourist months.
Sport Fishing
Falls. In the past few years, the Sheraton at the Falls has undergone a major transformation, including completely renovated sleeping rooms, meeting space, and state-of-the-art public spaces. The hotel recently added a TGI Fridays as well as the Rainforest Café in addition to the original full service Starbucks and Sweet Treats shop on the premises.
The 2016 NYSAC Fall Seminar The Conference Center at Niagara Falls will host the NYSAC Fall Seminar workshops, exhibit hall, conference registration, keynote address, and all conference-related meetings. The Center is the hallmark of modern, cutting edge meeting, equipped with ergonomic seating and state-of-the art technology to support the 28 training sessions that will be featured at the Fall Seminar.
Life on the water is part of the culture in Niagara County, including some of the best sport fishing in the country. From annual fishing tournaments and derbies, Niagara County’s Economic Development Committee estimates that sport fishing brings in close to $30 million dollars annually to the county through hotel stays, restaurant spending, shopping, and other related purchases connected to the sport.
Historic Locks and Canals Historical journeys can be found beyond the Falls in the City of Lockport which features an extensive tourism focus on the Erie Canal. Explore the historic and newly rehabilitated “Flight of Five” Erie Canal Locks 67-71, constructed in 1838. Take an underground boat ride and view ruins from the industrial revolution, water tunnels, ancient stalactites, flow stone, and other geological formations and artifacts left behind in the underground caves by the men who built the tunnel in the early days of the Erie Canal. Travel through Lockport Locks 34 & 35, which allow boats to travel “uphill” 60 feet through the Niagara Escarpment ridge of rock where you can view the industrial ruins of the 1800s, allowing a glimpse into America’s industrial revolution and the inspiration and fortitude it took to build the Erie Canal.
Your Stay in Niagara Falls Whether feeling the spray of the mighty Falls on you face, or catching a 20 pounder at the end of your fishing line, Niagara County offers many ways to explore this unique corner of New York State. Since the 2008 NYSAC Fall Seminar, Niagara County has successfully secured new private investment in the county which has resulted in the addition of over 1,020 new hotel rooms in the Niagara Falls area alone over the past five years. This year, NYSAC Fall Seminar attendees will be based at the Sheraton at the Falls Hotel in the heart of Niagara Falls. The hotel is conveniently located steps away from our meeting location, the Conference Center of Niagara
16 N YSAC News Sprin g /S um m er 201 6
The educational topics of the NYSAC 2016 Fall Seminar will include sessions on taxation, public safety, government efficiency, pre-k and Early Intervention, procurement, ethics, energy, rural affairs, economic development, and indigent legal defense just to name a few. Our keynote presenter will be TransPro CEO Mark Aesch who will be discussing his new book “Saving America: Seven Proven Steps to Make Government Deliver Great Results.”
Mark your calendar for NYSAC’S 2016 Fall Seminar, September 19-21, 2016 in beautiful Niagara County. From educational forums to economic development success stories, Niagara County and NYSAC are teaming up to offer New York’s county officials a training expo that will not only fulfill your educational needs, but also serve to inspire your own community economic development success stories. Early-Bird Registration is now open for the Fall Seminar at www.regonline.com/nysac fall2016 or look for printed registration materials arriving in mailboxes in June. Visit the NYSAC website at www.nysac.org for further details. Niagara County…”We’ve been expecting you!” (Special thanks to the following sources for information and language utilized in this article: NiagaraFallsStatePark.com, NiagaraUSA.com, NiagaraCounty.com, LockportLocks.com, Niagara County Economic Development Committee April 2015 report, Niagara County Manager Rick Updegrove, Niagara County Public Information Officer Christian Peck, Niagara County Clerk of the Board Mary Jo Tamburlin, and the Niagara County Board Chair, the Honorable Wm. Keith McNall)
NYSAC 2016 Fall Seminar • September 19-21 NYSAC
Conference & Event Center of Niagara Falls/Sheraton at the Falls Hotel Niagara County
Tentative Agenda MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 8:30 am - 7:00 pm 10:00 am - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 1:00 pm 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm 3:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Registration NYSAC Standing Committee Meetings NYSAC Standing Committee Meetings Legislative Standing Committee Meeting (lunch) Lunch Exhibits Open Workshop Session I Resolutions Standing Committee Meeting
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Workshop Session II Reception Honoring NYSAC Exhibitors & Sponsors Dinner Banquet
7:30 am - 5:00 pm 7:30 am - 6:00 pm 7:30 am - 8:45 am 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Registration Exhibit Hall Open General Breakfast Opening General Assembly Keynote Presenter: Mark Aesch, CEO, TransPro “Saving America: 7 Proven Steps to Make Government Deliver Great Results”
10:45 am - Noon
Workshop Session III
Noon - 1:30 pm
NYSAC Business Meeting Part I Inaugural Luncheon: Election of Officers & Directors
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Time to Visit Exhibit Hall Workshop Session IV
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
County Leaders Meeting: County Executives, County Board Chairs, County Administrators
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Workshop Session V President’s Reception & Dinner Hosted by Niagara County
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 8:00 am - 9:15 am General Breakfast & Joint Inter-County Breakfast 9:15 am - 10:30 am NYSAC Business Meeting: Part II Resolutions Closing General Assembly REGISTER TODAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD RATES AT
WWW.REGONLINE.COM/NYSACFALL2016 Detailed conference materials will be mailed in late June.
www.nysac.org 17
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WATER
Your Water: Where Does It Come From and Who Ensures Its Safety? By Jill Luther, NYSAC Program Administrator
W
ater is a finite resource. Between 70 and 75 percent of the earth’s surface is covered with water, but only 1 percent of that is drinkable. While both world population and the demand for freshwater resources are increasing, supply remains constant. Assuring the delivery of safe drinking water is critical to the public health and well-being of all New Yorkers. Concerns about drinking water quality and contamination are rising in communities across the country. It is important to know who is ensuring the safety of our drinking water, where it comes from, what it should be tested for and how often. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the public water system supervision program under the authority of the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Under the SDWA, EPA sets national limits on contaminant levels in drinking water to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption. The EPA also regulates how often public water systems monitor their water for contaminants and report the monitoring results to the state and EPA. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) oversees the supply of drinking water to ensure that it is suitable for people to drink. The DOH in partnership with county health departments, regulates the operation, design and quality of public water supplies. Thirty-six counties and the New York City Health Department have some oversight of public drinking water systems within their jurisdiction. Public water systems within the remaining twenty-one counties in the state are directly regulated by the DOH.
Drinking Water Standards Drinking water standards are regulated by the Federal government through the EPA to control the level of contaminants in the nation’s drinking water. The regulations require water monitoring schedules and methods to measure contaminants in water. There are two categories of drinking water standards. Primary, which are legally enforceable and limit the levels of specific contaminants that may harm health and secondary, which are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic or aesthetic effects to drinking water. EPA has drinking water regulations for more than 90 contaminants. The Safe Drinking Water Act defines the term “contaminant” as meaning any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water. The law defines “contaminant” very broadly as being anything other than water molecules. Drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Some drinking water contaminants may be harmful if consumed at certain levels in drinking water while others may be harmless.
Testing Public water suppliers test for a variety of man-made chemicals, naturally occurring contaminants, physical characteristics and microbial pathogens. The type of testing and the frequency may be dependent upon the population served, source water type and/or public water supply type.
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County health departments work closely with public water supply owners and operators to assure compliance with appropriate New York State Rules and Regulations that apply to Public Water Systems (PWS). If violations of EPA standards are found through routine sampling/testing, water system customers must be notified by the supplier. Community public water suppliers are required to issue Annual Water Quality Reports by May 31st each year to their customers. These reports contain information about the water source, any contaminants found in the drinking water and possible health effects.
Lead & Other Contaminants Since natural levels of lead in New York State water supplies are low, lead in drinking water usually results from the use of lead pipe in water systems or lead based solders on water pipes. Water in the plumbing system can dissolve lead from pipes and solder. This is called leaching. Soft, corrosive or acidic (low pH) water is more likely to cause leaching. Water left standing in the pipes over a long period of time also increases leaching. The longer the water stands in the pipes, the greater the possibility of lead being dissolved into the water. Stray electrical currents from improperly grounded electrical outlets or equipment also may increase the level of lead in drinking water. Pipes that carry drinking water from the source to homes can contribute lead to the drinking water, if the pipes were constructed or repaired using lead materials. Other sources of contamination occur from aging infrastructure and New York State’s closed manufacturing facilities. In a report given in 2013 on its most recent needs surveys, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that the funding needed to replace aging drinking water infrastructure in the United States totaled $335 billion.
Contaminant Candidate list The drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL) is a list of contaminants identified by the Federal government that are currently not subject to any national primary drinking water regulations, but are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems. Contaminants listed on the CCL may result in future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Federal law requires the EPA to publish the CCL every five years. SDWA specifies that the EPA place those contaminants on the list that present the greatest public health concern related to exposure from drinking water. EPA uses the CCL to identify priority contaminants for regulatory decision making and information collection. The EPA published the draft CCL (4th) in February 2015, and took public comment through early April 2015. They are currently reviewing the public comments and anticipate publishing the final CCL 4 in late 2016 or early 2017. The draft CCL includes Perflourooctanoic Acid (PFOA). PFOA has recently been found in some upstate New York community water systems and private wells.
By Joanna Panasiewicz, Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
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ew York State is blessed with so many wonderful natural spaces and waterways to protect for our drinking water, recreation, commercial uses, and water storage/filtering capacity. This highlights the importance of regional water quality organizations working together on upstream/downstream issues that can impact entire regions. Gone are the days when municipalities can operate in individual silos regarding these vast environmental concerns. The Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance (LEWPA) has taken this “watershed approach” to addressing water quality and quantity problems in the Lake Erie and Niagara River watershed. The idea for LEWPA grew out of a meeting of local and regional elected officials who wanted to be proactive after massive flooding in 2009 caused damage to road, water, and wastewater infrastructure and created excessive sediment and debris to enter waterways. This potentially increased nutrient and bacteria loading to Lake Erie. LEWPA utilized the model of the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance and was officially formed in 2012 as an alliance of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie counties with the mission to foster collaboration and partnerships within the watershed to address regional water quality and quantity concerns and in doing so, protect and enhance our Lake Erie resource. Through an Intermunicipal Agreement amongst the three counties, the nine-member Board directs LEWPA’s actions and determines priorities for the watershed with guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Board members include a Soil and Water Conservation district member, a regional government representative, and a local government representative from each county. Meetings are open to the public and are attended by water quality stakeholders and representatives from non-profits to ensure water quality issues from soil erosion, urban stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, and development trends at all levels are taken into consideration. In addition, LEWPA interfaces with Canada and other Great Lakes states through the Lake Erie & St. Clair Binational Forum. Most recently, LEWPA has opened discussions with the Seneca Nation of Indians whose lands are within the watershed.
LEWPA began with the task of uniting municipalities in the watershed under the common goal of protecting water resources. With the assistance of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board through 604(b) Clean Water Act funds from NYSDEC, LEWPA was able to hire a coordinator and survey the over 80 municipalities throughout the watershed to determine their greatest water quality challenges. LEWPA has successfully planted trees and shrubs along waterways in all three counties in an effort to restore riparian buffers and reduce stream bank erosion.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WATER
Regional Watershed Planning: Necessary for Conservation
Now, with a grant from the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund, LEWPA is working on expanding the Niagara River Watershed Management Plan to include the Lake Erie watershed territory. The Regional Niagara River Lake Erie Watershed Management Plan – Phase 2 project will result in a Watershed Atlas which will include: Existing water quality reports, county-wide plans, research within the watershed, and additional resources relating to water quality in the project area. Maps characterizing the area including wetlands, parks, aquifers, soil types, as well as stream classifications by state and federal agencies, dam locations, etc. Maps of potential pollution sources such as gas wells, highways crossings over waterways, remediation sites, permitted discharges, etc. This Watershed Atlas will be available online to stakeholders, municipalities, and the public. In addition, a Watershed Characterization Report will describe the watershed utilizing the resources collected above. It is one of the first steps to creating a USEPAapproved Nine Minimum Element Watershed Management Plan (9E Plan) needed for some federal funding opportunities. Additionally, five municipalities within the watershed area will receive an in-depth look at their laws, codes, and regulations as they pertain to water quality. They will receive recommendations on ways to improve water quality through this Local Law Assessment. Finally, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, a non-profit dedicated to protecting water quality, is working on Phase 2 of the Niagara River Watershed Management Plan and is developing project implementation plans for five of the subwatersheds. These plans will help focus financial resources to the water quality projects that will have the most impact. These Watershed Implementation Plans will also contribute toward an approved 9E Plan. Next steps for LEWPA include receiving funding through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund in order to provide necessary water quality monitoring, technical assistance to projects needing design or engineering studies, and implementation funds for demonstration projects. The goal is to be able to track the water quality improvements over time and provide the seed money for projects to go after larger grant resources for implementation. Having Phase 2 of the Regional Niagara River Lake Erie Watershed Management Plan completed will provide a framework for decision making in the region that takes into account ways to conserve our natural assets and to improve our natural resources for the protection of water quality. Making sure that municipalities work together on this common goal to identify water quality issues and address them on a regional basis is critical to ensuring a comprehensive conservation program that respects the need for continued economic development in a sustainable manner. For more information, visit www.erie.gov/ LEWPA.
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WATER
Building Local Capacity for Natural Resource-Based Planning By Laura Heady1, Shorna Allred2, Karen Strong1, and Rich Stedman2 1 Cornell University Department of Natural Resources and Hudson River Estuary Program 2 Cornell University Human Dimensions Research Unit
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recent evaluation of the Hudson River Estuary Program’s outreach and technical assistance program provided insights on municipal capacity needs and barriers to achieving natural resource conservation at the local level. The following article highlights results of the study that may be of particular interest to county leaders. For more details, see Issues 69 and 70 of the Community and Regional Development Institute’s Research & Policy Brief Series at http://cardi. cals.cornell.edu/publications/research-policy-briefs. Spanning more than 54,000 square miles, 13.5% of which is water, New York State’s landscape is a mosaic of diverse ecological communities. The state’s natural heritage includes large, recognizable features such as the Atlantic and Great Lakes coastlines; the Hudson River and Finger Lakes; and expansive forests and high peaks in the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains. At a finer scale, a variety of freshwater and tidal wetlands, streams, floodplains, meadows, woodlands, rocky crests, and other habitats are interspersed across the state. These ecosystems provide essential habitat to tens of thousands of species1, as well as vital benefits to people, including helping to keep drinking water and air clean, absorbing floodwaters, providing for pollination of crops, and presenting opportunities for outdoor recreation. They improve community resilience, support the state’s economy, and contribute to a higher quality of life for its residents. Habitat loss and fragmentation is the number one threat to these ecosystems1. While protection of priority lands and waters continues to be a goal of state agencies, land trusts, and county and municipal governments, a significant amount of New York State’s land is in private ownership. For instance, 76% of forest land in the state is privately owned2. Decisions about future stewardship or development of private lands are made by individuals as well as local legislatures and planning and zoning boards with land-use authority. With over 1,600 towns, cities, and villages in New York State, the impact of their collective land-use decisions can be great, and the role of local planning can be instrumental in balancing future growth with protection of natural resources across municipal boundaries.
Building Capacity in Hudson Valley Municipalities In 2001, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program partnered with Cornell University to address the threat of habitat loss and fragmentation in the estuary watershed. Their Conservation and Land Use Program provides tools, training, funding, and technical assistance to municipal decision makers to build local capacity for adopting land-use practices, plans, and policies that protect natural resources. Local officials from more than half of the 260 municipalities in the estuary watershed have participated in
the program. 3
Outcomes of Program Participation In 2013, Cornell University’s Human Dimensions Research Unit conducted a study to determine how program participants applied what they learned to land-use planning, what associated long-term conservation outcomes (municipal procedures, plans, policies) were achieved, and what were the barriers to success.4 The survey had a 46% response rate, with participants representing a range of positions and boards, including conservation advisory councils (CACs), open space committees, planning boards, and town/village boards, from a total of 79 watershed municipalities. As a result of participating in the Conservation and Land Use Program, 90% of the survey respondents reported that they better understood the principles of conserving biodiversity and factors contributing to its loss and 88% better understood why biodiversity is important. Most respondents said they learned where to go for information on planning for biodiversity (92%), they intended to use the information (91%), and they were better able to inform and influence land-use decisions (80%) as a result of program participation. In addition, the survey found that the program achieved longer-term land-use outcomes. Participants have used program assistance to inform procedures (76% of respondents; 37% of municipalities), especially project review, suggesting revisions to project proposals, and conducting site and habitat assessments. Participants contributed to plans (77% of respondents; 57% of municipalities), including habitat maps, comprehensive plans, open space inventories, and natural resource inventories. Participants also used what they learned from the program to contribute to municipal policies (67% of respondents; 28% of municipalities), particularly zoning updates that conserve natural areas and local laws that reduce development impacts on natural areas.
Municipal Capacity and Barriers to Conservation Actions Two thirds (65%) of respondents indicated the demand for natural resource information to support planning and decision making in their municipalities had increased or greatly increased in the last five years, while 41% stated that the resources available for conservation (like budget, volunteers, or information) had decreased or greatly decreased over the same time period. Respondents identified lack of funding (73%), local politics (64%), inadequate resources to implement and enforce (62%), and lack of support from local leaders (52%) as primary barriers to taking conservation actions. This funding deficit Continued on page 21
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is consistent with recent research on local capacity to address open space conservation in the Hudson Valley. 5 Overall, 42% of respondents felt their municipality did not have adequate procedures, plans, and policies in place to conserve biodiversity. Half of respondents (50%) thought their municipal boards needed more assistance and greater commitment from their leadership to better incorporate biodiversity into land-use and conservation planning. Nearly as many (47%) felt greater coordination between municipal boards and a stronger board mandate would improve procedures, plans, or policies. The researchers also looked at housing density (rural, exurban, and suburban/urban categories) to understand capacity differences. Interestingly, housing density did not predict significant differences in municipal outcomes, suggesting that even small rural municipalities can make progress toward incorporating natural resources into landuse planning.
Insights for Counties Municipalities in New York State have great responsibility to address myriad planning needs, particularly in regions facing more intense land-use issues such as residential and commercial development, energy initiatives like large-scale solar installation or natural gas development, or flood mitigation and resiliency. Building capacity through programming such as that offered by the Conservation and Land Use Program can help to mitigate the deficit in funding resources and foster increased understanding and partnerships necessary for successful, locally-driven conservation planning. Counties can provide leadership in this regard. For example, some county Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs have developed web-based tools for viewing a county-wide natural
resource inventory (NRI) or provide GIS assistance for municipal NRI projects. Similarly, some county planning departments have created tools to assist communities with natural resource-based planning or offer related trainings. County environmental management councils (EMCs) can provide a forum for peer-to-peer learning by members of municipal CACs. Where possible, county budgets may provide needed financial-capacity building. Finally, counties are well-situated to encourage intermunicipal cooperation that supports watershed or regional planning, which is more effective for considering large, natural systems that span local boundaries, such as streams, unfragmented forests, and ridgelines. In addition to increased capacity, achieving local conservation actions with meaningful regional outcomes requires leadership and coordination; counties are in a position to provide that vision and support. Johnson, E. A. and D. Smith, eds. 2006. Legacy: Conserving New York State's Biodiversity. American Museum of Natural History, New York State Biodiversity Research Institute, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy, Albany, N.Y. 100 p. 1
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Widmann, R. H. 2015. Forests of New York, 2014. Resource Update FS-59. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 4 p. 2
Strong, K., L. Heady, S. Allred, R. Stedman, and C. Tse. 2015. Conservation and land use: engaging municipal officials in improving natural resource-based planning. CaRDI Research & Policy Brief. Issue Number 69. 3
Allred, S., R. Stedman, L. Heady, K. Strong, and Tse, C. 2015. Conservation and land use: linking municipal capacity and biodiversity outcomes. CaRDI Research & Policy Brief. Issue Number 70. 4
Larson, L.R., T.B. Lauber, and D.L. Kay. 2014. Building local capacity to respond to environmental change: lessons from New York State. CaRDI Research & Policy Brief. Issue Number 63. 5
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WATER
Cayuga County Plan Minimizes Potential Negative Impacts of Manure on Water Quality By Nick Colas, Principal Analyst, Cayuga County Department of Planning and Economic Development
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ince the beginning of organized agriculture, farmers have understood the value of livestock manure as a soil amendment useful in improving farm production. By replacing soil nutrients, the application of manure to farmland contributes to increased crop yield. If not managed carefully, however, manure can pollute our water resources. Agriculture is the dominant land use in Cayuga County. With 891 farms and more than 238,000 acres of farmland, the county ranks second in the State in the total value of agricultural products sold. The largest number of agricultural operations in the county are dairy farms. The county ranks 39th out of all U.S. counties in the value of the milk its farms produce. If the total land area of the county is taken into account and the value of milk sold is calculated on a per acre basis, Cayuga County ranks 13th among the top milk producing counties in the nation, a testament to the resourcefulness and efficiency of local farmers. Management of the manure produced by the approximately 72,000 cattle and calves in Cayuga County can be challenging. Fortunately, the vast majority of farmers realize that it is in everyone's best interest that they handle and utilize manure in a manner that is protective of water quality. But changes in the dairy industry driven by both supply and demand factors on a global scale put pressure on farms to grow larger and concentrate manure applications onto a relatively smaller land base. Understandably, in places such as Cayuga County where critically important environmental areas include 133 miles of shoreline of lakes and ponds, the public
is increasingly uneasy about the risk of pollution as livestock production grows in intensity. Public concern about manure runoff incidents that occurred on frozen and saturated ground during the winter of 2013-2014 in Cayuga County and across the State prompted the formation of the Cayuga County Manure Management Working Group. This group is a committee organized by County Legislators Keith Batman and Michael Didio to investigate how practices involving the storage, application, processing, and transport of manure can be improved so that their negative impacts on water quality are minimized. After considering public input provided at a community forum held in October of 2014, the Working Group appointed an Advisory Committee comprised of both farmers and non-farmers to make recommendations addressing manure management issues. The Advisory Committee released a report summarizing its conclusions in May of 2015 and presented it at a second community meeting where attendees had the opportunity to offer additional input on the subject. Over a period of months following the release of the Advisory Committee’s Recommendation Report, the Working Group met to consider all of the suggestions that had been made and discuss how best to put the Advisory Committee’s report into action. A draft of the Working Group’s plan titled Improving Manure Management: A Fourteen-Point Countywide Agenda for Action was presented at a third public meeting held in November of 2015 and
revised in response to comments received. In February of this year the Cayuga County Legislature unanimously voted to adopt the final draft, the full text of which may be accessed via a “Manure Management” link on the County Planning Department’s website at: http://www.cayugacounty.us/Departments/ Planning-and-Economic-Development/ Environmental-Protection The following is an abbreviated summary of the county’s program of action for improving manure management:
Planning and Research 1. Determine priority nutrient management research needs and endorse proposals that address them. 2. Prepare watershed management plans that include the elements identified by the EPA as critical for achieving improvements in water quality.
Standards and Practices 3. Develop a comprehensive set of clearly specified, locally appropriate set of recommended standards for manure management. 4. Determine what field conditions must exist and what management practices must be followed in order for manure application on frozen, snow-covered and/or saturated soil to be considered acceptable. 5. Implement a program promoting the standards developed in Nos. 3 and 4 above.
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Compliance and Enforcement 6. Request records compiled by the NYSDEC relating to complaints regarding manure activities. 7. Analyze NYSDEC records relating to complaints relating to manure activities to determine if issues of concern to the county are adequately addressed. 8. Share with the NYSDEC any concerns that an analysis of records relating to complaints regarding manure activities may raise. 9. Call upon enforcement officials to be especially watchful of farmers providing livestock with direct, unrestricted access to streams. 10. Adopt a resolution urging the State Legislature to approve using fines
collected from farms that have been found to violate water pollution control regulations to fund the establishment of nutrient management practices in the same region.
Education and Communication 11. Create a branding and communications plan for the County’s Water Quality Management Agency (WQMA). 12. Sponsor conferences on water quality and sustainable agriculture. 13. Expand the WQMA’s website to include more useful information on manure handling. 14. Discuss with local educators how best to improve opportunities for students to learn about the relationships between water quality and farm activities.
The plan identifies the agencies charged with carrying out the action items, and these “responsible parties” have submitted preliminary project plans to the Working Group. Due to the combined efforts of many Cayuga County residents, this process, while not easy, has been productive thus far. It is clear that our community of farmers and non-farmers values clean water as well as a viable agricultural economy. Now the hardest work begins. The Working Group shares the view expressed by its Advisory Committee that implementation “…will require the investment of significantly more time and resources by a variety of individuals and agencies, but we are confident that our fellow citizens including our governmental representatives are equal to the task.”
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES FARMLAND
Cultivate New York: An Agenda to Protect Farmland for Growing Food and the Economy By David Haight New York State Director, American Farmland Trust
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ood connects all New Yorkers. Everyone needs food to live and hundreds of thousands of people in New York make their living on farms or from businesses associated with farming and food processing. The foundation of this food system is farmers, and the agricultural land that they need for growing food. With less than 3 percent of the Earth’s surface suitable for farming, fertile soil is a precious resource. And, as global food production needs to increase by 70 percent by 2050, it is going to become even more valuable. The United States is home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of fertile soil. Tragically, millions of acres of farmland have been destroyed in this country by poorly planned real estate development. In New York alone, roughly 5,000 farms have been paved over since the early 1980s – put differently, an average of 3 farms a week have been destroyed for over 30 years.
Saving Farmland in NYS In response to this crisis, Governor Mario Cuomo and the New York State Legislature passed the Agricultural Protection Act in 1992, creating the state’s Farmland Protection Program. The program began by offering funding and assistance to counties to develop agricultural and farmland protection plans. Since that time, more than 50 counties have developed plans that have spurred important accomplishments across New York including: retention and expansion of agricultural districts, development of county-funded farmland protection programs, and creation of agricultural economic development strategies. Recently, the state began to offer funding to counties to update agriculture and farmland protection plans over 10 years old, as well as to municipalities to create their own local plans. By the end of April 2016 the state will have awarded 23 grants for updating county agriculture and farmland protection plans and 82 planning grants to towns for a total of $2,335,720. In 1996, state law was amended and the Farmland Protection Program began offering funds, sourced from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, to aid local governments in permanently protecting farmland. By the end of 2015, the State of New York had invested $140,306,211 to aid farm families, local governments and land trusts in protecting 59,510 acres on 222 farms. To mark this 20th anniversary, American Farmland Trust has released a new report, Cultivate New York: An Agenda to Protect Farmland for Growing Food and the Economy. That report celebrates two decades of state funding to conserve agricultural land and provides a road map for the achievement of important new goals, including the protection of 1,000 farms in the next decade.
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Looking to the Future of Farmland Preservation Last year, New York invested the highest level of funding in the state’s history and became a national leader in funding the conservation of working farmland. Yet much more needs to be done. New York has helped permanently protect less than 1 percent of the state’s agricultural land and lags far behind neighboring states, such as Pennsylvania, in protecting the farmland needed for farming and growing food. In the meantime new threats to New York’s farms, such as the need to transition farmland to new and next generation farmers and climate change, are emerging. Cultivate New York: An Agenda to Protect Farmland for Growing Food and the Economy celebrates accomplishments of the last 20 years, while offering new evidence of threats to farmland in New York and the urgent need for action. It reflects input from farmers, local governments, land trusts and other key stakeholders and suggests a road map to protecting the state’s irreplaceable farmland. Cultivate New York offers 14 recommendations for action organized under 4 goals: Goal 1: Invest in Making New York a National Leader in Protecting the Land to Grow Food and the Economy. Goal 2: Improve Capacity to Protect Farms Quickly and Efficiently. Goal 3: Enable the Transition of Farmland to New and Next Generation Farmers. Goal 4: Plan to Conserve Farmland Resources for a Resilient Farm and Food Economy in New York. New York is uniquely poised to have a farm and food economy that feeds millions of state residents, and serves as a cornerstone of the state’s economic future for years to come. Protecting farmland is a key component of ensuring that such a vision becomes reality. On the 20th anniversary of state funding for permanently protecting working farmland, it is vital that New York renew its commitment to protecting this precious resource. Cultivate New York is available online at www.farmland.org/ cultivateNY
By Omay Elphick Gravity Renewables
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ew York’s history is linked deeply to our waterways. Our history of economic growth follows water: from the mills that were built on our rivers and streams beginning in the 17th Century to the Erie Canal which helped make New York the financial and industrial capital of the world.
The Legacy and Potential of Small Hydro “Small hydro” is part of that history. Small hydro refers to the development of hydroelectric power on a scale serving a small community or industrial plant. Small hydro has been important to New York’s economy in all regions of the state. Drive along any highway and you’ll notice the names of towns and cities that reflect that legacy: Amsterdam, Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Lyons Falls, Potsdam, Beacon Falls, Hoosick Falls—or any of the countless place names that have dam, falls or mill. What has been true throughout our history is still true today—New York is home to some of the best small hydro facilities and potential in the country, hosting over 200 small hydroelectric facilities under 20MW. With a combined capacity of approximately 830MW, these hydroelectric plants represent a resource nearly equivalent to the Fitzpatrick nuclear power plant. These numerous plants provide clean, renewable energy and hundreds of jobs to the region.
Struggles and Solutions But too many of these hydro projects have fallen into disrepair, remain underutilized or are simply struggling. Volatile energy prices and a lack of investment have meant trouble for many of these facilities. Without predictable revenue, owners and operators of these facilities are forced to defer maintenance or sometimes even walk away. Operators of small hydro projects that are focused on just getting by are rarely able to invest in modernization, safety and production enhancements. There are facilities throughout New York State not currently operating, most because of unfavorable economic conditions.
Chittenden Falls, on the Kinderhook Creek in Columbia County, is a great example. The site first started generating power in 1810 and was even the subject of a 1981 John McPhee essay, “MiniHydro,” published in the New Yorker. A lack of predictable revenue had meant the facility had started to fall into disrepair.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY
Small Hydro: New York’s Past and Future
Revitalizing these underutilized facilities can play an important part in powering our state’s clean energy future. Counties— and other large energy consumers like colleges—all across the state have the opportunity to employ small hydro to provide clean, local power while supporting the local economy.
Chittenden Falls powerhouse, Columbia County - Chittenden Falls waterfall, wooden penstock and remote powerhouse, Stockport, Columbia County. Photo by Patrick Cashin. In 2014, Skidmore College signed an agreement with Gravity Renewables. Now, the Chittenden Falls facility has been refurbished—renovations include an on-site classroom that will serve as a learning resource for students and faculty. The facility is
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back online and will be producing 4 million kWh each year for the College. Columbia County benefits from the local investment, preserved jobs, and local spending.
County Support for Small Hydro: A Win-Win Some innovative counties in New York have also recognized the opportunity and are already taking advantage of these local resources. Signing long-term power purchase agreements for small hydro to protect themselves against volatile energy costs while providing the revenue certainty required to allow the owner-operators to invest in rehabilitating their facilities. Tompkins and St. Lawrence counties are leading the way. Each are committed to purchasing power from local small hydro facilities. St. Lawrence County’s agreement, for example, will bring up to 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year of clean hydropower. The county receives the energy from the plant through remote net metering. The move to local hydropower helps to stabilize their energy costs and allows the county to realize modest savings—but they’re accomplishing so much more. Refurbishing small hydro facilities pays triple dividends back to the county: First, it ensures the facility will not fall into disrepair. Failing dams can pose a danger by making local communities vulnerable to flooding—a rising threat as climate change drives more extreme weather events. In Pennsylvania, when a neglected project on the Susquehanna River experienced a dam breach, the license-holder walked away, leaving the project as the responsibility of the state.
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Mill Pond generators, Town of Leeds, Greene County. Photo by Charlie Samuels. The second dividend these facilities provide is supporting the local tax base. In counties like St. Lawrence, run-of-river small hydro contributes approximately 6% of the property tax base—revenue that is predictable and reliable for the county. The third dividend coming back to the county is local jobs. Each facility requires workers to keep it operating smoothly and efficiently—local trades and local staff that will have work for the lifetime of the agreement. Taken together, the triple dividend is significant with each small hydro project bringing at least $100,000 per year in local economic benefits in the form of property taxes, jobs, and local spending. The Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA)—an aggregator of electricity, natural gas and renewable power that works with counties and municipalities across New York—also understands the potential with local hydro. MEGA’s
primary objective is to achieve the most competitive prices for electricity and natural gas for its members in order to minimize the cost of energy. Beginning in 2014, MEGA and Gravity partnered in a multi-year collaboration during which Gravity serves as the preferred provider of energy from small hydroelectric sites to MEGA participants, municipalities and public agencies around New York. Through the MEGA partnership, Gravity Renewables has secured the first 10 million kilowatt hours of commitments—and that’s a fantastic start. New York’s colleges and universities are also participating, with Skidmore College, St. Lawrence University, and Vassar College signing long-term agreements. There are many small hydro facilities that still need re-investment. These facilities offer counties and municipalities an opportunity to stabilize their energy costs and preserve upstate New York’s energy legacy for the future.
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY
The POWER Plus Plan: Economic Development for NYS Counties in the Appalachian Region By Angelo Catalano, NYSAC Legislative Intern
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he United States is undergoing a rapid energy production shift, changing the way electricity is generated and used across the country. Due to booming natural gas production, declining costs of renewable energy, increases in energy efficiency, and the flattening of electricity demands, these trends are producing cleaner air, healthier communities, and spurring new jobs and industries nationwide. This change comes at a cost in places like the Appalachian Region, where workers and communities rely on the coal industry as a source of steady employment and economic prosperity. President Barack Obama has proposed the POWER Plus (POWER+) Plan to help communities adapt to the changing energy landscape. The POWER+ Plan invests in job training, job creation, economic diversification, and other economic efforts in communities that have experienced the impact of the declining coal industry.
In 2010 there were seven coal plants in New York State, three of which were located within New York’s Appalachian Region. These plants included the Cayuga Power Station in Tompkins County, the Dunkirk Generating Station in Chautauqua County, and the Westover Power Station in Broome County. The Cayuga Power Station is the only currently active plant while the Westover Power Station retired in 2011 and the Dunkirk Generating Station has been idle indefinitely since December 31, 2015. In 2013, only 3.5% of the generated electricity of the state came from coal while the majority came from natural gas (39.2%), nuclear (33.1%), and hydroelectric (18.6%) production. In comparison to the rest of the Appalachian Region, New York’s Appalachian municipalities experience greater economic prosperity and job diversification due to the state’s overall strong and diverse job market.
According to The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Appalachia is a 205,000-square-mile region that follows the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to northern Mississippi. It includes all of West Virginia and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. The region does not have a specific geographical or legal boundary, but is united through shared history, culture, and the environment within and surrounding the mountains of eastern North America.
Federal Funding for POWER+
New York's Appalachian Region New York’s Appalachian region encompasses the entire Southern Tier of the state. These 14 counties include Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany County in the Western Region, Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung County in the Central Region, and Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, and Schoharie County in the Eastern Region. The Appalachian Region's economy, once highly dependent on mining, forestry, agriculture, and chemical and heavy industries, has increasingly become diversified in recent years. Its poverty rate decreased from 31% in 1960 to 17% over the 2009–2013 period and the number of high-poverty counties in the region (those with poverty rates more than 1.5 times the U.S. average) declined from 295 in 1960 to 90 over the 2009–2013 period. The coal industry of the region has been on a steady decline since the early 1980s, especially in central Appalachia. Kentucky had an estimated 41,000 jobs in the coal industry in 1983 while in 2012 had only 24,100. Similarly in West Virginia, where in 1983 there were 38,000 jobs compared to 2012 with only 16,900.
President Obama’s POWER+ Plan includes unprecedented investments in health and retirement security for mineworkers and their families and the accelerated clean-up of hazardous coal abandoned mine lands. The Plan also provides new tax incentives to support continued technological development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technologies. The FY 2016 Federal Budget provides $20 million specifically to support workers dislocated from coal mines and coal-fired power plants, funded through grants provided by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Dislocated Workers National Reserve. The budget also provides $25 million for the ARC, which will be directed specifically to those Appalachian communities most affected by the coal economy transition and will support a range of economic development planning and implementation activities. This includes developing entrepreneurial ecosystems, facilitate access to capital investments and new markets, and will address barriers related to adequate water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure. USDA Rural Development is provided $12 million for Rural Economic Development (RED) grants through the budget, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be provided $5 million designated exclusively for AWP grants targeted to communities affected by the retirement of coal-fired power plants. In order to address the influx of abandoned coal mines in communities with previously coal-driven economies, the budget makes $1 billion (available to States and Tribes), over 5 years, from the unappropriated balance of the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, administered by the Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). The funding would Continued on page 29
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be used for the reclamation of abandoned coal mine land sites and associated polluted waters in a manner that promotes sustainable redevelopment in economically distressed coal country communities. Another $2 billion will be provided by the budget in refundable investment tax credits to new and retrofitted electric generating units (EGUs) that deploy carbon capture technology. These are only a few of the initiatives included in the POWER+ Plan to offset the issues created in areas transitioning away from coal economies. To see a detailed list with all agencies involved, please read “Investing in Coal Communities, Workers, and Technology: The POWER+ Plan” section of The President’s Budget: Fiscal Year 2016. The Appalachian Region has, and will continue to be, affected by the transition and it is necessary to provide communities with the proper resources and funding to stay afloat. New York State counties in Appalachia could potentially benefit from the POWER+ Plan, especially those who have seen closures of power stations that powered New York for generations.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY
The Environmental Protection Fund Climate Account
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ew York’s 2016-2017 enacted budget increases the EPF to $300 million and includes a new climate change mitigation and adaptation account totaling $22 million, including $14 million for a municipal competitive grant program for climate protection activities and municipal rebates for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) and associated infrastructure. The remaining $8 million supports State Vulnerability Assessments, greenhouse gas reductions from the transportation sector and steps to reduce methane emissions, as well as funding for competitive grants to farms to reduce emissions and improve resiliency.
• NYSHIP is available to virtually all public employers across New York State
Climate Smart Communities Grants The competitive Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant Program will provide 50/50 matching grants to municipalities to conduct climate adaptation and mitigation projects. Up to $10.5 million will be distributed for implementation projects that advance the use of natural resiliency measures in climate protection, address risks to climate-vulnerable facilities, conserve or restore riparian areas or tidal marsh migration areas, reduce flood risk, and develop clean transportation networks and programs or facilities for food waste reduction and recycling. In addition, up to $500,000 will be awarded for projects that undertake eligible Climate Smart Communities Certification Actions, with an emphasis on developing future climate adaptation and mitigation implementation projects.
• Over 800 counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts and special districts participate in NYSHIP
The CSC Grant Program will be offered through the NYS Consolidated Funding Application (https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa/index.cfm). All counties, cities, towns and villages of the State of New York are eligible for funding. No more than 50% of the available funding will go to cities and towns with population size greater than 100,000.
Municipal Rebates for ZEVs and Infrastructure The ZEV Municipal Rebate Program will provide rebates toward the cost of eligible infrastructure projects which support the development of clean vehicles (up to $250,000 per facility), and toward the cost of eligible purchases of clean vehicles (up to $5,000). A total of $3,000,000 will be distributed under this program on a first-come, first-served basis. The rebate program is still in development and will not be available through the Consolidated Funding Application. DEC will provide more information about this exciting new program when it becomes available later this year.
For More Information • Additional information on the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, and other Climate Smart Communities tools and resources, can be found on the NYSDEC website at http:// www.dec.ny.gov/energy/76483.html or by contacting the Office of Climate Change, 518-402-8448 or climatechange@dec.ny.gov.
• More than 1.2 million public employees, retirees and their families have health insurance through NYSHIP
A unique health insurance plan developed for New York’s public employees For additional information regarding The Empire Plan, public employers may visit our web site at www.cs.ny.gov or call the Employee Benefits Division of the New York State Health Insurance Program at 518.485.1771 New York State Department of Civil Service, Employee Benefits Division
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By Deb Christy, St Lawrence County Trails Coordinator being of our citizens, while conserving the natural resources for future generations.
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t. Lawrence County has an abundance of beautiful, natural landscapes, but needed a multi-use recreational trail system so that residents and visitors could access and enjoy the beauty up close.
Trail plans were carried out with the direct input and assistance of the towns that the trail passes through. The board provides trail construction and maintenance standards in a manner that prevents environmental degradation and protects environmentally sensitive areas. The system includes off-road trails located on public and private lands, as well as county and town roads that presently are opened for such use by the governing municipality. Portions of the trail will also be comprised of long-standing snowmobile trails where such trails are deemed useable during non-snowmobile seasons. The trail includes signage, parking, and kiosks and connects to Franklin County on the east and Lewis County on the west. The regional approach encourages community connections. This connectivity throughout the county is what makes the system work, both locally and in drawing tourism dollars from beyond county borders.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES MOUNTAINS & FORESTS
St. Lawrence County’s New Recreation Trails Promote, Protect Natural Resources
The St. Lawrence County Legislature determined that the creation and management of a county-wide multi-use recreational trail system would benefit both the people of St. Lawrence County and the environment by creating a county-sponsored trail system, making resources available to responsibly manage and maintain an existing recreation resource, and providing insight on potential future trail development. The Legislature formed the Recreational Trails Advisory Board in 2006 and later contracted with a trail coordinator in 2013. Trail plans were developed to provide and encourage the wise use of bountiful natural resources for a variety of activities, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and ATVing. Responsible use of ATV's was an important part of trail planning in St. Lawrence County, in response to greatly increased usage and a corresponding demand for safe and legal trails. The goal of the trails board was to provide guidance and standards in the design of an integrated trail that connects towns and allows greater access to open space and existing resources, to stimulate economic growth, create greater recreation and educational opportunities, increase tourism, and to promote the health and well-
This year, the board will open the newest section of trail, which connects the scenic Brasher and Ft Jackson State Forests along with the towns of Brasher, Lawrence, and Stockholm. The new section links with the existing East Section of trail, starting at Franklin County and connecting through Hopkinton to Parishville, completing 100 miles of connecting trails. The Multi-Use Trail includes stand-alone trails for mountain biking and hiking. Continued on page 32
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES MOUNTAINS & FORESTS
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Business owners throughout the North Country realize the potential the trail brings. ATV/UTV riders clearly want trails that will take them from one destination to another, without having to trailer in between. They want to go from one place offering amenities — food, lodging,
St. Lawrence County and the towns have worked together to build this economic plan to enhance our regional competitiveness, improve our service businesses, and offer something unique to visitors from outside the area. A good multi-use trail system creates a new stream of tourists flowing through St Lawrence County and surrounding counties. Visitors are expected to arrive by car and will seek additional services at trail heads. We believe this trail system will increase business traffic at exisiting businesses, serve as a catalyst for new business development such as hotels and restaurants, and increase sales for outdoor recreational businesses. The additional sales tax and income from registrations will help town and county tax bases. Tourism is already a one billion dollar industry in the North Country. With its low upfront investment cost and quicker returns on investment than many other industries, it is well positioned to drive a new North Country economy while complementing other strategic clusters of economic activity.
entertainment, trail provisions, local attractions — to another, and be able to stay awhile. Long distance trail users will travel throughout the county, extending both their visits and related spending. St. Lawrence County is encouraging this relatively new and promising recreational and tourism asset which, like snowmobiling, will become a major and welcome shot in the arm for a region bereft of manufacturing jobs. The county’s main attraction is its natural resources, its wild and remote mystique, and the entrepreneurship and hospitality of its people. The trail is part of a county and statewide effort to provide opportunities to exercise, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce obesity. Numerous studies have proven the health benefits of trails to all users, from hikers and cyclists to ATV and snowmobile users. In addition, a good trail system allows for the youngest and oldest of our population to access our wonderful outdoors. People with disabilities benefit greatly from easy entry and well maintained terrain.
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Year-round tourism promotes a more sustainable, stable economy and more jobs; it’s the most likely growth for this region and will attract other types of investment. If the multi-use trail increases tourism in St. Lawrence County by just one percent, an additional $1.15 million would be added to the economy. One percent would support $440,000 in wages and generate almost $140,000 in local and state taxes. If tourism were to add 5 percent to local tourism, it would generate $5.7 million in spending. Without this trail system there is little incentive for ATV users to register their machines, which deprives the county and state income (if the ATV weight limit was increased to include UTV’s their income would double). The benefits of recreational trails are well researched and documented. Trails contribute to local economies, build pride, and put regions “on the map.” They offer a wide range of both tangible and intangible rewards: physical, mental and emotional rewards that increase the quality of life for trail users and those proximate to them. Most tangible, however, are the economic benefits.
By Ellen Pratt, Tioga County Materials Recovery Manager
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ioga County, like all counties in the state, has waste disposal and recycling issues which have both environmental and economic costs. These issues reduce the effectiveness of our businesses, increase pressures on the environment through greenhouse gas emissions and loss of natural resources that harms the vitality of our communities. The economic burden is amplified in Tioga County due to the lack of a landfill within the county.
This initiative creates a more sustainable economy, including valueadded products from materials that currently end up in landfills or rot on our landscapes. Innovative and traditional approaches by businesses located in Tioga County such as Upstate ShreddingWeitsman Recycling and Taylor Garbage as well as new businesses such as Crown Cork & Seal are presenting tremendous opportunities for sustainability with the added bonus of increased beautification of Tioga County. One of the initial steps toward zero waste began in 2008 when Tioga County Solid Waste and Upstate Shredding-Weitsman R e c yc l i n g c r e a t e d a n innovative tire cleanup program. Upstate ShreddingWeitsman donated $50,000 over five years to initiate “tire clean up events” within Tioga County. Through these events, the county has provided a safe and economical method for both residents and municipalities to dispose of tires. In the first five years, we safely disposed of/recycled over 400 tons of tires.
Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling facility in Owego, NY (photo provided by Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling).
Tioga County Solid Waste has partnered with Tioga County Economic Development & Planning, as well as local businesses as part of a drive for a “Zero Waste” county. “Zero Waste” means that 90% of the waste generated in Tioga County will be diverted from landfills. Achieving “Zero Waste” is included in Tioga County’s current Strategic Plan.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WASTE MANAGEMENT
Tioga County Strives to be a “Zero Waste” Community
In 2012, Upstate ShreddingWeitsman Recycling donated another $50,000 over five years to continue this successful program. Over the past 8 years, we have safely disposed of/recycled over 800 tons of tires.
Taylor Garbage, in conjunction with Tioga County Solid Waste, has a clear and simple vision: Make Tioga County a “Zero Waste” community. Through waste and hauling reductions, recycling, and eventually construction and demolition (C&D) recycling and composting, Taylor Garbage is a key partner in helping Continued on page 34
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COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WASTE MANAGEMENT
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Tioga County achieve this goal. Taylor Garbage has leveraged more than three decades of experience, intellectual assets, and the ability to bridge business and government, including over $7 million in capital investments at their new complex in Apalachin. Their expertise helps Tioga County and the region build awareness of existing opportunities and the community ability to successfully implement “Zero Waste” strategies. Part of this strategy, for both Taylor Garbage and Tioga County Solid Waste, was successfully initiated in 2008 through an educational campaign aimed to change residents' attitudes toward waste and to support the “Zero Waste” plan in Tioga County. Tioga County Economic Development & Planning has supported business growth and development through value-added commodities and new product development; fostering talent and entrepreneurship; and workforce development. They are assisting with a potential major expansion of Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling in the construction of a reinforcing steel manufacturing operation using scrap metal that has been processed in the Southern Tier Region and beyond. This project will leverage millions of dollars in private investment and wages and would create over 400 jobs. This expansion would re-invigorate the local manufacturing sector, provide manufacturing opportunities for our displaced workforce, and create new businesses by reusing, reprocessing and remanufacturing items that would have otherwise been exported out of the region or country, been abandoned on our landscape or placed in a landfill. Tioga County Economic Development & Planning has also brought new businesses to the area. For example Crown Cork & Seal is building a high-speed beverage can manufacturing facility in Tioga County. This facility will be a commercial energy efficiency project which enhances the sustainability of the project. Crown Cork & Seal's mantra is “Metal Recycles Forever." To their consumers, they promote the inherent recyclability of their packaging as well as encourage recycling of these products, which supports both Crown Cork & Seal’s and Tioga County’s sustainability efforts.
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Historically, the Southern Tier was New York State's manufacturing belt. This Zero Waste initiative has encouraged re-identification of Tioga County as a remanufacturing, value-added sector, taking waste products and creating marketable products. By developing partnerships with local businesses, Tioga County will be able to promote research & development using green remanufacturing. It will identify the current recycling/reuse markets in the Southern Tier; address challenges for recycling/reuse in the Southern Tier such as market value, most volatile markets, materials transported great distances, hard-to-recycle/ manage materials; and promote locally-made recycled, repurposed, and remanufactured products. This will host reuse and recycling manufacturing industries using materials generated right here in Tioga County and beyond. This initiative moves Tioga County towards “Zero Waste.” We want to increase the region's use of recycled materials, and support recycling/remanufacturing businesses that are looking to start-up or expand in the Southern Tier. While this article primarily talks about local businesses with respect to “Zero Waste” efforts in Tioga County, it cannot be just one sector to be a “Zero Waste” community. Waste and recycling is not just an environmental issue, it is also an economic and philosophical issue. From county programs and intentions to businesses and residents, we must work together to conserve our natural resources and change the paradigm.
By Jill Luther, NYSAC Program Administrator
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lectronic waste, or e-waste, is a term for electronic products that have reached the end of their useful life. As technology advances we are seeing an increase in the generation of e-waste. This waste includes no longer wanted, broken, or obsolete devices such as old computers, TVs, fax machines, VCRs, and DVD players. In recent years, the management of e-waste has dramatically changed and the law now requires these items to be recycled in an environmentally responsible way, rather than placed in the trash.
in computers) are sold. The manufacturers may also purchase the e-waste (by weight) from the recycler, to satisfy the minimum statemandated performance standards for e-waste collection.
Recycling e-waste protects our health and the environment by diverting thousands of pounds of hazardous waste from landfills and incinerators, and preventing toxic chemicals and elements like lead, mercury and cadmium from contaminating our valuable natural resources.
Approximately 70% of the total weight of e-waste collected is comprised of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), and due to the toxic chemicals contained within them they have little value and are costintensive to recycle. To further compound this issue, the commodity market is in constant fluctuation, meaning the price received for the salvageable elements of e-waste changes regularly, impacting the demand for the salvaged components.
The New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act was signed into law on May 28, 2010 and has been in effect since 2011. It requires manufacturers to manage and fund programs for the collection and recycling of e-waste in New York State. This law is intended, in part to, relieve local municipalities of the costly burden of managing hazardous e-waste and provide free and convenient recycling of electronics to consumers and businesses through-out the state. The initial law focused primarily on commercial e-waste, however beginning January 1, 2015, the Act went further and prohibited household e-waste from being placed in the trash or at the curbside for trash pickup. Electronic equipment manufacturers who sell in New York State are responsible for providing free and convenient recycling collection for their products. When consumers purchase new electronic devices (covered under the Act), they may also drop off one piece of similar e-waste of any manufacturer's brand, and manufactures are required to accept it for recycling or reuse. Each manufacturer must also achieve goals set by the state for the minimum amount of e-waste they collect annually, or pay a penalty. Following the ban, due to both programmatic struggles and a lack of manufacturer support, a growing number of local municipal solid waste systems have been faced with bearing more of the financial responsibility for continued e-waste collection. Residents either turn to their local governments for assistance, or out of frustration, are leaving TVs and electronics on the side of the road where municipal Departments of Public Works (DPWs) have to pick it up. In either case, the local municipality is tasked with managing this waste. Municipalities contract with recyclers for the removal of the e-waste they collect. These contracts generally include a negotiated price the municipality will pay to the recycler on a per ton basis, for their services. Recyclers have two primary options for generating revenue off of the e-waste they collect from local governments. Typically, the e-waste is dismantled and the valuable components (like precious metals used
Once the recyclers have extracted all possible value from the e-waste collected, (through salvage or selling to manufactures) they reimburse the municipality for pennies on the pound of what they took. This small reimbursement generally does little to reduce the financial burden on local governments.
COUNTIES & NATURAL RESOURCES WASTE MANAGEMENT
Electronic Waste and Local Governments
At the time the Act was drafted, experts underestimated the volume of electronics in the marketplace, particularly electronics containing CRTs. There are reports that some recyclers are stockpiling CRTs to dispose of them if (or when) an outlet develops, creating dangerous environmental conditions in the meantime. The Act overall has succeeded in increasing e-waste recovery, however, the requirements for manufacturer collection are not keeping pace with the amount of e-waste being generated. Once the required performance standard has been met, the manufacturer has little incentive to continue paying the recycler for these products, which means the recycler either stops accepting e-waste from local governments or charges more for continued service. Although still in compliance with current law, insufficient manufacturer support is causing instability in the electronics recycling market for counties and local governments. Municipalities, therefore, are still facing significant costs to comply with the Act’s e-waste disposal ban. The 2016/17 enacted New York State Budget provides a $3 million allocation out of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) appropriation for municipal recycling and waste reduction projects. It is anticipated that this money will be made available to local governments for reimbursement toward the cost of e-waste recycling programs. The budget also expands eligible uses for EPF funding to include marketing for a secondary productive reuse of CRTs. This reimbursement is a great step forward, but will not fully eliminate the cost to local governments and still fails to meet the original intent of the law, which is to relieve local governments of the costly burden of managing e-waste, and to provide free and convenient recycling of e-waste to consumers and businesses. For additional information on this funding, please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
How the State Budget Prioritizes Spending By Dave Lucas NYSAC, Director of Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs
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n recent years the state budget process has become more predictable and disciplined. Governor Cuomo’s insistence on enacting on-time budgets and within certain spending restraints forces deadlines to be met and tough decisions to be made. The spending restraint comes in the form of a two percent spending cap on state operating funds (which excludes federal aid and capital spending). For the 2017 state fiscal year this cap is built upon a spending base of about $96 billion upon which spending can grow by two percent. Building upon this overarching budget framework state leaders must then figure out how to prioritize spending across all programs. The first priority designated by the Governor and state leaders is providing general growth factors for school aid and Medicaid. For school aid, allowable annual growth is linked to the growth in personal income, which has been averaging in the 4 percent range the last couple of years (the state has exceeded this allowable growth in recent years). For Medicaid, allowable growth is linked to the 10-year average growth in health care costs, which will be 3.4 percent in 2017. These two programs also happen to be the largest spending items in the state budget.
Summary of State Spending When you look at total spending commitments in this year’s state budget it amounts to just under $200 billion spread over several years in state, federal and special revenues. The actual cash behind these commitments for the 12 months April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017 is closer to $155 billion. What is not included in this $155 billion amount is more than $12 billion in county and New York City taxes raised in support of state mandated spending. Mainly for Medicaid and public assistance programs provided through local social services districts. In addition, more than $35 billion in local property taxes raised by school districts to provide education services is not included in the $155 billion. The state prioritizes spending in several key areas: Medicaid and Public Health Insurance programs – $70 billion, about 36 percent of total state spending commitments; K-12 and Higher Education – $49 billion, about 25 percent of state spending; Transportation – $18 billion, just over 9 percent of state spending; Social Services, Labor (mainly unemployment insurance benefits) & Housing – nearly $16 billion, about 8 percent of state spending; and Mental Health and Public Health – $10 billion, about 5 percent of state spending.
The chart below provides a breakdown of total state funding commitments in the SFY 2016-17 enacted budget.
Total State Funding Commitments, ($196 Billion) State Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget (Covers Multiple Years)
As the chart shows, nearly 70 percent of all spending that runs through the state budget falls into three major buckets; Medicaid, education and transportation. With the two largest spending items in the state budget (Medicaid and School Aid) given priority increases before all other programs, it means everything else in the state budget pretty much must be held flat, or cut, to make the budget work. As mentioned, we must also remember that counties and New York City contribute over $12 billion annually to pay for state mandated Medicaid and social service programs. This local spending is not recognized in the State Financial Plan even though without this contribution of local funds the state programs could not be implemented. If this locally raised funding was formally accounted for and recognized in the State Financial Plan it would equal about 15 percent of the State General Fund. Continued on page 37
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The actions taken by the state to maintain fiscal discipline trickle down to all local governments because the amount of state aid, reimbursement, or lack thereof, directly impacts the finances and budgets of local governments. This is especially true for counties which provide a large share of direct funding and local staff to implement state programs.
How a Spending Cap Differs from a Revenue Cap The prioritization of spending in the state budget and its impact on local governments brings to the forefront a significant state policy goal that needs further clarification. While the state maintains a self-imposed spending cap of two percent, this differs significantly from the revenue cap placed on local governments by the state (the property tax cap). A spending cap on total operating funds will always be proportionally larger than a cap on revenue in the context of the total budgets of the state and counties – especially in the case of the Governor’s two percent spending cap vs the two percent property tax cap. Additionally, • The state uses a two percent growth factor regardless of the actual rate of inflation. • Counties are subject to a revenue cap equal to the lower of two percent or the rate of inflation – which will be less than two percent in 4 out of 5 years covering 2013 through 2017. Also, the inflation factor counties must satisfy is connected to the rate of inflation in the prior year – not what is projected for the coming budget year. The impact of this can swing both ways of course. • The state budget uses its operating funds budget as the threshold for applying the two percent limit – this generally allows growth on 65 percent of the total state budget.
We must also consider the revenue and spending base (starting point) upon which the cap became effective. • For the state budget, the self-imposed two percent spending cap became effective after significant tax increases were enacted in response to the fiscal crisis and budget shortfalls. About $33 billion in state taxes and fees (about half of this came from PIT changes) were raised to fill a projected multi-year $85 billion budget gap between 2008 and 2013. The state also used $12 billion in one-time federal funds (ARRA) to help close the gap. More than half the state budget hole was filled with revenues. Some of these prior tax increases are now being reversed by the Governor and Legislature to the benefit of taxpayers. Spending cuts and reforms filled the rest of the state budget hole. However, the state spending cuts related to counties, schools and other local governments generally had to be absorbed by these entities as mandates related to them were not reduced commensurately.
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
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• For counties, the property tax cap is built on a revenue and spending base that went through four years of severe austerity directly before implementation. During this austerity period the average annual growth in property taxes was about two percent, county fiscal reserves were diminished and state funding cuts largely had to be absorbed by local governments without reducing mandated services. Another important determinant to consider is how much one government is at the mercy of another for its sources and uses of funds. • For the state – they are subject to changes imposed by the federal government. As noted the federal government expanded aid to states during the fiscal crisis. • For counties – they are subject to changes imposed by the federal and State government. During the Great Recession the federal government expanded spending to help alleviate fiscal pressures on governments below them. The state however, cut reimbursements to counties without a commensurate reduction in state mandated services. The following charts highlights some of the differences of the state spending cap and the county revenue cap. ▼
• The property tax cap for counties is applied against its revenue base which ranges from 9 percent to 40 percent of respective county budgets, with the average per county of about 20 percent. The differences between the two caps are important, but what is more important is the spending restraint and government efficiencies that are being implemented by the state, counties and local governments to help reduce the tax burden in New York. Counties continue to stress the need for reviewing spending by all governments in New York on a global
basis and aligning what services should be provided and the most appropriate financing source. New York continues to rely too heavily on the property tax to support statewide programs. Other states do not rely on their local governments to pay for state programs and this is the primary contributor to our highest in the nation property tax burden.
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COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Funding 9-1-1 Emergency Communication By Kathryn Hohman NYSAC Program Specialist
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n 1968, the United States designated 9-1-1 as the universal telephone number for emergency assistance. At that time, cell phones, fiber optics, and global positioning systems (GPS) were purely science fiction. In New York State, our 9-1-1 systems have evolved with technology in order to continue dispatching emergency response services to citizens across the state. The administration and costs of the 9-1-1 program have evolved as well, from an initial function of the State Police, to being a county-operated, and funded, responsibility. Counties control Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), which are network operating centers where 9-1-1 calls are taken and emergency personnel are dispatched. From a PSAP, dispatchers for local police stations, sheriff’s road patrol, EMS, State Troopers, Park Police and other agencies are directed to the location of the call, depending on the nature of the emergency.
Funding
Under current law, the state imposes a $1.20 Public Safety Surcharge on all contracted wireless cell phones in order to fund 9-1-1 operations. Under Section 186-F of the Tax Law, $.50 goes into the State’s General Fund and the remaining $.70 goes to a variety of public safety programs. In 2015, the state collected $185 million and provided only $75 million in grants to selected counties for 9-1-1 equipment. To ensure that counties have dedicated 9-1-1 funding, counties have implemented a $.30 local public safety surcharge on contracted wireless cell phone devices. This local authority is permitted only with State Legislative approval. As of September 2014, all but eight counties have the authority to charge this local surcharge of at least $.30 per contracted wireless device for emergency 9-1-1 services. This inequity prevents the remaining eight counties (Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, Schoharie, and St. Lawrence) from implementing this dedicated surcharge. Counties are also authorized the imposition of a $.35 charge per access line per month on landline phones. The authority for this surcharge was established in the County Law § 308. This surcharge is imposed at local option.
Costs Grow
The current hardware and software in many local 9-1-1 systems are reaching the end of their useful life and must be upgraded and/ or replaced. In addition, federal standards require states to build Next Generation 9-1-1 systems that have the capability to receive information from a variety of electronic devices in various forms, including text messages and images. The cost of fully transitioning to Next Generation 9-1-1 could easily exceed $10 billion over the coming years, and the current revenue is not adequate for making these upgrades. In 2010, to assist with the cost of 9-1-1 dispatch, New York State provided grants to counties. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), through its Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications (OIEC), coordinated a grant program to facilitate the developments, consolidation and/or operation of public safety communications and networks designed to support statewide interoperable communications for first responders.
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Grants included:
The Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant (SICG) is a competitive grant funded by cellular surcharge revenue. • 2010-2011 Round 1 SICG - Total Amount Awarded: $20,000,000 • 2011-2012 Round 2 SICG - Total Amount Awarded: $102,000,000 • 2012-2013 Round 3 SICG - Total Amount Awarded: $75,000,000 • 2014-15 Round 4 SICG - Total Amount Awarded: $50,000,000 Public Safety Answering Point Grant, intended to reimburse counties for costs associated with Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) operations, consolidation, and improvements. • • • •
2012 PSAP Grant - Total Amount Awarded: $9,000,000 2013-14 PSAP Grant - Total Amount Awarded: $9,000,000 2014-15 PSAP Grant - Total Amount Awarded: $10,000,000 2015-16 PSAP Grant - Total Amount Awarded: $10,000,000
A key problem with the current surcharge is that prepaid cellular and other connected devices do not pay the Public Safety Surcharge. NYSAC estimates that more than 30 percent of the market is prepaid and other connected devices based on data reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This results in an unfair application of the surcharge on a large segment of cellular users. NYSAC estimates that more than $100 million annually is not being collected because prepaid devices are not contributing any surcharge revenues. Thirty-eight states have 9-1-1 surcharges for both prepaid and postpaid cellular devices and many of them have modernized their surcharge systems in the last decade to catch up with the market and new technology (Pennsylvania being the most recent example). Most states use a set dollar amount at the point of sale for collection of the surcharge on prepaid devices (some use a percentage of total sale, also collected at the point of sale). Looking ahead to the future of 9-1-1, the following policy considerations should be made: Expand the surcharge to all devices capable of connecting to 9-1-1. Since inception of the 9-1-1 surcharge, the cell phone market has expanded and changed from annual contracts to pre-paid plans. The Public Safety Surcharge can be lowered from $1.20 to $1.00 when applied to all devices capable of connecting to the 9-1-1 system. The language should also extend current local surcharge authority to prepaid devices. All counties should have the same authority to charge a local public safety surcharge. The $.30 local surcharge on annual cell phone contracts and the $.35 surcharge on landline phones are the only funding streams that go directly to financing 9-1-1 centers in New York State. Expand counties' access to 9-1-1 surcharge revenues. Counties should be able to access funding collected by the State’s Public Safety Surcharge to pay for operating expenses, debt, and other 9-1-1 center associated costs.
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Considerations for NYS Counties: An Insider’s View on Leveraging IT By Meghan Cook, Program Director at the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany, in partnership with the NYS Local Government Information Technology Directors Association (NYSLGITDA).
O
ver the last 10 years, I’ve gone from outsider to insider with a statewide group of county Information Technology (IT) leaders. During this time, I’ve listened, learned, and participated in behind-the-scenes discussions of county IT. I’ve also been able to help leaders navigate the complexities of transforming their counties into 21st century public service organizations. I’ve learned a lot from these countless hours of presentations, stories, and yes, maybe a couple of happy hours with the NYS Local Government IT Directors Association.
Your IT Leader: A Strategic Partner In every NYS county there is a person (and department) who have both the breadth and depth of understanding how all the county departments work together. Their job is to make sure the business of government keeps running; essentially, they are the engineer of all moving parts. This is your IT leader. But your IT leader’s title is probably misleading; they don’t do only what their title says. They, and their staff, are business-of-government leaders who understand how IT investments will bring value while saving time, money and frustration. Bring them in on every discussion, every idea, and take advantage of their ability to take both a birdseye view and devil-in-the-details approach. Unfortunately, their ability to provide this dual perspective isn’t always leveraged, and often it’s because they are seen as a technician rather than a strategic partner. Prospering counties have figured out how to leverage what their IT leader (and department) knows, including the big picture of operations, all the way down to the specific processes that support each department. IT leaders have a critical skill set and a perspective that makes them unique within the county government structure. They know that a change or investment in one department has IT implications in another. They also know that many times, the total cost of ownership hasn’t been considered, but that’s ok. It is their job to think about how everything fits together, and what it will take to succeed long term. From investments in public safety, social services, property management or even financial management, the IT leader carries around the underlying organizational blueprint and most times, can accurately connect and predict impacts and implications. Tapping this knowledge base even before the conversation has “turned IT”
can make or break an investment for a county. Using this in-house resource is essential for any county that wants to leverage IT and information to bring the most value to the county.
IT Innovators, Experts, Problem-Solvers IT is integral to everything a county does - it ties everything together. And maybe it’s because every county employee has their hands on some form of IT from sunrise to sunset, that there are widely propagated myths about it. The following two seem to plague many NYS counties: Myth 1: IT is only a cost center and not a revenue center Myth 2: IT decisions can be made by anyone from any department Let’s start with the first one. Counties that treat IT investments like a cost center, meaning only as the independent expenditures like hardware, software, infrastructure, and networking associated with each department’s IT needs will result, not surprisingly, in a set of IT expenditures categorized by departments. You get what you ask for. This approach offers far less opportunity for savings and potential revenue that would otherwise occur for counties that leverage IT in investment and strategic planning. When a county begins to see IT as an infrastructure innovator that leverages investments from across all departments, they can optimize economies of scale and set forth designs that reduce duplication, increase cross system interoperability, promote data sharing, and employ common technologies. The thinking becomes less about a department’s IT needs, and more about a county’s infrastructure and the foundation needed to carry out numerous lines of business. The second myth is that people are knowledgeable about technology because they use it every day. This leads them to believe they can plan and weigh-in on large scale technology decisions within the county government. The “consumerization” of IT can cause unintended negative consequences. When departments or executive county leaders describe the technologies they want based on their personal consumer technology experiences (i.e. owning a smart phone or tablet), there is little opportunity to leverage IT expertise and knowledge. There are significant differences between consumerbased technologies and institutional technologies. The solution that works at a county government level will be different than the solution that works at home. Continued on page 40 www.nysac.org 39
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
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What some counties have learned is that departments shouldn’t describe the technologies they want; instead, IT leaders should ask departments about the problems they are trying to solve. Departments know their business best and IT leaders know how to leverage IT and information. Together they can develop a solution that serves the county as a whole.
A Strategic Roadmap for Smart Investments County leaders make investment decisions of all sizes every day with the intention of moving their county in the right direction. But what is the right direction? Counties that have the most meaningful and continuous success are those with a collectively vetted vision and strategic roadmap. It sounds cliché and even simplistic, but a strategic roadmap is a touchstone that guides each investment decision, including IT. It offers a check and balance system, lays out milestones, and provides a set of actions by which to measure. If a county doesn’t have a strategic roadmap (and one that’s been vetted by all departments), then investment decisions are made by those who make the most noise or who hold the most power. This leads to short-term fixes and silos that result in a compounded set of redundancies, inefficiencies, and deficiencies.
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It’s no secret that investment decisions in government are risky. There is very little, if any, room for error. Therefore, it is no secret that the counties with a collective vision and strategic roadmap have a leg up. They have a guide to move the entire county in a direction they promised the citizens they would. But without a roadmap, there is no way to measure its merit against the county’s vision. So when you are ready to develop your roadmap, make sure your IT leader, along with all your department heads and community leaders, are by your side. When everyone is looking at the same map, you’ll be headed in the right direction – and you’ll all know when you get there.
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
How to Ensure Your Government’s Website is ADA Compliant By Mark Friesen, Director of Marketing, Civic Plus
T
he internet has broadened the ability of local governments to engage constituents. It allows for wider reach, faster publishing, customization of content and 24/7 access. Every citizen in your community should have equitable access to valuable local government information. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) established specific requirements applicable to all government websites to ensure that citizens with disabilities are capable of receiving important information they need from their government leaders. Familiarizing yourself with federal regulations and compliance best practices not only helps you reach more citizens, but it could protect your municipality from possible litigation.
electronic and information technology to give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to access available to others. In addition to federal requirements, public entities are encouraged to comply with global Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which encompass and surpass Section 508 requirements. The goal of WCAG is to provide a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations and governments. WCAG is a technical standard that follows 12 primary guidelines aimed at ensuring all digital content is developed in a format that is accessible for all viewers.
Legal Ramifications Aside from providing an optimized experience for all digital users, there are potential legal and financial consequences for non-compliance. Citizens and employees are enabled to file lawsuits against municipalities that are in violation of the ADA and Section 508 regulations. Many such lawsuits have been brought against municipalities of all sizes over the past decade, with citizens and employees filing litigation to make the access of municipal website content fully accessible to the disabled.
Compliance Requirements The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 generally require that state and local governments provide qualified individuals with disabilities equal access to their programs, services, activities and information. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act specifically applies to websites and other digital properties. It requires all Federal agencies that develop, procure, maintain or use
For example, in 2007 the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and three blind state workers filed a lawsuit against the State of Texas and Oracle, its human resource software vendor, to make online employment tools accessible to those with visual disabilities. Similarly, in 2011 an employee of Montgomery County, Maryland's Department of Health and Human Services filed a lawsuit against the county for unlawful discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The suit was filed when the county purchased a new database program that was not accessible to the visually impaired and the plaintiff’s inability to utilize the new software resulted in her being demoted to a support specialist role. Continued on page 42
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COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Continued on page 41
Compliance Best Practices When considering the accessibility of your website, keep in mind that every element of site functionality and every piece of content needs to be available to people with disabilities in an accessible format on the same terms that it is available to non-disabled citizens, 24/7, without cost, inconvenience, or delay. Consider the following best practices: Ensure all HTML code includes elements such as alt tags, captions or long descriptions to assist screen readers. Incorporate skip navigation to allow individuals using screen readers to bypass navigation links and jump to the start of the web page content. Replace "click here" links with descriptive links that provide clear navigation detail. Label table rows and headers of each data cell by using HTML so a person using a screen reader can understand the information. Enable text adjustments to allow individuals with low vision the ability to use specific color and font settings when they access the internet. Ensure video is optimized for the visual and hearing impaired by providing audio descriptions and captions.
Include HTML versions of documents since screen readers cannot access and read PDFs.
Minimize blinking or flashing animations on pages to decrease the chances of seizures and to limit distractions for the visually impaired.
Protecting the Rights of All Citizens As a leader in local government, you have developed a shared sense of community that aims to inform and protect all citizens and employees. In today’s digitally-focused society, offering accessible digital content is an absolute requirement of municipal leadership. Without tools and resources to make content accessible to those with physical impairments, citizens may not be able to submit or request data or access important forms and critical information in times of emergency. In addition, inaccessible tools may impede an employee’s ability to perform their job duties or may unfairly disqualify otherwise viable candidates for employment. Website compliance is not a one-time exercise. It requires constant attention and awareness. As you add new systems and digital tools, gaining feedback from those with impairments early in the process will protect your municipality from potential legal consequences and more importantly, it will protect employees and citizens from the disadvantages of inaccessible resources.
Steps Toward Compliance If you believe that some of your current internal or external systems are not compliant, the worst decision you can make is to take a “wait and see” approach. The Federal Government is expected to begin scrutinizing government website compliance regulations more closely. To avoid potential complaints, or, at worst, litigation, take proactive steps to bring your website into compliance. Identify a website design and development partner that specializes in ADA compliance requirements. A partner with experience meeting the compliance needs of municipalities will be bestequipped to help ensure all best practices are being followed, and that the highest standards are being met. Any website partner that you work with should offer proven methods to future-proof your website so when updates are made and as digital technology and digital tools evolve, you never have to worry about falling out of compliance.
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COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Establishing a County Health Department Lactation Program: Filling the Gaps through Policy and Action By Daniel J. Stapleton, Public Health Director, Niagara County
T
he Niagara County Department of Health is taking a multipronged approach to building a lactation program and breastfeeding friendly community initiative in Niagara County. We have established a comprehensive lactation program serving the Niagara County workforce and the outside community. Program components include qualified lactation consultant and counselors, a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace and Daycare Initiative, public outreach and education, medical resident training initiative, and lactation mobile clinic services.
Feed and Protect: Health Security is “Fluid” Increasing rates of breastfeeding initiation and sustainment is critical to public health. Eliminating barriers and securing sustainability of breastfeeding is consistent with our mission to reduce chronic diseases and infant morbidity in Niagara County. Breastfeeding is a matter of health equity for infants and children, requiring minimum changes in public health system infrastructure and low cost workplace modifications to achieve positive long-term health and economic outcomes. Furthermore, health risks of suboptimal or never breastfeeding are significant. The lack of human milk (HM) early in life can serve as a powerful antecedent to chronic conditions later, creating personal and economic burdens on families, employers, communities and the public health system. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for one year and beyond, is the definitive standard for infant feeding. Human milk (HM) contains the exact amount of water and nutrients human infants need to grow and flourish. The immunologic significance of human milk and long-term implications for reducing disease and the economic burden on public health cannot be overstated. HM provides a remarkably wide spectrum of protection against disease organisms and is linked to lowered risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Nineteen gastrointestinal hormones regulate metabolism and other pathways to reduce risks of obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life. Growth factors and other substances promote infant bone and nervous system development influencing attainment of developmental milestones. Bioactive agents and immune cells in HM form a protective lining in the digestive tract, reducing risk of inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies and pathogen invasion.
Exclusive breastfeeding from the beginning of life affords immune protection against diseases until babies receive their first lifesaving vaccines.
Public Health Impact and Cost Benefit We are in the midst of an obesity crisis in the US, affecting 17.2% of children 2 to 19 years old. According to a report of The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), medical costs associated with childhood obesity tops $14 billion/year. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) links exclusive breastfeeding with a potential risk reduction of up to 4% for each month of breastfeeding. Overall, research data associate a history of breastfeeding with a reduction in obesity risk later in life. Asthma, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, immune mediated disorders of gut, and infant morbidity from respiratory, diarrheal infections and infant hospitalization rates remain formidable challenges. Over the past three years, health indicators in our communities show only modest improvements, necessitating a closer look at how we can promote additional behaviors to improve health. Given the burden of disease on human health and the economy in Niagara County, prioritizing a comprehensive breastfeeding program addressing nutrition and immune system development from birth aligns with the needs of our community. It also supports the Public Health Director’s stewardship of public resources and health cost containment. Breastfeeding promotion and support is a smart investment, according to the September 2014 Report of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The positive economic impact of breastfeeding includes reduction in Medicaid and other insurance costs, lower employee costs and a reduction in family expenses. According to a 2010 pediatric cost analysis published in AAP, if 80% of US families could comply with medical recommendations to breastfeed exclusively for six months (Healthy People 2020 target 60.6%), the US would save $10.5 billion and prevent 741 infant deaths. At 90% compliance with recommendations, the savings would be $13 billion per year, with over 911 infant deaths prevented. In terms of indirect costs, over $1.2 billion can be saved in personal expenses and reduced time missed from work in breastfeeding families.
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Potential to Reduce Early Intervention Program (EIP) Costs Breastfeeding can potentially relieve the EIP cost burden to counties. Findings in a study published by The American Academy of Pediatrics showed infants who never breastfed were 50% more likely to have gross motor coordination delays than infants that breastfed exclusively for at least four months (10.7% vs 7.3%). Additionally, never breastfed infants had at a 40% greater likelihood of fine motor delay than those given breast milk for a prolonged period. This evidence was attributed solely to breastfeeding factors; not advantaged social position, education, or parenting style.
Community Engagement and Annual Lactation Services at Niagara County Fair For the last three years in the first week of August, NCDOH has provided a safe, environmentally controlled lactation and baby care station for nursing mothers at the Niagara County Fair. Niagara County provides a fully-equipped trailer on space donated for free through a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Numerous qualified volunteers support this effort, while we provide Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC), an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC) and Medical Doctors from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNYAB) Residency Program to assess and assist women with breastfeeding issues.
Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite and Daycare Initiatives In support of women returning to work after childbirth, the NCDOH is a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace. Over 70% of working women with children under three years old work full time. Unlike most countries in Europe and Central Asia, which provide 26 weeks or more of paid leave for new mothers, mothers in the United States return to work much earlier after giving birth, usually after six to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. This is often disruptive to the mother’s breastfeeding routine and her ability to sustain production of an adequate milk supply for her baby. In surveys conducted by our department, return to work was the most frequent reason for ending breastfeeding earlier than recommendations. Federal and state laws support breastfeeding as essential to infant and family health. The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and Section 206-c of the New York State (NYS) Labor Law require employers to provide reasonable time for employees to express milk during the work period in a private space, free from intrusion by co-workers and the public. NYS law requires workplaces to accommodate a mother’s need to express milk for up to three years. Ample evidence shows women are more likely to continue breastfeeding when employers have supportive policies and practices in place. Supporting employees helps mitigate health care costs, lost productivity and absenteeism.
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Our Workplace Lactation Program, managed by our ANLC, provides a 24/7 support line and a safe, clean, private and well-equipped lactation room. Prior to establishing this room, we gained the full support of our county leadership and Board of Health in development of county employee lactation policies. We also sent surveys and invitations to other major employers to join NCDOH in providing accommodations for their breastfeeding employees. When employers provide accommodations for breastfeeding employees to express milk, the health and economic benefits to infants, families, employers and the community are innumerable and far-reaching. With an immediate return on investment of three dollars for every one dollar spent for employees, it is a smart practice to create a breastfeeding friendly environment for working mothers. Daycares have complex issues; they are employers, as well as childcare providers. Children in daycare have higher rates of infectious diseases, especially infant respiratory and diarrheal illnesses. Moreover, daycare staff caring for breastfed babies may not recognize breastfed infants’ needs for more frequent feedings of bottled HM. NCDOH educates daycare staff on HM benefits, and to recognize feeding cues rather than applying rigid formula feeding schedules. Breastfeeding makes good business sense for daycares, as breastmilk also qualifies for milk reimbursement.
Medical Resident Internship NCDOH includes Medical Residents in our Lactation Initiative. A recently published study supports our experience with medical residents; most lack knowledge of human lactation and interventions for resolving basic lactation problems. Training medical residents in the science behind breastfeeding in a public health setting is a priority for NCDOH, as research demonstrates timing of provider support for initiation and sustainment of breastfeeding is critical. Engaging physicians early before they embark on their careers is important for continuity of breastfeeding benefits, as Public Health lactation programs can serve to augment support between routine provider visits, especially during the crucial return to work adjustment
The Call for Public Health Leadership Leadership and partnerships are key to the success of any breastfeeding initiative. Partnerships with healthcare providers, public officials, academia, communities, and businesses can help achieve health equity for children across the spectra of the socioeconomic landscape. There is a call for a nucleus of public health leaders to advocate and promote breastfeeding as the most basic and cost-effective remedy for reducing health disparities in our communities, beginning with each precious new life. Fellow Public Health Directors and Commissioners, I invite you to please join me in supporting this important initiative.
By Patrick Cummings Counsel, New York State Association of Counties
H
ome Rule power is, in many ways, what makes a county special. As local government leaders, active in your community, it is you that understand your local residents needs best. And it is County Home Rule power that grants county leaders the authority to pass and enforce local laws that can address and be tailored to the personal needs of an individual county. In each NYSAC News issue we include new local laws that have been passed by your fellow counties. Understanding what other counties are doing to address their local issues or needs can perhaps spark an idea for you to use in some variation in your county as well.
Schuyler County Legislature Enacts Local Law to Increase Animal Protection On February 9, 2016 the Schuyler County Legislature enacted a local law authorizing the Schuyler County Animal Control Officer to issue criminal court appearance tickets when appropriate. Appearance tickets under the local law are defined as a written notice issued and subscribed by a police officer or other public servant authorized by state or local law, which direct a designated person to appear at a local criminal court at a designated time in connection to his/ her alleged commission of offense. The actions of offense are for violation of local laws regarding “licensing, cruelty, dogs and other animal-related offenses.” Additionally, the local law authorizes the Sheriff of Schuyler County to appoint designated Animal Control Officers to further this cause.
Schuyler County Passes Local Law to Assess and Collect Electronic Monitoring Fees On March 15, 2016 the Schuyler County Legislature adopted a local law allowing for fees to be assessed in relation to the administration of electronic monitoring services. The intent of this law is to lower the growing costs to the county when providing this important County Probation Department service. Electronic monitoring can be
Counsel’s Corner
applied to individuals sentenced to a term of probation as defined under New York State Penal Law. Electronic monitoring can also be required by State Court-ordered "conditional discharge" in which the county probation department is informed of the individual's location and/or requires drug testing as available through the electronic monitoring technology.
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Local Laws: Animal Protection, ATVs, Underage Drinking
This local law now allows for “every person who is subject to supervision by the Schuyler County Probation Department…shall be assessed a daily fee for such monitoring services that are provided and paid for by the Probation Department, not to exceed $10.00 per day.” Additionally, the local law provides a waiver of the fee for individuals that are found to be indigent or if the fee would cause an “unreasonable hardship on the person.”
St. Lawrence County Expands Areas to Which ATV Use is Permitted On December 7, St. Lawrence County passed a local law further defining where all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) can be used. This local law expanded on their previously passed County Land ATV Use Law. County Land ATV Use local law authorizes certain public lands for travel by all-terrain vehicles and imposed certain regulations for safe operation of ATVs on such public property. This Board has previously found that “the use of all-terrain vehicles in St. Lawrence County has grown in recent years and St. Lawrence County has the highest number of registered ATVs in the State of New York… and that promoting opportunities for recreational use of all-terrain vehicles will stimulate the local economy and offer enjoyment for the citizens of the County and for tourists traveling in the area.” St. Lawrence County has created and maintains a system of trails suitable for use by ATVs on public land and designated connecting highways. This local law makes clear to its residents exactly where it is permissible to enjoy use of ATVs on public land. Some restrictions for safety reasons include: hours of operation, the requirement that the ATV is in compliance with all the applicable provisions of the State Vehicle and Traffic Law; not using trails designated for skiing, hiking and biking purposes only; and that ATVs shall at all times be operated on the designated trails in a reasonable manner at reasonable speeds so as not to pose a danger to either the operator or any other user of the designated trails. Continued on page 46
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Counsel’s Corner Continued on page 45
Orange County Enacts Legislation to Curtail of Alcohol by Minors On February 4th the Orange County Legislature passed the “Social Host Law” in relation to preventing the consumption of alcohol by minors. The Legislature found that underage drinking “poses an immediate threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Orange County, often leading to alcohol abuse by minors, physical altercations, accidental injuries, neighborhood vandalism, excessive noise requiring the intervention of local law enforcement, and the commission of violent crimes including sexual offenses and serious assaults.” In order to deter the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, this local law enacts penalties to those eighteen (18) years of age or older when found they knowingly permitted consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors on their premises. If found in violation of this local law an individual will be fined of five hundred dollars ($500.00), and be required to complete an alcohol awareness program and/or an appropriate amount of community service not to exceed thirty hours; a second offense will be punishable by either a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year. This local law states the following uses are exemptions to the law: i) the consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by a minor whose parent or guardian is present and has expressly permitted such consumption; or ii) the use and consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages by a minor for religious purposes.
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46 N YSAC News Sprin g /S um m er 201 6
Name
Title
County
Name
Title
County
Hon. Paul Burgdorf
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Grace Nucero-Alger
Town Supervisor
Chenango
Hon. Joanne Cunningham
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. George Raymond III
Town Supervisor
Chenango
Hon. Todd Drake
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Christopher Rosenquest
County Legislator
Clinton
Hon. Sam Fein
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Robert Timmons
County Legislator
Clinton
Hon. Mark Grimm
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Don Moore
Town Supervisor
Columbia
Hon. Andrew Joyce
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Mark Helms
Sheriff
Cortland
Hon. Lynne Lekakis
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Christopher Newell
County Legislator
Cortland
Hon. Frank Mauriello
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Patrick Davis
Town Supervisor
Delaware
Hon. Paul Miller
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Wayland Gladstone
Town Supervisor
Delaware
Hon. William Reinhardt
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Charles Gregory
Town Supervisor
Delaware
Hon. Ralph Signoracci, IV
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Richard Northrup Jr.
County Judge
Delaware
Hon. Christopher Smith
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Gary Rosa
Family Court Judge
Delaware
Hon. Richard Touchette
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Hannah Black
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Wanda Willingham
County Legislator
Albany
Hon. Craig Brendi
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Judith Hopkins
County Legislator
Allegany
Hon. Marc Coviello
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Stephen Cornwell Jr.
District Attorney
Broome
Hon. John Forman
County Legislator
Dutchess
County Court Judge
Broome
Hon. Jerry Landisi
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Mary Kaminsky
County Legislator
Broome
Hon. Tracy MacKenzie
County Family Judge
Dutchess
Hon. Alan Bernstein
County Clerk
Cattaraugus
Hon. Edward McLoughlin
County Court Judge
Dutchess
Hon. Joseph Boberg
County Legislator
Cattaraugus
Hon. John Metzger
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Barbara Hastings
County Legislator
Cattaraugus
Hon. Kari Rieser
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Richard Helmich Jr.
County Legislator
Cattaraugus
Hon. William Truitt
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Robert Neal
County Legislator
Cattaraugus
Hon. Sandra Washburn
County Legislator
Dutchess
Hon. Joe DeForest
County Legislator
Cayuga
Hon. James Bargnesi
County Judge
Erie
Hon. Andrew Dennison
County Legislator
Cayuga
Hon. Brenda Freedman
Family Court Judge
Erie
Hon. Aileen McNabb-Coleman County Legislator
Cayuga
Hon. Archie Depo
Town Supervisor
Essex
Hon. Joseph Giordano
Town Supervisor
Essex
Hon. Wester Miga
Town Supervisor
Essex
Hon. Kevin Dooley
Hon. Robert Bankoski Hon. David Foley
County Legislator
Chautauqua
County Court Judge Chautauqua
Hon. Kevin Muldowney
County Legislator
Chautauqua
Hon. James Monty
Town Supervisor
Essex
Hon. Mark Odell
County Legislator
Chautauqua
Hon. Michael-Ike Tyler
Town Supervisor
Essex
Hon. Christine Starks
County Legislator
Chautauqua
Hon. Craig Carriero
District Attorney
Franklin
Hon. Marion Ireland
Town Supervisor
Chenango
Hon. John Blackmon
Town Supervisor
Fulton
Hon. Daniel Jack
Town Supervisor
Chenango
Hon. Richard Giardino
Sheriff
Fulton
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Welcome to the Following Newly-Elected County Leaders
www.nysac.org  47
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Welcome to the Following Newly-Elected County Leaders
Name
Title
County
Name
Title
County
Hon. Alicia Rice
Town Supervisor
Fulton
Hon. James Vazzana
Family Court Judge
Monroe
Hon. Robert Sullivan
Town Supervisor
Fulton
Hon. Mike Zale
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Jack Wilson
Town Supervisor
Fulton
Hon. Robert Purtell
County Legislator
Montgomery
County Clerk
Genesee
Hon. C. William Gaylor
County Legislator
Nassau
Hon. John Deleo
County Legislator
Genesee
Hon. William Collins
County Legislator
Niagara
Hon. Michael Bulich
County Legislator
Greene
Hon. Joseph Jastrzemski
County Clerk
Niagara
Hon. Thomas Hobart
County Legislator
Greene
Hon. Rebecca Wydysh
County Legislator
Niagara
Hon. Patrick Linger
County Legislator
Greene
Hon. Barbara Calandra
County Legislator
Oneida
Hon. Matthew Luvera
County Legislator
Greene
Hon. Jeff Daniels Jr.
County Legislator
Oneida
Hon. Aidan O’Connor Jr.
County Legislator
Greene
Hon. Keith Schiebel
County Legislator
Oneida
Hon. Peter Campione
County Legislator
Herkimer
Hon. Lisa Dell
County Clerk
Onondaga
Hon. William Keller Sr.
County Legislator
Herkimer
Hon. James Devaney
Coroner
Ontario
Hon. Gregory Malta Sr.
County Legislator
Herkimer
Hon. Tamara Hicks
Town Supervisor
Ontario
Hon. Gregory Markwardt
County Legislator
Herkimer
Hon. Peter Ingalsbe
Town Supervisor
Ontario
Hon. Daniel McBride
County Legislator
Jefferson
Hon. Michael John
Coroner
Ontario
Hon. Kristina Mills
District Attorney
Jefferson
Hon. Daniel Marshall
Town Supervisor
Ontario
Hon. Roscoe Fawcett
County Legislator
Lewis
Hon. Nathan VanBortel
Town Supervisor
Ontario
County Clerk
Lewis
Hon. Andrew Wickham
Town Supervisor
Ontario
Hon. Susan Erdle
Town Supervisor
Livingston
Hon. Frederick Wille
Town Supervisor
Ontario
Hon. David Fanaro
Town Supervisor
Livingston
Hon. Thomas Faggione
County Legislator
Orange
Hon. Merilee Walker
Town Supervisor
Livingston
Hon. Philip Canterino
County Legislator
Orange
County Court Judge
Madison
Hon. Randy Bower
Sheriff
Orleans
Hon. Frank Allkofer
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Heather DelConte
County Legislator
Oswego
Hon. Steve Brew
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Thomas Drumm
County Legislator
Oswego
Hon. Tina Brown
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Tim Stahl
County Legislator
Oswego
Hon. Tanya Conley
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. David Bliss
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. Tracy Diflorio
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Leonard Carson Jr.
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. Cheryl Dinolfo
County Executive
Monroe
Hon. Margaret Kennedy
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. Vincent Felder
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Andrew Marietta
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. Lashay Harris
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Peter Oberacker
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. George Herbert
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Andrew Stammel
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. Mark Muoio
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Daniel Wilber
County Representative
Otsego
Hon. James Sheppard
County Legislator
Monroe
Hon. Robert Tendy
District Attorney
Putnam
Hon. Michael Cianfrini
Hon. Linda Hoskins
Hon. Patrick O’Sullivan
48 N YSAC News Sprin g /S um m er 201 6
Title
County
Name
Title
County
Hon. Patrick Russo Jr.
Sheriff
Rensselaer
Hon. Nadia Rajsz
County Legislator
Sullivan
Hon. Charles Falciglia
County Legislator
Rockland
Hon. Andrea Klett
County Clerk
Tioga
Hon. Laurie Santulli
County Legislator
Rockland
Hon. Ryan Kline
Coroner
Tioga
Hon. Rachel Tanguay-McGuane Family Court Judge
Rockland
Hon. Richard John
County Legislator
Tompkins
Hon. Vince Tyer
County Legislator
Rockland
Hon. Anna Kelles
County Legislator
Tompkins
Hon. Gardner Congdon
Town Supervisor
Saratoga
Hon. James Delaune
County Legislator
Ulster
Hon. Vincent DeLucia
Town Supervisor
Saratoga
Hon. Jonathan Heppner
County Legislator
Ulster
Hon. Daniel Pernrick
Town Supervisor
Saratoga
Hon. Ronald Lapp Jr.
County Legislator
Ulster
Hon. Timothy Szczepaniak
Town Supervisor
Saratoga
Hon. Jennifer Schwartz Berky County Legislator
Ulster
Hon. Richard Patierne
County Legislator
Schenectady
Hon. Claudia Braymer
Town Supervisor
Warren
Hon. Gerald Coppolo Sr.
Town Supervisor
Schoharie
Hon. Paulette Kershko
Family Court Judge
Warren
Hon. Alex Luniewski
Town Supervisor
Schoharie
Hon. Craig Leggett
Town Supervisor
Warren
Hon. David Simkins
Town Supervisor
Schoharie
Hon. Matt MacDonald
Town Supervisor
Warren
Hon. Christopher Tague
Town Supervisor
Schoharie
Hon. Ronald Montes
Town Supervisor
Warren
Hon. Mark Rondinaro
County Legislator
Schuyler
Hon. Dana Hogan
Town Supervisor
Washington
Hon. Paul Kronenwetter
Town Supervisor
Seneca
Hon. Stephanie Lemery
County Clerk
Washington
Sheriff
Seneca
Hon. Richard Moore
Town Supervisor
Washington
Hon. Don Trout
Town Supervisor
Seneca
Hon. Lynn Chatfield
Town Supervisor
Wayne
Hon. Greg Wadhams
Town Supervisor
Seneca
Hon. Sandy Pagano
Town Supervisor
Wayne
Hon. Chuck Verkey
Town Supervisor
Wayne
Hon. Anthony Verno
Town Supervisor
Wayne
Hon. Francis Corcoran
County Legislator
Westchester
Hon. W. Timothy Luce
Hon. Martin Auffredon Hon. Lisa Bell Hon. Mary Farley
Supreme Court Justice St. Lawrence County Legislator
St. Lawrence
Supreme Court Justice St. Lawrence
Hon. Kelly Fitzpatrick
County Legislator
Steuben
Hon. Margaret Cunzio
County Legislator
Westchester
Hon. Steven Maio
County Legislator
Steuben
Hon. Brian Becker
Town Supervisor
Wyoming
Hon. John Malter
County Legislator
Steuben
Hon. Keith Granger
Town Supervisor
Wyoming
Hon. Robert Nichols
County Legislator
Steuben
Hon. Brett Hastings
Town Supervisor
Wyoming
Hon. Bridget Fleming
County Legislator
Suffolk
Hon. Edward Bronson
County Legislator
Yates
Hon. Luis Alvarez
County Legislator
Sullivan
Hon. Terry Button
County Legislator
Yates
Hon. Albee Bockman
County Legislator
Sullivan
Hon. Brian Champlin
Coroner
Yates
Hon. Terri Hess Ward
County Legislator
Sullivan
Hon. P. Earl Gleason
County Legislator
Yates
Hon. Mark McCarthy
County Legislator
Sullivan
Hon. Lois Hall
County Clerk
Yates
Hon. Catherine Owens
County Legislator
Sullivan
www.nysac.org  49
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
Name
COUNTY ISSUES AND UPDATES
New York State County Fairs: 2016
New York will be home to dozens of county fairs this summer. Visit the individual county fair links below, or the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs website (www.nyfairs.org) for more information and details for each fair.
Fair Name
Dates
Afton Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6-9 Allegany County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 18-23 Altamont Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 16-21 Boonville-Oneida County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26-31 Broome County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26-31 Cattaraugus County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 1-7 Cayuga County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A Chautauqua County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 25-31 Chemung County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 2-7 Chenango County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 9-14 Clinton County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19-24 Columbia County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 31- Sept 5 Cortland County Junior Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 5-9 Delaware County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 15-20 Dutchess County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 23-28 Erie County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 10-21 Essex County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 10-14 Fonda Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 30-Sept 5 Franklin County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 5-14 Genesee County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 12-16 Goshen Historic Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 1-4 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair . . . . Aug 2-7 Grahamsville Little World's Fair . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 18-21 Greene County Youth Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 28-31 Hemlock Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19-23 Herkimer County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 16-21 Jefferson County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 12-17 Lewis County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19-23 Livingston County Fair at Caledonia . . . . . . . . unknown Long Island Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept 24-Oct 2 Madison County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 7-10 Monroe County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 4-7 New York State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 25-Sept 5 Niagara County Youth Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 3-7 Ontario County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 26-30 Orleans County 4-H Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 25-30 Orange County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 20-31 Oswego County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 10-14 Otsego County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 2-7 Saratoga County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 19-24 Schaghticoke Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 31- Sept 5 Seneca County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 20-23 Steuben County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 16-21 Tioga County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 5-9 Trumansburg Fair (Tompkins County) . . . . . . . Aug 23-28 Ulster County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 2-7 Washington County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 22-28 Wayne County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 15-20 Wyoming County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 13-20 Yates County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 12-16
50 N YSAC News Sprin g /S um m er 201 6
Location
Website
Afton www.theaftonfair.com Angelica www.alleganycountyfair.org Altamont altamontfair.com Boonville www.boonvillefair.com Whitney Point www.broomecountyfairny.com Little Valley www.cattarauguscofair.com Weedsport www.cayugacountyfair.org Dunkirk www.chautauquacountyfair.org Horseheads www.chemungcountyfair.com Norwich www.chenangocountyfair.homestead.com Morrisonville www.clintoncountyfair.com Chatham www.columbiafair.com Cortland www.cortlandfair.org Walton www.delawarecountyfair.org Rhinebeck www.dutchessfair.com Hamburg www.ecfair.org Westport www.essexcountyfair.org Fonda www.fondafair.com Malone www.frcofair.com Batavia www.gcfair.com Goshen www.goshenhistorictrack.com Gouverneur www.gouverneurfair.net Grahamsville www.grahamsvillefair.com Cairo www.thegreenecountyyouthfair.com Hemlock www.hemlockfair.org Frankfort www.herkimercountyfair.org Watertown www.jeffcofair.org Lowville www.lewiscountyfair.org Caledonia www.livingstoncountyfair.org Old Bethpage www.lifair.org Brookfield www.madisoncountyfairny.com Spencerport www.mcfair.com Syracuse www.nysfair.org Lockport www.cceniagaracounty.org Canandaigua www.ontariocountyfair.org Albion www.orleans4-hfair.com Middletown www.orangecountyfair.com Sandy Creek www.oswegocountyfair.com Morris www.otsegocountyfair.org Ballston Spa www.saratogacountyfair.org Schaghticoke www.schaghticokefair.com Waterloo www.senecacountyfairny.com Bath www.steubencountyfair.org Owego www.tiogacofair.com Trumansburg www.trumansburgfair.info New Paltz www.ulstercountyfair.com Greenwich www.washingtoncountyfair.com Palmyra www.waynecountyfair.org Pike www.wyomingcountyfair.org Penn Yan www.yatescountyfair.org
Exhibitors
FRIENDS OF NYSAC
NYSAC Extends a Special Thanks to 2016 Legislative Conference Exhibitors and Sponsors O'Connor Davies, LLP
NYMIR
AARauctions.com
Office of the NYS Attorney General
NYSAuctions.com
American Promotional Events
PERMA
O'Connor Davies, LLP
AT&T
POMCO
PERMA
Auctions International, Inc.
ProAct, Inc.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
BlueShield of Northeastern New York
Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP
CanaRx Group Inc.
Satellite Tracking of People, LLC
CHA Consulting
Semel Consulting
Clark Patterson Lee
ShoreTel
Collar City Auctions Realty & Management, Inc.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE)
SkyWolf Wind Turbine Corporation
CSRA-CSC State & Local Solutions LLC
Slic Network Solutions
Empire BlueCross
SmartWatt Energy
Enterprise Fleet Management
SMRT Architects and Engineers
Good Energy, LP
SolarCity
GovDeals, Inc.
Superior Telephone Systems
GovPilot
Systems East, Inc.
Silver Sponsors
Harris Corporation
The Chazen Companies
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Health Economics Group, Inc.
TIAA-CREF
BCA Architects & Engineers
Hunt Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors & Landscape Architects, D.P.C.
TimeKeeping Systems, Inc.
BNY Mellon
Trane
C&S Companies
IMPACT
Tyler Technologies
Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc.
LaBella Associates, D.P.C.
VMC Group, Inc.
FTN Financial Capital Markets
Laberge Group
Wendel
GHD
M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
World Trade Center Health Program
Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy
Maser Consulting P.A. Motorola Solutions, Inc Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance Inc. NACo - National Association of Counties New York Department of State New York State Correctional Officers and PBA New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) nfrastructure NOKIA NYMIR NY's 529 College Savings Program/Ascensus College Savings NYS Department of Public Service NYS I-86 Coalition NYS Information Technology Services NYS Office of the State Comptroller - Dept. of Unclaimed Funds NYSAuctions.com
SPONSORS Corporate Sponsor CSRA-CSC State & Local Solutions LLC
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors Bank of America Merrill Lynch Clark Patterson Lee Jefferies LLC KBM Management KeyBanc Capital Markets Roosevelt & Cross Incorporated Wells Fargo
Grant Street Group Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP Heartland Payment Systems Hodes & Landy Holland & Knight LLP James McGuinness & Assoc. Johnson Controls Inc.
AT&T
MERSCORP Holdings, Inc.
CHA Consulting
Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC
Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP
Policy Innovation, Inc.
Special Event Sponsors
Propel Financial Services Relph Benefit Advisors
American Promotional Events dba TNT Fireworks
Semel Consulting
Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
The Business Development Group
Collar City Auctions Realty & Mgmt, Inc. Good Energy, LP Harris Corporation LaBella Associates, D.P.C.
Solix, Inc. three+one Trane Webster Bank
NY Alliance for Donation
www.nysac.org 51
FRIENDS OF NYSAC
Thank You for Your Support of NYSAC News Magazine
Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C.
Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC
Collar City Auctions Realty & Management, Inc.
EFPR Group, LLP
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc.
GovPilot
KeyBanc Capital Markets
LaBella Associates, D.P.C.
LIVEONNY
Mel Manasse & Son Auctioneers LLC
Municipal Electric & Gas Alliance Inc. (MEGA)
Municipal Solutions, Inc.
Nationwide Retirement Solutions
New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
New York Water Environment
NYMIR
NYSAuctions.com
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC
PERMA
PFM Financial Services, LLC
Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions
PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP
ProAct, Inc.
Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center
SMRT Architects and Engineers
SolarCity
Suez
Systems East, Inc.
Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C.
Tucker Strategies, Inc.
U.S. Communities
Wendel
52 N YSAC News Sprin g /S um m er 201 6
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Clockwise from above: Senator Schumer addresses county delegates. The February 2016 County Government Institute graduates. NYSAC board members meet at the conference. NYSAC President William Cherry, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano at the TasteNY reception. Conference exhibitors greet attendees from their booths. County delegates attend a dispute resolution workshop.
Clockwise from left: County delegates listen as the Lieutenant Governor speaks at the Women's Leadership Roundtable. Lucille Knight of Albany County (L) and Marcus Molinaro of Dutchess County (R) with another county delegate at the Taste of NY reception. I-86 Coalition Chairman Ted Bennett with US Senator Charles Schumer, Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and Chemung County Legislature Chair Donna Draxler at the I-86 Coalition Booth.
Advocating for Counties Clockwise from left: Former Congressman Michael McNulty, Albany Co. Clerk Bruce Hidley, NYSAC's Stephen Acquario, Senator Kathy Marchione, Albany Co. Executive Dan McCoy, and Dutchess Co. Clerk Bradford Kendall pose following a meeting of the Senate Local Government Committee. A meeting was held at NYSAC headquarters to discuss broadband in NYS. Dutchess Co.Executive Marcus Molinaro, Rensselaer Co. Executive Kathy Jimino, Assemblymember Pat Fahy, Albany Co. Executive Dan McCoy, NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario, and Putnam Co. Executive MaryEllen Odell call for indigent defense funding for all counties.
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