Public Safety Committee Meeting
The meeting commenced with roll call establishing a quorum. The committee approved the minutes from the February 4th meeting and subsequently approved the agenda. Key discussions involved the Acting District Attorney's report, noting an increase in indictments and a request to fill a vacant confidential secretary position, which was confirmed to be fully ILS funded. The Public Defender provided a report on consistent litigation trends in family court and criminal defense. The new Conflict Defender highlighted his report and requested approval to fill a vacant, fully funded confidential secretary position due to an anticipated departure of a part-time office aid. The Director of Emergency Management detailed ongoing planning, training, and education efforts, including rescheduled EOC 101 training, basic wildland fire training, and participation in a Burk course and a Flash Flood scenario. The Director also mentioned participation in the Naima conference and a National Grid tabletop exercise. A significant topic introduced for awareness was a proposal in the New York State executive budget to eliminate Medicaid crossover payments for ambulance services, which the committee agreed to oppose via a formal letter to state officials and by informing NYSAC, NISAC, and other relevant associations. Finally, the Director of Probates referenced the standard monthly report, noting the pre-trial numbers represent the heaviest workload.