Leigh Battin

The Human Services Committee meeting involved reports and discussions across several departments. The Public Defender's office reported on grant status, statistics, goals, and the hiring of a new full-time assistant public defender. The Office for the Aging highlighted strong community support for the Hope Center, including contributions from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance and Dr. Frank's Winery, and noted increased demand being met through pop-up pantries. Social Services reported on the status of HEAP applications, housing assistance provided for the homeless, and changes in statewide allocation for childcare assistance. Public Health discussed ongoing goal status, staffing challenges related to pay and flexibility, and reported on prevalent seasonal illnesses including high flu case numbers, COVID cases, RSV cases, and a Salmonella alert regarding local raw milk. The committee also considered several resolutions for progression to the Legislative Meeting, including contract authorizations related to Child and Family Resources and various appointments to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board. Community Services reported on program updates, including mentoring awareness and fiscal updates regarding a new Senior Account Clerk Typist hire. The meeting concluded with an executive session concerning Public Safety.

Key discussions included the signing of the audit, updates on Real Property matters such as ongoing Town Reassessments, the new Veterans Exemption, and upcoming omitted tax calculations. The ReConnect report detailed phase updates, including closeouts for Phase 1B and ongoing work for Phase 2 and Phase 3 construction scheduling, noting pending splicing invoices and decommissioning of certain sections. The Planning report covered updates on the Yates County Planning Board, progress on Public Transportation matters like the pending CARES Act payment, and the opening of the Household Hazardous Waste Grant for the 2025 event. Financial items reviewed by the Finance section included updates on the JP Morgan P-Card Program rebates, the distribution of Cannabis Tax revenue, and changes to postmarking procedures. Several resolutions were proposed for proceeding to the Legislative Meeting, concerning the Solid Waste Management Plan, a Letter of Support for a Climate Resilience Grant, and the selection of Natural and Recreational Resource Protection Grant awardees. The Treasurer reported on tax collection status and tax foreclosure procedures. The County Administrator addressed setting a date for a Public Hearing on the Tax Levy Limit Override Local Law and planning for future grant writing services with MRB Group.

The Public Safety Committee meeting included reports from the District Attorney, Probation, Emergency Services, and the Sheriff. The District Attorney reported on statistics, the Coordinated Community Response Pilot Program, and a forthcoming presentation at the Child Advocacy Center conference regarding a sex trafficking case. Resolutions considered for the Legislative Meeting included authorizing the District Attorney to add a 2024 Chevy Impala to the County Fleet, authorizing a Service Agreement with Ashley Lewis, LCSW, for Probation, and appointing members to the Yates County Fire Advisory Board. Emergency Services reported on training, progress on the Fire Training Center RFP, and the recent accreditation received in December. The Sheriff's report covered December 2025 agency statistics, promotions within Corrections, a lateral transfer interview for a Drug Recognition Expert, and an agreement with Pets at Peace for animal cremation services. The Sheriff's office also secured a grant for facility upgrades. The Public Safety Facility Project update noted they are awaiting an insurance certificate to sign the contract with Pike. The committee moved into executive session to discuss employment history of an individual(s).

The meeting included public comments regarding local law enforcement agreements with ICE and announcements for immigration-related book readings and discussions scheduled for March. The legislature approved the minutes from the January 12th Legislative Meeting and paid the January 2026 audit claims totaling over $2.2 million across various departments. Key resolutions adopted involved authorizing the District Attorney to add a forfeited 2014 Chevy Impala to the county fleet, authorizing the signing of a service agreement with Ashley Lewis, LCSW, for probation services using Raise The Age funding, and appointing members to the Yates County Fire Advisory Board. Other actions included authorizing the Sheriff to fill a retiring Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant position and a vacant Deputy Sheriff Sergeant position. The County Administrator was authorized to initiate recruitment for the Director of Information Technology position. The Chair was authorized to sign Memorandums of Agreement concerning vacation leave advancement for one employee and additional compensation for three Building Maintenance Workers after a snow storm. Agreements were authorized for Alexandra Turner, Speech Therapist, and for SNAP rule changes advocacy. Bids for Abrasive Sand, Cold Mix Patch, and Gravel were awarded to various vendors, and the bid for Crushed Stone was awarded based on lowest responsible bidder per delivery site. Finally, the legislature adopted the Yates County Policy for Property Damage Insurance Claim Process, Procedures & Guidelines, and authorized the Chair to sign amendments regarding contracts with C & S Engineers and an Inter-Municipal Agreement for a Tri-County Paint Truck.

The Public Works Committee meeting included several departmental reports and discussions regarding potential resolutions. The Buildings and Grounds report covered topics such as weights and measures, inspections, and 2026 goals including creating an electronic preventative maintenance system and completing the 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Highway report detailed progress on the Central Garage, ongoing issues with back-ordered signs, and provided status on the Accident Damage Recovery Policy. Highway goals for 2026 included developing a Culvert Inspection and Replacement Plan and the Abandonment & Removal of Sid White Road Bridge. It was noted that two new plow trucks arrived and the committee recommended authorizing an increase to Snow & Ice Rental Equipment rates based on 2025 FEMA rates. The Airport report noted increased operations compared to the previous year, full occupancy of the last T-Hangar, and discussed authorizing the Chair of the Legislature to sign an agreement for the Penn Yan-Yates County Airport Consultant. The Public Safety Facility Project involved a review of the draft report for the Pike construction management contract and scheduling a presentation by the SMRT Consultant regarding space needs.