Seneca County

The document details discussions and actions from two meetings: a March 5, 2026 meeting and a February 5, 2026 meeting. Key discussions for the March meeting included reviewing and revising a draft presentation for the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, providing an update on the RKG contract, reviewing the MRB contract, providing updates on the 2025 audit for PARIS, and Ovid LDC updates. The February meeting included acknowledgment of the PARIS 2025 and 2026 Budget Submittals. New business focused on scheduling and content for the Listening Tour presentation to the Board of Supervisors, and the selection process for an Economic Development Consultant, which resulted in drafting a contract with RKG Associates. Old business included updates on the Ovid Local Development Corporation's engagement with Cornell and Willard updates. Following an Executive Session, actions included requesting revised professional services quotes from MRB Group and Tracy Verrier, and empowering an individual to draft a letter stating no Audit was required for 2025.

Key discussions and resolutions included authorizing the acceptance of the New York State Department of Health Performance Incentive Program Grant and amending the 2026 Public Health Budget. The Board also authorized acceptance of the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Administration Grant, amending 2025 and 2026 Public Health Budgets. Further actions involved authorizing the Health Department to request bids for transportation services for Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs. Additional agenda items covered approving additional Mental Health Department State Aid from OMH and OASAS, endorsing appointments to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, authorizing acceptance of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant, approving a contract with Leo J. Roth for HVAC services, and authorizing going to bid for highway material and tree service, and soliciting bids for rubbish and recycling services. The Board reaffirmed March to receive applications for agricultural land inclusion in districts. Resolutions were passed to accept a Pomeroy Foundation grant for a historical marker, adopt the Seneca County Housing Strategy, authorize an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Varick for court security services, authorize an application for the 2025-2026 NYS Canal Corporation Grant for marine patrol services, award a bid to Blue Line Wellness for a Sheriff's Department wellness program, and support securing federal funds for memorial projects at the NYS Veterans Cemetery- Finger Lakes.

The document captures discussions and actions from both the February 5, 2026 meeting agenda and the January 8, 2026 meeting minutes. Key topics discussed included the acknowledgment of the PARIS 2025 and 2026 Budget Submittals, and discussion regarding the presentation timing of the Listening Tour results to the Board of Supervisors (BOS). New Business for the January meeting involved considering the Annual Resolution for 2026, which included ratification of required policies, an amendment to the Whistleblower Policy, and the appointment of officers and committee members for 2026. The Board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and reviewed proposals for accounting and administrative support, favoring the MRB Group proposal. Old Business included updates on the Ovid Local Development Corporation, noting redevelopment priorities like securing matching funds and identifying a grocery store as an anchor. Following an Executive Session, the Board unanimously approved pursuing a contract with RKG Associates to revise Seneca County's Economic Development Strategic Plan.

The key discussion item centered on a resolution to amend the Board Rules to accurately reflect the current structure of the Standing Committees for the 2026-2027 Board term, including the definition of the Chairman's role as an ex-officio voting member on all committees. The resolution established nine new Standing Committees. The meeting concluded with an unsuccessful motion to enter Executive Session to review collective negotiations under the New York State Open Meetings Law.

The meeting included the review of key discussion points during an interview with Supervisor Jeff Trout regarding the Town of Fayette's priorities, including infrastructure challenges such as water rate disparities, the need for housing development, and the desire to break down political divides for regional economic growth. The Town of Fayette is focusing on retaining its residential and agricultural character while investing in land use regulations to manage tourism expansion. The board also received a presentation on the Seneca County Housing Study, which indicated bleak findings but highlighted the county's potential to leverage resources for improvement. Old business included updates on obtaining the Organization EIN necessary for setting up a bank account, which requires a no-transaction letter from an auditor, and scheduling a discussion about consultant proposals for the next meeting.