Chair Robert Purtell has called a meeting of the Economic Development/Planning Committee for 6:03 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in the Legislative Chambers, Montgomery County Office Bldg, 64 Broadway, Fonda, NY.

Minutes of the meeting will be later posted on the Montgomery County website at www.co.montgomery.ny.us

Items on the agenda, at this time, are as follows:

1. (DISCUSSION)

 A.  Privilege of Committee Chair, Committee Members & Legislators to discuss items of interest, etc., regarding departments governed by this Committee 

2. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2024 OPERATING BUDGET (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM)

3. RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO COUNTY PLANNING BOARD (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING)   

4. RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING)

5. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET - GRANT FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY WIDE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ASSESSMENT GRANT PROJECT – U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) - (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM)

6. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2024 OPERATING BUDGET -FARMLAND PROTECTION (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM)

7. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET – STATEWIDE MASS TRANSPORTATION OPERATING ASSISTANCE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND TOURISM)

8. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY GRANT COUNTYWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT AND AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM)

9. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET - AUTHORIZING USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS FOR MULTIPLE PROJECTS APPROVED IN THE 2022 BUDGET YEAR (COUNTY LEGISLATURE)

10. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET - GRANT FUNDING FOR MICROENTERPRISE PROJECT – HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM)

11. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING NELLISTON-FORT PLAIN BROWNFIELD OPPORTUNITY AREA PLAN GRANT AND AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND TOURISM)

12. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT FROM NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION-THE WALTER ELWOOD NATURE TRAIL AND AMENDING 2024 OPERATING BUDGET (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM)

13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO SIGN CONTRACT -  FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE (COUNTY EXECUTIVE)

14. OTHER

RESOLUTION NO. 71 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Legislature encourages and supports tourism promotion within Montgomery County; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Economic Development and Planning Office (the County's Tourism Promotion Agency) applied for the New York State - "I Love New York" funds for the 2024 tourism year; and

WHEREAS, a total of $48,900 in funds for this program were adopted in the 2024 Operating Budget; and

WHEREAS, the Montgomery County Economic Development & Planning Office (the County’s Tourism Promotion Agency) was awarded a grant in the amount of $107,616 (projected local match of $53,808) for the County’s 2024 tourism and promotion programs; and;

WHEREAS, the increase in the amount awarded has caused for the Department to transfer funds to certain lines in the 2024 budget; and

RESOLVED,  that the Montgomery County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget as follows:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 72 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, Local Law 2 of 2018 established a County Planning Board in Montgomery County; and

WHEREAS, the County Planning Board shall consist of nine (9) regular members and two (2) alternate members to be appointed by the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, the respective terms of the members of the Planning Board shall be commensurate with that of the Legislature.

RESOLVED, the Montgomery County Legislature hereby confirms the following appointments:

APPOINTEE                       ADDRESS                                                   REPRESENTING                TERM EXPIRATION

Angela Frederick           6711 Sthway 5s, Fort Plain, NY 13339               District #1                        12/31/2025

Mark Hoffman                2306 Hickory Hill Road, Fonda, NY 12068          District #2                        12/31/2025

Peter Lyden                    98 Otsego St. Canajoharie, NY  13317               District #3                        12/31/2025

David Weiner                139 Fox Street, Esperance, NY 12066                District #4                         12/31/2025

                                                                                                          District #5                         12/31/2025

Irene Collins                 322 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010         District #6                         12/31/2025

Frank Szyjkowski          54 McNeir Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010              District #7                         12/31/2025

Francis Maphia Jr         32 Phillips St., Amsterdam, NY 12010                District #8                         12/31/2025

Erin Covey                   PO Box 145, Hagaman, NY 12086                      District #9                          12/31/2025

Wayne De Mallie          10 Caroline Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010       Alternate Member                12/31/2025

Betty Sanders              163 Gerhartz Rd, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428   Alternate Member                 12/31/2025

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 73 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, by Resolution 54 of 2004 the Board of Supervisors re-established a special advisory committee to develop and oversee implementation of programs to promote and market Montgomery County agricultural opportunities, and

WHEREAS, said committee provides general direction to any groups responsible for county-sponsored programs related to agricultural economic development, and

WHEREAS, said committee's membership is be appointed by the County Legislature, with membership to include:

 Active Farmer
 Agribusiness
 Montgomery County Legislator
 Farm Bureau Representative
 Chamber of Commerce Representative
 Farm Service Agency Representative 
 Economic Development/Planning Representative 
 Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Board Representative
 Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board Representative
 , and

WHEREAS, all members of said advisory committee serve at the pleasure of the County Legislature, and

WHEREAS, said advisory committee is to tender written quarterly reports to the County Legislature. 
  
RESOLVED, the following are hereby appointed as members of the Agriculture Economic Development Advisory:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 74 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, Resolution 78 of 2021, 29 of 2022 and 50 of 2023 authorized the County Executive to sign contracts with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request funding in order to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup, planning and community involvement related activities for brownfield sites along the Mohawk River in which Montgomery County was awarded and said funds were included in the 2022 and 2023 Operating Budget: and

 WHEREAS, the Department of Economic Development & Planning is assisting in implementing and administering said grant on behalf of Montgomery County to complete the project; and

WHEREAS, to date, said funds for program were not completely received or expended as of December 31, 2023, and

WHEREAS, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget to receive and provide for grant funding to allow for completion of the community Wide Hazardous Substances Assessment Grant.

INCREASE REVENUES: 

INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 75 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, Resolution 71 of 2022 and 54 of 2023 authorized the County Executive to sign a contract amendment up to $13,000 with the Mohawk Land Conservancy,  for the Farmland Protection Agriculture grant, which, has a significant role in the County’s economy, protection of the environment, open space and beauty; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism is implementing and administering said grant on behalf of Montgomery County to complete said projects; and

 WHEREAS, to date, said funds were not completely expended as of December 31, 2023, and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to carry forward said funding in the 2024 Operating Budget to bring said project to fruition.

 RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget to provide for the Farmland Protection Grant and allow for completion of said projects.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 76 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the County pursuant to Section 18-b of Transportation Law Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance Program (STOA) is responsible for the local share of the quarterly mass transportation operating assistance service payments; and

WHEREAS, said payments will be provided to the Capital District Transportation Authority the County’s provider for mass transportation.

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget as follows to allow for the additional receipt and disbursement of payment:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 0 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State awarded Montgomery County with a Local Government Efficiency Grant for a Countywide Law Enforcement Information Technology Project; and

WHEREAS, the County was awarded a grant in the amount of $50,000 for said project.

RESOLVED, the County Executive is hereby authorized to sign any documents associated with said grant funds and project, upon review and approval of the County Attorney; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism is hereby authorized to administer said grant on behalf of Montgomery County; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget as follows:

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 77 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, Resolutions 112, 118, 169, 191, 194, 196, 216, 221, 233, 235, 236, 264, 265 and 266 of 2022 and resolutions 55 and 71 of 2023 authorized the use of American Rescue funds for the purpose of assisting local non-profit organizations with a specific need and or improvement on particular projects designated as an allowable use of the American Rescue Funds and said funds were included in the 2023 Operating Budget; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Economic Development & Planning is implementing and administering said grants on behalf of Montgomery County to complete said projects; and

WHEREAS, to date, said funds were not completely expended as of December 31, 2023, and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to carry forward said funding in the 2024 Operating Budget to bring said projects to fruition.

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget to provide for the American Rescue grant funding to allow for completion of said projects.

 INCREASE REVENUES: 

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(6). Legislator Kelly abstained. Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 78 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, Resolution 259 of 2023 authorized the County Executive to sign contracts with Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR) to request funding in order to assist local businesses that target start-up and expanding small businesses throughout the boundaries of Montgomery County in which Montgomery County was awarded and said funds were included in the 2023 Operating Budget; and authorize the County Executive to sign contracts with local businesses that were awarded the Microenterprise Grant; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Economic Development & Planning is implementing and administering said grant on behalf of Montgomery County to complete the project; and

WHEREAS, to date, said funds for program were not completely received or expended as of December 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to carry forward said funding in the 2024 Operating Budget to bring said project to fruition.

RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget to receive and provide for grant funding to allow for completion of the Microenterprise grant.

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 79 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) accepted applications through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for projects that would further the goals and objectives of the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County submitted an application through the 2023 CFA process for a Fort Plain and Nelliston joint municipal brownfield opportunity area nomination study; and

WHEREAS, the project requested funding in order to complete the planning process necessary to designate the municipalities as a Brownfield Opportunity Area; and

WHEREAS, that said grant funding was awarded in the amount of $100,350 from the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) with a Village of Nelliston share of $3,500 and a Village of Fort Plain share of $3,500 in the form of cash, and a County share of $4,500 in-kind services;

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development & Planning is hereby authorized to administer said application on behalf of Montgomery County; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, upon review of the provided contract with New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) by the County Attorney, the County Executive is hereby authorized to sign said contract and any other associated materials related to said grant, and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget as follows:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 80 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the County was awarded a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop a walking and interpretive trail along the North Chuctanunda Creek adjacent to the Walter Elwood Museum in The City of Amsterdam.

RESOLVED, the County Executive is hereby authorized to sign any documents associated with said grant funds and project, upon review and approval of the County Attorney; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism are hereby authorized to administer said grant on behalf of Montgomery County; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to amend the 2024 Operating Budget as follows:

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(6). Legislator Purtell abstained. Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

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IV. Financial Impact:

RESOLUTION NO. 81 of 2024 DATED: February 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION:

WHEREAS, the County's flood insurance is about to expire and needs to be renewed; and 

WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the County’s Broker, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management, that the County enter into a contract for flood insurance through Selective Insurance Company of New York at a cost not to exceed $50,000  for a term from April 3, 2024 through April 2, 2025; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to add the new shared services building and updated contents of Venner Road to the insurance policy.

RESOLVED, that the County Executive, following the review and approval by the County Attorney, is hereby authorized and directed to sign a contract for the provision of Flood Insurance policies through Selective Insurance Company of New York at a cost not to exceed $50,000 for a term of April 3, 2024 through April 2, 2025; and

RESOLUTION VOTE, passed with Aye(7). Legislators Allen and Pepe were absent. (2/27/2024)

I. Nature of Request:

II. Justification:

III. Legislative Impact:

IV. Financial Impact: