Minutes of a Special Work Session

George Korutz Justice Building

PRESENT: Dennis F. Hannon Mayor

Bruce King Trustee

Richard Balles Trustee

Monica Silas Trustee

Ronald Davis Trustee

Beth Westfall Attorney

Chief Douglas Potts Johnson City Police Department

Captain Wayne Steffen Johnson City Police Department

Bill Klish Dissolution Chairman

Bob Carr Dissolution Committee

John Hussar Dissolution Committee

Ann Davis Dissolution Committee

Tom Sinclair Dissolution Committee

Also in attendance: Several members of the community and members of the media

Mayor Hannon began the Special Work Session stating the intent of the meeting, that being the Board of Trustees ability to address questions to the Dissolution Committee.

Trustee Silas initiated conversation with her concerns relative to public safety regarding policing.

Bill Klish responded to Trustee Silas’ concerns.

Trustee Silas expressed concerns that the Dissolution Plan is merely an “outline” and not a completed plan. She noted specifics are not in place and expressed concern that there is no “exactness.”

Bill Klish explained the memorandums of understandings that are in place with neighboring municipalities.

Trustee Balles referenced the addendum from Sheriff Harder and made inquiries to this document.

Bill Klish responded to Trustee Balles’ concerns.

Chief Potts clarified discrepancies in the Dissolution Plan.

Trustee Balles requested that Sheriff Harder’s letter of September 2, 2009 be put on the Dissolution Committee’s web-site.

Trustee Balles requested that Ed Crumb’s response be posted on the Dissolution Committee’s web-site. At the present the Committee has yet to respond to Ed Crumb’s letter.

Trustee King made inquiries to Captain Steffen relative to Sheriff Harder’s plan as put forth by the Dissolution Committee.

Bill Klish conveyed that the Broome County Sheriff and Undersheriff are of the opinion that 18 men can be staffed without overtime.

Chief Potts and Captain Steffen pointed out discrepancies in Sheriff Harder’s outline.

Trustee King made inquiries relative to hiring within the memorandum of understandings and noted the fiscal distresses of those neighboring municipalities. He felt that the Village may be entering into agreements or contracts and due to the fiscal distress of those municipalities, they may raise rates at the end of contracts, thus exposing the Village and community, becoming binding and burdensome.

Trustee King excused himself from the meeting at 6:46PM to attend 9/11 Memorial functions at the VFW.

Trustee Davis expressed concerns about the potential for lack of patrol. He made inquiries of Captain Steffen. Trustee Davis noted the need for increased patrol not a decrease in patrol. He noted he is very uncomfortable with Sheriff Harder’s plan. Trustee Davis noted that response time would be compromised. He expressed concern that more time is needed to examine the Dissolution plan in order to be exact and complete.

Trustee Silas inquired as to exact legal obligations.

Beth Westfall noted that it must be on “a” ballot, but not on a “particular” ballot. There would be a cost associated with this. Trustee Silas asked that Beth Westfall look into this cost by the September 15, 2009 Village Board meeting.

Trustee Silas expressed concern about Village representation on the Town of Union Board.

Mayor Hannon thanked the Dissolution Committee for their efforts.

Motion by Trustee Silas -seconded by Trustee Davis to enter into Executive Session at 7:03PM to seek legal advice regarding the Board’s responsibilities and legal obligations regarding the Dissolution Study and Plan.

Motion made by Trustee Balles – seconded by Trustee Silas to exit the Executive Session at 7:45PM.

NO ACTION TAKEN IN THIS PORTION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

The Work Session was ended at 7:50PM Ayes 4 Nayes 0

ADJOURNMENT

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Jennifer Kakusian, Village Clerk/Treasurer