DELHI - Opening the county, veteran support and discussion of a Department of Public Works Facility topped the agenda at Wednesday’s Delaware County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting.
BOS Chairperson Tina Molé said the county offices will be fully operational on June 8. The county is looking to the state as to how to proceed.
Delaware County Health Department Programs Manager Heather Warner said individuals should continue to take safety precautions. She emphasized that COVID-19 is in Delaware County.
A resolution was passed by the BOS calling for support of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) for the Delaware County Veteran Services Agency.
The County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) carries a significant workload for the federal and state governments. Currently, the federal government provides no fiscal support to CVSOs or the local equivalent. The resolution calls for the Governor and NYS Legislature to fully support NACVSO Legislative Priorities for 2020.
Delaware County Director of Veterans Services Charlie Piper discussed costs which are associated with transporting veterans to area services which could span many miles. Many of the veterans utilize services in Albany. The resolution calls to amend legislation and to add CVSO to be eligible for grant assistance for the Highly Rural transportation grant.
Public Defenders Office (Joseph Ermeti): $137,400 was transferred to the public defender’s office for the purchase of equipment such as law books, a cell phone, software licenses, miscellaneous,process services and office supplies.
A resolution was approved for the acceptance of HABA Cares Grant - Board of Elections. The Delaware County Board of Elections has been approved to receive $57,139 in funds. Funds are necessary due to the elevated costs of running election due to COVID-19.
The BOS authorized the scheduling/publication of a public hearing to obtain citizen input regarding the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal Department of Economic Development (CDBG). A public hearing will be held prior to the next BOS meeting on June 24 at 12:45 p.m.
Delaware County is considering the development of a micro-enterprise program to provide financial assistance, in the form of small, matching grants to local agricultural and main street entrepreneurs and businesses. Subject to citizen input regarding the CDBG Program, Delaware County would potentially, submit an application to the New York State Office of Community Renewal for up to $300,000 for the establishment of a micro-enterprise program.
A resolution was passed in memory of Hancock Town Supervisor Gerald Mackin. Mackin was the Hancock town supervisor from 1990 to 2001 and the social services attorney until 2007; he passed away on May 1.
