The 25th Annual Meeting of NOCCOG was held on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at the Franklin Hotel in Rome, NY, with approximately 95 people in attendance. Following the social hour, dinner was served, preceded by welcoming remarks from NOCCOG Chairman, Robert Sauer. Municipal Management Consultant / Circuit Rider, Geraldine Ritter, recognized Tug Hill Commission Executive Director John Bartow, Tug Hill Commission Director of Economic Development, David Zembiec, Tug Hill Commission Chairman Ken Vigus, (Boonville). Also recognized were Assemblyman David Townsend, Oneida County Comptroller Joseph Timpano, Oneida County Legislators, Leslie Porter, Norman Leach, Michael Clancy and Michael Hennessy. Senator Joseph Griffo was not able to attend due to another commitment but extended wishes for another successful year to NOCCOG communities.
At 7: 50 pm, chairman Sauer called the annual business meeting to order. Sauer gave the chairman's report that included various projects in which NOCCOG is currently involved as well as recent accomplishments. This includes but not limited to numerous training opportunities for appointed and elected officials, several New York State Archives Grants, Local Government Efficiency Grant projects, strategic planning grants, and the development or revision of comprehensive and land use plans for NOCCOG communities. Sauer also thanked the NOCCOG municipalities for their support and thanked the circuit riders for their hard work and efforts.
Minutes: Municipal Management Consultant Ritter asked for the review and acceptance of the minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting. Motion made by John Buczek, Supervisor of the Town of Floyd, to accept the minutes. Seconded by William Hinge, Village Administrator for the Village of Barneveld.
All in favor. Motion carried.
Financial Report: NOCCOG Fiscal Officer Mark Scheidelman gave the financial report and noted that expenses for 2008 were staying within budget projections with the exception of mileage/travel expenses. All revenues for 2008 have been received with all 19 member municipalities having paid their dues for the 17th consecutive year. Scheidelman referenced the proposed 2008 budget, approved by the NOCCOG Executive Committee. Changes noted on the revenue side: interest and earnings are estimated to be $200 for 2009, the anticipated fund balance has increased $200 to $6,380, and Tug Hill's contribution for the full time circuit rider's salary and benefits in accordance with the state bargaining agreement. Changes to expense lines: an increase of $500 to a total of $5,000 for the full time circuit rider's travel expenses, associate circuit rider 1's travel expense was increased $500 to $2,000. Circuit rider 2's travel expense was decreased $500 to $1,000, and publications and subscriptions was decreased $100 to $250. It was also noted there was an increase in the salary and benefits for full time municipal management consultant Ritter, which are paid in full by the Tug Hill Commission. Dues for member municipalities will remain the same at $550 per year for 2009. Oneida County support for 2009 was requested in the amount of $7,500 the same as requested for 2008. The Oneida County budget has not been finalized at this time.
Scheidelman also provided a fiscal report on the NYS Archives grant projects managed by NOCCOG in 2008.
A motion was made by Jim Ossont, Supervisor of the Town of Ava to accept the 2008 financial report and the 2009 NOCCOG proposed budget as presented. Seconded by John Buczek, Supervisor of the Town of Floyd.
All in favor. Motion carried
Election of Officers: Nominating Committee member, John Buczek, Supervisor, Town of Floyd, presented the slate of officers for 2006:
Robert Sauer of Camden - Chairman;
Arnold Talgo of Steuben - Vice Chairman;
Mark Scheidelman of Trenton - Fiscal Officer.
Buczek asked for further nominations from the floor. There being none, the nominating process was closed. Cliff Hill, Supervisor, Town of Remsen and Nominating Committee member, requested that a single ballot be cast for the slate. Motion was made by John Buzeck, to cast a single ballot for the slate and accept the nominations. Seconded by Cliff Hill.
All in favor. Motion carried.
The new terms will commence January 1, 2009.
Program: John Bartow, Executive Director of the Tug Hill Commission, did a presentation on the results of the Tug Hill Commission's Local Leader's Survey completed earlier this year. The purpose for the survey of local officials and other community leaders is to evaluate the Commission's programs and help determine the future the Commission and its councils of governments with which it works. The survey has a 43% response rate. It was noted that for the first time in the history of Tug Hill surveys, helping communities protect the environment ranked the highest (96.3%). Bartow also reported on several regional projects and community forums by the Tug Hill Commission and councils of governments planned for 2009.
The remaining program for the evening was a slide show by circuit rider Gerry Ritter highlighting NOCCOG's beginning in 1981, growth over the years, current projects, and goals for the future. Also recognized were those individuals who have served NOCCOG communities as circuit riders over the years.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded and was adjourned at 8:55pm.
