The Cayuga County Legislature’s Public Works and Judicial & Public Safety Committees met this week approving multiple grant acceptances, program expansions, and operational updates, while forwarding a resolution regarding flood mitigation equipment for further review.
The Judicial & Public Safety Committee approved resolutions to accept public safety answering point and PSAP grants to support 911 operations. Cayuga County 911 Administrator Denise Spingler said a recent staffing assistance initiative has attracted approximately 75 applications, a response she called unprecedented in over a decade. Interviews are scheduled for next week, with the goal of beginning training in June.
District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci reported an uptick in indictments and introduced a resolution to expand a traffic diversion program through a contract amendment with Advent Financial Systems LLC. The committee approved the measure.
A proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state regarding flood mitigation equipment was tabled and referred to the Ways and Means Committee. Legislators raised concerns about maintenance responsibilities for the equipment, which includes sandbagging tools and pumps.
Sheriff’s Office Resolutions Approved
The committee approved several resolutions involving the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office. These included:
- A contract with 3-D Inflatable to provide a distracted driving simulator at Auburn High School using D.A.R.E. program funds.
- Acceptance of a $25,000 “STRIVE” grant to address inmate partner violence.
- A pilot program modifying road patrol sergeant schedules from 8-hour to 12-hour shifts. Sheriff Brian Schenck said the change will improve supervision coverage and provide better work-life balance, with additional work hours covered at no extra salary cost. Legislators requested a progress report midway through the pilot period.
DWI Program Outreach
Stop DWI Coordinator Deb Dennis presented three resolutions related to state grants and public outreach partnerships. These included agreements with the Auburn Doubledays baseball team for promotional events during the 2025 season. A designated “Stop DWI Day” is scheduled for Sunday, June 22. All related resolutions were approved.
Department Updates
Assigned Counsel, Probation, and the Sheriff’s Department provided brief updates. Probation Director Tyrone Huffman noted efforts to enhance monitoring of registered sex offenders, including potential use of internet monitoring and polygraphs. He also reported that three new officers will complete training by mid-June.
The committee acknowledged an upcoming Stop DWI promotional night at the May 25 races at the Leedsport Speedway, sponsored by the New York State Stop DWI program.
Public Works Committee Actions
The Public Works Committee approved a contract extension with Colliers Engineering for county project design services and authorized a lease renewal with the City of Auburn for the city court’s use of space in the historic post office building.
A resolution to expand a cleaning services contract with Clean Tech was also approved to include a newly vacated space at the community college, formerly occupied by the Employment & Training office.
Highway Superintendent Doug Soper said roadwork is set to begin, pending weather and funding, and reported ongoing coordination with the planning department on wind and solar farm-related road use agreements.
Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Doug Kierst announced that Field Manager Tim Schneider recently won the Division II Merit Award. Kierst distributed the district’s annual report and confirmed plans for the June 7 tire recycling event. Aquatic weed harvesters and equipment upgrades are ready for seasonal deployment.
The meeting adjourned following approval of all pending resolutions.
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