PENN YAN — The Yates County Legislature is sending a message to Gov. David Paterson the State Senate and Assembly that it opposes several bills regulating guns in the state.
“Certain bills passed in the New York State Assembly will have a detrimental effect on hunters, sportsmen and legal gun owners as well as the health of wildlife, revenue to local municipalities and the Department of Environmental Conservation,” says a passage in the resolution.
Specifically, the resolution opposes 11 Assembly bills that lay out requirements for license renewal, require restrictions on gun dealers, outlaw some handguns, redefines possession of some ammunition as criminal possession of a weapon, bans the sale of weapons larger than 50 caliber.
County Administrator Sarah Purdy says the members of the legislature researched the issues surrounding the bills, discussing issues with local sportsmen organizations.
Other business on the legislature’s agenda on Jan. 11 included:
• Employee recognition: The meeting began with the annual employee recognition. See Page A5 for a listing of honored employees.
• Van: The legislators authorized the county treasurer to pay $18,837.40 to purchase a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan that will be used by the Veteran’s Services Department to transport veterans to medical appointments. Purdy says the cost of the van will be reimbursed through a member item from Assemblyman James Bacalles.
• Engineering Services: The legislators authorized the Superintendent of Highways to request proposals for engineering services at the county landfill located in the town of Torrey. Although the landfill has been closed for several years, the county is still responsible for post closure operations and maintenance engineering. Contracts are limited to five years, notes Purdy.
• Agreement: The legislators authorized Sheriff Ron Spike and Chairman Taylor Fitch to sign agreements with Ontario County for in- and out-boarding inmates with Ontario County at a rate of $85 per day.
• Grant: Appropriated a $245,556 New York State Department of Transportation grant for the Penn Yan Airport.
• Appointments: Chairman Taylor Fitch appointed Kevin Bailey, Rodman Williams and Dr. Timothy Dennis to the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC) Board. He also appointed himself and Donald House as representatives to the Genesee Regional Planning Commission, and appointed Robert Multer as the alternate.
Fitch had previously appointed standing committees for the legislature as follows:
• Finance: Dr. Timothy Dennis (District II) chair; Douglas Paddock (District I) vice chair; Rick Willson (District II) Donald House (District II) and Mark Morris (District III).
• Government Operations: William Holgate (District IV) chair; Robert Multer (District I) vice chair; Donna Alexander (District I), Leslie Church and Mark Morris (both District III).
