Legislature doesn’t vote on term limits

SCHUYLER COUNTY––The Schuyler County legislature held a public hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2013, which would impose term limits upon members of the legislature, but did not vote on the resolution to adopt the law. Chairman Dennis Fagan explained there was not enough support amongst the legislators to pass the resolution and it would be revisited in committee before being reintroduced.
Citizens speaking during the public hearing voiced their support for term limits. Mark Rondinaro said it is, “very important that there is some turnover and new blood on the legislature.” This sentiment was echoed by Alan Hurley and Charles Davis. “I would hate to see [the legislature] be an old boys club,” said Davis.
If passed, the law would have established term limits upon the legislators by capping the number of consecutive years served at 12 years. The law permits a legislator already in office to finish out his or her term despite the 12th year occurring during the term of office. As for when the term limit calculations would go into effect, the law states, “computation of the number of consecutive terms shall commence with the term of office following the general election in November 2013 or any general or special election held thereafter.” Therefore, the “years of service attributable to those currently in office shall not be computed.”
There was no indication which provisions of the law in its current form were in dispute, only that this version would not obtain the votes required to become law. If the law is successfully reworked in legislative committee sessions, the legislature could take action on a resolution to adopt Local Law No. 3 of 2013 as early as next month’s regular meeting of the legislature.
In other business:
• An anonymous donor provided the funds necessary to treat and beautify the courthouse lawn after the legislature voted down a resolution last month due to the cost associated with such activity. The legislature voted to accept the donation and apply it to the cost of the lawn care at the Ninth Street complex. The cost is approximately $2,000.
• Fagan discussed Inergy Midstream, Walmart and their respective challenges to their assessments. Fagan said Inergy and the county had agreed upon a resolution whereby Inergy’s assessment will decrease from $29 million this year to $26 million next year, then to $24 million and finally $22 million. He also indicated a settlement with Walmart was “in the works.”
• The Schuyler County Legislature also heard from Mark Simiele of Wine and Glass Tours, Inc. which operates Captain Bill’s and the Seneca Harbor Station concerning ongoing lease negotiations between his company and the county. Simiele offered comparable lease agreements from around New York State in his effort to secure continued dock space on the pier located in Seneca Harbor Park which he currently leases from the county. That lease is set to expire in June of this year. He added if necessary, he was prepared to move the operation to his own marina, but would prefer to work out a resolution with the county. Those in attendance voiced their support for Simiele. Fagan said they would review the documentation and would then reach out to Simiele for further discussions.
The next regular meeting of the legislature is scheduled for June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the legislative chambers.