May 2009 Monthly Announcements

1. Tug Hill Commission Community Survey - The results of the region wide phone survey completed in March by the Center of Community Studies at JCC will be available later this month. The goal of the survey was to collect residents' and landowners' perceptions and opinions about a variety of issues and opportunities in the region. In May and June of this year, with results of the survey in-hand, the Commission and Councils of Government will convene seven community forums throughout the Tug Hill region to share survey results with Tug Hill citizens and local officials, as well as gather further responses to the issues addressed. Prior to the public forums, the full survey results will be publicized as well as posted on the Commission and Council of Governments' websites for public review. The forums will provide an opportunity for public opinion leaders and citizens to add depth to the survey by sharing their thoughts and concerns about the results, the region in general, and how agencies, organizations, communities and individuals can work to respond.  The information gathered through the survey and forums will be incorporated into the Tug Hill Commission's 2009 Strategic Planning process, and will be used by NOCCOG and the other Councils of Government to evaluate our programs and priorities

To date, the following forum dates and locations have been scheduled in the NOCCOG area:       

            T/V Boonville Municipal Building - Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

            Town of Lee Town Hall -  Tuesday, June 16, 6:30-9:00p.m.

2.  Improving Snow and Ice Operations Through Municipal Cooperation -This seminar is being presented by the Local Government Education Committee of Herkimer and Oneida Counties on Tuesday May 26,  at SUNYIT, Kunsela Hall Auditorium from 6:30pm - 9:15pm  The presentation will address joint highway operations, salt storage buildings, equipment maintenance opportunities.  The panel will include some local officials as well as David Orr, senior Engineer from the Cornell Local Roads program ad Robert Selover, NYS DOT/Office of Transportation Maintenance. The registrations for the workshop are due by May 15 and the fee is $15, payable to the College Association.

3.  Annual NYS Cyber Security Conference & Annual Symposium on Information Assurance -

 Don ' t miss out on the 12th Annual New York State Cyber Security Conference and Annual Symposium on Information Assurance (ASIA) that will be held June 3 & 4 in Albany. The 2 day conference and symposium offers a variety of sessions and valuable information. It is free to public sector employees. To register or for more information contact Jessica Smith, Outreach & Training, NYS Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure, Albany, phone: 518-474-0865, or at www.cscic.state.ny.us

 

4.  Wish List Memo to Supervisor and Mayors -   NOCCOG asked each of our member communities to put together a wish list of two or three projects that you would like to undertake if you had the financial means to do so. If you have not responded to this request, we are asking you to do so at your earliest convenience.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         5. DEC Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants - Applications are now being accepted for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  The grants provide funding to rural fire departments to enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities. The deadline for applications is May 31.  Only expenses directly related to fire suppression are eligible for funding.  These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, light-weight fireproof clothing (Nomex), hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators and dry hydrants.  Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases and maintenance items are not eligible for funding. The grants of $1000 are funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC.    A reduced level of federal funding is expected for 2009. For applications or further information about the grant program, you can contact DEC at (518) 402-8839, write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 8^th Floor, Albany, New York,  12233-2560 or visit the DEC website at the address above, click on the subject index then click on Forest Rangers .

6.  Assistance to Firefighter's Grants - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is offering a grant this spring.  The Department of Homeland Security  posted the FY2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Guidance on the AFG Website. The application period began on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Applications for these grants must be received by Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.  The AFG program provides resources for training, first responder health and safety programs, and response equipment and vehicles. For more information regarding the AFG program and other federal first responder programs, please visit: http://www.house.gov/htbin/leave_site?ln_url=http://www.firegrantsupport.com/&ln_desc=Fire+Grant+Support

7.  Spring NYS Archives Workshop - The Preservation of Electronic Records workshop will be presented on Wednesday, May 6th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Scribal Town Hall.  This workshop will discuss:  different types of electronic media,  techniques for preserving electronic records,  how to maximize longevity of e-storage media,   and  how to maintain access to electronic records, 
If you would like to attend this workshop, please feel free to register online through the New York State Archives website at: http://iarchives.nysed.gov/WorkShops/workshopsServlet?owner=LG&cat=05. You may also call Denise Russo directly at our Utica Regional Office to register (315-793-2780). Denise will provide you with directions to the workshop location in Scribal.

 8.  Local Government Records Officers Annual Training- The New York Association of Local Government Records Officers has scheduled their annual training school for June 7-10 at the Radisson City Centre in Utica. The theme of this year's training is "Going the Distance: Investing in Sound Records Practices." Sixteen classes are offered, including two NYS Archives Certification Workshops: "Developing Policy for Managing Email" and "Using State Archives Retention Schedules."

Please visit www.nyalgro.org for additional information on the classes and how to register. Reservations and payment for the three day must be received by May 31.

                                              Email addresses:Gjriiter01@aol.com

hmoonen@twcny.rr.com & smartin47@roadrunner.com