Legislators appoint Brian Winslow

    YATES COUNTY—Brian Winslow of Penn Yan was named Director of Emergency Management on Monday, Sept 12. The office had been covered by Deputy Director Diane Caves since former director Glen Miller retired in November 2010.
    Winslow’s appointment by the Yates County Legislature was unanimous. Following the vote, Yates County Administrator Sarah Purdy said she wanted to thank Deputy Director Diane Caves and Emergency Services Coordinator Chris Warriner for, “The fantastic jobs they have done since last November.” Legislature Chairman Taylor Fitch said they did, “Excellent, excellent work.” Taylor singled out the pair’s efforts during several storms. Contacted later in the day, Caves said, “We tried together to consume the duties of the director.”
Winslow will begin his duties on October 3. He is currently a deputy with he Yates County Sheriff’s Department.
    In other business: Legislators passed a resolution calling on Governor Cuomo and the state legislature to apply the same standards to Yates County and the Finger Lakes watersheds that the Department of Environmental Conservation has indicated it will apply to the New York City and Syracuse Watersheds. The concern is triggered by the potential for hydrofracking to recover natural gas from Marcellus Shale.
    • Set a public hearing on a local law that will authorize the county to insert information into the tax bill for county purposes. Following the meeting, Purdy said the county would like to have information on the bills on tax so people understand their taxes fund unfunded mandates. The hearing will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
    • A public hearing for renewal of a local law for additional mortgage tax on real property in the county is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
    • Legislators proclaimed the week of Sept. 19 through Sept. 24, 2011 Reisling Launch Week. Thursday, Sept. 22 was named Finger Lakes Reisling Day. The resolution noted Yates County is the home to more wineries and grapes than any other county in New York State. Reisling wine from the Finger Lakes has become known as some of the best Reisling in the world.
    The date of the October meeting of the Yates County Legislature is changed. The meeting will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The date is changed due to the Columbus Day holiday. The meeting will be in legislative chambers at the Yates County office building on Liberty Street in Penn Yan.