Investigator’s Retirement Recognized, Former Legislator Sohoski Honored During County Legislative Meeting

OSWEGO – The Oswego County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee recognized Criminal Investigator James Johnson II, along with a moment of silence to honor former Legislator Ed Sohoski during yesterday’s County Legislative meeting, Thursday, February 10.

Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton was present at the ceremony, congratulating Johnson on his retirement, a compilation of Johnson’s years on the force read to the audience.

“I just want to take a minute and congratulate you,” Hilton said.

Johnson will retire this month after 28 years of service with the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, his career growing over the years: First as a Corrections Officer from April 4, 1994-December 15, 1996,  then moving onto Patrol Officer until Jan. 26, 2009; his finally move being the postion of Criminal Investigator. Johnson will officially retire on February 20.

“I’m excited to retire and I thank all you guys for recognizing me today, and thank for what you do,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth for the last 27 – almost 28 years, and I’m looking forward to retirement.”

Before introducing James Johnson II, Chairman James Weatherup requested a moment of silence in observance of former Legislator Ed Sohoski’s passing on Jan. 12. Sohoski served on the legislature from 1984-95.

One item discussed during the meeting was a newly created Drone Coordinator position in the Emergency Management Department. Legislators Marie Schadt and Frank Castiglia addressed the true necessity of the position, both suggesting cross-training of existing departmental staff.

Legislator and Public Safety Chairman Marc Greco addressed the requirements, citing safety and regulatory demands in conjunction with the role.

“This is a highly technical position – the rules on it are changing constantly, and we need somebody who is very familiar with the new regulations as they change,” Greco said. “The drones are fairly new and the regulations are constantly updating and changing.

After further discussion, the resolution was passed 22-2. Other items unanimously passed on the agenda are as follows:

• An Inter-municipal agreement between Jefferson and Oswego Counties for an E-911 Proteus MX – Motorola Microwave link.
• Authorization of a temporary Fire Advisory Department Secretary
• Professional services contract for Oswego County EMS/911 Medical Director Services
• Authorization for Permanent Emergency Medical Services Coordinator position in the Emergency Management Department.
• Execution of Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement – IPAWS
• Authorizing reclassification of seasonal HEAP CSW in Department of Social Services
• Amendment approval to Oswego City-County Youth Bureau by-laws – Chairman to execute agreements
• Resolution declaring intent of Oswego County to act as lead agency to Independence Trail REDI Project
• Budget Modification to Department of Community Development- Capital Project No. 192 Grant Funds
• Awarding Professional Services Contract – RFP 21-CDPT-002-First and Last Mile Mobility Service Provider.
• Appointment of members to the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors
• Authorization – new position request for temporary/full time typist at County Health Department
• Increase authorization for Capital Project No. BO222 Whitesville Road Bridge over Nine Mile Creek
• Resolution Establishing Capital Project No. BO32 Parker Road Bridge over Scriba Creek
• Resolution Increasing Capital Project No. BO821 County Route 5 Seawall Repair REDI
• Authorizing Expenditure from Capital reserve No. 146 – Highway and Equipment
• Authorizing budget modification of Central Services Establishing Capital Project No. TO122 for update of Copier Fleet and Fax Server Solution
• Appointment of Acting Director of Solid Waste Programs
• Resolution adopting an investment policy and designating bank as depositories of county funds.
• Plan sponsor amending and restating a deferred compensation plan for the County of Oswego
• Resolution authorizing and amending a Memorandum of Understanding by and between the County of Oswego and the Oswego County Professionals Association, Inc.

All County Legislature meetings are held the second Thursday of every month. Next month’s meeting will be held on March 10 at 2 p.m. To view the February 10 agenda, please click here.

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