DELcovery Resource Map For Sobriety Set to Launch - Public Hearing Set Aug 28

Amber Gray of Vecc Videography Productions walks Delaware County Supervisors through the new DELcovery application.

DELAWARE COUNTY - DELcovery, a new website and application designed to provide easy access to Delaware County's recovery resources, is set to launch in the coming weeks.

Funding was provided by Delaware County Public Health. Roughly $78,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds received from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports was allocated. The county was awarded a total of $540,965 to assist in the treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and prevention efforts of addiction.

Vecc Videography Productions was hired to execute and develop the campaign.

Delaware County Supervisors heard an overview of app functions presented by Jessica Vecchione and Amber Gray at their meeting on July 24. The app features an interactive map platform that showcases resources and locations throughout the county. Resource categories include addiction or rehabilitative services, naloxone pick-up locations, food security support, mental health, crisis hotlines, and more. Each resource has a brief description of services, location, contact information, website, and a share option where users can send the info to a friend or family member. Gray assures users the app does not collect personal information and can be used anonymously.

Once the app is launched, said Vecchione, "We can consider adding on integrated educational pieces." They do plan to develop short informational videos answering questions such as; My child has an addiction, what should I do? or I just got out of jail, now what? The goal for now is to get people on the app and using it, she concluded.

"What makes this so good," said Supervisor Chair and Bovina Supervisor Tina Molè, "Is that you don't really plan on needing the services, but when you do I'm sure it's during a time where your feeling very overwhelmed and it's hard so I think this will be extremely helpful."

For more information visit delcovery.org or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

In another discussion, a public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. before the regular board meeting. The hearing is set to gain public input regarding spending CARES funding (Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act). The county received $941,000 in CARES funds to support businesses impacted by the global pandemic. Many funds were already dispersed in 2022 through 2023.

In other business:

Supervisors adopted the False Alarm Reduction Act local law. The legislation outlines county notification requirements and fines for false alarms. A "false alarm" is defined as an automated action from an alarm system in a structure that causes a call or signal to be dispatched to the sheriff's office, 911 call center, or other law enforcement agency without an existing emergency.

The county received a grant of $364,051 for law enforcement technology and equipment purchases.

Supervisors approved allocating $85,000 of excess personal services funds - available due to vacancies - to the Department of Public Works equipment line.

Supervisors extended the contract with Amstar of Western New York for structural steel repair of bridges on Nichols Road over East Brook in Walton and on Morton Hill Road over Morton Brook in Colchester. The contract is extended to August 31.

Haley Gransbury was appointed as acting county clerk to fill the vacancy following Debra Goodrich's retirement. Gransbury will serve the remainder of Goodrich's term through Dec. 31 at an annual salary of $81,127.

The Office for the Aging received $20,000 from Bassett Healthcare Network, O'Connor Hospital Board to develop a food box distribution pilot program for the county's older population.

Roughly 57 acres in Walton and 138 acres in Bovina were accepted as agriculturally viable land.

The tax roll for the property with tax map no. 285.-2-48.321 in Middletown was reduced for the years 2020 through 2023. Supervisors approved a refund of roughly $199,535. Real Property Tax Services Director Sherri Falcone said after two court hearings in 2021 and 2024 the refund was a supreme court order. Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner said the town and school district are also required to reassess the property for a refund.