112.2021 Authorizing Public Employer Health Emergency Plan
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLIC EMPLOYER HEALTH
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR TOWN OF QUEENSBURY
RESOLUTION NO.: 112, 2021
INTRODUCED BY: Mr. George Ferone
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: Mr. Anthony Metivier
WHEREAS, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation requiring all public
employers to create plans to adequately protect workers in the event of a state disaster emergency
involving a communicable disease, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Queensbury’s Public Employer Health Emergency Plan has been
developed in accordance with the amended New York State Labor Law Section 27-c, and
WHEREAS, the Public Employer Health Emergency Plan was provided to the Town’s
employee labor union as required by the amended New York State Labor Law, and
WHEREAS, the Town’s employee labor union did not provide a response or comment on
the Plan,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Queensbury hereby adopts the Town
of Queensbury Public Employer Health Emergency Plan, attached as Exhibit "A" substantially in
the form presented at this meeting, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor or his duly authorized representative is hereby
empowered to execute any such agreements, documents, or papers, as may be necessary to
implement the intent and purpose of this Resolution.
nd
Duly adopted this 22 day of March, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Ferone, Mr. McNulty, Mr. Strough, Mr. Metivier, Mr. Freer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
EXHIBIT A
Public Employer Health Emergency Plan for Town of Queensbury
March 22, 2021
This plan has been developed in accordance with NYS legislation S8617B/A10832.
Promulgation
This plan has been developed in accordance with the amended New York State Labor Law section
27-c and New York State Education Law paragraphs k and l of subdivision 2 of section 2801-a (as
amended by section 1 of part B of chapter 56 of the laws of 2016), as applicable.
This plan has been developed with the input of CSEA, Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, as required by
the amended New York State Labor Law.
No content of this plan is intended to impede, infringe, diminish, or impair the rights of us or our
valued employees under any law, rule, regulation, or collectively negotiated agreement, or the rights
and benefits which accrue to employees through collective bargaining agreements, or otherwise
diminish the integrity of the existing collective bargaining relationship.
This plan has been approved in accordance with requirements applicable to the agency, jurisdiction,
authority, or district, as represented by the signature of the authorized individual below.
The Town reserves the right to modify the plan as necessary, with notification to the respective
collective bargaining unions.
--
As the authorized official of the Town of Queensbury, I hereby attest that this plan has been
developed, approved, and placed in full effect in accordance with S8617B/A10832 which amends
New York State Labor Law section 27-c to address public health emergency planning requirements.
Signed on this day: date
By: name of signatory Signature:
_______________________________
Title: title of signatory
pg. 1
Record of Changes
Date of Change Description of Change Implemented by
pg. 2
Table of Contents
Promulgation 1
Record of Changes 2
Purpose, Scope, Situation Overview, and Assumptions 4
Purpose ...............................................................................................................................................................................................
.............. 4
Scope .................................................................................................................................................................................................
................. 4
Situation Overview.....................................................................................................................................................................................
. 4
Planning Assumptions .............................................................................................................................................................................
4
Concept of Operations 5
Mission Essential Functions 5
Essential Positions ...................................................................................................................................................................................
.. 6
Reducing Risk Through Remote Work and Staggered Shifts 7
Remote Work Protocols ..........................................................................................................................................................................
7
Staggered Shifts ......................................................................................................................................................................................
.... 8
Personal Protective Equipment 8
Identification of PPE Based on Job Duties 9
Procurement of PPE 9
Storage of PPE 9
Cleaning Supplies 10
Staff Exposures, Cleaning, and Disinfection 10
Staff Exposures .......................................................................................................................................................................................
.. 10
Cleaning and Disinfecting ...................................................................................................................................................................
10
Employee and Contractor Leave 10
Documentation of Work Hours and Locations 10
Housing for Essential Employees 10
pg. 3
Purpose, Scope, Situation Overview, and Assumptions
Purpose
This plan has been developed in accordance with the amended New York State Labor Law
section 27-c. These laws were amended by the passing of legislation S8617B/A10832 signed
by the Governor of New York State on September 7, 2020, and require public employers to
adopt a plan for operations in the event of a declared public health emergency involving a
communicable disease. The plan includes the identification of essential positions, facilitation of
remote work for non-essential positions, provision of personal protective equipment, and
protocols for supporting contact tracing.
Scope
This plan was developed exclusively for and is applicable to Town of Queensbury (“the Town”).
This plan is pertinent to a declared public health emergency in the State of New York which
may impact our operations; and it is in the interest of the safety of our employees and
contractors, and the continuity of our operations that we have promulgated this plan. The
scope of this plan is based on a Federal, State, or local public health department mandated
shutdown of the Town buildings, grounds, and facilities.
Situation Overview
The health and safety of our employees and contractors is crucial to maintaining our mission
essential operations. We encourage all employees and contractors to use CDC Guidance for
Keeping Workplaces, Schools, Homes, and Commercial Establishments Safe. The
fundamentals of reducing the spread of infection include:
Using hand sanitizer and washing hands with soap and water frequently, including:
o After using the restroom
o After returning from a public outing
o After touching/disposing of garbage
o After using public computers, touching public tables, and countertops, etc.
Practice social distancing when possible
If you are feeling ill or have a fever, notify your supervisor immediately and go home
If you start to experience coughing or sneezing, step away from people and food,
cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or a tissue, the latter of which should be
disposed of immediately
Clean and disinfect workstations at the beginning, middle, and end of each shift
Other guidance, which may be published by the CDC, the State Department of Health,
or County health officials.
Planning Assumptions
This plan was developed based on information, best practices, and guidance available as of
the date of publication. The following assumptions have been made in the development of this
plan:
The health and safety of our employees and contractors, and their families, is of utmost
importance
The circumstances of a public health emergency may directly impact our own
operations.
Impacts of a public health emergency will take time for us to respond to, with
appropriate safety measures put into place and adjustments made to operations to
maximize safety
The public and our constituency expects us to maintain a level of mission essential
operations
Resource support from other jurisdictions may be limited based upon the level of
impact the public health emergency has upon them
Supply chains, particularly those for personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning
supplies, may be heavily impacted, resulting in considerable delays in procurement
The operations of other entities, including the private sector (vendors, contractors, etc.),
non-profit organizations, and other governmental agencies and services may also be
impacted due to the public health emergency, causing delays or other disruptions in
their services
Emergency measures and operational changes may need to be adjusted based upon
the specific circumstances and impacts of the public health emergency, as well as
guidance and direction from public health officials and the governor
Concept of Operations
The Supervisor of the Town of Queensbury, their designee, or their successor holds the
authority to execute and direct the implementation of this plan. Implementation, monitoring of
operations, and adjustments to plan implementation may be supported by additional
personnel, at the discretion of the Supervisor.
Upon the Town Board’s approval of this plan, all employees and contractors of the Town of
Queensbury shall be notified by internal electronic mail, the Town of Queensbury website
(employee and contractor access) and a physical copy, with details provided as possible and
necessary, with additional information and updates provided on a regular basis. The general
public, State University of New York Adirondack and the Queensbury Senior Citizens Center
will be notified of pertinent operational changes by way of postings, the Town of Queensbury
website, electronic mail and a physical copy. Other interested parties, such as vendors, will be
notified by phone and/or email as necessary. The Supervisor’s Office will maintain
communications with the public and constituents as needed throughout the implementation of
this plan.
The Supervisor of the Town of Queensbury, their designee, or their successor will maintain
awareness of information, direction, and guidance from public health officials and the
Governor’s office, directing the implementation of changes as necessary.
Upon resolution of the public health emergency, the Supervisor of the Town of Queensbury,
their designee, or their successor will direct the resumption of normal operations or operations
with modifications as necessary.
Mission Essential Functions
When confronting events that disrupt normal operations the Town is committed to ensuring
that essential functions will be continued even under the most challenging circumstances.
Essential functions are those functions that enable an organization to:
1. Maintain the safety of employees, contractors, and our constituency
2. Provide vital services
3. Provide services required by law
4. Sustain quality operations
5. Uphold the core values of the Town
The mission essential functions for the Town have been identified as the following:
Essential Function Description Priority
Highway Personnel and equipment necessary for the maintenance of the
roads within the Town for public safety
Building and The Building and Grounds department ensures that the Town
Grounds buildings and grounds are properly maintained, regularly
cleaned, and disinfected as necessary to ensure the safety of
all essential employees, contractors, and visitors.
Water/Wastewater Provides essential water and sewer services to Queensbury
Treatment residents and businesses
P&R Maintenance Ensures that the Town’s parks and recreational areas are
properly maintained for the safety of employees, contractors
and the general public.
Cemetery Provides essential burial services
Crematory Provides essential cremation services
Transfer Station Sanitation
Town Court Legal services
It is important to note that Town Court is a vital component of town government, with Town
Court functions budgeted and supported by the Town Board and Town Supervisor. However,
we recognize that the New York State Office of Court Administration holds dominion over
Town Courts and, as such, may issue orders which suspend or alter the hours of operation or
means by which Town Courts operate which may not fully align with this plan or other
measures taken by the Town Board or Town Supervisor. As such, the Town Board, Town
Supervisor, and Town Clerk will coordinate as necessary with Town Court personnel to ensure
safe and effective continuity of Town Court.
Essential Positions
Each essential function identified above requires certain positions on-site to effectively
operate. The table below identifies the positions or titles that are essential to be staffed on-site
for the continued operation of each essential function. Note that while some functions and
associated personnel may be essential, some of these can be conducted remotely and do not
need to be identified in this section.
Essential Essential Positions/Titles Justification for
Function Each
Highway Public Safety
WS, MEO, HEO, Laborer, Mechanic, Parts Shop
Foreman, Secretary to Sup of Highway, Highway
Superintendent, Deputy Highway Superintendent,
Supervisor’s Public Safety
Town Supervisor, Executive Assistant to Supervisor
Office
Building and Public Safety
Laborer, Working Supervisor, Cleaner, Facilities
Grounds
Manager, Building Maintenance Mechanic,
Water/WastewatePublic Safety
Account Clerk, WS, Laborer, Wastewater
r Treatment
Maintenance Worker -All. Senior Wastewater
Maintenance Supervisor, Water Plant Op – All, Water
Maintenance Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor-Water,
Water Maintenance Worker – All, Water Meter
Service Workers, Water Plant Senior Operators,
Senior Water Treatment Plant Techs, Water
Treatment Plant Techs, GIS & Utilities Location Tech,
Senior Instrument Tech – Water, Instrument Tech –
Water, Laboratory Operator, Building Maintenance,
Building Maintenance Mechanic, Senior Building
Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic,
Water/Wastewater Field Operations Manager, Water
Plant Operations Engineer, Principal Account Clerk,
Water Superintendent, Accounting Supervisor,
P&R Maintenance Public Safety
Senior Building Maintenance Mechanic, Laborer,
Light Equipment Op Recreation,
Cemetery Public Safety
Groundskeeper, WS, MEO, HEO, Laborer, Cemetery
Superintendent,
Crematory Public Safety
Crematory Operator
Transfer Station Public Safety
Laborer, Transfer Station Attendant, Transfer Station
Supervisor,
Town Court Maintain and
Town Justices, in accordance with NYS Office of
process court
Court Administration guidance
docket, including
Town Court Clerks, in accordance with NYS Office of
traffic tickets,
Court Administration
criminal matters,
small claims, and
local code
violations.
Receives fines and
fees.
Reducing Risk Through Remote Work and Staggered Shifts
Through assigning certain staff to work remotely and by staggering work shifts, we can
decrease crowding and density at work sites and on public transportation.
Remote Work Protocols
Non-essential employees and contractors able to accomplish their functions remotely will be
enabled to do so at the greatest extent possible. Working remotely requires:
1. Identification of staff who will work remotely will be done by the Supervisor and Town
Board. The list below identifies the positions that are non-essential and able to be
staffed remotely, as necessary, to ensure continuity of operations while maintaining
compliance with Federal, State and/or local regulations and/or laws:
Accounting
Assessor
Town Clerk – Tax Collection and Records
Recreation Administrator
Cemetery Clerical
Town Historian
Planning
Zoning
Fire Marshall
Building & Codes
Crossing Guards – If School is in session
2. Approval and assignment of remote work will be made by the Department Head, with
the final determination to be communicated to the Town Supervisor and Town Board to
ensure employee time and attendance is tracked accurately.
3. Equipping staff for remote work will be managed by Accounting/Purchasing and input
from Department Heads and the current IT consultant, and which may include:
a. Internet capable laptop
b. Necessary peripherals
c. Access to VPN and/or secure network drives
d. Access to software and databases necessary to perform their duties
e. A solution for telephone communications
Staggered Shifts
Implementing staggered shifts may be possible for personnel performing duties that are
necessary to be performed on-site but perhaps less sensitive to being accomplished only
within core business hours. As possible, management will identify opportunities for staff to
work outside core business hours as a strategy of limiting exposure. Regardless of changes in
start and end times of shifts the Town of Queensbury will ensure that employees are provided
with their typical or contracted minimum work hours per week. Staggering shifts requires:
1. Identification of positions for which work hours will be staggered
2. Approval and assignment of changed work hours.
Identification of Positions with Staggered Work Hours and Approval Process
Certain employees may be assigned to staggered shifts to ensure job duties and
responsibilities are able to be fulfilled safely and/or to meet business needs. The identify of
which essential workers can work staggered shifts and the details of the staggering will be
determined by the Supervisor and the Town Board If the Supervisor and Town Board
determine that staggered shifts are necessary, Department Heads are required to abide by the
determination and act in accordance with this plan and the directive of the Supervisor and
Town Board.
Approval and assignment of changed work hours must be prepared by the Department Heads
and approved by the Supervisor and the Town Board. Factors such as staffing levels, the
ability to provide for adequate physical distancing, and ways to improve efficiency and/or
effectiveness will be considered in the decision-making process.
Personal Protective Equipment
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the spread of infectious disease is
important to supporting the health and safety of our employees and contractors. PPE which
may be needed can include:
Masks
Face shields
Gloves
Disposable gowns and aprons
Note that while cleaning supplies are not PPE, there is a related need for cleaning supplies
used to sanitize surfaces, as well as hand soap and hand sanitizer. As such, we are including
these supplies in this section as they are pertinent to protecting the health and safety of our
employees and contractors.
Protocols for providing PPE include the following:
1. Identification of need for PPE based upon job duties and work location
2. Procurement of PPE
a. As specified in the amended law, public employers must be able to provide at
least two pieces of each required type of PPE to each essential employee and
contractor during any given work shift for at least six months
b. Public employers must be able to mitigate supply chain disruptions to meet this
requirement
3. Storage of, access to, and monitoring of PPE stock
a. PPE must be stored in a manner which will prevent degradation
b. Employees and contractors must have immediate access to PPE in the event of
an emergency
c. The supply of PPE must be monitored to ensure integrity and to track usage
rates
Identification of PPE Based on Job Duties
Each Town building will be provided with a supply of disposable masks and hand sanitizer for
use by employees, contractors, and/or visitors.
Given the nature of their work, building and grounds staff will be supplied daily access to
disposable masks and gloves to use when cleaning and/or disinfecting town buildings. In
addition, they will have access to face shields and gowns to use for job duties that require
such additional protection.
Procurement of PPE
Department Managers will track PPE inventory on a weekly basis and provide it to Purchasing.
When inventory gets low (defined as having less than two pieces of each required type of PPE
to each essential employee and contractor during any given work shift for at least 30 days), the
Department Manager will notify Purchasing who will contact one or more of the vendors on the
Town’s approved suppliers list to procure the necessary PPE. The Town will maintain and
periodically updates the supplier list in an effort to mitigate supply chain disruptions. In the
event of an emergency, the Town will permit the Budget Officer to purchase via credit card for
each department. For unforeseen supply disruptions or shortages, the Town will work with the
Warren County Public Health Department for assistance.
Storage of PPE
A sufficient supply of PPE for two pieces per employee per day is stored in each
building. PPE needed for the next 1-2 months is stored in the Building and Grounds facility for
distribution to the buildings as needed. A PPE inventory is done at each location every 1-2
weeks. The PPE will be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines in order to
prevent degradation. In the event of an emergency, employees and contractors can obtain
immediate access to PPE through the location identified in each department above.
Cleaning Supplies
As needed by the Building and Grounds Department, the Town will have necessary cleaning
products available.
Staff Exposures, Cleaning, and Disinfection
Staff Exposures
The Town will follow established protocols when employee exposure situations occur. Given
the nuances or complexities associated with potential exposures, close contacts, symptomatic
persons, and those testing positive, the Town will follow CDC/public health recommendations
and requirements and will coordinate with Warren County Public Health Department for
additional guidance and support as needed. Exposure protocols will be updated as
necessary and/or required and will be communicated to employees and contractors and
posted on the Town’s website.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
The Town will follow CDC and public health guidelines for best practices in the cleaning and
disinfection of surfaces/areas. Present guidance for routine cleaning during a public health
emergency includes, but is not limited to, frequently cleaning high traffic and high touch areas;
cleaning areas with soap and water prior to disinfecting surfaces with products that meet EPA
criteria; providing cleaning staff with appropriate PPE; and following instructions of cleaning
products to ensure safe and effective use.
Employee and Contractor Leave
Unless required by Federal, State, or local law. The Town will follow the leave provisions of the
respective collective bargaining agreements and/or the leave provisions in the employee
handbooks for non-bargaining unit employees.
Documentation of Work Hours and Locations
In a public health emergency, it may be necessary to document work hours and locations of
each employee and contractor to support contact tracing efforts. Locations shall be within
specific buildings, with contractors signing in and out at Town Hall and Department specific
employees doing likewise at their particular building or site. The Supervisor’s Office and the
Accounting Office shall be responsible for the management and handling of this information,
which will be in paper and electronic form. This information may be used by the Town, New
York State Department of Health and Warren County Public Health Department to support
contact tracing within the organization and may be shared with State and/or local public health
officials.
Housing for Essential Employees
There are circumstances within a public health emergency when it may be prudent to have
essential employees lodged in such a manner which will help prevent the spread of the subject
communicable disease to protect these employees from potential exposures, thus helping to
ensure their health and safety and the continuity of the Town’s essential operations. If such
need arises, the Town has the capability to house essential employees on site. There will be
cots and kitchen facilities. the Town will coordinate with the Warren County Public Health
Department to help identify and arrange for housing needs.