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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.