The following plan was adopted on March 18th, 2021 and signed by the Chairman of the Board on March 23rd, 2021. To view the signed copy, click here.

 

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

CONTINUATION OF OPERATIONS PLAN:

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

This plan has been developed in accordance with NYS legislation S8617B/A10832.

Adopted: March 18, 2021
 Resolution # 53

 

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 Teamsters Local 687 and the United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU), 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.

 

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As the authorized official of Franklin County, 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 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, to address public health emergency planning requirements.

See Signed Copy for Signature

By: Donald Dabiew

Title: Chair of Franklin County Legislature

This plan is exclusively for and is applicable to Franklin County. 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 plan was developed based on best practices, and guidance available largely as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The plan is intended to provide guidance for future public health emergencies but will also act as a guidance document for any new challenges that arise as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

PLANNING EXPECTATIONS

-     Communication. Internal and external communication will be critical to success.

-     Flexibility. Recognize there may not be a one size fits all approach, and flexibility is key.

-     Increased Fiscal Stress. While the magnitude of a future event is unknown, it is assumed all levels of government and the economy will be under significant fiscal stress. As a result, departments must strategize and plan for the reduction of revenue streams and the potential for staff reductions.

-     Organizational Structure. Organizational structures and positions may need to be
changed to provide proper supervision and oversight in the new environment.

-     Iterative. The planning process is not a one-time process. Rather, it is an iterative process that will be continued on an ongoing basis as the situation evolves and we learn additional information.

-     Priorities. There may likely be a constant shift in resource priorities, based on new information.

-     Public Health Guidance. Public Health guidance will be provided by the local Department of Public Health.

-     Social Distancing and PPE. Social distancing and use of PPE [i.e. masks, gloves, etc.] for the public and employees is going to be part of the new normal and will be provided as required.

-     Workflows. Reevaluate all workflows to identify new ways of working, new online services, use of new technology to automate processes

-     Working Remote. Working remote may become a part of the new normal for many employees and should be maximized where appropriate to assist in social distancing.

IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL MISSIONS AND WORKERS

When confronting events that disrupt normal operations, Franklin County is committed to ensuring that the essential functions of the County will be continued, even under the most challenging circumstances.

For this plan, an “essential employee” shall refer to a designation made that a public employee or contractor is required to be physically present at a worksite to perform his or her job. *Flexibility identified to modify essential to non-essential if certain factors are met such as reduction in work load, density, structure changes, etc.

The essential positions for Franklin County have been identified as:

DEPARTMENT	POSITION	JUSTIFICATION
Legislature	County Legislators	Leadership during a public health emergency by elected officials is critical to the health & safety of the community. Flexibility to work remote will be determined by the Chair of the Legislative Board.
	Clerk to the Board of Legislators
	Secretary to the Legislature
District Attorney	District Attorney	This is an essential department to support Law and Order during a public health emergency. Flexibility to work remote will be determined by the District Attorney.
	Assistant District Attorney
	Chief Assistant District Attorney
	Secretary to the DA
	Sr. Confidential Investigator
	Special Assistant to the DA
	Special Patrol Officer
	Legal Secretary
	Administrative Assistant
	Traffic Safety Coordinator
	STOP DWI Program Coordinator
Public Defender	Public Defender	Representation is required by law and will keep the process moving forward if legal intervention and representation is needed. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Assistant Public Defender
	Clerks
	Administrative Aide
	Legal Secretary
Assigned Counsel	Assigned Counsel Coordinator	Case Assignment is essential to keep the process moving forward if legal intervention and representation is needed. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Clerk
Conflict Defender	Conflict Defender	Representation is required by law and will keep the process moving forward if legal intervention and representation is needed. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Assistant Conflict Defender
	Law Clerk
	Clerk
	Account Clerk
	Legal Secretary
Coroners	Coroners	Essential service across the County to handle deaths
	Deputy Coroners
County Manager	County Manager	Responsible for ensuring the continuation of operations of all county departments and services. Additionally, will respond to media and resident inquires and conduct briefings of stakeholders as necessary. The County Manager will maintain both an onsite presence as well as remote work assignment as the circumstances dictate. The Confidential Secretary will ideally be on site to coordinate the response to requests and assist in maintaining continuity of government but may work remotely if needed. Other positions will work remote when possible as determined by the County Manager.
	Assistant Budget Officer
	Assistant Purchasing Agent
	Special Assistant to County Manager
	Secretary to County Manager*
County Auditor	County Auditor	Essential to process and monitor spending. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Deputy County Auditor*
County Treasurer	County Treasurer	Essential services provided. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Deputy County Treasurer
	Senior Account Clerk
	Title Searcher*
	Payroll Clerk
	Principal Account Clerk
	Prop Tax Law Enforce Specialist
Real Property	Director of Real Property Tax Service I	Essential services. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Real Prop Tax Service Aide*
	GIS Specialist*
	Principal Real Prop Tax Service Aide*
	Tax Map Technician*
County Clerk	County Clerk	Essential services. County Clerk to ensure every administrative responsibility is executed. All DMV transactions are performed on State run computers programs/systems. These are complicated transactions that take months of training to learn with special permissions to acquire access to these systems; Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Deputy County Clerk
	Motor Vehicle Supervisor
	Index Records Clerk*
	Motor Vehicle Cashier/Examiner
	Sr. Index Records Clerk
	Sr. Motor Vehicle Cashier/Examiner
	Principal Account Clerk
	Principal Index Records Clerk
	Principal Motor Vehicle Cashier/Examiner
County Clerk	Sr. Records Management Clerk	Non-Essential
County Attorney	County Attorney	Essential services.
Personnel	Personnel Officer & Dir. of Worker’s Comp	This title is charged by the law to administer the provisions of the Civil Service Law, County Civil Service Rules, and County Civil Service Policies and Procedures for Franklin County and all the Towns, Villages, Special Districts and School Districts in Franklin County; as well as oversight of the human resources operations for the County. This position plays a key role in coordinating the staffing efforts for the County, especially in the wake of a Public Health Emergency. The nature of the duties varies in extremes and on-site work would be the most efficient process to meet the needs of the County, Towns, Villages, Special Districts and School Districts although flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Personnel Assistant
	Senior Clerk (Personnel)
	Personnel Aide
	Employee Benefits Coordinator
Board of Elections	Commissioner of Elections (2)	This is a bi-partisan office and the Commissioners/Deputy Commissioners are considered essential employees as indicated by the New York State Board of Elections. Election Specialists (PD) may be deemed essential at the discretion of the Elections Commissioners at any time to assist in the work of the board as determined by the political calendar.
	Deputy Commissioner of Elections (2)
	Election Specialist (PD)
Building Department	Supt. of Buildings & Grounds	Essential services. All employees must work on site to ensure that all buildings and systems are in good repair, cleaned and disinfected for safe occupancy of all employees as well as the public.
	Cleaner
	Building Maintenance Helper
	Custodian
	Building Maintenance Worker II
	Building Maintenance Foreman
Data Processing	Director of Information Services	Essential services to maintain County infrastructure. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Computer Operator/Programmer
	Sr. Computer Operator/Programmer
Emergency Services         Emercency Services (Cont’d)	Emergency Prepared Dir/Fire Coord	Essential public safety department.
	EMT (PD)
	Administrative Aide
	E-911 Dispatcher Trainee
	E-911 Dispatcher
	Communications Specialist
	Sr. Communications Specialist
	E-911 Dispatcher Trainee (PD)
	E-911 Dispatcher (PD)
	Deputy ER Preparedness Dir/Fire Coord
Emergency Services-Homeland Security	WMD Program Manager	Essential public safety position.
Probation	Probation Director 2	Essential public safety department.
	Probation Supervisor 1
	Clerk *
	Administrative Aide*
	Principal Clerk
	Probation Officer 1
	Probation Officer 2/Senior Probation Officer
Public Health	Public Health Director	Essential public safety department.
	Director of Patient Services
	Typist
	Senior Account Clerk
	Principal Account Clerk
	Early Intervention Service Coord
	Registered Professional Nurse
	Registered Professional Nurse (PD)
	Community Health Nurse
	Public Health Educator
	Coor Svc Child Spec Hlth
	Superv Community Health Nurse
	Public Health Program Improvement Specialst
	Public Health Preparedness Coord
Community Services	Director of Community Services	Essential  - Director of Community Services; Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Deputy Director of Community Services
	Behavioral Health Specialst (PT)
	Principal Clerk
County Highway	County Highway Superintendent	Essential public safety department.
	Deputy County Sup’t of Highways
	Laborer
	Timekeeper*
	MEO I (Motor Equipment Operator)
	MEO II
	Carpenter
	Principal Account Clerk
	Welder
	Working Foreman
	General Foreman
	Highway Inventory Clerk
	MEM (Motor Equipment Mechanic)
	Senior Automotive Mechanic
Department of Social Services                                                                     Social Services (Cont’d)	Commissioner of Social Services	Essential public safety department serving a vulnerable population   Some positions may be identified to pause or work remote as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services.
	Assistant Social Services Attorney
	Director of Administrative Services
	Secretary to the Commissioner
	Social Services Attorney
	Asst Social Services Attorney (PD)
	Account Clerk
	Senior Account Clerk
	Legal Secretary
	Principal Account Clerk
	Paralegal Specialist
	Director of Financial Assistance
	Community Services Aide
	Clerk
	Community Services Worker
	Social Welfare Examiner
	Sr. Social Welfare Examiner
	Case Supervisor-Grade A
	Community Services Aide (PT)
	Case Services Aide
	Sr. Case Services Aide
	Caseworker
	Sr. Caseworker
	Casework Supervisor
	E & T Representative
	Social Welfare Employment Coordinator
	Senior Clerk
	S.S.I. Assistant
	Registered Professional Nurse
	Med Dir/Adm Medicine (PT)
	Staff Development Supervisor
	Typist
	Support Investigator
	Asst Coord of Child Support Enforcement
	Coord of Child Support Enforcement
	Social Services Investigator
	Sr. Social Services Investigator
	Systems Coordinator
	Micro-Computer Operator
	Computer Operator/Programmer
Veteran’s	Director, Veterans Service Agency	Essential public safety department. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Veterans Service Aide*
County Sealer	Director of Weights & Measures	Essential on a part-time basis.
Office for the Aging	Director, Office for the Aging	Essential public safety department serving a vulnerable population. Flexibility to work remote will be evaluated.
	Community Services Aide (PT)*
	Community Services Worker
	Account Clerk*
	In-Home Care Program Assistant
	Case Manager
	Principal Account Clerk
	In-Home Care Program Manager
	Coord. Serv. For the Aging
	Specialist, Services for the Aging
	Nutrition Program Manager
Transportation	Bus Driver	Essential during a public health emergency but modifications might be made to the service.
	Transportation Assistant
	Administrative Aide
	Head Bus Driver
	Administrative Assistant
County Sheriff/Civil Office	County Sheriff	Essential to operate the jail and civil peace.
	Special Patrol Officer (PD)
	Clerk Senior Account Clerk Principal Account Clerk/Typist Deputy Sheriff/Civil Officer
County Jail	Warden
	Undersheriff
	Physician (PT)
	Clerk
	Cook
	Cook/Manager
	Correction Officer
	Deputy Sheriff/Correction Officer
	Licensed Practical Nurse
	Deputy Sheriff/Corr. Officer Sergeant
	Correction Officer Sergeant
	Correction Officer Lieutenant
	Correction Facility Nurse
	Cook (PD)
	Correction Officer (PD)
	Registered Professional Nurse

 

PROTOCOL FOR ENABLING
REMOTE WORK/ TELECOMMUTING

The Franklin County IT Department will be responsible for ensuring that all non-essential employees and contractors can accomplish their functions remotely to the greatest extent possible. The following protocol was developed and tested during the Coronavirus pandemic and will continue to be utilized for any future public health emergencies.

In 2018, the Franklin County Legislature adopted the Franklin County Information Security Policy. This policy provides information, security policies, standards, procedures to provide employees with a set of guidelines and policies that govern the acceptable use of County Information Technology assets. Additionally, the Franklin County Legislature adopted an IT Disaster Recovery Plan which identifies the computer access requirements and software needs of each county department. The IT Department will use this Plan to determine the tools and resources a non-essential employee will need to work remotely.

Existing Assets to be Distributed:

Hotspots or cell phones for staff that do not have Internet access at their remote location can be activated and distributed as needed by the IT Department in coordination with the Purchasing Department.

The IT Department will continue to purchase and deploy laptops for all employees that may require remote access in the future providing financial means are available.

PROTOCOL FOR REDUCING DENSITY AT WORKSITES

The IT Department can also provide additional tech devices such as monitors and docking stations to make remote access easier and more convenient.

Policies and Procedures:

1.  “Alternative Work Arrangement” protocols with clearly defined rules and expectations for working remotely for both staff and management. This protocol will be provided to employees who work remote by their department head.
2. Staff is required to use only a County-owned device to access County data from a remote location or a device approved by the County IT Department.
3. VPN client will be installed on all County-owned laptops used for remote access and personal devices as approved and installed by the County IT Department.
4. A 2-factor authentication has been enabled for all VPN clients and increased licensing to cover additional remote staff.
5. Instructions have been created for all remote staff on how to forward internal extensions to external devices such as cell phones. Additionally, the IT Department has configured a remote destination in our Cisco Call Manager for staff working remotely that need to have a cell phone ring in addition to their desk phone.
6. The IT Department will continue to utilize Microsoft Group Policy to push needed software and applications to remote devices.
7. The IT Department will install and utilize a mobile device management MDM client on all remote devices, which allows the IT staff to track devices and provide remote desktop access from the IT department to the staff member while they are working externally from our network.
8. Each Department Head will establish a procedure within their department to ensure paper materials and mail to be distributed to employees working remotely as needed.
9. Franklin County Employees and Contractors are located with several separate county buildings, which allows for greater social distancing, and limits the risks to essential employees working within each of these buildings.

Franklin County Court House [355 W. Main Street, Malone, NY 12953] Typical Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am – 4:00 pm
Franklin County Emergency Services Building [55 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY 12953] Typical Work Hours: 24/7 Facility
Franklin County Jail [45 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY 12953] Typical Work Hours: 24/7 Facility
Franklin County Social Services Complex [184 Finney Boulevard, Malone NY 12953] Typical Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Franklin County DMV Annex [39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983] Typical Work Hours: Monday- Friday; 9:00am – 3:00 pm
Franklin County Probation Annex [535 State Route 37, Hogansburg, NY 13655] Typical Work Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Franklin County Annex [3 Main Street, Suite 2, Saranac Lake, NY 1293] for Community Services (Suite 2), District Attorney (Suite 1); Probation (Suite 2); Public Health (Suite 2) and Social Services (Suite 1); Typical Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am - 4:00 pm

If state or local authorities decide there is a need for reduction in-office staff and increase social distancing measures within the workplace, Franklin County will directly follow federal, state orders. In the event that there are no current federal or state orders for a reduction in density, the county will defer to each Department Head to determine which positions are able to meet the demands of remote work as accomplished during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Protocol for Reducing Density in Unique Departments

Several departments have formulated department-wide plans for the reduction of staff operating within the building.

County Clerk:

County Clerk and the Deputy County Clerk will remain responsible for the everyday operations of the County Clerk’s office.

County Clerk [DMV]:

In the event a reduction of in-person workforce is required, staff will be rotated in shifts of two employees in the office per day. Should an employee have a need to take time off they can be replaced by someone from the other shift, always keeping two employees in the office at one time.

Department of Social Services:

The Franklin County Department of Social Services has created detailed unit plans to reducing in-office staff in the event there is a need for additional social distancing or staggered workdays. Employees should consult their department head for detailed instructions related to their department operations.

Most staff can perform most parts of their jobs remotely as long as staff is available in the office to provide the documents to them. Due to staff needing to come into the office periodically all staff is considered essential [at least one day a week]. Staff will rotate per schedule designed by the supervisors to limit the number of staff in the office at one time. The Commissioner or designee will notify supervisors of changes in number of staff that can be in the office at one time. Some staff will only come in the morning while others will work in the afternoons to also help with decrease in staffing in the office.

Highway Department:

During the winter operations, in particular snow removal efforts, all staff is required to be a full capacity to accomplish duties. During the non-winter season, there is potential that the highway department can operate at a reduced capacity.

Sheriff’s Department:

Final approval of the protocols by the Sheriff as a co-employer.

The County recommends the following:

-Deputy Sheriff’s will handle as much as possible by phone calls. On complaints, they will ask people to exit buildings whenever possible and practice social distancing. PPE’s will be utilized.

-If needed the Public Safety Building will close to all non-essential persons.

-Density will be limited when possible based on the type of public health emergency.

Probation:
The Franklin County Probation Department has created a detailed phased approach to reducing in-office staff in the event there is a need for additional social distancing or staggered workdays. Employees should consult their department head for detailed instructions related to their department operations.

Public Defenders Office:
This office will practice social distancing and work remotely whenever possible including court appearances allowed by the Unified Court System.

Public Health:
To reduce the density of staff working in-person, all essential staff have been provided computer equipment and VPN access necessary to conduct their job functions that must be conducted during the pandemic from a remote location.

The Director of Public Health or designee will work primarily from the Franklin County office location and will determine staffing patterns on a daily basis based on the needs of the public health emergency.

Veterans Service Agency:
The office will be open by appointment only. A log of appointments will be kept specifying the date and time of appointment and all in attendance. Phone conferences and video with Veterans and other agencies whenever possible will be implemented.

PROTOCOL FOR PROCURING PPE

The use of personal protective equipment [PPE] to reduce the spread of infectious disease is important in supporting the health and safety of our employees and contractors. PPE which may be needed can include:

Masks, Gloves, Face shields, Disposable gowns and aprons as appropriate for specific job duties.

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. The Coronavirus pandemic demonstrated that supply chains were not able to keep up with increased demand for these products early within the pandemic. 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:

The Emergency Services Coordinator with assistance from the department heads will identify the need for PPE per department based upon job duties and work location.

Procurement of PPE will be processed through the Assistant Purchasing Agent.

Franklin County will procure PPE per the Franklin County Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual as adopted by the Franklin County Legislature on May 7, 2015 with latest amendment on April 5 2018. https://www.franklincountyny.gov/Document_Center/Administrative/Personnel%20Self%20Insurance%20Office/Franklin%20County%20Employees%20handbook/Employee%20Policy%20Manual%202-18-21.pdf      (starting on page 85)

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.

Storage of, access to, and monitoring of PPE stock

• Franklin County has space and capacity to store the required PPE within county facilities, in a manner which will prevent degradation, and provide immediate access to PPE in the event of an emergency
• The supply of PPE will be monitored to ensure the integrity and to track usage rates

PROTOCOL FOR EMPLOYEE/CONTRACTOR EXPOSURE IN THE WORKPLACE

Franklin County, like all businesses, is at risk of having an employee or contractor exposed to a known case of the communicable disease that is the subject of the public health emergency. County employees/contractors that identify as a close contact of a positive case or that are notified that they have tested positive must notify their immediate supervisor on the day of notification. If an employee receives this notification during onsite work duties, they will leave the workplace and go home after notification to their supervisor.

If employees or contractors are exposed to a known case of communicable disease that is the subject of the public health emergency [defined as a ‘close contact’ with someone who is confirmed infected, which is a prolonged presence within six feet with that person]:

• Potentially exposed employees or contractors who do not have symptoms should remain at home or in a comparable setting and practice social distancing for the lesser of 14 days or other current NYSDOH/public health guidance for the communicable disease in question.
• As possible, these employees will be permitted to work remotely during this time if they are not ill.
• The employee must check in with their immediate supervisor each day to ensure these protocols are followed.

NYSDOH guidelines for a public health emergency provide that critical essential employees may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure, provided they remain symptom-free and additional precautions are taken to protect them, other employees and contractors, and our constituency/public.

• Additional precautions will include the requirement of the subject employee or contractor, as well as others working in their proximity, to wear appropriate PPE at all times to limit the potential of transmission.
• In-person interactions with the subject employee or contractor will be limited as much as possible.
• Work areas in which the subject employee or contractor was present will be disinfected according to current NYSDOH/ public health protocol at least every hour, as practical.
• The employee must check in with their immediate supervisor each day to ensure these protocols are followed.

If an employee or contractor exhibits symptoms of the communicable disease that is the subject of the public health emergency:

• Employees and contractors who exhibit symptoms in the workplace should be immediately separated from other employees, customers, and visitors. They should immediately be sent home with a recommendation to contact their physician.

• Employees and contractors who exhibit symptoms outside of work should notify their supervisor and stay home, with a recommendation to contact their physician. 

• The department head in consultation with Public Health, Building and Grounds, and County Administrator to determine whether an area or office needs to be closed temporarily for deep cleaning.

• Employees should not return to work until they have met the criteria to discontinue home isolation per
• NYSDOH/public health guidance and have consulted with a healthcare provider.

• NYSDOH criteria for a public health emergency provides that persons exhibiting symptoms may return to work if at least 24 hours have passed since the last instance of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

• The employee must check in with their immediate supervisor each day to ensure these protocols are followed.

If an employee or contractor has tested positive for the communicable disease that is the subject of the public health emergency:

• Apply all of the steps outlined above for “an employee or contractor who exhibits symptoms of the communicable disease”.
• Areas occupied for prolonged periods of time by the subject employee or contractor will be closed off.
• NYSDOH guidance for a public health emergency indicates that a period of 24 hours is ideally given before cleaning, disinfecting, and reoccupation of those spaces will take place. If this time period is not possible, a period of as long as possible will be given. NYSDOH/public health guidance for the disease in question will be followed.
• Any common areas entered, surfaces touched, or equipment used shall be cleaned and disinfected immediately.
• See the section on Cleaning and Disinfection for additional information on that subject.
• Identification of potential employee and contractor exposures will be conducted.

If an employee or contractor is confirmed to have the disease in question, Franklin County Public Health or their designee should inform all contacts of their possible exposure. Confidentiality shall be maintained as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA].

• Apply the steps identified above, as applicable, for all potentially exposed personnel.

The Franklin County Public Health Department or the employee’s local Health Department will be responsible for ensuring these protocols are followed. 

Franklin County recognizes there may be nuances or complexities associated with potential exposures, close contacts, symptomatic persons, and those testing positive. Franklin County will follow NYSDOS/public health recommendations and requirements and coordinate with our local public health office for additional guidance and support as needed.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

NYSDOH guidelines will be followed for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces/areas. Present guidance for routine cleaning during a public health emergency includes:

As possible, employees and contractors will clean their workspaces once a day, or as needed.

High traffic/high touch areas and areas which are accessible to the public/constituents will be disinfected at least hourly or at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds.

The Building and Grounds Department will be responsible for cleaning common areas, and the frequency of such.

Staff tasked with cleaning and disinfecting areas will be issued and required to wear PPE appropriate to the task.

Soiled surfaces will be cleaned with soap and water before being disinfected.

Surfaces will be disinfected with products that meet EPA criteria for use against the virus in question and which are appropriate for that surface.

Staff will follow instructions on cleaning products to ensure the safe and effective use of the products.

FRANKLIN COUNTY POLICY FOR LEAVE REGARDING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Public health emergencies are extenuating and unanticipated circumstances in which Franklin

County is committed to reducing the burden on our employees and contractors.

It is our policy that Franklin County will directly follow federal and/or state orders should an employee be unable to work due to quarantine and/or experiencing symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis. In the event that there are no current federal or state orders for paid sick leave, the county will defer to the sick leave policies in the employee’s respective bargaining unit contract or Benefits for Management policy. Additional provisions may be enacted based upon need and the guidance and requirements in place by federal and state employment laws, FMLA, executive orders, and other potential sources.

Contractors, either independent or affiliated with a contracted firm, are not classified as employees of Franklin County, and as such are not provided with paid leave time by Franklin County unless required by law.

PROTOCOL FOR DOCUMENTING WORK HOURS, LOCATIONS AND OFF-
SITE VISITS OF ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES

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. Identification of locations shall include on-site work and off-site visits. This information may be used by Franklin County to support contact tracing within the organization and may be shared with local public health officials.

Timecard System: All Franklin County employees utilize the Empower Timecard system. With the exception of elected officials all employees clock “in” and “out” throughout the workday.

Vehicle Log: A vehicle log will be kept in each vehicle for employees to complete once they are done using the said vehicle. The log will contain information about who was traveling in the vehicle and any stops that were made.

PROTOCOL FOR DOCUMENTING UNIQUE DEPARTMENTS

County Clerk

Office visits by customers would be mandatory by appointment only. This would reduce the number of visitors in the office at one time as well as control the number of customers that a reduced staff served. These appointments will be logged taking note of not only the date and time of the visit but the names and phone numbers of all visitors in order to facilitate contact tracing should it be necessary.

All transactions that do not require an in-person visit will be submitted by mail or through the drop-box.

Community Mental Health Services

Appointment records and appointment only will be implemented with the office being opened daily. Number of staff working in person and remotely will be determined based on the status of the emergency.

Department of Social Services [DSS]:

Appointment records will be kept as well as a list of staff that are in the office daily with hours of office time.

Emergency Operations Center:

Offsite hours and locations are typically the result of an emergency or response to an ongoing incident.

Response to emergencies is tracked through our 911 Center and recorded in our dispatch CAD system. Other out of the office responses or visits are tracked by the Emergency Operations Center Coordinator.

Public Defenders Office:

All attorneys and supervisors have access to all the attorney’s calendars with client contact and court schedules. Courts maintain calendars with attendance records.

Real Property Tax Office:

The office will be open by appointment only. A log of appointments will be kept specifying the date and time of appointment and all in attendance.

Assessors doing fieldwork will be required to document which town they are reviewing, and any taxpayer contact they have.

PROTOCOL FOR IDENTIFY EMERGENCY HOUSING SITES 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 Franklin County’s essential operations.

If such a need arises, local school gymnasiums, designated Adult Centers, YMCA, or local hotel rooms are expected to be the most viable options.  Franklin County will coordinate with the Franklin County Emergency Operations Center to help identify and arrange for these housing needs. This effort will be coordinated by the Franklin County Emergency Operations Center Coordinator with assistance from the Franklin County Manager, Franklin County Public Health Director, Franklin County Office for the Aging, Franklin County Director of Community Services, and Franklin County Commissioner of Social Services.

 

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