HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-12 A Newsletter for
Employees and Retirees
of Tompkins County
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December, 1991
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Volume N, No. IX
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COURTHOUSE WE SALUTE -y
AIR QUALITY THE 25 YEAR CLUB!
4.
By: Bill Mobbs
On November 26, 1991 at approximately By: Louise McEwen
12:30 p.m. a "pine /tar" odor began to enter Approximately 70 employees and retirees and their guests enjoyed a wonderful
the Courthouse. As time passed, the evening of fun, fellowship and fine food at the Holiday Inn on November 13. This
fragrance became pungent in some areas was the second annual 25 Year Club dinner, and this year saw the induction of three
and began to raise concerns about its origin new members into this distinguished group ... Phyllis Howell, retired from the
and toxicity. At approximately 2:15 p.m. the Board of Representatives, Liz Loiselle, Deputy Comptroller, and Hugh Hurlbut,
ringing of the fire alarm evacuated the Commissioner of Personnel. Congratulations! They join the 41 employees and
Courthouse as a precautionary measure retirees already members of the Club. As the name implies, anyone with 25 years
while the source and toxicity of the odor was of total service to Tompkins County is eligible for membership. We salute you, one
investigated. and all!
1t was determined the odor originated in ' , ,, t= 4 -
the Old Jail, which was undergoing an asbes-
O rtk
tos abatement project and entered the t 1
courthouse through the tunnel and pipe
chases which link the two buildings. The s ' m .
product being used was Premium Mastic u,
Remover (AS805) manufactured by Abate- ' >'..
xw.
ment Technologies of Duluth, Georgia. 1
AS805 is used to remove the asbestos con- w.,
timing mastic (glue) which was used to hold , .
down the floor tiles in the office sections of •g
the Old Jail. AS805 contains no petroleum
distillates and the Material Safety Data
Sheet which was available on site, indicated
the product is not a carcinogen or potential Pictured here , from left to right, are Phyllis Howell (retirered - Board of
carcinogen and required no more than local Representatives), Hugh Hurlbut (Commissioner of Personnel), and Liz Loisell
exhaust (which was provided). The (Deputy Comptroller), our newest members of the 25 Year Club.
odoriferous ingredients in the product are
hydrocarbons derived from pine trees. As-
bcstos contamination was not a concern. At
No the same time, a roof repair activity lent a . « - E '� a ` ` SIMI
tar -like odor to the outside air. -~ A µ .r OA Al
Once the contractor using the AS805 was
advised of the air quality concern, several ^'''`
steps were taken. First, the procedure for j
removing the floor tile mastic was changed - > 4 ' : :
to reduce the amount of AS805 being used. wog, th
Second, a ventilation system was set up in
the tunnel to ensure an air flow from the
Courthouse to the Old Jail. Third, the v .... ..A,.
entrances to the tunnel and pipe chases were
scaled with duct tape and plastic. The build- Scott Heyman, County Administrator presents award to Hugh Hurlbut at the
ing was available for normal use the next annual 25 Year Club dinner.
morning.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL ITS OVER!
By Scott Heyman - County Administrator local. Ten positions were abolished or left million, an amount equal to 58 percent of
But when is it over? unfunded. the entire 1991 County property tax -- to big
Paula Wilson, Deputy Director of Questions were answered, all except the an open question to allow real planning to
ones of greatest interest to County staff -- take place.
Budget for New York State, told county Will wholesalecut tinghavetobedone ?Will
Board Chairman Jim Mason was
o enth budget in four she is In working Programs be further cut back or eliminated? charged with establishing a "study commit
words, for her, budget - making is never over.
Will positions be left unfilled? Will layoffs tee" with the City and the Towns -- with a
On December 3rd the process of making occ ur? Will I have a job? little luck, an answer could come forth soon.
The possibility of increasing the local So it's over except for the most important
a 1992 County budget was over. A sales tax was left unresolved when other parts. Just hope we don't end up like Paula
$15,978,993 property tax levy was local municipalities announced at the last Wilson -- for her, it ain't ever over.
authorized, a rate per $1,000 of taxable minute they would try to block the move
property of $4.69, 14.9 percent more than unless they received a share. A one cent
1991. Ten positions were created, nearly all increase in sales taxes is projected to raise
of their costs coming from funds other than
DAYCARE HAPPENINGS....
The Story of Dragonfly David and make them into trains, buses, and
hideouts! We get a little messy, but then my
mom and dad know that I've been busy.
From: Dragonfly David listening to tapes, or pounding pegs at the After project time comes story time and
Hi! My name is David and I go to workbench. At 9:30 Phillip brings in break- sharing time, and then we get ready to go
Tompkins Employee Daycare Center. fast. We eat right in our room, and help take outside. The teachers here are a little crazy
Sometimes people wonder what I do here all care of our dishes. The dirty dishes go into a because we go out in all kinds of weather! If
day, so I thought I'd tell you. bucket, but sometimes I miss and it goes all my folks forget my boots, they find some for
I'm only two years old, but pretty soon I'll over the floor. Oops! me and we go out anyway! I love it outside.
be three, so I'm in the Dragonfly room. In the After breakfast we use the potty and get We have the best playground, and some -
mornings my mom drops me off, and some- cleaned up. Some of my friends still wear times we go into the magic forest, or take a
times I say "Don't go! ", but she has to go to diapers, but I get to use the potty ALL BY bus ride. My teacher says we're not ready to
work. So my teacher comes over and gives MYSELF! (Sometimes I need a little help go anywhere just yet, so we just ride around
me a hug, and then holds me up to the win- pulling my pants up, and I have to call for on the bus and get off back here! Whatever
dow so that my mom can make funny faces help). we do, it's always fun.
at me. She is so silly. Then comes project time. My teacher al- When we come back in, Phillip has lunch
Pretty soon all my buddies come in, and ways has neat things for us to do -- cutting, ready. Phillip makes the best food, and
we start playing around - drawing pictures, gluing, painting. Sometimes we take boxes usually I eat it all up! By then I'm usually so
tired! I go potty again, and get my mat out
for nap. We all sleep on the these comfy mats
right on the floor! (I wish my bed at home
was on the floor!) Before we go to sleep, my
teacher reads to us some more, and plays
some pretty music on the tape player. It's so
t . nice to take a little nap.
After a snooze, I'm ready to go again! Of
`" - course, I use the potty again, and eat a little
y -, snack, and then I get to play some more with
I- .. my friends. In the summer we head right
._- . �° back outside, but now that the weather is
.. colder, we just go up to the Large Motor - Room and play there.
' So you see, we're pretty busy at daycare,
< - but I'm always glad when my mom or dad ,
comes to pick me up. I run and give them big
�''^ hugs, and they say "How was your day ?"
Kari Hallock (age 4) seems to really enjoy feeding Nicholas Stilwell (8 mos). P.S. Thanks for all that candy you gave us
on Halloween! We sure like trick or treating!
NOTES FROM YOUR EMPLOYEE COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
EMPLOYEE WELLNE5S
COMMITTEE... The Employee Council met on November 11 and November 25 at 9:00 a.m. each date
in the Biggs A Conference Room. Highlights of the meetings are as follows:
Good news for County employees who • The Council decided to ask the consultant, Jerry Buklewicz, to the County for two
Y ear to ma smoking -- we day a New •
o ne a sessions. The first session will involve a planning, resolution in 1992 -- we now have y p g, goal setting, and project
enough enrolles in the Freedom from Smok- setting meeting with the Council members. Jerry will be scheduled for this
ing program to allow us to go ahead with our day -long meeting on December 9th. The training will take the place of a regular
own County group. It looks like sessions will Council meeting.
begin on February 4, 1992. If anyone out • A second one day session will be planned with the 5-6 largest department heads
there is still interested and hasn't signed up, and Council members who would be trained in group communications and prob-
please do so as soon as possible. If you need leen solving. This will occur after the initial meeting with Jerry.
more information about cost, time of day, e o t l t
• Scott reported on the latest developments of the budget. The County is investlgat-
ctc., please call any member of the Wellness ing a possible one cent sales tax increase and a 15% tax increase.
Committee (names were sent to departments
early in December for posting), or call • A draft of possible Bylaws for the Council was distributed for consideration and
Louise at Personnel (274- 5526). discussion. The Council will return to consider the Bylaws at the next regular
We've had a good amount of interest from meeting in January.
employees having annual physicals and turn- • Four subcommittees were formed and Council members attached to them
ing in the bills for the subsidy payment. Don't developed as follows:
forget, if you have had an annual physical in
1991 (with no diagnosis shown), there's still 1. Professional Growth and Development -- Cheryl Conover, Valeria Coggin,
time to turn in your bill to Louise at Person- Peggy Sniezek, Lisa Stephens, Joanne Terwilliger, Katie Knapp. County staff
nel to get partial reimbursement through Lisa Stephens
wellness.
On January 14, 21, and 28, EAP staff from 2. Communication/Relationships -- Phil LaPadula, Cheryl Nelson, Michel Kelly,
the Family & Children's Service will conduct
Y Bill Chapp, Carolyn Prince, Mike Krauss. County staff—Scott Heyman
sessions on stress for non - supervisory
employees only. These will run from 9:00 to 3. Compensation/Reward — Leighann Baldwin, David Chace, Xiaoxia Williams,
10:00 a.m. at Sadd Conference Rooms A and Marty Bleiweiss, Craig Fuller. County staff —Kathy West
B, and there will be no cost to employees.
Topics covered will include a general defmi- 4. Human Resources/Practices -- Frank Justice, Mary Sue Brenno, Sophie Stark,
tion of stress, job changes and job anxiety. Mamie Kirchgessner, Pat Nowakowski, Barbara Karaviotis, Henry Lee Chan.
Please enroll as soon as possible so we get an County staff —Anita Fitzpatrick
idea of numbers. If too many enroll for this
session, we will hopefully run another idea- The Council will meet on Monday, January 6, to process the December 9 session and
tical three - session course in March of 1992. decide at that time on the date and composition of the second session with Mr. Bukiewicz.
December 10 was the informational meet-
ing on the Weight Watchers' At Work Pro- lJ N C LAS S I F I E D S
gram. It appears there's a tremendous inter-
est in this program and regular meetings will What are your New Years
begin in 1992. FREE: Hotpoint range, 30" electric. All resolutions this year?
The Wellness Committee is also trying to burners and oven work. Call Liz or Paul at
engage another instructor for the low impact 272 -5288. County Corridors wants to know! Cut
aerobics classes and we hope to get these this coupon and send today!
classes started again after the first of the year. FOR RENT: 2 bedroom country home
From all indications, those who were in with garage and woodstove near Mecklen- MY 1992
Donna Holt's classes really miss this exer- burg: $400.00 plus utilities. Call DJ. even - NEW YEARS RESOLUTION IS
cise.. if there are people out there who would ings or weekends at 546 -2239.
like to join the new group, let us know. And
remember, these are low impact aerobics, FOR SALE: 1980 Ford Pinto Hatchback,
geared to all ages, all shapes, all sizes, all 64,000 org. miles, automatic, dark tur-
levels of aerobic experience (including none) quoise metallic, 2 door, am and fm radio,
so classes are really beneficial to everyone snow tires - asking $1,200, call 607 -564
who might enjoy some structured exercise a 6494 after 6 p.m.
couple of times per week. We think our in-
structor (recommended by Donna) will be Electronic Publishing: Newsletters,
very helpful and understanding as Donna brochures, tickets, reports, flyers, &c. 3
was. years experience, samples upon request. Name and Department
We will keep you posted on all of this IBM compatible, accepting WordPerfect,
wellness activity via departmental bulletins Microsoft Word, Lotus, Quattro Pro,
and posters. If there's something you'd like Excel, PCX, EPS, TIFF and other formats. Clip and send to County Corridors, C /O:
us to consider in 1992, please make your PostScript. Bill Chapp, 273 -7412 Pgrg §41.g... j
suggestions known to a Committee member.
,
JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY GIVING! THE OFFICE FOR
THE AGING IS
B Roberta Chiesa - Manager CONTINUING TO
ENTERTAINMENT 1992 is available at Tompkins Employees Federal Credit Union LOOK FOR SSI
for only $25.00.
With the exclusive ENTERTAINMENT '92 membership card which is accepted at many ELIGIBLE PEOPLE!
Ithaca, Cortland and Syracuse area restaurants, buy one dinner and receive the second "on
the house" or 50% off. Two meals out - and you have paid for the book.
You may choose from many 2 -for -1 or 50% coupons for family dining, movies, shows,
concerts, sporting events, and even car washes.
That's not all. Your membership also can get you up to 50% off at many hotels, plus big By: Regina McGriff
savings on vacations, airfare, cruises, tours and auto rentals. I have been involved in the Energy Pack -
Stop by the office and see for yourself! We have a sample book on display. Buy one for aging Program through COFA, helping low
yourself and one (or more) for gifts. Happy Holidays from your Credit Union staff! income seniors better meet their energy
needs. With the completion of that pro-
gram, I am continuing in the position of SSI
PERSONNEL Outreach Coordinator. This SSI Outreach
Program is a grant from the New York State
PERSONALS OFA to continue the outreach efforts
aimed at identifying individuals who are
potentially eligible for Supplemental
CONGRATULATIONS TO ... Security Income (SSI).
The COFA outreach efforts will be
aimed at community agencies who have
contact with New Hires... individuals. Chcmung Co l l
nty
v Neighbor-
Anni Callaghan - Caseworker - DSS, Children Services hood Legal Services is working with COFA
Mary Wimsatt - Senior Caseworker - DSS to assist potentially eligible individuals with
Sara Hess - Program Management Specialist, Youth Bureau the application process and to identify and
Donald C. Wilson - Program Management Specialist, Youth Bureau attempt to overcome barriers to enrollment
Grace Carson - Account Clerk Typist, Youth Bureau in the SSI program. .
The SSI program is run by Social
New Promotions... Security. SSI pays monthly checks to
people who are 65 and over, or disabled or
Sheila Chace, promoted to Supervisor of Adult Services and Long Term Care, DSS blind people of any age, who have little or
Sylvia Fish, promoted to Supervisor of Intake Unit, DSS nothing in the way of regular income or
Michel Kelly, promoted to Supervisor of the Child Protective Units, DSS valuables that can be turned into cash.
Vicki Farrell, promoted to full time Examiner in Medicaid, DSS Monthly SSI payments can be made to dis-
� abled and blind children as well.
New Parents... w' f✓':\ The 1992 SSI eligibility limits are:
. z : .,1 Individuals who live alone with monthly
Jackie Kippola, Budget and Finance, on her new son. incomes under $528.00 and assets of no
Ron Ostrander, Sheriff's Department, on his new daughter. ti more than $2,000. • Jamie Pletter, Social Services, on her new son. it Couples with total monthly incomes
John Lampman, Solid Waste, on his new 3rd daughter. under $755.50 and assets of no more than
" Remember, departments, please let Personnel know when an employee has a new $3,000.
addition to his/her family so we can send flowers to the new parents. Thanks. Individuals who have attempted to get
SSI benefits in the past may need to see if
Goodbye... their situation has changed either because
Donna Holt has left COFA to attend school in San Diego. of their age or medical condition. Call the
David Bergstone, Database Analyst, left the Planning Department October 18 to move Office for the Aging (277 -0148) for further
to Salisbury, North Carolina, near his family home. The Planning Department will miss information about SSI eligibility.
him greatly.
i
WELCOME HOME
and ¢
HAPPY HOLIDAYS � . + a,
to our newly freed American hostages. 4 ! '
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