HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 Proceedings1995 PROCEEDINGS
Tompkins County
Board of
Representatives
TOMPKINS COUNTY
NEW YORK
STUART W. STEIN, Chair
Ithaca, New York
CATHERINE COVERT, Clerk
Ithaca, New York
State of New York
County of Tompkms
Tompkins County Board of Representatives
ss:
In pursuance of the authority conferred by Section 211 of the County Law, I do hereby certify that the copy of
the Proceedings of the Tompkms County Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, for
the year 1995, contained m this volume is true and correct.
CATHERINE COVERT
Clerk of the Board of Representatives
TOMPKINS COUNTY BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES
1995 Standing Committees
Budget and Fiscal Policy
Eric Lerner, Chair
Barbara Mink, Vice -chair
Tim Joseph
Beverly Livesay
Peter Meskill
Frank Proto
Thomas Todd
Facilities and Operations
Daniel Winch, Chair
Barbara Blanchard, Vice -chair
Dooley Kiefer
Governmental Affairs
Beverly Livesay, Chair
Charles Evans, Vice -chair
Barbara Blanchard
Nancy Schuler
George Totman
Health and Environmental Quality
Charles Evans, Chair
Dooley Kiefer, Vice -chair
Eric Lerner
Frank Proto
Nancy Schuler
Solid Waste
Thomas Todd, Chair
Dooley Kiefer, Vice -chair
Stuart Stein
Capital Program
Eric Lerner, Chair
Beverly Livesay, Vice -chair
Barbara Blanchard
Nancy Schuler
Daniel Winch
Rural Affairs
Frank Proto, Chair
Michael Lane, Vice -chair
George Totman
(Plus other non -board members)
Charter Review
Michael Lane, Chair
(Others to be added)
Affordable Housing
Barbara Blanchard, Chair
1995 Special Committees
(With program review responsibilities)
1995 Special Committees
(With specific task responsibilities)
Human Services
Tim Joseph, Chair
Beverly Livesay, Vice -chair
Charles Evans
Peter Meskill
Daniel Winch
Planning, Community
Development and Education
Nancy Schuler, Chair
Michael Lane, Vice -chair
Peter Meskill
Frank Proto
George Totman
Public Safety
Peter Meskill, Chair
Michael Lane, Vice -chair
Tim Joseph
Eric Lerner
Daniel Winch
Transportation Services
Barbara Blanchard, Chair
Nancy Schuler, Vice -chair
Michael Lane
Thomas Todd
George Totman
Economic Development
Barbara Mink, Chair
Stuart Stein, Vice -chair
Frank Proto
Public Information
Tim Joseph, Co-chair
Charles Evans, Co-chair
Leadership Council
Barbara Mink, Chair
Charles Evans
(Plus other non -board members)
January 3, 1995
Organization Meeting
Pursuant to Section 151 of County Law, Section 2.04 of the Charter and Code, Rule I of the Rules
of the Board and the date established by Resolution No. 312 adopted by the Board on November 15,
1994, the Board of Representatives was scheduled to hold an organizational meeting on January 3, 1995.
The Board of Representatives convened at its Chambers in the Courthouse in the City of Ithaca, New
York, on Tuesday, January 3, 1995 at 5:30 p.m. and was called to order by Catherine L. Covert, Clerk of
the Board.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
City of Ithaca:
District No. 1
District No. 2
District No. 3
District No. 4
District No. 5
Towns:
- Barbara Blanchard, 316 Brookfield Road
- Eric J. Lerner, 504 South Plain Street
- Stuart W. Stein, 11 Cornell Walk
- Nancy B. Schuler, 110 Ferris Place
- Barbara Mink, 614 North Cayuga Street
District No. 6 - Thomas L. Todd, 847 Davis Road, Lansing
District No. 7 - Frank P. Proto, 2585 Slaterville Road, Slaterville Springs
District No. 8 - Daniel M. Winch, 310 Burdge Hill Road, Newfield
District No. 9 - George L. Totman, 31 Church Street, Groton
District No. 10 - Dooley Kiefer, 629 Highland Road, Ithaca
District No. 11 - Beverly E. Livesay, 147 Snyder Hill Road, Ithaca
District No. 12 - Tim Joseph, 772 Elm Street Extension, Ithaca
District No. 13 - Charles V. Evans, 819 Snyder Hill Road, Ithaca
District No. 14 - Michael E. Lane, 42 East Main Street, P.O. Box 35, Dryden
District No. 15 - Peter Meskill, 64 East Seneca Street, Trumansburg
Election of Temporary Chairman
Mrs. Covert announced that the first order of business was the election of a temporary chairman.
Ms. Mink nominated Mr. Todd as Temporary Chairman, seconded by Mr. Proto. After hearing no more
nominations, it was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to close nominations. A voice vote resulted as follows for Temporary Chairman: Ayes - 15, Noes -
0. Adopted. Mr. Todd took the chair as Temporary Chairman.
The next order of business was the election of a Permanent Chairman and nominations were
opened. Mr. Lerner nominated Mr. Stein as Permanent Chairman, seconded by Mr. Lane. Mr. Lerner
stated in January 1994, this Board began the process of reinventing Tompkins County government by
unanimously electing Stuart Stein as Chairman. Under Mr. Stein's leadership, Board meetings have been
revamped, there have been major initiatives in quality improvements and the budget improvement
process has been launched. It has been many years since we have seen so much excitement and
creativity. Mr. Stein has a persistent voice for cooperation and consensus, but knows when it is time to
make a decision on principle and make the hard decision that keeps the Board moving forward.
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January 3, 1995
Mr. Lerner stated he looks forward to a new year that will be as productive and energetic as the
last one, and is proud to nominate Stuart Stein, as Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Lane stated as a new member of the Board and who has just begun to learn the mechanisms of
the Board and how the Board works together, he is becoming more and more convinced that Stuart Stein
has what it takes. He said someone of Mr. Stein's nature and abilities and take 15 Board members and
mold them into a unit to accomplish the things that were done last year. Mr. Stein has carefully, and
with a firm hand led the Board. Mr. Lane said he cannot think of more than one or two votes throughout
the 1994 year that were party -line. Mr. Stein has molded the Board into one that can work together,
party -lines withstanding. Mr. Lane stated he gladly seconds the nomination of Mr. Stein as Chairman.
Mr. Winch stated last year on behalf of the Republicans, he endorsed Stuart Stein as Chairman of
the Board. He said in 1995 the Board can:
expect major economic changes from Washington concerning local programs;
expect major economic changes from Albany concerning local programs;
expect changes requested from the 94,000 people that reside in the County;
expect the 1995 Chairman to tweak or change the committee structure and personnel
assignments; and
expect 1995 to be a difficult but enjoyable year for the 15 Representatives from Tompkins
County;
Mr. Winch said if the Board is to succeed and he expects it to, the full Board must all be behind the
Chairman. On behalf of the Republican minority of the Board, Mr. Winch stated he endorses Mr. Stein
as a proven leader. He said he personally looks forward to Mr. Stein's leadership and guidance.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
close nominations.
By a unanimous show of hands, Mr. Stein was re-elected Permanent Chairman of the Board. Mr.
Stein took the chair as Permanent Chairman. Mr. Stein, Chairman, stated he is touched and honored by
all of the kind words that have been said. He said he sees the Board as one Board trying to serve one
County, and all members having the best interests of all residents of Tompkins County at heart. He is
aware that this will be tested, and hopes everyone will keep in mind, regardless of differences in opinion,
everyone acting sincerely and in the best interests of Tompkins County.
Nominations were opened for Vice Chairman. Mr. Meskill nominated Ms. Mink as Vice Chair,
seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Mr. Meskill stated it is a special privilege and honor to nominate Ms. Mink.
She can speak precisely and most influential to any issue. He said during the last twelve months, Ms.
Mink has taught him many valuable lessons, including how to get work and get along with County staff
and fellow legislators. Besides having the ability to get to the essence of an issue, she has the ability to
speak with grace, eloquence and influence and can disagree on an issue and when the debate is over she
can go on without any ill feelings and get on to the next year.
Ms. Blanchard stated she knew when she joined the Board the time and commitment necessary to
be a good Board member was a mighty responsibility, and watching Ms. Mink serve as Vice Chair of the
Board and Chair of the Planning, Economic Development and Education Committee, and Leadership
Council, and numerous other committee responsibilities has been inspiring. She is responsible for many
exciting initiatives this year, and feels she needs to continue. She urged all members to join her in
electing Ms. Mink Vice Chair.
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
close nominations. By a unanimous show of hands, Ms. Mink was re-elected Vice Chair of the Board.
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January 3, 1995
Ms. Mink, Vice Chair, said she looks forward to the coming year. She stated she would like to
make the work of the Leadership Council radiate out into the organization and make it a reality. She also
would like to focus on economic planning, and be more involved in a constructive public information
program so that people in the County can be more involved in what government is all about. She thanked
the Board for their support.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, to approve the minutes of October 4,
1994. Ms. Kiefer stated the changes being brought to the floor are being done so at the direction of the
Clerk of the Board. Mr. Meskill asked why his copy has the word "no" beside it. Mr. Stein stated it was
done by the Clerk, as she felt the changes were something she did not have the authority to change and
referred them to the Board. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Lerner, to insert the date
September 6, 1994 after the heading Approval of Minutes. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Meskill). MOTION CARRIED.
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Lerner, to amend page seven, Resolution No.
215, to add the following two sentences after the third sentence: The language of the local law was not
available when the public hearing was set and no written summary of the proposed changes exists. Even
the title of the local law does not reveal that it creates a Department of Finance. A voice vote resulted as
follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Meskill). MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Kiefer brought forward revised wording for Ms. Mink's comments on page two. She said she
discussed the changes with Ms. Mink. Ms. Mink said she would rather strike the last sentence from her
report rather than revise the wording. It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote, to strike the last sentence on page two.
Mr. Stein stated a change was suggested to him to be made to his report on page six under his
comments. He stated although the wording may be awkward, it is correct and will stand as it is.
However, he accepted the following wording be inserted suggested by Ms. Kiefer under the Chairman's
appointment of an Affordable Housing Task Force: change the word "one" to "the sole" and add "and to
report within three months."
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to amend Mr. Squires', Comptroller, report on page seven to
include in his report, the dollar figure for the unpaid bills. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A
SECOND.
A voice vote on approving the minutes as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0.
MINUTES APPROVED.
Mr. Proto asked for the status of the minutes issue that has been raised. He said the question of
how many changes are going to be made to the minutes and what constitutes minutes needs to be
answered. Mr. Stein stated this is a matter which is under discussion within the Governmental Affairs
Committee. He expects to have a resolution by the end of the month. Ms. Mink said the subcommittee
dealing with this issue will meet tomorrow to make a recommendation.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
No member wished to speak.
Privilege of the Floor by the Board Members
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January 3, 1995
Michael Lane, Representative, District No. 14, stated hundreds of members of the Dryden
community came together to celebrate the life of Stephen A. Starr who was a respected and beloved
member of the community. He was a dedicated father and protector of his family. He was a teacher and
coach of the high school football team, and his life was cut short tragically last week. The coming
together of people in Dryden and other places to stand shoulder to shoulder signifies that it will be the act
of violence that will be buried, and the joy of one man's life that will be remembered.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Resolution Expressing Condolences on the Death of Stephen
A. Starr.
RESOLUTION NO. 1 - RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF
STEPHEN A. STARR
MOVED by Mr. Lane and unanimously seconded and adopted.
WHEREAS, Stephen A. Starr untimely died on December 30, 1994, and
WHEREAS, Stephen A. Starr was a respected and beloved member of the Dryden community as
a father, a teacher, and high school coach, whose life brought joy to those who knew him, and
WHEREAS, Dryden and all of Tompkins County has been shocked and numbed by this senseless
act of violence which has taken Stephen A. Starr from us, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, on behalf of all of the
residents of Tompkins County, does hereby express its sincere condolences to Stephen's wife, Judith; his
daughters, Amber, Amy, and Tiffany; and to all of his family, and wish them Godspeed through this sad
time of sorrow and loss,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution be spread upon the minutes and that the Clerk of the
Board transmit an appropriate copy to the family of Stephen A. Starr.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 15
Withdrawal of Resolutions(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw the following
resolutions from the agenda:
Creation of Contract Budget - Mental Health
Advisement to Tompkins County Water Purveyors on Public Meetings Pertaining to Watershed
Rules and Regulations
Chairman's Report, Appointments, and Presentation of Awards
Mr. Stein stated it is customary at the beginning of the year for the committee assignments to be
made. Those will be made at the next Board meeting on January 17. Between now and then he said he
will be talking to each Board member about everyone's interest and concerns and will try to do that
within the upcoming week. The Committee structure for 1994 will continue until the new committees are
established. In addition, he expects to have a statement prepared at the next meeting about some of the
things facing the Board in the coming year.
Appointments
6
January 3, 1995
Mr. Stein made the following appointments to the Airport Master Plan Technical Advisory
Committee:
Bill Mobbs, Commissioner of Public Works
Bob Nicholas, Airport Manager
David Boyd, Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council
Philip Brito, Federal Aviation Administration
Mike Canger, USAir Manager
Roger Dennis, Taughannock Aviation
Jim Wells, small airplane operator
Linda Daybell, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
John Majeroni, Cornell University
Michael Stamm, Tompkins County Area Development, Inc.
Skip Hardi, Agriculture
Jeff McDonald, EMC Committee liaison
Bonnie Gordon, Vice President for Development at Ithaca College
Mr. Stein submitted his name to the Board for reappointment to the Finger Lakes Association. It
was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
reappoint Mr. Stein to the Finger Lakes Association.
Chairman Stein presented an award to Michelle Pottorff, Deputy Clerk, for completing ten years
of service with Tompkins County. Mr. Stein then presented an award to Beverly Livesay, District No.
11, for completing 20 years of service as a member of the Board of Representatives of Tompkins County.
County Administrator's Report
Mr. Heyman, County Administrator, had no report.
County Attorney's Report
Mr. Theisen, County Attorney, reported the purchase option with Thorntree Hill Associates has
been signed by both parties, and is now a binding agreement. Mr. Heyman, County Administrator,
signed on behalf of the County.
Comptroller's Report
Mr. Squires, Comptroller, had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) by the Public Works Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, thanked the 1994 Public Works Committee for their hard work and
dedication. He said the Committee crossed a lot of bridges and paved the way to the future. It was a
tough year for public works but feels very proud of all the accomplishments.
RESOLUTION NO. 2 - AUTHORIZING A DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTION FOR THE
CREATED WETLAND AT THE OLD CASWELL ROAD LANDFILL
SITE (FOR AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PROJECT)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Lane. Ms. Kiefer said assuming this wetland functions
well, it is fine that the County follows through and puts a restriction on it to preserve it. She is concerned
that we may be restricting the use of this land prematurely. She is concerned that it may cease
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January 3, 1995
functioning as a wetland, and with that concern in mind, she spoke to County Attorney, to see if
something can be written into the resolution before the Board undertakes to preserve it forever. She
believes the County Attorney has been waiting for a return call from the Army Corp. of Engineers. It
was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer to postpone the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. Ms. Blanchard said
it is her understanding that this is a requirement for the nationwide permit. Mr. Winch stated he would
like this resolution to move forward. It was one of the concerns and restrictions from the Army Corp. of
Engineers. He said all wetlands are forever changing, and he does not endorse postponing this. He
asked that the Board adopt this resolution so that the paperwork can be developed, so the County can do
what it has been asked to for the nationwide permit. Mr. Theisen, County Attorney, said if the County
is the only party for the restriction, it may allow for rescinding the restriction or amending it. He is in
contact with the Army Corp. of Engineers on how that could be done. He said the Corp. wants this done
in perpetuity. The Board proceeded with the understanding Mr. Theisen will report on this subject at the
January 17, 1995 meeting, and let the Board know if there is a change that needs to be made.
A voice vote on postponing this resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 0, Noes - 15. MOTION
FAILED. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Todd).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, a Nationwide Permit was issued by the Department of the Army, Buffalo District,
Corps of Engineers on June 17, 1992, which allowed the filling of an approximately 2.48 acre wetland at
the Tompkins County Airport as part of the runway extension project, and
WHEREAS, a special condition of said Nationwide Permit was that the County must create a 4 -
acre wetland at another site to compensate for the filling of the 2.48 acre wetland, and
WHEREAS, another special condition of the permit requires that the site of the created wetland
must be restricted in perpetuity to exclude any development, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the County Attorney be
and hereby is instructed to draw up the appropriate documents to accomplish said development
restriction.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I
(NEGATIVE DECLARATION ON FILE)
Report by the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last meeting. The Committee
will meet January 17. He said a resolution entitled Creation of Contract Budget - Mental Health, has
created a lot of controversy. Representatives of Alpha House will attend the January 17 meeting to try to
resolve any issues that have been raised.
Report and Appointments by the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met this morning and discussed the DSS
Workplan. He said the discussion was very interesting and wide -range discussion was had on this. Mr.
Joseph announced that the Martin Luther King breakfast will happen on January 14 at the Beverly J.
Martin Elementary School, and he hopes to see many Board members there.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
make the following appointments to the Office for the Aging Advisory Committee with terms expiring
December 31, 1997:
Phyllis Stout
Jean Fitzgibbons
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January 3, 1995
Report by the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported he does not expect the Committee to meet prior to the
announcement of the new committee structure by Chairman Stein.
Report from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. She
announced the subcommittee that is working on the subject of minutes will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
in the Courthouse Conference Room. The next Committee meeting will be January 10. The Committee
will be looking at revising the Ethics Law.
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s), and Appointments by the Planning, Economic Development
and Education Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, announced there will be no Committee meeting on January 5. There is a special
meeting tomorrow for members of the Planning, Economic Development and Education Committee, and
the Health and Environmental Quality Committee at noon tomorrow at the Planning Department office
on developing the work program for the year.
RESOLUTION NO. 3 - AUTHORIZATION OF A PUBLIC HEARING FOR TOMPKINS
COUNTY SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT AND COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
STRATEGY
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is eligible for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and
WHEREAS, the County has previously applied for CDBG funds and has indicated an interest in
applying for funds in the current year, and
WHEREAS, all CDBG applications require the development of a Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and a public hearing on both the CDBG application and the CHAS, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Economic Development and Education
Committee, That a public hearing be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the
Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, January 17, 1995
at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof concerning Tompkins County's Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
(CHAS). At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the
same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT OR TYPE II
(NO FURTHER ACTION NECESSARY)
Report and Appointments by the Public Safety Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee has not met. The next meeting will be Thursday at
noon in the Courthouse Conference Room. There will be discussion on the subjects of the D.A.R.E.
program and the COPS Ahead grant proposal.
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January 3, 1995
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to make the following appointments to the Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board:
Terms expiring December 31, 1995
P.K. Reeves - City of Ithaca Delegate
Phil A. Arneson - Town of Dryden Delegate
Terms expiring December 31, 1996
David Cornelious - City of Ithaca Alternate
Michael Aaronson - City of Ithaca Alternate
W. Lyle Neigh - City of Ithaca Delegate
Terms expiring December 31, 1997
Edward Klopf - Town of Caroline Delegate
Brian Wilbur - City of Ithaca Delegate
Thomas Dorman - City of Ithaca Alternate
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler to appoint Margaret McCarthy to the Criminal Justice
Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board as a Member of the Defense Bar for a term expiring
December 31, 1997. Mr. Meskill stated he has a problem appointing someone to this advisory board
who has only been a short term resident of Tompkins County. Mr. Lerner commented that someone is
needed to fill this seat for their expertise, not for their community affiliation. Mrs. Schuler withdrew her
nomination, and stated she would discuss this with the Defense Bar. Chairman Stein referred this issue
to the Public Safety Committee.
Report and Appointment by the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, thanked the 1994 members of the Committee for their service. Mr. Todd
stated construction of the new Facility is coming along very well. The next Committee meeting will be
January 12 at the Solid Waste Office Building.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
appoint Henry Raup to the Landfill Neighborhood Protection Committee as a Town of Dryden
Representative with a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report by the Special Committee on Affordable Housing
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the President of the Local Homebuilders' Association has been
quite helpful, and is now the President of the New York State Homebuilder's Association. She hopes to
make an interim report in February and a final report in March on this Task Force.
Report from the DSS Transportation Committee
Ms. Blanchard reported on the special committee looking at Medicaid transportation at the
Department of Social Services. She said two meetings have been held and meetings have been scheduled
every week. They are looking at things that can be done immediately, and things that may be long-range
solutions. She feels there will be a lot of good solutions possible.
Report from the Special Rural Affairs Committee
10
January 3, 1995
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met over the vacation period, and have asked and
have been granted an extension by Chairman Stein. The next meeting is scheduled for January 23 at 8:15
a.m. Mr. Proto will give a presentation at the next Board meeting on January 17 on the work of that
Committee. (Presentation was not held.)
Report from the Public Information Committee
This Committee had no report.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
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January 17, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Tompkins County's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Application and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Tompkins County's
Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application and Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy.
Mr. Hanson, Planning Commissioner, said this hearing is one of two that is required by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. The next hearing will be held February 7. The
specifics of the grant application, as well as a resolution will be discussed and presented at the next
hearing.
Karl Heck, Community/Economic Development Coordinator, said the one major change in the
1995 funding is communities can apply for a single year program or multi-year programs. The multi-year
program is either a two or three year program. The maximum funding level for the 1995 Small Cities
Program is $51,114,000. Applications are due February 21. He submitted a detailed statement for the
record (statement attached).
Chairman Stein asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one else wished to speak and the
public hearing was closed at 5:35 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes - December 20 and 27, 1994
At the request of the Clerk of the Board, the December 27, 1994 minutes were withdrawn.
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to approve the minutes of the December 20, 1994 meeting with the following corrections recommended
by Ms. Kiefer:
Page 13 - Insert motion to call the question. It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, and unanimously
adopted by voice vote, to call the question.
Page 1 - Approval of Minutes - add the following wording: "Chairman Stein asked that
discussion of the minutes be limited to five minutes". Also add the following statement after the last
paragraph: "Ms. Kiefer stated possible changes to the October 4, 1994 minutes will go beyond the five-
minute limit. It was the consensus of the Board to postpone action on the minutes. Mr. Meskill asked
that the October 4 minutes be recopied for Board members when submitted for approval."
Page 7 - Res. No. 291, fifth sentence, change the language to read: "Ms. Kiefer stated she does
not disagree with the twenty percent figure, but is concerned that, e.g. there could be several smaller fare
increases close together that would add up to twenty percent or more but that would not trigger this
policy. Mr. Lerner agreed with this concern as did Mr. Meskill." Also change the sentence in the same
paragraph prior to the vote to read: "Mrs. Livesay suggested that this policy be adopted at this time,
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January 17, 1995
since some policy is better than none, and refer it back to the Committee to consider the comments that
have been made, and come back with appropriate amendments if necessary."
Page 2 - Delete the following sentence in Ms. Kiefer's remarks under privilege of the floor:
"Ms. Kiefer stated she believes the comments made by Ms. Brantley under privilege of the floor were
directed to her resolution, not the one prepared by Mr. Heyman, County Administrator."
Page 3 - Change Ms. Kiefer's remarks under privilege of the floor concerning the withdrawal of
the resolution entitled Continuation of Employment to read: "She stated that she will not pursue this
resolution on the agenda. She said when she first heard the news that several of the Biggs A employees
associated with the sick building syndrome were going to be terminated, her intention was to find a way
that when a County employee has a Worker's Compensation case that drags on past a year, the County be
able to maintain the employee's insurance until Worker's Compensation has made a decision on the case.
She said it has become clear how difficult it is to do this. Civil Service Law is involved, and although
termination after a year is optional, that Tompkins County has a policy of electing to terminate in order to
free up the job line so a permanent employee can take the place. Keeping employees on the rolls for
health insurance leaves rolls open for the employee to return, and she was told that to change the process
would require renegotiations with the employee unions. She would like to Board to know why she is
trying to do this, but there does not seem to be a way to achieve that.
Chairman Stein said the presentation from Gary Esolen will follow privilege of the floor by the
public.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Alan Cohen, 302 East State Street, and a member of Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,
and Advisory Board on Tourism Development, stated he is not speaking on behalf of these groups. He
expressed his concerns with the final report by Gary Esolen of Media Revolution, Inc. He said the
Advisory Board on Tourism Development reviewed the report and forwarded comments and letters to
Mr. Esolen. However, the comments and letters were not incorporated into the report, but the remarks
from Richard Driscoll, Executive Director, Community Arts Partnership, were included. He said it is a
fine report, but that more work needs to be done.
Mary Kane Trochim, former Chair of the Advisory Board on Tourism Development (ABTD),
stated she has concerns with the beginning and the end of the report by Gary Esolen, Media Revolution,
Inc. She feels the report should mention in relation to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB) the
Davidson -Peterson study and subsequent report, approved by the Board of Representatives, and
completed less than two years ago. She also feels there should be reference to the Tourism Advisory
Board report of 1990, which included input from all potential players, and which served as the basis for
establishing the advisory Board on Tourism Development. She said the 1990 Report, and the ABTD
bylaws show striking similarities between the charge, composition, and work docket of the ABTD and
the new committee the study team is now proposing. She spoke about Section Six of the report regarding
Contracts with the Community Arts Partnership. She feels it is irresponsible and insulting to state or
imply that the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) and the arts community "targeted" the hotel tax funds
to make up for lost support elsewhere. She said CAP was invited to be part of the tourism discussions by
the business community leaders and County Board members during both the redevelopment of the arts
council and the establishment of tourism as a major economic component. She corrected the title of
Richard Driscoll. He is the Executive Director. She stated that no tourism projects were abandoned. In
anticipation of the findings of this study, they were moved to the CVB to be coordinated more effectively
with other elements of a total marketing program run by the CVB.
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January 17, 1995
Chairman Stein acknowledged the attendance of students from Ithaca High School. Miss Sabrina
Hussain said the students are required to attend a government meeting for their government class. She
said they are nearing their due date for their report. Some students have also been doing a lot of work for
the school play: Bye Bye Birdie.
Presentation on Tourism Strategy for Tompkins County
Ms. Mink, Chair of the Planning, Economic Development, and Education Committee, introduced
Gary Esolen, President of Media Revolution. The organization was hired by the Planning, Economic
Development and Education Committee to study the relationship with tourism contracting agencies.
Mr. Esolen began by thanking the Board for letting him do the study. He said he was not
supposed to evaluate the Advisory Board on Tourism Development or look at the Davidson -Peterson
study. He said it was a wide -range study connected with a divided and controversial tourism program.
In order to be successful, the County will have to move on to make a new private covenant.
Mr. Esolen said the first area reviewed was the contracts between
Chamber of Commerce to create and operate a Convention and Visitor's
several contracts since 1987 that have provided grants of money for the
promotion. The following five points were suggested by the consultants
oversight and accountability into the contracts:
• County Board approve a budget annually
• require monthly or quarterly detailed financial reports
• the board that governs the CVB should include elected officials
• annual audit of the CVB's funds as a separate fund
• annual report that includes a narrative
He described the procedures in which the audits and reports were prepared for the years 1987 through
1989. Following a thorough review of the financial records, he felt confident that there was not any bad
faith and taxpayer money was not spent inappropriately. He said the audit of separate funds is the most
important point.
Tompkins County and the
Bureau. There have been
broad purpose of tourism
to incorporate government
The second area reviewed was the Visitor's Center. Two issues were studied: rental of space
from the Chamber of Commerce, and the operations of the Visitor's Center. In regard to the rent, in 1989
the Chamber built a new building; the CVB moved in to more than half the space of the building. The
CVB began paying rent which was about fifty (50) percent of the mortgage, plus about sixty (60) percent
of the maintenance, utilities, etc. He said a signed agreement does not exist between the Chamber of
Commerce and the CVB. He said there is a statement in a letter from the Chamber to the consultants that
there is a policy that once a year the Chamber will establish the rent to be paid for the following year. He
suggested the County renegotiate the lease and possibly move the CVB to the ground floor, and the
County pay 100 percent of the rent at $12.76 per sq. ft. If this arrangement was utilized from the
beginning, $30,000 would have been saved per year. Another suggestion is to consider asking the
Chamber to grant to the CVB an equity interest in the building.
Visitor's Centers are important but should not cost a lot. The purpose of visitor's centers is to
put information into people's hands who are in town or local people who are looking for tourist
attractions. He described two ways to handle visitor centers: have one location with all the information
or have information scattered in different locations. In Tompkins County, there are many attractions, and
the information should be available in several locations.
He spoke about the staffing operations of the CVB. It is divided into three categories:
administration, management, and marketing. (1) Administration is concerned with an orderly fiscal, and
efficient clean operation. The responsibility being that meetings are held and minutes are taken and
transcribed, financial reports are completed. The CVB is currently well-run administratively. (2)
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January 17, 1995
Management is the efficient and effective use of resources, including staff time. He feels in this area
there are some weaknesses in the CVB. He said one of the problems is the telephone system. There is
only one incoming 800 line with roll over capability to telephones in other offices. He suggested
consumer inquires be answered by a voice mail system that also provides a printed report. People who
wish to have additional information can call the referral number given by the voice mail. He also said
that the office space can be restructured to accommodate walk-ins with questions in order to create less
interruptions for management staff. He characterized the CVB has being very serviced oriented. The
goal is to deliver a service to the visitors already in town. He recommended that the guide which is
currently printed on quality paper could be printed by the Ithaca Journal on newsprint. (3) Marketing
programs are the most important areas in tourism promotion. He spoke about the motorcoach program.
He said the motorcoach program has a nice guide and attends trade shows to sell them. However, he said
the best approach to sell motorcoaches is to create sample tours and sell to charter companies. He also
spoke about the conference sales program which he feels is becoming more efficient. He suggested some
improvements in management tools, such as a computer tickler that reminds you to call back the client,
fax back technology to allow information to be received on demand, and periodic sales blitzes.
Mr. Esolen said in the area of tourism there is a lack of focus. He stated that during the dialogue
in the course of the study, it was mentioned that it should not be unfair and there should be no
comparison with other areas such as Syracuse, Lake Placid. He said the best way to have excellent
marketing programs is to look around and see who is doing it the best. He gave some examples.
He described what a marketing plan for tourism discretionary vacation travel in Tompkins
County may look like. He said there are many trip types including city vacations, beach resorts, ski
resorts, etc. that are crucial to the potential development and growth of Tompkins County tourism. One
unique trip type that is not considered marketable is visiting friends and relatives of Cornell University
and Ithaca College students. The second trip type is the touring vacation, and the third is a country resort
vacation. The similarity in the market between the two previously mentioned is they are usually elderly
people who have the time to travel. He said Tompkins County has three areas for promoting tourism:
natural environment, sophisticated community in a relaxed setting, and great educational institutions with
a highly educated population. He said education is beginning to be recognized as a tourism program.
Seminars are beginning to become a marketing plan.
Mr. Esolen reviewed the Community Arts Partnership contracts. He addressed the question of
whether the art's is a form of tourism promotion. His opinion is what has been done with the arts has not
been effective tourism promotion in Tompkins County. He recommends the continuation to support the
arts and other programs for tourism development in the context of a unified tourism promotion program
that makes effective use of arts events as part of a strategy to attract and serve tourists.
Mr. Esolen discussed the relationship with the Finger Lakes Association. He said it is the only
operation he knows that combines resource and management conservation, tourism development, and
tourism and marketing promotion. He feels in those areas support should continue; however, he feels the
County should change its marketing relationship with the Association.
He responded to some of the comments made under privilege of the floor. He agrees that the
creation of the Advisory Board on Tourism Development (ABTD) is a step forward in the same direction
the consultants are recommending. He feels the Board should include elected officials and become a
decision-making body. He said the time has come to forge a new public/private relationship and create a
program that no one will ever doubt again.
Ms. Mink said in her experience, when good ideas or new suggestions are raised, there is
automatically implied criticism that something is wrong with the current operation or procedure. She
asked that the County Board keep an open mind and look where the County has come from and where the
15
January 17, 1995
County is going. She said she takes full responsibility for making the Advisory Board on Tourism
Development an advisory board. She spoke about her feelings on the report and some of the
recommendations. She supports the development of arts, and moving forward with promoting an
educational tourism marketing plan.
Mrs. Livesay said it has occurred to her that rather than looking at the Finger Lakes region, look
at the central New York region. She thought maybe Tompkins County could benefit from a cooperative
package with some of the municipalities east of Tompkins County. Mr. Esolen said touring vacations as
a tourism promotion could benefit the County if properly planned so that tourists remain in this area for a
period of time. Mr. Esolen said he would make himself available as a resource for casual contact.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
No one wished to speak.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions:
- Establishing Board of Representatives Standards and Expectations for Minutes of Meetings of
the Board of Representatives and its Committees
- Advisement to Tompkins County Water Purveyors on Public Information Meetings Pertaining
to Watershed Rules and Regulations
Ms. Kiefer asked why the resolution entitled Advisement to Tompkins County Water Purveyors
on Public Information Meetings Pertaining to Watershed Rules and Regulations was being withdrawn.
Mr. Evans, Chairman of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, said concerns were raised by
other Board members and will be taking it back to committee.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman said he did not have a report.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen said he also did not have a report. He said he could not report further on the
question raised at the last Board meeting concerning the wetland issue. He has made phone calls but is
waiting for the calls to be returned. Mr. Theisen said there would be no impact on the delay for answers.
The resolution can be amended later if necessary. He asked if there were any questions relating to the
memorandum he circulated concerning the Thorntree option. No questions were asked.
Report from the County Comptroller
Mr. Squires reported he received the final sales tax payment for 1994. He has not received the
details on how much the County will retain. He anticipates exceeding the budget estimate by $200,000
for 1994.
Chairman's Report and Appointments
16
January 17, 1995
Chairman Stein summarized the following statement which outlines his challenges, goals, and
expectations for 1995. He also announced the standing and special committee assignments and
responsibilities.
(NOTE: These statements represent the opinions of the Board Chairman only, and not necessarily the
members of the County Board of Representatives.)
CHALLENGES, GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR 1995
Statement by Stuart W. Stein
Chairman, Board of Representatives
January 17,1995
At the beginning of 1994, I presented a statement to the community outlining the problems and
opportunities facing the county for the coming year and my goals for the county legislature. That
statement was distributed to all of the towns, villages and the city, as well as to the department heads.
Copies were given to the media. Such a statement had never been presented in my twelve years on the
County Board, but I felt it was important to tell the community what to expect from this significantly new
board, one that had a five new members and a new political majority for the first time in the county's
history. Setting out these goals provided direction to the board and staff; in addition, it was intended to
provide some way of evaluating, after the passage of time, how well county government was doing. A
year has gone by, and I am now ready to evaluate what was accomplished, and to look ahead and set
goals for the coming year.
1994 was not an easy year, but the County Board faced many problems and dealt with them. We
experienced continuing budget pressures, but under the able guidance of Budget Committee chairman,
we were able to pass a budget that essentially matched the inflationary increase in the county. We had to
deal with a continuation of several years of over -spending in the Sheriffs budget and with accusations of
racism in the jail. Our solid waste program received a severe blow with the overturning of the flow
control ordinance by the US. Supreme Court, but we adjusted our tipping fee and severely reduced our
operating budget to adjust to the crisis. The construction of the new Recycling Center continued to be
attacked by some vocal members of our community, but an independent study of financial projections
confirmed the staffs judgments and the project proceeded and now nears completion. We argued at
length over whether we should sell a small parcel of land that we owned on the Elmira Road to a
developer and what the terms of that sale should be.
In addition, four of our county personnel union contracts went through extended negotiations with
positive results in all cases. After several years of study and debate, we finally approved the E-911
system which will go into service in mid-1995. We were made more deeply aware, by our public works
staff, of the deteriorating condition of our bridges and roads and the high costs involved in maintaining
our infrastructure, and allocated more funds as part of a special budget appropriation. Several of our
employees brought a multi-million dollar suit, still going on, against the county, individual staff -members
and elected officials, and we initiated a study of renovating Biggs A or building new space for DSS and
other services.
I believe that this County Board and its staff handled these and many other issues competently. This
work of government has taken a great deal of energy, and I want the county staff and board members to
know how much they are appreciated for their time and efforts of the county's citizens. Too often, we
hear only criticism from the public and the media. But from many private conversations I have had with
people in the community, I know that many do understand and appreciate how much each of us in the
county family has given to public service.
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January 17, 1995
Goals for 1995
Last year, I stated that I had three primary goals for the county:
1) to gain better control of the county budget;
2) to restructure the way the county government operates, specifically to involve the staff more in
decision-making processes and to make our service -delivery programs more efficient and less costly; and
3) to improve the county's economy.
I knew then that these three major goals would take some time to achieve - certainly more than one year -
but I expected that a good start would be made on all three. It is my opinion that we achieved most of
what we set out to do in 1994. For the coming year, I believe that we should continue to focus on the
same goals for 1995. To help do this, I have identified a number of specific recommendations, described
below:
Continuing the Process of Budget Reorganization
With a great deal of hard work from the board members, especially Budget chair Eric Lerner, the
members of BRAE and the staff, I am gratified that we have made such great strides in reorganizing the
budget. The budget process this year was much more open and yielded a budget document that was
understandable by the general public. I am also pleased that we were able to keep the tax increase at a
level that approximates the increase in the cost of living. But much more needs to be done. and with the
able leadership of Eric Lerner who will continue to chair the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, I am
sure that we can make more progress. This will be at least a two, but more likely a three-year process of
budget reorganization. I encourage the B &FP committee to address the following issues in 1995:
* Keep close track of the many decreases that may occur during 1995 in state and federal aid to
the county. Given the pronouncements of state and federal leaders, it is assumed that there will be
significant cut- backs of funds from these sources. While it is impossible to know now what will
happen, it is important that the county be prepared to respond with contingency plans to address
cutbacks, should they occur.
* Begin the process of developing a priority system for funding of county services. This is a
complicated effort. It would have to be tied a clear definition of the goals of the County Board, a
process which may take some time to accomplish, but which is needed as a basis for many of the difficult
budget decisions that lie ahead.
* Identify all of the county's budget expenditures for items that benefit only individual
municipalities within the county. These include town bridges on town roads, for example. Develop a
policy for dealing with these purely town expenditures in light of potential severe budget pressures that
may occur in 1995.
* Rethink the policies established in the 1994 fiscal plan guidelines, especially the policy that
permits departments to retain and carry over to the following year the entire surplus from the previous
year.
* Explore the establishment of a multi-year budgeting system.
* Develop a system which would enable the B&FP and the program committees to analyze
specific parts of service delivery programs in greater detail. The purpose of such a system would be to
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January 17, 1995
let board members identify problems before they get out of hand, or to find places where cost savings
could be achieved without affecting the quality of services. While doing this, it is important to work
closely with the Partners for Quality effort.
* Integrate the process of preparing the Capital Improvements budget more closely with the
preparation of the county's operating budget.
* Initiate a study of ways to reduce or eliminate the current level of reliance on the property tax
as a significant source of funds for county budget purposes. This study should explore the entire range of
other pubic funding sources including the admittedly controversial idea of an income tax or a commuter
tax. I want to make it very clear, however, that any such new tax, if it is considered, must be firmly
linked to a guarantee that the property tax will be reduced or eliminated.
Continuing the Process of Restructuring the County Government
A major program was begun in mid-1994 to change dramatically the way the county involves its
employees in decision-making. This was, of course, our Partners for Quality (PFQ) program. With the
guidance of Scott Heyman and Nancy Zahler, and the board leadership of Barbara Mink and Charlie
Evans, the Leadership Council was established. It includes staff members representing the broad range
of county departments who meet regularly to develop a program to restructure decision-making and work
methods in county departments. This program is off to a good start, and will continue through 1995 and
beyond. We can expect some results in the coming year to improve efficiency, provide better service,
and raise staff morale. I urge the board members and our staff to continue to give strong support to this
very important undertaking.
This year, I am recommending that we take additional steps to refine and upgrade our governmental
structure. Section 31.18 of the County Charter requires that the Board of Representatives consider the
appointment of a Charter and Code Revision Commission to make recommendations for revisions.
Clearly, we have been remiss in following the intent of this section of our charter. I believe that the time
has come to give our charter a good hard look, and I have asked Michael Lane to chair such a special
committee.
I am asking that Representative Lane's special committee limit itself to a few critical areas. I have been
especially concerned about the rapidly increasing complexity of local government, and the growing
demands on board members' time and experience. During my past 13 years on the board, it has become
painfully clear to me that demands on my time have escalated rapidly. Fortunately, I am able to put in
more and more time because I have retired from my regular employment. But I find it difficult to
comprehend how other board members, especially those who have full-time jobs and family
responsibilities, carry out their responsibilities as legislators.
I must assume, also, that these excessive demands on time are making it impossible for many citizens to
run for election as a county legislator. While I strongly believe in the concept of volunteer -citizen
government as the bedrock of our American system of local governance, perhaps it is time to review how
well it is working here in Tompkins County. I think we should open our minds to the possibility of
making significant changes in the role of board members, and whether their numbers should be increased
or decreased. We should also explore whether we should accept the fact that this role has gone beyond
that of a volunteer, and whether we should pay a salary that in some measure reflects the increased level
of demands on the legislators.
Concurrently, this special committee should examine the experience of several other counties that have
an elected executive who manages county government. Personally, I am not enthusiastic about this
arrangement in county government, but there may be some advantages that are not apparent. Therefore, I
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January 17, 1995
believe that we should keep our minds open to this possibility and investigate it so that we can learn more
about the benefits and liabilities of an elected executive.
I believe that there is one other specific area of our governmental structure that needs to be reviewed - the
elected offices of County Clerk and County Sheriff. Again, I know that this is a controversial area, but it
seems to me that it is worth exploring various alternatives to the current arrangement to see if there are
ways that the county can be more efficient and effective in its provision of services. Most municipalities
appoint their clerks and public safety chiefs. These functions are not partisan in nature, and it makes
little sense to me that the Clerk or Sheriff should be elected in a partisan contest. Moreover, the demands
on these officials increasingly require advanced skills, training and experience to respond to
contemporary issues. While it may have made sense to elect these officers in the 19th century when
society was simpler, the reason to do so now is much less compelling. Therefore, I am asking that this
special committee also look into this section of the charter.
Sharpening our Focus on Economic Development
At the beginning of 1994, I stated that we must give greater attention to economic development in the
county. It is the basis for improving jobs, broadening our tax base, reducing the tax burden on families
and business, and, in general, improving the quality of life for all. To address economic development, I
reorganized and expanded the planning committee to include education and job training. I intend to retain
much of that linkage this year. Barbara Mink led the effort in economic development last year, and
accomplished a great deal. She organized and ran two conferences including one on technology transfer
from university -based research; she reshaped the coordination of job training activities by arranging the
expansion of TCAD staff, with county funding; and she restructured the tourism program and developed
closer linkages with the Chamber of Commerce which runs that program.
However, I will be taking economic development out of the planning committee this year, and I am
creating a special committee to allow us to upgrade our efforts even more, and to focus more forcefully
on county leadership in strengthening the economy. Ms. Mink will chair this special committee, and will
continue to be the leader, in partnership with me, of our economic development program. Among the
many challenges that I am asking to be addressed this year are the following:
* Continue to put forth the county's interest in building a more positive climate for managed
economic growth. As part of this effort, the committee should continue to build bridges with all of the
economic development groups in the county such as the Chamber of Commerce, TCAD, COTABA (at
Cornell), and the state's economic development agencies and advisory committees.
* Develop closer working relationships with local labor unions to determine how they can
participate more fully in economic development programs, what the needs are of the employees that they
represent, and how the county can assist in meeting those needs.
* Prepare a comprehensive and detailed economic development strategy plan for the county,
bringing together the various individual programs that now operate separately. This strategy should
include, but go beyond the activities of the current programs, and involve overlooked sectors of the
economy such as agriculture, small business, small specialized services, etc.
* Focus efforts on businesses and industries now in the county to be sure that we are cognizant
of their needs and will help meet them if it is appropriate to do so. Regular contact should be made with
our significant employers throughout the year through the existing organizations such as TCAD, but the
county should participate in these contacts.
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January 17, 1995
* Continue to work with Cornell's new office for technology transfer, COTABA, to determine if
their is a responsible role for the county government to play in developing new high-tech industries in the
county.
* Analyze the trends of economic restructuring currently underway in this country, to determine
how these will impact the county, where problems may occur and where opportunities may arise. Faculty
members from Cornell and Ithaca College who have special knowledge in economic restructuring trends
should be tapped for this analysis.
* Identify the special needs of the rural towns for economic development, and develop programs
in response to these needs. Some speakers at the recent hearings hosted by the Rural Affairs Committee
requested county assistance to improve their economies and create jobs to allow the rural residents to
remain on their farms and in their homes, instead of having to move to urban areas for jobs.
* Determine if there is a growing sector of the economy in this county for services and products
that are produced by so-called "lone eagles". These are people who work from their homes in small cities
or towns and rural areas such as Tompkins County, but provide those services throughout the country or
the world. Attempt to define what needs to be done, if anything, to attract such people to our county.
* Continue to build our job training resources, primarily through the coordinating efforts of
TCAD, so that the work force can enjoy increased wages from improved skills. In addition to the
linkages with BOCES and TC3, the job training programs should work more closely with the high
schools in the county, with the local unions, and with social service programs to assure that no
opportunity is overlooked to build skills among those that now lack them. In this effort, the county's role
is likely to be limited to that of a coordinator and catalyst.
* Complete the negotiations and contracts with the Chamber of Commerce, the Finger Lakes
Association, and the Community Arts Partnership for each ones' share of our tourism marketing and
promotion program financed by room -tax dollars.
* Expand our tourism program to include enhancement and development of our tourism
resources. I am recommending that a portion of our room -tax dollars be set aside in a tourism
development fund to be used to assist private, non-profit or public groups to improve our attractions.
These funds may be used, for example, for feasibility studies, plans and market analyses for new tourism
projects. This fund would assist those that need a small amount of up -front help to overcome initial
barriers to moving a good project ahead.
* With the assistance of the staff of the Planning Department, prepare a strategy for better
development of our waterfront areas. This should be done, of course, giving great care to the protection
and enhancement of the environment. This strategy should reflect the plans currently being prepared by
the Canal Recreationway Commission, since our lake is part of the NYS Barge Canal system. Much
work has been done already on planning for the waterfronts, but these plans need to be integrated into
one comprehensive strategic plan.
* Determine if there are opportunities for new businesses to be established in the county that
can utilize the recycled material that will be brought to our solid waste recycling facility. Funds were
included within the Solid Waste program budget to explore this question m 1994 , They were removed
in the middle of the year, however, as part of our budget cut-back. This exploration should be initiated in
1995, in collaboration with TCAD.
* Expand the exploration of the future of electronic data processing beyond the internal needs
of county agencies. It is important to determine how the county can capitalize on the rapidly expanding
21
January 17, 1995
electronic networks, and to link these advances with our broader economic program. I am asking the
existing Electronics Future Committee, which includes board members Lerner and Evans, to take on this
responsibility.
Regaining Respect for Government
In addition to these three primary goals, I am adding a fourth - to gain greater understanding and respect
for local government. In both Washington and Albany, there is much anti-government sentiment. While
some of this negative reaction undoubtedly is valid, I continue to believe that government is neither bad
nor good, but is necessary. I know that our county government can play a constructive role in improving
people's lives. County government provides a social services support system that reflects the compassion
of those of us who are better off for those among us who need help to survive. In addition, our
government must protect the public's health; it must provide for the protection of the public's safety; it
must build and maintain the community's infrastructure that provide for the movement of cars, people
and goods; it must protect the environment; and it must enhance the education and culture of the
community. It must do these things and much more.
These are not the normal responsibilities of private enterprise. Our county government can work closely
with private enterprise, perhaps more so than it has in the past, but this board and the employees of the
county must provide services that are the responsibility of public bodies. But many citizens appear to
believe that government is not doing its job of providing these services efficiently and at the lowest cost,
and as a result are losing respect for their elected representatives. We must regain that respect, but the
only way we can do so is to prove ourselves by our actions. I urge all of the members of this county
board to consider this to be a challenge for 1995.
Improving our Communications
We must also find ways to let the public know what their money is going for, and that they are getting
their money's worth from the taxes they pay. This year, I urge that we develop more effective means of
communication with town, village and city governments, with local institutions and with the general
public. This is a time-consuming job, but I believe that we must give our attention to it. Unfortunately,
the news media tend to stress only the negative aspects of county government, not our successes. The
hard work of our staff and board members usually goes unnoticed and unappreciated; only the
disagreements and the complaints seem to be reported by the media.
The following are some of the activities that should be undertaken this year to improve our
communications with our constituents:
* Continuation and expansion of the special Public Information committee to include additional
board members and citizens. This will allow this committee to expand the activities it began in 1994,
especially the newsletter which was distributed throughout the county as an insert in local newspapers. If
our budget permits, we should continue to publish a county newsletter every three months.
* Initiation of regular contacts during the year between the board and the county's town and
village governments. This responsibility will be undertaken by the Governmental Affairs Committee,
which will continue to be chaired by Beverly Livesay. One or two representatives of that committee
should attend meetings of each town and village board several times during 1995 (in addition to the
town's representative on the board), to discuss town and village concerns and to answer questions about
County Board business. A report of those discussions should be made to the full board either by memo
or verbally at regular board meetings.
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January 17, 1995
* Preparation of written op-ed pieces for the Ithaca Journal on current issues before the board.
These would be written by individual board members, most often by committee chairs, concerning
important problems or concerns facing the county. These would be similar to the special reports that
were made from time -to -time in 1994 by committee chairs and staff (e.g. county bridge and highway
maintenance problems, E-911, data processing needs, economic development programs, etc.). While the
board members need to know about these issues and profited by the detailed presentations, the public
also will benefit from a detailed explanation, and will become more aware of the issues facing county
government. The organization and scheduling of these op-ed articles will be a responsibility of the
special Communications Committee.
* Continuation of the televising of all board meetings and selected committee meetings. Many
citizens have told me that they watch the board meetings on TV, and welcome the opportunity. This
outreach activity, begun only a few years ago by Barbara Mink, appears to be well-received by the
public, and seems to be attracting a growing audience.
* Establishment of an awards program for individual county employees or for county programs
that have achieved exceptional accomplishments. These may be for service beyond the call of duty, for
recommendations that improve service, cost-saving ideas, etc. Awards would be highlighted in the local
newspapers, on radio and TV.
Committee Changes for 1995
An important way to implement these goals is through the board's committee structure. For the most
part, I feel that the organization of standing and special committees for 1994 worked quite well.
Nevertheless, there are a few significant adjustments that I will be making that I believe will help us to
address more directly the goals that I have set forth for 1995. The functions of four committees will
remain essentially the same and will have the same chairs. These are: Budget and Fiscal Policy
(Lerner); Solid Waste (Tom Todd); Human Services (Tim Joseph); and Health and Environmental
Quality, (Charlie Evans). Each of these committees will continue with the same membership, with a few
exceptions.
Changes are being made, however, in the remaining four standing committees, and these changes need
some explanation. The Public Safety Committee will remain as a standing committee, but I am
appointing Peter Meskill as chairman, with Mike Lane as vice-chairman. This is being done solely to
respond to the perception of many in the rural areas that this committee is dominated by city interests. I
want to say as clearly as possible that I do not agree with this perception, or that the actions of this
committee have been biased against rural areas. On the contrary, it is my opinion that Nancy Schuler, the
current chair has done an excellent job of running that committee objectively and with sensitivity to rural
needs. The transfer of Nancy to the chair of another committee in no way is intended to be a criticism of
her good work. Nevertheless, perceptions, while often wrong, can constitute reality to many people.
Therefore, I am placing two rural representatives in the chair and vice -chair positions to symbolize our
responsiveness. I know that both Peter and Mike will be excellent leaders of this committee.
I will also be reorganizing the current Planning, Economic Development and Education Committee. As
noted previously, I am removing the economic development function from the committee to provide an
even greater focus to the economy in the coming years. A special Committee on Economic Development
is being established with Barbara Mink as the chairperson. I will be a member of this committee, and I
expect to devote a significant amount of my time to economic development in the coming year. The
current PEDE committee is renamed the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
to reflect more closely the Planning Department's increasing involvement in helping our municipalities
with development projects such as water and sewer construction and housing rehabilitation. Together
with its responsibilities for TC3, libraries, Cooperative Extension, and the arts and cultural programs, this
23
January 17, 1995
committee has a significant set of responsibilities. I have appointed Nancy Schuler to be the chairperson
of this important committee.
After much thought, and discussions with several board members, I have decided to make a major change
in the structure of the Public Works Committee. For several years, this committee has suffered with an
exceptionally heavy workload. The variety of issues that it had to address required that it have two
meetings each month. This is one of the few committees with such a schedule. For this and other
reasons, I am dividing the work of this committee into two parts, and replacing it with two new standing
committees: the Transportation Committee and the Facilities and Operations Committee. This new
committee arrangement is a more up-to-date reflection of our current operations, and mirrors the way that
state government is organized.
The Transportation Committee will be responsible for all of the public infrastructure of the county that
deals with the movement of people, goods and services. This includes, specifically, roads and bridges, the
airport and the bus system. In the future, it may also deal with the movement of information and data. I
am appointing Barbara Blanchard to chair this new committee. She has a great deal of experience in the
transportation planning and operations areas, as a professional planner and from her previous work on the
Ithaca City Council. In addition, she was a member of the Public Works Committee this past year, and is
currently in charge of efforts to integrate all of the mass transit systems in the county. With this
background, I am confident that she will build this into a vital committee.
The new Facilities and Operations Committee will deal with most of the internal functions involved with
the operation of county government. The responsibilities for normal building maintenance and
construction, formerly in the Public Works Committee, will be in this committee, as will the county's
Engineering Depaaiuent (although Engineering will have a large role in serving the Transportation
Committee as well). In addition, this committee will be responsible for all other internal services (e.g.
data processing, purchasing, etc.) with the exception of personnel matters. A number of these functions
will be transferred to this committee from the Governmental Affairs committee, thereby allowing that
committee to concentrate on other matters. Dan Winch has a great deal of experience in this area, and I
have asked him to chair this new committee.
And last, but certainly not the least, is the Governmental Affairs Committee, which will continue to be
chaired by Beverly Livesay. While the committee retains the same name, I have asked Beverly to
redirect the committee's efforts towards outreach aimed at developing closer coordination and
cooperation with local and state governments. As noted above, transferring a number of time-consuming
internal administrative functions from this to another committee should permit more attention to be given
to this important task. It is especially important that we keep track of changes that will be taking place at
the state level, and attempt to influence pending actions that may have significant impacts, both good and
bad, on county programs and budgets. As part of this outreach effort we should become more deeply
involved in the NYS Association of Counties and similar state organizations. I have not been able to do
this during 1994, and look to the members of the Governmental Affairs Committee to take on this task in
1995. In addition, this committee should also give time to developing closer linkages with the city, town
and village governments (as noted in the discussion on communication, above).
A separate task of this committee is the extremely important responsibility for personnel matters. A
separate sub -committee probably will be needed to deal with all of the many complicated personnel
decisions that come up throughout the year, as well as with contract negotiations. Two especially
important additional tasks for this committee for the coming year are to reactivated our affirmative action
program, and to restructure our ethics rules and ethics committee. It's clear that this committee has a full
agenda for 1995, but I know that Beverly Livesay is more than capable of leading her committee to
accomplish all of this.
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January 17, 1995
In a category of its own is the Capital Project Committee. It is identified as a separate committee by our
charter, with specific guidelines for its activities. A capital project is defined in our charter as "any
physical betterment or improvement, including furnishings, machinery, apparatus or equipment...." The
capital project budget is established and voted on by the board in a process that is separate from our
operating budget. Nevertheless, it can have a significant impact on our operating budget and on our tax
rate. Therefore, I am appointing Eric Lerner, chair of the Budget committee also to chair this committee.
This should enhance the coordination of the two budget processes.
Special Committees with Specific Tasks
It is standard for the Board to establish special committees to deal with specific issues that need to be
addressed within a set time period. Usually these are committees of Board members, but occasionally
they include community members or staff members. These committees play an important role in our
governing activities. They focus on a subject that needs special attention, gather information, explore
ways to address problems, and develop policies and programs to be considered by the Board. I intend to
continue several special committees that now exist for a while longer, and will establish two new special
committees.
Those that will continue are:
1. The Rural Affairs Committee. The contacts that this committee made with the rural
communities with the past three months seem to have been quite successful, and its report of the issues it
has identified, together with recommendations, is due at the beginning of February. Preliminary
information indicates, however, that there are still a number of issues that need to be explored.
Therefore, I am extending the life of that committee until May 31st. It will continue to be chaired by
Frank Proto, with the same membership. In addition, I am assigning overview responsibilities of this
special committee to the Governmental Affairs Committee, which is charged with developing closer
linkages with all of the municipalities in the county.
2. The Biggs Space Study Committee. The work of this committee is nearing completion; a final
report and recommendation is likely within two months. This committee will continue until it makes its
final report with the same membership of four board members and four staff members, but will be
chaired by Barbara Mink instead of me from now on.
3. The Public Information Committee. As noted in a previous section of this statement, I believe
that there is a great need to increase our efforts to provide more information to educate the community
about issues that we are facing, and about our services and programs. This committee will continue to be
co-chaired by two Board members, Charlie Evans and Tim Joseph, who will be replacing Barbara Mink.
4. The Electronics Futures Committee. I am widening the scope of this small committee, and am
asking it to look beyond the internal needs of operating county government. I want it to determine what
role if any the county should play in increasing the capabilities for electronic communication throughout
the county. This includes the needs of our municipalities for data access and information processing, and
ways to increase the ability for citizens and organizations to gain access more easily to public
information of various kinds. In particular, I would like this committee to give the County Board advice
on how improved electronics communication can assist our efforts in economic development. Charlie
Evans will continue to chair this committee, and I am suggesting that it be enlarged to include members
of the community, in addition to appropriate county staff members.
The two new special committees are:
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January 17, 1995
1. The Charter Review Committee. I have already discussed this committee, to be chaired by
Michael Lane, in a previous section of this statement.
2. The Consumer Affairs Committee. From time -to -time, several board members have discussed
consumer concerns with me, with the suggestion that the county may have a role to play in protecting
consumer interests. During the time that I have been on the board, several consumer concerns have been
raised, e.g. item -pricing, TV cable rates and cable programming, the need for a local "better business
bureau", etc. Clearly there will be differences of opinion on whether the county should be involved in
such issues; I believe it should. Consequently, I am establishing a special committee to explore
consumer issues that are county -wide in nature and to bring the Board a report in six months. I have
asked Dooley Kiefer to chair this special committee. I have not appointed others at this time, but expect
to add board members and representatives from the community to this committee shortly.
Other Issues
County government is complex, and there are a number of other issues which can only be touched on
briefly here.
Solid Waste. As I noted in last year's statement, it is important that we recognize that the task before us
is to move ahead to do the best job possible to complete our solid waste plan. We made steady progress
in doing so in 1994. Our recycling center will be completed and operating within a few months. The
market for recyclable material has become much stronger, which suggests that our income projections
will be met and possibly exceeded. This should help us to reduce the costs and the fees for this program.
By the end of 1995, virtually all of the basic decisions about the solid waste program will have been
made, and the county's challenge will be to operate the new system efficiently. I am confident that our
competent staff will do that job well.
The Sheriffs Department. I am expecting that this will be a quieter year in the relations between the
Board and the Sheriff. Last year's arguments have now been settled with compromise by all parties. The
new staff position added to the Sheriffs department, with the additional financial controls, is expected to
bring about the level fiscal responsibility that the Board was demanding of the Sheriff, just as it
demanded this of all department heads. The rural areas need not worry about having adequate protection
for their safety. I am convinced that there are adequate resources available to provide the level of
security that all of our citizens need. I believe that all Board members are committed to that, regardless of
whether they come from the city or the towns.
Human Services. It is expected that funding for the entire range of human services will be severely
threatened during the coming year. Without knowing what the state and federal governments will do, it
is not possible to make contingency plans. But I believe that we must affirm our intention to assure that
these services which protect those in most need in our county will remain intact. This may be our most
significant challenge in 1995.
Road and Bridge Maintenance. Over the past few years, the issue of declining maintenance of our roads
and bridges was raised by the Commissioner of Public Works. The Board was made aware that
continuing decreases in the public works department budget has caused the postponement of maintenance
and the construction of capital projects. If this continues, it is feared that this will lead to severe
problems and increased costs in the future. The Board responded in the 1994 budget by approving one of
the largest special requests to increase the level of funding for road maintenance. I believe that we
should explore this issue more thoroughly during the coming year, and I have asked the Transportation
Committee, under the leadership of Barbara Blanchard, to do so.
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January 17, 1995
Transit Consolidation. The development of public mass transit in this rural area is one of our real
success stories. However, there is too much confusion for the public about the services provided by the
various bus systems in our county. Integration of services needs to be addressed through consolidation
and coordination. This process was begun in 1994, and I expect that there will be major steps taken this
year to achieve the goal of one consolidated system to serve the entire county.
Highway Planning. The newly established Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), funded by the
federal government, coordinates all of the major transportation planning for the county. It has given us
much greater resources to enable us to address our transportation needs. These involve more than roads,
and include bikeways, hiking paths, and other alternative forms of movement. As a result of some of
these efforts, significant funding from the ISTEA (Federal Transportation Act) program was awarded for
these alternative projects in the county during 1994. Also during the past year, the MPO staff organized
an unprecedented effort to involve the community in decision-making. This open community
involvement process has given a new look to transportation planning, and I am sure that this approach
will continue. It will bring about broader acceptance to programs which will improve the basic
infrastructure for movement of people, goods and services.
Housing and Community Development. With the leadership of the County Planning Depaltwent, much
progress was made in 1994. Several of our rural towns benefited from large federal grants obtained for
them by the county to rehabilitate existing housing for low-income families and the elderly. Assistance
was also provided in seeking and obtaining federal grants for water and sewer extensions. The Planning
Department will be giving continued attention during the coming year to improving housing conditions in
the county, and to assisting communities, especially our rural towns, upgrade their basic services.
Board Relations with the Business Community. In my statement to the Board one year ago, I commented
that, "productive dialogue has been difficult recently with some portions of the business community", and
that, "I will make a personal effort to find the basis for mending strained relations with these and other
groups in our county". I believe that we have come a long way in bringing government and business
closer together. I was pleased and gratified to receive the "bridge -builder" award from the Chamber of
Commerce last month, in response to my efforts to work more closely with them. In addition, Barbara
Mink and I have worked closely with the Tompkins County Area Development organization,
participating fully in its activities. We have also met with the local labor union representatives on a
number of occasions to assist them with their concerns. We will continue to build bridges with these and
other groups during the coming year, and encourage all Board members to do the same.
County Board Meetings. And finally, it may be recalled that I promised to try to keep our meetings from
going on too long and lasting beyond 8:30. I think we did pretty well with this. I can recall only three or
four meetings that went beyond that time; this was balanced by several meetings that ended well before
8:30. But this is a process that needs continual attention and improvement. Despite the training that we
received at several retreats, many of us still need to keep our statements brief and to the point, and some
committee reports should be curtailed to include only the most relevant issues. I hope that we can shorten
our meetings without losing the ability to discuss and debate issues fully.
While this has been a somewhat lengthy exposition of the wide range of activities and issues that
confront the County Board, it has by no means covered everything. County government is very complex,
and gets more so every year. I hope that this statement provides some understanding of what lies ahead
for the year, and some guidance for approaching these issues. As I said last year, I am determined that
this Board, working together, will face these challenges and achieve these goals, and that we will regain
the confidence of our constituency. Again, I can say that we welcome these challenges.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
27
January 17, 1995
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met this morning and had a report from Alpha House.
The education program was discussed. In the last five years 250 people have received their GED
(Graduate Equivalency Diploma). Outpatient clinics were also discussed. Alpha House stated certain
conflicts with different agencies have been resolved. They also discussed a survey and the results. The
survey claims that there is a 90 percent success rate for people who have completed the course. The
committee also heard a report from the Health Planning Council. Their meetings are held on the third
Thursday of every month, and are held in the Rice Conference Room. At the next Council meeting,
speakers will be present to make a presentation on breast cancer awareness.
Mr. Lerner said he continues to have reservations with the proposed Alpha House resolution on
the agenda. He stated he is pleased to be a member of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
this year. He hopes the committee will look at the whole array of substance abuse issues in Tompkins
County.
RESOLUTION NO. 4 - CREATION OF CONTRACT BUDGET - MENTAL HEALTH
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12,
Noes - 3 (Representatives Joseph, Lerner and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County wishes to provide additional services to individuals addicted to
alcohol, and
WHEREAS, Alpha House desires to provide such services under certification of the office of
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and
WHEREAS, monies for services to the alcohol addicted have been awarded to Tompkins
County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality and the Budget and
Fiscal Policy Committees, That $32,000 be appropriated to Alpha House,
RESOLVED, further, That a contract be established between Tompkins County and Alpha
House to pay for services provided from September 1, 1994, to December 31, 1994,
RESOLVED, further, That the following budget adjustment and appropriation be made:
REVENUE: A4331.3495 OASAS $32,000
APPROPRIATION: A4331.4400 Alpha House $32,000
RESOLVED, further, That the County Director of Finance be and hereby is authorized and
directed to make said appropriation on his books.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 5 - CREATION OF CONTRACT BUDGET - MENTAL HEALTH -
TOMPKINS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County wishes to provide comprehensive psychiatric emergency services
for crisis intervention, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins Community Hospital desires to provide such services under certification
of the Office of Mental Health, and
WHEREAS, monies for comprehensive psychiatric emergency services for crisis intervention
have been awarded to Tompkins County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That
$80,000 be appropriated to Tompkins Community Hospital,
RESOLVED, further, That a contract be established between Tompkins County and Tompkins
Community Hospital to provide such services from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995,
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January 17, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the following budget adjustment and appropriation be made:
REVENUE: A4332.3484 OMH Commissioner's Perf. $80,000
APPROPRIATION: A4332.4400 Tompkins Community Hospital $80,000
Note: Account numbers pending
RESOLVED, further, That the County Director of Finance be and hereby is authorized and
directed to make said appropriation on his books.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the committee has not met. Mrs. Schuler announced Literacy
Volunteer's of Tompkins County will hold an open house January 26 at noon.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint David H. Smith and Deirdre Silverman to the Human Rights Commission for terms which
expire December 31, 1997.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, said the committee has not met. He circulated a memorandum to Board
members laying out the agenda for 1995.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, said the committee met last week and most of the business is reflected on
the Board agenda. The task force on addressing for GIS is moving along. The committee discussed
changing the policy for local laws, ethics and consumer protection. Mrs. Schuler will give a report at the
next meeting on consumer protection.
Mr. Proto asked when the Board will have a report from the Board of Ethics. Mr. Stein said the
Ethics Board is meeting, and hopes to have a report in a week or two.
RESOLUTION NO. 6 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL - CITY (SCHULTZ)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that an error has been made in the 1995 County Tax Roll for
the City of Ithaca; namely parcel 63-8-4, 111 Williams Street, assessed to Harold Schultz was omitted,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the parcel be
added to the 1995 Tax Roll,
RESOLVED, further, That the City Tax collector is directed to issue a Tax Bill for this parcel in
the amount of $155.69.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 2
RESOLUTION NO. 7 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL - DANBY (HULBERT)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
29
January 17, 1995
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that an error has been made in the 1995 Town of Danby Tax
Roll; namely parcel 18-1-7.5, assessed to Joseph W. Hulbert was charged a Water District amount of
$147.82, and
WHEREAS, the parcel is not within the Water District, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Water
District amount be expunged from the Tax Bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the Danby Town Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax
bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $147.82 be charged back to the Town of Danby.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 2
RESOLUTION NO. 8 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL -NEWFIELD (BEARDSLEE)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that an error has been made in the 1993 Tax Roll of the
Town of Newfield; namely parcel 4-1-29.13/99 assessed to Marian I. Beardslee is a duplicate assessment,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the parcel be
expunged,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $404.14 be charged back; $152.04 to the County of
Tompkins, $180.43 to the Newfield School District and $71.67 to the Town of Newfield.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 2
RESOLUTION NO. 9 - AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 357 OF 1993 TO CHANGE THE
NUMBER AND KIND OF POSITIONS REQUIRED TO FILE ANNUAL
DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 357 of 1993 entitled "Annual Disclosure for County Elected
Officials and Policy -Makers, Amending Administrative Policy Manual and Code of Ethics" defined
policy makers more broadly than is desirable or required, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the title of
Resolution No. 357 of 1993 is hereby amended to read in its entirety, "Annual Disclosure for County
Elected Officials and Key Employees and Amending Administrative Manual,"
RESOLVED, further, That Resolution No. 357 of 1993 is hereby amended to delete No. 3 and to
replace it with the following:
3: Key employees are defined as follows:
County Administrator and Deputy County Administrator
All department heads
All division heads in Departments of Administration and Public Works
The following departmental staff positions:
PUBLIC HEALTH
Director of Patient Services
Director of Environmental Health
Public Health Administrator
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January 17, 1995
Director of Children with Special Care Needs
WIC Director
Medical Director
Safety and Health Coordinator
Medical Examiner
Healthy Heart Program Director
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Administrator
Assistant Solid Waste Manager
Recycling Supervisor
Assistant Airport Manager
Maintenance Supervisor
ASSESSMENT
Assistant Director of Assessment
SOCIAL SERVICES
Director of Eligibility
Director of Services
Director of Administrative Services
PERSONNEL
Benefits Manager
PURCHASING DIVISION
Buyers
PLANNING
Chief of Comprehensive Planning
Chief Natural Resources Planner
MENTAL HEALTH
Clinic Director
Medical Director
Mental Health Administrator
DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
Assistant Director of Computer Services
SHERIFF
Undersheriff
Jail Administrator
RESOLVED, further, That Resolution No. 357 of 1993 is amended at number 3 which shall now
read in its entirety, "That the Administrative Policy Manual, Policy 01-29, is hereby amended to include
all the changes specified by this Resolution".
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 10 - ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT TO ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 02-
10 - OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
31
January 17, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
Administrative Policy is hereby revised:
02-10 Outside Employment
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-21
RESOLUTION NO. 11 - CREATION OF AGING SERVICES SPECIALIST - OFFICE FOR
THE AGING
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Office for the Aging has the need for a position which would organize and
provide services, outreach activities, short-term casework and other direct services for caregivers of an
educational and supportive nature to caregivers of developmentally disabled adults. Funding for such a
position is provided by the Demonstration Project from the New York State Office for the Aging; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Human Services and Governmental Affairs
Committees, That a 40% Aging Services Specialist (13/559), labor grade M(13), competitive class
position be created temporarily effective January 1, 1995, through June 30, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 12 - INCREASE IN HOURS - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has need for additional legal services from one
Social Services Attorney position, therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and the Governmental Affairs
Committees, That one position of Social Services Attorney (89/233), management level R, competitive
class, be increased from 20.0 hours to 40.0 hours per week effective January 3, 1995. Hours worked over
20.0 per week will only be authorized on an as needed basis.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Economic Development, and
Education Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said the committee has not met. She said as Chair of the Economic
Development special committee for 1995, at the Committee's first meeting action will be taken to accept
the tourism report because negotiations need to begin for contracts with the Chamber for continuation of
services. The contracts have been extended to the end of March. She said she also hopes the Board can
set a direction for tourism promotion.
RESOLUTION NO. 13 - AUTHORIZING A SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR TOMPKINS
COUNTY SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT AND COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
STRATEGY
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
32
January 17, 1995
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is eligible for Small cities Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and
WHEREAS, the County has previously applied for CDBG funds and has indicated an interest in
applying for funds in the current year, and
WHEREAS, all CDBG applications require the development of a Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and a public hearing on both the CDBG application and the CHAS, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Economic Development and Education
Committee, That a second public hearing be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers
of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, February 7,
1995 at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof concerning Tompkins County's Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
(CHAS). At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the
same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT OR TYPE II
(NO FURTHER ACTION NECESSARY)
Report and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, said the committee met January 5. The committee heard a presentation by
Deputy Shippos the D.A.R.E. Officer. A lengthy discussion followed. She said the Sheriff will be
bringing a plan for his proposal concerning the COPS Ahead grant in February.
Mrs. Livesay asked about the COPS Ahead grant. She said from what she has read that it was
being evaluated by how the department has operated. She suggested it be looked at in terms of should
the depai lnient operate in a different way. Mrs. Schuler said it depends how community policing is
defined in the rural areas and the City. She said the committee hopes to receive ideas before applying for
the grant.
Appointments
Mrs. Schuler requested the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board
appointment be withdrawn. The documentation the Committee requested has not yet arrived.
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint the following people to the Fire, Disaster, and EMS Advisory Board for terms that expire
December 31, 1997:
Walter J. Groman, Town of Dryden representative (Delegate)
William J. Harding, Town of Dryden representative (Alternate)
Richard J. Neno, Town of Enfield representative (Delegate)
Carl D. Newhart, Town of Enfield representative (Alternate)
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd said he neglected to mention under privilege of the floor that the desulfurization
number two unit at Milliken Station came on line today. The second unit will come on line in the spring.
Mr. Todd, Chairman, said the committee met January 12. The committee discussed the
Recycling drop-off centers, but no action was taken. The committee would like Frank Proto present at an
upcoming meeting to discuss this subject. The committee also discussed the property value and business
33
January 17, 1995
income protection program. The committee also hopes to resolve this issue at an upcoming meeting. In
addition, the policy on solid waste financing was discussed. He asked Mr. Lerner to elaborate and
introduce the proposed resolution on the subject. Mr. Lerner said the short-term work for the committee
was to help develop the County's response to flow control. The long-term work was to develop a policy
for solid waste financing which resulted in the resolution being proposed.
RESOLUTION NO. 14 - ESTABLISHING POLICY ON SOLID WASTE FINANCING
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Todd. Ms. Kiefer said all the revisions approved were
not included in the resolution. Ms. Kiefer noted all the revisions which were accepted as friendly
amendments and incorporated in the resolution. Mr. Proto asked if the County needs to remediate the
situation at the Caswell landfill or will the annual fee pay for the cost. Mr. Lerner was uncertain not
knowing the facts. Mr. Proto thought it would be helpful to address some of the concerns by the public
if the amount of the fee collected from tax exempt entities was made available. Mr. Lerner said it is
possible. Approximately $300,000 is collected from tax exempt entities and if not collected would result
in about a $6 increase for the annual fee. Mrs. Schuler said she would support the annual fee for the first
time because it states that recyclables are not being charged. Mr. Lane followed up on the discussion
about the $300,000. He said if the $300,000 was not collected from the not-for-profit agencies, there
would be no reason for the annual fee which would result in an increase in the property tax bill. Mr.
Stein asked how the task force would be appointed. Mr. Lerner said either by the Solid Waste Chairman
or the Chairman of the Board.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, it is desirable for the County to establish stable long-term policies on solid waste
financing, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That this Board establishes the
following policies regarding the financing of solid waste programs:
1. The County will continue the policy of not using local tax dollars to fund solid waste
programs, instead, the three primary revenue sources will be recycling revenues, the disposal fee and the
annual solid waste Fee.
2. To the extent possible the costs of recycling shall be paid for through income from the
sale of recycled materials. The County will minimize recycling costs by obtaining maximum tonnages of
recyclable materials and selling them for the highest possible prices. When it is profitable, the County
will pay high volume customers for desirable recyclable materials. No separate fees shall be charged for
curbside residential recycling collection.
3. The disposal fee is intended to fully cover the costs of trash disposal. People should only
pay proportionately for what they dispose of. The Solid Waste Manager in consultation with the
appropriate committee chair to which Solid Waste reports will continue to have autonomy in adjusting
the disposal fee to be competitive relative to market conditions.
4. The Annual Fee is needed to cover remaining costs, including but not limited to landfill
closure, recycling collection, and public education. This fee is preferable to property tax because it is
also charged to tax-exempt entities. A task force will be appointed to carefully review and make a
recommendation by June 30, 1995, of the fairness of the fee structure. The County will continue to
advocate for State Legislation to authorize special Solid Waste Districts.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
Mr. Todd continued his report by giving a brief update on the construction of the Recycling and
Solid Waste Center. He said the target date for startup is March 6. He also gave highlights of the press
release concerning Tompkins County Conducting Post -Closure Activities at Caswell Road Landfill. He
34
January 17, 1995
said the main problem with the overflow of leachate collected by the system is related to all the snow and
rain last year. He said it has not been conclusively established if the landfill has contaminated the well
that has been mentioned in the news. He said in the ten years the landfill has been monitored,
contamination material (TCE) has not been detected.
Mr. Evans continued discussing the subject, and said last year there was a problem with the road
deteriorating in addition to a poor working relationship with the hauler. He said since then, these issues
have been corrected. As far as he knows there has not been any overflow this year. He corrected a
misunderstanding with the monitoring. He said the County is forever responsible for the monitoring at
the landfill. Ms. Eckstrom has told him that in the Spring, the Solid Waste Division will be looking at a
permanent solution for processing the leachate.
Report from the Public Works Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, said the committee met just before the Board meeting to approve final
audit payments. He said since the Public Works Committee has been split this year, he will work with
the other chairman to coordinate meeting schedules to accommodate the audit process.
Report from the Transportation Services Committee (new)
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee will hold its first meeting January 25 at 8 a.m. The
meeting schedule for 1995 will be the third Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. in Board Chambers.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, said about 70 employees signed up for facilitator training; however, there is
only a need for 20 employees. The Department of Social Services and Public Works Department are
trying to get an organizational committee together to see what projects should be focused on.
Report from the Affordable Housing Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said she will be meeting with the last focus group on the first Wednesday
in February. The report will be completed following that meeting.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, said the next meeting is January 23 at 8:15 a.m. The report is expected to
be delivered by the first Board meeting in February with a presentation.
Presentation of Resolution by the Chairman of the Board
RESOLUTION NO. 15 - RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF COUNTY HISTORIAN
MARGARET HOBBIE
MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, in December Margaret Hobbie of Ithaca completed eleven years of service as
County Historian and Director of the DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County, during which years
the County Museum gained widespread recognition for the quality, availability, and usefulness of the
artifacts and records of local history which it collects, preserves, and displays, and
35
January 17, 1995
WHEREAS, under her leadership, the museum acquainted teachers and schoolchildren, town
historical societies and historians, immigrant and neighborhood groups, families and individuals with
how they can preserve and make use of their own photos, records, and recollections, and
WHEREAS, the society and museum published books and a lively newsletter, mounted
numerous exhibits, and conducted workshops, tours, and public programs that helped bring the County's
past to life, and
WHEREAS, in addition to building a strong professional staff, and a loyal cadre of volunteers
and members, she served the wider community through service as a parent, Rotarian, in the Chamber of
Commerce, and as a leader in the County tourism effort, and
WHEREAS, her work was recognized when the DeWitt received the coveted Governor's Arts
Award in 1990 as "one of the best administered and most innovative of the upstate historical societies,"
and the society's strength was shown in 1993 when the museum moved into secure renovated quarters
and launched a drive to finance the relocation and expand its education program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Representatives formally thanks Margaret Hobbie for her
devoted service to the residents of our County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL STATEMENT ON
THE 1995 SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
JANUARY 17, 1995
BACKGROUND ON THE PROGRAM
The Housing and Community Development Act was first approved by Congress in 1974. The Act was
subsequently amended on several occasions, with the most recent amendment in 1990 as part of the
National Affordable Housing Act. Under provisions of the amended Act, communities continue to be
eligible for grant funds through the "Small Cities Program". Funding under this program, as before, is on
a competitive basis, with communities competing with other applicants for the available funds.
The primary objective of the Community Development Program is the development of viable urban
communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic
opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. Consistent with this primary
objective, the federal assistance provided is for the support of community development activities, which
are directed toward the following specific objectives:
➢ Elimination and prevention of slums and blight;
➢ Elimination of conditions detrimental to health, safety and public welfare;
➢ Conservation and expansion of housing;
➢ Expansion and improvement of the quantity and quality of community services;
➢ More rational utilization of land and arrangement of land uses;
➢ Reduction in isolation and concentration of income groups within communities;
➢ Restoration and preservation of historic structures; and
➢ Stimulation of private investment and community revitalization to alleviate physical and
economic distress.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
36
January 17, 1995
Funds received under this Act may be used to undertake activities which include the following:
➢ Acquisition of property which is:
• Blighted, underdeveloped or inappropriately developed;
• Appropriate for conservation or rehabilitation
• Needed for eligible public works or other public purposes.
➢ Construction or installation of public works and facilities;
➢ Rehabilitation of buildings;
➢ Clearance of unsound buildings;
➢ Economic development projects;
➢ Homeownership assistance;
➢ Special projects to assist mobility of handicapped persons;
➢ Sale of property acquired by the program;
➢ Provision of public services;
➢ Payment of local share of other federal programs
➢ Relocation payments and assistance; and
➢ Activities necessary for developing plans, management capacity and payment of
administrative cost of the program.
However, there is a provision that activities which are in themselves eligible must also meet other HUD
restrictions. Most particularly, activities must comply with requirements regarding benefit to low and
moderate income persons. It is a threshold requirement that every program benefit a minimum of 70
percent low income persons. Also, due to the competitive nature of the program, activities must fully
address HUD rating criteria.
SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
Federal regulations outline program requirements and HUD's procedure for rating and ranking
applications. These regulations recognize that the needs of communities vary widely, and therefore,
provide for two types of application - comprehensive and single purpose. Communities may apply under
either (but not both) of these application categories.
Comprehensive Grant Program
A comprehensive program must meet all of the following criteria:
➢ Address a substantial portion of the identifiable community development needs within a
defined area or areas;
➢ Involve two or more activities that bear relationship to each other, excluding administration,
planning, and management, and which either in terms of support or necessity are carried out
in a coordinated manner; and
➢ Have beneficial impact within a reasonable period of time.
Applications are rated and scored against each of the following factors:
Points
Need- absolute number poverty persons 75
Need- percent of poverty persons 75
Program impact 400
Outstanding performance in:
Fair Housing 40
Local equal opportunity efforts 25
Maximum total 615
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January 17, 1995
Each applicant must select four program design criteria from among the following ten. HUD measures
the impact of the program on the identifiable needs in relation to the amount of funds requested for each
of the program design criteria selected.
1.) Supports comprehensive neighborhood conservation, stabilization, and/ or revitalization.
2.) Provides housing choice within the community, either outside areas with concentrations
of minorities and low and moderate income persons, or in a neighborhood which is
experiencing revitalization and substantial displacement, as a result of private
reinvestment, by enabling low and moderate income persons to remain in their
neighborhood.
3.) Supports the expansion of housing for low and moderate income persons by providing
additional housing units not previously available.
4.) Addresses a serious deficiency in a community's facilities.
5.) Expands or retains employment opportunities.
6.) Attracts or retains business which provide essential services.
7.) Removes slums or blighted conditions.
8.) Resolves a serious threat to health or safety.
9.) Supports other federal or state programs being undertaken in the community, or deals
with the adverse impact of another recent federal or state action. Other federal or state
program actions must be of substantial size or impact in the community in relation to the
proposed program.
10.) Supports energy production or conservation.
Single Purpose Grant Program
A Single Purpose Grant may provide funds for one or more projects, each consisting of an activity or a
set of activities, and designed to meet a specific community development need. Funds are available to
address serious problems with housing, public facilities which affect the public health and safety, or
economic development.
If a Single Purpose Grant application has more than one activity, the activity that directly addresses the
need must represent at least a majority of funds requested.
Projects are rated and scored against each of the following factors:
Points
Need - absolute number of poverty persons 75
Need - percent of poverty persons 75
Program impact 400
Outstanding performance in:
Fair Housing 40
Local equal opportunity efforts 25
Maximum total 615
To receive the highest program impact rating, a public facility project must:
1.) Address a need that is serious (i.e., a threat to health and safety) and one that requires
prompt attention. That need must be documented by a third party;
2.) Benefit a large number of persons in relation to the amount requested;
3.) Resolve the identified problem completely; and
4.) Have no other obstacles to program implementation.
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January 17, 1995
Single purpose housing rehabilitation programs must be marketable given the income characteristics of
the neighborhood/municipality, leverage private funds, and have an absence of implementation obstacles.
Single purpose economic development projects must leverage private investment, retain or create jobs,
and have a strong evidence of financing commitment. It is considered especially advantageous to
establish a revolving fund with proceeds used for further economic development purposes. It is extremely
important that the necessity and appropriateness of the Small Cities assistance be demonstrated when
used for an economic development project(s).
Other Factors/Considerations
In addition to criteria identified above, the following factors will influence program rating:
1.) Environmental considerations;
2.) Previous actions taken by the applicant and local funds contributed;
3.) Displacement required; and
4.) Past CDBG performance, if applicable.
MULTI-YEAR PROGRAMS
In 1995, HUD has reintroduced the ability to apply for a multiple year commitment. Each year's program
must "stand on its own" and HUD will require that second and third year applications be submitted but
grants will be awarded on a non-competitive basis if the overall program is approved. Multi-year
commitments are available for both types of grants.
AVAILABLE FUNDS
The 1995 Small Cities Program, as administered by the Buffalo Area Office has a total projected funding
level of $51,114,000. Maximum funding levels have been established as follows:
Total Individual Grants
Single Purpose Program $37,772,300 (85%) $400,000
Comprehensive Program $ 6,665,700 (15%) $900,000
The Area Office, however, can adjust the above funding amounts down to 75% for Single Purpose Grants
and up to 25% for Comprehensive Grants. The new requirement that Comprehensive programs receive a
minimum program impact score may increase the Single Purpose amount available, if an insufficient
number of Comprehensive programs receive the minimum program impact score.
Counties may apply for up to $600,000 under the Single Purpose Program, provided not more than
$400,000 is allocated to any single community.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the Small Cities application, an applicant must have a Community Development Plan,
Citizens Participation Plan, and Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan on file. These do not
have to be submitted to HUD, but must be available for public review. For projects that contain a housing
element, an abbreviated Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) must be prepared. This
CHAS must be submitted to HUD either before or with the Small Cities application.
Applications must be submitted by February 21, 1995.
39
February 7, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Tompkins County's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant ICDBG)
Application and Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Tompkins County's
Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application and Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy. Chairman Stein introduced James Hanson, Planning Commissioner. Mr. Hanson
explained this public hearing concerns the 1995 application for the Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant program. He said the grant application this year is being made for economic
development in the amount of $600,000. He said the County has been the recipient of three other H.U.D.
grants in the past four years.
Karl Heck, Community/Economic Development Coordinator, stated the County's
homeownership programs continue to be successful, and are ongoing. This is Tompkins County's first
attempt to apply for an economic development grant. He said the County is currently working with three
companies. The companies' proposals would create jobs for low to moderate -income people in
Tompkins County. The administration of the grant would be done through the Tompkins County
Planning Department. The application deadline is February 21, with a response expected from H.U.D.
within 75 days.
Chairman Stein asked if anyone else wished to speak. No member of the public wished to speak.
Ms. Kiefer asked if Tompkins County has ever done this before with any other enterprises, and
how were these three companies located. Mr. Heck stated Tompkins County has never applied for
economic development funds before. These companies were located by advertising with the Ithaca
Journal, Tompkins County Area Development, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Mink stated this is a good time to apply for economic development grant funds. She also
feels more publicity needs to be done on the revolving loan funds.
Chairman Stein made the clarification that this is not the first time economic development funds
have been applied for in Tompkins County. The City of Ithaca has applied for and received grants in the
past for economic development. This is the first time, however, that the funds have been applied for by
Tompkins County.
Chairman Stein declared the public hearing closed at 5:36 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives (Ms. Kiefer was excused at 8:15 p.m.).
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Evans, to approve the minutes of November 22,
December 13, and December 27, 1994; and January 3 and 17, 1995.
It was the consensus of the Board to include the following changes in the minutes:
40
February 7, 1995
November 22, 1994: Add the following to the last paragraph on page 13: "with a breakdown of
costs and a schedule of what needs to be done and when to justify specific dollar requests before she can
vote funding."
December 13, 1994: To replace the wording in the County Attorney's statement " If Thorntree
Hill Associates does not get an extension of the option they cannot proceed with development..." with the
wording: "He tried to get clarification on this from the City, but they said they could not give a definitive
answer."
December 27, 1994: To include the following wording in Mr. Hoffman's comments under
privilege of the floor: "noting that the regulations call for an involved agency to make SEQR findings."
January 17, 1995: It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to amend comments made by Mr. Gary Esolen
of the Media Revolution concerning his report to the Board on tourism. This MOTION FAILED by a
lack of a second.
A voice vote on the minutes as corrected resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. MINUTES
APPROVED.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Yvonne Bartlett, 8963 County Road, Interlaken, and Depai tment of Social Services employee,
spoke concerning sick building syndrome. Ms. Bartlett stated she has been back to work since
September, and although the Department has made attempts to remove all of the NCR forms from the
office, they still exist in some of the files. Ms. Bartlett expressed concern over a pesticide that she
believes may have been used in the building, and feels it may have contributed to the chemical sensitivity
problem alleged. She asked that the carpet be tested in her office to see if there is any evidence of a
pesticide.
Charles Evans, a Board member who is acting as a contact person on this subject, stated he spoke
with Ms. Bartlett prior to the meeting, and will be discussing her concern with Mary Pat Dolan,
Department of Social Services Commissioner, and Frank Croteau, Health and Safety Officer, to see what
can be done.
Barbara Mahoney, 477 Hayts Road, and Department of Social Services employee, said she
temporarily returned to work, but because the ventilation equipment was not working properly, she could
not tolerate the building and had to leave. She said she cannot get her medical bills paid because her
worker's compensation case it still controverted. She asked that the Board help to stop her worker's
compensation case from being controverted.
Robert Hackman, Licensed Acupuncturist, stated he has been treating Ms. Mahoney (previous
speaker) for approximately one year. He said while she was not working she improved significantly. He
said her health has declined since she went back to work. He stated the financial stress these workers
have been under does not help their medical condition. He asked that the Board assist in providing some
sort of financial support to these employees.
Paul Dickson, 120 White Church Road, spoke concerning the Annual Solid Waste Fee. Mr.
Dickson stated he is the Director of the Brooktondale Camp and Retreat Center, which is a ministry of
the New York State Ministry of the Nazarene. He said the Camp understands the solid waste issues that
have been raised in Tompkins County, and has fully cooperated with the County's program. He stated
that the Camp is only open four weeks out of the entire year, and only during that time does the Camp
generate any waste. He said the Annual Solid Waste Fee places a financial burden on the not-for-profit
41
February 7, 1995
camp. Mr. Dickson requested that a review of the mechanism or methodology used in determining the
Annual Fee be reviewed for those who are not-for-profit, and for those that are not in operation full-time.
Mr. Todd, Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee, stated that Mr. Dickson's case, as well as
the question of the overall fairness of distribution of the Annual Solid Waste Fee is on the next
Committee agenda.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, displayed what it takes to get a contract signed in Tompkins County. It is an
incredibly lengthy process. A quality team is working on shortening the process to hopefully have a
more streamlined process in getting contracts signed. They will gather information, analyze the
information, and figure out how things can be shortened up. The Department of Social Services and the
Department of Public Works have similar programs, but as they are large departments, it will take more
time to complete. She said this is an example of the kinds of activities being worked on to improve the
County's efficiency.
Privilege of the Floor By Board Members
Mr. Totman, Representative, District No. 9, thanked the Medicaid Transportation Task Force for
their work in looking for alternative transportation methods in order to save dollars. He is encouraged by
events in Albany and feels Tompkins County should look at cutting out some of the things that are not
being mandated by the State.
Report by the Special Wal-Mart DEIS Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet sometime during this month or early
March to review the DEIS that has been submitted to the City. He said he will be away during part of
this time and Barbara Blanchard can be contacted if a need arises.
Mr. Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, stated he never received a copy of any reports or
correspondence on the Wal-Mart subject prepared by the Special Committee. Mr. Evans stated all of this
information is at the Planning Depaltnient, and he will ask James Hanson, Planning Commissioner, to
provide Mr. Meskill with copies. Mr. Evans stated the problem is that the Committee works under a
very short time period and it might be easier if anyone is interested, to attend the review sessions with the
Committee to get the information first-hand.
Mr. Meskill asked if the Committee is empowered to make a decision on behalf of the Board or
County. Mr. Stein stated that the Committee is only empowered to make a decision on behalf of the
Committee, not the Board or County.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reported on a February 2 meeting that was held at the
Caroline Town Hall sponsored by the Tompkins County Public Library, Finger Lakes Library System,
State of New York, and the Southern Tier Business Development Institute. The County received a grant
to prepare a seminar to introduce people to the topic of how to start a business. Mr. Proto said the
meeting was well attended, and there is a great interest for economic development in Tompkins County.
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, commented on remarks made by Representative
Totman. She stated that the subject of mandates has been looked into and suggested he read the report
prepared by the Mandate Task Force of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee.
42
February 7, 1995
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, commended Mrs. Schuler and Ms. Blanchard for
providing the background information for the resolutions that appear on the agenda under their
committees.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported on the Committee's activities since being created October 4, 1994
by Chairman Stuart Stein. Mr. Proto stated in addition to submitting a copy of the Report to Chairman
Stein, he also had copies of the Report placed on Members' desks prior to the meeting. He stated that a
copy is being mailed to each municipality, the Public Library, the press, and all Committee members. A
copy is also on file in the Board Office. Mr. Proto acknowledged the Committee Members: Paul
Bonaparte -Krogh, Michael Lane, Cheryl Nickel, Jean Owens, George Totman, and Mildred Warner. The
Committee has been assisted by Diane Crews of the Rural Alliance Initiative Program.
The Committee held ten meetings, four public forums, including one with the Municipal
Official's Association. The meetings were well attended, and summaries are on file. Mr. Proto stated
the three items that were mentioned the most were the Sheriff's Department road patrol, solid waste, and
transportation - roads and bridges.
Sheriff's Department - many areas do not have their own police force, while the City of Ithaca
does, and so what the Sheriff's Department does matters less to City of Ithaca residents. In the rural
areas where there is a police force, it is minimal. There is a need to improve and facilitate coordination
or coverage of services/patrol districts between Sheriff and town and village police where they exist.
Transportation, Roads and Bridges and Public Works - transportation, roads and bridges, and
public works in general are considered necessary County enterprises. There needs to be better
communication, long-term planning, and sharing of equipment. There were also concerns expressed over
the closing of several bridges throughout the County.
Solid Waste - the key issues the Committee heard concerning solid waste included the potential
closing of rural drop-off centers, unhappiness with the Annual Fee, and backyard burning.
Mr. Proto stated there is a problem in getting information out to the community because not
everyone gets the Ithaca Journal or TV cable, so the Committee feels there needs to be better
communication. Mr. Proto stated there were some things that the Committee heard nothing of such as
health care, library services, land -use planning, senior and elder housing. And although the Committee
did not hear concerns relating to these subjects, it was felt that these are important issues.
Mr. Proto said the Committee has been extended to June 30, 1995 by Chairman Stein.
Ms. Mink stated the County does have a public newsletter that is published quarterly, and that
effort will be continuing in 1995. Any suggestions on how to better distribute the newsletter can be made
to Representatives Evans or Joseph of the Public Information Committee.
Mr. Lane, Member of the Committee, thanked Mr. Proto and other members of the Committee
for their hard work thus far. He stated that being a member of this Committee has been the most
educational experience he has had in his first year on the Board. He recommended that the public forums
continue.
Mr. Totman, Member of the Committee, agreed with comments made by Mr. Proto and Mr.
Lane. He said he felt the public forums were a very positive experience for the County. He received
comments from the public that they enjoyed expressing their views to the Committee.
43
February 7, 1995
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution(s) with final committee action being affirmed:
CA001-95 - Authorization to Accept Grant Award, to Contract with NYSDSS and the Day Care
Council, and Budget Adjustment - DSS
CA002-95 - Authorization to Accept Grant Award, to Contract with the American Red Cross -
Tompkins County Chapter, and Budget Adjustment - DSS
CA003-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Depailiuents
CA004-95 - Authorization to Contract with the Town of Enfield for Circuit Rider Services
CA005-95 - Authorization to Contract with Carlson Associates for HUD Small Cities Grant -
Writing and Administrative Advisory Services
CA006-95 - Authorizing a Consent to Assignment for Rental Car Concession Agreement from
the Hertz Corporation to a Licensee - Tompkins County Airport
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Authorization to Execute Quit Claim Deed
Authorizing a Consent to Assignment of Rental Car Concession Agreement from the Hertz
Corporation to a Licensee - Tompkins County Airport
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein had no report.
Chairman Stein made the following appointments to the Electronic Future Committee:
Charles Evans, Board of Representatives (Chairman)
Eric Lerner, Board of Representatives
Dean Eckstrom, County Data Processing
Jim Skaley, County Planning
Janet Steiner, Tompkins County Public Library
Jean Currie, South Central Research Library
Steve Worona, Cornell - OIT
Nancy Wilson, Community Member
Bill Gilligan, Community Member
Robert Manvell, TST BOCES
John Efroymson, City of Ithaca
Douglas Foster, Alternate
Dr. John R. Conners, Tompkins Cortland Community College
Vacancy, NYNEX
Vacancy, Ithaca Journal
There was concern raised why NYNEX and the Ithaca Journal were selected to have
representatives on the Committee. Chairman Stein stated they were selected because of the size of the
organizations. It was suggested that other companies be considered to be included in the membership of
this Committee. Chairman Stein said this will be discussed.
44
February 7, 1995
Chairman Stein stated he would like an executive session to discuss the State audit.
Report from the County Administrator
Scott Heyman reported the auction of foreclosed properties in Tompkins County was held on
February 3 in the Old Jail Conference Room. This will be the last time the auction is held there as the
capacity of the room was exceeded. He said for the first time in eleven years there was a net loss of over
$11,000. He will report on this in more detail to the Governmental Affairs Committee at the next
meeting. He reported notice was received on a court decision concerning the rate setting mechanism
used involving education of preschool handicapped children. The lawsuit was successful and the rate
was rolled back.
Mr. Heyman reported there is now an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) in Tompkins
County. This is the first HMO in Tompkins County, and they are rapidly signing up all of the large
employers. A report on the meeting will be given to the Governmental Affairs Committee in the near
future. He stated the health study commissioned a year ago with Mercer Associates that Kathy West,
Deputy County Administrator, has been working on is coming to a conclusion, and a report can be
expected soon.
He reported the State budget was announced recently, and reported on information he received
from the New York State Association of Counties.
Mr. Heyman stated he will be participating in the Partners for Quality facilitator training next
week. He said he will be attending the NYSAC Conference next week, and if anyone is interested in
carpooling to let him know. If anyone has any questions they would like him to ask while he is there they
should let him know.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported on one of the properties that was scheduled to be sold at the auction of
foreclosed properties. A few days before the auction, the owner of a trailer park came up with all of the
money owed, and the property was not sold. This took a lot of effort by County staff, and he thanked
Budget and Finance staff, and Suzi Cook of the County Attorney's office.
He reported a motion has been filed in the Federal Court relating to the Biggs A Building cases
that probably will not be heard until the end of March. This motion is to dismiss all of the individuals
involved, and some of the courses of action.
Ms. Kiefer questioned the SEQR action on the resolution on the agenda entitled Authorization to
Execute Quitclaim Deeds - Sale of Foreclosure Properties at Public Auction. She said it is her
understanding that the sale of any property by a municipal government is automatically a Type I action.
Mr. Theisen disagreed, and stated he does not believe any SEQR action is necessary in this resolution.
Mr. Heyman said he believes SEQR action is necessary only when the number of acres exceeds 75.
Report from the Comptroller
Mr. Squires reported the last month has been active as his Department has been collecting the
Annual Solid Waste Fee. He said over 200,000 in bills had to be sent back because they did not include
penalties and interest for being late. At this time 71 percent of the budgeted income for the Fee has been
collected, amounting to slightly over $2.3 million. He reported a notice was received from the Newfield
School Board that they will be collecting taxes in installments, and he understands the Lansing School
45
February 7, 1995
District is also considering this. Mr. Squires also reported that the 1994 sales tax receipts exceeded the
budgeted amount by $300,000.
Report and Appointment from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next
meeting is February 9, 1995 at 9:30 a.m. in Board Chambers. Discussion will continue concerning cat
licensing. There will also be discussion on water regulations. He reminded the Board about the Health
Planning Council meeting scheduled for February 15 at noon. The topic of discussion is managed care.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present (Ms. Mink and Mr. Meskill were out of the room temporarily), to appoint John
A. Bonaguro to the Community Mental Health Services Board for a term that expires December 31,
1998.
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present (Ms. Mink and Mr. Meskill were temporarily out of the room), to appoint Robert
Mazourek to the Tompkins County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board representing Agri-
business for a term that expires December 31, 1998.
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present (Ms. Mink and Mr. Meskill were temporarily out of the room), to appoint
Candace E. Cornell as an at -large representative and Elizabeth D. Brauner as the Town of Groton
representative to the Environmental Management Council for terms that expire December 31, 1995.
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the committee had an update from the Medicaid Transportation Task
Force Chairman, John Ostrum. The report was given to Board members. The report included
recommendations such as more use of the Airport Limousine service. The committee also heard a report
from Office for the Aging about the seniors meal program which is under the Personal Response Act of
1995 and that it is under consideration for an increase in funding. Mr. Joseph began reporting further on
the funding, but Ms. Mink said there was new information available regarding the subject that the
funding will not be lumped together with other federal programs. He said he read in the paper that the
Governor's budget plan will institute finger imaging in the State. He reminded the Board that
Commissioner Dolan did not recommend this and the committee agreed, as it would not be cost effective.
Mr. Joseph continued his report about the Senior Food Program. He said the eligibility requirements for
the Program which is run by Foodnet have been changed and are now the same as SSI (Social Security
Income). The income level must be a lot lower now, and that may mean the County will have to cut the
Program completely or subsidize it locally. Further discussion followed by Board members regarding the
Senior Meal Program and finger imaging.
RESOLUTION NO. 16 - RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT GRANT FOR CONGREGATE
SERVICES INITIATIVE PROGRAM AND TO AUTHORIZE
EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County Office for the Aging (COFA) has received verification from the New
York State Office for the Aging of its intention to award COFA monies in the amount of $822 which
46
February 7, 1995
includes a supplemental allocation of $32 based upon the application which COFA submitted in
September of 1994, and
WHEREAS, COFA intends to award the full amount to the Tompkins County Senior Citizens'
Council Inc., to be used towards planning a "Senior Walk for Fitness" to be held in May of 1995, and
WHEREAS, the period covered by these expenditures shall be from October 1, 1994, through
March 31, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services Committee, That the County be
authorized to accept the $822 grant made available to COFA by the New York State Office for the
Aging,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to sign
any and all agreements necessary to complete this project,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is hereby authorized and directed to make the
following adjustments on his books:
REVENUE: A6799.3801 State Aid $822
APPROPRIATIONS: A6799.4491 Subcontract $822
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Dana Aaron as the Village of Cayuga Heights representative to serve on the Tompkins County
Youth Board for a term that expires December 31, 1997.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, said the committee has met once since the last Board meeting and will
meet again one week from today. The committee will be moving forward on budget reorganization. He
said he circulated a memorandum concerning budget reorganization. He said he will be assigning task
forces again this year, and asked if there are any Board members not on the Committee that would like to
serve on a task force to let him know. The Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee continues to
meet and has elected David Pelletier as Chairman. He announced two vacancies on that Advisory
Committee.
RESOLUTION NO. 17 - ADOPTION OF INVESTMENT POLICY
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Ms. Kiefer asked if there were any changes
in the language of the policy and how the $30.5 Million was arrived at. Mr. Squires, Finance Director,
said it is the same policy as before and that there is no relationship with what is in the bank. The $30.5
Million is an outside figure. He said two more banks had been added to the list. Ms. Kiefer also asked if
the County contracted with an authorized trading partner. Mr. Squires said the County does not deal with
brokerage firms.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Lane). Mr. Lane said he
voted against the resolution because he did not receive a copy of the investment policy and feels the
County should not be authorizing investments in REPO's AND COPS. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the
Investment Policy for the County of Tompkins for 1995, is hereby adopted. Said policy shall be filed and
available for inspection in the Finance Department.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
47
February 7, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 18 - DELEGATING TO THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY
OF TOMPKINS, NEW YORK, THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE THE
ISSUANCE OF AND TO SELL $2,000,000 REVENUE ANTICIPATION
NOTES OF SAID COUNTY IN ANTICIPATION OF THE RECEIPT
OF STATE AID DURING THE FISCAL YEAR OF SAID COUNTY
COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Proto. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15,
Noes- 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, by the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York as follows:
Section 1. The power to authorize the issuance of and to sell $2,000,000 revenue anticipation
notes of the County of Tompkins, New York, including renewals thereof, in anticipation of the receipt of
State Aid due said County during the fiscal year of said County commencing January 1, 1995, is hereby
delegated to the Finance Director, the chief fiscal officer of such County. Such notes shall be of such
terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner as may be determined by the Finance
Director, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 19 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,216,150
SERIAL BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, NEW YORK,
TO PAY THE COST OF VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS IN AND
FOR SAID COUNTY
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Lane. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15,
Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, as
follows:
Section 1. For the purpose of paying the cost of the specific objects or purposes and class of
object or purpose set forth in Section 2 hereof, there are hereby authorized to be issued $3,216,150 serial
bonds of the County of Tompkins, New York, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. The specific objects or purposes and class of object or purpose to be funded with the
proceeds of the serial bonds authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution, the maximum
estimated cost, the plan for the financing, including the amount of serial bonds to be issued, and the
period of probable usefulness thereof are as follows:
a. The purchase and installation of an emergency communication system to be supervised
by the Fire Coordinator of and for the County of Tompkins, New York, a specific object
or purpose, at a maximum estimated cost of $1,000,000. The plan for the financing
thereof is by the issuance of $1,000,000 serial bonds of the $3,216,150 serial bonds of
said County authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby further
determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or a
purpose is ten years, pursuant to subdivision 25 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law;
b. The purchase and installation of a new computer system for use by various departments
of and for the County of Tompkins, New York, a specific object or purpose, at a
maximum estimated cost of $760,000. The plan for the financing thereof is by the
issuance of $760,000 serial bonds of the $3,216,150 serial bonds of said County
authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby further determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is ten
48
February 7, 1995
years, pursuant to subdivision 81(a) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance
Law;
c. The purchase and installation of a system for the preparation of a geographical
information system for the County of Tompkins, New York, a specific object or purpose,
at a maximum estimated cost of $631,150. The plan for the financing thereof is by the
issuance of $631,150 serial bonds of the $3,216,150 serial bonds of said County
authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby further determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is ten
years, pursuant to subdivision 44 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance
Law;
d. The reconstruction of various county buildings located throughout and in and for the
County of Tompkins, New York, a class of objects or purposes, at a maximum estimated
cost of 825,000. The plan for the financing thereof is by the issuance of $825,000 serial
bonds of the $3,216,150 serial bonds of said County authorized to be issued pursuant to
this bond resolution. It is hereby further determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or purposes is twenty years, pursuant to
subdivision 12(a)(1) of paragraph a of Section 11.000 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 3. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the
issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds herein
authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the County Finance Director, the
chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such
manner, as may be prescribed by said County Finance Director, consistent with the provisions of the
Local Finance Law.
Section 4. The faith and credit of said County of Tompkins, New York, are hereby irrevocably
pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such obligations as the same respectively
become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the
principal of and interest on such obligations becoming due and payable in such year. There shall
annually be levied on all the taxable real property of said County a tax sufficient to pay the principal of
an interest on such obligations as the same become due and payable.
Section 5. Such bonds shall be in fully registered form and shall be signed in the name of the
County of Tompkins, New York, by the manual or facsimile signature of the County Finance Director
and a facsimile of the corporate seal shall be imprinted or impressed thereon and attested by the manual
or facsimile signature of the County Clerk.
Section 6. The powers and duties of advertising such bonds for sale, conducting the sale and
awarding the bonds, are hereby delegated to the County Finance Director, who shall advertise such bonds
for sale, conduct the sale, and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of
the County; provided, however, that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall comply fully with
the provisions of the Local Finance Law and any order or rule of the State Finance Director applicable to
the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of the County Finance Director shall be a full acquittance to the
purchaser of such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the application of the purchase money.
Section 7. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds, including
determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining debt service and all
matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said bonds,
prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent or agents
for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to be executed
in the name of the County by the facsimile signature of the County Finance Director and, providing for
the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the County), the date,
denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the
consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the County Finance Director. It is hereby
determined that it is to the financial advantage of the County not to impose and collect from registered
owners of such serial bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or
exchanged by the fiscal agent, and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local
49
February 7, 1995
Finance Law, no such charges shall be so collected by the fiscal agent. Such bonds shall contain
substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and
shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals in addition to those required by section 52.00 of
the Local Finance Law, as the County Finance Director shall determine.
Section 8. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said County is not authorized
to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this resolution
are not substantially complied with and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is
commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or
3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 9. The resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purpose of Treasury
Regulations Sections 1.150 - 2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are
reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to
the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein.
Section 10. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in full in the
Ithaca Journal, which is hereby designated as the official newspaper of such County, for purposes of this
bond resolution, together with a notice of the Clerk of the Board of Representatives in substantially the
form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, said the committee has not met since the last Board meeting. She said the
resolution concerning minutes has been placed on the agenda in the form of a policy. She reported on
two trips to Albany. She met with officials of other counties at NYSAC (New York State Association of
Counties) and Speaker Silver. The first meeting was regarding counties seeking renewal of an additional
one -cent sales tax. The outcome of the meeting was that all counties should ban together and ask the
State to pass a bill that will continue sales tax for all the counties who wish to continue. She said the
committee will act on a resolution at its meeting tomorrow concerning this subject. She said it is not
possible to analyze the impact of the proposed State budget. She also reported on a meeting with
municipal officials held last week. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the apportionment of sales
tax. She thanked Representatives Lane, Totman, and Kiefer for attending the meeting. She said she
would like to have an executive session to discuss contract negotiations. The next committee meeting is
tomorrow at noon.
RESOLUTION NO. 20 - ADOPTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-00 - MINUTES OF
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES AND ITS
COMMITTEES
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. Some recommendations were made to
the policy and accepted as friendly amendments which have been reflected in the policy. It was MOVED
by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Proto, to add to the last sentence in 6. a) the following wording: "if it
doesn't, the minutes should summarize it". Following a brief discussion, a voice vote resulted as
follows: Ayes - 1 (Representative Kiefer), Noes - 14. MOTION LOST. Mr. Joseph MOVED that the
paragraph prior to the Clerk's procedure beginning with the word "Finally" be deleted. Following some
discussion, Chairman Stein said the Board was doing committee work and referred it to committee.
RESOLUTION REFERRED TO COMMITTEE.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
50
February 7, 1995
01-00 Minutes of Meetings of the Board of Representatives and its Committees
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -21
Report and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, said the committee met and discussed a proposed weapons policy. It was
the consensus of the committee that it will be in the form of a policy and not a local law. The County
Attorney will draft something for next month. The committee also discussed the COPS Ahead Grant.
The committee approves the grant as long as it does not mean a stipulation for additional funds. The
committee is waiting for the final report from the Sheriff.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint the following people to the E911 Operations Committee:
John L. Miller, Tompkins County Fire, Disaster and EMS Coordinator
Judson Leonard, West Danby Fire Department Commissioner
Thomas Raponi, Brooktondale Fire Department Commissioner
Brian H. Wilbur, Ithaca City Fire Chief
Kevin Romer, Trumansburg Fire Department, Fire and EMS Chief
Waler J. Groman, Dryden Fire Department, Assistant Chief, EMS
Timothy Bangs, Bangs Ambulance Inc., President
Emery B. Guest, Tompkins County Sheriff
William J. Foley, New York State Police Captain, Zone Commander
Harlin R. McEwen, Ithaca City Police Chief
David J. Wall, Village Police Departments
Harry D. Cooper, Cornell University
Robert A. Holt, Ithaca College
Peter Meskill, Public Safety Committee
Louis Withiam, At -Large
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint the following people to Family Court Advisory Council for terms that expire December 31,
1997:
Diana McComb, Department of Social Services
Susan E. Cook, At -large
Margaret Gwinn, Police Agency
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Marilyn Ray to the Advisory Board on Indigent Representation for a term that expires
December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Emery Guest, Sheriff, and George Dentes, District Attorney, to the Criminal Justice
Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board for terms that expire December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Daryl Avery representing the Sheriff's Depailinent for a term expiring December 31, 1995,
and David P. Barnes representing Ithaca City Police to the STOP -DWI Advisory Board for term that
expires December 31, 1997.
Ms. Kiefer was excused at 8:15 p.m.
51
February 7, 1995
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development, and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, said the committee met February 1 and the actions taken are reflected on the
Board agenda. The next meeting is February 8 and the committee is expecting to take action on
resolutions pertaining to the Small Cities funds discussed earlier at the public hearing.
RESOLUTION NO. 21 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH BETTER HOUSING FOR
SERVICES RELATED TO HUD SMALL CITIES GRANT FOR TOWN
OF ENFIELD
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Planning Department has a Small Cities program to assist
municipalities with applications and administrative services, and
WHEREAS, Better Housing for Tompkins County has played a role with the implementation of
these grants through the provision of construction services, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has requested administrative and construction services, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign an agreement with
Better Housing for Tompkins County for an amount not to exceed $42,000 to expire on December 31,
1996,
RESOLVED, further, That the Planning Department be credited with $42,000 in revenues from
State and Local Government (A8020.2392) and be authorized to spend $42,000 from the Planning
Department sub -contracts account (A8020.4491),
RESOLVED, further, That no tax dollars shall be used in the implementation of these contracts.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 22 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH BETTER HOUSING
FOR COUNTY -WIDE HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a Small Cities program which obtains grants from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for homeownership assistance, and
WHEREAS, Better Housing for Tompkins County (BHTC ) has provided housing counseling
and budgeting assistance for clients who utilize the program, and
WHEREAS, this arrangement has been satisfactory, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign an agreement with
Better Housing for Tompkins County for an amount not to exceed $32,750 which shall expire on
December 31, 1996,
RESOLVED, further, That the contract amount be paid from Small Cities sub -contract account
(CD8688.4491), through the use of HUD Small Cities funds.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
52
February 7, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 23 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH BETTER HOUSING FOR
SERVICES RELATED TO HUD SMALL CITIES GRANT FOR TOWN
OF GROTON
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Planning Department has a Small Cities program to assist
municipalities with applications and administrative services, and
WHEREAS, Better Housing for Tompkins County has played a role with the implementation of
these grants through the provision of construction services, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Groton has requested administrative and construction services, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign an agreement with
Better Housing for Tompkins County for an amount not to exceed $42,000 to expire on December 31,
1996,
RESOLVED, further, That the Planning Department be credited with $42,000 in revenues from
State and Local Government (A8020.2392) and be authorized to spend $42,000 from the Planning
Depailinent sub -contracts account (A8020.4491),
RESOLVED, further, That no tax dollars shall be used in the implementation of these contracts.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, said the committee will meet tomorrow at 3 p.m. for the first time.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee met January 25 and discussed the role of the
committee in relation to the Facilities and Operations Committee. The committee was given an update
on the Brown Road access grant. The committee is scheduling a retreat to set the 1995 agenda. She
expects this year to be active and to focus on more policy issues. She announced the Airport will be
hosting the Chamber of Commerce's business after-hours program tomorrow. The next meeting is
February 15 at noon.
RESOLUTION NO. 24 - AMENDMENT TO POLICY FOR PUBLIC NOTICE OF FARE
INCREASES AND MAJOR SERVICE REDUCTIONS
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County adopted a policy for public notice of fare increases and major
service reductions by Resolution No. 291 of 1994 (12/21/94) and desires to revise said policy, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the policy is
revised as follows:
Add to definition of a Major Services Reduction:
In any twelve month period, if the cumulative impacts of small (minor) service reductions
exceeds the definition of a Major Service Reduction, then the public process and board approval will be
required.
53
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
February 7, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 25 - ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL SECTION 18 GRANT TO PURCHASE
TWO SMALL BUSES - TOMTRAN
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County submitted a request for a grant of funds to the New York State
Depaitment of Transportation (NYSDOT) (County Resolution No. 159 of 1991, May 7, 1991), pursuant
to 49 United States Code Section 5311 for a project to purchase two 25 -passenger buses and related
equipment for the Tompkins County TOMTRAN public transportation program, and
WHEREAS, the budget for the project is as follows:
Federal Section 18 $100,800
New York State 12,600
Tompkins County 12,600
$126,000
WHEREAS, the County share was encumbered in the 1995 TOMTRAN budget, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives authorizes the County Administrator or designee (Contracts
Coordinator) to execute:
1. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and the State of New York for the
above named project;
2. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and any third party subcontractor
necessary to complete the Project;
3. Any Municipality Vendor Contract for the purchase of vehicles and installation of
related equipment.
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County certifies through this resolution that the local share
of twelve thousand six hundred dollars ($12,600) as described in the federal Section 18 project
application is committed to this project.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 26 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(NYSDOT) FOR THE REHABILITATION OF A SNOW PLOW AND
PURCHASE OF A PASSENGER LIFT FOR THE DISABLED (PART
2) - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the County has already received and accepted a grant offer from the New York
State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in the amount of $3,859 being a Part 1 Grant towards the
cost of the rehabilitation of an Airport Snow Plow and purchase of a Passenger Lift for the Disabled for
use on all Commuter Aircraft, and
WHEREAS, the County has now received a Part 2 grant offer from the NYSDOT in the amount
of $4,492, and
WHEREAS, the budget for the two projects are as follows:
54
DISABLED PASSENGER LIFT
FAA Share (90%)
NYSDOT Share ( 5%)
Local Share ( 5%)
Total
REHABILITATE SNOW PLOW
FAA Share
NYSDOT Share
Local Share
Total
(90%)
( 5%)
( 5%)
February 7, 1995
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
Account No.
5610.4592 $32,225.00
5610.3592 1,790.00
5610.5031 1,790.00
5610.9239 $35,805.00
5610.4592
5610.3592
5610.5031
5610.9239
$118,110.00
6,561.00
6,562.00
$131,233.00
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the NYSDOT
Part 2 grant offer in the amount of $4,492 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is
authorized to execute the required documents.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 27 - ESTABLISHMENT OF CAPITAL BUDGET FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
WHEREAS, the County Finance Director recommends establishing a Capital Budget for the
Public Transit Improvement Project, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the following
Capital Budget be created:
1. Create a Public Transit Improvement Project Account
REVENUES
Federal $ 1,766.069
State 209,668
Other Local 297,640
County Interfund Transfer 109,209
TOTAL $ 2,382,586
APPROPRIATIONS - PROJECTS
FTA Sec. 9-92 NY -90-X235
FTA Sec. 9-93 NY -90-X267
FTA Sec. 9-93 NY -90-X267
FTA Sec. 9-95 NY -90-X315
FTA Sec. 3-94 NY -90-0285
FTA Sec 18-93 PIN 3798.09.306
TOTAL
$ 51,115
30,875
670,000
784,596
720,000
126,000
$ 2,382,586
2. Transfer from the 1995 Capital Budget as follows:
Transit Bus Project $
Fare Box Project
Congestion Mgmt Buses
63,925
9,500
19,000
$ 92,425
3. Transfer from the 1995 TOMTRAN Operating Budget A5630. as follows:
.2720 Encumbered Equipment $ 2,647
55
February 7, 1995
.4425 Contract Services 8,660
.2206 Computer Equipment 603
.2210 Other Equipment 3,240
.2222 Communications Equipment 467
.2231 Vehicles 1,167
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
$ 16,784
Presentation of Resolution from the Governmental Affairs Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 28 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE QUITCLAIM DEEDS - SALE OF
FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES AT PUBLIC AUCTION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, by tax foreclosure proceedings, the County acquired certain parcels in the County,
and
WHEREAS, said properties were sold at public auction on January 27, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That upon payment
in full of the bid price, plus current taxes and filing fees, that the County Administrator be and hereby is
authorized to execute quitclaim deeds for all parcels sold at the public auction.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report from the Economic Development Special Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the committee met last week and discussed the tourism program. The
committee voted on tourism funds being channeled through one agency and set-aside money for
development. The committee meets again February 9 at noon. Negotiations will begin with the Chamber
on the contracts expiring in March for the remainder of the year. She spoke about the Advisory Board on
Tourism Development's recommendations for tourism programs.
Mrs. Livesay asked who the one contract would be with. Ms. Mink said the Chamber of
Commerce.
Report and Appointments from the Solid Waste Special Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, said the committee will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference
Room. He said the Recycling and Solid Waste Center is on schedule and is due to open the first week in
March. He stated CRInc. hired Tom Powers, to manage the Facility.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Sara Shenk as the City of Ithaca elected official representative to the
Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Central Processing Facility for a term that expires December
31, 1997.
Report from the Affordable Housing Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the report will be complete by February 21.
56
February 7, 1995
Public Information Committee
Mr. Evans, Co-chair, said the committee met February 1 and asked Scott Heyman, County
Administrator, and Julie Crowell to draft a mission statement. The Committee also requested the
Chairman of the Board expand the membership of the committee to include a representative from the
Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee, department head, and a County employee. The committee
is planning call-in shows this year, as well as three newsletters. There will be no cablecasting of
committee meetings. The next meeting is February 28. The committee is looking for ways for feedback
on the public information program.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:48 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present to enter into executive session at 9 p.m. to discuss the contract negotiations and
personnel matters. The meeting returned to open session at 9:50 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
57
February 16, 1995
Special Board Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the special meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 12 Representatives (Representative Livesay arrived at 4:08 p.m.); Excused: 3
(Representatives Evans, Joseph, and Mink).
RESOLUTION NO. 29 - ADOPTING PROPERTY VALUE AND BUSINESS INCOME
PROTECTION PROGRAM
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer.
Chairman Stein felt a separate meeting was needed due to the large impact it could have on the •
County and to hear all discussions. As a new Solid Waste Committee member, he thought the Board
should fully understand the legal and financial impacts of the proposed neighborhood protection plan for
the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. He explained the material distributed to Board members. He said
at the appropriate time he would ask David Squires, Finance Director; Jonathan Wood, Assistant County
Attorney; and Thomas Todd, Solid Waste Committee Chairman; to give a summary of the proposal. Mr.
Lane requested a copy of the agreement for the DR -7 plan. The DR -7 plan was distributed to Board
members.
Mr. Todd gave a brief historical overview of compensation plans in Tompkins County regarding
solid waste. In 1987, the County by resolution declared its intent to be sensitive to social and economic
impacts upon the community in addition to environmental impacts. In 1988 Tompkins County stated its
intent of creating a compensation plan and revenues and established a broad outline and criteria for a
compensation plan for the proposed DR -7 landfill site. In 1989 there were resolutions about the
acceptance of a property value protection plan for the Landstrom Landfill. During the period from 1989
to 1990 there were resolutions to purchase the property at Commercial Avenue and a decision to
construct a Recycling and Solid Waste Center at that site. In 1991 there was a letter of agreement with
the City of Ithaca that included a compensation plan for lost property value and lost business income.
The agreement said the plan was to be developed and endorsed by the Neighborhood Advisory
Committee for the Central Processing Facility (NACCPF) and approved by the City of Ithaca and
Tompkins County. The County approved an agreement to hire CRInc. for the construction of the
Recycling and Solid Waste Center. The construction of the building is nearly completed and due to open
in March in 1995. Prior to 1994, he was the liaison to the NACCPF and in 1994 and 1995 Ms. Kiefer
was the liaison. In 1993 Ms. Blanchard was the City's liaison to the NACCPF but continued to work
with the Committee throughout 1994 and 1995 on the compensation plan. He thanked Henry Vaughan,
Dooley Kiefer, Barbara Blanchard and County staff.
Mr. Proto asked what the time schedule was for approving the proposal. Chairman Stein said it
was his hope to take action at this meeting but the City of Ithaca has stated in their list of demands that
no claims for reimbursement could be made until one year after operations have commenced at the
Facility. Chairman Stein also said after reading the material it is not necessary to have a plan in place
before the Center opens March 6.
Chairman Stein allowed the public to speak at this time.
58
February 16, 1995
Henry Vaughan, Chairman of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Central Processing
Facility, again thanked the Board and staff for listening to the concerns of the neighborhood. He
reiterated the concerns raised by the Committee a year ago:
1. that the Board provide adequate future funding for the maintenance of the facility's
cleanliness and outward appearance,
2. that the facility's plans and programs include provisions that expose its operations to constant
public scrutiny, and
3. in accordance with the County -City Agreement, that the Board authorize and implement a
compensation program that would pay the affected property and business owners for any realized
damages resulting from the presence and operation of the facility.
He continued speaking about the compensation program. He said although many people
involved believe there is a small possibility the County will ever have to pay claims under said program,
a possibility exists. For example, if a future Board is facing financial problems, there may be a
temptation to cut back maintenance of the new facility, possibly resulting in impacts on the neighborhood
and significant claims. He believes the agreement between the City and County, to implement certain
specified programs, i.e. compensation program, is the strongest guarantee for the neighborhood of proper
operation of the facility. Another key element of the agreement is that an appropriate neighborhood
advisory committee be formed and the present NACCPF prepare and recommend a compensation
program for approval by the County Board and City of Ithaca. A draft was submitted to the Solid Waste
Committee in September 1993 after over a year of work. Since that date, there have been many meetings
and drafts debated. If the questions of the NACCPF are resolved, such as the clarity of a recently
introduced paragraph on page 7 and a few other unresolved issues, the Committee recommends its
approval.
Benjamin Nichols, City of Ithaca Mayor, said he received today the proposed resolution and
plan. He feels after briefly reviewing the documents, that the City will want to question some of the
points addressed before adoption. He said he hopes the Board will not act tonight and that meetings
between the City and County are held before action is taken.
Catherine Covert, Clerk of the Board, read the following letter submitted by Dick Flaville,
President, Tallmadge Tire Service of Ithaca:
"Since I am unable to attend today's meeting, please read this statement for me.
The property owners on and adjacent to the Elmira Road feel very strongly that a business and
property compensation plan is very necessary. A lot of effort has gone into this plan and I feel it is fair,
and urge the Board to approve it. Thank you."
Chairman Stein asked David Squires, Finance Director, to speak.
David Squires said he was asked to review the proposal. However, the proposal he analyzed is
not the same as the one mailed with the agenda. His comments pertain to the concept of unlimited
liability. He said the plan does not include a geographic designation, which exposes the County to an
unlimited and incalculable liability. The County is required to disclose annually on a financial disclosure
statement the number of lawsuits pending, and any other financial obligations including pending claims.
If the Board adopts a plan without a designated area, it raises questions about financial stability. He
recommended if the plan is adopted, to establish a reserve fund as a means of financing anticipated
claims.
At this time Chairman Stein asked Jonathan Wood, Assistant County Attorney, to speak.
59
February 16, 1995
Jonathan Wood addressed briefly the legality of such a program. He said this is a very gray area,
and he does not wish to offer an opinion as to its legality. There is the possibility of a suit. He referred
to a 1991 Comptroller's opinion which states that a similar program is not legal and that there is not a
court case on point. He said the one important thing to know is it is conceivable to know a citizen can
challenge such a program. A court could accept the rationale of the Comptroller's opinion and annul the
program. He said he recommends the County move forward with the program after addressing the
following concerns he has regarding the agreement:
1. He said the biggest issue is it is inconsistent with the 1991 resolution and all other previous
draft agreements. The current plan does not include a committee to be appointed to investigate whether
there are any existing negative impacts from the Center and if so, to mitigate them. If this is not
successful, the Committee would come to the Board to implement a compensation plan. The current
agreement now allows the NACCPF to decide if there is unmitigated negative impacts without coming
back to the Board which is not his recommendation.
2. He also said under the current proposal, a committee is empowered to pay County funds. He
believes this is illegal under the Charter and Code. The only power an advisory committee has is to
recommend.
3. He feels there is a lack of definition of negative impacts in the current plan. In 1991, the
resolution discusses at length how the committee will determine what are negative impacts and what
would be protected by the compensation plan. He said this process is already underway in the SEQR
process through the Environmental Impact Statement that identified negative impacts of the facility.
4. The other issue of concern is the area the program covers. In the current draft all of Tompkins
County is covered. He feels the program should be limited to what the County planned to cover in 1991.
He said there are three problems with covering all of the County: 1) potential unlimited liability; 2)
provides protection to people who did not request it; and 3) the Board did not agree to do it pursuant to
the resolution adopted in 1991. He referred to a map distributed by Barbara Blanchard which was
identified in the Environmental Impact Statement.
His last comment is he feels the role of the NACCPF should be redefined and that the Committee
should be more diverse and balanced.
Discussion and questions followed.
Mrs. Livesay referred to a paragraph in Mr. Wood's memorandum concerning mitigation. She
feels it is inconsistent with the resolution the Board adopted. Mr. Wood said the resolution adopts a
document entitled "Response of Tompkins County to City of Ithaca Proposals for Modification of
Central Processing Facility Project". He explained the four items in paragraph 2 addressed in the
document adopted by the Board. Mrs. Livesay said she thought in the discussions pertaining to the
document it was felt that the EIS was sufficient for identifying both the impacts and the mitigation
followed with the development of a compensation plan. Mr. Wood said generally the EIS does not
determine the mitigation or the monitoring of the mitigation. Mr. Heyman, County Administrator, said
the EIS did discuss the number of potential impacts and did recommend mitigating measures be instituted
into the project as it was being constructed. It did not mention monitoring measures after the fact. He
said the central point of discussions is that it would have to be demonstrated that negative impacts
actually occurred and could not be mitigated prior to the creation of a compensation plan. He said
although the City disagreed, the EIS adopted by the Board concluded that there need not be any negative
impact on the people for the Facility.
60
February 16, 1995
Ms. Blanchard commented about a committee committing the County to spend money. She feels
that section 3 on page 3 addresses that concern. Her second comment is about the committee structure.
She feels there is no distinction between the business protection committee and NACCPF. The third
comment is about what comes first. She understood that the County would try to do everything possible
to satisfy anyone's complaint before going to a compensation plan.
Mrs. Livesay clarified a comment made by Ms. Blanchard about a committee's authority. Mr.
Heyman also clarified a point made that County staff cannot spend County funds. He said as long as the
money has been budgeted, County staff is authorized to expend the funds and Mr. Wood agreed.
Mr. Meskill said he is disappointed that the Board is not looking at the version Jonathan Wood
reviewed. He asked why should an advisory committee make a decision about money and conduct
investigations. He said he does not oppose creating a protection plan but feels further negotiations with
the City are needed.
Mr. Lane asked if the 1991 agreement with the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County could be
attached to the compensation plan. Mr. Wood said that is difficult because a written contract does not
exist. Also, there is nothing in the resolution that this is a settlement of litigation.
Mr. Charles Guttman, City of Ithaca Attorney, said he was involved with the negotiations in
1991. He said the City was in the process of making a decision to appeal a court's decision when an
agreement was reached between the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County. At that time, the City also
decided not to oppose the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) siting permit process.
Benjamin Nichols, City of Ithaca Mayor, feels that an agreement will be reached with the
County. He also feels there is a misinterpretation by the Assistant County Attorney of whether or not this
is the time to institute a compensation plan. He said there was no intention the plan would await for a
property owner to say he has been harmed. Chairman Stein asked if there was anyone in disagreement
with Mr. Nichols. No one responded.
Mr. Lane strongly feels that the resolution to be adopted by the Board should list the points by
Jonathan Wood and Charles Guttman about the previous negotiations and the agreement in lieu of the
litigation. He said he is very concerned that there is not a geographical area identified. Another area of
concern is what happens if a property owner decides to make improvements or a new business moves in
after the Center is built. He also said the compensation plan for the Center is different than the DR -7
plan. The DR -7 plan included residential properties, whereas the Recycling and Solid Waste Center plan
also includes commercial properties which can have more problems.
Discussion followed on how the questions and concerns raised this evening would be handled.
Ms. Blanchard suggested and the Board concurred that the Assistant County Attorney and the Chief
Fiscal County Officer meet with the City Attorney and the City Chief Fiscal Officer along with other
officials deemed necessary.
Mr. Vaughan said it was suggested by the County to the NACCPF that the geographic area be
generalized because it makes it difficult to get mortgages. He said he would clarification.
Chairman Stein said instead of answering questions notes will be taken and negotiations will
proceed as Ms. Blanchard had suggested.
Ms. Kiefer spoke about the geographical area. She said when the NACCPF was doing their work
it referred to the 1991 document. While the Committee was discussing the survey required to identify
areas impacted it became difficult to pinpoint what the geographic boundaries would be. Due to the cost
61
February 16, 1995
of the survey and the public comments thoroughly identified in the DEIS, the Committee decided to draw
up a comprehensive list of possible impacts instead of doing a survey. She agreed with Mr. Vaughan's
comments that the Committee did not have a specific area to survey. She referred to the comment made
by Mr. Meskill concerning the draft agreement being different than the one the Assistant County
Attorney reviewed. Ms. Kiefer said the Assistant County Attorney was on vacation when additional
changes were made including the distinction between the NACCPF and the neighborhood protection
committee.
Chairman Stein distributed an alternative map designating an area of impact. Discussion
followed concerning the designation of an area of impact. Concerns were raised about red lining. It was
suggested the red lining be defined.
Mr. Lerner was excused at 5:30 p.m.
Ms. Blanchard said the map she distributed was part of the EIS. Mr. Heyman explained the
situation with the NACCPF concerning the direction that the geographical area not include boundaries; it
arose from banking officials telling him that designation of a geographic area of impact could make it
harder to get a mortgage.
Mr. Proto said he is in favor of a compensation plan and agrees with Ms. Kiefer that there are
three negotiating parties: Tompkins County, City of Ithaca and business owners. He spoke about the
appraisals mentioned in the agreement and is uncomfortable with the County Administrator being
involved. He asked if the agreement is approved does it preclude merchants from suing. Mr. Wood said
nothing prevents anyone from bringing a lawsuit against the County or anyone else.
Mr. Lane said the value of business loss is based on sales, but what about businesses that are not
retail, i.e. doctor's office?
Ms. Kiefer attempted to answer or clarify certain questions raised by Board members. The first
is the concern that the County Administrator is authorized to reject an appraisal as stated on page 6 of the
agreement. She said it originally said Tompkins County, but the Committee felt the County
Administrator was the appropriate person because he handles the sale of County property. She also
addressed the question raised about who pays, i.e. page 9, number 4.c) The County ... should specify who
in the County will pay. She also spoke about who would be determining negative impacts.
Mr. Meskill and Mr. Lane feel the words "the County" in the agreement should mean "County
Board".
Mrs. Livesay noted that all this compensation plan does is allow people to "sue" us in a non -
adversarial way for things we don't intend to do anyway. She said she was part of the original
City/County negotiations, and said they negotiated to be good neighbors and hold people harmless.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to postpone action on the resolution and direct the appropriate County and City
officials as mentioned above to meet and that the Board receive a new draft of the material by February
27 and deliberate on the resolution and agreement on March 7.
Benjamin Nichols said he understands the County Board's feelings with protecting taxpayers'
money. He feels that it is inevitable for the Board to be biased with spending taxpayers money and that
is why he feels there was a procedure attempting to be set up that allows a neutral body with
representatives from the County and City and one at -large member to make the decisions. He is
concerned that a more elaborate procedure is being suggested than is necessary.
62
February 16, 1995
Adi ournment
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
63
February 21, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 12 Representatives; Excused: 3 (Representatives Evans, Joseph and Totman).
Representative Todd was excused at 7:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Stein advanced this item to the end of the agenda.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, extended happy "80th" birthday wishes to Russ
Patterson, who maintains the recycling drop-off center in Caroline.
Mrs. Schuler, District No. 4 Representative, announced there will be a Rave on February 25 at
the State Theater to benefit the Alcoholism Council of Tompkins County. She also stated Dewitt
Historical Society will be sponsoring the Tompkins County History Follies in May.
Mr. Lerner, District No. 1 Representative, apologized for walking out of the February 16 Board
Meeting. He said he was ill.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, reported he attended the NYSAC (New York State
Association of Counties) Conference held last week and felt it was a very enlightening and educational
experience. He said he appreciated the chance to hear from the Senate, Assembly, and Governor Pataki.
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, said she attended the NYSAC Conference also.
She reported on the Medicaid cost containment report that was done by NYSAC. She said the report
contained comparisons of New York State and its counties with other states and counties. She said the
report shows that Tompkins County fell consistently in the next to cheapest area in the State. Mrs.
Livesay said copies of the report will be available in the Board office.
Mr. Stein explained what NYSAC is, and stated counties across the State are expressing concern
with the Governor's proposed budget, primarily with where the cuts are and the promises of savings
granted to balance those cuts. There is concern that proposed savings will not materialize. He stated
there were statements made at the NYSAC Conference that the State Legislature has every intention of
adopting the budget by April 1. There were also many statements made by public officials that the
budget cuts and the tax savings at the State level will not be taken from counties. Mr. Stein said he does
not believe this is possible. If there are savings at the State level and increases in taxes at the local level,
it balances out and there really is no savings. He urged all Representatives on the Board interested about
the State budget to express their concerns to their State representatives. Mr. Stein said he is trying to
arrange a time when State Representatives Kuhl, Luster, and Seward can come and meet with the Board
to discuss the State budget. He will keep the Board informed as to if and when this can be scheduled.
64
February 21, 1995
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, stated it is important for the Board and the public
to understand that some of the possible cuts include the increased payment for Medicaid the County
expected to get. The argument is that we will realize the difference from the savings from the cuts to the
Medicaid program. She said the State is also proposing not to make the expected payments to the
Handicapped Children's Program. If this does happen, this will bring the County's budget out of
balance.
Mr. Stein stated the Budget the County approved may be impacted by actions in the State budget,
and therefore, the Board may have to come back and reduce the adopted budget.
Ms. Mink, District No. 5 Representative, stated the resolution placed on member's desks this
evening entitled Approving Recommendation of the Leadership Council for a Long Range Planning
Process for Tompkins County Government will not be added to the agenda. She stated the content of the
resolution is much more prescriptive than intended, and that a revised resolution will be submitted to the
Board at an upcoming meeting.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, brought to the Board's attention something she heard
on the radio from Carl McCall, State Comptroller, who stated that the Governor's proposed budget has
3/4 of a billion dollars in one shot revenues, including $250 million borrowed from the Pension Fund.
She said it is her recollection that this Board went on record as saying this type of thing is not a good idea
and that money that has been borrowed in the past should be paid back. Chairman Stein said that the
State Comptroller does not support this action, and intends to bring suit on this item.
Mr. Todd, District No. 6 Representative, stated he also heard the above newscast on the radio.
He said the Pension Fund is public employees' money, and in the past there has been $1.3 million
borrowed by the State from the Worker's Compensation Fund and that money is still a debit out to the
State that doesn't gather any interest. This is why worker's compensation payments are high.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be added to the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn from the agenda.
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution with final committee action being affirmed:
CA007-95 - Approval of Circuit Rider Contract with Village of Lansing
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein reported there will be a blood pressure clinic held on Thursday, February 23 at
9 a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room. He stated he would like the Board to convene this evening in
executive session about specific individuals' right to a fair trial.
Chairman's Appointments
65
February 21, 1995
Tompkins County Area Development - Barbara Mink
James Hanson, ex -officio
Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review
Villages: Cayuga Heights - Dooley Kiefer
Dryden - Michael Lane
Freeville - Michael Lane
Groton - George Totman
Lansing - Dooley Kiefer, Thomas Todd
Trumansburg - Peter Meskill
Towns: Caroline and Danby - Frank Proto
Newfield - Daniel Winch
Groton - George Totman
Dryden - Michael Lane
Ithaca - Dooley Kiefer, Beverly Livesay, and Tim Joseph
Lansing - Thomas Todd
Enfield - Peter Meskill
City of Ithaca: Nancy Schuler, Barbara Blanchard
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors - Stuart Stein
Barbara Mink, Alternate
Extension Service - Frank Proto
Charles Evans, Alternate
Finger Lakes Association - Barbara Mink, Alternate
Rural Affairs Committee - Paul Bonaparte -Krogh
Airport Master Plan Technical Advisory Committee - Nancy Schuler, Board of Representatives
Ithaca Metropolitan Planning Organization - Stuart Stein
Barbara Mink, Alternate
Charter Review Committee - Charles Evans
Thomas Todd
Dooley Kiefer
Tim Joseph
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported on highlights from the NYSAC Conference concerning the State budget.
He stated the proposed budget includes the following proposed cuts: Highway aid being cut by $60,000,
aid to Probation being cut from 39 to approximately 34 percent, and cuts to local mental health aid. Cuts
to local mental health aid will not directly affect the Tompkins County Mental Health Depaitment;
however, cuts will affect agencies the Tompkins County Mental Health Department contracts with.
There are also proposed cuts to the Education of Handicapped Children from 69.5 percent of State
funding to 59 percent. This will affect the 1995 County Budget by $600,000. The Lombardi long-term
care program is proposed to be eliminated. The Office for the Aging, the Youth Bureau, and the Public
Library will be held harmless; there will be no cuts or increases. He said the details relating to Social
Services are not very clear at this point, but in Social Services other than Medicaid there are reductions in
payments to individuals, which will save the County and State money. There are also increase in the
66
February 21, 1995
Income Disregard that will offset that savings. The State is expecting the savings and cuts to balance out
at the County level, but the towns and school districts are expected to be impacted.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported the Biggs A cases are pending, and that the motions have been received but
no date has been set to hear the argument of those motions. Mr. Meskill asked if and when individual
Board members will be removed from the lawsuits. Mr. Theisen said he does not know, but this issue is
included in the current pending motion.
Report from the County Finance Director
Mr. Squires had no report.
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Recycling and Solid Waste Center is scheduled to open on
March 6. He commented on the special Board meeting held February 16 concerning the compensation
plan proposed by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Commercial Avenue Central Processing
Facility. He said the meeting was difficult but necessary. Mr. Todd said Jonathan Wood, Assistant
County Attorney, met with the City of Ithaca Attorney last week and went through the list of things that
should be discussed.
RESOLUTION NO. 30 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT - ROADSIDE
CLEANUP - CHALLENGE INDUSTRIES
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That Challenge Industries be
awarded a contract for roadside litter cleanup of garbage along Hillview Road and Michigan Hollow
Road in the vicinity of the Hillview Transfer Station and the entry way for the Recycling and Solid
Waste Center on Commercial Avenue,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Finance Director be authorized to transfer the funds
needed in the amount of $10,176 from 1994 CL8160.4442's encumbered money.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 15
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Brian Caldwell to the Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory
Committee as the Neighborhood representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Rebecca Landenberger and Kenneth Christianson to the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee as At -large representatives with terms expiring December 31, 1997.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met last week and is preparing to sign a new contract
with agencies promoting tourism. The Committee approved grant allocations for the Advisory Board on
Tourism Development and the Finger Lakes Association. Ms. Mink reported there are efforts underway
67
February 21, 1995
to form a gateway for Job Training efforts in Tompkins County. Michael Stamm, Tompkins County
Area Development President, will be coordinating that effort. She reported there is a possibility that the
JTPA administrative work will be coming back to Tompkins County from Broome County. The
Committee will meet again on March 2.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met February 8, and much of the Committee's
business is reflected on the agenda. At that meeting the Committee had discussion on the reorganization
of the Planning Board, and received a presentation from George Totman on this subject. The Committee
endorsed the creation of a Planning Advisory Committee and a Planning Federation. She reported the
Committee discussed strategic Planning for the Tompkins County Public Library. The Committee also
received an update from the Planning Commissioner on the land policy. Mrs. Schuler announced the
League of Women Voters have updated their guide to local government and it is available at the Chamber
of Commerce and two local bookstores for $4.
RESOLUTION NO. 31 - APPROPRIATING $19,717 FROM THE CONTINGENCY FUND TO
THE TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Mink. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by
Mr. Winch, to amend the figure in the resolution to be $13,500 (the cost for the staffing needed and half
of the amount requested for materials). A roll call vote resulted as follows on the amendment: Ayes - 5
(Representatives Blanchard, Lane, Meskill, Mink and Winch); Noes - 7 (Representatives Kiefer, Lerner,
Livesay, Proto, Schuler, Stein and Todd); Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Joseph and Totman).
MOTION FAILED. A roll call vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 9, Noes - 3
(Representatives Meskill, Todd and Winch); Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Joseph and Totman).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, in August, 1994, the Tompkins County Public Library submitted a 1995 budget
proposal which met the fiscal target, and
WHEREAS, this budget proposal reflects the fact that the Tompkins County Public Library
eliminated $24,700 of needed expenditures in order to meet its fiscal target, with the expectation that it
would seek this funding from private sources, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Public Library also budgeted health insurance at a zero
percent increase, which was an allowable action, in order to meet its fiscal target, and
WHEREAS, these two actions made it unnecessary to submit a special request to maintain
current services, and
WHEREAS, the submitted budget of the Tompkins County Public Library was subsequently
reduced by $19, 717 by the Tompkins County Board of Representatives on the assumption that health
insurance was over -budgeted, and
WHEREAS, this action leaves the Tompkins County Public Library with a $19,717 deficit,
which it is unlikely to make up with other sources, and
WHEREAS, if this funding is restored, the Tompkins County Public Library will be able to
reinstate funding for audio-visual purchases (including books on tape, CD's, videos and audio -cassettes)
for both children and adults; and will restore staff hours at circulation and reference, which will result in
better service for the citizens of Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, this restoration will help achieve exemplary library service in Tompkins County,
which is a goal of the Library Board of Trustees, and
WHEREAS, this request for an appropriation of $19,717 has been approved by the Tompkins
County Public Library Board of Trustees on January 24, 1994, now therefore be it
68
February 21, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education and
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the Finance Director is hereby directed to appropriate
$19,717 from the contingency fund to the Tompkins County Public Library,
RESOLVED, further, That these funds do not affect the 1996 Fiscal Target.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
RESOLUTION NO. 32 - REAPPROPRIATION OF 1994/1995 BUDGETS FOR THE ITHACA-
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County serves as the host for the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation
Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Ithaca -Tompkins County area, and
WHEREAS, the County has a contract with the New York State Department of Transportation to
provide funding for the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council through grants provided by the
Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council has grant authorizations for its
1994/1995 fiscal year, beginning April 1, 1994 and ending March 31, 1995, in the amounts of $151,024
from the Federal Highway Administration and $63,283 from the Federal Transit Administration and has
access to all previous year Federal Transit Administration grants until the funds are depleted, and
WHEREAS, it is now necessary to reappropriate the remainder of the Ithaca -Tompkins County
Transportation Council's authorized 1994/1995 funds for the period from January 1, 1995 through March
31, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the budgets for the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council, as presented in
"ATTACHMENT A" to this resolution, be added to the 1995 Tompkins County budget and that the
County Finance Director be authorized to expend such funds for the period from January 1, 1995 through
March 31, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
69
1/1/95
CODE
DESCRIPTION
Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council
1994/1995 Operating Budgets
Phase 11
FHWA (94/95) FTA (94/95)
A8674
TOTALS
A8675
i?es. No, 39
"ATTACHMENT A"
FTA (93/94)
A8673
two
FTA (92/93)
A8671
Revenues:
4959
Federal Aid
$
138,912
112,257
$ 9,790 $
14,425
$
2,440.31
Expenses:
1295
Director
$
11,705
7,464
$ 1,801 $
0
$
2,440.31
1513
Acct. Clerk/Typist
4,440
4,270
170
0
1676
Trans. Analyst
6,902
6,371
531
0
0.00
Personnel Subtotal
23,047
18,105
2,501 $
0
$
2,440.31
8810
Retirement
461
411
50 $
8830
Social Security
1,712
1,526
187
8840
Workers' Compensation
32
29
4
8860
Health insurance
661
602
59
8870
Unemployment Insurance
135
120
15
Fringe Subtotal
3,002
2,687
316 $
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2206
Computer Hardware
$
- 17,000
17,000
0 $
0
$
2210
2212
a Other Equipment
14,165
9,055
0
Furniture & Fixtures
5,000
2,996
0
2230
Computer Software
4,500
0
Equipment Subtotal `
40,665
29,051
$ 0 $
5,110
2,004
4,500
11,614
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4302
Office Supplies
$
5,360
5,360
0 $
0
4330
Printing
7,677
6,027
278
4332
Books/Publications
668
589
0
4402
Legal Advertising
750
699
0
1,372
79
51
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4412
4414'
Travel/Training
Local Milage
4,500
850
500
4,500
762
425
0
0
0
0
0.00
98
761
4424
Equipment Rental=
- , 4,500
' 4,000
0
500
4432
Rent
9,348
9,348
0
0
4442
Professional Service Fees
31,000
25,000
61000
0
4447
Printing Services
100
100
0
0
4452
Postage
1,600
1,600
0
0
4472
4905
Telephone
Centrally Distributed Items
2,10
3,245
2,379
Miscellaneous Subtotal
72,199
62,414
500
6,974
366
0.00
2,811
0.00
TOTAL
$
138,912 $' 112,257
$
9,790
$
14,425
2,440.31
S66t `IZ klUn.zg33
February 21, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 33 - REAPPROPRIATION OF HUD SMALL CITIES FUNDS
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a HUD Small Cities CDBG program which provides first-
time homeownership assistance to low-income households in the County, and
WHEREAS, funds remain in the grant for this purpose, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County be authorized to appropriate and spend the following funds from this grant,
allocated as follows:
.4989 HUD Rehabilitation Grant $ 408,707.78
Revenues 408,707.78
.1243 Commissioner of Planning 4,000.85
.1671 Secretary 1,000.00
.1717 Comm/Ed Specialist 4,195.99
.2213 File Cabinets 226.00
.4302 Office Supplies 48.20
.4330 Printing 101.63
.4402 Legal Advertising 104.68
.4412 Travel/Training 994.19
.4442 Professional Service Fees 6,925.00
.4452 Postage 668.00
.4472 Telephone 250.00
.4491 Sub -contracts 389,007.21
.8810 Retirement 428.00
.8830 Social Security 625.02
.8840 Worker's Compensation 69.00
.8870 Unemployment Insurance 69.00
Expense $ 408,707.78
RESOLVED, further, That the County Finance Director is authorized to expend funds as
budgeted above.
SERQ ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Vice Chair, had no report.
RESOLUTION NO. 34 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT FOR MEDICAL
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL
SERVICES (DSS)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present. Mr. Proto asked that this action be publicized. Ms. Kiefer asked for information
about Moon and Burkart.
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services is responsible for paying for transportation
services provided to eligible Medicaid recipients to obtain necessary medical care and services, and
71
February 21, 1995
WHEREAS, the Special Task Force on Medicaid Transportation has recommended that the
Department take advantage of low-cost transportation proposals which have come to light as part of their
study, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services Committee, That the County
Administrator, or his designee, execute contracts between the Department of Social Services and the
following transportation providers:
Airline Limousine Services
Mary A. Moon & Thomas E. Burkart
RESOLVED, further, That no additional monies are needed for these contracts during 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Mary Ellen Bossack to the Tompkins County Youth Board as the Town
of Dryden representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report and Appointments from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported 1995 budget reorganization is getting underway. He stated the
budget reorganization task forces have been created, and encouraged Board members who want to attend
task force meetings to do so. He said Kathleen Drew, Secretary to the County Administrator, has
information on meeting times. Mr. Lerner reported on the potential impact the Governor's proposed
budget may have on Tompkins County. He said he has been working with Scott Heyman, County
Administrator, to make sure County department heads are aware of what the particular impacts may be
on depai tiuents.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Peter Penniman and Joseph Jenlinski to fill two vacancies on the Budget
Reorganization Advisory Committee for the remainder of the Committee's term.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met February 8 and discussed how the Committee
is going to organize the several tasks the Committee has to deal with in 1995. She asked all Committee
Chairs to keep in mind that when they would like to have comments made to the legislature or the
Governor, to refer those matters to the Governmental Affairs Committee. There are two task forces
proceeding out of intergovernmental interests: Mr. Lane will be heading up a task force on the Solid
Waste Fee billing, and Mr. Totman will be handling issues raised relating to the GIS addressing. Mrs.
Livesay reported the Committee will be proceeding with revising the Ethics Code, and that Henry
Theisen, County Attorney, is gathering information at this time. There was some discussion concerning
Charter and Code changes, and what role the Committee would play in relation to the Charter Review
Committee. The Governmental Affairs Committee will continue to review routine changes, and the
Charter Review Committee will review particular defined areas. The Committee will be meeting the
second Monday of each month at 3 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room except July and August when it
will meet the first and third Monday. The Committee heard a report on the foreclosure auction, and the
Personnel Commissioner brought to the attention of the Committee whether employees at TC3, Public
Library, and school districts should be given the discounted civil service exam fee as County employees
are given. The Committee made the following appointments to the Department of Motor Vehicle Task
Force:
Timothy Lee Hodge - at -large
72
February 21, 1995
Sally Hoyt - insurance company representative; David Banfield (alternate)
James Niefer - at large
Diedrich Willers - automobile dealer representative
Cheryl Caister - STOP -DWI representative
Aurora Valenti - County Clerk
Penelope McGuire - Motor Vehicle Supervisor
Coral McLaren - DMV employee
Kathy West - County Administration
Beverly Livesay - Governmental Affairs Committee representative; Charles Evans (alternate)
The first meeting of the Task Force will be February 22 at 2 p.m. in the Courthouse Conference
Room. The next Governmental Affairs Committee meeting will March 13. Ms. Kiefer asked if
personnel items will be handled this year by the entire committee rather that first by a personnel
subcommittee. Mrs. Livesay said yes.
Representative Todd was excused from the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 35 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND RURAL YOUTH SERVICE
WORKER POSITION - YOUTH BUREAU
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded
by Mr. Proto, to refer this resolution back to the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee. Mrs. Livesay asked Mr. Lane if he would be willing to withdraw his motion to allow further
discussion on the main motion. Mr. Lane withdrew his motion to refer, with Mr. Proto withdrawing his
second as well. Following a lengthy discussion relating to Mr. Meskill's objection of extending the
position, it was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, to amend the resolution by changing
the date to March 31, 1995, and in the meantime further information be provided to the Committee. Mrs.
Livesay said the Governmental Affairs Committee is trying to clarify which personnel motions should
only go to program committees. A roll call vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 6
(Representatives Blanchard, Lane, Livesay, Meskill, Proto and Schuler); Noes - 5 (Representatives
Kiefer, Lerner, Mink, Stein and Winch); Excused - 4 (Representatives Evans, Joseph, Todd and Totman).
MOTION FAILED (required eight votes). A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes - 10, Noes - 1 (Representative Meskill); Excused - 4 (Representatives Evans, Joseph, Todd and
Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau temporarily created the Rural Youth Services Worker position
effective June 21, 1994 through February 28, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has found the need to extend one position through April 30, 1995,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That one position of
Rural Youth Services Worker (07/680), labor grade G(7), competitive class be extended temporarily
through April 30, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 36 - REAFFIRMING BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORT OF
AMENDMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW IN RELATION TO
APPOINTMENT OR PROMOTIONS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present. Ms. Kiefer asked that the resolution being reaffirmed be identified as to number and
date.
73
February 21, 1995
WHEREAS, the New York State Constitution requires appointments and promotions in the Civil
Service of the State of New York and all political subdivisions thereof be made according to merit and
fitness by competitive examination as much as practicable, and
WHEREAS, under current Civil Service Law, appointment to a position in the competitive class
off an eligible list is restricted to selecting one of the three persons ("Rule of Three") standing highest on
an eligible list who is willing to accept such appointment, and
WHEREAS, no selection method is mandated from an eligible list comprised of less than three
persons, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives by Resolution No. 82 of 1994 urged
passage of legislation amending the Civil Service Law to increase selection from one of three persons to
one of ten persons standing highest on the eligible list will provide a greater pool of qualified applicants,
thereby enhancing the selection process, and
WHEREAS, selection from the top ten on the eligible list emphasizes the mandatory probation
period which more accurately measures the ability of an individual to perform job duties and
responsibilities, placing a greater emphasis on the individual's job performance rather than on exam
score, and
WHEREAS, this resolution will in no way effect an appointment from an existing promotional
list, which will remain with the current "Rule of Three", now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Governmental Affairs Committee, That the County of
Tompkins reaffirms the support urging the State Legislature to pass such legislation in this session,
RESOLVED, further, That the County of Tompkins goes on record urging the State Legislature to
further amend Civil Service Law to state that appointment from an eligible list to a position in the
competitive class may also be made in those instances where an eligible list contains fewer than ten
persons but at least three,
RESOLVED, further, That copies of this resolution be submitted to Governor George Pataki, the
New York State Department of Civil Service, Senate Majority Leader Bruno, Senator Seward, Senator
Kuhl, Speaker of the Assembly Silver, Assemblyman Luster, Governmental Employees Committee
Chair, as well as all others deemed necessary and proper.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 37 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-22 - RISK
MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lerner. Mr. Proto asked if Section B. Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) and Comfort could be construed that the County is putting this in place because of the
lawsuits filed against the County. Mr. Theisen, County Attorney, stated he does not see this policy as
having an impact on the pending lawsuits. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes 0, Excused
- 4 (Representatives Evans, Joseph, Todd and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-22 Risk Management and Safety
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-21
RESOLUTION NO. 38 - RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE OMNIBUS AMENDMENT
TO STATE LAW TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY TO COUNTIES IN THE
IMPOSITION OF LOCAL SALES AND USE TAXES
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
74
February 21, 1995
WHEREAS, New York State Counties have been placed under severe fiscal pressure due to the
growth of state mandates such as Medicaid, welfare, and pre-school programs for children with
disabilities, and
WHEREAS, county lawmakers have little control over their budgets and even with consolidation
and local cost cutting measures the tremendous rate of growth of these mandated programs has left few
alternatives, and
WHEREAS, many counties have increased their sales tax rate to offset the size of real property
tax increases, and
WHEREAS, 21 counties to date have been forced to seek special State legislation to allow them
to increase their sales tax rates above the current three (3) percent statutory ceiling, and
WHEREAS, in 20 of these counties the authorization to impose a sales tax rate of above three (3)
percent will expire in calendar year 1995, and
WHEREAS, counties have found it increasingly difficult to have this issue addressed by the
State Legislature (on a case by case basis), and
WHEREAS, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has recommended that all
counties support an Omnibus amendment to State Law which will empower counties to increase or
decrease sales tax rates, and
WHEREAS, such an Omnibus action would reduce waste and redundancy in local government
effort and State response for now and in the future, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County believes that it should be "Home Rule" authority to let these
fiscal decisions be made at the local level and not require individual State legislative approval, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That Tompkins
County joins the efforts of the New York State Association of Counties to seek an Omnibus amendment
to the State Tax law on behalf of all counties in New York which will empower them to have the
flexibility to consider sales tax rate increases or decreases above three (3) percent, based upon local law
or resolution,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County calls upon its delegation in the New York State
Assembly and Senate to support this proposed Omnibus amendment to Section 1210 of the Tax Law on
behalf of Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That it is the specific intent of this resolution that all counties which
currently have authority to increase sales tax rates above three (3) percent be allowed to continue that
authority in the same manner as currently provided for in State Law for a period of time as determined by
said county,
RESOLVED, further, That any county that does not currently have authority to increase their
sales tax over three (3) percent be allowed to do so by local law, or resolution,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County supports an amendment to Section 1210 of the
State Tax Law as follows:
"Not withstanding any other provision of law, any county currently authorized and empowered
to adopt a sales tax in excess of three (3) percent as provided for herein, may by local law or
resolution, re -impose and distribute said amounts in the same manner as currently provided for
by law for a period of time as said local law, or resolution may provide.
Any county not previously authorized and empowered to impose a sales tax up to four (4) percent
is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt a local law, or resolution to increase its sales tax
in increments of one-quarter percent up to a maximum of four (4) percent.
Not withstanding the foregoing, any county may by local law or resolution reduce their sales tax
by increments of one-quarter percent",
75
February 21, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County does hereby request that the State of New York
amend 1210 of the State Tax Law as provided above,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County supports amendments to any current State law
which may be required to give full force and effect to this resolution and the specific amendment to
Section 1210 of the State Tax Law,
RESOLVED, further, That certified copes of this resolution be sent to the Governor George E.
Pataki, New York State Senators James L. Seward and John R. Kuhl Jr., New York State Assemblyman
Martin Luster, New York State Association of Counties, and the County Legislators and Supervisors
Association of New York State
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 39 - RESOLUTION URGING GOVERNOR AND ELECTED STATE
REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT THE FUNCTIONS AND
SERVICES OF THE NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION ON CABLE
TELEVISION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, for many years, New York State government has sponsored the New York State
Commission on Cable Television which oversees cable television operators across the State, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Commission of Cable Television provides technical assistance
to communities by providing information and materials with respect to the rapidly changing field of cable
television, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Commission on Cable Television assists municipalities in
negotiating and preparing cable television franchise agreements and enforces certain minimum technical
and safety standards for cable television operation reliability and reasonable costs, and
WHEREAS, most funding for the New York State Commission on Cable Television does not
come from the general tax levy, but rather from fees paid on revenues of cable television operators, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives supports continuation of these functions and services of the New York
State Commission on Cable Television and calls upon Governor George Pataki, Senators James Seward
and John Kuhl, Assemblyman Martin Luster, and the other members of the legislature to continue
support for the functions and services of this State Agency,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board of Representatives is directed to transmit
copies of these resolutions to the Governor and our State Representatives.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments by the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, had no report. However, he stated he will be inviting the Fiscal Manager
for the Sheriff's Department to the next Committee meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 40 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH
STATE OF NEW YORK FOR COURT SECURITY - SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
76
February 21, 1995
WHEREAS, pursuant to County Law, Section 650, and Judiciary Law, Sections 39 and 403, the
Sheriff is required to perform the duties prescribed by law as an officer of the court and conservator of
the peace within Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, Judiciary Law, Section 39 indicates that in the event that the County ceases to
provide any such services, the State shall determine the value of the services and may withhold such
value from monies due and payable to Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the County maintains separate annual agreements with the State of New York for
the reimbursement of costs associated with the Court Security function, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County
Administrator is directed to execute an agreement with New York State for Court Security Services from
April 1, 1994 through March 31, 1999.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Roger Rector to the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to
Incarceration Board as a Town Justice representative for a term expiring December 31, 1995.
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Linda Uzmann to the Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board as the
Town of Danby representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reminded the Board that the Committee will continue to periodically give
status reports on Capital projects. He stated at the next Committee meeting the Committee will deal
mostly with setting priorities for those departments that report to this Committee. He expects the
Committee to have some goals of their own and those will be discussed at the same time. Mr. Winch
stated that he and Barbara Blanchard, Chair of the Transportation Services Committee, are committed to
try to keep each other abreast of the activities in their areas of responsibility because of the amount of
overlapping responsibilities between the two committees.
Without objection, Mr. Winch moved and Ms. Kiefer seconded Resolution Nos. 41-48 as a
group.
RESOLUTION NO. 41 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL-GROTON (PILAT)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Groton; namely Parcel 1-2-10, assessed to M. Pilat had a relevied Village tax of $590.66 erroneously
added, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Tax Roll
be corrected and the Groton Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax bill excluding the erroneous
amount,
RESOLVED, further, That the Village of Groton be charged back the amount of $590.66.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 42 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL-DRYDEN (REED)
77
February 21, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Dryden; namely Parcel 57-1-7, assessed to Alton Reed was erroneously charged with the entire parcel
within Turkey Hill Water and Sewer Districts when only 26.8 acres were actually in the Districts, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the sewer
charges be changed to $5,471.29 and the water charges be changed to $1,966.98,
RESOLVED, further, That the Dryden Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $9,360.84 be charged back to the Town of Dryden.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 43 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL-GROTON (WALPOLE)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Groton; namely Parcel 1-2-20 assessed to Robert Walpole had a relevied Village tax of $590.66 omitted
therefrom, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Tax Roll
be corrected and the Groton Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax bill including the omitted
amount,
RESOLVED, further, That the Village of Groton be credited with the amount of $590.66.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 44 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL -LANSING (WARREN)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Groton; namely Parcel 38-1-25.9, assessed to Calvin Warren, was erroneously charged for an additional
water unit, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Tax Roll
be corrected and the Lansing Tax Collector be directed to issue a corrected tax bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $180.58 be charged back to the Town of Lansing.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 45 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL -TOWN OF ITHACA (CEURVELS)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Ithaca; namely Parcel 4-3-11.40, was erroneously charged with a relevied Solid Waste Fee, now therefore
be it
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February 21, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the amount
of $70.85 be expunged from the tax roll and bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the Town of Ithaca Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax
bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $70.85 be charged back to the County of Tompkins.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 46 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL -TOWN OF ULYSSES (STAFFORD)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the Town of
Ulysses; namely Parcel 26-2-14.2, was erroneously charged with a relevied Solid Waste Fee, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the amount
of $70.85 be expunged from the tax roll and bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the Town of Ulysses Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax
bill,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $70.85 be charged back to the County of Tompkins.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 47 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL -CITY OF ITHACA (CUTTING)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed an error has been made in the 1995 Tax Roll for the City of
Ithaca; namely Parcel 122-1-2, 312 Elmira Road, was erroneously charged with an incorrect relevied
Solid Waste Fee, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the relevied
fee of $1,601.21 be changed to $35.43,
RESOLVED, further, That the City of Ithaca Tax Collector is directed to issue a corrected tax
bill for this parcel,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $1,565.78 be charged back to the County of Tompkins.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 48 - CORRECTION OF TAX ROLL - GROTON (MOFFIT)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that an error has been made in the 1995 Town of Groton Tax
Roll; namely Parcel 27-1-8, assessed to Florita Moffitt, was erroneously charged in the McLean Fire
District when the parcel is in the Groton Fire District, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Fire
District charge be changed from $88.41 to $45.93,
RESOLVED, further, That the Town of Groton Tax Collector is directed to correct the tax roll
and issue a corrected tax bill,
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February 21, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $42.48 be charged back to the Town of Groton.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT -2
RESOLUTION NO. 49 - APPORTIONMENT OF DOG MONIES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the County Administrator has surplus monies in the Dog Fund for apportionment,
pursuant to Section III of the Agriculture and Markets Law, in the amount of $12,363.41, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the County
Administrator be and hereby is directed to pay the several towns in the County and the City of Ithaca the
amount set forth below, as apportioned according to each municipalities percentage of remitted fees and
approved by this Board:
Remitting Amount Seventy-five percent of
Municipality Remitted Surplus Apportioned
Caroline 679.63 644.27
Danby 527.48 500.04
Dryden 2,084.55 1,976.11
Enfield 520.12 493.06
Groton 1,126.84 1,068.22
Ithaca 840.43 796.71
Lansing 1,357.71 1,287.08
Newfield 1,143.46 1,083.98
Ulysses 813.57 771.25
City 687.59 651.82
Totals 9,781.39 9,272.55
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 50 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - AIRPORT TERMINAL - DANIEL J.
LYNCH, INC.
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 11, Noes - 0, Excused - 4 (Representatives Evans, Joseph, Todd and Totman). RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on
following claim against
Representatives:
Vendor
Daniel J. Lynch, Inc.
recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Payment Request Account No. Amount
16 (Final) HU5610.9239 $72,903.62
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HU5610.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 51 - AUTHORIZING TAX REFUND TO ELLIS HOLLOW ASSOCIATES
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February 21, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board in 1994 authorized an amendment to the agreement among the Town of
Ithaca, Ellis Hollow Associates, and Tompkins County under the terms of which amendment property
owned by Ellis Hollow Associates was to become property tax exempt, under the provisions of the
Private Housing Finance Law, effective January 1, 1994, and
WHEREAS, said agreement was signed June 22, 1994, and therefore could not, under State law
and the County Charter, affect the taxable status of the subject property on March 1, 1994, which status
determined taxability during 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations and Governmental Affairs
Committees, That in order to realize the intention of all parties to the Amendment to the Agreement
among the Town of Ithaca, Ellis Hollow Associates, and Tompkins County, the Director of Finance is
directed to issue a refund to Ellis Hollow Associates for the full amount of its Tompkins County property
taxes for 1995, $17,215.50.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-15
RESOLUTION NO. 52 - AWARD OF CONTRACT - GUTTER REPLACEMENT - OLD
COURTHOUSE
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Division of Engineering has duly solicited quotes for gutter replacement for the
Old Courthouse, and
WHEREAS, of the five contractors requested to quote only one quote was received and duly
opened by January 24, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the contract
be awarded to C&C Custom Sheetmetal of Candor, New miscellaneous York for a total not to exceed
$9,400,
RESOLVED, further, That $600 be allocated for project expense, staff services, construction
testing and change orders,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is authorized to execute a contract and
change orders up to the project contingency of ten (10) percent with funds available from Account No.
HB 1430.9250.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -8
RESOLUTION NO. 53 - AWARD OF CONTRACT - WATER SERVICE — HIGHWAY
FACILITY
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Division of Engineering has duly quoted for water service for the Highway
Facility, and
WHEREAS, three (3) quotes were received and opened by February 3, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the contract
be awarded to Donahue -Halverson of Ithaca, New York being the most responsible proposer for a total
not to exceed $7,220,
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February 21, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is authorized to execute a contract and
change orders up to the project contingency of ten (10) percent with funds available from Account No.
HZ5010.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -20
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met February 15 and gave brief highlights from
that meeting. The Committee heard a report on the Brown Road project, and will be looking at schematic
designs at the next meeting. She said she expects to have a resolution in March relative to accepting a
grant for funding. The Committee also discussed transportation for special needs population and heard a
report from Dwight Mengel about a project being worked on at the Transit Center intended to bring on
line late last year a managed transit system in which the Transit Center will serve a function similar to a
travel agent for other county departments and agencies. She reported the Committee held a retreat on
February 16 and discussed some of the shifts in responsibilities and how the Committee conducts its
business. She announced there will be a public meeting on the Airport Master Plan on February 23 at the
Crash/Fire/Rescue Building. She reported that the County Probation Department will provide bus stop
cleaning services to the transit system. She announced the Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Company will
be having a car wash to support this cleaning. The next meeting will be March 15 at 8 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 54 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS AND THE TOWN OF
ITHACA ON FOREST HOME DRIVE BRIDGE (BIN 03047440)
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. Mrs. Livesay stated she had
questions she would like to have answered, and asked that this resolution be postponed. Chairman Stein
requested this resolution be POSTPONED to the next meeting with no objection.
RESOLUTION NO. 55 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE EASEMENT ON COUNTY
PROPERTY NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF NEW YORK STATE
ROUTE 13A AND NEW YORK STATE ROUTE 13
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Committee, That the County
Administrator or designee is hereby authorized to execute a permanent easement which allows New York
State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) the right to perform proposed improvements on County property near
New York State Route 13 and Route 13A.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-19
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Health and Environmental
Quality Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met February 9 and will continue to meet the
second Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. She said the Committee asked Departments to report on
how possible State budget cuts will impact them. The Mental Health Department reported they cannot
absorb any further budget cuts. Beth Jenkins, Mental Health Administrator, said the Committee will be
forced to pass reductions to contract agencies. Assemblyman Luster will be holding a budget hearing to
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February 21, 1995
discuss how agencies will likely be affected by the State budget. This hearing will be held on February
22 at 9 a.m. at City Hall and the Committee encouraged Department Heads to report on budget cut
impacts to Mr. Luster. Ms. Kiefer said the Committee received an annual report from the Water Quality
Steering Committee. The Committee also heard from Rob Todd relating to the model watershed
regulations. The Committee discussed cat licensing at the last meeting, and expects to take action on
that subject at the next meeting on March 9.
RESOLUTION NO. 56 - CREATION OF CONTRACT BUDGET - FAMILY AND
CHILDREN'S SERVICE - MENTAL HEALTH
MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County wishes to provide for home-based preschool children and their
families a consultation, education and mental health clinic treatment service, and
WHEREAS, Family and Children's Service desires to provide such services under certification
of the Office of Mental Health, and
WHEREAS, monies for preventative consultation, education, and mental health treatment
through homebased preschool services has been awarded to Tompkins County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That
$60,000 be appropriated to Family and Children's Service,
RESOLVED, further, That a contract be established between Tompkins County and Family and
Children's Service to provide such services from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995,
RESOLVED, further, That the following budget adjustment be made:
REVENUE: A4333.3185 OMH Community Reinvestment $60,000
APPROPRIATION: A4333.4400 Family and Children's Service $60,000
RESOLVED, further, That the County Director of Finance be and hereby is authorized and
directed to make said adjustment on his books.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointments
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Janet E. Hawkes to the Environmental Management Council as the
Town of Ithaca representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Dr. Joan Sullivan, M.D., to the Board of Health for a term expiring
December 31, 2000.
Report from the Affordable Housing Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the report is complete and has been submitted to the Clerk's
office for copying. She said she would like to present the highlights at a Board meeting in March.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet February 23 at 8:15 a.m. and hopes that
the Leadership Council will take an opportunity to review the Report dated February 7, 1995.
Report from the Human Services Planning Committee
83
February 21, 1995
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the next meeting will be February 28 at 2 p.m. and hopes for a report
in March.
Unfinished Business
RESOLUTION NO. 20 - ADOPTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-00 - MINUTES OF
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES AND ITS
COMMITTEES
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by
Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to include the wording "timely,
accurate and understandable" after 1) Provide... in paragraph one of the Policy. It was MOVED by Ms.
Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to include
the words "and the Board" after the word "public". It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer to change the existing
wording to read in no. 8: Every effort must be made by any party who proposes substantive revisions to
draft minutes of meetings of the Board or any of its committees to prepare and submit same in a readable
and timely manner so that all members may review them prior to being asked to vote on them. The goal
in this respect shall be to have these changes available five working days prior to the approval meeting so
they can go out with the agenda of that meeting. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
A voice vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes - 0, Excused - 4
(Representatives Evans, Joseph, Todd and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED. Mr. Lerner
requested that the next time the Rules of the Board is printed, that this policy be included in those Rules.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-00 Minutes of Meetings of the Board of Representatives and its Committees
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-21
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to approve the minutes of December 6, 1994 and February 7, 1995 as corrected.
MINUTES APPROVED.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:52 to 8:55 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into executive session at 8:55 p.m. for the reason of protecting a person's
right to a fair trial and may interfere with investigation regarding a criminal proceeding. The meeting
returned to open session at 9:13 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
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March 7, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 14 Representatives; Excused: 1 (Representative Livesay).
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Stein advanced this item to the end of the agenda.
Presentation of Proclamation
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation to Marilyn Strassberg of the County Office for the
Aging declaring the week of March 12-18, 1995 as Employ the Older Worker Week in Tompkins
County. Ms. Strassberg thanked the Board for the proclamation and the support and encouragement for
the older workers in Tompkins County.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Fay Gougakis, 412 East Tompkins Street, Ithaca, distributed a copy of a New York Times article
relating to Wal-Mart stores and the impact that communities feel when a store decides to pull out from
the community. She feels there is no reason for Wal-Mart to come to Tompkins County, and asked the
Board to think about this and to speak out against Wal-Mart.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Charles Evans, District No. 13 Representative, stated a few weeks ago a Biggs A employee came
to the Board and expressed concern that a specific pesticide may have been used in the Biggs A building.
He stated this has been looked into, and that pesticide has not been used in the Biggs A building, but was
used in the Old Courthouse.
Tim Joseph, District No. 12 Representative, spoke in opposition to Governor Pataki's proposed
budget. He stated that the Human Services Committee has been looking at the impacts the proposed
budget may have on the County. Mr. Joseph said one thing that has not been said is that this budget will
kill people. The budget eliminates personal care for the elderly in the kind of care that helps elderly
people remain in their homes rather than going into nursing homes. The Governor is also limiting the
number that can be admitted into nursing homes. There will be people who will not be able to get the
care they will need to keep themselves healthy and alive, and they will die. There are also proposed cuts
to child protective services (CPS). These cuts will force CPS to return children to homes from foster
homes much earlier. This will lead to more incidents of child neglect and abuse. The proposed budget
also cuts subsidies for day care. He asked what will parents do if they cannot provide day care for their
children. There will be more accidents and more children will be left home alone. Mr. Joseph also stated
that the home relief is being proposed to be limited to three months. This will force some individuals to
live on the street or in shelters. He stated the proposed budget will cause a level of desperation we have
not seen in years. There will also be an increase in crime, resulting in much less safer communities than
people are use to. Mr. Joseph stated this budget will kill people and will only enrich those who are
already rich. He said the County has an obligation to say no to this proposed budget.
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March 7, 1995
Peter Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, congratulated the Ithaca High School boys'
basketball team for making its way to Sectionals and to the Girls Basketball team for winning. He also
congratulated the Trumansburg boys' basketball team for winning the second Class C Championship and
to Lansing for making to the Championship.
Presentation from the Affordable Housing Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, gave the Board an overview of the special Committee's report dated
March 1995. This report is on file in the Clerk of the Board's office.
Resolution(s) to be Added to the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be added to the agenda.
Resolution(s) to be Withdrawn from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following
resolutions from the agenda:
Acceptance of Grant from New York State Department of Transportation for Brown Road
Industrial Access Program - Amendment to County Capital Program
Resolution No. 29 - Adopting Property Value and Business Income Protection Program
Resolution No. 54 - Authorization to Execute Municipal Agreement Between the County of
Tompkins and the Town of Ithaca on Forest Home Drive Bridge (BIN 03047440)
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following
resolutions from the agenda with final committee action being affirmed:
CA008-94 - Reclassification of Computer Operator/Technician to Secretary - Data Processing
CA009-94 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report
Chairman Stein reminded the Board that on March 16 at noon the Chamber of Commerce will
hold its annual County issues forum at the Ithaca Ramada Inn Airport. Mr. Stein stated he has had
discussion with some of the members of the Board, and asked that a brief report be made on
transportation, economic development, and the County budget. He stated he will be introducing the
session and will turn it over to the Chairs of those committees. He would like this to be a dialogue
session, and would like to have the kind of session to have communication.
Mr. Stein reminded the Board that he has been successful in setting up meetings with State
Senators Kuhl and Seward and Assemblyman Luster. The meeting with the Senators will be March 17
at 10:30 a.m., and with Assemblyman Luster on that date at noon. Both meetings will be held in Board
Chambers. This meeting will be for the purpose of having a dialogue about the State budget and other
issues and express what the County's concerns and issues are that the Board would like to have
communicated to them.
Mr. Stein stated the Board will be discussing a Freedom of Information Request Appeal in open
session this evening.
County Administrator's Report
86
March 7, 1995
Mr. Heyman reported he does not have solid information on the Governor's proposed State
budget at this time. He stated the Department of Social Services and the Health Department are expected
departments to have significant impacts. A report is expected to be made at the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee meeting on March 14 at noon. Mr. Heyman stated the Legislature is offering an early
retirement incentive for public employees. A similar incentive has been offered in the past, and after
review has been declined by Tompkins County. He stated the County will review the current incentive
and make its decision. The last time the feature of the program was that if someone retired the position
had to be abolished.
County Attorney's Report
Mr. Theisen reported the Biggs A worker's compensation cases are still pending. There has been
no decision on the appeal of inspection of workers' homes. He reported the attorneys from the Prezioso
case have submitted papers conceding there is not individual liability under the ADA (Americans with
Disabilities Act). Mr. Theisen referred to Resolution No. 58 entitled Approval of Development Grant
Requests for 1995 Grant Fund, and disclosed that he is on the Board of Directors for the Palenotological
Research Institute.
County Finance Director's Report
Mr. Squires reported that under General Municipal Law the County is required to file an annual
report with the State for February, and the County has filed an extension to do this. He said the County
auditors will be arriving to begin the process of the County audit around the end of March. Mr. Squires
reported on the status of collection of the Solid Waste Annual Fee. He said the County stands at
approximately the same place it did last year at this time. He said 81 percent of the Fee has been
collected, exclusive of the universities because they have made other arrangements. He believes the
same people who did not pay last year are the ones not paying again this year. He said he started working
with the County's fiscal advisors last week about financing for capital projects for this year.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee meeting was canceled last week due to lack of
resolutions. There are seven budget reorganization task forces currently meeting. He stated he expects
to give a detailed report on the Governor's proposed State budget at the March 21 Board meeting.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mr. Evans, Vice Chairman, reported the Committee met February 27 to review any concerns
Board members may have with County employees. He hopes that any County Board member that has a
concern, will attend the next meeting to be held March 13. Mr. Evans requested an executive session to
discuss contract negotiations.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Kathy West to the Landfill Neighborhood Protection Committee for a
term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet March 9 to discuss the proposed
weapons policy and will consider awarding bids for E911 equipment. He reported the Sheriff's
Department will not be applying for the grant to fund the position in the COPS Ahead Program. He said
he received a letter from Jack Miller, Fire, Disaster and EMS Coordinator, indicating that Tompkins
87
March 7, 1995
County is ready to start testing, but is not getting the needed cooperation from NYNEX for trunk lines
into our equipment. This may impact the July deadline.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Margaret McCarthy to the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to
Incarceration Board as a Defense Bar representative with a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler reported the Committee will meet March 12 in the Old Jail Conference Room at 9
a.m. She reported on a meeting held with other committee chairs to discuss the Planning Department's
work plan for 1995.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met on March 1 and some of the actions taken
are reflected on the Board agenda. The Committee agreed to set up a review of the departments that
report to the Operations portion of the Committee. He extended an invitation to Board members to come
to the meeting scheduled for March 24 from 9 a.m. until noon where each of the departments will be
talking about their activities, their most important objectives for 1995, and speaking of any future
opportunities they see in their respective departments. The Committee will go over goals and objectives
at a separate meeting on March 31, 1-4 p.m., and will set goals and objectives as a committee at that time.
Mr. Winch said the Committee also heard a report from Dean Eckstrom, Director of Data Processing,
about the networking of County departments.
RESOLUTION NO. 57 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - CRASH/FIRE/RESCUE ADDITION -
STREETER ASSOCIATES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Totman. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 14, Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Representative Livesay). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on
following claim against
Representatives:
Vendor
Streeter Associated
recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Payment Request
10 (Final)
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HW5677.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Account No. Amount
HW5677.9239 $22,700.70
Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next Committee meeting will be at 8 a.m. in Board Chambers on March 15. Ms. Blanchard stated the
MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) is taking the lead in organizing a traffic mitigation group
which focuses a lot of its work on the Octopus project but will also be trying to provide public
information to help people deal with what is expected to be a nightmare construction season. She will
report on this further as the group continues its work.
Mr. Meskill asked Ms. Blanchard if she could get him information about bus stops that are
suppose to be constructed in Ulysses this spring. Ms. Blanchard said she would do this.
88
March 7, 1995
Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be March 9 at 9:30 a.m. At that meeting the Committee will discuss impacts of the
proposed State budget on the Mental Health Department. A septage hauler will attend the meeting and
discuss problems he has with the Ithaca Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Committee will also discuss
cat licensing.
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met on March 1 and received the Department of
Social Service's Action Plan that was submitted in response to the Report by the Advisory Council on
Medicaid Transportation. He said all Board members should have received a copy of this Plan. The
Youth Bureau has reported that current funding at the State level is less than it was ten years ago. Mr.
Joseph outlined the areas in social services where State budget cuts are proposed.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met last week to review a draft contract with the
Chamber of Commerce. Some changes were made and differences from past years were identified with
the previous contract. One major difference was that there will be specific dollar amounts in the contract
as opposed to the percentage of total room tax collection. The Committee will meet on March 16 at 10
a.m. to go over the Chamber's draft marketing plan which will place dollar figures on everything the
Chamber proposes to do. The draft marketing plan is also a first, and is the most detailed and
comprehensive look at what the Convention and Visitor's Bureau proposes to do. She urged any Board
member interested in this subject to attend that meeting and make their feelings known.
RESOLUTION NO. 58 - APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT GRANT REQUESTS FOR 1995
GRANT ROUND
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a development grant program to help tourism -related
organizations to assist in projects which enhance tourism in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Board on Tourism Development (ABTD) has reviewed the grant
proposals and made recommendations regarding the 1995 grant programs, and
WHEREAS, the ABTD has approved the following recommendations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That the following
grants be approved, and contracts authorized with the following organizations:
Palenotological Research Institute $ 5,000
Ithaca Farmer's Market $ 2,500
Finger Lakes Bach Festival $ 2,000
Historic Ithaca $ 500
RESOLVED, further, That all funds for these grants will be paid through the Room Occupancy
Tax funds, in account A6475.4491 (sub -contracts).
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Appointment(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He
stated the Recycling and Solid Waste Center on Commercial Avenue starting accepting municipal solid
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March 7, 1995
waste on March 6. He attributes the smooth start-up to the outstanding work of Solid Waste Division
staff. Mr. Todd reported that the New York State Department of Conservation accepted the Tompkins
County's Solid Waste Management Plan on February 27. The next Committee meeting will be March
15 at 10 a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint James M. Niefer to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the
Commercial Avenue Central Processing Facility as the Town of Ithaca representative with a term
expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Proto, to appoint Joel Gagnon to the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee representing the Town of Danby, for a term expiring December 31, 1997. A voice
vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 1 (Representative Blanchard), Excused - 1 (Representative
Livesay). APPOINTMENT CARRIED.
Report from the Biggs A Study Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported at the next Board meeting, she expects the Board to look at a
presentation of the Committee's work. That presentation will focus on giving the Board information
comparing what it would cost for the County to stay on West Hill or to move downtown. Specific sites
that have been discussed in Committee will not be talked about at the Board meeting, as that information
is still execution session material. She stated comparative spreadsheets showing cost differentials will be
provided to the Board prior to that meeting.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported a resolution dealing with long-range planning and backup material is
on Board members' desks for review prior to the next Board meeting. She said the tone is different from
the last version of this resolution, however, the goal is still the same, which is to develop a mission and a
vision for County that can be used to develop strategies to achieve measurable results. Input will be
gathered from a broad cross-section of groups.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Co -Chair, reported the Committee met this morning to look over articles that have
been submitted for publication in the next County newsletter. He stated because of the shortage of
quality articles submitted it has led the Committee to rethink what they are doing. Mr. Joseph stated the
feelings of the Committee included that the Committee should be clear that they are not trying to do
something that can be done through the regular news media. The County News is for the times when it is
felt what is needed to be communicated is not being communicated through the media. The Committee
also realized that simply asking for articles does not work, and there needs to be a more active role taken
in soliciting articles. The Committee has decided to focus the next edition on the proposed State budget
and expected impacts. There will also be an article on the new direction of State government. The
Committee will also be asking one Board member in support of, and one Board member in opposition to
the State budget to write an article to be included. Mr. Joseph stated the Committee is faced with a
problem of not having time for review by this Board of what goes into this edition of the County News.
It was the consensus of the Board to allow the Committee to follow through on producing this newsletter
without review of a final draft by the Board. It was suggested that any member interested in reviewing a
draft, to attend the Committee meetings. Ms. Kiefer said she was interested in reviewing a draft.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
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March 7, 1995
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported all Board members should have received information from the
Municipal Officials Association concerning the meeting to be held on March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Town of
Danby. The topic of discussion will be the Committee report. There will be an opportunity to discuss
the report with the group that initiated some of the information. The next Committee meeting will be
March 20 at 8: 15 a.m. in the Courthouse Conference Room.
Report from the Special Wal -mart Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, stated the Committee has met and documentation that has been prepared is
on Board members' desks. The issues continue to fall in three main areas: water, traffic, and solid
waste. James Hanson, Planning Commissioner, and Barbara Blanchard met with the City of Ithaca
Planning Department last week, and the City has agreed to include this information in their final
Environmental Impact Statement. These same issues will be used by the County in its section 239
review. Mr. Evans commended County Planning Department staff for doing a great job of reviewing the
things they did.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee held its organizational meeting. He stated he is
impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of the Committee. The next meeting will be held March 16 at
2:30 p.m. in the Tompkins County Public Library Sherman Peer Room.
Freedom of Information Request Appeal
Chairman Stein announced that George Dentes, District Attorney, was in attendance to answer
questions the Board may have on this issue. After discussion the Board upheld the denial to the Ithacan
of a request for information under the Freedom of Information Law concerning the cases of Michelle
Boyd and Todd Curry. Ms. Kiefer asked Mr. Dentes if he had considered simply blacking out certain
portions of documents to protect confidentiality; Mr. Dentes discussed the difficulties attendant upon
deciding what to black out, etc., but stated he had not considered it in this case. Mr. Joseph noted that
although we're supposed to be acting as an appeals group, we have not seen the documents to be able to
decide the confidentiality claim.
Addition of Resolution to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Denial of Freedom of Information
Request Appeal.
RESOLUTION NO. 59 - DENIAL OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST APPEAL
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, That the appeal of the "The Ithacan" for information pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Law, concerning cases involving Michelle Boyd and Todd Curry is denied on the basis that
the District Attorney has already given all information available and not subject to confidentiality under
Section 87 of the Public Officers Law subdivision 2(e) ii and iii.
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Approval of Minutes
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March 7, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
to approve the minutes of March 16, 1995 as corrected. MINUTES APPROVED.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:01 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into executive session at 8:10 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations. The
meeting returned to open session at 9:20 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
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March 21, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes of February 21 and March 7, 1995
Chairman Stein forwarded this agenda item to the end of the meeting.
Presentation of Petitions, Communications and Notices
Proclamations
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation to Ann Marie Tutton of the Tompkins County Trust
Company declaring the week of March 20-26, 1995, to be Community Banking Week in Tompkins
County.
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation to Frank Proto, member of the Board of Health,
declaring the week of April 8, 1995, to be Public Health Week in Tompkins County.
Introductions
Chairman Stein introduced and welcomed two visiting Legislators from Cortland County:
Sandra Price and Carletta Edwards.
Mr. Todd, Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee, introduced Tom Powers of CRInc., who is
the Manager of the Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste Center.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
William Holtcamp, 1591 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, read the following and submitted same
for the record:
"I would express some observations, concerns, thanks and hopes regarding the allocation of room
tax monies by this legislative body. I am currently director of the F.L.A. and represent most of the 318
members of our organization in Tompkins County, the largest membership of the 14 counties in the
Finger Lakes Region, an indication of the importance attributed to regional promotion of tourism,
Steuben County is second with 268 members.
We support the room tax law and find no fault with the operation of the C.V.B. to promote
tourism in Tompkins County. We do, however, also support the concept of regional promotion of
tourism in the Finger Lakes Region to the full benefit of all fourteen counties. We believe the efforts of
the C.V.B and the F.L.A. should supplement each other to our mutual benefit.
As you are certainly aware, there has been a concerted effort in recent years to denigrate the
value of the F.L.A. and to discredit its operations. This effort has culminated in the vote by the A.B.T.D.
to cut the allocation of funds to the F.L.A. from $26,110 in 1994 to $4,100 in 1995, an 84 percent
reduction. $4,100 is less than is appropriated by all the core counties in the region. The A.B.T.D. also
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March 21, 1995
asserted by vote that Tompkins County is "better off' by shifting away from the F.L.A. regional
programming. We believe that this is a very shortsighted outlook by the A.B.T.D.
In recent conversation on this subject, it was mentioned to me that this confrontation was over
money. On the surface, this appears to be the case. However, on deeper examination we conclude that it
is a conflict of philosophies. We, the 300 plus members of the Association, feel that tourism promotion
should be a two pronged effort. Local and Regional promotion of the multiple attractions and facilities
of 14 counties has given the Finger Lakes Region a national recognition. For example, the Finger Lakes
Region of N.Y.S. was recognized by Rand McNally as the 34th most identifiable vacation region in the
U.S.A. We believe that Tompkins County should identify itself with the regional approach and take
advantage of the added lure of 13 other counties in the region. The leadership of the C.V.B. and the
A.B.T.D. think otherwise. Their philosophy is to promote only Tompkins County, Ithaca, Cornell (a
captive visitors group which visits Cornell regardless of County promotion), and local arts and our three
State parks.
We in our regional approach draw on a diverse, multitude of attractions, 20 State parks, over 40
wineries, camping facilities in all 14 counties, museums, historic homes, auto racing, thoroughbred
racing, farm markets, rail excursions, boat cruises on five of our lakes, fishing charter and hunting
facilities.
Not incidentally, with Tompkins traditionally funding the regional approach at a high level, we
have represented this County at a high level in our attractions brochure with more pictures (in three of the
last four years the cover picture was of Tompkins County), greater representation of pictures on our
display at consumer shows, more frequent visits by travel writers and motor coach familiarization tours.
In this way we divert more tourist visits to the County in direct proportion to its support of our programs.
I must state these programs do not distract from C.V.B. marketing but instead supplement its own
programs. We believe tourism promotion should be a joint, coordinated effort. We have thought so in
the past, do so now, and expect to do so in the future.
I wish to thank the Economic Development Committee for restoring our funding to the $15,000
level even though that figure is over $3,000 less than we have already expended and would urge that this
Board approve that funding level for the F.L.A. for this year. I would also hope that the benefits of
regional promotion be more objectively analyzed and that the traditional funding levels be restored in
future years, a level commensurate with the importance to the County of the regional approach, and vice
versa, the importance of Tompkins County to our regional programming.
One other hope I have is that the Chamber of Commerce and our local contingent of the F.L.A.
can resolve their differences in philosophy. I have contacted Ms. Daybell of the Chamber and she has
agreed to meet with us to discuss those differences, a first step in better communications.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen and I would offer a last hope -- that we all have an excellent
tourism season."
Ed Kabelac, 1410 Hanshaw Road, owner of the Spring Water Motel in Varna, and Chairman of
the Tompkins County Contingent of the Finger Lakes Association, stated that over the last six and half
years since he and his wife have been in the motel business, they have found that getting tourists to travel
to and to stay in Tompkins County is very competitive. He said the local Convention and Visitors
Bureau does a very commendable job in promoting Ithaca and Tompkins County but there needs to be
promotion throughout the Finger Lakes area. He urged the Board to fund to the greatest extent possible,
promotion of the Finger Lakes area through the Finger Lakes Association.
Joanne Davenport, 414 White Church Road, Brooktondale, spoke concerning tourism. She
referred to a position she held at Cornell University where it was her job to bring scholars to attend
professional association meetings. Those scholars came from a wide variety of universities from across
the country. In working with those people, when she spoke about the Finger Lakes area, they
immediately identified with the area. Ms. Davenport asked that the Board continue funding the efforts of
the Finger Lakes Association.
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March 21, 1995
Alan Cohen, 302 East State Street, spoke concerning the resolution on the agenda entitled
Accepting Report and Recommendations of the Human Service Space Planning Committee. Mr. Cohen
stated he is in favor of this resolution, although he feels it is lacking a couple of points. He feels the
resolution, should address why the downtown area in the City of Ithaca is the best place to locate a future
building for the County. He also suggested that the resolution include wording to give recognition that
the placement of this particular structure be done in a fashion that is in the best interest of both the City
and the County. Mr. Cohen urged the passage of this resolution.
Keith le Grand, 2051 Gorge Road, Trumansburg and Proprietor of 90 Farms Inn, and member of
the Tompkins County Contingent of the Finger Lakes Association, spoke concerning the Finger Lakes
Association. He said Tompkins County has always showed great financial support to the Association in
the past, and urged the Board to continue this funding. He also stated the F.L.A. is well supported by the
business community.
Ann Rider, 77 Halseyville Road, and Political Action Chair for the Local Civil Service
Employees Association, spoke concerning the resolution on the agenda entitled Accepting Report and
Recommendations of the Human Service Space Planning Committee. She stated she supports the
resolution, and urged the Board to provide safe, comfortable, and technologically up-to-date office space
for its employees. She thinks it is imperative that this Board move the Department of Social Services, the
Probation Department, and the Health Department to the downtown center of the County. She said it is a
historical fact that cities and county seats are centers of commerce and government, and this County
needs to consolidate its government offices in a downtown location. She believes the Biggs A land
should be able to produce income if marketed in the right way.
Paul Sayvetz, 201 Elm Street, spoke in support of the resolution on the agenda entitled Accepting
Report and Recommendations of the Human Service Space Planning Committee. Mr. Sayvetz stated he
supports this resolution as a way of making more business for the City. He said he will, however, be
lobbying to the City of Ithaca in opposition of building a parking garage.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Representative, reported on a celebration held on March 19, 1995, for
the culmination of a project entitled "Newfields For Fun" which is a community playground project
designed by Bob Leathers, and his Project Coordinator, Tom Rockwell. This $65,000 project with a
pioneer theme began two years ago and involved Newfield residents, including children and adults, in the
design process for a community playground. After the design is fine-tuned, many volunteers spent a
great deal of time constructing the project. Mr. Winch stated he is proud to be from Newfield where the
community came forth as volunteers to create this great community project. Mr. Winch noted that if this
playground had not been built by volunteers, it would have cost in excess of $140,000.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, stated today is election day in most of the villages of
Tompkins County, and stated he hopes voters will exercise their right to vote.
Ms. Mink, District No. 3 Representative, clarified a subject raised under privilege of the floor by
the public. She stated that if the resolution on agenda entitled Authorization to Execute Contract -
Chamber of Commerce passes, the County will have allocated $15,000 to the Finger Lakes Association
for this year.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, stated she hopes this meeting will end at 8:45 so that
she will be allowed time to cast her vote in the village elections.
Biggs A Space Study Presentation
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March 21, 1995
Ms. Mink, Chair, Space Planning Committee, stated the Board was given a presentation several
months ago from the Consultant with whom the County has been working with for the past year about the
configuration of agencies and where the County was at that time. Discussion this evening will be about
the comparisons between the options and what it means in the long term if the County invests a little, a
lot, or if the same amount is spent building a new building either on West Hill or downtown. She
introduced James Kazda, Senior Civil Engineer for the Public Works Department. Mr. Kazda gave a
presentation on the Report prepared by Sutton Associates, Inc. entitled "Report of Findings and
Conclusions for The Alternative Space Planning Feasibility Study for Biggs A and B - Tompkins County
Board of Representatives." This report was filed in the Board office March 21, 1995, at 5 p.m., and is on
file for Board members to review.
During the presentation, Ms. Blanchard said she would be interested in seeing some information
as to what it would mean for the County to construct its own parking facility as opposed to
partnershipping this with the City of Ithaca. Mr. Proto said he would like to see information on the
bonding situation of the County. Mr. Lerner said he would like a more year -by -year breakout of what
the annual cost alternatives are. Mr. Kazda said this has been done and is being refined. Mrs. Livesay
stated she thinks it would be helpful to have the non -substantive differences pulled out from the
document Mr. Kazda distributed. Mr. Evans stated he would like to see some discussion with the City
and some concrete proposals of what the City is willing to do for the County if the County decides to
move depai tments downtown before the County makes that decision.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be added to the agenda
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions:
Transfer of Land to Finger Lakes Land Trust - State Environmental Quality Review Resolution
Transfer of County Tax Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of Danby, Approximately 36.5 Acres to
Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc. for Public Purpose
Accepting Report and Recommendations of the Human Service Space Planning Committee
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Requiring Board Affirmation
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA010-95 - Reclassification of Nurse Practitioner Position - Health Department
CA011-95 - Authorization to Sign Contract to Prepare Small Cities CDBG Grant - Town of
Dryden
CA012-95 - Budget Adjustments - Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council
CA013-95 - Authorizing Professional Services Contract with Planning/Environmental
Research Consultants to Conduct a Transportation Trail/Corridor Study on Behalf of
the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council
CA014-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
CA015-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Tompkins Community Hospital - Healthy
Heart Program
CA016-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - American Red Cross
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March 21, 1995
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein had no report.
Appointments
Chairman Stein made the following appointments to the Public Information Committee:
Kathryn Leinthall
Bill Chapp
David Pelletier
County Administrator's Report
Mr. Heyman stated the Board should be better informed at this time about proposed State budget
impacts on the County budget. He stated there is interest in the early retirement option the State is
going to make available to the County. As soon as the County receives information, a decision will be
made as to whether to offer this to employees.
County Attorney's Report
Mr. Theisen had no report.
Finance Director's Report
Mr. Squires had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported she has been attending at the State level, the meetings of the
Appalachian Regional Commission Councils, and was elected Vice Chair of that group. She stated she
was excused from the last Governmental Affairs Committee meeting, because she was in Washington
D.C. attending meetings. She reported on the National Association of Counties meetings held at
Washington D.C. that she also attended. The next Committee meeting will be March 27 at 3 p.m. She
invited Board members to sit in and discuss the job performance of any County employee.
RESOLUTION NO. 60 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-02 -
PREPARING LOCAL LAWS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. It was MOVED by Mr. Proto to substitute
the word "business days" for "calendar days". MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to separate the two Administrative Manual Policies into two separate resolutions (Resolutions 60 and
61). A voice vote on the following resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-02 Preparing Local Laws
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March 21, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 61 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-06 -
PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by
Ms. Kiefer to change the wording "County Attorney" as it appears twice in the proposed policy to
"Tompkins County Board of Representatives or its designee". A roll call vote on the amendment resulted
as follows: Ayes - 6 (Representatives Joseph, Kiefer, Proto, Stein, Todd, and Winch); Noes - 9
(Representatives Blanchard, Evans, Lane, Lerner, Livesay, Meskill, Mink, Schuler, and Totman).
MOTION FAILED. A roll call vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 10, Noes - 5
(Representatives Kiefer, Joseph, Proto, Winch, and Stein). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-06 Public Access to Records
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 62 - ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT OF BOARD OF ETHICS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. A short roll call vote resulted as
follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Board of Ethics was duly convened and made an investigation and delivered a
written report to the Clerk of the Board of Representatives on January 26, 1995, which report concludes,
among other things, that Representative Tim Joseph has not violated the Code of Ethics, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That said report is
hereby received by the Board of Representatives,
RESOLVED, further, the Board of Representatives hereby expresses its gratitude to the Board of
Ethics and each of its members of a prompt thorough investigation and report.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Human Rights Commission has met several times over the
past year with the Jail Administrator and with Anita Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner. Mr. Meskill
said everything is headed in the right direction. The Committee was introduced to John Watkins, Fiscal
Manager for the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Watkins will be asked to attend an upcoming Board meeting
to meet the Board. The Committee will be inviting Alice Cole, Public Health Director, to the next
meeting to discuss supervision of Jail medical services. Mr. Meskill requested an executive session to
discuss a legal matter. Mr. Proto said he would like to be kept up-to-date on the status of the Human
Rights Commission and the Jail. Mr. Meskill reported the E911 system is proceeding as scheduled.
RESOLUTION NO. 63 - ESTABLISHMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL POLICY
01-41 - RESTRICTING FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS IN
OR ON COUNTY BUILDINGS, WORKSITES OR VEHICLES
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the safety of County employees and other persons will be promoted by limiting
possession and use of certain weapons in County facilities, now therefore be it
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March 21, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That it is hereby established
as County Policy 01-41 that no person shall possess any of the following while in a building owned,
leased or operated by the County or at a worksite of the county, or in a vehicle owned or leased by the
County:
a) any rifle, shotgun, firearm, electronic dart gun, gravity knife, switchblade knife, pilum
ballistic knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sand bag, sandclub,
wrist -brace type slingshot or slungshot, shirken or "Kung Fu star"; or
b) any dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or
deadly instrument or weapon.
This policy does not apply to the Sheriff or any of his deputies or to any other persons
specifically authorized by law to possess any of the above weapons on County property as part of his or
her job duties.
Any department head may grant special advance written permission to a person to possess a
weapon in a County building which is under the supervision of such department head, if it is shown to be
possessed for a legitimate purpose related to his or her job duties. A copy of the written permission shall
be forwarded by the department head to the Sheriff.
Violation of this policy by a County employee shall subject the employee to discipline up to and
including immediate suspension or discharge in accordance with County, union and Civil Service
discipline and discharge procedures.
RESOLVED, further, That the above is hereby incorporated as Board of Representatives policy
in new Administrative Manual Policy 01-41 - Restricting Firearms and Other Weapons in or on County
Buildings, Worksites, or Vehicles.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 64 - AWARD OF BID - UHF BASE STATIONS CAPITAL PROJECT
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Resolution No. 36, titled Standardization of Communication
Equipment - Fire, Disaster and EMS Coordinator, Highway Department and Sheriff, dated February 14,
1973 standardizes communication equipment with Motorola Communications Company, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Finance Department has duly advertised for bids for the
purchase of Motorola Base Stations and related equipment for the Tompkins County Fire and Disaster
Coordinator, and
WHEREAS, one (1) bid was received on February 23, 1995 and publicly read, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the bid be awarded to
Motorola, Inc., of Syracuse, New York in the amount of $102,892.00,
RESOLVED, further, That the Fire and Disaster Coordinator be authorized to implement this bid
on behalf of the County, funds are provided from capital account HI3410.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 8. She said Paul Bonaparte -Krogh,
Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, attended the meeting and
distributed a report on the highlights of 1994 of things Cooperative Extension did for Tompkins County.
The Committee discussed with Mr. Bonaparte -Krogh the repair of the Extension's roof, how staff has
been, and the different programs going on in that agency. The Committee also discussed the Planning
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March 21, 1995
Department's Work Plan. The Committee will meet jointly with the Health and Environmental Quality
Committee on April 12 to look at that further. There was also an update provided to the Committee on
the Small Cities Program. The Committee discussed the Danby land disposition with the Finger Lakes
Land Trust at that meeting, and again prior to this meeting. She expects those resolutions to be acted on
by the Board at the second meeting in April. She stated the draft of the County Land policy is being
reviewed by the County Administrator and is moving forward. Mrs. Schuler stated she expects a
resolution to be placed on the April 4 Board agenda calling a public hearing concerning amending the
Charter and Code and the Planning Board. The next meeting will be April 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the
Tompkins County Public Library.
RESOLUTION NO. 65 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND, CHARTER
REVIEW COMMITTEE (Amended by Res. No. 80 of 1995)
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Mink. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by
Mr. Lerner, to amend the resolution as follows: Replace "A8020.4442, Planning Department" with
"A1010.4442, Board of Representatives"; and also add the following RESOLVED: " Resolved, further,
That the spending target of the Board of Representatives is not increased beyond 1995 by this action, and
that in the event budgeted funds are unspent at year-end in the Board of Representatives Department the
first $2,200 of such funds shall revert to the General Fund Balance and not be eligible for reappropriation
in 1996." Mrs. Livesay noted she feels the issue of placing additional work on County staff without
providing funding for the work needs to be looked at. The Board has to make choices; if the Board is
going to ask for information to be gathered, it needs to spend money for this. A voice vote on the
amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. AMENDMENT CARRIED. A short roll call vote
on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Proto and Todd).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Board of Representatives has appointed a Charter Review
Committee to investigate the need for revision of the County Charter and Code, and
WHEREAS, the Committee will require staff time to gather information about other County
Charters and to determine the views of other County officials about the advantages and disadvantages of
various Charter provisions and structures, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the Director of Finance is directed to appropriate $2,200 from A1990, County
Contingent Fund, to A1010.4442, Board of Representatives Professional Services for the purpose of
hiring an individual on a contractual, part-time, temporary basis to perform these functions under the
direction of the Charter Review Committee,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is authorized and directed to execute a
contract for this purpose with the individual identified by the Charter Review Committee,
RESOLVED, further, That it is expected that this sum of money will be sufficient to pay for staff
support for the information gathering purposes mentioned above, and that in the event that further staff
support is needed for these purposes or for clerical support at a later time the Charter Review Committee
will so recommend,
RESOLVED, further, That the spending target of the Board of Representatives is not increased
beyond 1995 by this action, and that in the event budgeted funds are unspent at year-end in the Board of
Representatives depai tment the first $2,200 of such funds shall revert to the General Fund balance and
not be eligible for reappropriation in 1996.
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RESOLUTION NO. 66 - AMENDED STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR 1993-94
TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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March 21, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little, and Mickelson, CPA's, has completed an audit of
Tompkins Cortland Community College's financial records for the period September 1, 1993 through
August 31, 1994, and
WHEREAS, the State Annual Financial Report for Tompkins Cortland Community College for
1993-94 has been submitted and approved, and
WHEREAS, the 1993-94 actual State aid calculation was higher than originally budgeted, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the State financial assistance for Tompkins Cortland Community College in 1993-94 be
increased to $4,079,618.43 from the original budgeted level of $3,985,715 with no increase in the
operating budget,
RESOLVED, further, That the State of New York pay Tompkins Cortland Community College
the amended State financial assistance of $93,903.43 for the year,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon adoption of a concurrent
resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
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RESOLUTION NO. 67 - AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE INTERN FOR TOURISM AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has administrative responsibility for the Advisory Board
on Tourism Development (ABTD) and other tourism and economic development functions, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has need for additional help for specific research and
administrative tasks for a period of time, and
WHEREAS, the funding for this position will come from ABTD administrative funds, as much
of the work will be related to the ABTD and tourism -related issues, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the Planning Department be authorized to contract with a student, or students, for an
amount not to exceed $6,500 for the period ending December 31, 1995,
RESOLVED, further, That all funds necessary for this contract be paid from Professional Service
Fees (A8020.4442).
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Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:33 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Representative Kiefer left the meeting at this time.
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met prior to this meeting, and heard a
presentation from Dean Eckstrom, Director of Computer Services, concerning an RFP (Request for
Proposal) for an administrative software bid. He stated this system does not cover the GIS system, but
covers many departments.
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March 21, 1995
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 15. The Committee approved the
acceptance of a grant for the Brown Road project and also a resolution that covered the loan portion
payback arrangement. The Committee reviewed some schematic drawings for the Forest Home Bridge,
and authorized the Engineering Division to complete the documents and move forward with the bidding
of that project. The Committee continues to work with representatives of the Town of Ithaca on the
maintenance agreement. Ms. Blanchard stated a first look was taken at the five-year Bridge Plan, and
also proposed highway projects for 1995. She said as a result of the proposed State budget, the County
can expect CHIPS funding to be down by ten percent (approximately $82,000). She said the Committee
received an overview of the winter of 1994 versus the winter of 1993 as far as snow costs are concerned.
It is very likely there will be a surplus in that account. She said the Committee also discussed the
potential for an Airport Fair featuring a visit by the Concord. Additional information is needed, and Bob
Nicholas, Airport Manager, is working on that. Mr. Meskill requested a copy of the draft Road Plan. Ms.
Blanchard said this would be provided to him. The next Committee meeting will be April 19 at 8 a.m.
Ms. Kiefer returned to the meeting at this time.
RESOLUTION NO. 68 - ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FROM NEW YORK STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR BROWN ROAD
INDUSTRIAL ACCESS PROGRAM - AMENDMENT OF COUNTY
CAPITAL PROGRAM
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Ms. Kiefer pointed out an inconsistency she sees in Part II, C5, of the Environmental Assessment Form.
She said the rationale for this road is that it will create jobs. Chairman Stein stated the Form will be sent
back to James Hanson, Commissioner of Planning, who prepared the Form, and he will be asked to revise
it.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County was awarded $668,600 in assistance for the reconstruction of
Brown Road through the Industrial Access Program of the New York State Department of
Transportation, and
WHEREAS, the County has agreed to take over Brown Road from the Village of Lansing by
resolution number CA102-93 of Tompkins County and resolution number 2825 and 2835 of the Village
of Lansing, and
WHEREAS, the engineering estimates for the Brown Road Industrial Access Project indicate
that Brown Road can be reconstructed for the amount indicated, and
WHEREAS, the County desires this assistance in order to reconstruct Brown Road, which will
create and retain jobs at the Cornell Business and Technology Park, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services and Capital Program
Committees, That the County Capital Program is hereby amended to include a project entitled "Brown
Road Industrial Access Project" at an authorized cost of $668,600, with 60 percent of the funds being
granted from the State of New York and 40 percent of the funds loaned from the State of New York,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an
agreement with the State of New York to accept the Project Agreement for $668,600,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute
separate payback agreements with the Village of Lansing and Cornell University for 40 percent of the
funds, or an amount not to exceed $267,440.
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March 21, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 69 - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH CORNELL
UNIVERSITY FOR A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE
BROWN ROAD INDUSTRIAL ACCESS PROJECT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County was awarded a New York State Department of Transportation
(NYSDOT) Industrial Access Grant (IAG) in the amount of $668,600 for the reconstruction of Brown
Road, and
WHEREAS, said grant is comprised of 60 percent direct grant ($401,160) and 40 percent loan
($267,440) to be paid back over a five year period, and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the Brown Road Industrial Access Project's positive effect on their
Business and Technology Park, Cornell University has agreed to contribute $141,000 towards paying off
the five year loan, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an agreement with Cornell University to allow said
contribution to take place.
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Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met March 9 and heard a report on expected
budget impacts on depaitments. The Committee had a brief discussion and report on the issue of water
regulations. The Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board has been involved, and is making some
revisions to the resolution presented to them several months ago. Mr. Evans reported at the request of
the SPCA, the Committee postponed final action on the cat licensing until the next Committee meeting.
The next Committee meeting will be April 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Report and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He
said the Department of Social Services has been working on a Managed Care Plan.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Patricia Driscoll to the Economic Opportunity Corporation as the Town of Ithaca
Representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint John Rogers to the Tompkins County Youth Board as the Village of Trumansburg
Representative for a term expiring December 31, 1996.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week, and spent much of the meeting
discussing the Contingent Fund Request for the Charter and Code Review Committee. Mr. Lerner
announced that the March 28 meeting of the Committee has been canceled. Mr. Lerner highlighted the
overall impacts of the proposed State budget. He said there are two kinds of impacts - significant
reductions in some of the mandated costs of the Social Services Department, and there are a number of
departments, including Social Services, that have taken various sizes of funding reductions in the
proposed budget. One that needs special mention is the Education of Handicapped Children Program in
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March 21, 1995
the Health Department. He said last year the State of New York had budgeted a substantial increase in
reimbursement for that program of approximately half a million dollars for Tompkins County. The
Governor's proposed budget rescinds that increased revenue. Alice Cole, Public Health Director, did not
budget for that increased revenue; therefore, her depai tnient will not have a budget shortfall there. Mr.
Lerner stated the total cost savings in Social Services are roughly equal to the total revenue losses in the
various departments. There was discussion at the Committee meeting that a clear decision process is
wanted for deciding to what extent does the County want to use savings in Social Services to make up for
cuts elsewhere, to what extent does the County want to roll some of those savings into the General Fund
to reduce next year's tax levy. Mr. Lerner stated he and Scott Heyman were asked to develop a decision
making procedure to deal with those issues.
RESOLUTION NO. 70 - REQUESTING THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO AMEND
NEW YORK STATE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW TO
EXTEND PAYMENT DEADLINE FOR INSTALLMENT TAX
PAYMENTS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has adopted a local law allowing for the payment of taxes in
installments as provided for in Section 972 of New York State Real Property Tax Law, and
WHEREAS, Sections 972 and 975 require that the first installment shall be due not later than the
fifteenth day of the month in which the respective taxes may be paid without interest or not later than
within five days thereafter, and
WHEREAS, confusion and effort could be lessened if the deadline for payment of the first
installment was the same as the deadline for payment in full without interest, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That Tompkins
County hereby requests that the New York State legislature enact and the Governor sign legislation
amending the date required for the first installment of taxes under Section 972 of New York State Real
Property Tax Law to not later than the last day of the month in which the respective taxes may be paid
without interest,
RESOLVED, further, That changes be made in any other section of State law that would be
necessary to accomplish the intent of this legislation.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met on March 15. The Committee heard a report
from Barbara Eckstrom, Solid Waste Manager, about the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. Mrs.
Eckstrom expects to have a preliminary financial report on how operations and marketing at the Facility
is going in June. It is also her intention to provide monthly reports to the Committee, and quarterly
reports to the Board. Mr. Todd stated everything seems to be going well at the Facility. The Committee
also discussed the next step in the Caswell leachate treatment situation, and also discussed sludge
management. The next Committee meeting will be March 29 at 10 a.m. at the Solid Waste Office
Building. The meeting will begin with a tour of the new Facility. Mr. Todd updated the Board on the
status of Resolution No. 29 of 1995. He stated the Resolution was postponed at a previous Board
meeting. Jonathan Wood, Assistant County Attorney, has prepared a rewrite of the Property Value and
Business Protection Plan. This was delivered to the City of Ithaca and Henry Vaughan, Chairman of the
Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Commercial Avenue Central Processing Facility. The City
has requested that the County Board wait until the City responds to this before taking any action on the
Plan. Mr. Todd said once the City responds, he will bring that Resolution before the Board.
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March 21, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 71 - AUTHORIZATION FOR INVESTIGATION OF PRIVATE WELL
CONTAMINATION - GAYNOR ASSOCIATES
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County developed a landfill neighborhood well water protection program, which
includes testing of water quality of neighborhood wells in the vicinity of Caswell Landfill, and
WHEREAS, recent testing has indicated contamination at a residential well located at 497
Caswell Road, Dryden, New York, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That Gaynor Associates be
authorized to perform work relative to identifying the source of contamination including drilling of a well
on County property and providing consultation on mitigative measures, such work to proceed at a cost
not to exceed $5,185 from account HH8166.9264.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-18
RESOLUTION NO. 72 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A LOADER LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH CRINC.
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives has authorized execution of an
agreement with New England CRInc., to operate the Recycling and Solid Waste Center by Resolution
No. 189 dated July 13, 1993, and
WHEREAS, CRInc., has requested leasing of the 1989 John Deere 644E Loader for a short
period of time until their equipment is delivered, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the Solid Waste
Management Division is authorized to lease to New England CRInc., the said loader previously used at
the Hillview Landfill and Transfer Facility for $4,200 per month.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Economic Development
Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
RESOLUTION NO. 73 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT - CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a program for the development of tourism in Tompkins
County, and
WHEREAS, the County has traditionally contracted with the Chamber of Commerce for the
provision of services related to this program, and
WHEREAS, the County believes that the Chamber should continue to provide these services on
behalf of the County through the end of 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That the County
Administrator or his designee be authorized to execute a contract with the Chamber of Commerce in an
amount not to exceed $249,158 for the period of April 1 to December 31, 1995,
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March 21, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the contract specify that $8,000 of the funds are earmarked for the
Finger Lakes Association for 1995 and $28,795 is earmarked for the Community Arts Partnership for
1995,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Finance Director be authorized to pay funds for this
contract from the Room Occupancy Tax budget -- Chamber of Commerce line (A6475.4505).
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-15
Appointments
It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint the following members to the Advisory Board on Tourism Development for terms expiring
December 31, 1996:
Anthony Ellis - Greater Ithaca Innkeepers Association Representative
Robert Witty - Chamber of Commerce Representative
Howard S. Cogan - At -large Representative
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
RESOLUTION NO. 74 - COMMITMENT TO BEGIN LONG RANGE PLANNING FOR
TOMPKINS COUNTY
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives must respond to dramatic changes
in our political and economic environment in socially responsible and cost effective ways, and
WHEREAS, the County would like to have a written vision statement to help guide the Board in
making these difficult decisions, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has already committed itself to implementing the principles and
practices of total quality management similar to its counterparts in government, business, and education,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Leadership Council, That the Board of Representatives
initiate a long range planning process which will enable the County to focus its resources to achieve
desired results,
RESOLVED, further, That the first phase of planning begin by developing a mission and vision
for the County which in later phases can be used to develop strategies to achieve measurable results,
RESOLVED, further, That the mission and vision be developed by the Board of Representatives
using data from Board members, staff, not-for-profit agencies and other stakeholders, as well as local
residents,
RESOLVED, further, That the Board members who are members of the Leadership Council be
appointed to oversee the planning process and that the County Administrator be directed to provide any
needed staff support.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the next edition of the County News is expected to be printed at
the end of the month, and Board members have until tomorrow to submit articles. Mr. Joseph stated the
Committee will be meeting to discuss some objections that have been raised concerning distribution of
the newsletter.
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March 21, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 75 - ADOPTION OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC
INFORMATION PROGRAM PLAN
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Information Committee, That the Tompkins
County Public Information Program plan, that is filed in the Clerk of the Board's office, is hereby
adopted.
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Report of the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met yesterday, and had an opportunity to hear from
Charles Evans, member of the Public Information Committee, concerning media services. The
Committee plans to bring in marketing experts to discuss ways to reach out and communicate with the
public. The Public Information Committee will be asked to meet with the Committee again to continue
discussion on this subject. Mr. Proto stated he will also be asking Beverly Livesay, Governmental
Affairs Committee Chair, to attend an upcoming meeting. The next Committee meeting will be April 3
at 8:15 a.m.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, stated the Committee met March 16 and will meet again on March 30 in
the Sherman Peer Room at the Tompkins County Public Library. The Committee is still in the process of
getting acquainted. The Committee discussed a grant application they plan to submit.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to approve the minutes of February 21 and March 7, 1995, with the changes submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to enter into executive session to discuss a legal matter at 9:58 p.m. The meeting returned to open
session at 10:10 p.m.
Upon returning to open session, it was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote, to schedule a Special Board Meeting for March 28 at 4 p.m. for the
purpose of discussing TC3 Negotiations. This meeting was subsequently canceled.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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April 4, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 14 Members; Excused: 1 (Representative Schuler). Representative Todd was excused
from the meeting at 7:53 p.m. (prior to adoption of Resolution No. 79).
Approval of Minutes of March 21, 1995
Chairman Stein forwarded this agenda item to the end of the meeting.
Special Orders of the Day
RESOLUTION NO. 76 - AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION NO. 18 OF 1973 -
AUTHORIZATION TO DRAFT HONORARIUM CONTRACT -
KEEPER OF THE COVERED BRIDGE
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 18 of 1973 authorizes appointments of the Keeper of the Covered
Bridge in the Town of Newfield be on an annual basis, and
WHEREAS, it is desired that said appointment be changed to a four-year term, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the
appointment of the Keeper of the Covered Bridge be for a four-year term effective January 1, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointment of Keeper of the Newfield Covered Bridge
Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Representative, stated this is the first year that Tompkins County will
have co -Keepers of the Newfield Covered Bridge. He presented certificates declaring Grant and Marie
Musser, (long-time Keepers of the Covered Bridge), and Alan Chaffee, Town of Newfield Historian and
member of the Newfield Historical Society, as Keepers of the Newfield Covered Bridge for 1995. Mrs.
Musser stated that while she and her husband are very appreciative for being appointed to this position
by the Board, they are happy there is now a Newfield resident who is interested enough in becoming
Keeper of the Bridge.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Yvonne Bartlett, Depar tment of Social Services employee, thanked Representatives Joseph and
Evans for all they have been trying to do to help them improve their working conditions at Room 108 in
the Biggs building. Ms. Bartlett stated she has been back to work 6-7 months and is sick again and
unable to work a full week because of NCR (carbonless) forms. She stated an ears, nose and throat
specialist has recommended that she go to Texas for detoxification. She asked the Board for financial
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April4, 1995
assistance to pay for the cost of travel and accommodations to Texas so that she can receive treatment.
She reported that Social Security recognizes multiple chemical sensitivity as a disability and has notified
her that she is eligible for SSI. She submitted a CSEA Book entitled Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and
a Schenectady news article concerning a woman in Princeton who has been diagnosed with Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity.
Barbara Mahoney, 477 Hayts Road, and former Department of Social Services employee, said
she has never felt that the accommodations made by the County to improve the indoor air quality at the
Biggs A building would solve the problem. Ms. Mahoney spoke of a complaint she filed with the Human
Rights Commission in February 1995, concerning her illness. She stated she supports the Department of
Social Services moving to the City of Ithaca, and asked that if the Board does decide to relocate DSS
downtown, to not forget about the employees who have been affected by working in the Biggs building.
Mel Bartlett, 8963 County Road, Interlaken, and husband of a Depai liuent of Social Services
employee, expressed his anger and frustration over the sick building situation. Mr. Bartlett asked the
Board to be conscientious and listen to the employees who are sick because of the Biggs A building. Mr.
Bartlett stated it has been over two years since the problem first originated, and he wants the problem
surrounding the sick building syndrome solved.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of relocating the Department of Social Services to
downtown. Ms. Gougakis stated she also supports the Biggs A workers who have been diagnosed with
multiple chemical sensitivity. Ms. Gougakis voiced outrage over the public access television show of
Nick Papatonis, and said she feels the program is very negative for the community, and stated she has
been harassed on his show, and now lives in fear since he has publicized her phone number and she ha
been getting threatening phone calls.
Robin Farmer, 206 Oak Hill Road, stated he feels that while there are good things airing on the
public access channel, the Nick Papatonis public access television show is not one of them. He agreed
with Ms. Gougakis' comments and said the show should be removed from the air.
Nick Papatonis, City of Ithaca, expressed support for his cable access call-in show. He said the
show is a non -sense "call-in crank" show and should be understood that way. Mr. Papatonis announced
he is running for election for the City of Ithaca Mayor. He stated he supports moving the Depailnient of
Social Services to downtown Ithaca, and believes the City of Ithaca should assist the County in providing
parking.
Will Kone, 10 Judd Falls, spoke concerning relocating the Department of Social Services to
downtown. He feels before such a move is approved, the Board should take a long, serious look at the
issue. Mr. Kone said he does not want to see an increase in property taxes. He also spoke against a
public access TV archive.
Albert Smith, 707 N. Cayuga Street, spoke concerning relocating the Department of Social
Services to downtown. Mr. Smith stated he is in support of bringing DSS back to the City of Ithaca
where he feels it belongs. He feels the move would be good for the County, its workers, the recipients of
County services, and it would be fantastic for downtown. Mr. Smith stated he would welcome DSS, and
offered his assistance if the County needed it.
Don Lifton, 31 Chase Lane, spoke concerning relocating the Department of Social Services to
downtown. Mr. Lifton gave the Board a historical overview of the 1985 election which he feels lead to
the deciding factor in relocating the Department of Social Services to West Hill. Mr. Lifton expressed
support for moving DSS downtown, and stated he feels this would help not only downtown, but the
entire County.
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April 4, 1995
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, announced the Tompkins County Municipal Cable
Commission will meet April 12 at 7 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, announced Earth Day will be celebrated in Tompkins
County on April 22 and 23, 1995. She circulated a flier showing the events planned for the celebration.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reported the annual Handicapped Olympics were held
at Ithaca College on April 1.
Mr. Evans, District No. 13 Representative, commented on the Handicapped Olympics, and stated
he is the proud parent of a second time gold medal winner.
Ms. Mink, District No. 5 Representative, commented on statements made under privilege of the
floor. She stated that the issue of moving the Biggs A offices downtown has been dealt by the Board in
a good faith way. She said the problems linked with workers at the Biggs building may have accelerated
the pace of exploration to move the offices downtown, but this move has been justified on other grounds,
including economics and relationships with clients. She stated she understands concerns with public
access show, and there needs to be a way to reduce the amount of abuse that is going on. The issue has
raised concerns of interfering with an individual's first amendment rights.
Chairman Stein stated during the past year he has not felt the discussion and deliberation on the
issue of relocating the Department of Social Services has been a partisan issue.
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, announced the week of April 2nd through 8th is
National County Government Week. She stated Tompkins County did not have enough time to plan for a
celebration of this occasion. She stated a celebration is planned for the summer, and at that time County
government will be opened up to Tompkins County citizens.
Ms. Mink, Chair, Biggs A Space Planning Study Committee, introduced James Kazda, Senior
Civil Engineer for Tompkins County. Mr. Kazda responded to questions and concerns that have been
raised by members of the Board during recent weeks that relate to the Human Services Space Planning
Study.
RESOLUTION NO. 77 - DISCONTINUE CONSIDERATION OF RENOVATION OF
BUILDINGS AT BIGGS CENTER
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Chairman Stein read the following
memorandum submitted by Representative Schuler: " I strongly support the recommendations of the
Human Service Space Planning Committee in planning for a project to construct or renovate space for the
Departments of Social Services and Probation in a downtown location. Relocating these services to the
County seat will benefit clients and staff. By reestablishing service delivery in an accessible
environment, all interests will be served. There was extended discussion in which several Board
members expressed their preference for a move downtown but a few wanted to keep the option of a new
building at the Biggs site open. Ms. Mink considered it useful to carry that option forward as a base case
against which to measure other options. A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, this Board has received and reviewed the report and recommendations of the
Human Service Space Planning Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Board, and
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April 4, 1995
WHEREAS, the Thomas Associates engineering and architectural study authorized by this Board
and accepted in 1992 demonstrated that approximately $6,000,000 needs to be spent to modernize the
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in Biggs Building A, and that at a minimum the
continued use of Biggs Building A requires that $2,000,000 be spent to continue the remedial repairs
needed to improve the indoor air comfort and quality of that building, and
WHEREAS, even if the larger of these amounts were expended for a modern, up-to-date heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning system in Biggs Building A the County departments included in this
planning process all agree that the space in that building would continue to be less than desirable in terms
of its ease and efficiency of use, and
WHEREAS, if the smaller of these amounts were expended for some modernizing of the
ventilation capacity of that building the heating system would still be one designed and built in 1932 and
would, according to best engineering estimates, incur very substantial added costs for emergency repairs
of failing systems, which could easily result in entire wings of the building having to be vacated for
extended periods, and
WHEREAS, this Board concurs with the recommendation of that Committee to discontinue any
consideration of renovating County buildings at the Biggs Center to provide long-term space for the
Social Services, Probation and other departments and agencies, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Service Space Planning Committee, That the
Committee is directed to discontinue further expenditure of time or money on planning for renovation of
space at the Biggs Center and this Board declares its intention to consider seriously the remaining options
outlined by the Committee, construction of new space either at the Biggs Center or in or near downtown
Ithaca, or renovation of space in or near downtown Ithaca.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 18
RESOLUTION NO. 78 - ACCEPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE HUMAN SERVICE SPACE PLANNING COMMITTEE,
PROVIDING DIRECTION FOR CONTINUED PLANNING
FOR SPACE FOR HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENTS OF
TOMPKINS COUNTY, AND AMENDING COUNTY
CAPITAL PROGRAM (Amended by Res. No. 102 of 1995)
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Mr. Proto asked the County Attorney what
implication the adoption could have on the pending Biggs A lawsuit. Mr. Theisen, County Attorney,
stated the adoption of this resolution does not impact that lawsuit. Ms. Kiefer asked if the "plan"
referred to in the third Resolve meant a definitive plan of disposition or use of Biggs A and county lands
or if it could mean simply a plan of how to proceed with arriving at such a decision; Ms. Mink said the
latter is most likely. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 1 (Representative Totman),
Excused - 1 (Representative Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Human Service Space Planning Committee has received a report from Sutton
Associates detailing a variety of options for the location of the health and human service depai t,iients
(other than the Mental Health Department) of County government, has thoroughly reviewed that report,
has combined the information in that report with the information developed by Thomas Associates, has
directly involved affected departments in this review process, has compared and presented to this Board
in both narrative and financial format the impacts, advantages, and disadvantages of what the Committee
determined to be the most advantageous options available to County government, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Service Space Planning Committee, That the
report of that Committee is hereby accepted and this Board directs the Committee to conduct a more
detailed exploration of the long and short term fiscal impacts of constructing new space or renovating
existing space, other than the Biggs A complex, for the Department of Social Services and Probation and
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April 4, 1995
such other departments as described in the above -referenced study, if determined by the Committee to be
desirable and affordable,
RESOLVED, further, That the such exploration shall result in a recommendation by the
Committee to this Board for the future location and configuration of space to serve these departments and
agencies,
RESOLVED, further, That said recommendation shall include, as a condition of this Board's
approval of such a Capital Project, a plan for the future of Biggs Building A and all County lands and
buildings associated with that structure,
RESOLVED, further, That the Committee is directed to continue to work with all affected
depaitments and agencies to ensure that they have suitable space for their needs at a reasonable and
appropriate cost to the taxpayers of Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Capital Program is hereby amended to include
authorization to spend up to an additional $100,000, with the source of these funds to be designated as
borrowing, to pay the costs of engineering investigations and space planning by the County Division of
Engineering and any necessary private engineering or architectural work that may be needed to develop
the above -required recommendation.
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Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the proposed compensation plan for the neighborhood surrounding
the Recycling and Solid Waste Center is in the City's hands and Jonathan Wood, Assistant County
Attorney, has had communications with the City Attorney. He said this item is progressing as quickly as
possible. Mr. Todd stated the Committee adopted one amendment to the service agreement with CRInc.
at the March 23 meeting and is considering another dealing with acceptance of out -of -county recyclables,
and copies of these resolutions have been distributed to Board members for information. Mr. Todd said
following that Committee meeting he joined Solid Waste Division staff, Soil and Water Conservation
District members, Jonathan Wood, Chairman Stein, and Charles Evans, for an inspection tour of the
Caswell Road Landfill.
Recess
Mr. Todd was excused from the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Chairman Stein declared recess from 7:53 p.m. to 8:02 p.m.
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Planning, Community
Development and Education Committee
Mr. Lane, Vice Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting.
The next Committee meeting will be April 12 at 9 a.m. in the Sherman Peer Room at the Tompkins
County Public Library. The meeting will held in conjunction with the Health and Environmental
Quality and Economic Development Committees. Mr. Lane said the resolution in respect to the Danby
property will be discussed at the Committee's next meeting. He requested an executive session to
discuss collective bargaining.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Ms Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to make the following appointments to the Southern Tier East Regional
Planning and Development Board: Pamela Mackesey as the City of Ithaca representative for a term
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April 4, 1995
expiring December 31, 1997; and George Totman, as a County Representatives for a term expiring
December 31, 1996.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. 1 OF 1995 - AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER AND
CODE, ARTICLE 10 - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, SECTION
10.02 - COUNTY PLANNING BOARD; COMPOSITION, POWERS
AND DUTIES
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Planning Board is charged with a variety of tasks, including
advising the county Board of Representatives and the Planning Commissioner of County planning
matters, as well as acting as a forum for the exchange of information on local planning activities, and
WHEREAS, these basic functions would be better served by organizations which can focus their
efforts on one of these, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County planning Board has recommended the reorganization of the
Planning Board into two bodies, and
WHEREAS, the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee has demonstrated
its support for this change, now therefore be it
RESOLVED on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That a public hearing be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the
Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, April 18, 1995, at
5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof concerning proposed Local Law No. 1 of 1995 - Amendment to the
Charter and Code, Article 10 - Department of Planning, Section 10.02 - County Planning Board;
Composition, Powers and Duties. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will
be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
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Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
The resolution entitled Amendment to Resolution No. 65 of 1995 - Appropriation from
Contingent Fund, Charter Review Committee, was added to the agenda at the request of Chairman Stein.
There was no objection by any member of the Board to this addition.
Withdrawal of Resolutions Requiring Board Action or Affirmation
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn or affirmed.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 65 OF 1995 -APPROPRIATION
FROM CONTINGENT FUND, CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 65 of 1995 authorized the Director of Finance to appropriate $2,200
from A1990 Contingent Fund to A1010.4442, Board of Representatives Professional Services, and
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April 4, 1995
WHEREAS, funding has become available in the Board of Representatives budget to cover the
amount needed to hire an individual on a contractual, part-time basis to perform research projects at the
direction of the Charter Review Committee, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the action to appropriate $2,200 from the Contingent Fund in Resolution No.
65 of 1995 is hereby rescinded.
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Chairman's Report
Chairman Stein announced he received a lengthy facsimile from John Zagame of the New York
State Association of Counties, concerning the proposed State budget. There will be a meeting of County
officials on April 6 in Albany. Mr. Stein will have copies of this distributed to all Board members. They
are asking that counties send a representative to this meeting.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman, County Administrator, had no report.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported there is a critical matter in the family courts where a where a child under
16 has been charged with juvenile delinquency. He said there have been situations where while the
matter is pending, it has been inappropriate for the child to return home, and due to a shortage of beds in
detention centers, situations have arisen that have resulted in a child ending up on the street. This matter
is being addressed by the County Attorney's office and the Depaaucent of Social Services. He stated
when he receives any news on the Biggs A cases, he will inform the Board.
Report from the Director of Finance
Mr. Squires stated interest rates are coming down. He reported the County sold $800,000 of
bond anticipation notes at a rate of 4.373 percent for the E911 system. He said there were eleven
bidders; this is the largest pool of bidders he can remember. He stated the County audit is still taking
place, and said the County has increased its funds from 1993 to 1994. The first quarter report and the
end of year report for 1994 will be submitted to the Board in the next couple of weeks.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee met with individuals to try to facilitate the
gathering of information concerning the problem of beds for juvenile delinquents as mentioned in the
County Attorney's report. He stated he will introduce the Fiscal Coordinator for the Sheriff's
Department at the next Board meeting. Mr. Meskill requested an executive session to discuss a legal
matter.
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met on March 31 to review what the Committee
heard from the Department heads that report to the Committee to assist with putting together the work
plan for the committee for the coming year. Mr. Winch stated the Committee will be working on the
following during 1995: Support for the five-year plan for Buildings and Grounds; modernization of the
County's information management system; improve hiring, retention and promotion of disabled and
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April 4, 1995
minority employees. He stated these are only a few of the goals the Committee will be working on this
year.
Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be 8 a.m. in the Board Room on April 13. The Committee at that time will be refining
the road project list and possibly making some adjustments in the five-year Bridge Plan.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Health and Environmental Health Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be April 13 in the Old Jail Conference Room at 9:30 a.m.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Alex Rachun to the Environmental Management Council representing the
Town of Ulysses for a term expiring December 31, 1995.
Report and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be April 5 at noon in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint David Delchamps to the Tompkins County Youth Board as a City of
Ithaca Representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He
reported on the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee's plans for improving and enhancing the
process for public information and public input around the budget. The Committee will also talk about a
process for making changes in the County Budget if the State budget is approved. There will also be
some scenarios for the 1996 County budget. He stated the next meeting will be April 11 at noon in the
Old Jail Conference Room.
Report from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reemphasized to members of the Board on the fourth Monday at 3 p.m. if
Board members have any concerns about the job performance of any employee in the County or anything
relative to job performance, that is the opportunity to discuss those concerns. She reported the
Department of Motor Vehicle Task Force has been meeting regularly and will meet on April 5 at 2 p.m.
in the Courthouse Conference Room. The next meeting of the Governmental Affairs Committee will be
April 10 at 3 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room. The Committee will be dealing with the issue of
whether the County wants to offer the early retirement option to its employees. Mrs. Livesay requested
an executive session to discuss negotiations.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will now meet the second Tuesday of the month at
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April4, 1995
9 a.m. The Committee will hear a report from Michael Stamm, Tompkins County Area Development
President, at the next meeting.
Report from the Biggs A Space Planning Study Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meeting April 7 at 2 p.m.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Leadership Council will undergo training all day on April 6. She
stated Ipek Kursat is planning to be available to do interviews with Board members during the week of
April 17-20.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met March 30. He said the group is continuing
to get organized. and will be looking at a mission statement for the Committee at the next meeting on
April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Sherman Peer Room at the Tompkins County Public Library.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee finished its work on the latest edition of the
County News, and it should appear as an insert in the next Ithaca Times, as well as the Freeville Shopper.
He stated the Committee continues to look at other means of communication in its efforts to get
information to the underserved areas of the County.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met April 3rd and discussed the issue of outreach.
He stated the Committee invited a marketing professional, Charles Brodhead of Communications Support
Group, Inc. to speak to them. Mr. Brodhead identified several areas and made suggestions for improving
communication. Representatives Evans and Joseph, Chairmen of the Public Information Committee,
were in attendance at this meeting also. Mr. Proto will have copies of minutes of this meeting distributed
to all Board members. He stated the next meeting has tentatively been set for April 24 at 8:15 a.m. The
topic of that meeting will be resources that may be available at that State level the County does not know
about. Diane Crews of the New Futures Rural Alliance and representatives from the State will be invited
to attend that meeting. Mr. Lerner stated the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee is also
looking at ways to get information to the rural areas of the County.
Report from the Wal-Mart Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, read a letter he wrote to James Hanson, Commissioner of Planning, and
the staff for the Special Study Committee on the Wal-Mart DEIS: "I would like to extend my
appreciation to staff members of the County Planning Department, Ithaca -Tompkins County
Transportation Council, Solid Waste Division, Tomtran, and the Environmental Management Council for
their timely and expert technical review of the Wal-Mart DEIS. Not only was the work completed in a
timely and professional manner, it received positive comments from the Ithaca City Planning Department
and the Ithaca Journal as well. Thanks for a job well done."
Report from the Charter Review Committee
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April 4, 1995
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee held its first meeting on March 31, and set for its
first task to examine the Board of Representatives and to identify problems related to the structure of the
Board. The Committee has contracted with Henry Moore, an intern, to do research for the Committee.
The next meeting will be April 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of March 21, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to approve the minutes of March 21, 1995 with the corrections submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Approval of Amendments to Previous Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted to approve
the amendments as submitted by Representative Kiefer to the minutes of December 6, 1994 and February
7, 1995.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to enter into executive session at 8:54 p.m. to discuss the following:
• a legal matter
• negotiations
• labor-management partnership agreement
The meeting returned to open session at 10:10 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
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April 18, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Local Law No. 1 of 1995
Chairman Stein called the pubhc hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Local Law No. 1 of
1995 - Amending Local Law No. 7 of 1990 - Article X of the County Charter and Code, to Provide for
Reorganization of the County Planning Board.
Chairman Stein asked if anyone wished to speak.
Becky Bilderback, Planning Board Chair, said the Board has been discussing ways of making the
Board more effective. She stated the group is very diverse and recommends a break in the group into a
planning federation and a planning advisory board. The Board feels this will enable more tasks to be
accomplished effectively.
No one else wished to speak and Chairman Stein declared the public hearing closed at 5:34 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives. Ms. Blanchard was excused from the meeting at 7:25 p.m. prior to
action on Resolution No. 91.
Approval of Minutes of April 4, 1995
This item was forwarded to the end of the agenda.
Proclamations
Chairman Stein read the proclamations declaring:
The week of April 23-29, 1995 to be Infant Immunization Week in Tompkins County.
The week of April 16-22, 1995 to be Federation of New York Insurance Women's Week in
Tompkins County;
The week of April 23-29, 1995 to be Retired and Senior Volunteers Week in Tompkins County;
Mrs. Ozminkowski, County Clinical Nurse for the Tompkins County Health Department,
accepted the proclamation declaring the week of April 23-29 to be Infant Immunization Week in
Tompkins County, and thanked the Board for their support in making sure the children of Tompkins
County are immunized.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Philip Snyder, 121 East Buffalo Street, and Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Land Trust,
spoke concerning the conveyance of Danby land. He said they are proposing to create an approximate
250 -acre model biodiversity preserve for chemical ecology. He believes this will protect the natural
integrity of the Finger Lakes.
William Holtcamp, 1591 Taughannock Blvd., thanked the Board for its recent appropriation of
$15,000 to the Finger Lakes Association. He announced Frank Cosentino has been elected Director from
Tompkins County on the Finger Lakes Association Board of Directors.
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April 18, 1995
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Todd, District No. 6 Representative, stated he has received several inquiries concerning the
water level of Cayuga Lake. He said he has spoken to the Thruway Authority, who has control of the
water level, and has been informed they intend to raise the level to the normal summertime level. They
have restricted the outflow at the other end of the lake as far as they are permitted to. Ms. Kiefer stated
in July there will be the Celebration of Cayuga Lake, and said a representative of the Thruway Authority
will be invited to talk about that.
RESOLUTION NO. 81 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - KEVIN SHREVE
MOVED by Mr. Joseph and unanimously seconded and adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Kevin Shreve served as the Town of Caroline's first representative to the Tompkins
County Youth Board and later as the Youth Board representative from the Village of Trumansburg, and
WHEREAS, Kevin generously donated over 1,100 hours of service serving on every committee
of the Tompkins County Youth Board from 1983 to 1994 while starting his own successful business and
raising two great teenagers, and
WHEREAS, Kevin chaired the Youth Board and its planning committee when the County's
award-winning Municipal Youth Services system comprised of ten local youth commissions to address
local youth needs was conceived and developed, and
WHEREAS, Kevin combined his business acumen with common sense and compassion when
planning for youth services, evaluating funding proposals, and making difficult choices to recommend
the most effective youth development and delinquency prevention programs for the County and his local
community, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services Committee, That the Board of
Representatives extends its sincere appreciation and praise to Kevin Shreve for his outstanding service to
Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That the members of Kevin's family who shared his time and made it
possible for him to serve other youth and families also be recognized for their support.
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RESOLUTION NO. 82 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF 1995 - AMENDING
LOCAL LAW NO. 7 OF 1990 - ARTICLE X OF THE COUNTY
CHARTER AND CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR REORGANIZATION
OF THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held before the Board of Representatives on April 18,
1995 to hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. 1 of 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That said proposed Local Law No. 1 - Amending Local Law No. 7 of 1990 - Article X of the
Charter and Code, to Provide for Reorganization of the County Planning Board be and hereby is adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the
County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file
one certified copy in the office of the County Clerk, and three (3) certified copies in the office of the
Secretary of State.
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April 18, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 83 - 1994-1996 CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, INC.,
AGREEMENT - TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, an agreement has been negotiated between the Civil Service Employees
Association, Inc., and Tompkins Cortland Community College for the period of January 1, 1994, through
December 31, 1996, and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 1994, the Tompkins Cortland Community College and the Civil
Service Employees Association, Inc., negotiating teams reached an understanding on said agreement, and
WHEREAS, Judge Susan A. Comenzo has ordered that the contents of said agreement be
incorporated in the contract between the parties, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives hereby ratifies said agreement contingent upon approval by the
Cortland County Legislature.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met April 11 and discussed the proposed
compensation plan for the Recycling and Solid Waste Center, and also discussed the Division's work
plan for 1995. He stated a meeting was held on April 13 for the purpose of reviewing the proposed
compensation plan for the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. At the City's request, the proposed plan
has been forwarded to the City's Budget and Administration Committee. The next Committee meeting
will be April 28 at 1 p.m. in the Conference Room. Barbara Eckstrom, County Solid Waste Manager,
updated the Board on the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. The County began to receive revenues
April 3; weekdays 150-300 cars are using the public drop-off area, but on Saturday 400 vehicles were
handled. All construction work including paving will be done by May 15, and the first financial and
tonnage reports will go to the Solid Waste Committee in June.
RESOLUTION NO. 84 - CHANGING HOURS OF POSITIONS - SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT DIVISION
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Senior Account Clerk and the Account Clerk to operate the
scalehouse from 7:00-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the following positions be
increased in hours effective immediately:
Senior Account Clerk Typist (9/529) increase hours from 35 to 37.5
Account Clerk/Typist (6/513) increase hours from 35 to 40
RESOLVED, further, That no additional appropriations are required.
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RESOLUTION NO. 85 - AUTHORIZING THE SOLID WASTE MANAGER TO ACCEPT
OUT -OF -COUNTY RECYCLABLE MATERIAL AT THE
RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE CENTER
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
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April 18, 1995
WHEREAS, the service agreement between the County and CRInc., as amended, allows the
County to accept out -of -County recyclable materials, and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the County to maximize net revenues from the processing
and sale of recyclable materials, and
WHEREAS, the County desires to accept out -of -County recyclable material in appropriate cases
in order to maximize revenues, and
WHEREAS, periodic deliveries of acceptable recyclables by municipalities, institutions, or
commercial entities are expected to have no negative effect on the operation of the Recycling and Solid
Waste Center, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the Solid Waste Manager
is authorized to accept out -of -County recyclable material commencing June 1, 1995, only if delivered in
large loads and only if accepting those materials is in the financial interest of Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That the Solid Waste Manager shall have the final authority to negotiate
and confirm in writing, agreements for periods not to exceed one-year with out -of -County suppliers of
recyclable material about all matters including prices paid, size of acceptable loads, types of recyclables,
etc.,
RESOLVED, further, That the Solid Waste Manager shall report on a regular basis to the Solid
Waste Committee on the quantities of out -of -County material accepted and the terms pursuant to which
such materials have been accepted.
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Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
appoint Henry Vaughan to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Commercial Avenue Central
Processing Facility for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded and adopted by voice vote,
with Representative Proto voting no, the resolution entitled Endorsement of Labor -Management
Partnership Agreement was added to the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the resolution entitled Transfer of County Tax Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of Danby,
Approximately 36.5 Acres to Finger Lakes Trust Inc., for Public Purpose.
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA017-95 - Approval of T -Hangar Lease Agreement - Tompkins County Airport
CA018-95 - Authorization to Accept Grant Award and Budget Adjustment - Depaitiuent of
Social Services
CA019-95 - Reclassification of Sign Mechanic - Public Works
CA020-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report and Appointment(s)
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April 18, 1995
Chairman Stein had no report or appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported the County newsletter "County Corridors" has steadily been improving.
There is a critical need for an organization to communicate with its employees, and he feels this works
well as a communication tool for Tompkins County. The feedback that has been received indicates
employees are reading the publication on a regular basis.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen whimsically reported on a recent case involving a Ferret. He requested an executive
session to discuss pending litigation.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported the auditors have concluded the County audit. He reported proposals will
be opened tomorrow for administrative software, and will review these over the next month. He
announced he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the New York State Government Finance
Officers Association. Dominic Cafferillo, City of Ithaca Controller, is soon to be President of that
organization.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met April 12. She stated a proposed resolution for
the Danby Land Trust will come to the Board on May 16. She asked any Board members who have
questions on this subject, to get them to her as soon as possible. The Committee approved the Planning
Department's work plan for 1995. She said the plan is extensive and there is a lot of work to be done this
year. Mrs. Schuler urged members of the Board to read the plan. She displayed a new brochure being
distributed by the Tompkins County Public Library. She reported the selection of a new Tompkins
Cortland Community College President has been narrowed to three final candidates. On April 27 there
will be a joint meeting of the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee, and Health
and Environmental Quality Committees, with other Board members have an invited to update on GIS
(Geographic Information System) and other pending Capital projects. The next Committee meeting will
be May 10 at 9 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 86 - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A FOUR YEAR LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH THE FINGER LAKES LIBRARY SYSTEM
AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Finger Lakes Library System currently has a lease agreement with the Tompkins
County Public Library for the rental of space, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Division of Buildings and Grounds currently maintains
utility, cleaning, and maintenance services to the entire Library facility without benefit of a written
agreement, and
WHEREAS, all parties agree that there should be one uniform agreement for the rental of space
including utility, cleaning, and maintenance services between Tompkins County, as owner of the facility
located at 312 North Cayuga Street, and the Finger Lakes Library Service, now therefore be it
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April 18, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with the Finger
Lakes Library Service for January 1,1995 through December 31, 1998 for rent, cleaning, utilities and
maintenance with amounts due Tompkins County as follows:
1995 $51,566 ($8.3873 per SF for office; $2.0573 per SF for garage)
1996 $53,115 ($8.6392 per SF for office; $2.1190 per SF for garage)
1997 $54,708 ($8.8983 per SF for office; $2.1826 per SF for garage)
1998 $56,348 ($9.1652 per SF for office; $2.2480 per SF for garage)
RESOLVED, further, That the County agrees to pay the Library for the rent which is currently
due and payable to the Library by Finger Lakes Library Service in the amounts stated below:
1995=$17,426.68; 1996=$26,925; 1997=$27,732; 1998=$28,564
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized and directed to make the
following budget adjustment for 1995:
REVENUE A9999.2410 Unallocated Revenue - Rentals $17,426.68
APPROPRIATION A7410.4400 Library - Program Expense $17,426.68
RESOLVED, further, That the actual costs for utilities, cleaning, and maintenance for the years
1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 be measured against the actual amounts paid pursuant to this lease and
adjustments, either positive or negative, be factored into the rental amounts to be negotiated during the
subsequent rental period commencing January 1, 1999.
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Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met April 13 and reviewed highlights of the
Airport's Annual Report. She reported there is a surplus of funds in the Airport budget of approximately
$218,000 thanks to the work of the former Airport Committee. The Committee authorized the
installation of monitoring wells, and forwarded this item to the Health and Environmental Quality
Committee. Pedestrian and bicycle needs were also discussed at that meeting. Ms. Blanchard stated
there is an excess in the snow removal budget in the amount of $70,000 because of the mild winter. The
Committee is considering whether to keep them in a snow -removal fund or use those funds to do
additional paving. She reported the Forest Home Bridge schedule has been revised. The opening of the
bridge has been delayed to September 19 from two weeks earlier. She stated as part of the transit
consolidation project, there is a new consolidated bus schedule she feels will be very helpful. Ms.
Blanchard said thanks to Senator Seward's office, Tompkins County will be using the electronic trolley
during the Empire State games in August. She responded to questions relating to a generic newscast
about US Air. She said problems that Airline has relate to prolonged airline negotiations, and stated U.S.
Air looks at Tompkins County as a profit center.
RESOLUTION NO. 87 - ESTABLISHING PETTY CASH ACCOUNT - ITHACA-
TOMPKINS TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County serves as the Host Agency for the Ithaca -Tompkins County
Transportation Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Ithaca -Tompkins County
Metropolitan Area, and
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April 18, 1995
WHEREAS, the Director of the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council has requested
that a petty cash account be established in the amount of fifty dollars ($50), now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Director of Finance is hereby directed and authorized to establish a petty cash account in the amount of
fifty dollars ($50) for the use of the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council.
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RESOLUTION NO. 88 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH NEW
YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR LAND
ACQUISITION FOR COUNTY PROPERTY NEAR THE
INTERSECTION OF NEW YORK STATE ROUTE 13A AND NEW
YORK STATE ROUTE 13
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, New York State Depaitnient of Transportation requires a parcel .42 in size for its
right-of-way use in NYSDOT PIN 3057.28 and will pay the County $2,500 under the eminent domain
process, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Administrator or designee is hereby authorized to execute an Agreement with New York State
Department of Transportation for land acquisition by eminent domain for County property near New
York State Route 13A and New York State Route 13 for proposed improvements as part of the Route 13
South roadway and bridge improvement project NYSDOT PIN3057.28.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met April 13 and heard a report from Gordon
Stevens, Jail Administrator, on medical services at the Jail. Mr. Stevens reported to the Committee that
medical services at the Jail have vastly improved during the last year, and that quality measures are
working quite well. Mr. Evans said Alice Cole, Public Health Director, requested the Jail Nurse position
report directly to the Sheriff. Her concerns are that requirements under the New York State Public
Health Law and requirements under the Corrections Law are different, and she does not feel qualified to
supervise the position under those circumstances. Mr. Evans said Ms. Cole has been asked to form an ad
hoc committee to look at this issue further. The Committee had a report from Steven Kern of the Health
Department concerning rabies. He reported to the Committee there have been only 22 rabies related
deaths in the United States since 1980. Frank Croteau, Health and Safety Coordinator, gave a report to
the Committee concerning air quality in the Mental Health building. He alerted the Committee that two
employees in the building had health complaints and upon expediting investigation by the County it was
found that carbon monoxide levels were too high. The problem was linked to a heating device on the
roof of the building. This device will be replaced. Mr. Evans said the Alcoholism Council expressed
concern to the Committee about the Agency's budget, and said there is an expected cut by New York
State of $37,000. The Committee, at the request of the SPCA, tabled the subject of cat licensing
indefinitely. David Lapoint of Ithaca Wastewater Treatment Plant, relayed concerns to the Committee
about meter calibration at the Plant.
RESOLUTION NO. 89 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT - JACK
VENESKY, C.P.A. - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
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April 18, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. Ms. Kiefer raised concern that this contract
increases significantly over the rate of inflation. A lengthy discussion followed.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to accept the figure in the resolution for
1995, but to renegotiate for 1996 and 1997. A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes -
3 (Representatives Kiefer, Proto, and Schuler); Noes - 12. AMENDMENT FAILED. It was MOVED
by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Totman, to refer this resolution back to Committee. A voice vote on
the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 5 (Representatives Blanchard, Kiefer, Meskill, Stein, and
Totman); Noes - 10. AMENDMENT FAILED. A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as
follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Meskill and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department is required to file a Medicare and
Medicaid Cost Report for the Certified Home Health Agency, and
WHEREAS, Jack Venesky, C.P.A. has provided guidance, technical expertise, consulting and
accounting services for the department since 1989, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
County Administrator is authorized to execute a contract with Jack Venesky, C.P.A. for the reporting
years of 1995, 1996 and 1997,
RESOLVED, further, That the Department will budget the costs as follows:
COMPLETE
CONSULTING
SERVICE
INCLUDING AUDIT CHHA
YEAR FEES THE MEDICAID
REPORTING PAYABLE MEDICARE COST REPORT
YEAR COST REPORT
1995 1996 $15,000 $4,500
1996 1997 $15,800 $4,700
1997 1998 $16,500 $4,900
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, said the Council held a very interesting and productive meeting yesterday with
members of the Blue Collar Union. The members of that Union voted unanimously in support of the
labor-management partnership agreement. The next Leadership Council meeting will be April 19 at
1 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 90 - ENDORSEMENT OF LABOR-MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP
AGREEMENT
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mrs. Livesay. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Proto). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Labor Management Partnership Agreement developed by the Leadership
Council is designed to serve as the basis for Tompkins County's Partnership for Quality effort, and
WHEREAS, the agreement has been approved by the County's CSEA White and Blue Collar
Units and County Department Heads, now therefore be it
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April 18, 1995
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives endorses this agreement and
authorizes the County Administrator and the Chair of the Leadership Council to sign the agreement on
behalf of the County.
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Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met April 5. He said the Department of Social
Services has submitted a managed care plan to the State. Since the submission of the plan, the County
has learned the State is applying for a waiver from the federal government, and all the rules may change.
Mr. Joseph reported the Task Force for Battered Women will now run its shelter without night staff
because of reductions in funding. A report of the homeless task force shows a decline in the need for
homeless shelters. This represents a successfully run program. Mr. Joseph said there is concern that
this success will be overrun by changes in the State budget when it is adopted.
Ms. Blanchard was excused from the meeting at this time.
RESOLUTION NO. 91 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH
GADABOUT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Gadabout provides Senior Citizens with much needed transportation, and
WHEREAS, Community Services for the Elderly funding can be used to help meet the costs,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services Committee, That the County
Administrator, or his designee, be authorized to execute a contract with Gadabout Transportation
Services, Inc., for a total of $1,467; $1,100 of which is provided via the New York State Community
Services for the Elderly Program and $367 to be provided by Gadabout as local match,
RESOLVED, further, That no additional funds are required for this service. The said funds shall
be expended from Account No. 6777.4491.
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Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to make the following appointments to the Tompkins County Youth Board:
Terms expire December 31, 1997:
Ben Curtis - Town of Ulysses Representative
Gailanne Limber Mackenzie - Village of Groton Representative
Donna West - City of Ithaca Representative
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Pamela Mackesey to the Economic Opportunity Corporation as the City
of Ithaca Representative for a term expiring March 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Georgette King to the Human Rights Commission for a term expiring
December 31, 1997.
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April 18, 1995
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee meeting scheduled for April 24 has been
canceled. He stated Tompkins Cortland Community College has asked for guidance from the Committee
as the 1996 budget for the College is prepared. Mr. Lerner said the Budget Reorganization Advisory
Committee is planning an enhanced version of the kind of public town meetings held last year on the
budget. He said he expects a special Board meeting to discuss the proposed changes in the outline of the
1996 County budget. At this time he distributed a chart showing preliminary 1996 budget scenarios as of
April 4, 1995, and briefly discussed this document with the Board.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met April 10 and the business conducted at that
meeting is reflected on the agenda. She brought to the Boards' attention the Mercer Report on the
County's health insurance coverage. Mrs. Livesay stated Representative Evans is Chairing a
subcommittee that is working on revising the Ethics law. The subcommittee members are Representative
Totman; Aurora Valenti, County Clerk; Bob Stolp, Assigned Counsel Administrator; and Linnett
Warner, Administrative Assistant in the Solid Waste Division. The Committee hopes to have Anita
Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner, give a presentation at the next Committee meeting on the County's
job reclassification system. The next Committee meeting will be May 8 at 3 p.m. There will also be a
report on the affirmative action program at that time. She reminded the Board that the Committee will
meet on April 24 at 3 p.m. in executive session to discuss any personnel issue anyone has. If anyone
would like to be placed on the agenda for this meeting, they should contact her.
RESOLUTION NO. 92 - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. 2 OF 1995 - ELECTING A RETIREMENT INCENTIVE
PROGRAM AS AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 12, LAWS OF 1995
FOR THE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNTY OF
TOMPKINS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That a public hearing
be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse,
320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, May 2, 1995 at 5:30 o'clock in the evening
thereof on proposed Local Law No. 2 of 1995 - Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized
by Chapter 12, Laws of 1995 for the Eligible Employees of the County of Tompkins. At such time and
place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
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RESOLUTION NO. 93 - DESIGNATION OF POINT OF ENTRY FOR OFFICIAL STREET
NAMES AND ADDRESSES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN
ELECTRONIC MASTER STREET NAME AND ADDRESS FILE
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
127
April 18, 1995
WHEREAS, accurate street names and addresses are essential to the successful implementation
of E911 and to support other essential activities of County and Municipal governments, and
WHEREAS, the County has not officially designated a point of entry for this information, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, and after discussions
with postal and municipal officials, That the Fire and Disaster Coordinator's office be designated the
official point of entry for all municipal actions and approvals regarding street names and addresses,
RESOLVED, further, That the Fire and Disaster Coordinator will review all proposed changes
and urge municipalities to avoid the duplication of street names or addresses,
RESOLVED, further, That on acceptance of changes that these changes will be transmitted to
Data Processing to be incorporated into an electronic master file to serve all County Departments and
Municipalities.
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RESOLUTION NO. 94 - ENCOURAGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICES FOR OLDER
AMERICANS - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, forthcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act offers an opportunity to
modify the Act to reflect changing knowledge, conditions, and experience, and
WHEREAS, economic conditions require every possible action to reduce government
spending without denying services to those in need, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Governmental Affairs Committees,
That in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, cost sharing should be implemented for
appropriate services so as to extend service funds available to serve more people,
RESOLVED, further, That the experience of states which have implemented cost sharing should
be taken into consideration, and that maximum flexibility be allowed to states and localities to design and
implement cost sharing options,
RESOLVED, further, That voluntary contributions should continue to be encouraged in
conjunction with cost sharing arrangements.
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RESOLUTION NO. 95 - URGING COST SHARING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICES FOR
OLDER AMERICANS - NEW YORK STATE GOVERNMENT
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, economic conditions require every possible action to reduce government spending
without denying services to those in need, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Governmental Affairs Committees,
That New York State programs for the elderly should require cost sharing for appropriate services so as
to extend service funds available to serve more people,
RESOLVED, further, That the experience of those State senior programs which have
implemented cost sharing should be taken into consideration, and that maximum flexibility be allowed to
localities to design and implement cost sharing options,
RESOLVED, further, That voluntary contributions should continue to be encouraged in
conjunction with cost sharing arrangements.
128
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April 18, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 96 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 02-01 -
CREATING NEW POSITIONS AND CHANGING EXISTING
POSITIONS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. It was MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by
Mr. Meskill, to delete the following wording on page three, third paragraph: "The Commissioner of
Personnel shall then make a final decision which is not appealable" and replace with the following
wording: "The Commissioner of Personnel shall then make a decision. If the decision of the
Commissioner of Personnel goes against the Appeals Committee, the matter is appealable to the
committee with the personnel function". A roll call vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes -
13; Noes - 1 (Representative Todd); Excused - 1 (Representative Blanchard). AMENDMENT
CARRIED. A voice vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes — 0,
Excused - 1 (Representative Blanchard). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
02-01 Creating New Positions and Changing Existing Positions
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RESOLUTION NO. 97 - CREATION OF YOUTH SERVICE SPECIALIST - YOUTH
BUREAU
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the budget of the Youth Bureau has been reduced and the department can no longer
afford to fill two Program Management Specialist positions on a full-time basis, and
WHEREAS, the department occasionally needs to hire staff for short periods of time for specific
projects which may not require the same level of autonomy or experience as required of a Program
Management Specialist, and
WHEREAS, there are no other appropriate titles which can be used by the Youth Bureau, and
WHEREAS, the creation of the Youth Services Specialist position would give the department the
flexibility to use existing funds more efficiently to achieve County -approved objectives, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Governmental Affairs Committees,
That one (1) full-time position of Youth Services Specialist (11/560), labor grade K(11), competitive
class be created immediately.
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RESOLUTION NO. 98 - INCREASE IN HOURS OF SECRETARY/PARALEGAL AIDE TO
COUNTY ATTORNEY - COUNTY ATTORNEY
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the position of Secretary/Paralegal Aide to County Attorney was originally created
on February 15, 1994 at 60%, and
129
April 18, 1995
WHEREAS, the Secretary/Paralegal Aide to County Attorney position was given approval and
funding through the 1995 budget process to be staffed at 100% effective January 1, 1995, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the position of
Secretary/Paralegal Aide to County Attorney (59/337), confidential labor grade I(9), exempt class be
increased from 60% to 100% effective January 1, 1995.
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RESOLUTION NO. 99 - TO SUPPORT REPEALING THE SUNSET PROVISION OF
CHAPTER 78, LAWS OF 1989, ESTABLISHING THE LOCAL
GOVERNMENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT
FUND
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the appropriate management of local government records through their creation, use,
maintenance, and disposition is essential to efficient and effective government, and
WHEREAS, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was established in
Chapter 78, Laws of 1989, to benefit the local governments of New York State through grants for records
management and through establishment of a program of regionally -based technical assistance
administered by the New York State Archives and Records Administration of the New York State
Education Department, and
WHEREAS, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund has enormously
benefited Tompkins County through three (3) grants totaling $110,000 to the Tompkins County Clerk's
Office, and grants exceeding $200,000 to Tompkins County municipalities through frequent and readily
accessible consultation by the Improvement Fund -supported State Archives and Records Administration
Regional Advisory Officer and through Improvement Fund -sustained training available through regularly
scheduled workshops on records and information management -related subjects attended by the Tompkins
County Clerk and the Records Officer, and
WHEREAS, the grants have supported successful projects to inventory the records of Tompkins
County, to store inactive records, and for microfilming, and
WHEREAS, the grants, consultation, workshops, and other services to Tompkins County
supported by the Fund have contributed significantly to the improved management of its records, to the
availability and accessibility of those records to its officials and citizens, and to economical and
responsive administration saving taxpayers' dollars, and
WHEREAS, there is much more to be accomplished here in Tompkins County and in the other
local governments of New York State, where needs will continue in the future with the growth in the
volume of records, as needs change and information technologies present new challenges, and
WHEREAS, grants and technical advice are essential in assisting all the local governments of
New York State in developing records management programs adequate to the demands of governments
and citizens, and demand for those grants and services remains critical, and
WHEREAS, these needs are served and programs sustained through modest surcharges on fees for
records filed and recorded by county clerks of the State of New York and the Register of the City of New
York which sustain the Improvement Fund, without the use of state tax revenues, and
WHEREAS, The Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was created with a
sunset date of December 31, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That Tompkins
County fully supports the perpetuation of the Local Government Records Management Improvement
Fund through the elimination of its sunset provision and supports its continued administration by the
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April 18, 1995
New York State Archives and Records Administration of the New York State Education Department
with oversight by the Local Government Records Advisory Council,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County forward copies of this resolution to its state
legislators, the leadership of the state legislature, and to the Governor of the State of New York.
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Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee discussed supervision of the Jail Nurse position.
He also stated the Fiscal Coordinator for the Sheriff's Depai tment presented the Committee with a work
plan which identified positive and negative areas in the Department. He stated the Committee has
requested the County Administrator to examine the subject of expanding the Jail as a result of the
expenses the County has incurred due to lack of space at the Jail. Ms. Kiefer requested a copy of the
report presented to the Committee from the Fiscal Coordinator. Mr. Meskill said he will distribute a
copy to all Board members.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met April 11 and heard a report from Michael Stamm,
President of Tompkins County Area Development, and also Chuck Winns of the Tompkins -Cortland
Labor Union Coalition. Mr. Stamm gave the Committee his opinion on the Biggs A building. Mr.
Stamm told the Committee he feels the best occupants for the building would be small offices or small
development companies. Ms. Mink noted TCAD exceeded the number of jobs they said they would
create. Mr. Stamm also reported on the results of his research to a recapture policy whereby a recipient
of IDA support who relocates out of the County would have to pay back the IDA monies received. This
idea met with signs of approval from Board members.
Report from the Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said the Committee will meet April 21 at 1:30 p.m. The Committee will be
targeting responsibilities to different agencies.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met today and began discussions concerning the
functions of the Board of Representatives and those various problems that vary from work load and time
commitment on the part of the legislators, to the numbers on the Board. The next meeting will be May 2
at 3:15 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room. At that meeting the Committee will focus on the function
of the Board Chair.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee is continuing to organize itself. He read the
Committee's vision statement and said he expects the Committee to complete its first phase of work by
December. The Committee has created three subcommittees: Infrastructure, Policies, and Partnerships.
Mr. Evans said the Committee will meet next on April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Sherman Peer Room at the
Tompkins County Public Library.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Co -Chair, reported the County News has been released. He invited Board members
to write an article for the monthly column on the editorial page in the Ithaca Journal.
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April 18, 1995
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on April 24 at 8:15 a.m. at Cooperative
Extension. He said Richard Mansfield, Executive Director of the New York State Rural Development
Council will be in attendance at that meeting to dices what resources may be available at the State and
Federal level. David Pilliod of the New York State Department of State will be speaking to the
Committee through a speaker -phone at this meeting. Diane Crews of the New Futures Rural Alliance
has also been invited to attend this meeting.
Approval of Minutes of April 4, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to approve the minutes of April 4, 1995 with the corrections submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:40 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into executive session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss a pending litigation. The
meeting returned to open session at 9:00 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
132
May 2, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Local Law No. 2 of 1995
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Local Law No. 2 of
1995 - Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 12, Laws of 1995, for the
Eligible Employees of the County of Tompkins.
Chairman Stein asked if any member of the public wished to speak. No member of the public or
Board wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 5:31 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes of April 18, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Totman, to approve the minutes of April 18,
1995. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Lane, to amend the minutes by incorporating
proposed changes submitted by Representative Kiefer. Mr. Meskill and Mr. Lerner asked that the section
concerning the Public Safety Committee report given by Mr. Meskill, and the comments by Mrs.
Eckstrom, Solid Waste Manager, to Resolution No. 85, be removed from the proposed amendment. Ms.
Kiefer agreed to withdraw these changes. A voice vote on the amendments to the minutes resulted as
follows: Ayes -15, Noes - 0. MOTION CARRIED. A voice vote on the minutes as amended resulted as
follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. MINUTES APPROVED.
Proclamation
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 7-13, 1995 as Hospital
Week in Tompkins County to Representative Proto. Mr. Proto is a member of the Hospital Board of
Directors. Mr. Proto distributed to members the Tompkins Community Hospital Annual Report for 1994,
and the 1994 Community Service Plan. He also said he has extended invitations to Bonnie Howell,
Hospital Administrator, and the President of the Hospital Board to attend a Board meeting to make a
presentation on the state of the Hospital.
Special Orders of the Day
Mr. David Stewart, Member of the local organizing committee for the Empire State Games,
stated the event will be held August 2-6, 1995. The games were last in Tompkins County in 1989. The
Games are the largest amateur games in the nation with 7,000 athletes expected to participate. He said he
anticipates 15,000 to be in attendance at the opening ceremonies. The economic impact to the
community is expected to be between $5-8 million. The organizing committee represents various
interests, including schools, police, emergency, and medical service agencies, government entities,
businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and others. Mr. Stewart noted the County, through the Advisory
Board on Tourism Development, contributed $10,000 towards this event.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
No member of the public wished to speak.
133
May 2, 1995
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Lerner, Representative, District No. 2, stated a couple of weeks ago he and Representative
Blanchard, Scott Heyman, County Administrator, and Cathy Covert, Clerk of the Board, met to discuss
how to streamline Board of Representatives Meetings. Mr. Lerner stated there will be a survey circulated
to all Board members, and he hopes every member will take the time to complete this and return to Cathy
Covert.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the resolution entitled Appointment to the Industrial Development Agency was added to
the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn from the agenda.
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
There were no resolutions to be affirmed.
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein spoke concerning a request by Louise McEwen, Benefits Manager, of all Board
members to complete a timecard showing the time spent on County business during the month of May
1995. Mr. Stein encouraged all Board members to complete the timecard as meticulously as possible.
This is very important to all Board members, as it has an impact on retirement system credits.
Appointments
Chairman Stein had no appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported he attended a meeting with other County Administrators in New York
State. However, he did not receive any further information on the State budget.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported he delivered the annual financial report of the County to the Clerk of the
Board. This report reflects dynamic growth in the County's financial resources which should help boost
the credit rating renewal for the County. He said he also distributed the sales tax report for the County,
and commented the local municipalities that share the sales tax are having a healthy increase in income
derived from the sales tax; however, the amount the County retains from the sales tax in relatively flat.
He stated there is an imbalance in the way income is reported to the County. The County is showing a
growth in the three percent sales tax, and a decline in the one percent sales tax. He said there has to be
an explanation as the tax is uniformly applied. Mr. Squires noted the difference in sales tax income from
inside and outside the City. That ratio has shifted dramatically this period to a 60(outside)/40(inside)
split which is the most dramatic it has been. Mr. Squires reported on three items of concern with the first
quarter report: The State budget, sales tax, and budget problems with the Depai linent of Motor Vehicles,
and the Sheriff's Department. He stated the Sheriff s Department is tracking above budget, and he has
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May 2, 1995
spoken to Mr. Watkins, Fiscal Coordinator for the Sheriff's Department, about this potential problem.
Mr. Watkins reported this is due to employees being out of work on worker's compensation. Another
small problem pertains to an unfavorable decision on a property tax case in the amount of $40,000. This
amount represents more than the County had on its balance sheets to address property tax cases in 1995.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen had no report.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. She said
the Committee met April 27 for a GIS (Geographic Information System) presentation with other members
of the Board in attendance. Mrs. Schuler reported at the Tompkins County Public Library on April 14,
Tom Cannon who is a maintenance worker for Tompkins County began CPR on a ten -month-old baby
after she awakened from a nap and went into convulsions and unconsciousness. The baby was
transported to Tompkins Community Hospital for observation. Mrs. Schuler thanked Mr. Cannon on
behalf of the Board for his quick actions. Mrs. Schuler also reported she, along with Representatives
Todd and Proto, attended an Arbor Day Celebration at the Eight Square School House. Mrs. Schuler
announced the logo for the Ithaca Festival is being unveiled today. The next Committee meeting will be
May 10. This will be a joint meeting with the Health and Environmental Quality Committee to discuss
the Danby Land Trust project.
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee authorized the solicitation for proposals for an
exterior Library renovation project. He said he received from Dean Eckstrom, Director of Data
Processing, an executive summary and update on the information network that he has spoken to the
Board about before. A grant is being applied for $.5 million that would cover half of the cost. This is for
the Tompkins County access project, which is an internet connection with City and County government,
the library system, educational services, and social services agencies around Tompkins County.
Because of the nature of the intermunicipal cooperation and the outreach to all segments of the
community, they are confident Tompkins County will be awarded this grant.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
Committee will meet next on May 17 at 8 a.m. Highlights of that agenda include discussion on support
for State legislation which will allow rural communities to have a different set of standards for the
maintenance of their low-volume roads. The Committee will also continue discussion on alternatives for
snow fund dollars that have not been expended. Ms. Blanchard distributed a collection of transit
schedules. Ms. Blanchard been scheduled for May 10.
RESOLUTION NO. 100 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT - BROWN ROAD
DESIGN
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Administrator be and hereby is authorized to sign an agreement with T.G. Miller, P.C., of Ithaca, New
York in the amount of $19,950 to develop the design for Brown Road which provides access to the
Tompkins County Airport,
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May 2, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That a budget of $40,650 be established for change orders, staff services,
and miscellaneous expenses and that the County Administrator be authorized to execute change orders up
to ten percent of the contract total.
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Report and Appointment(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next Committee meeting will be May 11 at 9:30 in the Old Jail Conference Room. Mr. Evans reported
there will be a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Tompkins County Sanitary Code on May 23 at
7 p.m. in the Rice Conference Room. These proposed revisions will be distributed to Board members
tomorrow. Mr. Evans also reported the first case of Lyme disease that originated in Tompkins County
has been reported. The first case of Tuberculosis has also been reported. Mr. Evans announced the week
of May 7-13 is Water Week, and information will be available through Cathy Covert.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Thomas P. Miller to the Soil and Water Conservation District as a grange member
representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Gilbert Levine to the Economic Opportunity Corporation as the Town of Dryden
Representative for a term expiring March 31, 1997.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
Committee will meet on May 9 and 23. He expects to review the main body of budget reorganization
material at those meetings. Mr. Lerner said he will circulate a schedule to Board members on what the
agenda will be for those meetings, as well as the agenda for the Budget Reorganization Advisory
Committee. He announced there will not be a special Board meeting as was planned on June 13; the
regular budget material will come to the Board at the June 6 meeting.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. She
announced there are two at -large vacancies on the Community Affirmative Action Advisory Committee,
and asked anyone who is interested to submit a resume. She stated a conference call will be held with
Mercer Associates on May 10 at 10 a.m. to discuss health insurance. Any Board member who has
questions on this subject should submit them to Kathy West, Deputy County Administrator, by noon on
May 5. Mrs. Livesay requested an executive session to discuss negotiations. The next meeting will be
May 8 at 3 p.m. Mrs. Livesay distributed a packet of information and gave a brief update on the work
of the Department of Motor Vehicle Task Force. She stated there are several possible courses of action
which the Committee is considering. However, there is no recommendation at this time, but the
Committee expects to issue a report before the end of June.
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May 2, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 101 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 1995 - ELECTING A
RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM AS AUTHORIZED BY
CHAPTER 12, LAWS OF 1995, FOR THE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
OF THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, New York State has offered the opportunity for Tompkins County to elect a
retirement incentive program for eligible employees in order for the County to reduce its payroll by
targeting positions that it wishes to eliminate, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That said proposed
Local Law No. 2 - Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter 12, Laws of 1995,
for the Eligible Employees of the County of Tompkins be and hereby is adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the
County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file
one certified copy in the office of the County Clerk, and three (3) certified copies in the office of the
Secretary of State.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next Committee meeting will be May 11 at 2 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room. Mr. Meskill was
asked to forward a copy of the report by the Fiscal Manager of the Sheriff's Depaitment to Board
members as some members said they did not receive it. Mr. Meskill said he would have this done.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Representatives Proto and Schuler to the Advisory Board on Indigent Representation for terms
expiring December 31, 1997.
Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 102 - AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 78 OF 1995 - ACCEPTING
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HUMAN
SERVICES SPACE PLANNING COMMITTEE, PROVIDING
DIRECTION FOR CONTINUED PLANNING FOR SPACE FOR
HUMAN SERVICE DEPARTMENTS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY,
AND AMENDING COUNTY CAPITAL PROGRAM
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, That Resolution No. 78 of 1995 is hereby amended to add:
"RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is hereby authorized
to advance funds from the General Fund until such time as bonds are
issued to finance the project."
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic Development Committee
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May 2, 1995
Ms. Mink Chair, reported the Committee will meet May 9 at 2 p.m. Guests at that meeting will
be Terry Stark of the Broome County Office of Employment and Training, and Paul Bonaparte Krogh,
Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.
RESOLUTION NO. 103 - APPOINTMENT TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Section 856 of the General Municipal Law authorized that the Board of
Representatives designate the members of the Industrial Development Agency by resolution, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That J. David
Ferris be appointed to the Industrial Development Agency to serve at the pleasure of the Board, effective
immediately, in the place and stead of Michael Stamm,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is authorized and directed to file with the
Secretary of State a Certificate of Appointment.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met on April 28 at 10 a.m. In attendance at that
meeting was Roy Dexheimer, Don Williams, and Rick Weiss of B.O.C.E.S., who described what they are
doing in the area of recycling. The Committee will meet with B.O.C.E.S. again to discuss this further.
The Committee also met with Joe Micalcavage, President of Superior Disposal, Inc., who described an
application he has for a transfer facility. The Committee heard from Tom Richardson on an RFP
(Request for Proposals) for handling the sludge in the County from the various wastewater treatment
plants. That RFP was approved and is out now to receive proposals. The Committee heard from Ken
Thompson, Assistant Solid Waste Manager, about a pre -application for a SPDES (State Pollution
Discharge Elimination System) permit at the Caswell Road Landfill to handle the leachate there. The
Committee approved the acceptance of a bid for scales at the Hillview Road Transfer site for $11,111.
The Committee also discussed the role of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Mr. Todd said he
expects a recommendation to be made on this at the next meeting. The next Committee meeting has not
been scheduled at this time.
Report from the Annual Solid Waste Fee Fairness Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has been meeting as a group, and welcomed anyone
to attend meetings or direct correspondence to him. The Committee is looking at how it can rearrange
some of the information, particularly in respect to multiple dwellings and commercial property, to see if a
scheme can be made to charge multiple dwellings on a unit basis rather than a square footage basis. Bill
Seavey, Financial Analyst for the Solid Waste Division, is working on draft ideas and comparisons for
the Committee to look at.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chair, reported the Committee met today and talked about various counties they want
to investigate more thoroughly, particularly in respect to their legislatures. Henry Morris, student intern
with the Committee, has been doing a lot of research on this. Mr. Lane said the Committee will be
putting together a survey of information to send to other chartered counties, as well as putting questions
together to interview legislators from other counties. The next meeting will be May 23 at 3:15 p.m. in
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May 2, 1995
the Old Jail Conference Room. Mr. Proto requested to be put on the mailing list for the agenda of this
Committee.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met on April 27 and will meet again on May 25.
The subcommittees will meet on May 11.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will be meeting May 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Evans, Co -Chair, had no report.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met April 24, with Richard Mansfield of the Rural
Development Council and via speakerphone with David Pilliod of the Office of Local Government in the
Department of State. The Committee discussed opportunities that are available at the State and Federal
levels of government that Tompkins County is and is not taking advantage of. He stated there is $15
million available through Mr. Mansfield's program, and information was provided to assist the County is
accessing those funds. Mr. Proto stated issues discussed included infrastructure, health and human
services, regional economic development, consolidation of State services, as well as the subject of the
local income tax. The next Committee meeting will be May 8 at 8:15 a.m. in the Courthouse Conference
Room.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 7:00 p.m. to 7:08 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to enter into executive session to discuss negotiations at 7:08 p.m. The meeting returned to open
session at 7:29 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
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May 16, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes of May 2, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to approve the minutes of May 2, 1995 as submitted.
Proclamations
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation declaring the week of June 3-9, 1995, to be Ithaca -
Tompkins County Trail Week to David Boyd, Director of the MPO (Metropolitan Planning
Organization). Mr. Boyd thanked the Board for the proclamation on behalf of the Greenway Coalition
and the Ithaca -Tompkins Transportation Council. He announced there will be a hike of the Dryden Trail
on June 17, 1995. James Schug, Mayor of Dryden, will lead this hike.
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation to Representative Joseph declaring May 31, 1995 to be
Peer Power Recognition Day in Tompkins County. Mr. Joseph, Human Services Committee Chairman,
thanked the Board for this proclamation, and stated as a former Peer Coordiantor at the Alcoholism
Council of Tompkins County, he is pleased to accept the proclamation.
Chairman Stein stated he intends to declare a recess at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of convening
various committees to review and take action on the proposals for the early retirement incentive.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
James Schug, Mayor of Dryden, read and submitted the following resolution that was
unanimously adopted by the Town of Dryden Board on May 9, 1995:
RESOLUTION APPLICATION FOR NEW YORK SMALL CITIES DEVELOPMENT
GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden, in partnership with Tompkins County Planning Department,
generated the necessary application for a New York Small Cities Development Grant Program, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden with the assistance of the Tompkins County Planning
Department has received a $400,000 New York Small Cities Development Grant, and
WHEREAS, this grant would not have been accomplished without the support of the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives and their foresight to fund the Tompkins County Planning Department
sufficiently to allow this grant to happen,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dryden Town Board and the people of the Town of
Dryden wish to thank the County Legislature for their insight and support.
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May 16, 1995
Ed Hart, Town of Danby resident, and Representative of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, spoke in
support of the resolution on the agenda entitled Transfer of County Tax Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of
Danby, Approximately 36.5 Acres to Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc. for Public Purpose. Mr. Hart stated
he has lived in the Town of Danby since 1957, and supports this resolution because this particular area of
land is rich and diverse biologically. He said he would accompany any member of the Board to tour the
land.
Ed Cope, Town of Danby resident, Chairman of the Environmental Management Council, and a
professional botanist, spoke concerning a resolution on the agenda entitled Transfer of County Tax
Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of Danby, Approximately 36.5 Acres to Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc. for
Public Purpose. Mr. Cope stated the land in question is rare and special, and is the home of plants that
cannot be found elsewhere in the County. He feels this is a wonderful opportunity for the County Board
of Representatives to be able to give this to the public for use, and to have this transferred into the care of
the Land Trust.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Totman, Representative, District No. 9, asked for a moment of silence in memory of Mrs.
Norma Shurtleff, wife of former Board Member, Phil Shurtleff. Mr. Totman announced the dates and
times for services. Chairman Stein said a bouquet of flowers is being sent by the Board of
Representatives.
Mr. Lerner, Representative, District No. 2, reminded Board members who have not done so, to
submit their surveys on streamlining Board of Representatives meetings. Additional copies of the survey
can be obtained from Cathy Covert.
Mr. Joseph, Representative, District No. 12, reported on crime statistics, and stated that the crime
rate is down ten percent from 1994.
Mr. Winch, Representative, District No. 8, spoke concerning the resolution on the agenda
entitled Transfer of County Tax Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of Danby, Approximately 36.5 Acres to
Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc. for Public Purpose. Mr. Winch stated he considers himself to be a
conservationist, and feels it would be fiscally irresponsible to give this property away. He feels that
those who wish to have the land should bid on it and pay for it.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, to add the following resolutions to the agenda:
- Supporting Amendments to the New York State Criminal Procedure Law Authorizing the
County of Tompkins to use Video Teleconference Technology for the Appearances of
Criminal Defendants in Certain Proceedings
- Appropriation from County Contingent Fund for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
Improvements for Communications Rooms at the Public Safety Building and Award of
Contract
- Advisement to Tompkins County Water Purveyors on Public Information Meetings
Pertaining to Watershed Rules and Regulations
Resolution to File a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance as to Resolution
No. 107 of 1995
141
May 16, 1995
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions:
Establishing a Fringe Benefits Payment Pool and Establishing Fiscal Targets for all County
Programs for the 1996 Budget
Reaffirming Commitment to Continued Operation of Tompkins County Division of Motor
Vehicles
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA021-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Tompkins Cortland Community College
CA022-95 - Authorization for the Youth Bureau to Contract with Hillside Children's Center for
Crisis Services
CA023-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein announced he has extended the Rural Affairs Committee to December 31, 1995,
and stated he appreciates the work the Committee has been doing. Mr. Stein reminded the Board that
financial disclosures were due yesterday, and if any Board member has not submitted their form, they
should do so. He spoke of the time cards that Board members have been asked to complete, and said
members should place their name on the timecard. Mr. Stein stated he received a letter concerning the
Flag Day Parade on June 11. If any Board member is interested in being in the parade they should
contact the Flag Day Chairman.
Appointments
Chairman Stein had no appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman had no report.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen had no report. He advised the Board that the resolution entitled Resolution to File a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance as to Resolution No. 107 of 1995 should be voted
on before the resolution entitled Transfer of County Tax Parcel 18-1-16 in the Town of Danby,
Approximately 36.5 Acres to Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc. for Public Purpose.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires stated the County will be going to financial markets on May 25 to borrow for
refinancing for the Airport Project, and will also be borrowing $1 million for the Tompkins Cortland
Community College renovation program. Progress with financing is moving forward rapidly, and he
expects to be issuing bonds in September to complete the financing of that project.
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May 16, 1995
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee May 10 and was chaired by Representative Lane in
her absence. The Committee discussed the acceptance of HUD monies, the transfer of County -owned
land in Danby to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and the GIS Capital Program. The Committee met again
today, and accepted Phase II of the GIS implementation Plan. She stated the vote on the Danby Land
Trust resolution lost in Committee by a vote of 2-2. She said James Skaley, Chief Natural Resource
Planner, will update the Committee on a monthly basis. She noted if she had been at that meeting, the
resolution would have been passed by the Committee. Other announcements: Dr. Carl Haynes has been
selected third President of Tompkins Cortland Community College, a new exhibit is at the Dewitt
Historical Society, One Potato, Two Potatoe, detailing the history of the potato in Tompkins County.
Reminder - the Ithaca Festival will be held June 1, 2, and 3.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported Committee business is reflected on the agenda. He stated that a
renovation project is being started at the Tompkins County Public Library, and will be the main project
for the summer. There will also be other minor jobs taking place throughout the summer. Mr. Winch
said he hopes all Board members are still receiving the Capital Projects report.
RESOLUTION NO. 104 - AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW CONTRACT - JACK VENESKY,
CPA
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Federal Circular A-87 allows for the recovery of indirect cost and maintenance
in lieu of rent (MLR) for certain federal programs administered by the Department of Social Services,
and the Department of Health, and
WHEREAS, the documentation required under federal regulations to claim reimbursement for
indirect cost, and MLR are complex, and
WHEREAS, technical expertise is required in the preparation of an indirect cost report, and
WHEREAS, Jack Venesky, CPA, has provided such technical expertise over the past three
years and the $15,500 annual investment in this service has resulted in reimbursements of $254,000 in
1991, $284,000 in 1992, and $309,000 in 1993, and
WHEREAS, in order to continue to claim reimbursement for indirect cost and MLR it is
necessary to contract for the preparation of a 1994 Indirect Cost Report, and
WHEREAS, Jack Venesky, CPA, has proposed a renewal of the agreement with terms which
result in significant reduction in cost for the Department of Finance, Social Services and Health, and
WHEREAS, the investment in this contract is anticipated to be fully recovered from the
increase in federal reimbursements, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
County Administrator is authorized to execute a contract with Jack Venesky, CPA, for the reporting
years of 1994, 1995, and 1996, and that the fee for such services shall be $12,900 annually.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 105 - PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE FACILITIES AND
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE WITH RESPECT TO LOCATION
AND CONFIGURATION OF THE CHAMBERS AND OFFICE
SPACE OF THE BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES AND OF THE
SECOND FELONY COURT ROOM OF THE OFFICE OF COURT
ADMINISTRATION
143
May 16, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Mr. Winch stated the previous Public
Works Committee and staff have spent a great deal of time looking at this frustrating subject, and have
reached a juncture where direction from the Board is desired. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Meskill
noted for the minutes he wanted it understood that there is a possibility the Committee may come back
with a recommendation to do nothing at all, and if there is not enough money to do what is needed, the
Board should not pay a smaller amount to do something that would be inadequate. A voice vote resulted
as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Chairman of the Board of Representatives in January 1994 assigned to the
Public Works Committee of this Board the responsibility to determine whether it would be feasible to
assign the existing Board of Representatives chambers and office space to the Office of Court
Administration as its second felony court room and to assign the existing second felony court room in the
Old Courthouse to the Board of Representatives as its chambers and office space, and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Committee, and its successor for this project the Facilities and
Operations Committee, have determined that this "swap" of space offers many and varied advantages to
both County government and the Office of Court Administration including (1) enhanced security for the
course as a result of having all operations in a single building, enhanced security for the County as a
result of the fact that the District Attorney's offices on the third floor of the main Courthouse would be
effectively secured as a result of the fact that the two floors below the District Attorney would be 100
percent court use, and (2) greatly improved public space for Board meetings since the rated capacity of
the existing Board room is 49 persons and the capacity of the proposed space in the Old Courthouse is
135 persons, and
WHEREAS, investigations and planning have shown that there are substantial personnel
configuration and layout problems at the Old Courthouse that would necessitate very significant costs to
solve, and that the Office of Court Administration has requested changes in the Main Courthouse space
that also would entail very substantial expenditures, and these events have caused the Facilities and
Operations Committee to request policy direction from the Board of Representatives for this project, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendations of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That that
Committee is directed to consider, research, and propose, in conjunction with the County Capital
Program for 1996-2000, a capital project whose goals would be determined after consideration by the full
Board of Representatives but which would include:
A. For the Public
1) Minimal cost
2) Improved access to official meetings of the County Board
3) Reopening of the front entrance to the Courthouse as the main entrance
B. For the Board of Representatives and its staff and District Attorney's offices
1) Improved facilities and environment for the official conduct of County business
2) Provision of a reasonable amount of quiet, private office space with a telephone for
use by individual Board members
3) Provision at a reasonable cost of security screening for the office of the District
Attorney
C. For the Court System
1) Accommodation of the needs of the court system for a 20 year planning period
2) Maximization of benefit from the staff time and money devoted to security measures
3) At a minimum, achievement of full security of sensitive offices and court space; optimal
arrangement be full security of floors one through three
RESOLVED, further, That the Committee should feel free to propose an option that "trades"
Court space in the Old Courthouse for Board space in the main Courthouse but only if the goal of low
total cost of the project can be met. In the event that the Office of Court Administration is not willing to
accept a low cost alternative for its space, or in the event that the above-mentioned layout problem in the
Old Courthouse cannot be solved without the expenditure of a large amount of money, then the
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May 16, 1995
Committee shall recommend a low-cost option to achieve as many of the above goals as possible without
such a "trade" of space.
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Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be May 17 at 8 a.m. Ms. Blanchard announced the hybrid electric transit
demonstration bus will be in Tompkins County July 29 through August 27. Tompkins County is one of
only three counties in the State that will be using it.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met jointly with the Planning, Community
Development and Education Committee on May 10, and held its regular meeting on May 11. The
business conducted by the Committee is reflected on the agenda for this meeting. Mr. Evans
complimented Alice Cole, Director of the Tompkins County Health Department, for her handling of the
recent meningitis scare in Tompkins County. He also complimented the Ithaca Journal for printing all of
the information it was provided with to better educate and inform the public. The next Committee
meeting will be June 8 at 9:30 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 106 - RESOLUTION TO FILE A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE AS TO RESOLUTION
NO. 107 OF 1995
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, ECL Section 8-0101, et
seq. ("SEQRA"), a Long -Form Environmental Assessment Form was completed to review the potential
environmental impacts resulting from the adoption of Resolution No. 107, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the adoption of Resolution No. 107 is a Type I action pursuant to SEQRA,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Board of Representatives is lead agency for
environmental review of Resolution No. 107 pursuant to SEQRA,
RESOLVED, further, That the adoption of Resolution No. 107 will result in no significant
environmental impacts.
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RESOLUTION NO. 107 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND - TRANSFER OF
COUNTY TAX PARCEL 18-1-16 IN THE TOWN OF DANBY,
APPROXIMATELY 36.5 ACRES TO FINGER LAKES LAND
TRUST INC., FOR PUBLIC PURPOSE
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto. There was a lengthy discussion with some
members of the Board feeling a decision to give County land away is not a fiscally responsible decision.
There was also a feeling by some members that by approving this resolution, it would mean giving the
land to the public, not only the Finger Lakes Land Trust. A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as
follows: Ayes - 10, Noes - 5 (Representatives Blanchard, Lane, Todd, Totman and Winch).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
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May 16, 1995
WHEREAS, the County has acquired approximately 36.5 acres of land in the Town of Danby,
being tax parcel 18-1-16, by tax foreclosure proceedings in 1993, and
WHEREAS, said property is under contract to be sold to the owner of a neighboring property, to
wit: Priscilla Sodums, for the sum of $12,000, and upon the closing a brokerage commission will be due
from the County of $1200, and
WHEREAS, the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc., and the Cornell Institute for Research in
Chemical Ecology have made an investigation and determined that said property has unique natural
characteristics, including rare and potentially valuable flora and fauna and is also an area for enjoyment
of nature, and is worth preserving in its present state, and
WHEREAS, Priscilla Sodums is willing to cancel her right to purchase said property in favor of
this alternative use, and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the people of Tompkins County that said property be
preserved in its natural state for the preservation of the unique flora and fauna of the area, for research to
be conducted in this unique area, and for the general use and enjoyment of the people of Tompkins
County, and
WHEREAS, the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation, has as its
corporate purposes the preservation of natural resources in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State
and the promotion of scientific study of an education regarding natural resources, and
WHEREAS, the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc., has the knowledge, experience and expertise in
protecting, preserving, and facilitating scientific study of natural areas, and has offered to accept said
property and to hold and protect it for the purposes stated above, and
WHEREAS, such preservation would be in the interest of the people of Tompkins County in that
they would be able to enjoy the land by taking walks, observing and studying the natural surroundings,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Budget and Fiscal
Policy Committees, That upon receipt of a release from Priscilla Sodums, the current contract be
canceled and that said property be transferred to Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc.,
RESOLVED, further, That in connection of such transfer, the Finger Lakes Land Trust Inc., shall
pay $1200 to the County, which $1200 is to be paid by the County to Patterson Real Estate for its
broker's commission,
RESOLVED, further, That the deed to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc., shall contain the
following restrictions, conditions and covenants in perpetuity:
1. No trees may be cut, except as needed to remove a hazardous condition or to maintain or
enhance the health of the forest and promote its condition as an old-growth forest.
2. The property shall be preserved in its natural state for enjoyment of the people of
Tompkins County; for the purpose of protection of the flora and fauna, and for scientific research and
study.
3. The property and any adjoining property hereafter acquired in fee by grantee for use as a
biodiversity preserve shall be accessible free of charge to the general public and primarily to people of
Tompkins County, New York, for non -consumptive uses such as nature walks, nature study and for their
quiet enjoyment; provided however, that such use may be subject to reasonable restrictions to protect the
natural state of the land and its use as a research area and the grantee shall be authorized to restrict or ban
hunting on the property.
4. The property may be used as a model biodiversity preserve for chemical ecology in a
temperate climate and pursuant thereto arrangements may be made with educational institutions such as
Cornell University of Ithaca and the Cornell Institute for Research in Chemical Ecology, to enable
scientific research to take place on the property, by chemical ecologists, other scientists, research
associates and students.
5. No motorized vehicles, including but not limited to: automobiles, trucks, tractors,
motorcycles, motorbikes, or snowmobiles, shall be permitted on the premises at any time, except as
needed by the grantee for proper stewardship or research.
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May 16, 1995
6. No structures of any kind shall be erected on the premises without consent of the County;
however, footpaths may be created throughout the premises using only natural materials native to the
area or recycled materials, as well as small fences for control of pedestrian traffic and small wooden
bridges, platforms, and/or benches to facilitate use by the public.
7. The grantee shall indemnify and save harmless Tompkins County from and against any
and every liability whatsoever from personal injury and/or property damage arising from any surface or
subsurface pollution arising on the property from or related to the County landfill located southerly of the
conveyed premises, and further, the grantee covenants not to sue Tompkins County therefore.
8. Only the County of Tompkins, New York, shall have standing to enforce these covenants
and restrictions against the Finger Lakes Land Trust, Inc., its successors and assigns,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee is authorized and directed
to execute a deed accordingly,
RESOLVED, further, That an amount be transferred from the Contingency Fund to the General
Fund, and appropriate tax accounts, said amount being equal to the amount of back taxes, current taxes,
penalties and interest due on the parcel to be transferred as of the day of closing.
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RESOLUTION NO. 108 - REVISION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
BYLAWS - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Board of Health has reviewed and approved proposed changes to the bylaws,
with the last revisions being done in April 1979, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That
the Bylaws of the Tompkins County Board of Health, as filed in the Board of Representatives office, be
amended as submitted.
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RESOLUTION NO. 109 - AUTHORIZING A LICENSE TO ENTER - CORNELL
UNIVERSITY CHEMICAL DISPOSAL SITE AND
RADIATION BURIAL SITE - MONITORING AND VALUATION
WORK AT TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins signed a License to Enter for Cornell University to install
and inspect monitoring wells in connection with a plume of contamination emanating from their chemical
disposal site, and
WHEREAS, the two-year agreement expired on December 11, 1992, and there is a continuing
need to inspect said monitoring wells, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University has a need to sink additional monitoring wells on Airport
property in an adjacent parcel, in order that it may check for possible contamination from a former low-
level radiation burial site, and
WHEREAS, monitoring and evaluation is likely to be necessary for several years, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a direct interest in information so gathered, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services and Health and Environmental
Quality Committees, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to sign a License to
Enter for a period of three (3) years, commencing immediately, to allow such work to take place,
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May 16, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That maps of well locations and of pollution plumes, data and reports be
filed at a location to be agreed upon as necessary between the County Airport Manager, Planning
Department, Environmental Health staff, and Cornell University.
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RESOLUTION NO. 110 - ADVISEMENT TO TOMPKINS COUNTY WATER
PURVEYORS ON PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
PERTAINING TO WATERSHED RULES AND REGULATIONS
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Water Quality Steering Committee, working in the context of the County Water
Quality Strategy Plan, recognized the importance of ensuring safe drinking water supplies and preventing
pollution before it occurs and organized a citizen task group to develop a model for watershed rules and
regulations for consideration and optional use by water purveyors in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the task group has collected a range of opinion on the positive and negative impacts
such rules and regulations may have on property owners in the County and has compiled a draft with
comments, and
WHEREAS, the task group has finished meeting and a final draft of the model watershed rules
and regulations is being completed under the aegis of the Executive Director of the Southern Cayuga
Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission ("Bolton Point") and will be mailable to members of the public
and to water purveyors on request from Bolton Point, and a list of individuals requesting the document
will be supplied by Bolton Point to the Tompkins County Health Department and maintained there, and
WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of both the Water Quality Steering Committee and the
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board that holding public information meetings to allow for public
dialog prior to the filing of rules and regulations is in the public interest, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Board of Representatives concurs that it is in the public's interest to hold public information meetings
early in any consideration of the adoption or revision of watershed rules and regulations and ask the
Division of Environmental Health to notify public and private water purveyors of this advisement.
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Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report.
RESOLUTION NO. 111 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS - DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL SERVICES
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services routinely executes contracts that extend past the
Tompkins County fiscal calendar, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives has the authority to approve such multi-year contracts,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services Committee, That the County
Administrator, or his designee, be authorized to execute the following contracts for 1995-96.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE CONTRACT PERIOD
EOC HEAP Outreach November 1995 - October 1996
EOC Energy Packaging November 1995 - October 1996
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TC -3
Genetic Design
Child Caring Agencies
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May 16, 1995
PACE Program
Paternity Testing
Foster Care for Children
July 1995 - June 1996
July 1995 - June 1996
July 1995 - June 1996
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Barbara Barry to the Economic Opportunity Corporation Board of Directors as a Town
of Lansing Representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Joseph Schehr to the Tompkins County Youth Board as a Town of Enfield Representative for
a term expiring December 31, 1995.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee has been busy preparing budget material for the
June 6 Board meeting. On May 23 there will be a meeting from noon to 3 p.m. at which there will be a
large number of task force reports given. Mr. Lerner stated at the last Committee meeting, the
Committee voted to recommend a zero percent cost of living increase to departments for 1996. The idea
is to then give the Board maximum flexibility in approving special requests. He stated that departments
are being encouraged to submit special requests. He noted Tompkins Cortland Community College
operates under a different fiscal year, and the zero percent increase will not apply to the School with the
understanding there will be no special requests.
RESOLUTION NO. 112 - A RESOLUTION DELEGATING TO THE COUNTY FINANCE
DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, NEW YORK,
POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE WHETHER
BONDS OF SAID COUNTY AUTHORIZED BY BOND
RESOLUTION DATED JULY 12, 1994, SHALL BE PAYABLE IN A
SUBSTANTIALLY LEVEL OR DECLINING ANNUAL DEBT
SERVICE MANNER
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Local Finance Law of the State provides that a board of representatives may
delegate to a county comptroller of a county, as chief fiscal officer, certain powers of said finance board
with respect to the issuance of obligations of said county, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, has
previously delegated to the County Finance Director of said County those powers with respect to the
issuance of obligations for the County's share of the cost of the campus master plan capital
improvements for the Tompkins Cortland Community College to be borne by the County of Tompkins,
New York, in accordance with an intermunicipal agreement between the County of Tompkins, New
York, and the County of Cortland, New York, being the construction of additions to and the
reconstruction of various campus buildings, authorized by bond resolution dated and duly adopted July
12, 1994, which could then be so delegated pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, and
WHEREAS, on June 20, 1994, the Governor of the State signed into law Chapter 201 of the
Laws of 1994 which, among other things, authorizes a board of representatives to determine to provide
for substantially level or declining annual debt service on bonds and bond anticipation notes of a county
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May 16, 1995
as an alternative to providing that such bonds and bond anticipation notes be amortized in accordance
with the so-called fifty per cent rule, and
WHEREAS, said Chapter authorizes the finance board of a county, the board of
representatives, to delegate such determination, together with certain other determinations therein
provided, to the county comptroller of the county, as chief fiscal officer, and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to delegate to the County Finance Director of the County of
Tompkins, as chief fiscal officer of the County, such powers, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, as
follows:
Section 1. Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph a of Section 56.00 of the Local Finance
Law, the power to determine whether to issue bonds and bond anticipation notes having substantially
level of declining annual debt service, as provided in paragraph d of Section 21.00 of the Local Finance
Law, shall be issued pursuant to bond resolution dated and duly adopted July 12, 1994, for the County of
Tompkins share of the cost of the campus master plan capital improvements for the Tompkins Cortland
Community College to be borne by said County, in accordance with an intermunicipal agreement
between the County of Tompkins, New York, and the County of Cortland, New York, being the
construction of additions to and the reconstruction of various campus buildings, as described in the
preambles hereof, is hereby delegated to the County Finance Director of the County of Tompkins, New
York, the chief fiscal officer of said County. All other matters relating to such bonds and bond
anticipation notes to be issued by said County and having substantially level of declining annual debt
service, including, but not limited to, the power to determine the weighted average period of probable
usefulness of the objects or purposes to be included in such bonds or bond anticipation notes, and the
maximum authorized period of maturity of indebtedness of such objects or purposes to be actually sold,
the estimated average rate of interest at which fixed interest rate bonds of the same maturities would be
sold if such bonds were to be issued with a variable rate of interest, pursuant to Section 54.90 of the
Local Finance Law, whether interest on such bonds shall be compounded and payable at maturity or prior
redemption, whether such bonds shall be issued as serial bonds, as sinking fund bonds, as term bonds, or
any combination thereof, and all other matters which may be delegated pursuant to such Section, is
hereby delegated to the County Finance Director of the County, the chief fiscal officer.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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RESOLUTION NO. 113 - APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR FINANCING OF TOMPKINS
CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAPITAL COSTS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Winch. Ms. Kiefer stated she would support this
resolution with the understanding that this Section 7 does not preclude her ability to comment on the
Environmental Assessment Form on file in the County Attorney's office. Mr. Theisen said it would not.
A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Tompkins County, jointly with Cortland County (collectively
the "Local Sponsor") hereby finds and determines that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 126 of the
Education Law, the Local Sponsor has established Tompkins Cortland Community College (the
"Community College") in and for Tompkins County and Cortland County; has provided for the financing
of not exceeding one-half of the amount of the capital costs of certain facilities (herein and in the
Agreement, each as hereinafter defined, collectively called the "Project") and has authorized the
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (the "Authority") to provide for the financing of not to
exceed one-half of the amount of the capital costs of the Project by the issuance of its bonds (the
"Bonds") and in furtherance thereof and after discussion of the provisions of the proposed Agreement,
wishes to approve the form and substance of the proposed Agreement among the Local Sponsor, the
Authority and the Community College pertaining, among other matters, to said proposed Authority
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financing of one-half of the capital costs of said Project and to grant approval to the Board of Trustees of
the Community College to execute and deliver the Agreement, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Tompkins County Board of Representatives as follows:
Section 1. The form and substance of a proposed agreement, by and among the Local
Sponsor, the Authority and the Community College (the "Agreement"), in substantially the form
presented to this Legislature prior to this meeting, is hereby approved.
Section 2. The County Administrator of the Local Sponsor or the Deputy County
Administrator is hereby authorized, on behalf of the Local Sponsor, to execute and deliver the Agreement
to the Authority, with such non -substantive changes in terms and form as said County Administrator or
the Deputy County Administrator, of the Local Sponsor, shall approve, as well as those changes
necessary to comply with Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The
execution thereof by said County Administrator or the Deputy County Administrator shall constitute
conclusive evidence of the approval of the Local Sponsor.
Section 3. The Local Sponsor also hereby grants approval to the Board of Trustees of the
Community College to authorize the approval of, and to execute and deliver, the Agreement to the
Authority, and the Local Sponsor knows of no regulation or limitation which has been established and
prescribed by the State University of New York which would prohibit the Board of Trustees of the
Community College from executing the Agreement and carrying out the provisions thereof.
Section 4. The Local Sponsor hereby grants approval to the Board of Trustees of the
Community College to do all things necessary and proper to effectuate the construction of the Project in
accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.
Section 5. The Local Sponsor hereby represents that it presently intends to continue its
operation of the Community College, and does not intend to substantially reduce or "cut back" its
operations. The Local Sponsor further represents that its fiscal and economic situation is such that it will
be able to continue, in the foreseeable future, its financial support for the Community College.
Section 6. The Local Sponsor hereby authorizes the County Administrator or the Deputy
County Administrator of the Local Sponsor (who is duly qualified to so act) to execute and deliver all
necessary or appropriate documents and to furnish all information requested by the Authority in
connection with the Local Sponsor, including the furnishing of information required pursuant to the
provisions of the Agreement
Section 7. The Local Sponsor hereby authorizes the Dormitory Authority to construct the
facility on its behalf and authorizes the County Administrator or the Deputy County Administrator of the
Local Sponsor (who is duly qualified to so act) to execute and deliver all documents necessary or
desirable in connection with construction of the Project by the Authority.
Section 8. The County Administrator of the Local Sponsor agrees to provide to the Local
Sponsor Legislature monthly status reports with respect to design and construction of the Project.
Section 9. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Tompkins County
Finance Director, County Attorney, President - Tompkins Cortland Community College, and Executive
Director - Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.
Section 10. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption of a concurrent
resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met May 8 and heard a presentation from Anita
Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner, on the County's Community Affirmative Action Program. Mrs.
Livesay said the Committee is still looking for persons interested in serving on that Advisory Board. The
Committee also discussed consumer complaint handling in Tompkins County, and the Committee will
continue to gather information on this subject. She explained why the resolution entitled Reaffirming
Commitment to Continued Operation of Tompkins County Division of Motor Vehicles was withdrawn
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from the agenda, stating some members of the Board expressed to her that they wanted to see a Task
Force report before making any decision. Mrs. Livesay announced the May 23 meeting to review
personnel issues has been canceled and is yet to be rescheduled. She said the Committee is still looking
for employees who would like to serve on the Appeals Rating Committee. Mrs. Livesay reported on a
recent mutual gains workshop she attended, and stated Scott Heyman, County Administrator, and
Dominic Cafferillo, City Controller, will be looking into local training for this. She also reported on an
intergovernmental meeting held with mayors and supervisors on May 4. When a summary of that
meeting is finished, she will distribute copies to the Board, as well as all mayors and supervisors. Mrs.
Livesay requested an executive session to discuss negotiations.
RESOLUTION NO. 114 - APPORTIONMENT OF MORTGAGE TAX
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County Clerk and the County Administrator have presented their report
concerning mortgage tax receipts for the period October 1, 1994, through March 31, 1995, pursuant to
Section 261 of the Tax Law, and the same have been apportioned to the various municipalities thereto,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the
apportionment presented for said period from October 1, 1994, through March 31, 1995, be and hereby is
approved.
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Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week, and business is reflected on the
agenda. He stated the Committee had discussion with the District Attorney regarding that office taking
over the City Prosecution office. Discussion on this subject will continue.
RESOLUTION NO. 115 - SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO THE NEW YORK STATE
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY
OF TOMPKINS TO USE VIDEO TELECONFERENCE
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE APPEARANCES OF CRIMINAL
DEFENDANTS INCERTAIN PROCEEDINGS
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the use of video teleconference technology as a substitute for certain personal
appearances in court by criminal defendants may result in financial savings for Tompkins County by
decreasing the amount of Sheriff's Department staff time required to guard prisoners who are appearing
in person, and
WHEREAS, such use is authorized by New York State Criminal Procedure Law under the
supervision of the court system in specified situations, and
WHEREAS, the said Law must authorize counties by name to use video teleconferencing or
"electronic appearance", now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That this Board of
Representatives hereby requests and urges its elected representatives, Assemblyman Martin Luster,
Senator James Seward, and Senator John R. Kuhl to sponsor and support an amendment to New York
State Criminal Procedure Law Section 182.20 adding the County of Tompkins to the list of counties
authorized to conduct video teleconferencing or "electronic appearances".
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May 16, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 116 - APPROPRIATION FROM COUNTY CONTINGENT FUND FOR
HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR-CONDITIONING
IMPROVEMENTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS ROOMS AT THE
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING AND AWARD OF CONTRACT
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Division of Buildings and Grounds has determined that improvements are
needed immediately to the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in the dispatch office and
the emergency communications equipment room at the Tompkins County Public Safety Building to
protect the emergency communications equipment from shutdown, provide adequate environmental
conditioning, and minimize static electricity problems experienced by dispatchers, and
WHEREAS, the Division of Engineering has duly solicited quotes for these improvements, and
WHEREAS, of the three contractors requested to quote, three quotes were received and duly
opened on May 3, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Finance is directed to appropriate $14,100 from Account No. A1990,
County Contingent Fund, to Account No. A3110.4476 Sheriff's Department, for design, construction,
and engineering staff services associated with these improvements,
RESOLVED, further, That the contract be awarded to Gee's Sheet Metal Shop of Brooktondale,
New York for a total not to exceed $10,200,
RESOLVED, further, That $3,900 be allocated for design services, staff services, miscellaneous
project expenses, construction testing, and change orders,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or designee is authorized to execute a
contract or any change orders up to the project contingency of ten (10%) percent with funds available
from Account No. 3110.4476,
RESOLVED, further, That the fiscal target of the Sheriff's Department is unaffected by this
change as is 1996 rollover eligibility,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator will develop a policy proposal that
specifies when building renovations must be paid for by the Buildings and Grounds Division and when
by the occupants.
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Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Cynthia Overstreet to the Advisory Board on Indigent Representation for a term expiring
December 31, 1997.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met May 9 and had a report from Marjory Zack,
Program Manager for the Cornell Office for Technology Access and Business Assistance, on the efforts
of that office to coordinate information for people trying to bring business into Tompkins County. The
Committee also had a report from Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County concerning their work on
a micro enterprise and small business resource list. She said the Committee also heard from Terry Stark,
Director of the Broom County Office of Employment and Training. She said administration of the
Tompkins County's JTPA program is returning to Tompkins County for the first time since the County
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May 16, 1995
relinquished its person who was in charge of Job Training. B.O.C.E.S. will given the contract to
administer the Program.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
appoint Ted Schiele to the Advisory Board on Tourism Development as an Arts/Cultural Representative
with a term expiring December 31, 1997.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the labor management group met this morning and began discussion
on gain sharing. The next Council meeting will be May 18.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the pre -proposal conference with the architects to discuss planning a
building downtown was held today, and those proposals are expected in next week. Mr. Proto asked if
this was the first step in the process and if the committee is looking at other sites as well including West
Hill. Ms. Mink said other sites are not being looked at immediately. The committee will first decide the
viability of a downtown site. She said the West Hill site would be designed by County engineering.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 10. He expects to receive a written
report on tonnages and revenues for the first quarter of 1995 for the Recycling and Solid Waste Center in
June. The Committee approved bids to be advertised for curbside collection to start on August 15. Mr.
Todd said a second meeting was held with B.O.C.E.S. representatives on May 15, and he feels this was a
good meeting, and believes there is a better understanding by all parties. He reported Chairman Stein
and City of Ithaca Mayor, Benjamin Nichols, had a meeting to discuss the remaining issues relative to the
Compensation Plan for the neighborhood surrounding the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. The next
meeting will be June 21. Chairman Stein said an agreement has been reached and that agreement has
been forwarded to the legal representative for both parties.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next
meeting will be May 23 at 3:15 in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the subcommittees met on May 11. The next Committee meeting
will be May 25 at 2 p.m.
Report from the Public Information Committee
There was no report from this Committee. The next meeting will be May 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met May 8. The Committee will be sponsoring
one of two downlink teleconferences to be held at Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County on June 1
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May 16, 1995
and 7. The Committee will host the June 7 conference on visioning, and will discuss the role of County
government in economic development.
Announcement
Mrs. Schuler, Representative, District No. 4, announced Representative Livesay has been elected
Chair of the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 7:20 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. for the purpose of convening various
committees to review and take action on the proposals for early retirement.
RESOLUTION NO. 117 - TARGETING CERTAIN POSITIONS FOR THE EARLY
RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (Amended by Res. No. 191
of 1995)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, this Board on May 2, 1995 adopted a Local Law enabling certain positions in
County government to be targeted under the Early Retirement Incentive Program authorized by the State
of New York for 1995, and
WHEREAS, department heads have recommended which positions now filled by eligible
individuals can be abolished without endangering the safety of the public nor unduly disrupting service
delivery, and these recommendations have been reviewed by the County Administrator and by the
appropriate program committees of this Board, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services, Human Services, Facilities and
Operations, Health and Environmental Quality, and Governmental Affairs Committees, That the
following positions are hereby targeted for the Early Retirement Incentive Program, and in the event that
the incumbent(s) in these positions voluntarily elect to accept this incentive and to retire effective
between June 3, 1995 and August 31, 1995 then this Board shall enact a Resolution abolishing all of the
positions vacated by this process:
Six positions of Heavy Equipment Operator, Highway Division
One position of Laborer, Highway Division
One position of Case Supervisor, Social Services Department
One position of Senior Caseworker, Social Services Department
One position of Caseworker, Social Services Department
One position of Administrative Assistant, Social Services Depaitment
One position of Keyboard Specialist, Social Services Department
One position of Mental Health Administrator, Mental Health Department
One position of Receptionist, Mental Health Department
One position of Staff Psychologist, Mental Health Department
One position of Caseworker, Mental Health Department
One position of Psychiatric Social Worker, Mental Health Depaitnient
One position of Public Health Sanitarian, Public Health Department
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Executive Session
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May 16, 1995
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to enter into executive session at 8:22 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The meeting returned to open
session at 8:40 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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June 6, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives. Representative Blanchard was excused from 8:24 to 9:35 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of May 16, 1995
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
Representative Kiefer submitted amendments to the previously approved minutes of April 18.
Mr. Lerner questioned one of the proposed amendments. Chairman Stein asked that the question be
answered, and that this item also be deferred to the next meeting.
Presentation
William Mobbs, Commissioner of Public Works, announced Robert Nicholas, Airport Manager,
has been awarded accreditation from the Airport Association of Airport Executives. Over the past two
years Mr. Nicholas has studied, taken exams, wrote a paper, and took an oral exam before a panel of
airport executives. Mr. Mobbs stated that Mr. Nicholas successfully completed all requirements leading
to professional airport management status, and has earned and may use the title Accredited Airport
Executive. Mr. Mobbs presented Mr. Nicholas with a plaque and expressed on behalf of himself, and
other Public Works staff, the enthusiasm they feel for the added professionalism he adds to the staff. The
Board expressed their congratulations also. Mr. Nicholas stated he hopes this newly acquired knowledge
will help to assist him in helping this Board make government more efficient and effective.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Alan Cohen, 408 Hector Street, spoke concerning rollover funds. Mr. Cohen said he is a member
of the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee, and stated the current rollover policy has been
tightened up considerably, however, he is still an advocate for a fifty/fifty split. He also spoke of the
zero percent cost of living increase that is being recommended by the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee. Mr. Cohen stated by doing this, it forces the evaluation of all County programs. He feels an
intensive review of all County programs needs to go even further than that.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Representative, congratulated Mr. Nicholas on the above presented
award. Mr. Winch stated in last evening's Ithaca Journal there was an article concerning the Buffalo
Hill Road Bridge, and said he is still pleased that it was a contractor problem that County staff decided to
take under wing, and try to cap the aquifer and solve the problem. He said there was a tremendous
amount of dedication and is proud of the team that was led by Commissioner of Public Works, William
Mobbs. There was tremendous dedication crossing depaitinent lines working with one another to solve a
problem. He said he is very proud to have been associated with the Public Works Depthtinent staff for a
number of years.
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June 6, 1995
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, alerted the Board that he intends to bring before this
Board a resolution in support of State action to develop a legislative bill entitled Megan's Law. Mr.
Proto said the purpose of this law is to alert a community that they would have an opportunity to access
information of a confidential nature if a convicted child molester moves into their neighborhood. Mr.
Proto also inquired as to the status of the situation Fay Gougakis approached this Board about at a recent
Board meeting evolved in the City. He said he does not have any current information on this, but thinks
this Board should give Ms. Gougakis an answer. He asked Board members to share with him any new
information anyone may have.
Mr. Proto stated he has been reviewing Resolution No. 78 of 1995 - Accepting Report and
Recommendations of the Human Services Space Planning Committee. He stated the resolution
specifically states "to pay the costs of engineering investigations and space planning by the County
Division of Engineering, and any necessary private engineering or architectural work that may be needed
to develop the above required recommendation." He said the resolution states "and", not "or", and said
he was led to believe at the last Board meeting that the $100,000 was going to be spent on hiring an
architect and paying for whatever engineering services may be necessary to select a site in downtown
Ithaca. He said the direction of the resolution was to provide engineering services for all sites. He said
he wants to make sure the money that has been set aside will not only be spent on the review of a
downtown site. He said while there was discussion that the County's engineering staff would work on a
review of the Biggs A site, this is not stated in the resolution.
Mr. Heyman, County Administrator, said that while the adopted resolution does not state that,
there was discussion at that Board meeting that the amount and cost of work involved in developing the
Biggs A site would be very minimal because the County has owned that land for several years and is very
familiar with the utilities, the roads, surface features, traffic patterns, and all of the circumstances there.
These are all things that the County is not familiar with in the downtown area, and will have to pay to
have these items reviewed for any downtown site. Mr. Heyman stated the process of developing a
schematic design, traffic pattern, environmental impact, and everything else at the Biggs site will have to
be done, but will be done much easier and at a very minimal cost. This can and will be done by County
Engineering staff. Ms. Mink, Human Services Space Planning Committee Chair, concurred with Mr.
Heyman's comments, and also noted Resolution No. 78 states an amount up to $100,000.
Mrs. Schuler, District No. 4 Representative, announced that the Vassilyostrovsky Children's
Choir tour of Ithaca and Upstate New York ended with a farewell concert on June 3. The Choir
consisted of 44 young people ages 9-21. It was a wonderful experience - hope for world peaces in the
hands of our youths.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, announced on June 10 the Grange will be sponsoring
Dairy Day in Dryden. The purpose of this event is to promote the dairy industry as it is very important in
Tompkins County. Mr. Lane said it is important that the County recognize this and support it.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Adoption of Communication Plan for Public Information
Salaries - Management Staff
Endorsing State Legislation Extending Existing Sales and Use Tax Authority of the County of
Tompkins
In Support of Banning Assault Weapons in New York State
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June 6, 1995
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave Ms. Blanchard, Transportation Services Committee Chair, permission to
withdraw from the agenda the resolution entitled Authorizing a Special Reserve Fund for Ongoing
Maintenance Costs Associated with Brown Road.
Affirmation of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution with final committee action being affirmed:
CA024-95 - Authorizing Agreement with New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority - Hybrid Electric Bus - TOMTRAN
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein had no report or appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported on the status of the proposed State budget. Mr. Heyman stated that the
proposed compromises at this point do not look good for County government. There is concern there
may be additional mandates imposed on County government.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen had no report. He requested an executive session to discuss litigation.
Report from Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported on June 1 the County received proposals on the financing of $5,355,000 for
a series of notes. He said there has been a fifteen percent decline in interest rates over the last four
months. Mr. Squires reported the State Audit is on file with the Clerk of the Board. The County will
respond to the State with a corrective action plan, and this response will be available for public
inspection. A legal advertisement will be published in the Ithaca Journal with this information. In the
case of the Sheriff, there is no absolute requirement for the Sheriff to respond. Mr. Theisen, County
Attorney stated this Board should respond to the Audit and indicate what action it may be taking or
recommending to the Sheriff to correct the problems in the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Stein stated the
subjects contained in the Audit will go to program committees where appropriate and then to the Budget
and Fiscal Policy Committee.
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, had no report. He stated the Committee will meet June 7.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, distributed the Ithaca Tompkins Transit Center's "Rider's Digest",
Volume I, issue I. She said this is a new initiative in trying to get more information to the public about
transportation. She reported the Route 96 traffic mitigation committee met this afternoon with
representatives of the various media and began to launch what will probably be the largest construction
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June 6, 1995
project in the history of Tompkins County. The project is scheduled to begin June 19. She said the
committee welcomes any suggestions on how to make this project run smoother.
RESOLUTION NO. 118 - SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION AMENDING COUNTY, TOWN
AND HIGHWAY LAW IN RELATION TO THE ALTERNATE
CLASSIFICATION OF COUNTY AND TOWN LOW-VOLUME
ROADS
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman. Mr. Meskill stated the Town of Ulysses
Board and Highway Superintendent do not support this resolution. He expressed concern that low
volume roads that are currently being maintained may not be maintained in the same manner as the
economy forces localities to cutback. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1
(Representative Meskill). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, County and Town highway officials have only the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and New York State Department of Transportation
(NYSDOT) standards to rely upon when constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining low-volume local
roads within their jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS, standards for "local roads" promulgated by the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials are not appropriate for low-volume roads in rural communities,
and
WHEREAS, a recognized need exists for alternative design and maintenance guidelines for low-
volume roads, and
WHEREAS, the development of such guidelines would make possible more appropriate
investment in the local road system by keying improvements to the principal uses and traffic volumes,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives states in support for Senate Bill S.3160 and Assembly Bill A.5428
titled An Act to Amend the County Law, the Highway Law and Town Law in Relation to the Alternate
Classification of County and Town Low-volume Roads and urges the speedy passage of same by the New
York State Legislature,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board of Representatives is authorized to forward a
certified copy of this resolution to Assemblyman Martin Luster, and Senators James Seward and John R.
Kuhl and to Assemblyman Francis J. Pordum and Senator William J. Larkin who chair legislative
committees on local government.
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RESOLUTION NO. 119 - AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT ADDENDUM WITH SERVRITE
CORPORATION - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded
by Mrs. Schuler, to make Servrite still pay its share for trash/recycling removal. Ms. Kiefer felt the
restaurant should still have to pay its proportional share of the trash removal costs, or otherwise,
whomever operates the restaurant will have no incentive to minimize disposal and to recycle. She said
that seems like a cost of doing business that should be borne by this business. Mr. Nicholas, Airport
Manager, stated an artificial number could be arrived at to charge Servrite for these services. There was
discussion that this resolution is based on an agreement that has already been negotiated with Servrite,
and if this Board did not wish to adopt this resolution, the agreement would have to be renegotiated.
A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 2 (Representatives Kiefer and
Schuler), Noes - 13. AMENDMENT FAILED. After a lengthy discussion the Question was called. A
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June 6, 1995
voice vote on calling the question resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Winch). THE
QUESTION WAS CALLED. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1
(Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the County entered into a five-year agreement with Servrite to manage the airport
restaurant, gift shop, and vending machines, effective April 1, 1994, and
WHEREAS, the terms of said agreement were negotiated in good faith with no prior history of
this type of operation, and
WHEREAS, the terms of said agreement allow the County to charge for a proportional share of
terminal operating costs for trash/recycling materials removal, janitorial services performed, and full
recovery of debt service in connection with the purchase of restaurant/give shop equipment/furnishings
and architectural design services, and
WHEREAS, performance statistics for the first year of operation and realistic appraisal of the
remaining four years of the agreement, indicate that the original terms negotiated were unrealistic and
unattainable, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That said
agreement be amended to relieve Servrite from the obligation to make payments for their proportional
share of trash/recycling materials removal, their proportional share of janitorial services, and for recover
of debt service in connection with restaurant/gift shop equipment/furnishings currently due and for the
remainder of said agreement which expires March 31, 1999,
RESOLVED, further, That in the event the County exercises its option to renew said agreement
with Servrite on March 31, 1999, for an additional five-year period until March 31, 2004, the County
shall have the right to revoke the terms of the addendum agreement in full or in part, or to continue with
the amended terms until the end of the second five-year term,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an
addendum to the agreement with Servrite which reflects these changes.
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RESOLUTION NO. 120 - AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT WITH C&S
ENGINEERS, INC., FOR ADDITIONAL INSPECTION SERVICES -
TERMINAL RAMP & TAXIWAY CONNECTORS - TOMPKINS
COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Schuler and Todd). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, construction of the terminal ramp and taxiway connectors overran the contract term
for the construction activity and additional consultants time for inspection of the work became necessary,
over and above that covered by the consultants' contract, and
WHEREAS, the costs associated with the additional consultant work will be deducted from
monies due to the contractor under a liquidated damages clause and that this supplementary agreement
will not result in an increase of project costs to the County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That a
supplementary agreement with C&S Engineers for $16,480 to cover additional inspection and other
administrative costs, be hereby approved and that the County Administrator be authorized to execute said
supplementary agreement, subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
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June 6, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 121 - AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR REPAIR OF THE
CRASH/FIRE/RESCUE BUILDING'S ROOF - TOMPKINS COUNTY
AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Division of Purchasing and Central Services has solicited bids for services in
connection with repair of the Crash/Fire/Rescue Building's roof at the Tompkins County Airport, and
WHEREAS. Eastern Roofing, Inc., of Binghamton, New York was the lowest responsible bidder,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the contract
for repair of said roof be awarded to Eastern Roofing, Inc., for $4,600 and that payment be made from the
airport's operating budget,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an
agreement on behalf of Tompkins County.
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Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He
reported the Board of Health conducted a public hearing on the Sanitary Code. Written comments can
still be submitted to the Board of Health until June 20. The next Committee meeting will be June 8. At
that meeting there will be a report on the preschool Home -Based Mental Health Project, a report about
the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and there will also be discussion on attempts by the State to recover
$37,000 from the Alcoholism Council of Tompkins County.
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report. The next Committee meeting will be June 7.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee has met once since the last Board meeting, and
actions are reflected on this Board agenda. The next Committee meeting will be June 12 at 3 p.m., and
will be chaired by Representatives Evans in her absence.
RESOLUTION NO. 122 - SALARIES - MANAGEMENT STAFF
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
12, Noes - 3 (Representatives Kiefer, Proto and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, That the salaries of all management staff are hereby increased by 3.0 percent
effective April 1, 1995, and shall remain at that level through March 31, 1996, and that the salary
schedule for management staff shall increase by 3 percent on April 1, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: Type II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 123 - ENDORSING STATE LEGISLATION EXTENDING EXISTING
SALES AND USE TAX AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF
TOMPKINS
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June 6, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Mink. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Proto). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has had the authority to enact an additional one cent of
sales and use taxation since December 1, 1992, and has enacted such taxation, and
WHEREAS, this Board by Resolution No. 38 of 1995 requested an omnibus amendment of State
Tax Law that would empower all counties to have flexibility to consider sales tax increases or decreases
above three percent based on local law or resolution, and does continue that request, and
WHEREAS, in the absence of such empowerment, this Board does request an extension of this
authority from the State of New York beyond its scheduled expiration date of November 30, 1995, and
WHEREAS, State legislators representing Tompkins County have sponsored such an extension
and have now informed this Board of Representatives that the New York State Legislature is willing to
authorize an extension of this authority to November 30, 1997, but not beyond that date at this time, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That this Board
endorses and requests State approval of legislation known as A7885 and S2016 authorizing the County of
Tompkins to continue the current rate of sales and use taxation through November 30, 1997, and urges its
elected representatives in the Senate and the Assembly to sponsor and support this legislation,
RESOLVED, further, That notwithstanding the foregoing this Board of Representatives
continues to request the flexibility for counties as addressed in Resolution No. 38 of 1995 of this Board,
and failing that a four year extension of its authorization.
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RESOLUTION NO. 124 - IN SUPPORT OF BANNING ASSAULT WEAPONS IN NEW YORK
STATE
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Evans. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13,
Noes - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, on May 22, 1995, the Assembly passed A68-21, a measure banning high-capacity,
military style assault weapons, and
WHEREAS, Governor Pataki supports a ban on these deadly weapons, and
WHEREAS, the Senate, on June 13, will consider S52-52, a bill on an assault weapon ban, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives encourages our Senate representatives to vote to ban these deadly
weapons.
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Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, said he had no report. He requested an executive session to discuss a
personnel matter.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the 1995 Ithaca Festival was a great success. She reported the
ARC grant cycle is due August 18. There will be a workshop for applicants at the Transit Facility on
June 28. She reminded members that on June 17 the walk of the County greenway trails will be led by
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June 6, 1995
James Schug, Mayor of Dryden. She announced there are two teleconferences being sponsored by
Cooperative Extension, on June 1 and 7. The next Committee meeting will be June 14 at 9 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 125 - ACCEPTANCE OF TOMPKINS COUNTY SMALL CITIES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County applied for two Small Cities Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG) as part of the 1995 U.S. Depaitnient of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CDBG
competition, and
WHEREAS, HUD awarded Tompkins County grants of $270,000 and $118,500 respectively, for
projects involving new product development and loans for equipment, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is required to accept these grants in order to begin the work
involved, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That Tompkins County hereby accepts the two Small Cities CDBG grants, and
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign all
paperwork necessary to facilitate the implementation of these grants.
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Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report. The Committee will be meeting in July to start to formulate an
economic development strategy in Tompkins County.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported recycling bids are due in on June 28. The Committee will then
award a bid to begin on August 15. Mr. Todd reported in May there were 7,000 customers at the
Recycling Center, and there were 3,000 that brought material into the main facility. At the Committee
meeting held on May 31 there was discussion with Data Processing on putting the Annual Fee on the
property tax bill. The next Committee meeting will be June 21. He expects a financial report on the first
quarter on the Recycling and Solid Waste Center.
Mr. Meskill expressed concern that there will be a time lapse between the time the rural
recycling centers will close and the time the recycling bid is awarded. He asked if this could be looked
into. Mr. Todd said he would do that.
Report from the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee meets weekly and will meet again June 7 at 4 p.m.
He expects a report to be ready to present to the Solid Waste Committee on June 21.
Report of the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met May 22 and will meet again on June 12. He
reported that the Rural Affairs Committee will be sponsoring the teleconference tomorrow at Cooperative
Extension. The Committee is currently discussing economic development in communities.
Report from the Leadership Council
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June 6, 1995
Ms. Mink, Chair, stated the article for County Corridors outlining what Partners for Quality
really is has just been finished. The Depailment of Social Services Coordinating Committee is focusing
its pilot program in the Services Division, and Public Works has chosen Buildings and Grounds to be the
site of its first pilot. She said smaller departments are lining up to take part in the initiative, and she
expects all departments to be on board within three to four years.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported interviews were held with architects for two days, and the Committee
will be working on selection and a contract with one and will have a report on that at the next Board
meeting. The Human Services Space Planning Committee will make the decision on which architect they
will work with.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met May 25 and decided to merge the
infrastructure and partnership subcommittees. He said by the end of the year Tompkins County is going
to have some fairly spectacular offerings and will be surprised at what will be available to Tompkins
County resident in their homes. The policy subcommittee will meet on June 8 at noon. The full
Committee will meet June 29 at 2 p.m.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met with Stuart Stein to discuss the role of the
Chairman of the Board. The Committee is still gathering information at this time. The next meeting will
be June 13 at 3:15 p.m.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the Committee has been developing the communication work plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 126 - ADOPTION OF COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR PUBLIC
INFORMATION
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives adopted a Public Information Program Plan which
calls for the development of a communications plan for approval by the Board by June 1995, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Information Committee, That the document
entitled "Proposed Communications Plan for Public Information" is hereby adopted as that information
plan.
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Presentation of 1996 Budget Information by the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, began the presentation stating he and the Committee appointed eight task
forces this year that included Board members, members of the Budget Reorganization Advisory
Committee, Department heads, Administration, and other County employees. The packet of information
Board members received with their agendas represents several thousands of hours of work. He extended
a thank you to all who were involved in the process. Mr. Lerner stated the following resolution and
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June 6, 1995
task force reports taken together represent some fundamental changes in the ways the County goes about
developing and implementing the budgeting process in the course of the year. Last year a lot of work
was done which mainly had the effect of changing the appearance of budget documents. This year
changes are being made that are less visible but will go a good deal deeper in corresponding to the
changes that were made last year. Mr. Lerner noted that once resolutions have been approved, the
official fiscal policy will be revised to correspond to the resolutions. The reports were initially
presented to the Board in one resolution. At the request of Mr. Lane, the Board concurred to adopt each
task force report separately.
RESOLUTION NO. 127 - ADOPTION OF ORGANIZING PUBLIC INPUT INTO COUNTY
BUDGET DECISIONS PROPOSAL OF THE BUDGET
REORGANIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
Proposal of the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee on Organizing Public Input into County
Budget Decisions is hereby adopted.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
ORGANIZING PUBLIC INPUT INTO COUNTY BUDGET DECISIONS:
A PROPOSAL FROM THE BUDGET REORGANIZATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Revised May 29, 1995
A. BACKGROUND
As stated in the charge given to the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee (BRAC) at the
time of its formation, it is hoped that BRAC can bring "good government" experience to the task of
budget re -organization, and to the process by which the budget is prepared, reviewed and adopted,
including processes for establishing priorities. Although significant progress was made last year in the
administrative processes by which the budget is prepared, reviewed and adopted, two areas were less
successful or neglected altogether: obtaining public input and developing processes for prioritization.
The position is taken here that: a) prioritization of public spending is a necessity in times of scarce and
dwindling resources; and b) one of the most fundamental principles of good government is that priorities
should reflect the values, concerns and needs of the public.'
Whereas few would argue with the above position at a theoretical level, the challenge lies in
obtaining public input from a broad cross-section of the community and organizing that input in a form
that is both timely and useful to election officials. A related challenge, in the face of complex problems
and often conflicting demands from the public, is ensuring that elected officials can exercise discretion in
decision-making (as they were elected to do) but can still make decisions that take account of the
expressed values, concerns and needs of the public.
Current mechanisms for obtaining broad public input are widely acknowledged as inadequate at
best. A passive posture regarding public input tends to perpetuate strong biases in the input that elected
officials receive and forces decision -makers to rely upon their own values and their perceptions of the
values, concerns and needs of their constituents. There is a vast scope for developing innovative and
more effective approaches. In formulating such approaches it is useful to define clear principles to serve
as guideposts for strategy design and a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of such strategies. The
following principles are proposed:
1. Public input should represent the values, concerns and needs of diverse groups within the
community and special efforts may be required to obtain input from groups whose voices are often not
heard;
The term "prioritization" has different meanings for different people. To some, it implies a rigid decision-making algorithm
that locks -in legislators to fund certain programs over others. This is not the sense in which it is used here
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June 6, 1995
2. To be useful to decision -makers, public input should be based on informed discussion of
specific policy issues and the budgetary and other constraints facing county government;
3. To be useful to decision -makers, forums for obtaining public input must be conducted in an
environment of safety, respect, orderliness and a desire to gain mutual understanding;
4. Decision -makers (elected officials and department head) should be direct participants in
forums for obtaining input and should be provided the opportunity to establish a meaningful dialogue
with the public;
5. To ensure fairness and credibility, the forums should be convened, facilitated and the results
documented by non -partial organizations with the professional capacity to perform these functions.
6. The forums and the results emanating from them should be accessible to the public at large in
order to enhance their educational value, generate further interest in public participation, and begin to
restore confidence in representative government;
7. A mechanism should be developed to ensure that the information arising from public forums
is considered to the greatest extent possible to subsequent budget and program decisions, including
resource allocations, and to ensure that the information is not misused in the process.
The following public information strategy is proposed that is based on the above principles. It is
also based on the currently accepted "outreach principle" that participation in any new activity is far
more likely to occur through word-of-mouth communication, preferably among people known to each
other, than through mass media or other anonymous solicitations.
B. MAIN ELEMENTS OF A PUBLIC INPUT PLAN
1. It is proposed that the Public Input Plan be designed and implemented through the efforts of a
Steering Committee and trained facilitators to be identified by the County Administrator's (CA) office.
It is also proposed that this strategy be examined in relation to the activities of the Partners for Quality
and the Rural Affairs Committee, to determine where coordination may be necessary, and how it might
best be accomplished.
2. It is proposed that the Steering Committee would be responsible for overseeing the
development and implementation of this process. It is further proposed that the Steering Committee
would be chaired by BRAC and include two BRAC members in total, plus two Board of Representatives
members to be selected by the Chairman of the Board, and a representative from the CA's office. The
Steering Committee would be responsible for making all decisions concerning the number, location,
timing, content and conduct of the public forums, recruitment and publicity strategies, ways to handle the
information arising from these forums, and ways to protect the legitimacy and fairness of the process. It
is proposed that the professional facilitators participate in meetings of this steering committee in order to
add their expertise to these decisions and be fully informed as to the wishes of the Committee. The
logistical and administrative aspects would be arranged jointly the CA office and the facilitating
organizations.
3. A variety of organizations exist in the County that can assist this process. It is proposed that
the CA's office identify appropriate organizations and establish any contractual arrangements that may
be necessary. The Steering Committee should report back to the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee for
approval of County expenditures related to this Plan.
4. It is proposed that a realistic objective in this first year is to hold three meetings in each of
three County locations (September, October and November). Two meetings would be held in outer
towns and one in Ithaca. The location of these meetings in rural and urban areas is only for the
convenience of the public, with the recognition that there are advantages to having mixed participants in
such meetings. An important objective is to get a core of participants that would be willing to participate
in several or all meetings. Specific strategies are needed to maintain such motivation and interest.
5. It is proposed that a variety of recruitment strategies be employed to identify participants in
the public forums. Possibilities include volunteers serving on various County boards, members of
community organizations, use of existing networks (e.g., personal, neighborhood, occupations, etc.),
among others. The objective is to identify a relatively small number (e.g., 20-30) of people with diverse
viewpoints and circumstances to participate in forums in each location. BRAC and the Steering
Committee should consider how to obtain groups that are on the small side (and therefore manageable for
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generating a meaningful dialogue) while not creating an exclusive process. Experiences last year
indicated that we need not be concerned bout being deluged with members of the public, such that we
may end up with small groups even if the standard methods of publicizing meetings is used (e.g., print,
Public Service Announcements, Channel 53).
6. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the core participants would be maintained in
a database (with their permission) to enable BRAC to mobilize regular as well as ad hoc public forums in
future years. Thus, a semi-permanent structure would be created for generating meaningful public input
on specific or broad issues of importance to the County.
7. There is a advantage in having BRAC maintain the above database and be as involved as
possible in the recruitment process and "between meeting contacts" to sustain the interest of participants.
The advantage is in preserving the image that is a citizen -led process for discussing public issues an d for
providing public input to elected officials. BRAC and the Steering Committee need to give serious
thought as to how to ensure that this image matches with the reality.
8. Since the primary purpose of these meetings is to provide public input to elected officials,
meetings should be scheduled well in advance and at times when elected officials can be sure to attend
meetings involving their own constituents and some of the rural and urban "mixed meetings" referred to
above. In addition, the Steering Committee should consider appropriate ways to document the input
received at each meeting and to present that to the Board of Representatives, back to the public, and other
relevant parties (e.g., department heads, town and city officials).
****
RESOLUTION NO. 128 - ADOPTION OF PROGRAM BASED BUDGETING TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
Recommendations of the Program Based Budgeting Task Force are hereby adopted except for
recommendations about specific departments, budgeting units, and programs which are reviewable by
Board program committees.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Recommendations of the Program -based Budgeting Task Force
The Program -based Budgeting Task Force recommends that the County implement true program -
based budgeting beginning with the preparation of the 1996 County budget. The Fiscal Policy and
administrative policies should be recommended to reflect the following.
Budgeting Units and Programs
The word "program" is used ambiguously in County fiscal policy. The task force recommends
making our terminology more clear and precise. The term "program" should no longer be used as a
synonym for "budgeting unit". In brief, budgeting units represent policy -level budgeting decisions;
programs are groups of related services. These two concepts relate to one another differently in different
areas of the budget (see appendix).
Budgeting Units
Budgeting units should replace departments as the primary subject of budget decision. They
exist to delineate where Board action on budget transfers is necessary. Every County expense should be
assigned to one of about 75-100 budgeting units. Only budgeting units should receive appropriations,
have fiscal targets, or apply for special requests. Contingent Funds are a special type of budgeting unit
that receive appropriations but do not have fiscal targets; they are budgeted directly by the Board and do
not have program objectives. Each department shall be made up of one or more budgeting units. Every
budgeting unit will be a page in the budget. Every department with more than one budgeting unit will
also have a summary page in the budget. Some budgeting units include only grants to not-for-profit
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agencies and are not part of any department. Department heads have great discretion in spending
budgeted funds within a budgeting unit. However, department heads may not transfer funds within
budgeting units without a Board vote, even if they are within the same department. (Department heads,
of course, must also restrict fund transfers within a budgeting unit if such restrictions are imposed by
state or federal law or regulation).
Program
"Program" is defined in the Tompkins County Fiscal Policy as:
A service which is a recognized part of a department's ongoing operation and is made
available to residents, clients, patients, and customers during the normal business hours of the
department, and the administrative activity to support that service. It represents the equivalent of at least
a half-time trained staff member and/or expenses of at least $20,000 of the depaitnient's operating budget
and is a primary purpose of the department as stated in the department's mission statement. The service
provided is a distinct, formally structured part of the department's operation with regularly assigned,
appropriately trained staff and/or an organized set of policies and procedures. The service provided lends
itself to measurement of input and of outcomes.
All County expenses are for some program. Every program should be part of some budgeting
unit. The word "program" should be reserved for what are now primarily called subprograms, plus some
current programs and all not-for-profit agency grants. The term "subprogram" should be dropped
altogether. Unless a program is also designated as a budgeting unit it would not have a fiscal target.
Actual expenses should be broken out by programs. In doing so, reasonable estimates and pro -rating
formulas may be used.
If a program that is part of a larger budgeting unit is designated as a cost saver, the consequences
of that designation should be applied just to the cost saver program, to the extent possible.
If the Board approved a special request on behalf of a program that is part of a larger budgeting
unit, the special request is construed simply as a change in the budget (and perhaps target) of the
budgeting unit, unless the Board resolution explicitly restricts spending otherwise, e.g., for a special
request for a cost saver program included in a larger budgeting unit. The Board program committee may
specify additional reporting requirements in these instances.
Ideally, information about each program should be included in budget proposal packets,
including mission statements, program descriptions, staffing, goals, budget lines, measurable objectives
and program statistics. This may not be possible for every program.
Fund transfers
Administrative Policy 05-04 spells out how funds may be transferred within a department from
one budget line to another. The present wording can remain intact, but must now be understood to apply
to budget transfers within a budgeting unit rather than a department. In brief, fund transfers require
information -only notification to the Board program committee, which has the authority to overrule the
transfer.
Budget lines
For budgeting purposes, the number of lines in a budgeting unit's budget should be greatly
reduced to only the following. No approval outside the department should be required for changes that
do not affect the total for a budget line. Departments will plan spending in-house in finer -grained
categories than these, which will also be used for recording actual expenses.
Salaries - Individual positions should be itemized on the budget forms, but the total budgeting unit salary
amount is a single budget line.
Fringe benefits - The fringe budget line will be calculated as a fixed percentage of the budgeting unit's
salary line, as spelled out in the report of the Technical Issues Task Force.
Equipment (non -capital)
Class A mandates - These are payments to or on behalf of service recipients; they are excluded from
targets and are ineligible to be reappropriated in a subsequent year.
Not-for-profit agency grants - Each grant is a separate budget line and a program. Grants are
distinguished from not-for-profit agency vendor contracts as spelled out in the recommendations of the
Ad Hoc Task Force on budgeting for not -for -profits.
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Capital - Capital projects are one-time physical betterments costing more than $25 thousand. The annual
costs of the Capital Program should be assigned to budgeting units. Each capital project will be a
separate budget line in some budgeting unit. New capital proposals should be treated as the equivalent of
special requests. Some capital expenses should be included in fiscal targets, others not; the Board will
determine this on a case-by-case basis. The Capital Program defined in the County Charter should be a
summary of the capital expenses scattered through the operating budget. Midyear changes in the Capital
Program will still require Capital Program Committee action and a two-thirds vote of the Board of
Representatives.
Contractual services and supplies - This shall be a single budget line including Centrally Distributed
Items, departmental overhead and administrative costs. Contracts for services or products. Vendors may
be for-profit businesses, other governments, not-for-profit agencies, or other County departments. Large
contracts should be itemized on the budget forms.
Supplies.
Miscellaneous expenses not categorized above.
Revenues - There should be separate revenue lines for General Revenue, Fees, State Aid, Federal Aid,
Grant Funding, Payments from Other County Departments, and all other dedicated revenues.
1996 fiscal targets
After the Board of Representatives enacts changes in fiscal targets in connection with the Fringe
Pool, and then enacts any changes in those targets for 1996 budget preparation, departments with more
than one budgeting unit should propose a pro -ration of their target among their budgeting units. The sum
of the budgeting unit targets must equal the departmental target. The division of that departmental target
into budgeting unit targets may be amended by the Board as the budget proposal is reviewed. Once the
1996 budget is adopted, and the new accounting system is fully on line, the budgeting unit targets will be
retained and the depaitniental targets abolished.
Since 1996 is the first year in which this pro -ration of targets will be used the Board should be
prepared to be flexible in adjusting budgeting unit targets.
Changes from 1995
The task force has recommended to depai lnient heads some changes in how their depai Intents are
divided into budgeting units and programs. Also, the Ad Hoc Task Force on not-for-profit agencies has
recommended some changes in how some agency grants are assigned to budgeting units. All these
changes will be reviewed by program committees, the budget committee, and the Board.
Implementation
The County's new financial management system will not be fully on line until approximately
mid-1996. The 1996 budget will be prepared using the new system of targets for budgeting units. It
should be understood, however, that implementation of some aspects of this policy may not be possible
until 1997 budget preparation. In particular, tracking of actual expenses to budgeting units and programs
instead of to departments may not be fully possible in 1996.
Appendix A
Departments, Budgeting Units and Programs
Ten departments are entire Budgeting Units.
Seven of these Budgeting Units include two or more programs (COFA, STOP
DWI, Assigned Counsel, Human Rights, Board of Representatives,
Board of Elections, Personnel).
Three of these Budgeting Units are entire programs (District Attorney, Weights
and Measures, County Attorney).
Ten departments include more than one Budgeting Unit.
Eight of these depat intents' Budgeting Units include more than one program
Mental Health, Planning, Public Health, DSS, Youth Bureau, Sheriff,
Finance, Probation).
Two of these departments' Budgeting Units are entire programs (Fire, Disaster,
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and EMS, County Clerk).
Two departments include divisions (Public Works, Administration).
Administration has three divisions.
Two divisions are entire Budgeting Units, each of which includes two
programs (Assessment, Data Processing).
One division is an entire Budgeting Unit (County Administrator).
One Budgeting Unit is not part of any division (CDI).
Public Works has six divisions.
Three divisions include two or more Budgeting Units, each of which is an
entire program (County Road, B&G, Solid Waste).
Three divisions are entire Budgeting Units.
Two divisions include two or more programs (Airport,
Engineering).
One division is an entire program (Tomtran).
Five Budgeting Units are not-for-profit entities (TCCC, Cooperative Extension,
Tompkins County Public Library, Human Services Coalition, EOC).
Five Budgeting Units are clusters of not-for-profit agency grants. Each grant is both a
program and a line item in the Budgeting Unit's budget (History, Arts, and
Cultural Enrichment; HSC Human Service Agencies; Economic Development;
Tourism Promotion; Criminal Justice and Legal Services).
One Budgeting Unit consists entirely of Class A mandated payments for clients (Outside
Community Colleges).
One Budgeting Unit does not include a program (Contingent Fund).
APPENDIX B
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PROGRAM BASED BUDGETING TASK FORCE
HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-- Consideration should be
made to divide this program into at least two, but not
more than four sub programs. Food service inspections
and environmental inspections, for example, are two
entirely different components of this program.
Recommendation 2. HOME HEALTH SERVICES -- Should this be referenced
to COFA?
Recommendation 3. NURSING -- Consideration should be made to making
this more than one sub program.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 4. Change the sequencing of programs as they appear in
the Master Program Document.
Recommendation 5. If possible, spread Administration expense throughout
"B" mandated programs.
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HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 6. Combine all departmental operations into one program.
Show the current programs ("Case Processing" and "Community
Involvement/Education') as sub programs.
YOUTH BUREAU PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 7.
Combine all departmental operations into two programs: Youth
Programs and all other programs. Show two of the current programs
("Management & General" and "Service System Improvements') as
sub programs.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
PROBATION DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 8. CORE MANDATED SERVICES -- should be renamed for better
understanding and sub programs should be added.
STOP DWI PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 9.
Combine all departmental operations into one program. Show the
current programs ("Enforcement & Rehabilitation" and "Public
Information and Education') as sub programs.
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 10. Replace the programs labeled "Jail Medical" "Corrections ", and
"Transports" with a program called "JAIL". Show Jail Medical,
Transports, and Corrections as sub programs under the Jail program.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES COMMITTEE:
COUNTY ROAD PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 11.
Recommendation 12.
"County Road -- Maintenance and Bridges" should be split into two
programs. Create a program for maintaining roads, and one for bridge
work.
Combine "Snow Removal County Roads" with "Snow Removal State
Roads "for one program called "Snow Removal ". Show the current
programs as sub programs under Snow Removal.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE:
ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 13. Combine all departmental operations into one program. Show the
current programs ("Real Property Tax Service" and "Assessments') as
sub programs.
DATA PROCESSING PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 14. Combine all departmental operations into one program. Show the
current programs ("Computer Services" and "Telecommunications') as
sub programs.
PERSONNEL PROGRAMS:
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Recommendation 15.
June 6, 1995
Combine all departmental operations into one program. Show the
current programs ("Civil Service" and "Human Resource
Management') as sub programs.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
BOARD OF ELECTIONS PROGRAMS:
Recommendation 16. Combine all departmental operations into one program. Show the
current programs ("Conduct of Elections" and "Voter Registration') as
sub programs.
RESOLUTION NO. 129 - ADOPTION OF AD HOC TASK FORCE ON PROGRAM BASED
BUDGETING FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT AGENCIES
RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
recommendations in the memorandum dated May 15, 1995 of the Ad Hoc Task Force on Program Based
Budgeting for Not -for -Profit Agencies is hereby adopted except for recommendations about specific
agencies which are reviewable by Board program committees.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
REPORT OF THE AD HOC TASK FORCE ON PROGRAM -BASED BUDGETING FOR NOT-
FOR-PROFIT AGENCIES
Not-for-profit agencies and program based budgeting
May 15, 1995
Recently Marge Dill, Nancy Burston, Tim Joseph, Eric Lerner and Kathy West met twice as an ad hoc
task force to sort out some confusing points in how not-for-profit agency contracts fit into program -based
budgeting. This report summarizes our recommendations, and identifies some questions that remain to
be answered. The Fiscal Policy should be amended to reflect the following.
Grants and Vendor contracts. The County has dozens of contracts with NFPs. These are of two types:
vendor contracts, and grants. We recommend that every NFP contract should be clearly designated as
fitting into one of these two categories.
Vendor contracts. Under a vendor contract, the County pays the vendor for providing a product or
service to some department of County government. Such contracts are negotiated by the relevant County
department, and are included in the "Contract Services and Supplies" line of program budgets as the
equivalent of contracts with for-profit vendors.
Grants. A grant is an appropriation of County funds to a NFP for the purpose of supporting the work of
that agency, or some specific aspect of that work. Grants include (but are not limited to) contracts
reviewed by the Human Services Coalition and by the County Youth Bureau. Each grant should appear
as both a program and a line item in the budget of some budgeting unit, and should be part of the fiscal
target of that budgeting unit. The final determination of the amount of such grants should be determined
by the Board of Representatives.
Large grants. Some large NFP contracts are entire budgeting units: TCCC, TC Library, Cooperative
Extension, and the Human Services Coalition. We recommend that after approval of the new rent
subsidy agreement with EOC, that EOC also be treated as a separate budgeting unit. The role of the HSC
in reviewing this new BU needs to be clarified.
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Clusters of small grants. If a program is a cluster of several grants outside of any County depaitment,
someone should be designated to fill the role of the depal Intent head in preparing the budgeting unit's
budget and designating what falls within the fiscal target and what is a special request. Until someone
suggests a more euphonious name, let us call that the quasi -department head (QDH).
Unclustered small grants. We recommend that making small grants into stand-alone budgeting units in
the County budget be avoided as much as possible. That tends to attract unwarranted attention to small
appropriations. Each grant should be included as a program in some larger budgeting unit, either in some
County department, or clustered with other grants into a budgeting unit.
Municipal sales tax agreements. We recommend that all grants that the County took over from the City
and the Towns as a result of the 1993 sales tax agreement be, as much as possible, blended into the
programs and budgeting units where those agencies are already included. There should be an annual
confirmation that the resulting budgets are in compliance with the agreements with the City and the
Towns.
Human Service programs. We recommend that budgeting units #38 (Basic Subsistence and Income
Security) and #39 (Individual and Family Life) be combined into a single budgeting unit, with the Human
Services Coalition as QDH. The following changes should be made:
Include Literacy Volunteers from BU #2.
Include Ithaca Rape Crisis and Task Force for Battered Women from BU #65.
Transfer EOC Outreach to new EOC BU.
We recommend that the grants in BU #36 (Youth Programs) be itemized as programs in the budget.
Public Safety programs. We recommend that the HSC also act as QDH for BU #65 (Criminal Justice
and Legal Services). OAR should be two programs: Bail Fund and Jail Volunteer Program. HSC should
review OAR and Alcoholism Council ATI grants on behalf of the ATI/CJ Board. The County
Administrator should provide HSC with budget amounts for Unified Court System and Justices and
Constables. If the County creates a criminal justice coordinator in 1996, that person should work with
the HSC and ATI/CJB in reviewing these programs, and perhaps serve as QDH.
PCDE programs. We recommend that a QDH be designated for BU #2 (History, Arts and Cultural
Enrichment), possibly the County Administrator. Town Libraries and the Finger Lakes Library System
should be moved into this BU and separated from the County library, which should be a stand-alone BU.
We also recommend that the grants in BU #47 (Tourism Promotion) be itemized as programs in the
budget.
Remaining questions. There are unresolved questions about several NFP contracts. The appropriate
Board program committee should make a recommendation on each, for review by B&FP and approval by
the Board. In each case, the committee should recommend whether a contract is a vendor contract or a
grant, what BU it should be part of, and who should be QDH.
Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board
Contracts in BU #6 (Community Mental Health Services)
Contracts taken over from the City and Towns which are included in a County department
Multi -cultural Resource Center
Health Planning Council
Soil and Water Conservation
EOC Homeless Shelter
Aidswork
SPCA
TCAD
Town libraries
Recommendations must take into account the following:
Every contract must be designated either as a grant or a vendor contract.
Every vendor contract must be included in the budget of a County department.
Every grant must be a program in some budgeting unit, either in a department, in
a cluster of several grants, or by itself.
Every budgeting unit that is a cluster of small grants must have a QDH, someone
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responsible for making an initial budget recommendation and identifying special
requests.
Small grants (less than $100,000) should be stand-alone budgeting units only as a
last resort.
RESOLUTION NO. 130 - ADOPTION OF BUDGET POLICY TASK FORCE REPORTS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by
Mr. Proto, to amend the section pertaining to rollover funds to change the wording: "normally the Board
intends to approve requests to reappropriate unspent funds from the old year to the new" to read:
"normally the Board intends to approve requests to reappropriate unspent funds up to fifty percent from
the old year to the new". A roll call vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 2
(Representatives Lane and Proto); Noes - 13. AMENDMENT FAILED. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane
seconded by Mr. Proto to amend the same wording as above: "normally the Board intends to approve
requests to reappropriate unspent funds from the old year to the new" to read: "normally the Board
intends to approve requests to reappropriate unspent funds up to twenty percent from the old year to the
new". A roll call vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 4 (Representatives Kiefer, Lane,
Proto and Schuler); Noes - 11. AMENDMENT FAILED.
Mr. Meskill said he wanted assurance that the approval of rollover funds must go through
program committees, as well as the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee. Mr. Heyman stated requests to
use rollover funds will go through program committees and the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, and
said this is outlined in the Administrative Manual.
A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 3 (Representatives
Lane, Proto and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
Report of the Budget Policy Task Force is hereby adopted.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report of the Budget Policy Task Force
as amended by the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Targets, special requests and COLAs. These areas of county fiscal policy are working effectively and
need little change beyond the recommendation of the Program -based Budget Task Force that budgeting
units replace departments as the subject of these policies. In brief, a fiscal target is the amount of money
a budgeting unit may include in its budget without submitting a special request. A special request is a
request for funding above target level. The Board may decide annually whether to increase all targets
equally to accommodate inflation.
Mandates. The definition of mandate classes should be revised to eliminate the requirement that Class
A mandates must be entire budgeting units. Instead, Class A mandates should be defined as mandated
payments to and on behalf of clients, and should be included as a line in the budget of a budgeting unit.
The actual expenses identified as mandated and exempted from fiscal targets will be little changed. Old
Landfills should be reclassified as Class B; and Justices & Constables and Unified Court System as Class
C. Jail Boardouts and special prosecutors may become eligible to be classified as A mandates.
Fund Balance Shortfalls. When the books are closed on the previous year, fund balances may be found
to fall short of targets. This may result from low sales tax revenues, high Class A mandate costs, or other
unexpected events. By June 1 of each year, the Finance Director should formally notify the Board if fund
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balances are below target at the end of the previous year. The county administrator should submit for
board review a plan to correct any such shortfall.
The plan should take into account all relevant New York State laws. The plan could restore the
General Fund Balance through mid -year budget reductions. Class A mandates and costs savers should be
exempted. Other budgeting units may be exempted if so acted on by the Board (with or without the
County Administrator's recommendation). Reductions recommended by the County Administrator may
be, but need not be across the board. Alternatively, the plan could include actions in that Fall's budget
review process for the following year. The Board will decide whether to accept, revise, or reject the
Administrator's proposed plan.
Mid -year budget process. Several budget -related items call for Board action in May or June of each
year. To the extent possible, these should be included in one integrated mid -year budget process.
Review of fund balances at end of previous year.
Reappropriation of unspent funds from previous year.
Budget changes in response to new NYS budget.
Changes in fiscal targets, mandate classification and cost saver designations for the following
year's budget.
Budget guidelines for the following year's budget.
Reappropriation of unspent funds (rollover). Department heads should have flexibility to use funds
wisely, regardless of arbitrary boundaries between budget years. Programs should not be penalized for
efficiency. There should not be incentives for "use -it -or -lose -it" spending. Normally, the Board intends
to approve requests to reappropriate unspent funds from the old year into the new. However, rollover
policy should be better integrated with budgeting and planning, and certain special cases should be
identified.
Rollover approval process. Approval of rollover of unspent funds should be limited to budget
appropriations at just two points in the calendar.
1) Budget proposals. A budgeting unit may choose to include a rollover request in its budget proposal
for the following year, without a special request. If approved, that amount would be subtracted from the
current year appropriation and added to the amount that may be included in the new year's budget. If not
approved, the funds would remain in the current year appropriation.
A budgeting unit may amend its budget proposal to include a rollover request any time before the Board
adopts the new year budget.
2) Year-end closeout. When the books are closed on the previous year, the Finance Director will
indicate unspent funds in each budgeting unit's appropriation that are eligible for rollover.
Budgeting units may then request to reappropriate such funds to the new year's budget, or to include them
in the budget proposal for the following year, to be submitted in July. All rollover requests should be
submitted for review by program committees, the budget committee and the Board as part of a single
resolution. Any funds not reappropriated in that resolution permanently revert to the general fund.
Eligibility. Normally, unspent funds from the following sources will be approved for rollover:
Grant with mismatched fiscal year.
Department head decision to postpone an expense or program activity to following year.
Depai tinent head decision to forego an expense or program activity.
Bid price on contract lower than budgeted.
Position temporarily vacant.
Funds reserved for equipment purchase, e.g. vehicle or PERS
New efficiencies.
Correction of bookkeeping error.
Small residues in non -personnel accounts.
Ineligible. Funds from the following sources are not eligible for rollover:
Class A mandates
Reductions in fringe benefit premiums
Capital program items
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County Administrator recommendation. Before the Board acts on rollover requests, the County
Administrator should inform the Board of the following cases, and should recommend against
reappropriating funds whenever he judges that circumstances make it unwise to do so.
Surpluses resulting from increases in state or federal aid formulas.
Single events or program changes that result in surpluses greater than $50,000.
Surpluses resulting from positions that remained vacant for longer than six months.
Surpluses resulting from rate increases for fees charged to other county departments.
Surpluses resulting from poor management decisions.
Surpluses resulting from variations in revenue from other county departments.
Surpluses resulting from variations in fee revenues.
Rollover and the Contingent Fund. If a budgeting unit receives a contingent fund (or general fund)
appropriation during the year, that amount should be subtracted from its rollover eligibility at year-end,
with the following exceptions:
Terminal pay and disability pay after two months, as currently defined in the Fiscal Policy
Any appropriation that the Board explicitly votes to exclude from this requirement.
Variations in state reimbursement. Some departments that are heavily state -aided have complex
problems including slow state payments, inadequate state documentation, mismatched fiscal years, audits
that require reimbursement to the state, and more -- and occasionally unbudgeted mid -year increases in
state aid. Surpluses resulting from these factors should be identified separately from other surpluses in
the same budgeting units, and should be acted on appropriately.
Snow removal. The county should develop a rational method of budgeting for snow removal to stabilize
long-term costs in this area, despite annual variations in the weather.
Budgeting for uncertainty. It is always appropriate for a budgeting unit to plan for and budget for
events which cannot be predicted with certainty, and/or whose cost cannot be accurately predicted. This
can be done by including reasonably estimated amounts in the budget lines described in the Program -
based Budget Task Force report. Such planning may include rollover funds or funds already included in
fiscal targets. However, it is normally inappropriate to make a special request for this purpose.
Reappropriation of funds increases the budget of a budgeting unit without making any change in
its fiscal target.
RESOLUTION NO. 131 - ADOPTION OF BUDGET REVIEW TASK FORCE REPORT
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Ms. Mink. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to amend the
fourth to the last box under Part 1 to read: "Board of Representatives meets as a Committee of a whole
to recommend a budget." MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the
resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
Report of the Budget Review Task Force is hereby adopted.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-12
REPORT OF THE BUDGET REVIEW TASK FORCE - PART 1
BUDGET REVIEW PROCESS as recommended by Budget Review Task Force
Program Budgets are prepared and submitted to
County Administration
County Administrator makes recommendations
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June 6, 1995
on funding requests based on criteria
established by the Board (See Attached)
u
Requests and County Administrator
Recommendations are forwarded to Program
Committees and Budget and Fiscal Policy
u
Budget & Fiscal Policy Committee recommends guidelines to program committees;
guidelines may vary among program committees
Option 1
Make budget reductions to program areas so that the sum of the programs
recommended by a specific program committee does not exceed the sum of the
fiscal targets for those programs.
Option 2
Make budget reductions to program areas to that the sum of the programs
recommended by a specific program committee does not exceed the sum of the
fiscal targets for those programs by more than X percent.
Option 3 Reduce recommended special requests by X% (and perhaps Y%), and describe the
consequences.
u
Program Committees hear all budget
presentations, vote on recommendations, and
review recommendations for compliance with
B&FP guidelines.
u
Budget & Fiscal Policy Committee or the Board of
Reps. meets to recommend Proposed Budget
u
BRAC collects public input
u
Amendments are prepared by Board members
u
Proposed Budget and Amendments are voted on by full Board
REPORT OF THE BUDGET REVIEW TASK FORCE - PART 2
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BUDGET REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION PROCESS:
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June 6, 1995
The County Administrator, as part of the review of and recommendation on the County budget
and capital program shall prepare recommendations for the level of funding for all target requests and
special requests.
The County Administrator shall determine whether to recommend all, some, or none of the
funding requested based on the following criteria:
a) Whether the funding requested, and the manner in which it is proposed to be spent, is
considered very likely to accomplish the stated objective(s). This shall take into account the management
strength and approach of the requesting department or agency.
b) Whether the County Administrator concurs with the Department Head's or agency director's
recommendation that the program changes for which special request funding is being sought should not
instead be made by reducing funding elsewhere in the department's program budgets, nor be
accommodated through improved efficiency, nor be provided more appropriately by another
organization.
c) Whether funding can be provided within any overall fiscal guidelines provided by the Board
of Representatives.
d) Whether funding is consistent with any Board of Representatives guidelines with respect to
service delivery objectives for County government -- whether any vision has been articulated, directions
set, measures of public support identified, or indicators of severity of community need for particular
service established.
REPORT OF THE BUDGET REVIEW TASK FORCE - PART 3
COST SAVERS: Criteria, Procedures for Review and Approval, and Consequences
Recommendation of the Budget Review Task Force as amended by B&FP
Committee on 9 May 95
Criteria
To be designated a Cost Saver, a budgeting unit or program must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Only an entire budgeting unit or program may be designated as a cost
saver.
2. The budgeting unit or program must provide services funded by general
revenues.
3. By providing those services, the budgeting unit or program must clearly
reduce County spending in other County budgeting unit or programs, or
increase revenue to the general fund.
4. The amount of savings or increased revenues must equal or exceed the
total County fiscal sponsorship of the entire designated budgeting unit
or program.
5. The savings from providing the proposed services must be achieved within
the same fiscal year or within the following two fiscal years.
6. A reduction in services in the designated budgeting unit or program would
result in a net increase in costs or decrease in revenue to Tompkins County.
Procedures for Designation
1. For determinations of Cost Saver status during 1995 for the 1996 budget
the members of the Budget Review Task Force, minus the two department
heads, shall serve as the committee to screen requests. In subsequent years
the budget committee of the Board of Representatives shall designate the
review body that shall make initial recommendations on cost saver status.
2. The designated review body shall recommend on all requests for
cost saver status to the appropriate program committee. The program
committee recommendations should be recommended upon by the budget
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June 6, 1995
committee and voted upon by the Board of Representatives as part of
the guidelines -setting procedure each year, but in any event must precede
budget preparation.
3. Requests for renewal of designation may consist of the original application
with any needed updates on objectives, accomplishments, or methods, and
accompanied by documentation of savings or revenue gains achieved.
4. Cost Savers are designated for one year at a time.
Consequences of Designation
1. Cost Savers are exempt from any across-the-board cuts.
2. Cost Savers are flagged on all budget documents that the Board of
Representatives reviews so that any proposals to increase or reduce
spending authority will be reviewed with full knowledge of that status.
****
RESOLUTION NO. 132 - ADOPTION OF STATISTICS TASK FORCE REPORT
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Proto. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14,
Noes - 1 (Representative Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the Report
and Recommendations of the Statistics Task Force are hereby adopted.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
TO
TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE
FROM
TASK FORCE ON STATISTICS
MAY 17, 1995
Situation: The Task Force on Statistics was charged to propose changes in the performance evidence,
documentation, and/or statistics for the various Programs in Tompkins County Government Departments.
The Task Force reviewed the theoretical issues of amassing evidence through statistics, how
statistics fit into the Mission -Goals -Objectives -Strategies -Activities model central to Partnership for
Quality (PFQ), and some of the proposed statistical evidence for programs during fiscal 1995.
The outcomes of this review are that:
1) although statistics have may `ideals' for achievement, these ideals are often too expensive to
be implemented cost beneficially by departments and programs -- thus statistics used by programs will
usually be based on an optimization of several considerations;
2) many of the statistics proposed by programs for 1995 do not or will not demonstrate the
achievement of proposed objectives;
3) considerable confusion exists by nearly everyone on the relation of budgets to the statistics on
program goal achievement; and
4) statistics actually used by programs are best determined by program staff in consultation with
those most familiar with the nature of statistics and of their use in PFQ. Staff members have to
understand the statistics used and be committed to their use before they will be used effectively.
Recommendation: The Task Force on Statistics recommends that a training program on statistical
performance indicators of program goals and objectives be established for program managers and staff so
that its results can be used in preparing the budget for fiscal year 1997. This training program should
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June 6, 1995
take place between January and May, 1996, that is, in time to be used in preparing the 1997 budget.
Preparation for the training should take place between now and January 1996.
Key issues in preparing for the training between now and January 1996 are to put in place 1) a
training team and 2) a curriculum. The Task Force on Statistics does not believe it can put a curriculum
together for the training, or do the training in this timeframe. Professionals who train in PFQ processes
probably already have such a program and curriculum, and should be hired to do at least part of the
training, e.g., of program managers and identified facilitators, who could then train the remaining
program staffs. Such training would thus be much more integral, as it should be, with the PFQ process.
If PFQ-type professionals cannot be hired, even more careful and immediate attention should be given to
this recommendation. The Task Force on Statistics also asks that it (the Task Force) be kept informed on
what is happening on this recommendation, and perhaps consulted on issues as they arise, e.g., in
reviewing curriculum of various possible trainers.
Representative Blanchard was excused from the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 133 - ADOPTION OF THE PROGRAM REVIEW TASK FORCE REPORT
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the attached
Report and Recommendations of the Program Review Task Force are hereby adopted.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
REPORT OF THE PROGRAM REVIEW TASK FORCE
ACTIVITY SUMMARY as of MAY 11, 1995
as requested by Eric Lerner for the Budget & Fiscal Policy Committee meeting on
May 23, 1995
Meeting dates:
Next meeting:
March 22, March 31, April 14, April 27, May 11
June 8
MISSION STATEMENT:
Recommend a system to review County programs including periodic reviews of all
programs, and targeted reviews of selected programs.
During March, April and May, the group discussed the following issues:
1. Why the task group is looking at program review
2. Inadequacies of the current review process
3. Who's affected by the mission
4. What the requirements of the Board are as policymakers and
how they would benefit from the task group's mission
5. Review of all programs on a regular basis apart from the annual
budget
6. Situations (criteria) that might generate a review
7. Elements of the review process
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June 6, 1995
The process improvement steps have been identified along with the following tentative schedule:
JUNE 1995 a. discussion of survey (data collection) needs
JULY b. conduct data collection tasks
AUGUST c. start building a consensus
SEPT. - OCT. d. evaluate possible solutions (recommendations)
NOVEMBER e. discuss with appropriate "stake -holders" in
November
DECEMBER f. schedule for committee & Board action
JANUARY 1996 g. implement
During April and May, the group has focused primarily on the process of identifying requirements,
measurements, and steps in the program review process.
RESOLUTION NO. 134 - REORGANIZING TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board appointed the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee comprised of
citizens who are not employees nor officials of Tompkins County to recommend changes in the
Tompkins County Fiscal Policy adopted by this Board in December 1994 and in the role of members of
the public in the making of the County Budget and Capital Program, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee established various Task Forces, each of
which includes representation from the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee, Board of
Representatives members, and department heads to review and recommend improvements in the said
Fiscal Policy, and
WHEREAS, these Task Forces have made recommendations that have been reviewed, amended
and recommended to this Board by the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the Budget
and Fiscal Policy Committee is directed to recommend appropriate changes to the Tompkins County
Fiscal Policy incorporating all of the above adopted recommendations.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess at 8:28 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:36 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into an executive session at 8:28 p.m. to discuss litigation and a personnel
matter. The meeting returned to open session at 9:15 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 135 - ESTABLISHING A FRINGE BENEFITS PAYMENT POOL
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
182
June 6, 1995
WHEREAS, the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, on recommendation of its Technical
Issues Task Force, has recommended the creation of a Fringe Benefits Payment Pool with the purposes of
simplifying the calculation of fringe benefit costs in County depai huents and the Tompkins County
Public Library, creating stability for small to medium sized County departments who currently can be
seriously harmed by relatively small changes in fringe benefit costs, accommodating midyear changes
with fiscal ease (for example, depaitinental transfers for employees who change health insurance
coverage will be eliminated), and providing a buffer against radical year-to-year changes in fringe benefit
costs, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives decided when adopting the 1995 budget to allow
$348,391 in projected fringe benefit cost reductions to lapse to the general fund balance, and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of this Board when it adopts the 1996 budget to appropriate that
amount, $348,391, from the general fund balance to the Fringe Benefits Payment Pool, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That this Board
hereby adopts as policy the document dated 9 May 1995 and entitled "Proposal on Fringe Benefit
Budgeting" describing how a fringe pool shall be established, managed, and used by County departments,
which pool shall be funded based on a percentage of payroll to be recommended by the County
Administrator and the Director of Finance to the budget committee of this Board and to the full Board of
Representatives,
RESOLVED, further, That it is the intention of this Board, as part of the process of establishing
guidelines for County departmental budgeting units for 1996 budget preparation, to reduce the fiscal
targets of all budgeting units by an amount equal to the correct amount of their fringe benefit payment
obligation based on their approved payroll as of 1 May 1995, and then to increase those same fiscal
targets by a percentage to be determined by this Board in June 1995 multiplied by that same 1 May 1995
approved payroll amount, the purpose of this Resolved being to hold all County departmental budgeting
units harmless from the shift to a Fringe Pool method of budgeting for fringe benefit payments.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Technical Issues Task Force
Proposal on Fringe Benefit Budgeting
as Amended by the Budget & Fiscal Policy Committee on May 9, 1995
Executive Summary
Goal. The goal of this proposal is to make budgeting for fringe benefits by county depaitinents simple,
stable, fair, and flexible.
NOTE: While it is, of course, important to control costs for fringe benefits, this proposal does
not directly address that issue. It is concerned rather with how those fringe costs, whatever they
may be, are distributed to departmental budgets.
Fringe percentage. Before depaitinents prepare budget proposals for 1996, county administration will
recommend a fixed, mandatory percentage of salary costs that must be budgeted for fringes. This
recommendation must be reviewed and recommended upon by the budget committee and acted upon by
the Board of Representatives as part of the process establishing fiscal targets and other guidelines for
budget makers.
Fringe Pool. The county will create a reserve account, called the Fringe Pool, to handle all fringe
payments. Whenever regular county paychecks are distributed, an amount equal to each program's
payroll multiplied by the fringe percentage will be transferred from the program's budget to the Fringe
Pool. So, for example if a program's January salary costs are $100,000 (and the fringe percentage is
27%), that program will pay $27,000 to the Fringe Pool for January.
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June 6, 1995
Prior to establishment of the fringe percentage by the Board of Representatives the Finance Director shall
submit a report on the current and projected status of the funds in the pool based on receipts and expected
billings.
Billings. When the county receives bills for fringe costs from insurance carriers, those bills will be paid
directly from the Fringe Pool. If rates are lower than anticipated, budgeting units will nevertheless pay to
the pool the same announced fringe percentage. Any rebates will also be deposited in the Pool.
Similarly, if billed rates are higher than anticipated, programs will normally only be charged the
announced fringe percentage. The balance will be paid by the Pool. If the entire fringe pool is depleted
before the year is out, the Board shall determine whether to make up the difference from the Contingent
Fund or the General Fund or from reductions in departmental budgets.
Technical Notes.
1) The fringe percentage may be different in a few cases: where the union contract, state
law, and insurance regulations provide for somewhat different benefits.
2) Programs will be charged the same percentage of salary, regardless of whether
employees in that program choose family or single health insurance, or not at all.
3) State aid will be claimed based on the fringe percentage. This is acceptable to NYS, and
will have a negligible effect on county cost.
4) Fiscal Policy section D permits contingent fund appropriations for terminal pay and
replacement of employees sick for over two months. This policy would not change.
5) The Fringe Pool shall not include funding for, nor affect in any way, fringe benefit
payments at Tompkins Cortland Community College, not the Tompkins County Public Library.
Calculating the Fringe Percentage. A target level for the Fringe Pool will be recommended by the
Finance Director. Central administration will calculate the fringe percentage required for the following
year and recommend this to the budget committee of the Board of Representatives. If higher rates have
depleted the Fringe Pool, the fringe percentage for the following year will be set proportionally higher to
restore the pool to its target level. If lower rates leave the Pool with a surplus, the Board of
Representatives will determine whether to reduce the percentage required or to use the surplus for
another purpose.
Revising budget targets. To implement this plan, a one-time adjustment must be made in program fiscal
targets. The total amount of general revenue funding that should have been budgeted for fringes in 1995
will be subtracted form each program's target. The total amount that will be required for fringes under
the new plan for the same payroll will be added to each program's target. This adjustment should have a
minimal effect on net county cost, and should be made before any 1996 overall fiscal targets are
calculated.
RESOLUTION NO. 136 - ESTABLISHING FISCAL TARGETS FOR ALL COUNTY
BUDGETING UNITS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE 1996
BUDGET
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Representative Blanchard returned to the
meeting during discussion on this resolution. There was a lengthy discussion on this resolution. Mr.
Lerner stressed that departments are not being forced to live within a zero percent increase, they are
being told they may submit special request(s) if they are unable to meet their fiscal target. There was
concern expressed by some members of the Board for the salary increases that are already in place to take
effect January 1, 1996. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 3 (Representatives Kiefer,
Livesay and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Fiscal Policy specifies that a fiscal target is the maximum
amount of general revenue spending authority that a department head or program director may request
without initiating a Special Request, and any changes in fiscal targets must be communicated to
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June 6, 1995
department heads and program directors by the end of June in order for them to submit their budget
requests by August 1, and
WHEREAS, this Board has adopted the recommendations of the Technical Issues Task Force
and the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee with respect to the Fringe Pool and has put in place a
procedure for adjusting all County depailiuental fiscal targets to correspond to the method of budgeting
this entails, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That fiscal targets
for all budgeting units for preparation of the 1996 budget are hereby established as follows:
1) For nor -for-profit agency grants:
The amount approved in the 1995 adopted budget minus any special request funding
designated as one-time plus a zero percent cost -of -living adjustment.
2) For Tompkins Cortland Community College:
The amount in the adopted 1995 Tompkins County budget plus a three (3) percent cost
of living adjustment the entire above amount to be increased or decreased in proportion
to the respective enrollments of Tompkins and Cortland Counties.
The Community College shall not be eligible to submit any special requests.
3) For all County departments:
An amount equal to the general revenue portion of the adopted County budget, as
adjusted by this Board's action with respect to the Fringe Pool minus any special
request funding designated as one-time the entire above amount to be increased by a
zero percent cost of living adjustment, and
RESOLVED, further, That special requests for funding in excess of fiscal targets are in no way
discouraged by this Resolution, with the exception of the Community College as noted above.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-15
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
185
June 20, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Vice Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 13 Representatives. Excused: 2 (Representative Schuler and Chairman Stein). Barbara
Blanchard was excused at 7:20 p.m. following the Planning, Economic Development and Education
Committee report.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Ken Packman, City of Ithaca resident, and member of the Steering Committee of the Coalition
for Children First, spoke concerning racial allegations within the Tompkins County Sheriff's
Department. He stated the ongoing racial problems deserve the attention of those in public office, and
asked that the Board of Representatives denounce racism and bigotry, and make Ithaca safe for all
residents.
Tony Poole, City of Ithaca resident, spoke concerning an alleged racial incident at Ithaca High
School on June 13 which involved his child. He expressed concern for the manner in which the situation
was handled by the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Poole stated incidents such as these do
nothing to build confidence in the community. He asked that efforts be made to bring different
communities together.
Diann Sams, City of Ithaca resident, spoke concerning an alleged racial incident on June 13 at
Ithaca High School. She reported on her dissatisfaction with the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department
when attempting to file charges. She asked that the conduct in relationship to this incident by the
Sheriff's Department be investigated, and that the Board ensure that the Sheriffs Department Civilian
Review Board membership consist of representation from the entire County, and also include minority
members.
Janis Kelly, City of Ithaca resident, spoke concerning an alleged racial incident on June 13 at
Ithaca High School. She asked the Board to investigate the Sheriffs Depai tnient relative to this matter
and take appropriate action. Ms. Kelly said she has also been concerned by the continuous cost overruns
in the Sheriffs Department.
Vice Chair Mink stated she spoke with Sheriff Guest about this matter and his statement was
consistent with Ms. Sam's. She stated she will ask the Public Safety Committee to review this situation
further. She said this is a community problem which is appropriate to be addressed at a legislative level,
and appreciates Representative Proto's offer to get together with his colleagues to discuss the problem.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca resident, emotionally expressed opposition to Cable Access
television channel programming. She feels the programming is comprised of graphic racism, sexism,
harassment and violence. She feels this issue is the Board's responsibility, and asked that a cable archive
be supported.
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June 20, 1995
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, stated he attended the Flag Day Parade and had an
enjoyable time. Mr. Proto also asked if the County had a role in the situation with the Cable Access
television channel. Mr. Lane responded there is no "County Cable Commission"; however, there is an
Intermunicipal Cable Commission. This is a coming together of various municipalities who franchise
with Time Warner Cable. The Commission can advise, but has no authority to direct any municipality to
take any action. He stated the City of Ithaca recently decided to become a member of this Commission.
Mr. Lane stated there has been discussion about an archive and members of the Commission did go on
record as being in favor of an archive. He said support for an archive is not an attempt to limit freedom
of speech. Mr. Lane said the Committee will be meeting in July, and he will provide an update to the
Board following this meeting.
Mr. Proto reported that Megan's Law passed the Assembly and is currently being deliberated by
the Senate.
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, said she attended a meeting of the Intermuncipal
Cable Commission, and solving the problem with cable access is not easy because there is no clear
course in knowing what to do. Mrs. Livesay asked Mr. Meskill, Chairman of the Public Safety
Committee, to report back to the Board on the subject of the Civilian Review Board for the Sheriff's
Department. She stated at the time it was created it was found it may not represent the community
broadly enough, and this may be the time to look at this. Mrs. Livesay also reported she attended a
County Legislators and Supervisors Association Conference. She said those in attendance were
discouraged that no one from the State Budget Office was in attendance. There was a feeling that the
Conference was directed more towards businesses than County government. She stated there was
discussion on flow control and the urgency to get Congress to adopt flow control. She said this Board
may be asked to write a letter in support of this to assist those counties that have a real problem because
of this law being overturned. She stated there is no intention at this time for Tompkins County to try to
return to flow control.
Mr. Todd, District No. 6 Representative, stated the Solid Waste Committee has no intention of
pursuing flow control in Tompkins County at this time. Mr. Todd read the following statement: "I
believe it is time to stop criticizing the Sheriff and the Sheriff's Deputies. Constant criticism lowers
morale in the whole Department. Constant criticism makes the performing of everyday law enforcement
more difficult. Law enforcement and public safety are difficult services to deliver. Law enforcement
and Public Safety are high on the list of priorities of the people of Tompkins County. The town residents
of Tompkins County depend upon the Sheriff's Department for first call law enforcement and public
safety services. The Sheriff's Department in cooperation with the local fire departments, local
ambulance services, the City of Ithaca Police Department and the New York State Police, is delivering
good law enforcement and public safety services to Tompkins County residents. I believe a few words of
praise and encouragement to the Sheriff and the Sheriffs Deputies for the thousands of situations large
and small they handle is more appropriate than constant criticism."
Mr. Totman, District No. 9 Representative, stated he agrees with Mr. Todd's comments
pertaining to the Sheriff's Department. He stated if someone is elected to office, they should be removed
from office the same way.
Approval of Minutes of May 16, 1995 and June 6, 1995
Following discussion on the minute policy, It was MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr.
Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of May 16,
1995 and June 6, 1995 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.
187
June 20, 1995
Proclamation
Vice Chair Mink presented to Representative Joseph a proclamation declaring the month of July,
1995, as Tompkins County Youth Month, and the week of July 23-29 to be Tompkins County 4-1-1 Acres
Youth Fair Week in recognition of the significant role that 4-H plays in the lives of its members and the
role in which County youth organizations positively encourage community youth which are addressed on
the occasion of the 1995 4-H Acres Youth Fair.
Presentation of Service Awards
Vice Chair Mink presented the following awards in recognition of service to Tompkins County:
Frank Proto - Ten years
Daniel Winch - Ten years
Thomas Todd - Five years
Eric Lerner - Five years
Charles Evans - Five years
Jennifer Luu - Five years
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Vice Chair Mink gave Ms. Blanchard permission to withdraw from the agenda the resolution
entitled Authorizing a Special Reserve Fund for the Ongoing Maintenance Costs Associated with Brown
Road.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be added to the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Vice Chair Mink gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following
resolutions from the agenda with final committee action being affirmed:
CA025-95 - Award of Contract - Computer Maintenance
CA026-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract for Software Maintenance - Sidoran Consulting,
Inc. - Health Department
CA027-95 - Authorization to Execute Contracts - Health Department
CA028-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Tompkins Community Hospital - Health
Department
CA029-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Janice Ross, M.D. - Health Department
CA030-95 - Acceptance of Funds and Authorization to Execute Contracts - Children with Special
Care Needs - Health Department
CA031-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Challenge Industries, Inc. - Use State Grant
Funds to Microfilm Mortgages in County Clerk's Office
CA032-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
CA033-95 - Authorization and Acceptance of Grant Funds to Hire Intern for the Development of
a Local Planning Board Member Certification Program
Chairman's Report and Appointment(s)
Vice Chair Mink had no report or appointments.
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June 20, 1995
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman stated he was unable to report on the impact of State budget cuts at this time. He said
some of the information he has received includes the following: there are major impacts on the Medicaid
system, the Highway Department cut was reduced by 25 percent, Planning Department cuts were
virtually eliminated, the Fire and Disaster cut was eliminated, the Probation Depai tnnent cuts were
eliminated, Office for the Aging cuts were greatly reduced, and Youth Bureau cuts got a little worse. He
said he hopes to have a summary of the best information that is available for the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee at their next meeting.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported the motion to hear the Biggs A ADA cases has been adjourned to August
25. He stated the Virgil Creek Dam case where the County has to use eminent domain to acquire one of
the properties is in litigation and is being contested. He hopes to have a decision soon.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires brought the Board up-to-date on the process of the administrative software project.
He said interviews were held last week with two finalists. There was a meeting Thursday to compare the
evaluation rating forms. He stated he submitted to the Board the year-end balances for departments, and
stated the Board should be pleased with the substantial balances throughout the County. He announced
the theatrical event "Sweeny Todd" will open on June 29 at the Hangar Theater and will be directed by
his wife. He encouraged everyone to attend.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee has met since the last Board meeting, and
highlighted some of the items that were on the agenda. He reported the Purchasing Department has
received bids on a copy management system, a system in which several vendors bid on providing a
service of not selling or renting, but charging on a per copy basis. The bid is for a four-year term. The
successful bidder will provide machines at different locations throughout the County, and departments
will pay for each copy made. He stated the bid is based on 2.5 million copies per year, and the cost will
be 1.6 cents per copy per year and will increase to 1.7 cents by the fourth year of the contract. Mr.
Winch reported he had a discussion with Arel LeMaro, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, concerning
the energy conservation program expected in the next year. He said they are hoping to get participation
by building users in an effort to try to save the utilities consumption. He reported a "one-year later"
Airport meeting was held with the architect to discuss the Airport project. Although there are minor
problems in the area of parking that will be addressed by the parking lot vendor, it was felt that the
Airport is making a positive impression for people coming into Tompkins County. Mr. Winch stated the
project of updating County buildings to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is continuing, and
he will be providing the Board with a list of the projects.
RESOLUTION NO. 137 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - CONSTRUCTION OF AIRCRAFT
RAMP AND TAXIWAY CONNECTORS
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes
- 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Schuler and Stein). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against Tompkins County, be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives:
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June 20, 1995
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
SuitKote Corp. #3 HU5610.9239 $122,103.05
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HU5610.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 138 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 06-11 —
PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES FOR ITEMS UNDER BID LIMITS
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Joseph. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by
Mr. Lane, to REFER this resolution back to the Committee for the purpose of further discussion. A voice
vote on referring this back to Committee resulted as follows: Ayes - 3 (Representatives Kiefer, Lane and
Livesay); Noes - 10, Excused - 2 (Representatives Schuler and Stein). MOTION FAILED. It was
MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to amend the figure in the policy from $250 to $100. MOTION FAILED FOR
LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 1
(Representative Kiefer), Excused - 2 (Representatives Schuler and Stein). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
06-11 Procurement Procedures for Items Under Bid Limits
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Mr. Winch, member, reported eleven proposals were received for architectural services. These
proposals were reviewed, six were interviewed and the successful company is Thomas Associates
Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee will meet June 27 at 8 a.m. She said a summary
of the progress report on the Airport Master Plan will be distributed at that meeting. She mentioned three
items that came up at the Public Transit Conference: The federal funding levels are under careful review
and reductions are expected. The fare increase policy will likely have to be brought up for discussion in
the near future; and State budget funding will be held at the 1995 level.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met June 8 and continued to discuss the Jail
medical proposal of transferring supervision of the Jail Nurse position. He said a committee that
includes Mr. Evans, Mr. Meskill, the Probation Director, the Mental Health Commissioner, the Health
Director, the Director of O.A.R. (Offender Aid Restoration), and the Jail Administrator, will try to work
out a number of medical issues that they feel exist at the Jail and resolve some long-standing problems.
He stated the funding has run out for the Healthy Heart Program as of June 30, and the Health
Department will attempt to keep the Program operating within the Health Department budget. The
Committee had a continued discussion of the $37,000 shortfall in the Alcoholism Council's budget. A
report was given by the Environmental Management Council on burn barrels. A report was also given on
the Newfield Timber Harvest. The Committee also had continued discussion on issues with the Ithaca
Waste Water Treatment Plant. A resolution was passed by the Committee stating it did not feel the
County should continue to accept any bills from the Plant until the meter is certified as being correct.
He has learned the City's position is that the meter belongs to the County, and if the County wants it
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June 20, 1995
fixed, it can fix it. Mr. Evans said a report was also given on the Six Mile Creek project, and stated the
County will be receiving the $15,000 member item from 1994, and there will be a meeting in
Brooktondale on July 12 at 7:30 p.m. to inform the public on that project.
RESOLUTION NO. 139 - ABOLISH HEALTH PLANNER AND CREATE MICROCOMPUTER
SPECIALIST - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Health Department has recently begun major work in the area of
microcomputers, and
WHEREAS, many of the daily functions are on programs developed specifically for the Health
Department, and
WHEREAS, the Health Department has major increases in this area and requires substantial
support from a microcomputer specialist to handle the demands, and
WHEREAS, the Health Depai anent will leverage state aid by employing this position, and
WHEREAS, the position of Health Planner has been vacant for more than two years and most of
the work of this position has been handled by various persons in the Health Department as well as the
Health Planning Council, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That one
(1) position of Health Planner (12/677), labor grade L(12), competitive class be abolished June 20, 1995,
RESOLVED, further, That one (1) position of Microcomputer Specialist (12/638), labor grade
L(12), competitive class be created effective June 20, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported on consequences of the State budget. Tompkins County will
now be required to provide workfare for fifty percent of those on home relief. This places a considerable
extra financial burden on the County. There are some benefits to having people go to work, and he
hopes Tompkins County will be creative and will look to some unusual and unique solutions. He
reported on another program that Tompkins County received a State grant for last year, that provides
early childhood intervention with families, and identifies families who are at risk as soon as a child is
born and tries to work with the child and the family. hi Hawaii the program has succeeded in both
lowering medical costs and foster care placement costs. Mr. Joseph said the State has cut funding for this
program, and the County will be asked to pick up the cost in August when the grant runs out.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week, and received a year-end report
from David Squires, Director of Finance, on closing fund balances and the status of unspent funds in
departments. Mr. Lerner stated the County General Fund balance ended 1994 significantly above its
target level. Department heads were aware of the policy of being able to reappropriate unspent funds,
and took advantage of this by planning ahead. A record amount of unspent fund requests will now be
working its way through the Board. The Committee will meet June 27. At that meeting there will be
discussion on the Brown Road proposal and preliminary discussion on the impact of the State budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 140 - ESTABLISHING FRINGE BENEFIT RATES FOR COUNTY
DEPARTMENTS FOR 1996 (Amended by Res. No. 166 of 1996)
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June 20, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board by Resolution No. 135 of 1995 established a Fringe Benefit Pool as a
means of budgeting and paying for fringe benefits for County employees, and
WHEREAS, said Resolution provides that this Board must establish the percentage of payroll
that each County depai intent must pay for fringe benefits, and must do so in time for that information to
be incorporated by departments in their budget planning and budget requests, and
WHEREAS, Resolutions previously passed by this Board provide that fiscal targets for all
departments shall be adjusted so that no depanitnent nor program of County government is helped nor
harmed by this transition to a Fringe Pool, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is not desirable to charge departments or separately
funded entities within departments that receive no general revenues a uniform percentage of payroll for
fringe benefits, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That all County
departments and their programs shall budget and pay 25% of their payroll costs for fringe benefits in
1996, with the exception of those departments and programs below which shall pay their actual incurred
costs (percentages shown are based on current charges; they are shown for illustration only):
Department of Planning - Metropolitan Planning Organization 27%
Department of Health -
Infant Health Assessment 42
Women, Infants, and Children 30
Expanded in Home Services to the Elderly 22
Healthy Heart 24
Prenatal Care Assistance 26
Physically Handicapped Children 26
Department of STOP DWI 26
Department of Public Works -
Airport 29
Highway (State Snow Only) 28
Solid Waste 25
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RESOLUTION NO. 141 - ADOPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CAPITAL
PROGRAM TASK FORCE
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee appointed the Capital Program Task Force
to work in conjunction with the Capital Program Committee to reorganize the information made available
to Board members and the public about the County Capital Program and to integrate the Capital Program
with the program based County budget, and
WHEREAS, that Task Force has made recommendations which have been received and reviewed
by the Budget and Fiscal Policy and the Capital Program Committees, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy and Capital Program
Committees, That the Recommendations of the Capital Program Task Force are hereby adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That the Budget and Fiscal Policy and Capital Program Committees are
charged with recommending appropriate changes to the Tompkins County Fiscal Policy to incorporate
these changes.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
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June 20, 1995
CAPITAL BUDGETING TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Draft revised June 5, 1995
Revised by Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee June 13, 1995
and by Capital Program Committee June 14, 1995
Definition and purpose. The Capital Program is a planning guide to physical betterments and
improvements for the following five years, including major construction, equipment and land purchases.
Capital projects should be part of a comprehensive long range planning process
which foresees major expenditures well in advance of the need for them. That process should be easily
understood by policy makers and interested members of the public.
Scope. The County Charter does not indicate clearly which projects to include in the Capital Program.
The Task Force recommends including the following two types of projects in the Capital Program.
1) One-time expenses authorized to exceed $100,000, regardless of whether they are paid for
with borrowed funds, for:
a) Construction of new, additional buildings, roads, bridges or other facilities;
b) Upgrading of existing buildings, roads, bridges or other facilities;
c) Purchase of new, additional equipment (including computer equipment), or
upgrading of equipment;
d) Purchase of land;
e) Planning and design expenses associated with the above;
2) Expenses for the following only when they will be paid for with borrowed funds:
a) Recurring annual expenditures for maintenance of existing buildings,
roads, bridges, equipment, other structures, or lands;
b) Replacement of existing equipment or structures;
c) Projects whose total anticipated costs are less than $100,000.
Budgeting. Annual spending for each capital project must appear as a separate line in the budget of the
budgeting unit(s) or program(s) that the project supports. Transfers into or out of such lines constitute
amendments to the Capital Program and must be authorized by the procedure for such amendments
specified in the Charter. Unless the Board of Representatives specifies otherwise in a particular case,
type 2 projects should be included in the fiscal targets of the appropriate budgeting units, and type 1
projects should not. New capital projects should receive Board scrutiny equivalent to special requests in
the operating budget.
Format. In addition to the budget information stated above, the Capital Program should be summarized
in a single, clear, readable document, cross-referenced to the budget. Article 5 of the County Charter
specifies information that must be included in the Capital Program and in proposals for projects to be
included in it, and the process by which proposals and projects are reviewed and approved by the Board
of Representatives. The Task Force recommends that the forms approved by the Capital Program
Committee be used for this purpose.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met June 12, and discussed the request to register
voters in County buildings and made a decision to not allow partisan groups to register voters in County
buildings; however, they can leave information. She reported there will be a joint meeting on June 26 of
the Governmental Affairs, Health and Environmental Quality, and Planning, Community Development
and Education Committees to discuss the land use policy. She announced a special meeting of the
Committee has been scheduled for July 5 at 2 p.m. to discuss the Department of Motor Vehicles Task
Force recommendations.
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June 20, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 142 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND, PERSONNEL
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Fiscal Policy authorizes departments to be reimbursed from the
County Contingent Fund for the cost of replacing employees absent from work longer than two months
due to illness or injury, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs and the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Finance is authorized and directed to appropriate $3472 from the
County Contingent Fund to the Personnel Depaitment personal services account, A1430.1000, to
reimburse a portion of the cost of replacing an employee as authorized by the Fiscal Policy.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 15
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported at the last meeting, the Committee discussed alternatives to
incarceration programs that may be available and are pursuing the specifics of these. The Fiscal
Coordinator provided the Committee with an update, and stated if things go normal by the end of the year
there will be an overrun in the budget by $23,000 in the personnel side alone. Mr. Meskill reported E-
911 will not be on-line by July 1, and probably not this year. He stated the dispatchers have been hired to
assist the Fire, Disaster and EMS Coordinator obtain the necessary labor for addressing. He stated there
has been discussion between the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Advisory Board
and other related agencies of the possibility of hiring a criminal justice coordinator. That
recommendation should be coming to the Committee in mid July.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mr. Lane, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on June 14 and discussed a number of items,
including the Dryden Dam project, and a presentation by the Dewitt Historical Society who is looking at
some substantial funding problems. Mr. Lane called attention to a resolution on the agenda entitled
Authorization and Acceptance of Grant Funds to Hire Intern for the Development of a Local Planning
Board Member Certification Program. Mr. Lane stated this is a program with the New York Planning
Federation which will develop a model for the curriculum for the certification of local planning board
members. He said there is an area in local government where there is a great need for additional
programs to help educate and improve planning board as they become more important in the coming
years. He said there will be a joint meeting on July 26 of the Health and Environmental Quality,
Planning Community Development and Education, and Governmental Affairs Committees, to look at the
land use policy that has been proposed for the County. The next regular Committee meeting will be July
12 at 8:30 a.m.
Representative Blanchard was excused from the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet July 11 at 9 a.m. and will take the first steps
in developing an economic strategy.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
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June 20, 1995
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet June 21 at 10 a.m. in the Old Jail
Conference room. Mr. Todd updated the Board on the status of the compensation plan for the Recycling
and Solid Waste Center. Mr. Todd stated the compensation plan is in the hands of the attorneys because
there are a couple of items that are still unresolved. When that document is accepted by the City, it will
then be brought back to this Board for approval. Mr. Todd said he had expected to receive a financial
report on the Recycling and Solid Waste Center but has not yet seen anything.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met and is continuing to discuss the function of the
legislative bodies. He said surveys are being mailed to various counties at this time. Mr. Lane reported
the Committee will meet June 27 at which Ron Dougherty, Chairman of the Tioga County Legislature,
will be present to discuss the efforts they have made at revisions there.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Evans, Member, reported the committee is working on the next edition of the newsletter.
There is an opening for the editorial column in the Ithaca Journal.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met on June 12 and had an extensive review of
where the County should be going economically. He reported the two teleconferences took place, and
the Committee discussed them. He said the Committee will meet next on June 27 at 8:15 in the Old Jail
Conference Room.
Report from the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee
Mr. Lane stated the Committee has completed its report and will present it to the Solid Waste
Committee on June 21.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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July 11, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives. (Representative Todd arrived at 5:35 p.m.)
Approval of Minutes of June 20, 1995
This item was postponed to the end of the meeting so that Board members would have an
opportunity to review proposed changes submitted by Representative Kiefer that were distributed directly
before the meeting.
Presentation of Proclamation(s)
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation declaring July 26, 1995, Independent Living Day in
Tompkins County, to Larry Roberts, City of Ithaca resident. Mr. Roberts thanked the Board for the
proclamation and stated the Fifth Anniversary of the A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act) is being
celebrated. Mr. Roberts announced upcoming events and invited the Board to attend.
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation declaring July 8, 1995, to be George Jr. Republic Day
in Tompkins County in recognition of its 100th Anniversary. Mr. Stein stated he signed and gave the
proclamation to Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, to present to George Jr. Republic at the
celebration that took place on Saturday. Mr. Lane stated he presented and read the proclamation at the
ceremony and it was well received. Mr. Lane acknowledged the institution which helps disturbed young
men in grades 7-12 with various education courses, teaches them trades, and also how to become
productive members of society.
Presentation of Service Awards
Chairman Stein presented service awards recognizing five years of service to Tompkins County
to Representatives Mink and Schuler.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Robert Schwarting, Sessler Wrecking in Waterloo, New York, distributed material to the Board
relating to solid waste and recycling operations of Sessler Wrecking. Mr. Schwarting stated he opposes
the way the County handled the recent bidding process for awarding a recycling bid, and asked that the
Board consider reversing the decision of the Solid Waste Committee. Under this report, Mr. Schwarting
stated that Sessler Wrecking was low bidder in the base bid and all alternatives and was ten percent
below the present contract.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative and Member of the Public Safety Committee, spoke
concerning the Sheriff's Department. Mr. Lane acknowledged the work of Public Safety Committee
Chairman, Peter Meskill, and said Mr. Meskill is a supporter of the Department and the Department's
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July 11, 1995
road patrol. He said the importance of the road patrol is appreciated, especially by the rural
representatives, and he would not like to see it hurt or demoralized. He said some of the writing that has
been seen recently has tended to cloud the issue of the questions this Board has about the administration
of that Department with the issue of the road patrol itself. He feels this is unfortunate, and as elected
representatives, this Board has the duty to make sure dollars are spent properly and that all County
departments are administered as well as possible. He believes the Public Safety Committee must
continue in its efforts to guide the Sheriff's Department, to work with the Sheriff to make sure the dollars
are spent properly and that the Department is administered properly.
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, thanked Mr. Lane for his comments above. Ms.
Blanchard suggested that if any Board member has not had an opportunity to attend one of the open
houses for Hospicare on King Road to do so. She said this is not only very interesting architecturally, but
is the first residential hospicare in New York State.
Ms. Mink, District No. 3 Representative, read the following statement and submitted same for
the record of this meeting:
"I'd like to respond to some of the comments made about the Sheriffs Department two weeks
ago. Let me remind my colleagues and Tompkins County taxpayers why so much attention has been paid
to the Department.
Over the past five years, the Sheriff's Department without the Jail, has been over half a million
dollars over budget; including jail costs, which are harder to control, the overruns came to 1.8 million
dollars. Each year the County Board approved those extra appropriations. A study done by our
Administration in 1993 showed it was possible to manage the Department within its targeted budget.
The study was dismissed by the Sheriff, who last year went as far as to threaten to cut out road patrols
when he didn't get even more money in overruns than the County Board already granted.
Does this sound like we're "going after the Sheriff'? Taxpayers demand accountability from
their legislators and we have responded. No other department repeatedly comes in so much over budget,
and no other depaitment head has so consistently refused to acknowledge the Legislature's power of the
purse.
Last March State auditors combed through the County's books and found outright illegalities in
only one department: the Sheriff's Department. The Sheriffs response was "no big deal", and the town
supervisors whose constituents were affected echoed the dismissal. Can you imagine if the State had
found similar improprieties in the Social Services Department? How many of your constituents would be
shaking their fists at legislators who allowed such things to go undetected?
We discovered last Labor Day that a report of an accident involving a Sheriff's Deputy was
altered to remove any mention of how fast the deputy was traveling. This had ramifications for the
record of the innocent teenager whose car was hit, the insurance payments, and the Sheriff's Depattinent.
Though it was clear that the report had been changed, the District Attorney and State Police investigator
could not prove who did it.
Since when are illegal acts committed by enforcers of the law insignificant? It wouldn't be
insignificant anywhere else in County government or the private sector, so why would the public safety
sector, be exempt?
Sometimes it's hard to sort through claims on both sides of an issue without the facts. What's so
disappointing about the positions expressed here two weeks ago is that people on this Board who should
know better, who have had the details behind the incidents I've mentioned, seem to be intent on ignoring
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July 11, 1995
the facts. Instead of working with us to make sure residents get the kind of protection and service you
deserve, they're trying to make people think there is a plot afoot to dismember the Sheriff's Department.
Actually just the opposite is true. We are trying to work with the Sheriff to help him bring
management to his agency up to the caliber of our other departments; that's why we approved a position
of financial administrator last year to work with him.
Maybe admitting things that should change for the better is admitting that mistakes were made;
or maybe this is an attempt to create barriers between rural and urban residents where none exist.
Whatever the motivation, let's remember that a majority of us are insisting on financial accountability,
prudence, and common sense; I don't think any of us want to line up behind a position calling for
keeping things the way they are, no matter how wasteful, illegal, or inefficient."
Mr. Totman, District No. 10 Representative, spoke concerning the Sheriff's Depaitnient, and
stated he feels Ms. Mink's comments were directed in part to him and comments he made at the last
Board meeting. He said he stands behind those comments, and still feels that there is a movement to
eliminate the position of Sheriff. He said his constituents agree with his stance and he will continue to
represent them.
Chairman Stein spoke concerning the Sheriffs Department, and stated since he is the one who
put out a report at the beginning of his term as Chairman which made the statement that he thought it
would be worth looking into the appointment of the Sheriff rather than the election of a Sheriff, he
considers the current statements in the press to be an attack on him. Mr. Stein pointed out that he thinks
it is important for an exploration to be done of this possibility. He strongly noted the exploration is
entirely separate from the concerns about good management, and any effort to mix the two issues
together is muddling the situation, and feels this would be a disservice to the taxpayers. Mr. Stein said
whether there is an appointed or elected Sheriff, that person should manage that Depai tiuent efficiently
and not run over budget. He said this is the responsibility of the Board as elected officials, and hopes
members keep this is mind and do not get into any divisions between rural and city residents and politics.
Presentation by Janet Steiner, Library Director, and Dean Eckstrom, Data Processing Director
Ms. Steiner and Mr. Eckstrom gave the Board a presentation on a collaborative experimental
project involving the Public Library, Data Processing, and Time Warner Cable entitled "Internet for the
Kids" which will allow kids in middle school and high school to sign up for two hours for an introduction
to the Internet. Kids learn what the Internet is, what is on it for them, how to get what they need through
the Worldwide Web. After the two-hour introduction the kids are then able to sign up for an open two-
hour lab in which they are free to explore whatever they want to do. The program instructor is an intern
from Time Warner Cable. The project has enough slots to allow 500 kids to participate. At this time 29
kids have completed the program, and 84 are signed up to participate. A sign-up sheet was circulated for
any Board member interested in participating in this program. Ms. Kiefer asked if this arrangement locks
us into the Time Warner Internet Network; Mr. Eckstrom explained that our contract would be up in
1998.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Elimination of Prejudice and Institutional Racism
Award of Bid - Public Works Phone System
Authorization to Execute a Contract with Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc.
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July 11, 1995
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn from the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA034-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
CA035-95 - Authorization to Execute a Contract with Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc.
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein had no report or appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman asked if any Board member would like to have a copy of the budget material that
was distributed to department heads. Representatives Meskill, Totman, Kiefer, Schuler and Livesay
indicated they would and Mr. Heyman stated he will send a copy to them. Mr. Heyman stated
committees are currently taking action on reappropriating funds, designation of mandate classes, etc. He
said with the exception of the cost savers, everything is on schedule to go to the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee on July 18. Mr. Heyman reported he attended a meeting of county administrators in Syracuse
that was well attended by 25 counties and obtained information on land policies. He informed the Board
the New York State Association of Counties has signed a contract with a consulting firm and an
accounting firm at no charge to counties, to go through counties' books and look at items that are
typically missed in terms of claiming state and federal aid for emergency aid to families. Mr. Heyman
said he has signed Tompkins County up for this. They will also work with counties to make sure
counties get all Medicaid claims in by September 30. They will do this for a percentage of the additional
revenue that the County gains and does not lose on audit.
Mr. Heyman made a presentation to the Board, pointing out there is over $27 million in State and
federal Medicaid funding that is currently at risk.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen said the County Attorney's office recently reported to the Governmental Affairs
Committee that the cost of legal services over the last four years has gone down from over $600,000 in
1992 to a little over $200,000 this year. This is due to changing personnel and handling more cases in-
house.
Report from the Finance Director
Ms. Squires reported on the progress in acquiring a new computer software system. He reported
the initial interviews with consultants have been completed and one has been called in to answer
additional questions to make sure they can accommodate the County's needs. Mr. Squires said he hopes
to have a recommendation at the next meeting.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
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July 11, 1995
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met July 5 and has been revising the purchasing
and procurement policies in an effort to reduce the number of steps required whenever possible. He
said the resolution on the agenda to award a bid for a new telephone system at the Bostwick Road site is
a much better system than the County currently has. Mr. Winch said this phone system will have an
audix so a message can be left, and noted the tremendous amount of staff time that will be saved. Mr.
Winch said unfortunately he has not received a list of the pending A.D.A. projects that are currently
taking place. He said that A.D.A. renovation requirements are always taken care of because this is the
right thing to do.
RESOLUTION NO. 143 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - OLD JAIL RENOVATION -
EDWARD JOY
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Representatives:
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
Edward Joy 12 (Final) HV3151.9239 $10,476.20
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HV3151.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 144 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - CRASH/FIRE/RESCUE ADDITION
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Totman. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Representatives:
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
Ferguson Electric 7 (Final) HW5677.9239 $1,074.64
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HW5677.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Mr. Lerner requested the Governmental Affairs Committee review the Rules of the Board and the
requirement of a roll call vote on audits of final payment. Chairman Stein directed the Committee
perform such a review.
RESOLUTION NO. 145 - AWARD OF BID - PUBLIC WORKS PHONE SYSTEM
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Finance Department has duly advertised for bids for a telephone system for the
Department of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, four (4) bids were received and duly publicly opened and read aloud, now therefore
be it
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July 11, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the bid for
furnishing and installing a telephone system in the Department of Public Works be awarded to Southern
Tier Communications, Inc., of Oneonta, New York, being the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of
$14,416, including vendor -installed wiring and second year maintenance,
RESOLVED, further, That the Division of Data Processing be authorized to implement this bid
on behalf of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-12
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met June 21 and actions are reflected on the
agenda. She reported the Committee just completed its second retreat and some of the topics that were
discussed included how to begin a constructive discussion with the towns on ways to maximize
infrastructure money. All counties in the State have been surveyed to find out how they pay for
infrastructure, and replies have been received from almost all counties. The Committee also discussed
the Airport consultant selection process which will be coming up soon. A Public Works mini -bus tour is
being planned, and all Board members will be invited to actually see the bridges that have been closed,
some of the bridges that are in very bad shape, and some of the critical pavement areas. A date for this
has not been scheduled at this time. The next Committee meeting will be July 19, at which time there
will be continued discussion on excess funds in the snow budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 146 - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH C&S ENGINEERS,
INC., FOR DESIGN OF A RUNWAY END IDENTIFIER LIGHT
(REIL) SYSTEM - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as part of their contribution to
"Reinventing Government", has requested that the design of the Runway End Identifier Light (REIL)
System be added to our engineer's design project for the runway overlay, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives accepted a grant offer for the full
cost of this work on November 15, 1994, and there will be no cost of the County for design or
construction of the REIL system, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That an agreement
for $8,000 with C&S Engineers, Inc., be hereby approved and that the County Administrator be
authorized to execute said agreement, subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
and that the funding sources shall be as follows:
FAA Share (100%) Account No. 5698.4592 $8,000.00
Total Account No. 5698.9239 $8,000.00
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to borrow monies until
reimbursement is received from the FAA.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -8
RESOLUTION NO. 147 - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH C&S ENGINEERS, INC.,
FOR SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH LAND ACQUISITION
(AGWAY PARCEL) - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Proto. Ms. Kiefer felt the dollar figure in this
resolution was too high, and suggested that negotiations continue and this resolution be delayed. Ms.
Blanchard said this resolution should be adopted in order to keep on track with the Five -Year Plan. A
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July 11, 1995
voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Kiefer and
Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Airport's five-year Plan includes the acquisition of a parcel of land adjacent to
the New Terminal Ramp for future expansion needs, and
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the land be surveyed,
mapped, have a title search, two independent appraisals, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and
an update to the Airport Layout Plan (ALP), now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That an agreement
for a sum not to exceed $18,968 with C&S Engineers, Inc., be hereby approved and that the County
Administrator be authorized to execute said agreement, subject to approval by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the New York State Depaitment of Transportation (NYSDOT), and that the
funding sources shall be as follows:
FAA Share (90.0%) Account No. 5698.4592 $17,071.20
NYSDOT Share ( 5.0%) Account No. 5698.3592 948.40
PFCs ( 5.0%) Account No. 5698.2831 948.40
Total Account No. 5698.9239 $18,968.00
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to borrow monies until
reimbursement is received from the FAA, NYSDOT, and Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs).
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-16
RESOLUTION NO. 148 - AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE
SHORT-TERM LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR AIRPORT TERMINAL
SPACE PRIOR TO COMMITTEE APPROVAL
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer to amend
"six months" to "two months". MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the
resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, there is a desire to lease space in the terminal building on a short-term basis for
meeting and greeting special groups of arriving passengers and other activities, and
WHEREAS, requests for such space are often at short notice and do not allow sufficient time for
the County's normal lease approval process to be followed, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That subject to the
Airport Manager's approval of the proposed activity, the County Administrator be and hereby is
authorized to sign short-term leases of less than six months and less than a value of $5,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 149 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE EXTENSION OF SNOW AND
ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has heretofore entered into an agreement with the State of
New York pursuant to Section 12 of the Highway Law relating to control of snow and ice on State
highways in towns and incorporated villages, and
WHEREAS, Sections 7 and 10 of said agreement, respectively, provided a method of modifying
the map of affected State highways and for annually updating the estimated expenditures, and
WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to extend said agreement currently set
to expire June 30, 1996, as modified and updated, for an additional one-year period, now therefore be it
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July 11, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That an extension
of said snow and ice agreement is hereby authorized for a period of one year from July 1, 1996, through
June 30, 1997, and the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute such
extension on behalf of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 150 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT - LOCKWOOD
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, there is a need for detailed topographic data from the property at 170 Bostwick
Road for several projects over the next two years, and
WHEREAS, Lockwood Mapping, Inc., had flown over a neighboring property and the property
at 170 Bostwick Road was included in the flyover by coincidence since it bordered the property, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Administrator is hereby authorized to sign a contract with Lockwood Mapping, Inc., in an amount not to
exceed $1,250 for the topographic information relevant to 170 Bostwick Road, Ithaca, New York.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next Committee meeting will be July 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room. Mr. Evans
reported on a meeting that was held by interested and expert parties to discuss medical services in the
Jail. He said the issue of where the Jail Nurse would report was discussed and the decision of the
committee was the position should report to the corrections division. Alice Cole, Public Health
Director, will be providing the Health and Environmental Quality and Public Safety Committees with a
written report of the Health Department's continued involvement in medical services at the Jail,
including their attending the monthly Jail medical meetings. It was further decided that a representative
of O.A.R. (Offender Aid Restoration) would also attend those monthly meetings to present any concerns
or interests of the inmates in the Jail. This will be discussed at both Health and Environmental Quality
and Public Safety Committee meetings on Thursday. Mr. Evans noted the County Charter and Code
states the nurse at the Jail is to be supervised by the Corrections Division.
Report and Appointment(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee has met twice since the last Board meeting to
deal with budget issues and rollover requests.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Brenda L. Wickes and Don Fredericksen as City of Ithaca representatives to the
Tompkins County Youth Board for terms expiring December 31, 1996.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on July 18 at noon in the Old Jail
Conference Room to review rollover recommendations of program committees, Mr. Lerner said agendas
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July 11, 1995
for this meeting will be placed in Board members boxes on Friday at noon. He announced the August 1
Committee meeting has been canceled.
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointment from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee held a special meeting on July 5 to consider the
DMV Report. She stated she has received word from Assemblyman Luster that the sales tax extension
for two years has been passed by both houses and is waiting for the Governor's signature. The next
Committee meeting is July 17 at 3 p.m. at which time the Committee will be dealing with budget issues.
RESOLUTION NO. 151 - AUTHORIZATION OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED
LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF 1995 - IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL
MOTOR VEHICLE USE FEE
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That a public hearing
be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse,
320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on July 25, 1995, at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof
concerning proposed Local Law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee. At such
time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 152 - RECEIPT OF REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE
(DMV) TASK FORCE
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Department
of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Task Force report is hereby received by the Board of Representatives,
RESOLVED, further, the Board of Representatives hereby expresses its gratitude to the DMV
Task Force and each of its members of a prompt thorough investigation and report.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 153 - ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE AND INSTITUTIONAL
RACISM
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, (Ithaca Common Council, the
Ithaca City School District Board of Education) acknowledges that racism is a serious problem within
our jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Representatives (Ithaca Common Council, the School Board)
recognizes the need for government and community leadership to take sustained action to address this
problem, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the County
Board of Representatives (Ithaca Common Council, the School Board) agrees to make combating racism
in our community a top priority for the coming year,
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July 11, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the County Board of Representatives (Ithaca Common Council, the
School Board) will see that our budget decisions reflect this commitment as much as possible, and will
make this issue a top budgeting priority starting in 1996,
RESOLVED, further, That this matter be referred to the Human Services Committee to develop
proposals for consideration by this Board to implement this resolution.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-15
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Thomas A. Ferguson as an At -large representative to the Community Affirmative Action
Committee for a term expiring December 31, 1995.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet July 13 at 2 p.m. He stated the Local
Emergency Planning Committee met informally and will be setting another meeting. Mr. Meskill said
the Committee will be discussing a proposed position of Criminal Justice Coordinator, and anyone with
questions should attend the meeting or contact him. Mr. Proto requested a copy of the job description
for this position when it is ready.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee will meet July 12 at 8:30 a.m. She reported a joint
meeting of this Committee, the Health and Environmental Quality, and Governmental Affairs
Committees will be held on Thursday, July 13, to continue discussion on the land policy. Mrs. Schuler
commented she had an opportunity to use the new automated check out system for books at the Tompkins
County Public Library.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met this morning and started talking about the
development of an economic development strategy.
RESOLUTION NO. 154 - TOURISM PROMOTION AGENCY DESIGNATION FOR
STATE PROGRAM YEAR 1995-1996 - ADVISORY BOARD ON
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Advisory Board on Tourism Development (ABTD) has traditionally
recommended the appropriate agency for the annual New York State Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA)
designation as part of its review function for tourism matters for Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the ABTD has reviewed the possible candidate organization to serve as the Tourism
Promotion Agency for State Program Year 1995-1996, and
WHEREAS, the ABTD is qualified to make a determination of the best agency to manage the
TPA designation, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That the Tompkins
County Chamber of Commerce shall receive the designation of 1995-1996 Tourism Promotion Agency,
with the understanding that the Ithaca -Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will
undertake the appropriate duties of the Tourism Promotion Agency.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
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July 11, 1995
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported there was a break-in and vandalism at the Tompkins County
Recycling and Solid Waste Center. This incident is being investigated by the City of Ithaca Police. He
reported the Grand Opening for the Center will be held on July 12 at 1 p.m. A regular Committee
meeting was held on June 21, and a special meeting was held on June 29 to discuss bids that were
presented for curbside collection, with all bids being rejected. Mr. Todd requested an executive session
to discuss this issue because of a potential lawsuit that is involved. The Committee met again on July 10
to discuss a process to put the Solid Waste Annual Fee on the tax bill in January. A process was
approved at that meeting and staff was advised to proceed with this. Mr. Todd stated on July 12 at noon,
prior to the Grand Opening, there will be another special meeting at the Recycling and Solid Waste
Center to discuss the rebidding of the recycling curbside collection. The next regular meeting will be
July 19 at 10 a.m. to discuss the Annual Fee Fairness Report that was presented by Representative Lane.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, deferred his report to the next meeting.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet July 27 at 2 p.m. At the Tompkins
County Public Library.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet July 14 with architects to get preliminary
responses to some of the sites they have looked at.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Council met last week and formally signed the Labor Management
Partnership Agreement. The Council also reviewed the tally of survey results that were completed by
employees. There was a lot of comments about Wal-Mart, but also endorsement and other ideas. She
stated depai tment heads will be interviewed in focus group. Ms. Mink reported she attended a Budget
Reorganization Advisory Committee meeting, to incorporate some vision elements and commented on
the quality of discussion at that meeting. She said she expects a vision statement to be developed
sometime near the end of the year.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the County News will be mailed in the Freeville Shopper, Ithaca
Times, and Odyssey publications on July 27. He reported there will be a television show concerning
impacts of the State budget that will be hosted by Scott Heyman, Mary Pat Dolan, Steve Johnson of
Cornell, and Tom Mosler from Tompkins Community Hospital. This show is tentatively scheduled to be
shown July 12 and 14 at 7 p.m.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee submitted a list of suggestions to the Economic
Development Committee regarding the economic development strategy plan that Committee is beginning
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July 11, 1995
to develop. Mr. Proto said he would give all Board members a copy of these suggestions. At the last
Committee meeting there was discussion concerning the perceived inequity of assessments for mobile
homes in trailer parks. The Committee will be looking into this issue in more depth. It was also the
feeling of the Committee that it might be a good idea to hear from the community on economic
development, and also the Committee's February 7 Report. The next meeting will be July 31 at 8:15.
Mr. Proto gave an update on the status of a resolution concerning Megan's Law he stated he
would be bringing forward in recent Board meetings. He stated the Assembly and Senate has adopted a
version of this Law and the Governor has signed this into Law.
Approval of Minutes of June 20, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, to approve the minutes of June 20,
1995, as submitted. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Joseph, to amend the minutes as
follows: Page 1 under Privilege of the Floor by the public: second paragraph (Tony Poole): Insert in line
4 before the last sentence: "He noted the conflict was between two groups of young people who reside in
different parts of the County -- Brooktondale and the City of Ithaca.". Mr. Winch expressed opposition
to the continual proposed changes to minutes by Representative Kiefer. He said he does not believe this
is consistent with the leadership development and quality initiative program being undertaken by
Tompkins County. This motion lost by voice vote. A voice vote on the minutes as submitted resulted as
follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. MINUTES APPROVED.
Ms. Mink acknowledged because of a new job opportunity, that this was Wendy Skinner's
(Ithaca Journal Reporter) last meeting, and read a poem. The Board wished Ms. Skinner well.
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:12 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to enter into executive session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss potential litigation. The meeting returned to open
session at 8:45 p.m.
Adj ournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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July 25, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Local Law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Local Law No. 3 of
1995 - Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee.
Chairman Stein asked if any member of the public wished to speak.
Charles Ferris, Town of Groton, spoke in opposition to Local Law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of
a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee. Mr. Ferris said he does not understand why extra funds are needed in
the Department of Motor Vehicles budget. He feels this Law will force people to register their vehicles
in other counties and some to register by mail.
Wilson Kone, Town of Caroline, spoke in opposition to Local law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of
a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee. Mr. Kone said he fully supports the work of the Department of Motor
Vehicles and would not like to see that office close. However, he feels there are other ways to finance
that Department other than a tax. He feels the proposed Fee is a tax. He said it is his understanding that
some County departments ended up with a surplus at the end of last year. He feels those departments
with surpluses should use this money to support dein" tuients with shortfalls.
Rachael Pierce, Town of Dryden resident, and former County Clerk, spoke in opposition to Local
Law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee. She said during her tenure as
County Clerk, she did everything she could to make the County Clerk's office self-supporting, and feels
Aurora Valenti, current County Clerk, has tried very hard to do this as well. Ms. Pierce said she believes
the shortfalls in the Motor Vehicle Department are a direct result of the pay equity/reclassification study
that was undertaken a few years ago. Ms. Pierce stated she has concerns with three areas of the proposed
local law. She expressed concern for the effective date in the law. She said she does not feel the local
law can become effective upon filing with the Secretary of State because New York State mails renewals
two months before expiration dates, so it will take time to implement the Fee. She expressed another
concern that the funds will be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany, and then forwarded
the funds to Tompkins County. She questioned how those funds would be returned, and if Tompkins
County would be allowed to keep interest on those funds. Another concern Ms. Pierce raised was that
the proposed local law references an agreement which she says is not available for public review. She
stated a user fee is generally charged to someone receiving a service that only they use. She feels trash
tags can be justified, but a motor vehicle use fee is a basic service that should be provided by
government.
Chairman Stein stated he received a telephone call from Betty Sperger, Groton resident, who
called him concerning Local Law No. 3 of 1995 - Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee. Ms.
Sperger said if the County were to enact this local law, she opposed a two level fee system because she
feels the fee is directly related to service.
No other member of the public or Board wished to speak. Chairman Stein declared the public
hearing closed at 5:47 p.m.
Roll Call of Members and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Present: 13 Representatives. Excused: 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner).
Members and Guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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July 25, 1995
Approval of Minutes of July 11, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to approve the minutes of July 11, 1995 with the correction submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Announcement of Tompkins County as Recipient of H.U.D. Grant
Mrs. Livesay, Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee, announced Tompkins County has
been awarded a H.U.D. (Housing and Urban Development) Grant in the amount of $341,250. She stated
this is part of the H.U.D. money (federal funds) being used towards the effort of dealing with
homelessness in the United States. She stated Tompkins County has received this grant as a result of
collaborative working together of people in this County to meet the needs of this population including the
Department of Social Services, Ithaca Housing Authority, and the Economic Opportunity Corporation.
Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner of DSS, stated the money will go over a three year period to the Ithaca
Housing Authority to advance their supportive housing program which deals with the ongoing needs of
families once families have been moved from the shelter into the next step of transitional housing. Ms.
Dolan acknowledged the following individuals for their contributions to this award: Mary Carnal of the
Depai lnient of Social Services; Marge Dill, and Nancy Burston of the Human Services Coalition.
Presentation of Proclamation
Chairman Stein presented a proclamation to Aurora Valenti, Vice Chair of the Empire Games
Committee, declaring August 2 - 6, 1995 to be Empire State Games Days in Tompkins County.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
William Holtcamp, Taughannock Blvd., and member of the F.L.A. (Finger Lakes Association),
stated he is not in agreement with the figures the County used to arrive at its decision concerning
designation of the T.P.A. (Tourism Promotion Agency) that was made at the July 11 Board meeting. He
distributed figures for 1992-95, showing the additional money to Tompkins County is leveraged by the
F.L.A. He suggested the County investigate more fully all sources of information regarding tourism,
including the C.V.B (Convention and Visitors Bureau) and the F.L.A. He said his office is always open
and urged the Board to come verify figures he presented at this meeting.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Ms. Mink, District No. 5 Representative, spoke concerning Mr. Holtcamp's statement. She stated
there is a misunderstanding that the T.P.A. designation had been voluntarily been given back to the
F.L.A. several years ago. This year, through staff research, the County has learned the monies the
County got in addition to what the County was ordinarily getting, would not be available this year.
Mr. Lane, Member of the Intermunicipal Cable Commission, reported the Commission met last
week and discussed the issue that was raised at this Board level having to do with public access and that
Commission's position on the possibility of a historic archive. Mr. Lane said there appears to be a
couple of routes the Commission could take. Under State regulations, if there are several municipalities
which share the same channels for public access, those municipalities can jointly designate one of them
or another entity to supervise access. If the member municipalities wanted the Cable Commission to do
that, they could consider taking on that function. Another option would be to suggest to Time Warner
Cable that they establish a not-for-profit corporation which would have control over public access. He
said this has been done in some downstate counties very successfully. The Commission is also looking
into the issue of the requirement of Time Warner to have basic cable television users purchase converter
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July 25, 1995
boxes and go to cable plus is they wanted to continue receiving stations. Mr. Lane said there are other
areas where this has been done, and has been successfully opposed. The Commission will be following
up on these issues.
Mr. Todd, District No. 6 Representative, stated at a past meeting, this Board authorized the
sharing of a piece of equipment between the County Highway Department, the Town of Lansing, and the
Town of Dryden. He said this equipment was being used in front of his house today to work on the
shoulders of the road. He commented on the intermunicipal cooperation involved.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Authorization to Execute Municipal Agreement Between the County of Tompkins and the Nine
Towns and the City of Ithaca
Accepting the Report of the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee
Increase in Hours - Senior Account Clerk/Typist - Solid Waste
Defense of Conrail Tax Assessment Litigation
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn from the agenda at this time. During the meeting
Chairman Stein granted the appropriate committee chairmen and individuals permission to withdraw the
following resolutions from the agenda:
Adoption of Local Law No. c of 1995 - Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee
Adoption of Local Law No. c of 1995 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee (Proposal
No. 1)
Adoption of Proposed Local Law No. c of 1995 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee
(Proposal No. 2)
Defense of Conrail Tax Assessment Litigation
Withdrawal of Resolutions Being Affirmed
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw the following
resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA036-95 - Approval of Budget for Administration of Tompkins County Homeownership
Program - 1994
CA037-95 - Approval of Budget for Administration of County Economic Development Grant -
Jamex - 1995
CA038-95 - Approval of Budget for Administration of County Economic Development Grant -
Challenge Industries
CA039-95 - Budget Adjustment - Records Management
CA040-95 - Award of Bid - Wood Chip Supply - Solid Waste
RESOLUTION NO. - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. C OF 1995 - IMPOSITION OF A
SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE USE FEE
(This local law differs from Local Law No. 3 only by the dollar amount of the fee; this proposed
law establishes a fee at $3.00; Local Law No. 3 establishes a fee of $2.50).
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July 25, 1995
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. Mrs. Livesay responded to comments
made under privilege of the floor, and explained the history of this budgetary problem in the Motor
Vehicle Department and the alternatives for the dealing with this. There was discussion concerning
whether this fee should be charged according to size or type of vehicle. There was a strong feeling by
some members of the Board that this is a Fee for service and there is no difference in the cost of
registering a vehicle regardless of its size. There was a lengthy discussion on this resolution with some
members feeling there are lingering questions that need to be answered and others feeling most questions
were answered in the DMV Task Force Report. A corrected calculation of the amounts that would be
raised by a $2.50 or a $3.00 fee was distributed, showing that $2.50 should cover the shortfall for the
next three to four years.
Ms. Kiefer explained her reasons for placing the resolutions entitled Adoption of Local Law No.
c of 1995 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee (Proposal No. 1) and Adoption of Proposed
Local Law No. c of 1995 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee (Proposal No. 2) on that agenda
were because of constituent interest in having the fee amount be based on vehicle weight. Ms. Kiefer
also said she was initially told she could place different versions of the local law on the agenda, but was
later advised by the County Attorney this should not be done as they differ from the laws the public
hearing were called for. She, therefore, withdrew the resolutions from the agenda.
It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Proto, to postpone this resolution to the August 8,
1995 Board meeting. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4 (Representatives Lane, Meskill, Proto
and Winch), Noes - 9, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). MOTION FAILED.
Mrs. Livesay, with consent of Ms. Kiefer, withdrew this resolution from the agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 155 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF 1995 - IMPOSITION OF
SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE USE FEE
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded
by Mr. Evans, to amend the local law by replacing the wording in Section I. Board Intent, third
paragraph: "This Board further finds and determines that imposing a local fee on the vehicles registered
in Tompkins County could generate approximately $143,974 in annual revenues for the County" to read:
"This Board further finds and determines that imposing a local fee on the vehicles registered in
Tompkins County would generate annual revenues to help meet the budget of the County" as submitted
by the County Attorney. A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 1
(Representative Kiefer), Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). MOTION CARRIED.
A roll call vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 10, Noes - 3
(Representatives Meskill, Proto, and Winch). Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED. (AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 106 OF 2003 --LOCAL LAW NO. 2
OF 2003)
WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held before the Board of Representatives on July 25, 1995, to
hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. 3 of 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That said proposed Local
Law No. 3 - Imposition of Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee, be and is hereby adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the
County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file
one certified copy in the office of the County Clerk, and three (3) certified copies in the office of the
Secretary of State.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
211
July 25, 1995
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported that according to a report by the National Association of State Budget
Officers, 28 states now have agencies which are targeting customer needs and preferences and are
securing feedback on services, 13 states have begun to allow carryover of general fund revenues from
one fiscal year to the next, 10 states have eliminated line items in their budgets to allow greater flexibility
in agency spending (including North Dakota which has a pilot project linking abolishment of line items
with performance based budgeting), and ten states have established competitive bidding procedures for
service delivery in which government agencies bid against their private sector counterparts as Tompkins
County has been doing. Mr. Heyman stated he has heard comments in the media lately about Tompkins
County's bloated assessments. He said the Governmental Affairs Committee discussed assessments a
great deal last year. Anyone with the opinion that their assessment is bloated, can follow the assessment
appeal process. He said the wide perception in the community that assessments are based on inflated
1990 values which are not holding up in the 1995 real estate market of actual sales is held by large
numbers of people. He stated the Assessment Department has the figures based on all real estate sales in
1995 that demonstrate that actual real estate prices are running a little higher than the County's
assessments. Mr. Lane stated he hopes Tompkins County will consider doing more frequent
assessments.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported the proposed resolution authorizing Tompkins County to contribute a share
to the cost of joint defense against the case challenging the Conrail Tax Assessment does not need to be
acted on by the Board, and can be an administrative decision. Mr. Stein stated a report on this subject
has been distributed to all Board members, and explained the intention was to have action on the
resolution at this meeting because it seemed to be a matter that should be responded to in a timely
fashion. Ms. Kiefer asked if Tompkins County has anyone on staff able to analyze the ratio that is the
basis for this suit. She asked that this be looked at in the event Tompkins County is asked for monies
again so that the County will be better informed about its particular situation. Mr. Squires, Director of
Finance, stated the amounts are based upon the taxes that have been protested by Conrail. Mr. Theisen
said he will look into having a staff member of the Assessment Department review this.
The resolution entitled Defense of Conrail Tax Assessment Litigation was withdrawn from the
agenda at this time, with the understanding that the County Attorney will notify the county that contacted
Tompkins County of the Board's decision to contribute.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported Tompkins County needs a boost in sales tax based on a report of the first
two quarters of 1995. He said the County is behind in sales tax receipts for the budget for the year by
$200,000; however, he is hopeful the Empire State Games will produce the needed revenue to
compensate for this shortfall. Mr. Squires explained to the Board the definition of a Repo as listed in his
monthly investment report.
Chairman's Report
Chairman Stein announced he signed a contract for a grant for $2 million on July 28 from the
State of New York for the Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste Center. This grant is for the
construction portion of the Facility that is devoted to recycling as part of the State's Waste Reduction and
Recycling Program. This is one of the largest single purpose grants received by Tompkins County.
212
July 25, 1995
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met July 19, and discussed budgeting strategies.
There was also discussion of Ms. Blanchard's meeting with William Mobbs, Commissioner of Public
Works; Robert Nicholas, Airport Manager; and with the new Regional Director of the Depaitinent of
Environmental Conservation. The new Director indicated he was interested in establishing a procedure
to work together instead of getting into a lot of delay situations that have been a past problem for some
departments. Ms. Blanchard said he intends to visit the Recycling and Solid Waste Center, the Transit
Facility, and the Airport upon invitation to Tompkins County by Chairman Stein. She reported the
survey on the bridge maintenance responsibilities on town and county roads in New York State is almost
complete, and said she hopes to give a report on this at the next Board meeting. She stated the electric
bus should be arriving in Tompkins County very soon. Dwight Mengel, Chief of Transportation
Planning, reported the bus will arrive in Tompkins County on August 1, and will be used for the opening
ceremony for the Empire State Games. He stated the bus will be in service through August 27. Mr.
Mengel said an open house will be held on August 25 and 26 by senior project people to talk with the
public about this new type of technology now being applied to public transit. He said this technology
may also end up in automobiles in the coming decades. The next meeting will be August 16.
RESOLUTION NO. 156 - AWARD OF TOMTRAN PARATRANSIT VAN BID
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present. Ms. Kiefer asked what fuel modes were in the bid; Mr. Mengel said just gasoline.
WHEREAS, The Department of Finance - Purchasing has duly advertised for bids for the
purchase of four (4) paratransit vans to provide service required under the Americans with Disabilities
Act and for other demand response services, included in the County's 1995 Federal Transit
Administration Section 9 grant (Resolution No. CA093-94, 12/20/94), and
WHEREAS, bid documents were requested by twelve (12) dealers or bus manufacturers, and a
single bid was received and opened on Monday, May 15, 1995, and
WHEREAS, a pre -award certification and cost analysis was performed to ensure that the
proposed van met the technical specification, "Buy America" and other federal requirements, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the bid be
awarded to Matthews Buses, Inc., of Ballston Spa, New York, with a base bid $145,776, budgeted as
follows:
Federal Section 9: $116,621
New York State: 14,578
Tompkins County: 4,859
City of Ithaca: 4,859
CU Transit: 4,859
$145,776
RESOLVED, further, That the Contracts Coordinator is authorized to execute a purchasing
agreement with Matthews Buses, Inc.,
RESOLVED, further, That after acceptance of said vans, the Director of Finance is authorized to
make payment from the Public Transit Improvement Project Account #HA5625.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 1I-15
RESOLUTION NO. 157 - INCREASING FISCAL TARGET, ROAD MAINTENANCE
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Mink. Mrs. Schuler and Mr. Lane expressed their
feelings on the importance of having a sidewalk on Brown Road because it is a unique piece of County
213
July 25, 1995
land, and its access to the Airport. There was concern expressed by some Board members for the County
paying for sidewalk maintenance on this road when it does not pay for maintenance of sidewalks on any
other roads. Ms. Blanchard stated she wanted to avoid having any reference to sidewalks in the
resolution prior to meeting and having discussions with the Village of Lansing. It was also stated the
intent of this resolution is to not penalize a depai tment for having to take on another road but to give
enough money to do the job without jeopardizing other roads in the County. Mr. Lane and Mrs. Schuler
felt strongly that a sidewalk is part of a road. Ms. Blanchard stated there will be a sidewalk on Brown
Road; however, a location has not been selected at this time. She said because of ongoing discussions
with the Village of Lansing, she does not feel this is the appropriate time to argue whose responsibility it
will be to maintain the sidewalk.
It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, to amend the resolution to add the
following wording to the RESOLVED, fourth line, following the words "traffic signal": "and sidewalk
maintenance pending agreement with the Village of Lansing". A voice vote on the amendment resulted
as follows: Ayes - 2 (Representatives Lane and Schuler), Noes - 11, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph
and Lerner). MOTION FAILED.
A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused 2
(Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, this Board has agreed to take ownership from the Village of Lansing of
Brown Road between Warren Road and New York State Route 13 in return for which Cornell University
and the Village of Lansing have agreed to combine their funds with an Industrial Access Grant from the
State of New York to rebuild Brown Road, and
WHEREAS, as part of this agreement this Board has agreed to take responsibility for
maintenance of Brown Road, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the 1996 Fiscal Target of the Road Maintenance Budgeting Unit of the Highway
Division is increased by $17,500, this amount based on the estimated cost of maintaining Brown Road
including a projected new traffic signal at the intersection of Brown and Warren Roads and also
including an amount needed for the repaving of Brown Road approximately 15 years in the future.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met August 10 and the business conducted at that
meeting is reflected by the resolutions on the agenda. He commented there was discussion on the report
of the Jail Nurse position and the Committee voted unanimously to have this position report to the
Corrections Division rather than the Health Department. He apologized for misleading the Board at the
last meeting concerning his statement that the County Charter and Code requires this position to report to
the Corrections Division. He stated this is not the case, and the position may report to either the
Corrections Division or the Health Department. He noted the Public Safety Committee also
unanimously approved of this position reporting to the Corrections Division. He stated the Committee
heard a report from Mrs. Anderson, Cooperative Extension Agent for Environmental Education, on work
she has been doing.
RESOLUTION NO. 158 - DEVELOPMENT OF AN AGRICULTURE VIABILITY PLAN
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
214
July 25, 1995
WHEREAS, the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board is required to develop a plan to
maintain agriculture as a viable economic enterprise in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board has applied for and received a grant
to draft such a plan, and
WHEREAS, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County has agreed to contract to
develop this plan under the general direction of the Planning Department, and
WHEREAS, no new monies are required and the money has already been appropriated, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County be awarded a contract not to exceed $23,700 for the
purpose of developing an agricultural viability plan, and the County Administrator is authorized to sign
this contract,
RESOLVED, further, That Cooperative Extension's work is to be completed by April 30, 1996,
and the Planning Department is authorized to spend the money.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 159 - APPROVE CONTRACT WITH CAYUGA NATURE CENTER TO
PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A WATER QUALITY TEACHER
WORKSHOP
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously approved by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Water Quality Steering Committee has received notification of a grant to
continue implementation of the Water Quality Strategy Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Water Quality Steering Committee conducted a teacher workshop last year on
water quality curriculums and the Steering Committee has approved a proposal by the Cayuga Nature
Center to conduct another teacher training workshop in August coinciding with existing teacher training
programs conducted by the Center, and
WHEREAS, the Center will work with teachers in different middle and high schools throughout
the upcoming school year to provide youth hands-on experiences in water quality, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Water Quality Steering Committee is authorized to contract with Cayuga Nature Center for an amount
not to exceed $1,200, and that the County Administrator is authorized to sign this contract.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 160 - AMEND CONTRACT FOR TIME EXTENSION - STATE GRANT
FOR AGRICULTURAL AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture and Markets has extended the time to complete this
grant from December 31, 1995, to April 30, 1996, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
County accepts this amendment and that the County Administrator is authorized to sign such contract
amendment.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
215
July 25, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 161 - SUPPORT OF THE RAILBANKING PROVISIONS OF THE
NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM ACT
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Railroad corridors are a national asset and should be preserved and railtrails are a
public asset and enhance the communities which they serve, and
WHEREAS, Railbanking is an important tool in the preservation of railroad corridors and the
creation of rail trails, and the process of railbanking was developed by Section 8 (d) of the National
Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543, 16 U.S.C. Section 1241 et seq.), and
WHEREAS, the use of railbanking, much of the railroad infrastructure in Tompkins County and
New York can be preserved and may be used as rail trails to benefit the people of New York, and
WHEREAS, without railbanking these rail corridors will be forever lost, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has many miles of abandoned railways which are actively used
for running, biking and hiking, and
WHEREAS, some municipalities in the County are currently in the process of discussing and
planning more trails using abandoned railways, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County would like to keep its options open for the possible return to the
use of rail as a means of transportation of cargo and passengers in the future, and
WHEREAS, the Health and Environmental Quality Committee of the Tompkins County Board of
Representatives has indicated its support for the provisions of railbanking, and especially governments
right of first refusal, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives strongly urge the United States Congress, in particular, the
New York State Congressional Delegation, to oppose any changes to the railbanking provisions of the
National Trails System Act,
RESOLVED, further, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the appropriate members of
Congress.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 162 - ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS, AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE
CONTRACTS FOR IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GRANT FUNDING - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, funding is available from the New York State Department of Health to establish and
implement a Central New York Immunization Information System, including linked computerized
information systems in the counties of Cortland, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tompkins, and
WHEREAS, the Onondaga County Health Department, as lead agency, has been approved to
receive funding for the period of June 1, 1995 - July 31, 1996, as a New York State Immunization
Information System Demonstration Project, and
WHEREAS, the project includes the participation of the Tompkins County Health Department,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Health Department is authorized to participate in this project,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is authorized to execute any and all
agreements necessary to complete this project,
216
July 25, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That budget adjustments will be processed once the final budget and
workplans are approved by the New York State Depaitnient of Health.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Vice Chair, had no report. She stated the next meeting will be August 2 at noon.
RESOLUTION NO. 163 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND, DEPARTMENT
OF HUMAN RIGHTS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
9, Noes - 4 (Representatives Blanchard, Meskill, Todd, and Totman), Excused - 2 (Representatives
Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following appropriation on the County's
books:
FROM: A1990, Contingent Fund $3,425
TO: A8040.2211, Human Rights, chairs 220
.2212, computer desk 150
.2213, file cabinets 400
.4330, printing 1,305
.4440, educational materials 1,000
.4332, books, subscriptions 250
.4452, postage 100
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Recess
Chairman Stein declared recess from 8:15 p.m. to 8:24 p.m.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Ms. Mink, Vice Chair, reported the business conducted at the last meeting is reflected on the
agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 164 - APPROPRIATIONS OF UNSPENT PRIOR YEAR FUNDS FROM
GENERAL AND ROAD FUND BALANCES TO VARIOUS
ACCOUNTS; ADJUSTMENTS TO 1996 FISCAL TARGETS
(Amended by Res. No. 183 of 1995)
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill. It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by
Mr. Lane, to amend Request No. 17, Sheriff's Depaitiiient Account .2231 Vehicle and Radio, to approve
a recommendation by this Board of $6,152. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 0,
Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). AMENDMENT CARRIED. Mr. Proto stated he feels
strongly that these monies should be used to lower the property tax.
A short roll call vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 1
(Representative Proto), Excused — 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
217
July 25, 1995
WHEREAS, various departments have been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent
appropriations and excess revenues on the County's books as of December 31, 1994, which under County
fiscal policy are eligible to be reappropriated into their 1995 accounts or to be set aside for expenditure in
1996, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy; Facilities and Operations;
Governmental Affairs; Health and Environmental Quality; Human Services; Planning, Community
Development and Education; Public Safety; and Transportation Services Committees, That the following
funds are appropriated to the accounts indicated from the General Fund Balance, with the sole exception
of the appropriation to Road Materials which is from the Road Fund Balance,
RESOLVED, further, That 1996 fiscal targets are increased on a one-time basis as indicated and
that this information will be highlighted in 1996 budget request packets.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
*See next page for appropriations of 1994 surplus funds
218
July 25, 1995
Appropriation of 1994 surplus funds:
Request # Department Acct./Title
FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
1 Finance A1310.2206, B&F Comp Equ
2211, chairs
.2214, shelves, cabinets
2230 computer software
A1311.2206 Instal. Tax Admin
computer equipment
.2230, software
.4442, contract, revise tax bills
A1315.2206 Comptroller, com-
puter equipment
.2213, file cabinets, storage equip.
.2230, software
Do not reapprop. to 1995; use to
cover revenue shortfalls
Do not reapprop. to 1995; increase
1996 target on a one-time basis
2 Administration A1230.2206, computer equip.
3 Admin, COI A1989.4903, inservice education
do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
one-time target increase in 1996
budget
4 Assessment Do not reapprop. to 1995; increase
1996 target one-time.
5
Personnel A1430 1000, Personnel Services
.4000 supply & contractual accts
Do not reapprop. in 1995; increase
1996 target on one-time basis
6 Data Proc. A1680.2206, computer equip.
.4412, training
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
7 Board of Reps. A1010.2222, fax machine
.4000, travel, training, postage,
telephone, printing
A1040.4000, postage, telephone,
printing
8 County Clerk A1411.1000, DMV salaries
A1460.4400, to be transferred for
equipment, prof. sery fees
9 Bd of Elections Do not reapprop. to 1995; one-
time increase to 1996 target
219
RECOMMENDATIONS
Request
County
Administrator
Program
Committee
Budget &
Fiscal Policy
Committee
7/18/95
Adopted
7/25/95
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500
1,120
1,120
1,120
1,120
1,120
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
15,800
15,800
15,800
15,800
15,800
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,700
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,300
1,300
1,300
1,300
1,300
30,034
30,034
30,034
30,034
30,034
45,272
45,272
45,272
45,272
45,272
3,055
3,055
3,055
3,055
3,055
65,756
65,756
65,756
65,756
65,756
48,097
48,097
48,097
48,097
48,097
12,200
12,200
12,200
12,200
12,200
7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500
11,416
11,416
11,416
11,416
11,416
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
12,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
17,024
17,024
17,024
17,024
17,024
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
33,609
33,609
33,609
33,609
33,609
9,280
9,280
9,280
9,280
9,280
3,438
3,438
3,438
3,438
3,438
219
July 25, 1995
Appropriation of 1994 surplus funds.
Request # Department Acct /Title
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
10 Health A4010.1000, , 8000 Salaries &
benefits
.2201, calculator
.2206, computer equipment
.2212, desks/bookcases
.2213, file cabinet
.2214, office furnishings
.2222, fax machine
.2230, software
.4302, office supplies
Do not reapprop.; allow funds to
lapse to fund balance as an offset
to Healthy Heart grant funding
loss
A4013.4442, Health & Safety,
Taitem Engineering/Judy
Crawford for Air Quality
Audit of PSB
A4023 2230, PCAP, software
Do not reapprop to 1995 budget;
permit funds to lapse to fund bal.
if audit causes revenue shortfall;
reconsider reapprop. if not
A4026.4400, Long Term Care, use
to be determined later
A4047.1000, Children with Special
Care Needs, salaries
.8000, benefits
.2206, computer equip.
.2213, file
.2214, pamphlet racks, etc.
.2222, car radio
.4332, educational matenals
4412, travel and training
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
increase 1996 target on one-time
basis
A4048 4400, Physically Hand'd
Children's Prog, use to be
determined later
11 Mental Health Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
permit funds to lapse to fund
balance if required by audit; if
not needed, request reapprop.
at a later time
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
12 Social Services A6010.4400, Social Services,
use to be determined later
based on NYS budget impacts
220
RECOMMENDATIONS
Request
County
Administrator
Program
Committee
Budget &
Fiscal Policy
Committee
7/18/95
Adopted
7/25/95
50,844
50,844
50,844
50,844
50,844
225
225
225
225
225
5,497
5,497
5,497
5,497
5,497
1,750
1,750
1,750
1,750
1,750
112
112
112
112
112
1,862
1,862
1,862
1,862
1,862
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
82,073
82,073
82,073
82,073
82,073
660
660
660
660
660
18,676
18,676
18,676
18,676
18,676
1,305
1,305
1,305
1,305
1,305
20,124
20,124
20,124
20,124
20,124
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
731
731
731
731
731
6,906
6,906
6,906
6,906
6,906
707
707
707
707
707
2,648
2,648
2,648
2,648
2,648
200
200
200
200
200
990
990
990
990
990
500
500
500
500
500
1,180
1,180
1,180
1,180
1,180
500
500
500
500
500
11,496
11,496
11,496
11,496
11,496
7,108
7,108
7,108
7,108
7,108
164,911
164,911
164,911
164,911
164,911
314,302
314,302
314,302
314,302
314,302
220
July 25, 1995
Appropriation of 1994 surplus funds'
Request # Department Acct./Title
13 Youth Bureau A7026.4573 Municipal Youth
Ser., Ithaca Youth Bureau
.4608, youth mini grants
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
permit funds to lapse to fund
balance based on anticipated
1995 revenue shortfall
A7020, Youth Bureau; do not
reapprop. to 1995 budget, permit
funds to lapse to fund balance
based on anticipated 1995 revenue
shortfall
.1000, salaries
.2206, .2212, .2230 computers and
equip
.4302, office supplies
.4330, printing
.4442, prof services
.4452, postage
.4414, local mileage
.4472, telephone
.4901, computer services
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
one-time increase to 1996 target
14 Off. for Aging A6772.2212, table
A6778, HEAP, do
not reapprop., permit funds
to lapse to fund balance to
cover Federal funding cut
A6780.1000, EISEP, salary
A6787.2219, PERS, PERS
units
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
increase 1996 target on a one-time
basis in a Budg. Unit to be
designated
15 Human Rights A8040.2211, Human Rights
chairs
2212, computer desk
2213, file cabinets
.4330, printing
.4440, educ. materials
4332, books, subscriptions
.4452, postage
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
16 District Atty A1165.1000, DA salaries
.2206, computer equip
2210, answer mach, voice
mail, data/time stamp, TVNCR
.2230, software
.4332, LAN
.4426, NYSPIN
221
RECOMMENDATIONS
Request
County
Administrator
Program
Committee
Budget &
Fiscal Policy
Committee
7/18/95
Adopted
7/25/95
22,000
22,000
22,000
22,000
22,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
0
0
5,497
5,497
5,497
Con'd 7/5/95
Cored 7/5/95
0
0
814
814
814
11,400
11,400
11,400
11,400
11,400
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
600
600
600
600
600
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
800
800
800
800
800
500
500
500
500
500
600
600
600
600
600
700
700
700
700
700
53,957
53,957
47,646
47,646
47,646
Cored 7/5/95
Cored 7/5/95
150
150
150
150
150
2,223
2,223
2,223
2,223
2,223
1,774
1,774
1,774
1,774
1,774
256
256
256
256
256
9,526
9,526
9,526
9,526
9,526
220
0
0
0
0
150
0
0
0
0
400
0
0
0
0
1,305
0
0
0
0
1,000
0
0
0
0
250
0
0
0
0
100
0
0
0
0
13,210
13,210
13,210
13,210
13,210
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,290
3,290
3,290
3,290
3,290
3,075
3,075
3,075
3,075
3,075
10,486
10,486
10,486
10,486
10,486
9,839
9,839
9,839
9,839
9,839
221
July 25, 1995
Appropriation of 1994 surplus funds:
Request # Department Acct./Title
17 Sheriff A3110 1000, overtime salaries
.8000, fringe benefits
.2206, computers
.2230, software
.2231, vehicle & radio
.4421, auto maint/repair
18 Probation A3140, do not reapprop to 1995
budget, permit funds to lapse to
fund balance to cover anticipated
revenue shortfall
A3140, do not reapprop. to 1995
budget; one-time target increase
in 1996 budget
Altern. to lncarc., do not reapp.
to 1995 budget; one-time
increase in 1996 target to cover
revenue shortfalls
19 Fire/EMS A4189 2222, Dictaphone recorder
20 Wgts & Meas
A3630.2231, new vehicle
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES COMMITTEE
21 PW, Tomtran A9576.4400, Contribution to
Capital
A5630.4425, Contract services,
Transit Ctr, planning & marketing
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
permit funds to lapse to fund bal
to cover 1995 revenue shortfalls
Do not reapprop. to 1995 budget;
one-time increase to 1996 target
22 PW, Highway D5110.4312, road materials
TOTALS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Request
County
Administrator
Program
Committee
Budget &
Fiscal Policy
Committee
7/18/95
Adopted
7/25/95
14,037
8,800
11,000
3,000
16,800
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
46,000 46,000
71,205 71,205
2,086
56,711
4,970
Corrected 7/10/95
21,702
5,000
2,086
56,711
4,970
21,702
5,000
30,000 30,000
40,000 40,000
106,170 63,194
(corrected 7/10)
0
0
0
0
0
0
46,000
71,205
2,086
56,711
4,970
21,702
5,000
30,000
40,000
63,194
0
0
0
0
0
0
46,000
71,205
2,086
56,711
4,970
21,702
5,000
30,000
40,000
63,194
0
0
0
0
6,152
0
46,000
71,205
2,086
56,711
4,970
21,702
5,000
30,000
40,000
63,194
Do not reappropriate; use funds to cover anticiipated 1995 shortfall;
reconsider if shortfall is less than anticipated
Do not reappropriate; use funds to increase 1996 fiscal target on
a one-time basis
Reappropriate, use to be determined later
Reappropriate for specified purpose
TOTALS
369,357
336,844
315,033
694,466
1,715,700
369,357
336,844
315,033
591,428
1,612,662
374,339
330,533
315,033
592,757
1,612,662
374,339
330,533
315,033
592,757
1,612,662
374,339
330,533
315,033
598,909
1,618,814
222
July 25, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 165 - ADJUSTING TOMPKINS COUNTY BUDGET IN RESPONSE TO
ADOPTED 1995-96 NEW YORK STATE BUDGET
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Evans. Some members of the Board felt a message
should be sent to the State that the County should not continue to make up for shortfalls as a result of the
State budget. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 8, Noes - 5 (Representatives Blanchard, Lane,
Schuler, Todd, and Totman), Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the recently adopted recommendation of the Budget Policy Task Force require that
the County budget be reviewed, and if appropriate amended, each year when the consequences of the
adopted State budget are known, and
WHEREAS, County department heads have reported on all known impacts of the 1995-96 State
budget and have made requests which the County Administrator has reviewed and recommend upon, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality; Planning,
Community Development and Education; Human Services; and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees,
That in order to implement these recommendation this board is applying by separate Resolution the
unspent year-end funds of some dep.'tments to cover shortfalls created by funding reductions in the State
budget, and
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following budget
adjustment on the County's books:
REDUCTION IN APPROPRIATIONS:
A8021.1000, Planning, EMC, personal services $6,198
A4327.4400, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention $9,000
A4329.4400, Mental Health, Challenge Industries $31,000
REDUCTION IN REVENUE:
A3089, EMC State Aid $6,198
A3491, Mental Health State Aid, OT 620 $9,000
A3497, Mental Health State Aid, CSS $31,100
RESOLVED, further, That in order to sustain funding in these programs the Director of Finance
is directed to appropriate $46,198 form A1990, County Contingent Fund to A8021.1000, Planning, EMC,
personal services, $6,198; A4327.4400, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, $9,100; and A4329.4400,
Mental Health, Challenge Industries, $31,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 166 - ACCEPTANCE OF BUDGETING UNITS AND PROGRAMS
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 1996 BUDGET
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill. At the request of Mr. Evans, it was agreed to
change the reporting for budget purposes of the Health Planning Council to both the Health and
Environmental Quality and Human Services Committees. The Human Services Committee and Health
and Environmental Quality Committees will meet to discuss this further. It was also agreed to consider
the SPCA as a grant rather than a vendor contract. The Board also decided to refer the title and wording
of Nursing to the Health and Environmental Quality Committee for revision.
The Board agreed to make the Airport one budgeting unit with separate programs.
223
July 25, 1995
Ms. Blanchard wished to put forth an amendment that would make the County Roads one
budgeting unit with three programs. There was a request to enter into an executive session to discuss a
personnel matter prior to a motion by Ms. Blanchard. The Board amended this resolution following an
executive session.
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to separate Purchasing as a separate budgeting unit. MOTION
FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development & Education,
Public Safety, Health & Environmental Quality, Facilities & Operations, Governmental Affairs,
Transportation Services, Solid Waste, Economic Development and Budget & Fiscal Policy Committees,
That the Budgeting Units and Programs listed in the green Master List (Modified Summary of the 1995
Budget) dated July 18, 1995, be adopted for use in developing the 1996 County Budget, and
RESOLVED, further, That the figures which appear on this listing are for demonstration
purposes only, and due to the reconfiguration of Budgeting Units and Programs will vary from those
figures published in the 1995 Program Budget document.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 167 - DESIGNATION OF COST SAVERS, 1996 BUDGET
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Ms. Kiefer requested that the cost saver
request for a recycling program in the Solid Waste Division that was turned down by the Cost Saver Task
Force be reviewed by the Solid Waste Committee. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, this Board on June 6, 1995, adopted recommendations of the Budget Review Task
Force of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee with respect to the criteria for Cost Savers in the 1996
budget and with respect to the consequences of that status, and
WHEREAS, to be designated a Cost Saver a budgeting unit or a program must meet all of the
following criteria:
1) Only entire budgeting units or programs may be designated;
2) The budgeting unit or program must provide services funded by general revenues;
3) The budgeting unit or program must clearly reduce County spending in other County
budgeting units or programs;
4) The amount of savings must equal or exceed the total County fiscal sponsorship of the entire
designated budgeting unit or program;
5) The savings from providing the proposed services must be achieved within the same fiscal
year or within the following two (2) fiscal years;
6) A reduction in services in the designated budgeting unit or program would result in a net
increase in costs to Tompkins County; and
WHEREAS, budget makers have requested Cost Saver designation for various programs and
these have been recommended upon by the Cost Saver Review Task Force of the Budget and Fiscal
Policy Committee, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development; Public Safety; Human
Services; Planning, Community Development, and Education; Solid Waste; and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the following programs of County government are hereby designated to be Cost Savers
for the 1996 budget:
Tompkins County Area Development
Offender Aid and Restoration - Bailfund
Planning Depaitment - Geographic Information System
224
July 25, 1995
Planning Department - Grant Development
Probation Department - Intensive Supervision
Probation Department - Pretrial Services
Probation Depaitnient - Service Work Alternative
Department of Social Services - Child Support Enforcement
Department of Social Services - Fraud and Investigation
Department of Social Services - Resource Recovery
Office for the Aging - Expanded In-home Services to the Elderly
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s), and Appointments from the Governmental Affairs
Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met July 17. She stated the Committee discussed
Administrative Manual Policy 01-00 - Minutes of Meetings of the Board of Representatives and its
Committees, as suggested by Vice Chair Mink at the May 16 meeting. She said the Committee decided
no change to the policy was needed but it was the desire by Board members and the Committee to revert
to the minutes the Board had before and the County Administrator was asked to deliver this message to
the minute takers. The July 31 Committee meeting has been canceled. Mrs. Livesay stated a meeting
has been scheduled on July 27 at 7 p.m. with town supervisors and the City of Ithaca Mayor to discuss
placing the Solid Waste Annual Fee on the property tax bill and also to discuss the issue of the direct
election expenses.
RESOLUTION NO. 168 - AUTHORIZING AUDIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to add the
following wording to the resolution: "as the least expensive one in the best interest in the County".
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, during 1994 the County engaged the Mercer firm to evaluate its health benefit
plans, and
WHEREAS, in the course of the financial review of the health plan currently insured by Blue
Cross of Central New York it was noted that the claims reporting system made it difficult to assess the
accuracy of the 1995 premium renewal, and
WHEREAS, the health insurance premiums established by the plan administrator are intended to
cover projected claims, and
WHEREAS, if actual claims exceed premium contributions, the County could be subjected to
significant adjustments in subsequent premiums, and
WHEREAS, the Mercer firm recommended the County conduct a full evaluation of the health
plan premium renewal and of policy claims, and
WHEREAS, the Finance Department has requested proposals for the financial review of the
health plan, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the County
Administrator be authorized to contract with Coopers & Lybrand in the amount of $8,500, and that the
cost of the contract be recovered by chargebacks to budgeted lines for health insurance.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 169 - AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION NO. 251 OF 1994 -
ESTABLISHING 1995 MEETING DATES
225
July 25, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Totman. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
3 (Representatives Blanchard, Meskill, and Totman), Noes - 10, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and
Lerner). RESOLUTION LOST.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That Resolution No.
251 of 1994 - Establishing Meeting Dates is hereby amended to cancel the August 8, 1995, meeting.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11 - 15
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to make the following appointments to the Community Affirmative Action
Advisory Committee:
Leslyn McBean, Human Rights Commission representative, for a term expiring
December 31, 1995
Jack B. Nelson, County employee/At-large representative, for a term expiring
December 31, 1996
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee met July 13, and heard a report on the Local
Conditional Release Commission and its membership. There are currently two vacancies on that
Commission that need to be filled by September 1. Anyone with suggestions for filling these vacancies
are referred to the County Administrator or the Probation Department. Mr. Meskill stated an informal
meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee was held for organizational purposes, and a formal
meeting has been scheduled for August 3 at 10 a.m. He also reported on the Sheriff's Department crime
statistics, and stated he sent a memorandum to the Sheriff that asked him to apply for a COPS grant for
funding of an additional deputy.
RESOLUTION NO. 170 - APPROPRIATION FROM MANDATES CONTINGENT FUND,
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto. A short roll call vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has been ordered to pay the costs of a Special Prosecutor in the
case of People v. Ernest Vann, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, that the Director of Finance is authorized and directed to appropriate $6,186 from the
Mandates Contingent Fund A1990.4950 to A1166.4400, Special Prosecutor, which account is hereby
designated as a Class A mandated program of County government.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint David J. Wall to the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to
Incarceration Board as the Village of Cayuga Heights representative for a term expiring December 31,
1995.
226
July 25, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint Coraleen L. Rooney to the Family Court Advisory Council as an At -large
representative for a term expiring December 31, 1997.
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to make the following appointments with no set terms to the Local Emergency
Planning Committee:
Peter J. Meskill - Chairman, Public Safety Committee
Charles V. Evans - Chairman, Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Daniel I. Maas - University Safety Officer
Cameron Mills - Community
Harold C. Piger - Facility owner and operator
Jay P. Wrolstad - Print media
Alice Cole - Public Health Director
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met July 12, and business conducted at that meeting
is reflected on the agenda. She made the following announcements: The Dewitt Historical Society will
have a new Director, Paula Davis, effective in September; the Society will be having an ice cream social
on July 31 from 3-7 p.m.; the 4-1-1 Youth Fair begins July 26 and a reception will be held July 28 at 4
p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 171 - AUTHORIZING COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH
BETTER HOUSING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY RELATIVE
TO ADMINISTRATION OF GROTON SMALL CITIES
PROJECT
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Town of Groton has received a 1995 Small Cities grant for $315,000 for
housing rehabilitation from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
WHEREAS, the Town must administer this Housing Rehabilitation in accordance with Federal
regulations and has hired Tompkins County to perform this function on their behalf, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County wishes to utilize the expertise of Better Housing for Tompkins
County, Inc., to assist with construction and program delivery services, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That Tompkins County be authorized to contract with Better Housing for Tompkins County
for an amount not to exceed $35,000 for program delivery services in conjunction with the Town of
Groton Housing Rehabilitation Program,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign any
agreements on behalf of the County regarding this matter.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 172 - AUTHORIZING COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH
BETTER HOUSING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY RELATIVE
TO ADMINISTRATION OF DRYDEN SMALL CITIES
PROJECT (Amended by Res. No. 203 of 1995)
227
July 25, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden has received a 1995 Small Cities grant for $315,000 for
housing rehabilitation from the U. S. Depai lment of Housing and Urban Development, and
WHEREAS, the Town must administer this Housing Rehabilitation in accordance with Federal
regulations and has hired Tompkins County to perform this function on their behalf, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County wishes to utilize the expertise of Better Housing for Tompkins
County, Inc., to assist with construction and program delivery services, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That Tompkins County be authorized to contract with Better Housing for Tompkins County
for an amount not to exceed $35,000 for program delivery services in conjunction with the Town of
Dryden Housing Rehabilitation Program,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign any
agreements on behalf of the County regarding this matter.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 173 - APPROVAL TO SIGN CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF
DRYDEN AND THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TOWN'S 1995 SMALL CITIES
GRANT (GRANT NO. B -95 -DH -36-0061)
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, in February 1995, the Town of Dryden, with the assistance of the County of
Tompkins Planning Department, submitted a Small Cities application to the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) for a $400,000 grant to implement a Housing Rehabilitation Project in
the Town, and
WHEREAS, in May 1995, HUD approved the application, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden desires to engage the County to administer the 1995 Housing
Rehabilitation Project, perform the services described in the detailed contract, and disburse $315,000 in
housing rehabilitation funds received as part of the Small Cities grant, and
WHEREAS, the County and its subcontractors are experienced in providing the services
required, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County of Tompkins be authorized to sign the contract with the Town of Dryden,
RESOLVED, further, That the County of Tompkins be authorized to administer the funds, along
with the supporting documentation, as specified in the contract,
RESOLVED, further, That all monies received will go into budget account A8020.3089 ("Other -
State Aid") and be distributed using the appropriately designated budget units of account A8020.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 174 - AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC HEARING - TOMPKINS
CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPERATING AND
CAPITAL BUDGETS - 1995-96
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
228
July 25, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education and
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That a public hearing be held on Tuesday, August 8, 1995, at 5:30
o'clock in the evening thereof in Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New York concerning the 1995-1996 operating and capital budget requests for Tompkins
Cortland Community College. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be
heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board be and hereby directed to place such notice of
such public hearing in the official newspaper of Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, had no report.
RESOLUTION NO. 175 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 06-07 —
BIDDING PROCEDURE (POSTPONED TO AUGUST 8, 1995)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Ms. Kiefer asked that this resolution be
postponed to August 8 for the purpose of reviewing it further in Committee. It was the consensus of the
Board to postpone this resolution.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met July 19 and discussed the Solid Waste Annual
Fee Fairness Report. Mr. Todd stated the Committee also discussed curbside recycling, and said the bid
will be opened on August 2. He distributed a spreadsheet showing the financial summary for the
Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste Center for the period of April thru June. The net revenue
for this period was $191,689. This amount was well above the budgeted amount of $19,706. Mr. Todd
requested an executive session to discuss negotiations prior to action on the resolution entitled
Authorization to Execute a Municipal Agreement Between the County of Tompkins and the Nine Towns
and the City of Ithaca.
Mr. Proto inquried about the rural curbside collection sites, and asked how long these would
remain open. Mr. Todd stated he believes they will remain open through the end of the year. There was
also discussion concerning the possibility of keeping the drop-off centers open until the end of 1996. Mr.
Todd reported mixed paper is now included in curbside collection.
RESOLUTION NO. 176 - ACCEPTING REPORT OF SOLID WASTE ANNUAL FEE
FAIRNESS COMMITTEE (Amended by Res. No. 201 of 1995)
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee was charged by the Solid Waste
Committee Chairman with reviewing the current Annual Fee structure and recommending alterations or
changes to the Fee structure that would be more fair to payers, and
229
July 25, 1995
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee rendered a report on June 14,
1995, making specific recommendations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the Board of
Representatives accepts the report of the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee and the
recommendations contained therein.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 177 - INCREASE IN HOURS SENIOR ACCOUNT CLERK/TYPIST -
SOLID WASTE
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the duties of the Senior Account Clerk/Typist position have been increased to
include responsibility for accounts payable, annual fees and additional accounting duties, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That one (1) position of Senior
Account Clerk/Typist (09/529), labor grade I(9), competitive class be increased from 35.0 hours per week
to 40.0 hours per week, effective July 17, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met today. The Committee has received surveys
and is compiling data from them. He stated members of the Committee will be conducting telephone
surveys with officials from other counties. The Committee will also be inviting the Sheriff, County
Clerk, and the District Attorney, as elected officials, to an upcoming meeting.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet August 3 at 2 p.m. in the Sherman Peer
Room of the Tompkins County Public Library.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet July 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the County Newsletter will appear in the July 27 Ithaca Times.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet July 31 at 8:15. The Committee is
planning another meeting with the Municipal Official's Association.
230
July 25, 1995
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into executive session at 9:43 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter and
contract negotiations. The meeting returned to open session at 10:28 p.m.
The Board agreed to postpone the resolution entitled Authorization to Execute a Municipal
Agreement Between the County of Tompkins and the Nine Towns and the City of Ithaca until the August
8 Board meeting.
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Meskill, to amend Resolution No. 166 -
Acceptance of Budgeting Units for Development of the 1996 Budget by making County Roads one
budgeting unit with two programs: 1) County road maintenance, traffic control, and snow removal; and
2) Bridges. A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes - 2 (Representatives
Kiefer and Meskill), Excused - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). AMENDMENT CARRIED.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
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August 8, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Tompkins Cortland Community College Operating and Capital Budgets
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:34 p.m. concerning the proposed
Tompkins Cortland Community College 1995-96 Operating and Capital Budgets. Mr. Stein introduced
Bob Ross, Dean of College Services, to give an overview of the Colleges' budget, as well as an update on
the Master Plan. Mr. Ross stated the proposed budget for next year is for $14,589.433 which represents a
3.65 percent increase in the prior year's budget. He believes this is the smallest budget increase in the
operating budget in several years. Mr. Ross stated the College did suffer cuts in its operating revenues
from the State, and the shortfall was made up by tuition increases. The proposed budget is based on
2,350 full-time students. He said the College is continuing its international program with contracts with
colleges is Spain and South America.
Mr. Ross updated the Board on the status of the Master Plan. He stated there is a Master Plan
oversight Committee that Representatives Schuler and Lane are members of . This Committee reviews
financial matters that are related to the Plan. He said the College has gone out to bid on all of the
contracts except the roofing, and the bids were all very competitive. He said the College plans to
schedule a meeting with the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee to give a
detailed update on the status of the Master Plan.
No member of the public or Board wished to speak concerning this subject, and Chairman Stein
declared the public hearing closed at 5:45 p.m.
Roll Call of Members and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Present: 13 Representatives. Excused: 2 (Representatives Mink and Totman).
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Approval of Minutes of July 25, 1995
This item was forwarded to the end of the agenda.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Barbara Mahoney, Hayts Road and Department of Social Services Employee, spoke concerning
sick building syndrome. Ms. Mahoney stated she feels she should be allowed to perform typing duties at
home. She also stated she feels the requests made by Yvonne Bartlett should be honored.
Yvonne Bartlett, Interlaken resident and Department of Social Services Employee, spoke
concerning sick building syndrome, and stated as of this date nothing has been done to eliminate the
NCR forms being used in her office. Ms. Bartlett said she continues to go to the emergency room for
treatment, and because of the amount of time she has missed at work her fringe time is being prorated.
She complained of her work environment at Biggs A including the water, heat, rodents, and fluctuation in
temperatures. She displayed an envelope which she said contained droppings from rodents in her
office. Ms. Bartlett said she feels she has been discriminated against because she has been isolated in the
building.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
232
August 8, 1995
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, invited members of the Board to attend the bicentennial
celebration for Caroline to be held August 26 at 10 a.m. in Brooktondale.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, reported at the Town of Ithaca Board meeting last
evening the Board voted not to put the Annual Solid Waste Fee on the property tax bill. She said the
Board expressed general support for the concept but because of the time of year there would not be
sufficient time to have questions answered or complete negotiations.
Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 178 - ADOPTION OF 1995-96 OPERATING BUDGET - TOMPKINS
CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, a proposed operating budget for Tompkins Cortland Community College for the
fiscal year September 1, 1995, through August 31, 1996, has been presented to the Board of
Representatives of the County of Tompkins pursuant to County Law and Section 6306 of the Education
Law, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives has conducted a public hearing on said proposed
budget on August 8, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education and
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That said proposed 1995-96 operating budget in the amount of
$14,589,433 of which the sponsoring communities contribution is in the amount of $2,760,400 be and the
same hereby is approved,
RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives of Tompkins County includes in the
1996 Tompkins County Budget an amount to be determined pursuant to the approved plan for said
College in effect as of September 1, 1995 and that the amount when determined be raised by taxation in
the County of Tompkins in the fiscal year 1996,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon the adoption of a
concurrent resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 179 - ADOPTION OF 1995-96 CAPITAL BUDGET - TOMPKINS
CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Cortland Community College has presented to
this Legislature a Tentative Capital Budget for fiscal year 1995-96, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education and
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That said 1995-96 Capital Budget in the amount of $98,410 of
which the sponsoring community contribution is in the amount of $0 be and the same hereby is approved
and adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon adoption of a concurrent
resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
233
August 8, 1995
Mr. Stein allowed College Trustee Raynor to say a few words at this time.
Bill Raynor, Member of the Tompkins Cortland Community College Board of Trustees, thanked
the Board for their support for the College. He stated the financial assistance provided by the County
helps to provide hope for a better future for the students. He said for many the Community College is a
second chance and for some it is the only chance. On behalf of the Board Chairman Stein expressed a
thank -you for the excellent job the College has been doing. He said it is unfortunate that tuition has to be
increased as a result of State funding cuts.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, the following resolution was added to the agenda:
Award of Bid - Brown Road Improvements
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein granted the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the
following resolutions from the agenda:
Authorization to Execute Agreement with Tompkins County Economic Opportunity Corporation
Res. No. 175 - Adoption of Revised Administrative Manual Policy 06-07 - Bidding Procedure
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Being Affirmed
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw the following
resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA041-95 Budget Adjustments - Various Depailiuents
Chairman's Report and Appointment
Chairman Stein introduced Brian Kohn, Ithaca Journal Reporter, who will now be covering
Board meetings.
Chairman Stein asked for the Board's confirmation of an appointment to the Community
Affirmative Action Committee. It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Winch, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to appoint Mrs. Schuler to the Community
Affirmative Action Advisory Committee for a term to expire December 31, 1995.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported on County foreclosures. He stated there are 47 properties scheduled for
foreclosure on Friday, August 11, and fourteen of those appear to be occupied. He stated at present
there are 100 properties scheduled for foreclosure in January. Mr. Heyman reported there will be
training for program committee chairs to become familiar with the new budget forms. This will be
scheduled around the end of the month. Mr. Heyman said he will asked for the Board's confirmation of
an appointment at the end of the meeting.
Report from the County Attorney
234
August 8, 1995
Mr. Theisen reported there may be a delay in implementing Local Law No. 3 of 1995 -
Imposition of a Special Motor Vehicle Use Fee that was adopted at the July 25 Board meeting. He said
the delay is a result of moratorium the Governor has placed on regulations. He said under the statute that
allows the County to impose a motor vehicle use fee, it says an agreement must be entered into with the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for that fee, and this is considered a regulation. He said the process he
intends to follow is to ask that the moratorium be waived as to that particular regulation because this is
an emergency situation. He said he spoke with the Attorney for the Motor Vehicle Department in
Albany who told him he feels this moratorium would be waived.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported August 11 is the final day for payment of 1991 taxes. He reported one-third
of the 47 properties scheduled for foreclosure belong to developers. Mr. Squires reported he went to
market for bonds for computer modernization in the amount of $990,000. He said M&T Bank was the
lowest bidder at 3.95 percent. He said interest rates are steady at this time and he is beginning to convert
bonds into long-term debt.
Mr. Proto asked that when the County Audit is finalized if all members of the Board could
receive a copy. Mr. Squires said he will supply each member of the Board with a copy of the audit.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met on August 2 and reviewed the Public Works
Vision and Mission Statement. The Transportation Services Committee will be reviewing this as well,
and it will eventually be passed on to the full Board. He said the statement fits very well into Partners for
Quality. He said the bid for renovations of the Library Facade came in over budget. However, the
Committee will see that the County continues to preserve the envelope of the building. He said
Resolution No. 175 that was postponed to this meeting is still in the process of being reviewed in
Committee.
RESOLUTION NO. 180 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - AIRPORT TERMINAL -
FERGUSON ELECTRIC CO., INC.
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes
- 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Mink and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against Tompkins County, be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives:
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
Ferguson Electric Co. 16 (Final) HU5610.9239 $28,603.29
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HU5610.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 181 - AWARD OF BID - BROWN ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance - Purchasing, has duly advertised for bids for Brown
Road Improvements, and
235
August 8, 1995
WHEREAS, four (4) bids were received and publicly opened on Monday, July 31, 1995, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the bid be
awarded, pending approval of the New York State Department of Transportation, to LRS Excavating of
Lansing, New York, as the lowest responsible bidder with a base bid plus alternates of $537,803,
RESOLVED, further, That the Department of Public Works be authorized to implement this bid
and Administration be authorized to enter into a contract with LRS Excavating on behalf of the County
funds being available in Account No. HT5614.9239,
RESOLVED, further, That a budget of $70,797 be established for change orders, staff services
and miscellaneous expenses and that the County Administrator be authorized to execute change orders up
to ten (10) percent of the contract total,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to sign an addendum to the
contract with T.G. Miller P.C. of Ithaca, New York in the amount of $8,050 to provide Construction
Administration Services.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - TYPE 3
Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be August 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Representative Winch was excused at 6:30 p.m.
Report and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chan -man, reported the Committee has had a couple of meetings to discuss the issue
of looking at specific ways the County can combat racism. He said the Committee wants to set up a Task
Force. He expects this Task Force will begin meeting in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Joseph also
reported that the Literacy Volunteers has had its funding cut off because of a new interpretation of State
legislation. BOCES is no longer allowed to fund literacy volunteer programs. This means that Literacy
Volunteers has suddenly lost almost all their program staff. They will be coming to us with a request to
help get them through the year as well as for support for next year. By teaching reading and writing as
well as English as a second language, this program helps people get and keep jobs rather than being on
public assistance. He also reported on the PAVE Program run by the Economic Opportunity
Corporation. He said it is a program that gets people ready for jobs by providing basic job readiness
skills. He noted that a request for funding will be coming to get them through the year also.
Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint the following people to the Human Rights Commission:
Robert S. Skates - term expires December 31, 1995
Leonardo Vargas -Mendez - term expires December 31, 1996
Bonnie Williams - term expires December 31, 1995
Joyce Muchan - term expires December 31, 1997
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be August 15 at noon in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Report from the Governmental Affairs Committee
236
August 8, 1995
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported on the meeting held last Thursday with the Town Supervisors
concerning the collection of the Annual Solid Waste Fee on the property tax bill. She said
Representatives Totman, Lane, and Kiefer were present at the meeting. She said there were a lot of small
concerns raised but feels they were answered. She noted that there were three changes to the proposed
agreement with the municipalities. She said she would like to discuss negotiations concerning Health
Insurance in executive session at the appropriate time. The next meeting is August 14 at 3 p.m.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the next Committee meeting will be August 10 at 2 p.m. in the
Old Jail Conference Room. One item on the agenda is the proposed position of Criminal Justice
Coordinator.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
meeting scheduled for August 11 has been canceled. She reported the joint committee meeting to discuss
land policy is scheduled for August 11 at noon.
Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Mrs. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. She
announced the Committee will meet August 9 at 10:30 a.m. She said the electric bus will be in front of
the Courthouse tomorrow at noon to give any interested Board member a ride.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Mr. Stein, Vice Chair, reported the next meeting will be August 22. The subject of that meeting
will be tourism contracts with the Finger Lakes Association and the Chamber of Commerce.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, said the committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He reported
that the bid for curbside recycling was reopened and Superior Disposal was the lowest bidder. He said
the savings of rebidding was $143,000. He informed the Board that the cost comparisons for the drop-off
center vs. curbside recycling will be made available at the next committee meeting on August 16. He
said the committee will keep pursuing the contract with municipalities concerning the Annual Solid
Waste Fee being collected on the property tax bill. He also reported the proposed Recycling and Solid
Waste Neighborhood Compensation Plan is in the hands of the Assistant County Attorney, Jonathan
Wood, and is being negotiated with the City of Ithaca. He said the operation of the Recycling and Solid
Waste Center continues to be good and the prices of selling recyclables remains strong.
Mrs. Schuler was excused at 7:07 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 182 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS AND THE NINE
TOWNS AND THE CITY OF ITHACA (Resolution Tabled to
8/22/95)
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Evans. Mrs. Livesay announced the changes
made to the proposed agreement at the meeting held with the Town Supervisors. Mr. Meskill said he
supports the concept but not the resolution.
237
August 8, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Proto, to postpone the resolution to the August
22 meeting. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 6 (Representatives Blanchard, Joseph, Lerner,
Meskill, Proto, and Stein); Noes - 5 (Representatives Evans, Kiefer, Lane, Livesay, and Todd); Excused -
4 (Representatives Mink, Schuler, Totman, and Winch). MOTION FAILED.
Following a brief discussion, it was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to reconsider the motion to postpone.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the motion to postpone to the August 22 Board meeting:
Ayes - 11; Noes - 0; Excused - 4 (Representatives Mink, Schuler, Totman, and Winch). MOTION
CARRIED.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met today and is continuing to deal with the survey
information coming from various counties. The next meeting will be August 22 at 3:15 p.m.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met on July 27 and will meet again on August 17
at 2 p.m. The Committee will be starting to focus on appropriate policies to be looked at by the County.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Chairman Stein, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on July 31 and will meet again on
August 14. The Committee is focusing on sites in the downtown area. At the next meeting the
Committee expects to hear a report from staff on an analysis of the alternative site at Biggs and the new
site. The Committee will also be discussing environmental and neighborhood issues. Mr. Stein reported
steps were taken to retain an engineer to perform Phase I analysis on a site to see if there are any
environmental issues that need to be known. He said the Committee may do a presentation for the Board
in September.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Zahler, Youth Bureau Director, reported on behalf of Ms. Mink. Ms. Zahler said the
Department of Social Services labor/management coordinating committee has decided to start in the
services division of the Department and will be forming a team to see how telephone calls are handled in
that division. The Public Works Department will begin in the Buildings and Grounds Division and focus
on how to improve services in the Public Library and New Courthouse. She reported the contracts team
will be making some recommendations soon. She presented the new logo submitted by Ruth Pond of the
Purchasing Department. She announced that the Office for the Aging and Planning Departments will
begin in the Partner's for Quality initiative and will begin training this fall.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report. The next meeting is tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met July 31 and finalized plans to hold a public
forum with the Municipal Officials Association on August 24 at 7 p.m. at Cooperative Extension. The
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August 8, 1995
purpose of this meeting is to have a mid -course check on the Committee's February 7 Report, as well as
to discuss issues on agriculture and economic development.
Approval of Minutes of July 25, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to approve the minutes of July 25, 1995 with the corrections submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to confirm the County Administrator's appointment of Gretchen Sachse to the
position of County Historian.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to enter into executive session at 7:40 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The meeting
returned to open session at 7:57 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
239
August 22, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes of August 8, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to approve the minutes of August 8, 1995 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
James Milkes of Trumansburg said he is a volunteer tutor with Literacy Volunteers. He gave the
Board background information about relationships tutors have with their students. He said he received
his training in March and emphasized the training in Tompkins County is very good. He said teaching
adults is much different than teaching children. One of his students began about five months ago at a
level of Dr. Seuss and his now working with short biography books. One of the most recent
accomplishments with that student is he has learned how to use a checkbook. He quoted one of his
students: "Not being able to read is like being blind".
Alan Michael of Enfield said he went to Literacy Volunteers for help. He said as a young boy he
had a difficult time learning and was in special programs. Literacy Volunteers has helped him a great
deal, he said. He stated he his concerned with what people like him will do if funding is cut for this
program. He feels if people cannot get jobs, crime rates will increase. He reminded the Board that
things are different now than 40 years ago such as self-service gas pumps.
LeGrace Benson, 314 East Buffalo Street and former Board member, said she is also a trained
volunteer for Literacy Volunteers. She spoke about her experiences as a volunteer. She has taught
people from other countries to read permitting them to look for jobs. She said she is currently working
with a family from Cuba. The man is an auto mechanic but is unable to get a job until he learns to speak
English, and his wife is a seamstress and would also like to be working as soon as possible. She said this
program is a savor and winner.
Doug Foster, Board President of Literacy Volunteers, gave the Board an update on the recent
State funding cutbacks. He said the Literacy Volunteer organization in Tompkins County is one of
eleven to be cut by EPE funding by the State. Currently there is no program staff, but a short-term fund
raising event will be held to raise the money needed to hire back the staff. He said Literacy Volunteers is
requesting $5,000 in emergency funding for 1995 and $52,000 in increased, ongoing funding for 1996.
This will be discussed at the Human Services Committee meeting in September. He presented the Board
with a chart showing the cutbacks in students served and staff hours.
Marian Lane, Treasurer for Literacy Volunteers, stressed two points. 1) Literacy Volunteers
serves a population that is not served by any other program. Most students are below the fifth grade
reading level. The program also offers one-on-one tutoring at the students convenience. 2) Literacy
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August 22, 1995
Volunteers has managed the level of staff time resulting in 4,000 tutoring hours per year. She said there
is no other program that could do that.
Valorie Rockney, 304 Linn Street, and Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers, expressed her
appreciation and thanked the volunteers who spoke and Board members for their support.
Marge Dill, Director of Human Services Coalition, urged the Board to support funding for the
Literacy Volunteers. She referred to an article in the Ithaca Journal and stated the article was very
accurate.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reminded the Board of the Bicentennial Celebration this
Saturday in Brooktondale.
Mr. Totman, District No. 9 Representative, read a statement concerning agencies requesting
funds due to state cuts. He said he knows agencies provide vital services to the less fortunate, but feels
some agencies can be administered for less money. He also feels all special requests should be
prioritized and determine what services should be eliminated or cut back and then consider the extra
funding.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, spoke about the hostage incident in Dryden last week.
He commended the three agencies (State Police, Tompkins County Sheriff's Department, and the Dryden
Police Department) for their cooperative efforts in bringing the incident under control safely.
Mr. Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, also commended two Deputy Sheriffs, Daniel Drew
and David Bush, for their involvement with the hostage incident. In addition, he announced that the
145th Trumansburg Fair began today.
Mr. Joseph, District No. 12 Representative, spoke about agencies experiencing cuts. He said the
Board needs to make two distinctions: 1) emergency or non -emergency. He said only one agency has
requested emergency funding. He referred to a memorandum written to Mr. Totman from Mr. Heyman,
County Administrator, about the Department of Social Services costs compared to other counties; and 2)
does the agency save the County money.
Ms. Mink, District No. 5 Representative, referred to an aritcle she read in a magazine concerning
a constituent appealing to her State Senator for restoration of funds for a reading program. She was
dismayed at the Senator's response who blamed the woman for her troubles. She said the Board needs to
keep requests for funding in a larger perspective.
Mrs. Livesay, District No. 11 Representative, announced Saturday, August 26, is the celebration
of Women's Equality Day, the 75th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein granted Ms. Blanchard permission to withdraw the following resolution from the
agenda:
Award of Contract to Supply a Snow Blower with Broom Attachment - Tompkins County
Airport
Chairman's Report
241
August 22, 1995
Chairman Stein updated the Board on a meeting he, Representative Mink, Representative Todd,
and County Administrator Heyman had with Cornell University President Rawlings. He said solid waste
was at the top of the list to discuss. There is mutual interest in continuing negotiations about the Annual
Solid Waste Fee and continuing cooperation for recyclable materials. Also discussed was economic
development, competition between the University and private businesses, assessment and taxes. He said
they also hope that Cornell would not withdraw anything more from the taxable base of the County and
that they remove their objections about applying sales tax to Statler Hotel rooms for those who are not
there on Campus business. In addition, air service was discussed as well as the need to cooperate on
highways and roads. He feels the meeting was worthwhile and will lead to continued further
cooperation.
Chairman Stein also reminded the Committee chairs about the memorandum concerning the
meetmg(s) with State Representatives. He will plan to schedule a meeting in October and said that is the
time to express concerns and present proposals the Board wishes to have enacted in 1996.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman said County departments have submitted their budget proposals. A summary and
the paperwork committees need will be available August 31.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wood, Assistant County Attorney, said he did not have a report.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires said August 14 was the last day to pay 1991 tax liens. As of that date, there was
$230,000 of outstanding taxes subject to foreclosure and of those 35 proposals, 7 are owner -occupied.
He said on August 29 the County will be going to bond market. A bond rating will be coming from
Moodey's in a day or so. Total issues are $19.9 million of obligations. He said of the $19.9 million,
only about $3 Million is new financing. The official statement is on file in the Clerk of the Board's
office. He also briefly explained the three resolutions on the agenda concerning bond anticipation notes.
He said the resolutions provide the authorization to set the terms of financing. He said the advantage of
allowing the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to finance the bonds is the
outstanding notes from the landfill closure can be converted to a pool financing which would have an
interest rate substantially below market. He stated the current interest rates for a 20 -year bond are 5.5
percent. He said the pool financing subsidizes that interest cost. If the County is fortunate, the County
would have a net interest cost of 2.6 percent and could save a substantial amount in solid waste funds in
future years. He said in New York State, if a County maintains its bond rating, that is an
accomplishment. He feels the County will maintain a AA rating.
Affirmation of Resolutions Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA042-95 - Authorization to Execute Agreement with New York State Association of Counties
CA043-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s), and Appointments from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the committee has not met since the last Board meeting.
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August 22, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 183 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 164 of 1995
APPROPRIATIONS OF UNSPENT PRIOR YEAR FUNDS
FROM GENERAL AND ROAD FUND BALANCES TO
VARIOUS ACCOUNTS; ADJUSTMENTS TO 1996
FISCAL TARGETS
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Mink. Concerns and reservations about rolling money
into 1996 were expressed by some Board members. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes -
2 (Representatives Proto and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 164, as adopted by the Board on July 25, 1995, showed 1994
Surplus Funds for the department of Social Services with a "use to be determined later based on New
York State budget impacts, " and
WHEREAS, these funds are instead needed to support the 1996 budget, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services, and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That $314,302 in surplus funds for 1994 be used as a one-time increase in the 1996 fiscal
target and that the provision of Resolution No. 164 appropriating these funds into the 1995 budget be
rescinded.
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Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Beverly Livesay as the County Representative to the Greater Ithaca Activities Center for
a term that expires December 31, 1995.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, said the committee met last week and most of the committee's business is
reflected on the agenda. The committee heard a report concerning the 1994 audit. He requested that
Board members receive a list of budget review meetings. He announced the committee will meet
September 5 at noon to review guidelines and requests for program committees. The meeting with
committee chairs to review budget forms will be held at 4 p.m. the same day.
RESOLUTION NO. 184 - A RESOLUTION DELEGATING TO THE COUNTY FINANCE
DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, NEW YORK,
POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE WHETHER
CERTAIN BONDS OF SAID COUNTY SHALL BE PAYABLE IN A
SUBSTANTIALLY LEVEL OR DECLINING ANNUAL DEBT
SERVICE MANNER AND CERTAIN OTHER SALE RELATED
POWERS
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Livesay. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Local Finance Law of the State provides that the finance board of a county may
delegate to the chief fiscal officer of a county, certain powers of said finance board with respect to the
issuance of obligations of said county, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York (the
"County"), has previously delegated tot he County Finance Director of said County, the chief fiscal
officer, those powers with respect to the issuance of certain obligations which could then be so delegated
pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, and
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August 22, 1995
WHEREAS, on June 20, 1994, the Governor of the State signed into law Chapter 201 of the
Laws of 1994 which, among other things, authorizes a finance board to determine to provide for
substantially level or declining annual debt service on bonds and bond anticipation notes of a county as
an alternative to providing that such bonds and bond anticipation notes be amortized in accordance with
the so-called fifty per cent rule, and
WHEREAS, said Chapter authorizes the finance board of a county to delegate such
determinations, together with certain other determinations therein provided, to the chief fiscal officer of
the county, and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to delegate to the County Finance Director of the County of
Tompkins, as chief fiscal officer of the County, such powers with regard to certain bond resolutions
previously adopted for various objects or purposes, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, by the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, as
follows:
Section 1: Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph a of Section 56.00 of the Local Finance Law,
the power to determine whether to issue bonds and bond anticipation notes having substantially level or
declining annual debt service, as provided in paragraph d of Section 21.00 of the Local Finance Law
pursuant to the bond resolutions hereinafter specified, is hereby delegated to the County Finance Director
of the County of Tompkins, New York, the chief fiscal officer of said County. All other matters relating
to such bonds and bond anticipation notes to be issued by said County and having substantially level or
declining annual debt service, including, but not limited to, the power to determine the weighted average
period of probable usefulness of the objects or purposes to be included in such bonds or bond
anticipation notes, the maximum authorized period or maturity of indebtedness of such objects or
purposes to be actually sold, the estimated average rate of interest at which fixed interest rate bonds of
the same maturities would be sold if such bonds were to be issued with a variable rate of interest,
pursuant to Section 54.90 of the Local Finance Law, whether interest on such bonds shall be
compounded and payable at maturity or prior to redemption, whether such bonds shall "be issued as
serial bonds, as sinking fund bonds, as term bonds, or any combination thereof, is hereby delegated to the
County Finance Director of the County, the chief fiscal officer. The bond resolutions are as follows:
Date of Bond Resolution No. Capital Project(s) Authorization
Resolution Amount
11/20/90 459 Resource Recovery $7,663,000
Facility
08/11/92 276 Landfill Closure $5,250,000
and East Hill
Plaza Roadway
12/21/93 360 Solid Waste Central $6,000,000
Processing Facility
02/01/94 21 Cornell Cooperative $ 350,000
Extension Building
Reconstruction
07/12/94 155 Tompkins Cortland $4,144,786
Community College
Section 2. With regard to bond resolution number 459 of 1990, duly adopted by the Board of
Representatives on November 20, 1990, in addition to the delegation of powers described in Section 1
hereof, the powers and duties of advertising such bonds for sale, conducting the sale and awarding the
bonds, are hereby delegated to the County Finance Director, who shall advertise such bonds for sale,
conduct the sale, and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of the
County, said bond resolution number 459 of 1990 being the sole bond resolution of those listed in
Section 1 hereof which did not so delegate the powers and duties of advertising for sale, conducting the
sale and awarding the bonds therein authorized; provided, however, that in the exercise of these
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August 22, 1995
delegated powers, he shall comply fully with the provisions of the Local Finance Law and any order or
rule of the State Comptroller applicable to the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of the County
Finance Director shall be a full acquittance to the purchaser of such bonds, who shall not be obliged to
see to the application of the purchase money. All other matters, except as provided in this Section 2
relating to such bonds, including prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said
bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent
or agents for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to be
executed in the name of the County by the facsimile signature of the County Finance Director, providing
for the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the County), the date,
denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the
consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the County Finance Director. It is hereby
determined that it is to the financial advantage of the County not to impose and collect from registered
owners of such serial bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or
exchanged by the fiscal agent, and accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local
Finance Law, no such charges shall be so collected by the fiscal agent. Such bonds shall contain
substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and
shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals in addition to those required by section 52.00 of
the Local Finance Law, as the County Finance Director shall determine. Such bonds shall be in fully
registered form and shall be signed in the name of the County of Tompkins, New York, by the manual or
facsimile signature the County Finance Director and a facsimile of the corporate seal shall be imprinted
or impressed thereon and may be attested by the manual or facsimile signature of the County. Clerk.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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RESOLUTION NO. 185 - AUTHORIZING THE SRF APPLICATION AND PROJECT
FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR HILLVIEW ROAD LANDFILL
CLOSURE
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Todd. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes
- 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County herein called the "Municipal Applicant", after thorough
consideration of the various aspects of the problem and study of available data, has hereby determined
that the project generally described as Hillview Road Landfill Closure and identified as Hillview Landfill
Closure herein called the "Project", is desirable and in the publics interest, and to that end it is necessary
that action preliminary to the construction of said Project be taken immediately, and
WHEREAS, the United States, pursuant to the Federal Water Quality Act of 1987 (as such may
be amended from time to time, the "Water Quality Act"), requires each State to establish a water
pollution control revolving fund to be administered by an instrumentality of the state before the state may
receive capitalization grants under the Water Quality Act, and
WHEREAS, the State of New York has, pursuant to Chapter 565 of the Laws of New York 1989
as amended, the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act (the "SRF Act"), established in the
custody of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (the "Corporation") a water
pollution control revolving fund (the "Fund") to be used for purposes of the Water Quality Act, and
WHEREAS, the Corporation has been created, reconstituted and continued pursuant to the New
York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Act, as amended, (the "Act") being Chapter 744 of the
Laws of 1970, as amended, and constituting Title 12 of Article 5 of the Public Authorities Law and
Chapter 43-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York and constitutes a public benefit
corporation under the laws of the State of New York, being a body corporate and politic with full and
lawful power and authority to provide financial assistance from the Fund, and
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August 22, 1995
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes the establishment of a program for short-term financial assistance
for the planning of eligible projects in addition to its program for long-term financial assistance for
planning, development and construction of eligible projects, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee and by the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives as follows:
1. The filing of an application for SRF assistance in the form required by the Corporation
in conformity with the SRF Act is hereby authorized, including all understandings and
assurances contained in said application.
2. The County Administrator or designee, is directed and authorized as the official
representative(s) of the Municipal Applicant to execute and deliver an application for SRF assistance, to
execute and deliver the Project Financing Agreement and any other documents necessary to receive
financial assistance from the Fund for the Project described, to act in connection with the Project and to
provide such additional information as may be required and to make such agreements on behalf of the
Municipal Applicant as may be required:
3. The official(s) designated above is/are authorized to make application for financial
assistance under the following SRF Program for either short-term or long-term or both.
4. One (1) certified copy of the Resolution shall be prepared and sent to the New York
State of Environmental Facilities Corporation, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12205-2603.
5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 186 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OF
THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, NEW YORK, TO EXECUTE A
PROJECT FINANCING AND LOAN AGREEMENT AND ANY
OTHER AGREEMENTS, OR AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND ANY
INSTRUMENTS IN THE EFFECTUATION THEREOF IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF SERIAL
BONDS OR NOTES OF SAID COUNTY TO BE ISSUED TO THE
NEW YORK STATE ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES
CORPORATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING CERTAIN
COSTS OF THE CLOSURE OF THE HILLVIEW ROAD LANDFILL
IN SAID COUNTY, AND DELEGATING TO THE FINANCE
DIRECTOR THE POWER TO PRESCRIBE THE TERMS, FORM
AND CONTENTS OF AND TO SELL SUCH SERIAL BONDS OR
NOTES
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Proto. Ms. Kiefer asked if the County is selling the
bonds to the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) or if EFC is selling bonds on our behalf. Mr.
Squires said EFC is issuing the bonds. Mr. Squires said this resolution provides the legal authorization
so that the County bonds itself to EFC when the bonds are sold. Bond Anticipation Notes have already
been issued, but the County needs to give EFC joint authority on our behalf. Ms. Kiefer asked if the
word "to" in the title could be changed to "by" based on the Finance Director's comments. Mr. Squires
said he understands Ms. Kiefer's concern, but said this is the language used to get the authorization to
participate in the pool financing. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0.
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, New York, has
heretofore, pursuant to a bond resolution dated August 11, 1992, authorized the issuance $4,500,000
serial bonds of said County to pay the cost of the closure of the Tompkins County Landfill at Hillview
Road (Phase II), except for the composting area and the leachate project, and the issuance of $750,000
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August 22, 1995
serial bonds to pay the cost of the realignment and reconstruction of the East Hill Plaza Roadway in and
for said County, and
WHEREAS, a proposal has been submitted to said County by the New York State Depai tment of
Environmental Conservation ("DEC") and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation
("EFC") to finance or refinance, pursuant to the Local Finance Law, all or a portion of the cost of said
specific objects or purposes, and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the Finance Director of said County to analyze said
financing proposal and if, based upon said analysis, he believes that it is in the best interest of the County
of Tompkins to so finance or refinance such specific objects of purposes, or a portion thereof, through
the issuance of serial bonds and/or notes to be sold to EFC, to execute a project financing and loan
agreement and any other agreements on behalf of said County with DEC and/or EFC, including
amendments thereto, and including any instruments (or amendments thereto) in the effectuation thereof,
and to sell such serial bonds and/or notes to EFC, in order to effect the intent of the aforesaid project
financing and loan agreement and in order to, in any other way, facilitate such financing or refinancing of
all or a portion of said specific object or purpose, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, by the Board of
Representatives of the County of Tompkins as follows:
Section 1. The Finance Director the County of Tompkins, New York, is hereby authorized, on
behalf of said County, to execute a project financing and loan agreement, and any other agreements with
DEC and/or EFC, including amendments thereto, and including any instruments (or amendments thereto)
in the effectuation thereof, in order to effect the intent of this resolution; that being to authorize the
financing or refinancing of the specific objects or purposes described in the preambles hereof, or a
portion thereof, by a serial bond issue and/or note issue of said County to be sold to EFC.
Section 2. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to sell all or any
portion of the serial bonds described in the preambles hereof to the EFC is hereby delegated to the
Finance Director, the chief fiscal officer of said County. Such bonds shall be executed in the name of
said County by the manual signature of the Finance Director and its corporate seal, or a facsimile thereof,
shall be impressed or imprinted thereon and may be attested by the manual signature of the County Clerk.
Such bonds contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in Section 52.00 of the Local
Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals, in addition to those required
by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the Finance Director shall determine. Such bonds shall
otherwise be of such terms, form and contents and shall be sold by the Finance Director in such manner
as may be prescribed by him consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 3. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing delegations of power, the power to
sell such bonds to EFC shall include the power to provide the description of the bonds, the date of issue
of the bonds, the denominations and numbers of the bonds, the dates for the payment of the principal of
and interest on the bonds, including the number of maturities and the amounts thereof, the provisions for
redemption prior to maturity, if any, the designation of the fiscal agent, the designation of a place or
places of payment of principal and interest on the bonds, and the text of the bonds.
Section 4. It is hereby determined that it is to the financial advantage of the County not to
impose and collect from registered owners of such serial bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and
insuring bonds transferred or exchanged by the fiscal agent, and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of
Section 70.00 of the Local Finance Law, no such charges shall be so collected by the fiscal agent.
Section 5. The power to issue and sell notes to the New York State Environmental Facilities
Corporation pursuant to Section 169.00 of the Local Finance Law is hereby delegated to the Finance
Director. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents as may be prescribed by said Finance
Director consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 6. The intent of this resolution is to give the Finance Director sufficient authority to
execute those agreements and instruments or to do any similar acts necessary to effect the issuance of the
aforesaid serial bonds or notes to EFC without resorting to further action by this Board of
Representatives.
Section 7. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
247
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August 22, 1995
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, said the committee met last Monday and most of the committee's business
is reflected on the agenda. She said the committee discussed the Sales Tax Agreement with the City of
Ithaca with Mr. Cafferillo of the City. More discussions will follow and a new agreement will be
forthcoming. The committee also discussed employee evaluations and health benefits which will
continue. The committee approved a resolution that requires committee action only concerning a
foreclosure policy. The next committee meeting is August 28 and the budget review meeting is
September 18. She reviewed current vacancies on advisory boards and announced that no town has
approved the proposal for mailing the Annual Solid Waste Fee with the property tax bill.
RESOLUTION NO. 187 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-26 -
ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND BOARDS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. It was MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded
by Ms. Mink, to replace the wording in the policy "be residents of ' with "live or work in". It was noted
that there is one law that states advisory board members must be county residents and another law that
mandates certain positions serve on advisory boards, however, some employees serving in those positions
live out of the county. Mr. Meskill thinks exceptions should be possible in certain circumstances where
the employee is employed in or by Tompkins County. He noted Ms. Kiefer's amended version of the
policy which was on each member's desk. Ms. Kiefer noted previous concerns of Board members for
vacancies, and thinks this matter, too, should be addressed in any revision of this policy. Following
discussion, Mr. Wood, Assistant County Attorney, stated it is his opinion that the Board does not have
the authority to appoint residents out of county. Mr. Lerner withdrew his motion following the attorney's
opinion, but said he would like to see a copy of the law. Ms. Kiefer recommended that this issue be
brought to the attention of the State legislators at the October meeting. Mr. Todd recommended the
Board approve the resolution as presented to the Board with the understanding that the concerns raised be
referred to committee.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the original resolution: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative
Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-26 Advisory Committees and Board
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RESOLUTION NO. 188 - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. 4 OF 1995 - AUTHORIZING COLLECTION OF
DELINQUENT TAXES IN TOMPKINS COUNTY PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE 11 OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That a public hearing
be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse,
320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, September 5, 1995 at 5:30 o'clock in the evening
thereof on proposed Local Law No. 4 of 1995 - Authorizing Collection of Delinquent Taxes in Tompkins
248
August 22, 1995
County Pursuant to Article II of the Real Property Tax Law. At such time and place all persons
interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
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RESOLUTION NO. 189 - DISSOLUTION OF THE TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE
FINANCIAL SHORTFALL IN THE DIVISION OF
MOTOR VEHICLES
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Mrs. Livesay thanked all the volunteers who participated.
WHEREAS, the Motor Vehicle Task Force was created pursuant to Resolution No. 304 of
December 1994 to examine the circumstances of the financial shortfall at the Tompkins County Division
of Motor Vehicles and make a recommendation about the changes in operation or funding or both that
would correct this shortfall, and
WHEREAS, a report was issued by such Task Group dated June 7, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Motor
Vehicle Task Force be and hereby is dissolved,
RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives extends its appreciation to all members
of the Task Force for their many hours of work on behalf of Tompkins County and its residents.
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RESOLUTION NO. 190 - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
CONSORTIUM
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. Mr. Lerner and Mr. Joseph feel the
resolution is in violation of the Bill of Rights. Mr. Totman said he feels this is a universal effort to work
together with the towns. Mr. Todd said he agrees with Mr. Lerner and Mr. Joseph, however, he said he
will vote in favor of the resolution because it applies to commercial drivers. A voice vote resulted as
follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Lerner). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and the towns and villages of Tompkins
County are required under the Omnibus Employee Testing Act of 1991 to implement drug and alcohol
testing for employees who hold commercial drivers licenses by January 1, 1996, and
WHEREAS, entering a consortium made up of the County, the City of Ithaca, and the towns and
villages of Tompkins County is an efficient and cost effective method of complying with this law, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That Tompkins
County agrees to enter the consortium with the City of Ithaca and the towns and villages of Tompkins
County for the purposes of choosing a third party administrator to manage the drug and alcohol testing
program and of sharing the costs associated with this testing,
RESOLVED, further, That this agreement to participate in the drug and alcohol testing
consortium is effective immediately and through December 31, 1996.
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August 22, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 191 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 117 OF 1995 - TARGETING
CERTAIN POSITIONS FOR THE EARLY RETIREMENT
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Todd. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes — 12,
Noes - 3 (Representatives Joseph, Meskill, and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, this Board wishes to include two additional positions among those targeted for the
Early Retirement Incentive Program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste, Facilities and Operations, and
Governmental Affairs Committees, That Resolution No. 117 of 1995 is hereby amended to include the
following additional positions among those approved for inclusion in the Early Retirement Incentive
Program:
One (1) position of Heavy Equipment Operator, Solid Waste Division, Public
Works Department
One (1) position of Account Clerk Typist, Public Works Administration.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, said the committee met August 10. The committee continued to discuss
the proposed Criminal Justice Coordinator position. The committee also received an update on the Local
Emergency Release Commission and a report from the Fiscal Coordinator at the Sheriff's Department.
He said the Sheriff and Undersheriff will be presenting a proposal to replace the boat at virtually no cost
to the County.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to appoint Steven Spardella to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as a Tompkins
Community Hospital representative.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, said the committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
committee will meet September 13 to review budgets.
RESOLUTION NO. 192 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT WITH JAMEX, INC.,
REGARDING SMALL CITIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LOAN
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County received a grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development for $270,000 for a low-interest loan to assist JAMEX, Inc., expand their operations in
Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the County and JAMEX have negotiated a mutually beneficial contract which
provides the County with due security for the loan, and calls for repayment over a term of seven years
after the loan of funds, and
WHEREAS, the HUD funds have been approved and are available for this purpose, now
therefore be it
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August 22, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That Tompkins County be authorized to enter into a Loan and Development Agreement with
JAMEX for $250,000, which will be repaid over seven years,
RESOLVED, further, That said funds will be loaned to JAMEX by January, 1997, and repaid
over seven years from that date,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Finance Director be authorized to make drawdowns and
payments to JAMEX from Account CD8684 (Small Cities Grant),
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to sign the
contract on behalf of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, said the committee met just before the Board meeting to discuss the
Library Facade. He said the bids for the project came in over budget and were rejected. The committee
will continue to work on preventing deterioration of the envelope of the building.
RESOLUTION NO. 193 - INCREASE IN HOURS PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATOR -
PUBLIC WORKS
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, an Account Clerk/Typist position will become vacant under the Early Retirement
Incentive Program, and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Depai tient will not be filling the vacancy at this time and will
instead increase the workload of the Public Works Administrator position, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the position
of Public Works Administrator (16/645), labor grade P(16), competitive class be increased from 35.0
hours per week to 40.0 hours per week effective September 1, 1995.
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RESOLUTION NO. 194 - AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS
SOFTWARE- COMPUTER MODERNIZATION PROGRAM
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Evans. Ms. Blanchard said she will oppose the
resolution because the source of the funds to service the debt is the payments to the County from the
airlines. It is her feeling that, based on the contract with the airlines, these payments are to be used for
centrally distributed services that benefit the airline operations. The computer project does not appear to
fit into this category. Discussion opposing Ms. Blanchard's position focused on the fundibility of the
payments, ie., once money is turned over to the county, it can be used for anything. The question was
called by Ms. Mink. The motion to call the question lost by voice vote.
Following further discussion, a roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 10
(Representatives Joseph, Kiefer, Lane, Lerner, Livesay, Meskill, Mink, Todd, Winch, and Stein); Noes -
5 (Representatives Blanchard, Evans, Proto, Schuler, and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the 1995 the Capital Program provides funding for Computer Modernization, and
WHEREAS, an important component of this project is the replacement of the core financial
applications with an integrated financial management software, and
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August 22, 1995
WHEREAS, an RFP was issued for core financial application software and services on April
19th, resulting in the receipt of five proposals, and
WHEREAS, an evaluation team composed of county staff from nine departments was formed to
review the proposals and interview the vendors, and
WHEREAS upon the conclusion of the proposal review and vendor interviews, the evaluation
team has recommended that the proposal submitted by Pentamation Enterprises Inc. of Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania is the most cost effective, flexible and appropriate solution for the modernization of the
organization's accounting, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, and human resources applications, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
County Administrator be authorized to contract with Pentamation Enterprises Inc., in an amount not to
exceed $205,000, and that funds are available in Project Account HF1680 to provide for such services.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee met August 9. She said an Airport field trip will be
held September 6 at the Crash/Fire/Rescue Building. She stated the committee received responses to the
bridge survey distributed to all New York State counties and summaries of the survey will be made
available to Board members. She announced the New York Energy Authority will be in town on Friday
to talk about the Hybrid bus. The budget review meeting will be September 20.
RESOLUTION NO. 195 - AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT WITH C&S
ENGINEERS, INC., FOR CONSULTING SERVICES IN
CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCTION OF A BEST
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP) PLAN AND
NEGOTIATIONS OF CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN A NEW
YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION (NYSDEC) STATE POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM (SPDES) DRAFT PERMIT - TOMPKINS
COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
14, Noes - 1 (Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, under a previous supplementary agreement to the design contract for the aircraft
parking ramp, approved by the Board of Representatives on May 18, 1993, C&S Engineers provided
services in connection with the application process for a mandated SPDES permit, and
WHEREAS, NYSDEC responded to said application on February 14, 1995, with a draft permit
containing effluent limitations and proposed monitoring requirements which are believed to be overly
burdensome and, in part, unnecessary, and
WHEREAS, one of the conditions specified in the draft permit requires the development of a
BMP plan to minimize the potential of contaminants entering the receiving water body, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That a
supplementary agreement in the amount not to exceed $15,966 with C&S Engineers to provide assistance
in negotiations with NYSDEC and in formulating a BMP plan, be and hereby is approved and that the
County Administrator be authorized to execute said supplementary agreement, subject to approval by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and New York State Depai liuent of Transportation (NYSDOT),
and that the funding sources shall be as follows:
FAA Share (90.0%) Account No. 5610.4592 $14,370
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August 22, 1995
NYSDOT Share ( 5.0%) Account No. 5610.3592 798
PFCs ( 5.0%) Account No. 5610.5031 798
Total Account No. 5610.9239 $15,966
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to borrow monies until
reimbursement is received from the FAA, NYSDOT, and Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs).
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RESOLUTION NO. 196 - ESTABLISHING OFFICE SPACE RENT FOR THE ITHACA-
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
Ms. Kiefer requested a copy of the Buildings and Grounds Report.
WHEREAS, through formal agreement with the State of New York, Tompkins County serves as
the Host Agency for the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council, the Metropolitan Planning
Organization for the Ithaca -Tompkins County Metropolitan Area, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council planning area jurisdiction is
defined as being concurrent with the boundary of Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, by having the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council staff housed within
County buildings, the residents of Tompkins County benefit through the sharing of resources and
coordination for County planning and development review activities, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County regularly contracts with a certified public accounting firm
familiar and experienced with the requirements of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 and
48 CFR Part 31 (Federal Acquisition Regulations) to conduct the Buildings and Grounds Report which
determines an accepted cost value for office space in County Buildings, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the amount for office space rent attributable to the Ithaca -Tompkins County
Transportation Council shall be based on the occupancy cost data contained in the most recently
completed Buildings and Grounds Report prepared by the County's consultant,
RESOLVED, further, That the County agrees to contribute office space rent, as determined in the
most recently completed Buildings and Grounds Report, as the local match to federal grant dollars the
County receives on behalf of the Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met August 10 and just before the Board meeting. The
committee discussed the Ithaca Waste Water Treatment Plant and will hold a meeting with the
appropriate County officials to discuss the subject further. Most of the committee's business is reflected
on the agenda. The budget review meeting will be September 6 and September 14 if needed.
RESOLUTION NO. 197 - AUTHORIZING CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FEES -
1996
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto. Ms. Kiefer explained her opposition and said no
one was at the committee meeting to answer questions and requested it be postponed. Mr. Evans said
Mr. Andersson, Senior Public Health Engineer, will be at the September 14 committee meeting.
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to refer the resolution to committee.
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August 22, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 198 - CREATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONER POSITION - MENTAL
HEALTH
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, there has been an increase in the amount of time our psychiatrists have been
devoting to routine procedures such as renewing prescriptions and initial and follow-up physical
examinations, and
WHEREAS, the creation of a Nurse Practitioner position would eliminate the need to increase
the more expensive physician staffing,
WHEREAS, the Nurse Practitioner's position would be providing direct medical services which
would cause an increase in fee producing units of service, therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That one
(1) position of Nurse Practitioner, (18/712), labor grade R(18), competitive class be created effective
August 21, 1995.
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Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Economic Development
Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said the committee met this morning and continue planning for the economic
development strategy agenda. The committee reviewed the Convention and Visitor's Bureau plans for
next year at tracking the money spent.
RESOLUTION NO. 199 - APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT GRANT REQUESTS FOR 1995
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote. Ms.
Mink said there are two pilot projects in the works: 1) wine making and testing; and 2) Old House Fair.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a tourism development grant program to help tourism -related
organizations to assist in projects which enhance tourism in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the Grant Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Advisory Board on Tourism
Development (ABTD), has reviewed all of the grant proposals submitted for this grant round and has
made recommendations regarding the 1995, round no. two grant program, and
WHEREAS, the ABTD has approved the following recommendations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That the following
grants be approved, and contracts authorized with the following organizations:
1. Hangar Theater $2,500.00
(Angels in America, Part 1)
2. Historic Ithaca $ 250.00
(Old House Fair)
3. Ithaca Performing Arts Center $2,500.00
(Big Band Dance with Glenn Miller)
4. Music's Recreation $ 500.00
(Casual Classics Concert Series)
5. Sciencenter $5,000.00
(Phase III Architectural Plan)
RESOLVED, further, That all funds for these grants will be paid through the Room Occupancy
Tax funds, in account A6475.4491 (sub -contracts).
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August 22, 1995
Appointment
It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to
appoint the following people to the Advisory Board on Tourism Development with terms expiring
December 31, 1996:
Margaret Hobbie - Arts, Cultural, etc. representative
James E. Hisle - Cornell University representative
Maria Morrison - At -large representative
Kenneth Best - Innkeeper representative
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s), and Appointments from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, said the committee met August 16 and had a very lengthy agenda. The
committee received the comparison of curbside pick up versus drop-off centers. Following recent
findings with the Annual Solid Waste Fee Fairness Report, the committee asked staff to re-examine the
numbers. The Annual Solid Waste Fee will be lower in the future as a result of State grants such as the
$2 Million grant for the Recycling and Solid Waste Center and the 2.6 percent bonding possibilities on
the $4.1 Million reported by the Finance Director. The budget review meeting will be September 7.
RESOLUTION NO. 200 - AWARD OF BID - CURBSIDE RECYCLING - SOLID WASTE
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance has duly advertised for bids for the curbside collection
of recyclables, and
WHEREAS, three (3) bids were received and publicly opened and read on August 2, 1995, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the bid for curbside
collection of recyclables be awarded to Superior Disposal of Newfield, New York, being the lowest
responsible bidder with a base bid of $10.32 per unit,
RESOLVED, further, That the bid be awarded for a term of three (3) years, with services
commencing on or about September 18, 1995, renewable by mutual consent for up to two (2) additional
three-year extensions,
RESOLVED, further, That the Solid Waste Division be authorized to implement this bid on
behalf of the County,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute a contract to
implement this bid.
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Appointments
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to appoint Beverly Livesay as the County Representative to the Hillview Road Landfill Citizens
Advisory Committee for a term that expires December 31, 1997 and to appoint Dooley Kiefer as the
County Representative to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Commercial Avenue Central
Processing Facility for a term that expires December 31, 1997.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
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August 22, 1995
Mr. Lane, Chairman, said the committee met today and continue to discuss the surveys. The next
meeting is tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee continues to make progress and the next meeting is
scheduled for September 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said she did not have a report. The next committee meeting is August 25. Mr.
Proto asked when the Board would receive a report on site selection. Ms. Mink said at the end of
September. Mr. Proto also asked about the status on parking. Ms. Mink said meetings have been held
with the City and will be developing a contract. She also said the committee expects at their next
meeting to hear figures on the Biggs site.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, said she did not have a report.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, said the committee will meet this Thursday at Cooperative Extension with
the Municipal Officials Association. He briefly reported about the Agricultural District No. 1 review.
He also noted the cost study was completed by the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and will
be available this Thursday. Ms. Kiefer requested a copy of the report. Mr. Proto said he would make it
available to all Board members.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Co-chair, said the committee met this afternoon and was asked to seek advice and
guidance from the Board. He noted the budget for public information is $40,000 and is contracted with
Cooperative Extension. Cooperative Extension has agreed to turn public information over to the County,
however, that would result in an increase of $40,000 for the budget. Mr. Stein said he would allow ten
minutes for discussion.
Mrs. Livesay felt it was difficult to make a decision without more information such as the
effectiveness of the County News. Earlier the Board had approved a workplan for the Committee, but
there is not enough staff to carry it out; now we should either provide sufficient funding or change the
workplan. Mr. Meskill agreed with Mrs. Livesay. Ms. Mink said she was in favor of increasing the
budget. Mr. Proto said the print media is important to outlining areas without cable. Ms. Blanchard said
it would be helpful to see what services the committee would like to deliver. Mr. Proto reminded the
Board that Mr. Brodhead had recommended that one to two percent of the budget should be spent on
public information.
Mr. Joseph thanked the Board for their comments and said he would report to the committee.
Individual Member Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 201 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 176 OF 1995 - ACCEPTING
THE REPORT OF THE SOLID WASTE ANNUAL FEE FAIRNESS
COMMITTEE
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August 22, 1995
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mr. Joseph. Mr. Lerner briefly explained his reason for
bringing forth the following resolution. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Meskill, to
change 11 percent to 18 percent. Mr. Todd said he believes the residential fee will go down and said this
should be a fee for service. Following discussion, a voice vote resulted as follows on the amendment:
Ayes - 12; Noes - 3 (Representatives Joseph, Lerner, and Mink). AMENDMENT ADOPTED.
Following further discussion, a voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution as amended:
Ayes - 11; Noes - 4 (Representatives Joseph, Lerner, Mink, and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED
AS AMENDED.
WHEREAS, it is unclear how best to assess the fairness of the annual solid waste fee for
businesses, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Resolution No. 176 of 1995, is hereby amended to state that the reduction on
the proportional share of the fee for commercial and "all other" payers shall be 18 percent (18%) for
1996, rather than 22 percent (22%),
RESOLVED, further, That research shall continue on any further fairness improvements for the
1997 fee, including any further reductions for commercial and "all other" payers.
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Unfinished Business
RESOLUTION NO. 182 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS AND THE NINE TOWNS
AND CITY OF ITHACA - ANNUAL SOLID WASTE FEE (Resolution
Tabled)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Joseph. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by
Mr. Joseph, to TABLE the resolution. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1
(Representative Totman). MOTION CARRIED.
Adj ournment
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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September 5, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Local Law No. 4 of 1995 - Authorizing the Collection of Delinquent
Taxes in Tompkins County Pursuant to Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning Local Law No. 4 of
1995 - Authorizing the Collection of Delinquent Taxes in Tompkins County Pursuant to Article 11 of the
Real Property Tax Law.
Chairman Stein asked if anyone wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public
hearing was closed at 5:31 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives.
Approval of Minutes — August 22, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, to approve the minutes of August 22,
1995. Ms. Kiefer stated Board members have not had an opportunity to review possible changes to the
minutes and asked that the minutes be postponed to the end of this meeting or to the next Board meeting.
It was the consensus of the Board that action on the minutes be postponed to the next Board meeting.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Jill Brantley, 613 Utica Street, spoke concerning tourism and distributed a resolution endorsed by
the Sociologists' Lesbian and Gay Caucus entitled Alternative Resolution Regarding ASA Site Selection.
The resolution states that ASA (American Sociological Association) reaffirms its policy of August 1994,
to hold its meetings only in cities where its members are afforded legal protection from discrimination on
the basis of age, gender, marital status, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, or sexual
orientation. She stated because of Local Law No. 6 of 1991 - Tompkins County Fair Practice, Tompkins
County is a preferred site for meetings to be held, and she encouraged Tompkins County to draw in
professional organizations concerned with their members' civil rights to hold their meetings or
conferences in Tompkins County. Ms. Brantley also spoke concerning Wal-Mart. She said she feels
Tompkins County is an involved agency and feels there are certain actions involved agencies should take.
Ms. Brantley asked if Thorntree Hill Associates renewed its option on August 31 for $5,000. Mr.
Theisen, County Attorney, responded yes.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Evans, Chairman, Special Committee on Wal-Mart, stated once the City makes a final
decision on the Environmental Impact Statement, the County and the public has thirty days to review it
and comment. He stated the Planning Department will conduct a technical review of the areas that were
commented on before to see if the County's concerns have been met.
Chairman Stein welcomed Representative Winch back to the Board. (Due to a change in
positions at his place of employment, and to meet New York State Retirement requirements, Mr. Winch
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September 5, 1995
had to resign from the Board temporarily. The Towns of Newfield and Enfield held a joint meeting on
September 1 and unanimously voted to appoint him to fill the seat on the Board he vacated.)
Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Representative, thanked Jean Owens, Town of Enfield Supervisor; and
Raymond Maki, Town of Newfield Supervisor, for convening a special joint town board meeting for the
purpose of filling the vacancy on the Board of Representatives. Mr. Winch also thanked Chairman Stein
and others involved for their assistance in this process.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reported the Brooktondale Bicentennial Parade was
held on September 2 and went very well. He thanked Representative Schuler for attending.
Mr. Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, made a comment in relation to a special request in
the Budget for a Criminal Justice Coordinator. Mr. Meskill gave assurance to Board members and staff
that he has no intention of applying for the position. He stated he supports the position because he thinks
it will serve the County's needs in the criminal justice system.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Amendment to Resolution No. 172 - Authorizing Cooperation Agreement with Better Housing
for Tompkins County Relative to Administration of Dryden Small Cities Project
Authorization to Contract with the Village of Groton for Circuit Rider Services
Audit of Final Payment - Kline Boulevard - LRS Excavating, Inc.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution:
Authorization to Execute Generic Contracts - Public Works
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution with final committee action being affirmed:
CA044-95 - Authorization to Contract with the Village of Groton for Circuit Rider Services
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein reappointed Representative Winch to the same committees he served on prior to
his resignation from the Board.
Chairman Stein established the Special GIS (Geographic Information System) Committee. Mr.
Stein stated there is a Capital Budget item, and the County is in the process of building a GIS system
within in the County which has a high cost. This Committee will complete the building of this system
and will prepare an implementation program within the County for GIS. He made the following
appointments to this Committee:
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September 5, 1995
Voting Members
Charles Evans, Chairman
Eric Lerner
Nancy Schuler
Non -Voting Members
William Mobbs, Commissioner of Public Works
Scott Heyman, County Administrator
Alice Cole, Director of Public Health
James Hanson, Planning Commissioner
Dean Eckstrom, Director of Data Processing
Aurora Valenti, County Clerk
Don Franklin, Director of Assessment (per letter Ed Hughes appointed as designee to this seat)
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman, County Administrator, commented on his recommendations to the 1996 County
Budget. He stated when he recommended against a funding item, he could only be brief. He stated he
will be attending committee meetings to explain his reasons more thoroughly.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen updated the Board on the status of the pending litigation against DSS and the
County. He stated he distributed a memo today regarding the Biggs A Federal cases which in summary
said that on August 24 the Judge issued a decision dismissing the cases against all of the individuals,
including current and former Board members, and current and former staff of the County. He stated the
case is now down to the allegations against the County on only the ADA (Americans with Disabilities)
cases. Mr. Theisen stated that notices with this information will be mailed to all individuals named in the
suit. Mr. Lane requested a copy of the Judge's dismissal. Mr. Theisen stated he will provide one once it
is received.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires updated the Board on tax foreclosure proceedings. He stated $100,000 was remitted
since last week, which liquidated six parcels. There are currently 28 parcels scheduled for foreclosure.
He said 1995 is the first year the Article 11 procedures will take place and approximately 3,000 letters
have been mailed to parcel owners who have not paid 1995 town and County taxes. This letter advises
the public that there are unpaid taxes on their property and notifies them property with unpaid taxes will
be advertised in the newspaper. He stated this generates a great deal of activity. Mr. Squires stated the
County's bond rating was reaffirmed at AA, and distributed a copy of the County's bond rating which
outlined positive qualities of the County's fiscal management.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported budget season is underway and BRAC (Budget Reorganization
Advisory Committee) meetings have begun. He encouraged everyone to attend as many of those
meetings as possible. Mr. Lerner announced Mary Call has resigned from the Advisory Committee, and
expressed his appreciation for her contributions to the Committee. Mr. Lerner stated the Budget and
Fiscal Policy Committee met today and worked on guidelines for budget recommendations. He said
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September 5, 1995
there are a lot of new forms and overall some real improvements. He encouraged everyone to review and
comment on the format of the 1996 budget. Mr. Lerner also announced the September 12 meeting has
been cancelled.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met one time since the last Board meeting for the
purpose of developing evaluations for County employees. The next meeting will be September 11 at 3
p.m. She stated the Committee will be meeting September 18 at 2 p.m. to review budgets.
RESOLUTION NO. 202 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF 1995 - AUTHORIZING
PROPERTY TAX LAW
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That said proposed
Local Law No. 4 - Authorizing Collection of Delinquent Taxes in Tompkins County Pursuant to Article
II of the Real Property Tax Law be and hereby is adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the
County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file
one certified copy in the office of the County Clerk, and three (3) certified copies in the office of the
Secretary of State.
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Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet September 7 to review budgets. The
next regular Committee meeting will be September 14 at 2 p.m.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met on August 30 to discuss strategic planning for
the Tompkins County Library, and the Committee endorsed the concept of the Library Feasibility Study
which would address the question of what physical facilities would be needed to meet the information
needs of the County in the next twenty years. That recommendation was passed on to the Capital
Program Committee and the Facilities and Operations Committee. The next Committee meeting will be
September 13 at 8:30 a.m. The Committee will be reviewing budgets at this meeting. Mrs. Schuler said
she has received a copy of the Building Greenways for Tompkins County - An Action Plan, and
announced a guided tour of the Dryden Trails will be held on September 16 at 11 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 203 AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 172 OF 1995 -
AUTHORIZING COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH
BETTER HOUSING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY RELATIVE
TO ADMINISTRATION OF DRYDEN SMALL CITIES
PROJECT
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
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September 5, 1995
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden has received a 1995 Small Cities grant for $315,000 for
housing rehabilitation from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
WHEREAS, on July 12, 1995, the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
approved Resolution No. 172 of 1995 - Authorizing Cooperation Agreement with Better Housing for
Tompkins County Relative to Administration of Dryden Small Cities Project, in the amount of $35,000,
and
WHEREAS, the cost of administrative services will actually be $44,500, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives has approved a budget including $44,500, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, that Resolution No. 172 be amended to authorize a contract with Better Housing of
Tompkins County for an amount not to exceed $44,500.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, said he did not have a report. He announced the committee will meet
September 11 and 12 to review budgets.
RESOLUTION NO. 204 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - KLINE BOULEVARD LRS
EXCAVATING, INC.
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote. Mr.
Winch said this has been reviewed by staff and the payment of liens have been received.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Representatives:
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
LRS Excavating, Inc. 5 (Final) HT5613.9239 $28,544.90
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HT5613.9239.
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Report from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be tomorrow at the Crash, Fire, Rescue Building, and the Committee will be taking a
tour of the Airport. All Board members are welcome to attend. Ms. Blanchard gave a brief report on cuts
in transportation funding at the federal level. The Committee will meet on September 20 to review
budgets.
Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
Committee will meet September 6 from 9:30 - 2 p.m. to complete its budget work. Mr. Evans announced
he will be out of town and Vice Chair Kiefer will be chairing the next meeting on September 14.
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September 5, 1995
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next
meeting will be September 6 from noon to 5 p.m. Budgets will be reviewed at that time.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet September 12 to review budgets.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on September 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Old
Jail Conference Room to review budgets. Mr. Todd stated that Dan Palm, the new Director for DEC
(Department of Environmental Conservation) Region 7, will be visiting Tompkins County on September
8, and there are several projects the Solid Waste Division would like to show him. Mr. Todd said it is
very fortunate that Mr. Palm is coming to Tompkins County, and that a good relationship be established
with him.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet September 12 at 3:15 p.m. and will be
commencing interviews with County -wide and elected officials. They intend to meet with the County
Administrator, County Clerk, District Attorney, and the Sheriff.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet September 28 at 2 p.m. in the Sherman
Peer Room at the Tompkins County Public Library.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, stated the Committee is continuing to meet every two weeks. She stated that a
recommendation on a site will probably not come before this Board until October for a couple of reasons.
She stated the design issues are slowed down because more suggestions are wanted from the Users group,
and to also accommodate Common Council's schedule when they start voting on things that affect the
project. She reported that Common Council authorized some money for an appraisal of relevant land
for a relevant parking lot should the need arise. She said discussions with the City have been going very
well, and in very good faith.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported all Board Members should have received a Partners for Quality update
from the Department of Social Services. She stated the Leadership Council will meet September 7 and
will receive updates on various projects that are underway.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Member, had no report.
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September 5, 1995
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met on August 24 with the Municipal Official's
Association, and over thirty municipal officials were in attendance. He thanked Representatives
Blanchard, Livesay, and Meskill for attending the meeting. He said the meeting was a mid -course check
on the Committee's February 7 Report, with discussion on the three topics highlighted in the Report:
solid waste, public works and public safety. He said the second half the meeting focused on economic
development. Elizabeth Rudan of Tompkins County Area Development, and Charles Schlough, who has
been retained by the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board to perform a survey on open and
existing land in Tompkins County were in attendance at the meeting and gave a brief overview of their
work. There was discussion of the need to enhance mid-size business, home business and micro -
enterprise. Mr. Proto said most municipalities want the County's involvement, but they do not want the
County to tell them want to do, just to help them do what they want. The money to help some of the
projects together was also a topic of discussion.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to enter into executive session at 6:27 p.m. to discuss pending litigation. The meeting returned to
open session at 6:45 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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September 19, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 13 Representatives (Representative Winch arrived at 5:59 p.m.). Excused: 2
(Representatives Evans and Meskill). Mr. Proto was excused from the meeting at 7:11 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of August 22 and September 5, 1995
This item was forwarded to the end of the agenda.
Presentation of Proclamations
Chairman Stein presented the following proclamations:
Local Government Month in Tompkins County - October, 1995, to Rebecca Elgie, President of
the Tompkins County League of Women Voters. Ms. Elgie thanked the Board for the proclamation and
distributed a League of Women Voter's brochure entitled Local Government - make a difference.
Mental Illness Week in Tompkins County - October 1-7, 1995, to Jean Walters of the Finger
Lakes Alliance for the Mentally Ill; Ms. Walters thanked the Board and stated the Alliance has been in
existence for ten years, and is made up of family and friends of people who are diagnosed with major
mental illnesses. She invited members to attend educational events October 3 and 6.
RSD Awareness Week in Tompkins County - October 2-8, 1995.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
No member of the public wished to speak at this time.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Lerner, District No. 2 Representative, spoke concerning an achievement of the Health
Department and other agencies in the County concerning the Prenatal Care Assistance Program and
related efforts in prenatal care. He stated the ten-year average of eight infant deaths per thousand in 1990
was well above average for New York State and the United States. Only recently numbers show since
the PCAP program has gotten underway, and with the combined efforts of other agencies for the last
three years (1992-94) this figure has dropped to below three per thousand. Mr. Lerner said this
represents a decrease by two-thirds, and he credits those who have worked on this. He said it takes a few
years to learn how prevention can achieve even more than one hoped for.
265
September 19, 1995
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, thanked Representative Lerner for his comments
concerning the infant mortality rate. He said this speaks well for the Depai tment and the agencies
involved.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the A2enda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following
resolutions from the agenda:
Redefining Fiscal Targets
Capital Program Revision - Library Facade
Opposition to S5414 (Tobacco Industry's Legislation to Eliminate Local Tobacco Use Rules and
Regulations) and in Support of Assembly Bill A7733 (the Health Children Act -
Education of Children on the Dangers of Tobacco Use)
Addition of Resolution(s) to the A2enda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, the following resolutions were added to agenda:
Reporting Salary and Service Information for Elected Officials
Award of Contract to Supply a Snow Blower with Broom Attachment - Tompkins County
Airport
Capital Program Revisions - Biggs A Drive and Mental Health Building Indoor Air Quality
Authorization to Contract with the Village of Trumansburg and with Crawford and Stearns
for the Trumansburg Main Street Project and to Approve Related Budget Transfers
Representative Winch arrived at 5:59 p.m.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA045-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
CA046-95 - Award of Contract for Attachment of Piping and Dispensers to Fuel Tanks —
Tompkins County Airport
CA047-95 - Authorization to Execute Contract - Paolangelli Contractors
CA048-95 - Caswell Landfill Authorization to Execute Contract - Caswell Road Landfill
Leachate Treatment
CA049-95 - Authorization to Contract with the Village of Trumansburg and with Crawford and
Stearns for the Trumansburg Main Street Project and to Approve Related Budget
Transfers
Chairman's Report and Appointment(s)
Chairman Stein appointed Sheila Ferrari to the Leadership Council as a middle management
representative for a term that expires December 31, 1995.
266
September 19, 1995
Chairman Stein reported on the NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) Fall
Conference held this week which he attended. He reported at the meeting there was discussion
concerning comments that had been made by House Speaker, Newt Gingrich to which offense was taken.
Mr. Stein stated the essence of the criticism of the comments is that New York City and New York State
is rotten to the core because it comes to the Federal government for the most money. Mr. Stein stated
New York State sends more money to the Federal government than it receives. The State of Georgia
receives $1 billion more than it sends. It represents a kind of hostility against New Yorkers that exists in
the Congress. One of the major points of discussion that went through the Congress was the pending
legislation for block grants in a series of areas, including workfare, job training, Medicare, and
transportation services. The question is not whether there will be block grants. There will be block
grants but the question is how does New York State make sure that it gets its fair share and it appears
with the current negotiations that the State will not. Mr. Stein questioned how will New York State
respond to the legislation that is coming down from the Federal government. He said NYSAC is trying
to influence what happens and is trying to make sure that New York State benefits from the process. He
feels County Representatives and staff should begin communicating with State representatives on what is
important to Tompkins County. He said he hopes a meeting can be arranged in the next month for this
purpose.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman had no report.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported there is still a hold up on the imposition of the Motor Vehicle Use Fee but
has heard there has been progress with the moratorium. He said he hopes it will be resolved in the next
couple of weeks.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires announced on September 29 the County will be holding its property auction in the
Old Jail Conference Room. There is a potential of 30 properties with a total of $225,000 owed in taxes.
Mr. Proto asked about a rebate from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Central New York. He asked if taxpayers
would be receiving a portion of the rebate, and also asked for a breakdown of how the funds would be
disbursed. Mr. Squires stated that the County received a check in the amount of $1.4 million and it has
been broken down into participators share. The bargaining units wanted to put the employee's co -pay
which is less than ten percent, to use as soon as possible. The remainder of the County's share will be put
into the Fund Balance. He also said he anticipates receiving $190,000 from Blue Cross/Blue Shield for
an overpayment in 1995.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met September 13 and the results of that meeting
are reflected on the agenda. The Committee also discussed the Solid Waste Annual Fee with Cornell
University, Ithaca College and with BOCES. He called attention that the County's partner at the
Recycling and Solid Waste Center has been purchased by a national company, Waste Management, Inc.
He said there will continue to be meetings in the future to see what impact this will have on Tompkins
County's operations. The next meeting is October 18 at 10 a.m.
267
September 19, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 205 - ESTABLISHING A UNIT CHARGE FOR THE 1996 ANNUAL
SOLID WASTE FEE
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. Mr. Todd read the following Statement: "The
Solid Waste Committee is pleased to recommend, the Solid Waste Annual Fee for 1996, to the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives. This fee schedule reflects the Mike Lane Fairness Committee report
accepted by the County Board on September 5, 1995. The reduction in the Solid Waste Annual Fee is
possible because of the following:
1. $2 million State grant to help pay for the capital costs of the Recycling and Solid Waste
Center (RSWC). This grant is the result of good staff work and the good timing of our facility. This
savings will be every year for the life of the Bond.
2. Good staff work will enable Tompkins County to bond the debt service of our two closed
landfalls (Caswell and Hillview), and a State subsidized rate of 2.55 percent instead of 5.5 percent.
This will mean large savings to the Tompkins County Solid Waste Division for the life of that
Bond.
3. Good staff work is responsible for favorable bids for hauling and disposal of municipal solid
waste (MSW) and curbside pickup of recyclables. The cost savings as a result of these bids also help to
lower the solid waste annual fee.
4. The start up in March, 1995, of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center has provided savings
for private haulers and the City for trash and recyclables delivery, because of the central location of the
Recycling and Solid Waste Center. The prices received for the recyclables since March have been well
beyond our projections. These high prices have also helped to lower the 1996 Solid Waste Annual Fee.
5. The Solid Waste Division has been restructured to provide greater flexibility and now
operates more efficiently.
The Solid Waste Committee and staff will continue to work toward lowering the Solid Waste
Annual Fee in future years."
Mrs. Eckstrom explained the categories and rates and also the Solid Waste Revenues and budget
projects for the Solid Waste Annual Fee. She noted the schools share is included in Category D -
Colleges and Universities. She pointed out that a fund balance already exists of $350,000. It is very
likely that there should be additional left -over revenues from this year. She said the goal of the Division
is to have the Solid Waste Annual Fee go down, or at the least, remain stable.
Bill Seavy, Financial Analyst for the Solid Waste Division, gave the following description in the
change in the Annual Fee 1995 vs. 1996. He stated 78 percent of homes in Tompkins County can expect
a decrease in the Fee and 22 percent can expect an increase. The 22 percent figure represents mobiles
homes and duplexes based on recommendations of the Solid Waste Annual Fee Fairness Committee. He
also noted apartments will see both an increase and decrease based on square footage. Mrs. Schuler
asked how close the apartment data were; Mr. Seavey replied within ten percent.
Mr. Proto commented on a news release which mentions the breakdown of costs and what the
County will be saving. The news release says for most residents a reduction will occur of eight percent.
He said missing from the document is mention of the College and University. He stated he does not
agree with a 28 percent decrease in College contributions while homeowners can only expect a decrease
of eight percent.
Mr. Todd stated the Colleges and Universities are participating in their fair share of the Fee.
268
September 19, 1995
Mr. Lerner stated when the Fee was first created, the Board was concerned with the rising cost of
solid waste management. The County looked for an alternative to property taxes that would capture the
colleges and not -for -profits, and that was a reason for creating the Solid Waste Annual Fee. He feels the
current proposal seems to be undermining the initial philosophy of the Fee. He feels this shift in the rate
structure makes this Fee unfair to over half the taxpayers of Tompkins County. He also stated that
exemptions that were previously included in the structure to make the Fee fairer are eliminated in the
current proposal. Mr. Lerner stated he was in disagreement with recommendations by the Solid Waste
Annual Fee Fairness Committee. Mr. Lerner raised an issue with questions he has asked the Solid
Waste Division for in March 1995 and never received.
Mr. Winch said he supports the resolution but is reluctant because of the change in the Fee for
mobile home owners. He said he is extremely bothered by a resolution that will hurt two segments of the
County: senior citizens who live in mobile home parks, and a lot of people that do not have substantial
incomes.
Mr. Joseph noted the Depaitnient, because of increased efficiency, is asking for a 28 percent
decrease in money. He questioned the fairness in only returning eight percent to property owners. He
said under the proposed structure, the less a home is valued at, the less of a decrease in an Annual Fee
one will receive. Mr. Joseph said he would rather put the Fee back on the property tax, than approve the
proposed fee structure.
Mrs. Eckstom, Solid Waste Manager, explained in her opinion why Representative Lerner did
not receive information he requested (stated above). She stated in June several pieces of information
were requested of Representative Todd and the Fairness Committee, not directly of staff. She said Mr.
Todd and Mr. Lane discussed this and felt that for the effort involved in light of other budgeting
priorities and setting of the Fee, it didn't seem necessary at the time in terms of changing anyone's mind
either way.
Ms. Mink stated the claim Mr. Lerner is making needs to be answered because it is a decisive
issue. She said if Mr. Lerner's claim is correct, and the contributions from the schools and university do
not balance out, she would support not having a Solid Waste Annual Fee, and placing this on the
property tax.
Chairman Stein stated he has heard arguments this evening on whether the County should do
away with the Solid Waste Annual Fee and put this on the property tax, and stated he is prepared to
appoint a special committee at this meeting to reexamine this fee structure immediately because he feels
members have totally opposite views on this subject.
Mr. Lane said the issue before the Board is the Fee that is in place and a method for distributing
the cost most effectively. He said the Fairness Committee had very specific parameters of what they
would be looking at. He said he would not support putting the Annual Fee back on the property tax.
Mrs. Livesay said when the Solid Waste Annual Fee was established, there was agreement that
there was no answer that was going to accommodate everyone. She does not feel this Board should rush
to reexamine the Fee.
Mr. Lerner stated the following are questions he asked of Solid Waste staff in March 1995 and
never received answers for:
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September 19, 1995
1. The information about what is the comparative impact on a homeowner with different assessed
values of the Fee vs. property tax.
2. Of the categories created by the Fee, what would be the net revenues gathered from each of these
categories, first of all from the Fee on the old system and the new system; what would be the net
revenues from each of these paying groups on the property tax and what is the net contribution of
tonnage to the waste stream from each of these groups.
Mr. Todd stated he would take responsibility for Representative Lerner not receiving answers to
the above questions.
Following further discussion and debate on the resolution, a roll call vote on the resolution
resulted as follows: Ayes - 9 (Representatives Blanchard, Kiefer, Lane, Livesay, Mink, Todd, Totman,
Winch, and Stein); Noes - 4 (Representatives Lerner, Joseph, Schuler, and Proto). Excused - 2
(Representatives Evans and Meskill). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, on July 25, 1995, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives passed Resolution
No. 176, entitled "Accepting the Report of the Solid Waste Fee Fairness Committee", now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the Unit Charge for the
1996 Annual Solid Waste Fee hereby be established at $57.00 per Billing Unit, which is a decrease from
the 1995 Billing Unit of $62.00.
ATTACHMENT A: SCHEDULE OF RATES
(A)
Single-family residences
Mobile Homes
Churches
PROPERTY CLASS "USED AS" CODE"
210,240,250,260,280,
270,271,416
Unit Charge: One Billing Unit per Church or living unit.
(B)
Two-family residences
and other residences with two
living units
All 220's
Z32
Unit Charge: Two billing units, except if verified as owner occupied and used as a single unit, the
charge is One Billing Unit.
(C)
Multi -unit residences:
3 or more units
230
Apartments: Any number of units on a commercial site
Rooming houses
Unit Charge: One Billing Unit per living unit.
(D)
Colleges: All tax exempt parcels owned by the colleges
270
A01 -A07
B06
Unit Charge:
September 19, 1995
Tompkins -Cortland Community College 73.9 Bilhng Units
Cornell University 2,293.6 Billing Units
Ithaca College 460.4 Billing Units
BOCES 354.3 Billing Units
(E)
Recreation and Warehouse (except row storage)
Unit Charge: One Billing Unit per 1,425 square feet.
All K's,Z01 thru Z11,
Z19 thru Z26,F01 thru
F04,F06,F07,F08,F 10,
F11
(F)
All Other All property classes and "used as" codes not listed elsewhere in a specific category.
Unit Charge: One Billing Unit per 2,715 square feet.
(G)
Seasonal Property owner must verity property is used 176
residences as a seasonal residence.
Unit Charge: One-half (1/2) Billing Units per living unit.
(H)
No fee assessed:
Row Storage
Non -contributive area
Local government - all tax exempt parcels owned
by the city, towns, villages, and county within
Tompkins County.
Public Schools: All tax-exempt parcels owned by taxing
school entities within Tompkins County.
Unit Charge: Zero Billing Units.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Representative Proto was excused at 7:11 p.m.
F05
Z98
RESOLUTION NO. 206 - ABOLISHING TOMPKINS COUNTY SOLID WASTE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE IN FAVOR OF SPECIFIC ISSUE COMMITTEES
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Representatives Lerner and Kiefer felt that
abolishing this Board would result in the loss of knowledge and experience that may be needed later by
the County if a solid waste issue should arise. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 10, Noes - 2
(Representatives Kiefer and Lerner), Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Meskill and Proto).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
271
September 19, 1995
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 498 of December 18, 1990, the Board of Representatives
established a Tompkins County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to, among other things, assist
the County in the development of a Solid Waste Management Plan and to advise the Board on issues
relating to solid waste, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Solid Waste Advisory Committee has been an outstanding
resource for the County in the development of a Solid Waste Management Plan and in other related tasks,
and
WHEREAS, the County's Solid Waste Management Plan has been approved and the County
does not anticipate any significant changes to the Plan in the foreseeable future, and
WHEREAS, members of the Tompkins County Solid Waste Advisory Committee have expressed
frustration concerning their lack of specific utility since the adoption of the Solid Waste Management
Plan and at the March 1995 meeting asked the Board of Representatives to clarity their status and either
make use of the Committee or disband it, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee is hereby abolished with thanks for its fine service,
RESOLVED, further, That it is recommended that the Chairman of the Board, upon
recommendation of the appropriate Board or committee, continue to appoint special committees as the
need arises to address specific solid waste issues, and drawn in part from the pool of former Solid Waste
Advisory Committee members to serve on such special committees.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report by the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on September 26, and will discuss the
Literacy Volunteers program. He said program committees are continuing to work on budgets. The
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee will meet to recommend budgets on October 3 and 5.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee held a regular meeting on September 11. A budget
meeting was held on September 18. The next Committee meeting is scheduled for October 9. She noted
this is a County holiday, so this meeting will need to be rescheduled.
RESOLUTION NO. 207 - INCREASING TAXES ON SALES AND USES OF TANGIBLE
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND OF CERTAIN SERVICES, AND ON
OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS AND AMUSEMENT CHARGES
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 29 OF THE TAX LAW OF THE STATE
OF NEW YORK
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Mink. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 11,
Noes - 1 (Representatives Schuler), Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Meskill and Proto).
RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
Be it enacted by the Board of Representatives of the County of Tompkins, on recommendation of
the Governmental Affairs Committee, as follows:
SECTION I. The first sentence of section two of Resolution No. 256A as enacted in nineteen
hundred sixty-six, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
SECTION 2. Imposition of sales tax.
272
September 19, 1995
On and after March first, nineteen hundred and sixty-seven, there is hereby imposed and there
shall be paid a tax of three percent upon, and for the period commencing December 1, 1992, and ending
November 30, 1997, there is hereby imposed and there shall be paid an additional tax of one percent
upon:
SECTION 2. Subdivision (f) of section three of Resolution No. 256A as enacted in nineteen
hundred sixty-six, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
(f) With respect to the additional tax of one percent imposed for the period commencing
December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the provisions of subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
of this section apply, except that for the purposes of this subdivision, all references in said subdivisions
(a), (b), (c) and (d) to an effective date shall be read as referring to December 1, 1992, all references in
said subdivision (a) to the date four months prior to the effective date shall be read as referring to August
1, 1992, and the reference in subdivision (b) to the date immediately preceding the effective date shall be
read as referring to November 30, 1992. Nothing herein shall be deemed to exempt from tax at the rate
in effect prior to December 1, 1992, any transaction which may not be subject to the additional tax
imposed effective on that date.
SECTION 3. Section four of Resolution No. 256A as enacted in nineteen hundred sixty-six, as
amended, is amended to read as follows:
SECTION 4. Imposition of compensating use tax.
(a) Except to the extent that property or services have already been or will be subject to the sales
tax under this enactment, by the author there is hereby imposed on every person a use tax for the use
within this taxing jurisdiction on and after December 1, 1992, except as otherwise exempted under this
enactment, (A) of any tangible personal property purchased at retail, (B) of any tangible personal
property (other than computer software used or other creator) manufactured, processed or assembled by
the user, (i) if items of the same kind of tangible personal property are offered for sale by him in the
regular course of business or (ii), if items are used as such or incorporated into a structure, building or
real property, by a contractor, subcontractor or repairman in erecting structures or buildings, or building
on, or otherwise adding to, altering, improving, maintaining, servicing or repairing real property, property
or land, as the terms real property, property or land are defined in the real property tax law, if items of the
same kind are not offered for sale as such by such contractor, subcontractor or repairman or other user in
the regular course of business, (C) of any of the services described in paragraphs (1), (7) and (8) of
subdivision (c) of section two, (D) of any tangible personal property, however acquired, where not
acquired for purposes of resale, upon which any of the services described under paragraphs (2), (3) and
(7) of subdivision (c) of section two have been performed, (E) of any telephone answering service
described in subdivision (b) of section two and (F) of any computer software written or otherwise created
by the user if the user offers software of a similar kind for sale as such or as a component part of other
property in the regular course of business.
(b) For purposes of clause (A) of subdivision (a) of this section, for the period commencing
December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of four percent, and on and
after December 1, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of three percent, of the consideration given or
contracted to be given for such property, or for the use of such property, including any charges for
shipping or delivery as described in paragraph three of subdivision (b) of section one, but excluding any
credit for tangible personal property accepted in part payment and intended for resale.
(c) For purposes of subclause (i) of clause (B) of subdivision (a) of this section, for the period
commencing December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the tax shall be at a rate of four percent,
and on and after December 1, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of three percent, of the price at which
items of the same kind of tangible personal property are offered for sale by the user, and the mere
storage, keeping, retention or withdrawal from storage of tangible personal property by the person who
manufactured, processed or assembled such property shall not be deemed a taxable use by him.
273
September 19, 1995
(d) For purposes of subclause (ii) of clause (B) of subdivision (a) of this section, for the period
commencing December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of four
percent, and on and after December 1, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of three percent, of the
consideration given or contracted to be given for the tangible personal property manufactured, processed
or assembled into the tangible personal property the use of which is subject to tax, including any charges
for shipping or delivery as described in paragraph three of subdivision (b) of section one.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, for purposes of clause (B) of
subdivision (a) of this section, there shall be no tax on any portion of such price which represents the
value added by the user to tangible personal property which he fabricates and installs to the
specifications of an addition or capital improvement to real property, property or land, as the terms real
property, property or land are defined in the real property tax law, over and above the prevailing normal
purchase price prior to such fabrication of such tangible personal property which a manufacturer,
producer or assembler would charge an unrelated contractor who similarly fabricated and installed such
tangible personal property to the specifications of an addition or capital improvement to such real
property, property or land.
(f) For purposes of clauses (C), (D) and (E) of subdivision (a) of this section, for the period
commencing December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of four
percent, and on and after December 1, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of three percent, of the
consideration given or contracted to be given for the service, including the consideration for any tangible
personal property transferred in conjunction with the performance of the service and also including any
charges for shipping and delivery of the property so transferred and of the tangible personal property
upon which the service was performed as such charges are described in paragraph three of subdivision
(b) of section one.
(g) For purposes of clause (F) of subdivision (a) of this section, for the period commencing
December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of four percent, and on and
after December 1, 1997, the tax shall be at the rate of three percent, of the consideration given or
contracted to be given for the tangible personal property which constitutes the blank medium, such as
disks or tapes, used in conjunction with the software, or for the use of such property, and the mere
storage, keeping, retention or withdrawal from storage of computer software described in such clause (F)
by its author or other creator shall not be deemed a taxable use by such person.
SECTION 4. Subdivision (1) of section 11 of Resolution No. 256A as enacted in nineteen
hundred sixty-six, as amended, is amended to read as follows:
(1)(A) In respect to the use of property used by the purchaser in this County prior to March 1,
1967.
(B) With respect to the additional tax of one percent imposed for the period commencing
December 1, 1992, and ending November 30, 1997, in respect to the use of property used by the
purchaser in this County prior to December 1, 1992.
SECTION 5. This enactment shall take effect on December 1, 1995.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT OR TYPE II
(NO FURTHER ACTION NECESSARY)
RESOLUTION NO. 208 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 03-01 -
BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT STAFF
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
274
September 19, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
revised Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
03-01 Benefits for Management Staff
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
RESOLUTION NO. 209 - REPORTING SALARY AND SERVICE INFORMATION FOR
ELECTED OFFICIALS
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the salary and
service for elected officials be reported to the New York State Employees Retirement System as "full
time" based on a standard work day of six (6) hours,
RESOLVED, further, That this shall be applicable retroactively as a clarification to resolution
No. 290 , adopted September 16, 1986.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Appointment from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Lane, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met twice since the last Board meeting, and a
resolution should be coming to the next Board meeting relating to a contingency request for OAR
(Offender Aid and Restoration). Mr. Lane stated he has found budget discussions this year in this and
other committees to be in more depth. He said the Public Safety Committee has made cuts and have
made recommendations for special requests.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to appoint David Reynolds to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as a City
Fire Department representative with no set term.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met September 13 and 15 to review budgets. The
next meeting will be October 2 at 5 p.m. to discuss a memo from the Planning Commissioner concerning
a Better Housing issue. The next regular meeting will be October 11.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee has almost completed the budget process and will
meet on September 20 to prioritize budgets. He informed the Board on October 4 at 3 p.m. a Committee
meeting will be held with Russ Oeschle of the Office of Court Administration to discuss a new proposal
for court security. The new proposal will restore public access and give full court security. There is
some concern that there will need to be changes to the handicapped access and concern for safety in the
basement. He encouraged all Board members to attend this meeting. Following discussion, this meeting
may be rescheduled to accommodate more Board members to attend.
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September 19, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 210 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY —
LOUIS N. PICCIANO & SON, INC.
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Representatives:
VENDOR PAYMENT REQUEST ACCOUNT NO. AMOUNT
Louis N. Picciano 7 (Final) HZ5010.9239 $5,108.15
& Son
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. HZ5010.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 211 - CAPITAL PROGRAM REVISION RENOVATIONS - OLD
COURTHOUSE
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the 1995 Capital Program authorized $180,000 to perform ADA renovations and
exterior improvements at the Tompkins County Old Courthouse, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations and Capital Program
Committees, That the 1995 Capital Program for the Old Courthouse Renovation project be increased by
$160,000 with these funds coming from the ADA Capital Program budget, and the ADA Capital Program
budget be decreased by $160,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 15
RESOLUTION NO. 212 - AWARD OF BID - TOMPKINS COUNTY OLD COURTHOUSE
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance - Purchasing, has duly advertised for bids for the
Tompkins County Old Courthouse Renovations, and
WHEREAS, bids were received for the four (4) contracts bid and publicly opened on Friday,
August 25, 1995, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the bids be
awarded to the lowest responsible bidders as follows:
CONTRACT BIDDER BID AMOUNT
General Construction Woodford Bros. of $244,430
Apulia Station, New York
HVAC Woodford Bros. $ 11,220
Plumbing Woodford Bros. $ 5,940
Electrical Shisler Electrical of Ithaca, New York $ 11,470
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September 19, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That a budget of $40,000 be established for change orders, staff services
and miscellaneous expenses and that the County Administrator be authorized to execute change orders of
up to ten (10) percent of the contract total.
RESOLVED, further, That the Department of Public Works be authorized to implement this bid
and Administration be authorized to enter into contracts with Woodford Bros and Shisler Electrical; on
behalf of the County funds being available in Account No. HB 1430.9250.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - 3
RESOLUTION NO. 213 - CAPITAL PROGRAM REVISIONS - BIGGS A DRIVE AND
MENTAL HEALTH BUILDING INDOOR AIR QUALITY
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 77 of 1995, directed the discontinuance of expending time or money
on renovation of the Biggs Center, and
WHEREAS, only necessary repairs were made to the Biggs A Drive, and
WHEREAS, a Preliminary Indoor Air Quality Assessment was performed in March 1995, and
identified improvements which if made would improve the indoor air quality in the Mental Health
Building, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Capital Program Committee, That the Finance Director
is directed to reallocate the resources in HK1620, Biggs A Drive totaling $25,000 to HB1640, Indoor Air
Quality -Mental Health Building,
RESOLVED, further, That time is of the essence in implementing the improvements to the
Mental Health Building and the County Administrator is hereby directed to execute the contracts
necessary to implement these improvements.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, reported a special Airport meeting was held on September 6 to establish the
Committee that will review consultant qualifications for Airport planning and engineering services. On
September 8, she stated she co -hosted, along with Chairman Stein and Representative Todd, a tour of
County facilities for the Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Conservation. The
Committee will begin budget deliberations on September 20 at 8 a.m. Another budget meeting will be
held on September 21.
RESOLUTION NO. 214 - AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SUPPLY A SNOW BLOWER WITH
BROOM ATTACHMENT - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
(Rescinded by Res. No. 226 of 1995)
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Division of Purchasing and Central Services has duly advertised for proposals
for the supply of a Snow Blower with Broom attachment at the Tompkins County Airport, and
277
September 19, 1995
WHEREAS, six bids were received and duly opened on Thursday, July 27, 1995, and Kodiak
Northwest of Paul, Idaho was the lowest responsible bidder with acceptable deviations, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the contract
for supply of a Snow Blower with Broom attachment at the Tompkins County Airport be awarded to
Kodiak Northwest of Paul, Idaho with a bid of $316,762, subject to the approval of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and that the
budget for said Snow Blower is as follows:
FAA Share (90%) Account No. 5610.4592 $285,086
NYSDOT ( 5%) Account No. 5610.3592 $ 15,838
Local Share ( 5%) Account No. 5610.5031 $ 15,838
Total Account No. 5610.9239 $316,762
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an
agreement on behalf of Tompkins County for supply of the Snow Blower,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is hereby authorized to advance monies until
reimbursement is received from the FAA and NYSDOT.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -12
Report, Presentation of Resolution(s), and Appointment from the Health and Environmental
Quality Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on September 6 and conducted a budget
session. She said a regular meeting was held on September 14, and the Committee was given a list of flu
clinics available in the County. This list is being distributed to Board members. There was also
discussion on the Environmental Health Fees, and the Committee agreed to reexamine this issue in late
spring. There was a presentation of the Municipal Health Services Plan for 1996-1997 and the
Community Health Assessment, which covers 13 program areas. Some items of interest were the
relocation of doctors' offices to the northeast part of the County, the general unavailability of dental
services for the poor, and the welcome decrease in the infant mortality rate. The Committee also had a
presentation on the Health Planning Council's budget. Ms. Kiefer stated following the regular meeting
the Committee reviewed budgets and scheduled an additional meeting on September 21 from 10-12 in the
Old Jail Conference Room to finish budget deliberations.
RESOLUTION NO. 197 - AUTHORIZING CHANGE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FEES -
1996
MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Health has recommended that the following
schedule of fees charged by the Environmental Health Division be adopted, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
following schedule of fees is hereby approved for the Health Department to charge for the provision of
Environmental Health permits and services commencing January 1, 1996,
OPERATING OR PERMIT FEES
278
September 19, 1995
Food Service Establishments
High and Medium Risk
Low Risk
Temporary Food Service Establishment
Frozen Desserts
1995 Fee
$ 120.00
60.00
30.00
25.00
1/96 Fee
$ 130.00
60.00
30.00
25.00
Temporary Residences and Mobile Home Parks $30+$3 per lot/unit $35+$3 per lot/unit
Children's Camps $ 100.00 $ 100.00
Swimming Pools/Bathing Beaches $ 150.00 $ 150.00
Mass Gatherings (per event day) $ 2000.00 $ 2000.00
Water Systems Regulated by Part 5, NYSSC
Community Systems (with sources)
Up to 25 population $ 30.00 30.00
26 to 50 50.00 40.00
51 to 200 75.00 65.00
201 to 500 75.00 100.00
501 to 1000 225.00 160.00
1001 to 5000 300.00 255.00
over 5000 400.00 450.00
Non -Community Water Systems (with sources) 50.00 40.00
Bottled/Bulk Haulers, Ice Plants 150.00 150.00
Local Public Water System (TCSC) $ 30.00 30.00
Sewage Construction Permits (New Construction and Conversions)
Design flow under 1000 gallons per day $ 135.00 145.00
Design flow 1000+ gallons per day 220.00 220.00
Fee for application received late: $25; Consecutive Lateness: $ 50.
Note: Fees are additive for all facilities.
Operation permits are generally issued on an annual basis; however, if a multi-year permit is
issued, a 10% reduction of the total fee will be allowed.
PLAN REVIEW FEES
(New Construction or Where Engineering Plans Required)
Food Service Establishments
High and Medium Risk
Low Risk
Mobile Unit
279
1995 Fee 1/96 Fee
$ 150.00 $ 150.00
75.00 75.00
50.00 by risk
September 19, 1995
Development Plan Review
Temporary Residence, MHP,
and Apartment Complex
Realty Subdivisions
$100 plus $10 $100 plus $10
per lot/unit per lot/unit
$100 plus $25 $100 plus $25
per lot per lot
Preliminary Development Review (Where soil testing is required)
$150 plus
$15 per acre
Swimming Pools/Bathing Beaches
Up to 5000 square feet
Over 5000 sq.ft.; slide and wave pools
Community Water Systems (Part 5, NYSSC)
New source(s)
Distribution (water main)
add for each 1,000' or portion
Cross -Connection Control Devices:
2" and less, each
over 2", each
Non -Community and Local Public Water Systems
Collector Sewers DEC or Health Dept. Projects
add for each 1,000' or portion
Environmental Impact Statement Review
(Where TCHD is Lead Agency)
OTHER
Copies (Cost per page)
Waiver/Variance Request
(Requiring Board of Health action)
Sanitary Codes
Water Sampling Monitoring - No exemptions.
Add to analysis cost:
Note: Review fees are additive.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
$ 100.00
150.00
$ 50.00
$ 25
plus 10
$ 25.00
50.00
$150 plus
$15 per acre
$ 100.00
150.00
$ 50.00
$ 25
plus 10
$ 25.00
50.00
$ 25.00 $ 25.00
$ 25
plus 10
As allowed by
6NYCRR 617.17
$ 25
plus 10
As allowed by
6NYCCR 617.17
$ .25 $ .25
25.00 25.00
1.00 1.00
$ 5.00 $ 5.00
Appointment
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Ronald Beloin to the Environmental Management Council as an At -
large representative for a term expiring December 31, 1995.
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September 19, 1995
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week to review budgets.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Mamie Johnson to the Economic Opportunity Corporation Board of
Directors for a term expiring March 31, 1997.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met last week and reviewed the budgets for the
Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD), Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development
Board (STERPDB), the Chamber of Commerce, and tourism promotion. Ms. Mink said the Committee
recommended the budgets of TCAD and STERPDB at the 1995 level. She stated the Committee made
no decision on funding for the Finger Lakes Association. Mrs. Schuler commented a two-page spread in
the travel section of the New York Times on the wineries in the Fingerlakes.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, stated the Committee has begun its interviews with County -wide officials.
The Committee met with George Dentes, District Attorney, and will be meeting September 26 at 3:15
with Aurora Valenti, County Clerk.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, stated that the Information Services National Technology Infrastructure
Organization which is a grant organization, may be eliminated. This means Tompkins County may not
receive a substantial amount of money for Internet services in the rural areas.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee is looking at one site on West State Street, and is
dealing very healthily with the City of Ithaca in finding parking spaces for County staff and clients at a
reasonable price. She is hoping that this information will be flushed out by the time a formal
presentation comes to the Board. Ms. Mink said she will be meeting with Westend residents and
business owners on September 26 along with James Kazda, Senior Civil Engineer, and architects. She
announced meetings are now every other Thursday at 9 a.m. beginning this week.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report. The Committee will meet September 28 at 1 p.m.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee is work on the next issue of County news, and
hopes to have this published before the public hearing on the County Budget to inform the public of
where the budget stands at that point. The October editorial in the Ithaca Journal will be written by Eric
Lerner. Chairman Stein volunteered for writing the November article.
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September 19, 1995
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Lane, Member, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present, to approve the minutes of August 22 and September 5, 1995, with corrections
submitted by Representative Kiefer. It was noted the minutes were approved pending approval by Mr.
Meskill of corrections made to his comments in the set of minutes dated August 22 (Resolution No. 187).
Adjournment
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
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October 2, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 15 Representatives. Representative Mink was excused at 6:45 p.m.; Representative
Winch was excused at 7:12 p.m.
Presentation of Proclamations:
The following proclamations were read and presented by Chairman Stein:
• Disability Employment Awareness Month in Tompkins County, October 1995, presented to
Milton Goldstein, President, Challenge Industries;
• Writers Association Month in Tompkins County, October 1995, presented to Jenna Macera
• Fire Prevention Week in Tompkins County, October 8-14, 1995, presented to Jack Miller, Fire,
Disaster and EMS Coordinator;
• Archives Week in Tompkins County, October 8-14, 1995, presented to Paula Davis, Executive
Director of the Dewitt Historical Society
• Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Tompkins County, October 14-21, 1995, presented to Andy
Gladstone and Ned Asta
Special Orders of the Day
Chairman Stein reported on the recent investigation into a case involving the disappearance of
Marguerite Vichier-Guerre, and stated there have been a whole series of people and events that led to the
her safe return. He said there were various police and private groups involved who dealt with this case
quietly and sensitively to bring the situation to a resolution.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to add the resolution entitled Resolution of Recognition to the agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 215 - RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote.
WHEREAS, four year old, Marguerite Vichier-Guerre, had been missing from Ithaca, New York,
since July 26, 1995, and
WHEREAS, her safe return on September 23, 1995, is welcomed by the entire Tompkins County
community, and
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October 2, 1995
WHEREAS, many entities and individuals participated in her return, and they should be
recognized: The Texas Department of Public Safety, Gene Hawkins, Captain; City of Austin, Texas
Police Department; Texas State Troopers, Carlton Scott, Investigator; the National Center for Missing
and Exploited Children, Ben Ermini, Director; the New York State Division of Criminal Justice; Ms.
Tanya Rollins, Child Protective Services of Austin, Texas; the City of Ithaca Police Depaitalent,
particularly Lieutenant David Nazer, and Brian Robinson, Investigator; the Ithaca Community Child
Care Center; the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County; the Immaculate
Conception School and Church; Chief David Wall, Cayuga Heights Police Department; and the army of
unnamed helpers, and
WHEREAS, a special recognition should be given to Mr. Chris Clauson and Mr. Mark
Puterbaugh of USAir Airlines, and USAir Airlines itself, who arranged for immediate transportation and
airport security for mother and child between Ithaca, New York and Austin, Texas, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives on behalf of our community
acknowledges gratefully and recognizes all who participated thanking them for their efforts and rejoices
with the Vichier-Guerre family made whole again.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Valerie Rockney, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers, spoke concerning the resolution on
the agenda entitled Appropriation from Contingent Fund - Literacy Volunteers. She stated the City of
Ithaca School District did not vote to approve a $5,000 request for Literacy Volunteers. She stated,
however, a call was received from an anonymous person from the private sector offering to make up the
money not approved by the School. She said Literacy Volunteers is modifying their original request in a
modified form: $5,000 from the City, $5,000 from the County, and $5,000 from the anonymous person.
She stated this will enable Literacy Volunteers to leverage another $1,000 from the United Way which
they will need to request. She stated these funds will allow the agency to restore services for the
remainder of the year.
Addition of Resolutions to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairmen and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Seeking Rectification of Better Housing for Tompkins County's Service Area, by the New York
State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Capital Program Revision - Library Facade
Authorization to Charge Fee- Flu Vaccine - Health Department
Support for the Tompkins County NTIA/TIIAP Application
Urging the Governor to Retain Funding from the Environmental Trust Fund for Purpose of
Supporting Non -Point Source Water Quality Program
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be withdrawn from the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) not Requiring Board Action
284
October 2, 1995
There were no resolutions to be affirmed.
Approval of Minutes of September 19, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote,
to approve the minutes of September 19, 1995, with proposed changes submitted by Representative
Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Presentation by the Buildings and Grounds Division
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported Arel LeMaro, Buildings and Grounds Division Supervisor, was
hired in the summer of 1994. Mr. Winch stated when the position was being filled, it was intended that
the successful candidate would be able to analyze the multi-year deficit that has existed in the Buildings
and Grounds Division utilities budget, and would make a presentation on this to the Board. He said Mr.
LeMaro has kept the Facilities and Operations Committee up-to-date on his proposals and ideas on
energy conservation. At this time Mr. Winch introduced Mr. LeMaro.
Mr. LeMaro gave the Board a presentation on the proposed resolution. He said the Buildings and
Grounds Division pays the electrical costs for nine County buildings. This includes electric, steam, gas,
water and sewer. He said 41 percent of the Division's operating budget goes to pay for utilities, and
showed increases that have occurred in utility rates since 1990, which amount to approximately 48
percent. Rate increases cannot be controlled, and this has resulted in the deficit in the budget of the
Division. He explained ways in which the Division is trying to involve building users to be more
responsible such as closing windows, turning off non-essential appliances and computers, and to also
stay away from thermostats. Other things being done to reduce energy consumption, is the creation of a
program to be used as part of a County -wide energy management system.
Mr. LeMaro stated if this resolution is approved, it will relieve the Buildings and Grounds
Division of having to repay the General Fund $214,216 for a deficit that has occurred through 1994, and
will allow the Buildings and Grounds Division to focus on cleaning and maintenance. Mr. Lerner stated
he feels the direction the County should go is pull utility costs out of the budget for the Buildings and
Grounds Division, and have this amount shared with departments who are able to control utility costs.
Ms. Mink said this is part of a process being worked on by one of the quality improvement teams at
Public Works. Mr. Lane asked if the Board would be seeing another request like this in the future. Mr.
LeMaro stated he feels this resolution should be sufficient if he is successful in controlling utility costs.
RESOLUTION NO. 216 - RESOLUTION OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS DEFICIT
and,
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Buildings and Grounds Division pays utility bills for nine (9) County buildings
WHEREAS, utility bills account for 40 percent (40%) of its operating budget, and
WHEREAS, utility cost increases have exceeded fiscal target increases significantly (11% or
$334,166) over the past five years, and
WHEREAS, energy consumption levels have remained fairly constant or decreased over the
same period due to numerous steps taken by the Buildings and Grounds Division to reduce energy
285
October 2, 1995
consumption such as negotiating with New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) to obtain the best
possible rates; replacing incandescent bulbs with more efficient long-lasting compact fluorescents;
replacing T-12 fluorescents with high efficiency T-8 fluorescent bulbs and electronic ballast's; removing
unneeded lamps in non-critical areas; rewiring and installing additional switches to allow some or all
lights in an area to be turned off; reducing operation of HVAC and peripheral systems during unoccupied
hours; rescheduling evening cleaning activities to daytime hours; replacing HVAC filters regularly;
installing seven-day timers on electric water heaters; reducing hot water temperatures, etc., and
WHEREAS, Buildings and Grounds Division efforts are under way to involve building users in
energy conservation practices, and
WHEREAS, Buildings and Grounds will continue to identify and implement energy conservation
opportunities with the greatest savings potential, and
WHEREAS, utility increases have contributed to a $302,216 multi-year deficit in the Buildings
and Grounds Division, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the
Buildings and Grounds Division is relieved of the responsibility of repaying the General Fund $214,216
for deficits incurred through December 31, 1994, and that this Board shall address the projected 1995
deficit by action at a later date.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met today and received a report on caseloads
from the Department of Social Services. He stated that the statistics had been going down, but are
showing an increase for September. Ms. Blanchard suggested that the packet of statistical information
that was distributed to Board members from the Statistical Task Force from the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee could be converted into a more readable format. Mr. Lerner asked that the graphs in that
packet of information be provided by the Department of Social Services on an annual basis.
RESOLUTION NO. 217 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND - LITERACY
VOLUNTEERS
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Livesay. Mr. Lane said he cannot support making up
a shortfall that was created by the State. Mr. Proto stated this is an example where rollover funds could
be used. Mr. Totman said he does not feel Tompkins County should support a program that has received
State cuts. He feels Literacy Volunteers should not close because of this shortfall, but rather look for
additional volunteers to assist them. Mr. Meskill stated reading is the essence of living and will support
this resolution. Ms. Kiefer asked how many of Literacy Volunteers 181 students had failed to learn to
read in public schools and how many people are using Literacy Volunteers to learn English as a second
language. Ms. Rockney stated 60 percent are being taught English as a second language, 40 percent are
those who do not know how to read, and 60 percent are immigrants who are permanent residents in the
community. Ms. Kiefer said BOCES offers free ESL (English and a Second Language) to adults, and
while she will support this $5,000 grant because the community seems to want that, she has reservations
about duplicating services. Mr. Joseph stated there are several reasons why people use Literacy
Volunteers, and stated he does not feel this County Board should automatically deny funding agencies
who have experienced shortfalls from the State. He feels this Board should look at each request on its
merits and make its own independent judgment on each.
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October 2, 1995
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 11 (Representatives Evans, Joseph,
Kiefer, Lerner, Livesay, Meskill, Mink, Proto, Schuler, Todd and Stein); Noes - 4 (Representatives
Blanchard, Lane, Totman, and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Literacy Volunteers of Tompkins County, Inc., last year provided 181 local adults
with free, confidential tutoring by 122 trained volunteers, and
WHEREAS, literacy and economic self-sufficiency are clearly linked, and
WHEREAS, State Education Department funding was abruptly cut off, resulting in cuts in
services to County residents, and
WHEREAS, emergency funding is needed to restore Literacy Volunteers programs and enable
that agency to seek more permanent funding, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Finance is directed to appropriate $5,000 from the County Contingent
Fund, A1990, to A6310.4536, Literacy Volunteers on a one-time basis to meet this need, and that this
appropriation is contingent on the City of Ithaca providing $5,000 to Literacy Volunteers in 1995.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 218 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT INCLUDING
OPPORTUNITY CORPORATION (EOC) AND BUDGET
ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Livesay.
Representative Mink was excused at 6:45 p.m.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 2 (Representatives Meskill and Totman),
Excused - 1 (Representative Mink). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, EOC has received free space from Tompkins County since the Organization's
founding as the County's grant payment to support the work of that Agency, and
WHEREAS, this Board has revamped the County budget over the last two years into budgeting
units and programs with the objective of making it clearer to the tax -paying and service -receiving public
what their tax dollars are paying for, and
WHEREAS, it is therefore desirable to budget the County's grant support of EOC and to collect
rent from EOC as a separate transaction, thereby making the County's support for EOC clearer, and
WHEREAS, EOC has requested a change in its assigned space in Biggs Building A, which
change reduces the total space used by the Agency, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Human Services and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That space designated on a map prepared by the Division of Engineering in Biggs Building
A is hereby assigned to Tompkins County EOC,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized and directed to make the
following budget adjustment:
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Appropriation: A6301.4501 EOC $77,715
Revenue A9999 Unallocated revenues $77,715
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is authorized and directed to execute a
contract and lease agreement with EOC through 1995 that includes $77,715 in grant funding to that
agency, requires a payment of $ 77,715 in rent from that Agency, and requires EOC to seek grant funding
287
October 2, 1995
to cover as much as possible of the cost of its space and to pay to Tompkins County any of this funding
that it succeeds in obtaining,
RESOLVED, further, That EOC's payment to Tompkins County in 1996 shall be determined by
the cost to Tompkins County of providing that space.
SEAR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein made the following appointments:
Electronic Future Committee
Alan McAdams
GIS Advisory Committee
Jack Miller
Sheriff's Department Contract Committee (Union contract expires February 29, 1996)
Scott Heyman
Anita Fitzpatrick
Beverly Livesay
Peter Meskill
Chairman Stein stated that a couple of weeks ago an editorial concerning the New York State
Quick Draw lottery game which called for County Boards to vote on the lottery appeared in the Ithaca
Journal. He said he asked the County Attorney whether the County had any role in this. He said he was
informed by memo from the County Attorney that a County Board does not have any role in the lottery.
The lottery is entirely within the State's purview. The County may only take the action of requesting that
the State take some form of action.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported the federal maximization project authorized by this Board was a project
organized by the New York State Association of Counties on our behalf which would hire a consulting
firm which in turn would hire 1,000 accountants from various accounting firms from around the State to
make sure that counties in New York State submitted applications for Medicaid funding that were at the
very maximum by September 30, 1995. He said the initial report from the Health Department is that
Tompkins County was able to get $90,000 in claims in early on the Preschool Handicapped Children's
program as well as another $90,000 that staff took care of for the Early Intervention Program.
He reported next year the Finance Director will begin conducting the annual auction of
foreclosed properties in Tompkins County per the amendment to the Charter and Code. He distributed a
report on the preliminary results of the auction, and stated at this time it looks like the County did well.
He reported on the long-range planning process the County has embarked on. He stated public sessions
on the budget are taking place at Biggs, Cooperative Extension, and Tompkins Cortland Community
College.
Report from the County Attorney
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October 2, 1995
Mr. Theisen reported Assistant County Attorney, Jonathan Wood, filed a brief in the McMahon
vs. DSS case today. He stated anyone wishing to review this may do so in his office. Mr. Theisen
reported there is no new status report on the Local Law imposing a Motor Vehicle Use Fee.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported on the installment payment of taxes, and said Lansing School District has
delivered their installment to him of $255,000. He said the Newfield School District, who has also
elected to pay in installments, has not submitted a payment as of this date.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on October 3 and 6, and will assemble
and recommend a 1996 Budget. He noted the County is going into the budget process in much better
shape than it has in recent years.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met briefly before this meeting which resulted in
the resolution entitled Support for the Tompkins County NTIA/TIIAP Application being added to the
agenda. She also stated the Committee needs to establish a new meeting date because October 9 is a
Holiday.
RESOLUTION NO. 219 - AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE BACK DIRECT ELECTION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane. Mr. Meskill said he would rather see a bill
sent directly to the townships so they can see the exact amount. Mr. Lane and Mrs. Livesay said the other
town supervisors they spoke to are in support of this.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 1 (Representative Meskill),
Excused - 1 (Representative Mink). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Election Law 4-136(1), (2), (3), and 4-138, the County shall charge
certain expenses to municipalities, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Elections has filed its Annual Financial Report
detailing 1994 direct expenses, and
WHEREAS, Opinion 92-26 of the State Comptroller has affirmed the County's obligation to
charge back direct expenses to individual cities or towns, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Governmental Affairs, and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Assessment of the County be and hereby is authorized and directed to
add to the respective 1996 tax rolls the direct election expense detailed in the 1994 Financial Report of
the Board of Elections and any direct election expenses previously billed for 1992 and 1993 which
remain unpaid as of November 1, 1995,
RESOLVED, further, That Resolution No. 248 of 1990 is hereby rescinded.
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October 2, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 220 - SUPPORT FOR THE TOMPKINS COUNTY NATIONAL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
ADMINISTRATION/ TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(NTIA/TIIAP) APPLICATION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins recognizes the importance of strong, convincing, and open
communication with all of the citizens in our community, and
WHEREAS, the County has committed itself to spend resources on assuring that citizens have
access to information through a variety of traditional means and through the emerging technology of
computer networking, and
WHEREAS, this effort by the County is marked by a commitment to reach out and collaborate
with other municipalities and political entities in our County, to assure effective and extensive
improvement in communicating on government issues to all communities, and
WHEREAS, this collaborative effort led to a joint application to the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by the:
County of Tompkins
City of Ithaca
Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Education Services
South Central Research Library Council
Finger Lakes Library System - Tompkins County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, this application resulted in the commitment by the several partners to $456,896 in
local resources under the matching funds incentive of the NTIA's Telecommunications and Information
Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP), and
WHEREAS, four other TIIAP proposals were developed from within our community, all of
which will have positive effects nationally and within our own community, and
WHEREAS, the County has become aware that the U.S. Senate is now considering total
elimination of the NTIA, and
WHEREAS, this action would have a profound negative effect on the efforts to assure a well
informed electorate and citizenry, and
WHEREAS, our review of existing NTIA and TIIAP program indicates that these modest
government programs have had powerful and positive effects in other communities, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives calls upon the U.S. Senators from the State of New York, and upon all
of the New York Representatives in the House to take all possible actions to restore NTIA and its
programs in the Federal budget for 1996, and the Budget Plans for future years,
RESOLVED, further, That the Chairman of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives is
hereby directed to prepare and send letters to the New York Delegation, Chair of the U.S. Senate
Appropriations Committee, National League of Cities, President Clinton, U.S. House and Senate
Majority and Minority leaders and the New York State Conference of Mayors conveying this resolution,
and expressing the County's view of the importance of the NTIA as essential to the preservation of a
fully informed citizenry.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee
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October 2, 1995
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported as of 10 a.m. on September 29 there were 26 prisoners being
boarded out of the Tompkins County Jail. He said he is working with Bobby Smith of B.O.C.E.S.,
Gordon Stevens, Jail Administrator, and other individuals in trying to get together a format for a question
and answer session with the Department of Education and some corrections officials to discuss and get
proposals to work towards reducing jail population and especially with youth. He noted it is Fire
Prevention Week next week and urged everyone to recognize fire safety.
RESOLUTION NO. 221 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND - APPROVAL OF
BAIL PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT FUNDING -OFFENDER AID AND RESTORATION
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lerner.
Representative Winch was excused at 7:12 p.m.
A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 10, Noes - 3 (Representatives Lane, Proto, and
Totman); Excused - 2 (Representatives Mink and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) of Tompkins County will be unable to
maintain the 1994 level of bail loans during 1995 because of reduced funding, which has resulted in
reduced staffing levels and a projected drop in bails from 52 per year to 46, and
WHEREAS, OAR bail loans have saved Tompkins County a minimum of 2,340 jail days each
year, at a very conservative average of 45 days saved per bail, and
WHEREAS, given the crowded condition in the jail since 1990, OAR thereby saved the County
between $160,000 and $330,000 per year in board -out costs, and
WHEREAS, the jail admissions in 1995 have continued at a rate similar to that in 1994, with the
jail boarding out at least one inmate every day from June, 1994 to June, 1995, and OAR expects a
continued demand for the bail program for the remainder of the year, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives has designated the OAR Bail
Program a Cost Saver Program for 1995 and 1996, every year the Cost Saver has existed, and
WHEREAS, OAR could expand its bail program to provide a minimum of six additional bails in
1995 by adding .2 FTE of Program Coordinator time to administer the additional bails, and
WHEREAS, those six additional bails would save 45 days per bail on average, which at $70 a
day in board -out fees would likely save the County $18,900 in board out costs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committees, That the Director of Finance is hereby directed to appropriate $5,065 from the Contingent
Fund to A6310.4597, OAR Bail and Intake.
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Report, Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) from the Planning, Community
Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met before this meeting and business is reflected on
the agenda. She stated the Committee will meet on October 11 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss rural libraries and
the Tompkins County Public Library. She called attention to the County Planner, a publication created
by the County Planning Department. She said the County Planner contains a good overview on what the
Department works on and is very useful. The Annual Library Booksale will be held from October 7-16
and October 21-23.
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October 2, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 222 - SEEKING RECERTIFICATION OF BETTER HOUSING FOR
TOMPKINS COUNTY'S SERVICE AREA, BY THE NEW YORK
STATE DIVISION OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Better Housing for Tompkins County, Inc., (BHTC) founded in 1981 as a not-for-
profit Rural Preservation Company, whose purpose and goal is to "improve and develop housing
opportunities for low and moderate income residents in the rural areas of Tompkins County", and
WHEREAS, BHTC receives core funding through the New York State Division of Housing and
Community Renewal (DHCR) to develop and improve housing opportunities for low and moderate
income families in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, DHCR requires Rural Preservation Company's service areas to be recertified every
ten (10) years, and
WHEREAS, rural Tompkins County has significant numbers of deteriorating and substandard
structures, which are in need of being rehabilitated or upgraded, and
WHEREAS, certain rural areas show physical deterioration, decay, neglect and/or disinvestment,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives seeks DHCR's approval for
recertification of BHTC's existing service area, including those municipalities in Tompkins County
outside the City of Ithaca, the Village of Cayuga Heights, and the Village of Lansing.
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RESOLUTION NO. 223 - CAPITAL PROGRAM REVISION - LIBRARY PLANNING AND
IMPROVEMENTS
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the exterior renovation of the Tompkins County Public Library was placed on hold
pending an evaluation of the structure with respect to the program needs and the 1995 strategic plan, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education, and
Capital Program Committees, That the scope of the Library Facade Project be expanded to include a
Building Utilization Study.
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Appointment
It was MOVED Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Gregg Hoffmire to the Tompkins County Planning Federation as the
Town of Ulysses representative for no set term.
Ms. Kiefer asked when a municipality submits a resume on an old form, that staff contact them
and remind them to use the updated form.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
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October 2, 1995
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee held two budget sessions on September 20 and 21.
She said the process the Committee used worked well. Each division manager came to the Committee,
and spoke of goals and objectives they felt were reasonable for 1996, and also highlighted problems they
thought the Committee should be aware of. They also discussed the planning tools they were using to
assure that the County would be seeing the most effective use of the target and special request monies.
The Committee had very interesting and useful information presented on the pavement management
system. Ms. Blanchard stated the Committee has also asked each division manager to provide copies of
the overhead presentations used at those meetings so that these can be shared with the Budget and Fiscal
Policy Committee. She said she would like this Board to look at some way to standardize information
that goes to programs committees so this information can be shared with all Board members. The next
meeting will be October 25 at 8 a.m. in Board Chambers.
RESOLUTION NO. 224 - AUTHORIZING AN INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN TOMPKINS COUNTY AND TOWN OF COVERT —
TOMTRAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
WHEREAS, Section 119-0 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York authorizes a
municipality of the State of New York to enter into an intermunicipal agreement to provide public
transportation service between municipalities, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Covert in Seneca County, (adjoining the Town of Ulysses to the north)
requests that Tompkins County extend TOMTRAN service to the Town to provide public transportation
to and from the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County desires to reduce traffic congestion through the Route 96 bridge
construction project area (known as the Octopus), and
WHEREAS, the Town of Covert agrees to financially support the expansion of TOMTRAN
services to the Town during a demonstration period, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the Tompkins
County Board of Representatives authorizes the Contracts Coordinator to execute an intermunicipal
agreement with the Town of Covert to authorize extending TOMTRAN public transportation service
from Tompkins County to the Town of Covert,
RESOLVED, further, That the County will work with the Town of Covert to establish operating
policies, fares, schedule and a marketing program,
RESOLVED, further, That the County retains the right to terminate this agreement upon thirty
(30) days notice to the Town of Covert and the authorized carrier(s).
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RESOLUTION NO. 225 - ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL SECTION 18 GRANT TO
PURCHASE TWO SMALL BUSES FOR TOMTRAN
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins requested a grant of funds from the United States
Department of Transportation, pursuant to Section 18 of the Federal Transit Act of 1964 as amended, for
a capital project to purchase two 25 passenger buses and related equipment for Tompkins County, and
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October 2, 1995
WHEREAS, this resolution supersedes Resolution No. 25 of February 7, 1995, by accepting a
larger grant of State and federal funds for the project, and
WHEREAS, the budget for the project is as follows:
Federal Section 18 $126,000 80%
State 15,750 10%
County 15,750 10%
Total $157,500 100%
WHEREAS, the County share was encumbered in the 1995 TOMTRAN budget, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the Board of
Representatives authorizes the County's Contract Coordinator to execute:
1. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and the State of New York for the
above-named project;
2. Any and all agreements between Tompkins County and any third party contractor necessary
to complete the above-named project;
3. Any Municipality Vendor Contract for the purchase of vehicles and installation of related
equipment;
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County certifies through this resolution, that the local
share of $15,750 as described in the project application is committed to this project.
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RESOLUTION NO. 226 - RESCISSION OF RESOLUTION NO. 214 OF 1995 AND AWARD
CONTRACT TO SUPPLY A SNOW BLOWER WITH BROOM
ATTACHMENT - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the Division of Purchasing and Central Services has duly advertised for proposals
for the supply of a Snow Blower with Broom attachment at the Tompkins County Airport, and
WHEREAS, six bids were received and duly opened on Thursday, July 27, 1995, and Sweepster
of Dexter, Michigan was the lowest responsible bidder with acceptable deviations, and
WHEREAS, the three lowest bids including bid from Kodiak Northwest of Paul, Idaho, contain
unacceptable deviations and are hereby rejected, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That Resolution
No. 214 of 1995, awarding the contract to Kodiak Northwest of Paul, Idaho, is rescinded,
RESOLVED, further, That the contract for supply of a Snow Blower with Broom attachment at
the Tompkins County Airport be awarded to Sweepster of Dexter, Michigan with a bid of $324,500,
subject to the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the New York State
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and that the budget for said Snow Blower is as follows:
FAA Share (90%) Account No. 5610.4592 $292,050
NYSDOT ( 5%) Account No. 5610.3592 $ 16,225
Local Share ( 5%) Account No. 5610.5031 $ 16,225
Total Account No. 5610.9239 $324,500
RESOLVED, further, That the Contracts Coordinator be and hereby is authorized to execute an
agreement on behalf of Tompkins County for supply of the Snow Blower,
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October 2, 1995
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is hereby authorized to advance monies until
reimbursement is received from the FAA and NYSDOT.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met on September 5 and was chaired by
Representative Kiefer in his absence. The Committee met again today prior to the Board meeting and
approved resolutions that are reflected on the agenda. The next meeting will be October 12 at 9:30 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 227 - AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE FEE - FLU VACCINE - HEALTH
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto. By agreement of both the Mover and Seconder,
this resolution was temporarily withdrawn from the agenda.
Report from the Economic Development Committee
There was no report from this Committee.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the next meeting will be scheduled in late October. At that
meeting the Committee will be presented with third quarter statistics for the Recycling and Solid Waste
Center.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met last Tuesday with Aurora Valenti, Tompkins
County Clerk, and discussed the role of her position in relation to the Charter and Code. The next
meeting will be October 10 at 3:15 p.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Mr. Joseph reported at the next Board meeting there will be a presentation on two alternatives,
one downtown with a preliminary design, and one on West Hill on existing County land. The Board will
also be presented with price comparisons for the two.
Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee (cont'd)
RESOLUTION NO. 227 - AUTHORIZATION TO CHARGE FEE - FLU VACCINE - HEALTH
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto. Mr. Evans stated he just spoke to Alice Cole,
Public Health Director, who has informed him that no one will be turned away. They will be asking for a
fee of $8 and this is the amount that will be billed to Medicare. A voice vote on the resolution resulted
as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes — 0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Mink and Winch). RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
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October 2, 1995
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department provides flu vaccinations to senior
citizens, as well as children and adults who are medically eligible for the vaccine, and
WHEREAS, the Depaitment is now a participating provider of Medicare Part B, and is mandated
under the 1991 Mandatory Submission Ruling to bill Medicare for any reimbursable services, and
WHEREAS, we are required to charge non -Medicare participants the same rate as Medicare
participants in order not to "subsidize" non -Medicare flu vaccine administration with Medicare fun, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Department is authorized to charge a fee of eight dollars ($8.00) for the flu vaccination.
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RESOLUTION NO. 228 - URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RETAIN FUNDING FROM THE
ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST FUND FOR PURPOSE OF
SUPPORTING NON -POINT SOURCE WATER QUALITY
PROGRAMS
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lerner. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes -- 9;
Noes - 4 (Representatives Lane, Proto, Todd and Totman); Excused - 2 (Representatives Mink and
Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, New York State has established a law to provide for an Environmental Trust Fund
to fund specific programs designed to protect and enhance the State's environment including non -point
source water quality programs, and
WHEREAS, the Legislature in its recent session appropriated from the Environmental Trust
Fund $1,370,000 for the Non -point Source Abatement and Control grants, and
WHEREAS, these monies along with federal funds would be used to fund programs designed to
protect and enhance the State's surface waters in accordance with the federal Clean Water and Safe
Drinking Water Acts, and
WHEREAS, the County has been informed that a proposal is being considered to encumber these
funds to reduce the State's budget deficit, and
WHEREAS, the County supports the use of the Environmental Trust Fund for its intended
purpose and specifically to support Non -point Source Abatement and Control Grants, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives urges that the Governor not encumber these funds and that
the Governor spend these monies as appropriated by the Legislature.
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Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met Thursday and worked on the development of
a contract. He stated work on the Committee has been the best exercise of intermunicipal cooperation he
has ever seen in County government. He said the County is working with B.O.C.E.S., the Ithaca Central
School District, the Tompkins County Public Library, and the South Seneca Library to come together to
try to develop a common information network within Tompkins County. He reported the Committee
voted to support the Internet budget request as presented. Mr. Evans also said he has requested that
Chairman Stein schedule time at the first Board meeting in November for a presentation on what the
Internet can do for selling Tompkins County well beyond its borders. The next meeting will be October
4 at 1 p.m. Mr. Totman noted there was no mention of villages and towns on this Committee and asked
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October 2, 1995
if they had been asked to participate. Mr. Lerner said the Committee is discussing extending the Web to
municipalities but initially it is for libraries and schools. Ms. Blanchard asked if the Committee is
considering charging a fee for public access; Mr. Evans said the grant proposal is for a demonstration
project and does not include a fee. Mr. Proto asked if there is any estimate of how many County residents
would really make use of this; there was none. Mr. Joseph asked what the cost estimates are for 1996
and beyond, and Mr. Evans said $141,200 in 1996, $77,800 in each of 1997 and 1998, and most is for
one-time hardware requests.
Report from the Leadership Council
There was no report from this Committee.
Report from the Public Information Committee
There was no report from this Committee.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee is planning a joint meeting with the Economic
Development Committee on October 23 at 8:15 a.m.
Mr. Proto asked Mr. Meskill to report on the status of E-911. Mr. Meskill said the entire County
has been indexed and copies are being sent to the municipalities. He hopes to have another report at the
next meeting.
Report from the Inter -Municipal Cable Commission
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on October 11 at 7 p.m. in the Old Jail
Conference Room. The Commission will be discussing several topics, including ways to tie in with the
Electronic Future Committee. Mr. Lane stated the Committee will also be talking about the Warner
social contract. He noted there are currently 900 complaint cases.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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October 17,1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
Chairman Stein called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 13 Representatives; Excused: 2 (Representatives Blanchard and Totman).
Representative Meskill was excused from the meeting at 7:55 p.m. following the Human Services
Committee report.
Approval of Minutes of October 2, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Evans. Mr. Meskill stated he feels the
amendments proposed by Representative Kiefer move away from the policy adopted by this Board on
taking minutes. He feels if this Board is going to continue to add volume to the minutes, the Board needs
to do this universally. A voice vote on the minutes with the corrections submitted by Representative
Kiefer resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes - 2 (Representatives Joseph and Meskill), Excused - 2
(Representatives Blanchard and Totman). MINUTES APPROVED.
Presentation of Proclamations
Chairman Stein presented the following proclamations:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County Week - October 15, 1995 through October
21, 1995, to Paul Bonaparte -Krogh; Mr. Bonaparte -Krogh noted their Annual Meeting will be held on
November 29 and on December 12 there will be a satellite conference for local government officials at
the County level, and said they will be focusing on updated block grant information; and
Day of Tribute to RSVP Volunteers - October 20, 1995.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Richard Boronkay, 150 Pearsall Place, and Elks and Eagles representative, spoke concerning
moving the Department of Social Services downtown. He said it is his understanding that this Board will
be having a presentation from the Human Services Space Planning Committee this evening and that there
will be meetings held in the coming weeks with the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site for the
new building. Mr. Boronkay invited the County to meet with the Elks and Eagles as well.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Michael Lane, District No. 14 Representative, stated this past week the fire companies in
Tompkins County have been celebrating and commemorating fire prevention week. He feels these
volunteers should be commended, and expressed his appreciation to these individuals.
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October 17,1995
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, thanked Representative Lane for his comments on
volunteer firefighters. He reported on the County rededication of a civil war monument in front of the
Town Hall in Danby that was done by the Sons of the Union Veterans, and thanked Assemblyman Martin
Luster for attending to rededicate the monument. Mr. Proto also reported October 13, 1916 was an
auspicious day for this County and mail service. The first time air mail was dropped in the United States
was in Ithaca, New York.
Presentation by Human Service Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink began by telling the Board the purpose for this presentation is to inform the Board on
where the Committee has been, where they are now, and what remains to be done. She said she hopes to
be able to get everyone's questions answered this evening.
She reported the process started approximately two years ago when the previous Board was
poised to spend $6.5 million on replacing the heating and ventilation systems at Biggs A. This was at a
point after a year of complaints about air quality issues and security in the building. At this time it
seemed to make sense not to move forward, but to look at other options for how we could provide the
services these agencies provided in that building or elsewhere in another building. At that point a space
study was commissioned by Sutton Associates which was presented to the Board and accepted on March
21, 1995. Issues such as space use, what kind of services are being provided, and what agencies work
well together were looked at in this Study. After examination of a number of sites, using criteria
including how they could accommodate the space needs of each agency, the availability of parking for
employees and clients, accessibility to the client base and public transportation, security considerations,
and proximity to other governmental offices, twenty-five sites were reduced to nine. The study found
that forty-one percent of the client base lived in the City of Ithaca and fourteen percent in the Town of
Ithaca, and concluded that the City was an appropriate site for those agencies.
Ms. Mink stated on April 4, 1995, this Board voted unanimously not to continue use of Biggs A
as a home for County agencies, and voted almost unanimously to look seriously at what it would mean to
locate a building elsewhere. She said two options were going to be looked at: A site downtown, and a
site on land currently owned by the County by the current Biggs A and B buildings. She stated Thomas
Associates were hired on June 20, 1995, and were asked to reduce the nine sites that Sutton had
evaluated to three and then to one, and then to come up with a preliminary design of what a building
could look like. During that time negotiations were also held with the City on coming up with terms for a
Memorandum of Understanding that would be presented to this Board at the time of a vote, that would be
a guideline of expectations and assurances. Of the three finalist sites, the Elks/Eagles site was a very
tight space, without room for setback or landscaping, and would require a bridge of the Ithaca Journal
parking lot; the Woolworth 'site would take existing parking spaces, could severely disrupt Woolworth's
operations and create congestion, and has the complication of multiple owners. She said during this
presentation, the Board will look at the results of the Thomas Study, the Biggs alternative, and a
spreadsheet which will look at the comparative costs. She said she will share correspondence from the
Mayor about negotiations from the City, and will also open the floor for questions from Board members.
David Kukuck, Architect for Thomas Associates, said this has been an effort that has involved
not only a very large Committee, but also senior administrators and a large group of stakeholders. He
stated there have been two efforts, one has been a question of becoming familiar with the needs of the
County relative to any new facility, and to look at how those criteria, concerns and parameters could be
dealt with and incorporated into a site downtown. He said the process has been very constructive, and
Thomas Associates has been pleased to be a part of this. Mr. Kukuck stated discussions have taken
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October 17,1995
place and continue to take place on how offices can meet the needs of administering a department, how
they can help people work together, and how they can help different departments work together to
achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Mr. Kukuck stated a list of ten or twelve criteria were developed of which he listed and
explained some of them:
• Program and functionality - meeting the program needs, how do we fit in the Department
of Social Services, Probation, the Youth Bureau, the Credit Union, Central Services -
how to make all of these departments work together;
• Parking - a major concern in both places but also very different in both areas;
• Safety and security and the need to accomplish multiple entries into the building for
programmatic reasons;
• Image and neighborliness - He said there was real concern that it would be looked at as
the welfare building. The quality of how the building presented itself both to the public,
the City, the County, and the people working there came up again and again as an issue;
• Adaptability and expandability - the ability to allow individual depai tments to grow or
shrink and not require massive renovation; the ability to either compress the County's
needs for this facility and use part of the facility as lease space or another form so that it
does not go to waste, or to put together a building that would allow it to grow if that
became a need in the future;
• Environmental quality - this has a lot of different aspects, not only internal, but also
quality of the setting for the building itself.
He said in order to facilitate looking at the same kinds of parameters, a benchmark solution was
developed. This describes specifically, but broad enough to allow specific applications and terms, what
this building would be. He said originally they were charged with looking at four downtown sites and
helping the Committee generate enough information to make a decision on a preferred site. He said they
were intent through the process not to identify one site as "the site" but say that "this looks like the best
opportunity among the number of sites that were considered". Mr. Kuckuk said the site that was
ultimately settled on was the one bordered by North Plain and West State Streets, which is three blocks
West of the Commons and very much in the development corridor that the City sees wanting to take a
direction on in the next few years towards bringing together the Commons and the Inlet development
areas.
Mr. Kukuck stated a number of configurations of the site were looked at, and it became clear that
it was possible to accommodate the program on a much more limited site than the Committee had been
looking at, primarily the commercial parcels which front along West State Street. He said the way the
building is configured as a 64,000 sq. ft. building, consisting of four floors, which is within the zoning
envelope currently in place for that site, and a single story element at the corner. The program also calls
for 51 cars to be located on site, primarily agency and visitor parking, and also to look at the development
of some green and open space within the limits the site would allow. The program at this point would
include the Department of Social Services, Probation, the Youth Bureau, and Central Services. He said
the intent of the building is that the departments are essentially built as single large open floor spaces,
very much on a commercial office building model so that the interior partitioning that is readily flexible
and can be modified without a great deal of expense. Mr. Kukuck continued his presentation by
explaining the design configuration of the models presented. He said the building, as presented by the
drawing this evening is seen as a very basic building, it is not intended to be anything developed beyond
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the needs of the agencies that would be housed in it. He also stated that included in the options is the
County's option to take certain adjacent properties.
James Kazda, Tompkins County Senior Civil Engineer, gave a presentation on the model at the
Biggs site of the same Benchmark building that was just presented at the downtown site, and also
reviewed a spreadsheet. He said the property that was originally looked at at Biggs is a 26 acre parcel,
and when doing the original surveys, several areas were found that appeared to be wet, and they tried to
locate the building on what they think is dry land. He said there are 240 staff and County car parking
spots in the lot, there are 45 visitor spots in the front of the building. There is also the development of an
entrance drive as well as a storm water detention basin which was required to reduce the effect of run off
from the hard surfaces. The building is a three-story building, reduced in height to minimize the effect
on foundations. One of the large differences in building on the Hill and Downtown is the requirement for
the foundations. At this time Mr. Kazda reviewed the estimated costs for each alternative.
Ms. Mink distributed copies of two letters sent by City of Ithaca Mayor Benjamin Nichols, in
preparation for the Memorandum of Understanding she spoke of earlier. She said the City will be voting
before this Board on whether to commit to buying and paving over an at -grade lot that would be reserved
for County use, a block away from this preferred site downtown. This would give the County 70 spaces.
She said there are also 20 spaces available at the firehouse parking lot across the street from the preferred
site, as well as on-site spaces. The Planning and Engineering Departments have done surveys of the area
and a two block perimeter at various times throughout the day, and found that there are about 100 spaces
available. This would cover the parking needs of the County employees.
The floor was now turned over for questions from Board members. Mr. Proto said he would like
all Board members to be dealing with the same information as to what comprises the numbers that are
being presented, and he asked how the numbers are arrived at. He said as he calculated figures he did
not come up with the same figures on parking that have been presented. Mr. Kazda clarified what the
actual parking needs are, and how those needs are proposed to be met. He said there are 255 parking
spaces required which includes staff, visitors and County agency cars. At the preferred site downtown
there are 51 sites, 28 slots that are reduced because of incentives that would be proposed for incentives
for public transit, and there are some employees that live downtown and may walk or ride a bicycle to
work, there are 20 slots behind the firehouse, and 70 slots would be in the new lot. This leaves a need for
the County to find between 31 and 81 on -the -street parking spaces. He said the parking survey Ms.
Mink spoke of found 100 unmetered parking spaces available for the County to use. Mr. Proto said this
is the kind of detailed answers he is looking for. Ms. Mink said there is written backup information
available to answer Mr. Proto's questions.
Ms. Mink stated there will be similar presentations held for employees at Biggs A, and at least
two presentations to the community before making a recommendation to this Board. Mrs. Schuler asked
about the impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Hanson, Planning Commissioner, stated that a secondary
impact analysis was done that went beyond the two -block area by two more blocks, and sufficient space
was found. Mr. Meskill asked what the figure on the spreadsheet was based on in relation to the Biggs
land for $360,000 for 18 acres. Mr. Kazda stated the figure is based on the assessment of the land that is
currently with Biggs so it is an assessed value, not an appraised value. Mr. Meskill asked about the fiber
optics and asked what the specifics are, and if there is any County cost involved and how would the
County benefit from hooking up into that. He asked that the City's capital project be broken out
showing what they have proposed in their 1996 budget, and the additional capital, unless it is all in there,
for the parking lot improvement (block 14 vs. what they are proposing right now).
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Mr. Winch asked if the County would have a signed parking agreement concerning all parking
issues with the City of Ithaca prior to the Board voting to proceed. Ms. Mink said she intends to obtain
this. Mr. Winch also asked about the City's recent interest in payments in lieu of taxes recently. Ms.
Mink replied they are not interested. She stated that it was agreed early in their negotiations that this
issue would not come up. Mr. Winch asked for what period of time would this not come up.
Mr. Lerner stated the preferred downtown site is in his district, and one of his concerns was what
the impact of a massive multi -story office building on that block, and said his preliminary impression is
that this issue has been dealt with very thoughtfully. Ms. Mink said she found similar reactions at the
West End Business Association meetings.
Mr. Proto stated early on there were discussions about housing other human services agencies in
the same building as the County departments, and asked what became of this idea. Ms. Mink said there
were representatives from the Human Services Coalition Study group at many of the meeting; however,
that has fallen apart because of the lack of commitment by human services agencies. She has been told
that those agencies are looking at another space.
There was discussion on what the destiny plan would be of the current Biggs A building. She
said no matter where the offices move, the Biggs A building will have to be dealt with. Mr. Hanson
distributed a packet of information addressing this issue. Mr. Hanson said RFPs (Request for Proposals)
are expected in on October 31; he noted that no potential respondents came for the site tour on September
13. He said the Cornell University Real Estate Division, has recommended that the County pursue using
a high profile commercial real estate firm that has proven experience in this type of marketing.
The presentation was concluded at this time. Ms. Mink asked if any Board member has
questions, to forward them to her or staff in the next couple of weeks. She stated a recommendation,
along with a resolution, will be presented to the Board at the next Board meeting on November 9, 1995.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Authorization to Execute Contract - Personnel
Approval of Tompkins Cortland Community College Professional Administrators Association
Approval of Tompkins Cortland Community College Faculty Association
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions:
Urging the Governor to Suspend Moratorium on Regulations to Allow New York State
Approval to Purchase One Patrol Boat - Sheriff's Department
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairman permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolution with final committee action being affirmed:
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CA050 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report
Chairman Stein reminded the Board that he has been working on establishing meeting dates with
State Senators Kuhl and Seward and Assemblyman Luster. The following dates have tentatively been
set: November 9 at 4:00 p.m. to meet with Senator John R. Kuhl, Jr., and November 16 with
Assemblyman Martin Luster. At this time Senator Seward has not responded. Mr. Stein stated written
confirmation of these dates will be distributed to the Board as soon as this information is confirmed.
Mr. Stein reported a presentation on each of the following subjects has been requested for the
next Board meeting: Tompkins Cortland Community College Master Plan, the Internet, and on economic
development by Michael Stamm, President of Tompkins County Area Development. He noted the next
Board meeting is scheduled for November 7 which is Election Day, and asked if any member of the
Board wished to change this meeting date.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to add to the agenda a resolution entitled Amendment to Resolution No. 25 ] of
1994 - Establishing 1995 Meeting Dates.
RESOLUTION NO. 229 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 251 OF 1994 —
ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, That Resolution No. 251 of 1994 - Establishing 1995 Meeting Dates is hereby amended
to change the November 7, 1995, meeting to November 9, 1995, at 5:30 p.m. in Board Chambers.
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Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman reported the United Way Campaign in the County is underway and encouraged
everyone to give as much as possible. He stated the Governmental Affairs Committee authorized him to
attempt to sell the West Dryden Road home that was purchased through the Landfill Neighborhood
Protection program which has been used for approximately the last five years as an agency operated
foster home. He said there has been a decision to restructure the home program, and it does not include
free housing for the foster parents. He said at this time he is unsure how the revenue raised from the sale
of this home will be used. He announced Russ Oeschle of the Office of Court Administration will be
attending a meeting of the Facilities and Operations Committee on October 19 at 3 p.m. to discuss Court
security. He encouraged interested Board members to attend.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported on the Motor Vehicle Use Fee and its prolongment as a result of the
Governor's moratorium. He said he was informed by Representative Livesay that she found out through
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the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform that the moratorium expired on September 30. Mr. Theisen
said he spoke with the person who gave Mrs. Livesay this information and was told the Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles would be told it is okay to sign the agreement.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported on third quarter sales tax. He said the County is $80,000 below where it
was at this time last year, and the figures show there will be a shortfall in the budget line of about
$100,000 for 1995. He said if all goes well the County may receive the same amount it did last year in
sales tax ($18.3 million). Mr. Squires reported this has been a busy month for his office, as they have
been working on advertising parcels for unpaid taxes. He said 2,500 notices were sent out about unpaid
solid waste fees amounting to $300,000 (sixteen percent of the billing). He said he has serious concern
for this level of noncompliance. He said he will be issuing a third quarter report in the next few days.
He said he has no information at this time on prior period adjustments. Mr. Lerner said he would be
interested in seeing those figures when they come in. Mr. Proto asked if there are some people who may
have paid their property taxes and not the solid waste fee. Mr. Squires said he has no doubt that some of
the 800 unpaid parcels included some solid waste fees. Mrs. Livesay said once the solid waste fee is
relevied, you are not able to identify it as a solid waste fee.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met on October 10 and continued to discuss the
health insurance premiums. The survey prepared by Representatives Lerner and Blanchard on the way
Board meetings are conducted was also reviewed, and is being put into the form of a draft policy. She
stated the Committee also discussed some suggestions about the Board's appointment policies;
however, the Committee voted not to consider any of the changes at this time. She said any Board
member wishing to see a specific change in the appointment process should submit written policy
changes to the Committee. Mrs. Livesay stated the Committee wants to continue to talk with the towns
about a more expeditious way of collecting taxes and solid waste fees. The Subcommittee on revising
the Ethics Code prepared a report with suggested changes. The Committee heard a report from the
County Administrator on the real estate broker proposals. The next Committee meeting will be October
23 at 3 p.m. Mr. Lerner requested information concerning the appointment process on what the basis was
for the decision that the scope cannot be widened to appoint out -of -County residents to advisory boards.
RESOLUTION NO. 230 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE QUITCLAIM DEEDS - SALE
FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES AT PUBLIC AUCTION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, by tax foreclosure proceedings, the County acquired certain parcels in the County,
and
WHEREAS, said properties were sold at public auction on September 29, 1995, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That upon payment in full of the bid price, plus current taxes and filing fees, that
the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute quitclaim deeds for all parcels sold at
the public auction.
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RESOLUTION NO. 231 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONTRACT - PERSONNEL
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the County has decided to review the 1995/1996 renewal terms of the Blue Cross
Blue Shield Group Health Insurance Policy covering County employees and retirees including, but not
limited to, contract provisions, claims experience and cost, and
WHEREAS, such review shall be followed by a proposal for renewal terms to be considered by
Tompkins County in discussions with the carrier, and
WHEREAS, the County desires to maintain the best possible health insurance coverage at a
justifiable cost to both the County and employees/retirees, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the consultant
services for this project be provided by Martin S. Fennell, Health Benefits Consultant, at a cost not to
exceed $6,000 if the current carrier is retained or $7,500 if a change in carrier is implemented, said
project to commence immediately with anticipated completion not later than December 31, 1995.
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Further resolutions were acted on following executive session.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, thanked Representative Lane for his comments under privilege of the
floor concerning fire prevention week. Mr. Meskill reported the Jail population was 90 as of yesterday;
therefore, there are approximately two -dozen people being boarded out at this time. He said the Board
needs to be aware this is an ongoing issue that will confront this Board. He reported on a meeting to be
held on October 23 that will be looking at an education program as an alternative to incarceration through
B.O.C.E.S. which is specifically targeted at people 16-21 years old. The program tries to put them on a
day reporting program, keep them out of jail, and educate and counsel them so they do not return to Jail.
Mr. Meskill announced the meeting scheduled for October 12 was canceled, and a telephone poll vote
was conducted on Resolution No. 232. Mr. Proto requested a copy of the jail population report. Mr.
Meslull said he will provide Mr. Proto with a copy of this.
RESOLUTION NO. 232 - AUTHORIZING COMMITMENT OF 1996 FUNDS FOR SHERIFF
DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the 1996 recommended budget includes funding for the replacement of three (3)
road patrol vehicles, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance has been advised by the manufacturer of police package
vehicles that the build out date for 1996 vehicles is November 15, 1995, and orders must be placed by
this date, and
WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to order the 1996 vehicles in time to
meet the deadline of the manufacturer, and
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WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives to provide funding
for the replacement of three (3) vehicles at an approximate cost of $60,000 in the 1996 budget, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the Finance Director be
authorized to issue a manual purchase order secured by 1996 budgeted funds for the replacement of three
road patrol vehicles.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Economic Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met on October 11 and resolutions approved at that
meeting are reflected on the agenda. The Committee began discussion on libraries and will be taking a
field trip to public libraries in Tompkins County. Mrs. Schuler announced there will be a Vendor Fair
for RFPs for the GIS (Geographic Information System) on December 11. There will also be a land policy
meeting on October 19 at 11 a.m. and it is her hope that all members of the Committee will attend. Mrs.
Schuler made the following announcements: On October 22 the Dewitt Historical Society will hold an
old fashioned auction; on November 2 Shared Living Residences for Seniors will be held at Cooperative
Extension and there will be a brown bag seminar on October 18 at noon at the Sciencenter on the HUD
Small Cities Development Block Grant program. She said if weather permits, there may be a walking
tour of the projects in the Northeast triangle.
RESOLUTION NO. 233 - APPOINTMENT OF TOMPKINS COUNTY SMALL CITIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has received funds through the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program for
economic development, and is eligible for additional funds through this program, and
WHEREAS, there is a need to have an Oversight Committee to evaluate projects and develop
program parameters, which is consistent with all other County Small Cities programs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That a Small Cities Economic Development Oversight Committee be impaneled, with the
following members of their designees:
Chair, Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
President, Tompkins County Area Development
Commissioner, Tompkins County Planning Department
Representative, Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council
Representative of appropriate project jurisdiction (non-voting)
RESOLVED, further, That the Oversight Committee shall meet as needed,
RESOLVED, further, That the Oversight Committee shall serve until grant funds are fiully
expended.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
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October 17,1995
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet tomorrow and Board members will
have an opportunity to ask questions of Russ Oeschle of the Office of Court Administration concerning
security in the Courthouse. Mr. Winch stated there has been a lot of interest in having some directory
signs for the Recycling and Solid Waste Center, and said signs are going to be placed on Route 13.
Chairman Stein said he just learned these signs will be in place on Thursday. He reported there are
renovations underway on accessibility and repair of the old Courthouse. He said basically they are trying
to preserve the envelope of the building. Mr. Winch reported on Brown Road at the Airport and the
widening of the road to four lanes. He said work is moving along well and stated there will be a traffic
signal at the intersection of Brown and Warren Roads.
RESOLUTION NO. 234 - CANCELLATION OF TAXES (TOWN OF ENFIELD)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Meskill, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that the Town of Enfield acquired ownership of Parcel 11-2-
8.12, also know as Shudaben Road, prior to the levy of 1995 Town and County taxes, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That in
accordance with Section 558 of the Real Property Tax Law, that the unpaid taxes be canceled,
RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $256.18 is charged back: $160.20 to the Ithaca City
School District; $79.49 to the Town of Enfield; and $16.49 to the County of Tompkins.
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RESOLUTION NO. 235 - CANCELLATION OF TAXES (NEW YORK STATE
APPROPRIATIONS)
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, this Board is informed that the State of New York appropriated the following
parcels or portion of parcels prior to the levy of 1995 County taxes:
Municipality Parcel Number
City of Ithaca 43-2-7.2
43-2-8
43-2-9.1
43-2-9.2
52-3-5.2
59-8-1
72-1-1.2
73-5-2.2
73-5-3
Danby 1-1-3
Enfield 16-2-2.12
Town of Ithaca 35-1-24
, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That in
accordance with Section 558 of Real Property Tax Law, the unpaid taxes be canceled on these parcels,
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RESOLVED, further, That the amount of $5925.90 be charged back: $5,530.92 to the County of
Tompkins; $200.52 to the Town of Danby; $2.32 to the Town of Enfield; and $192.14 to the Town of
Ithaca.
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RESOLUTION NO. - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE
CENTER - NEW ENGLAND CRINC.
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd. Mr. Lerner stated during the early stages
of finalizing this project there was a lot of discussion concerning who would be paying what share of the
additional costs as a result of the recalculation of the foundation cost. Mr. Winch stated he was assured
at the Committee meeting that all outstanding issues were satisfied. Mr. Meskill stated the way he reads
the resolution is that the County is paying $121,000 for the upgraded foundation. Mr. Heyman said the
figure did not increase the County's net cost of the project. Mr. Lerner requested further information on
all costs associated with the foundation.
Mr. Proto asked if the $307,234.05 is part of the service agreement of $5,646,439. Mr. Heyman
stated it is. Mr. Proto requested that now that the final payments are being made, that the Board receive
a breakdown of costs for the entire project.
Chairman Stein asked Mr. Todd to have the Solid Waste Manager prepare a response to the
issues that have been asked. Mr. Todd said he would do this.
Mr. Winch suggested postponing action on this resolution until the questions that have been
asked are answered. The Mover and Seconder of this resolution withdrew their motion. Chairman Stein
granted Mr. Winch permission to withdraw this resolution from the agenda.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on October 13 and reviewed Capital
projects: an overlay project, car wash rental bay, and an Airport grant. The Committee also discussed
proposed TOMTRAN fare increases for 1996; this would be the first time fares have been increased
since 1989. Mrs. Schuler said the proposed increase is directly related to a reduction in federal grants
amounting to $50,000. She circulated a map that corresponds with the following resolution on the
agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 236 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) TO
ACQUIRE LAND FOR THE TERMINAL AREA IN FEE SIMPLE
TITLE (AGWAY PARCEL OF APPROXIMATELY 3 ACRES) -
TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto. Mr. Meskill noted for the record that this
parcel, along with some adjoining land, may need to be considered in the future for public safety use. He
said there may be some usefulness of this parcel in the future and would like to have the County able to
purchase it back in the future if it is needed.
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October 17,1995
Ms. Kiefer asked when the cost to the County will be ascertained and also asked who performed
the environmental review and how the environmental reviewed was performed. There were no available
answers to these questions.
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to postpone this resolution to the
November 9 Board meeting. A voice vote on postponing the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 2
(Representatives Evans and Kiefer), Noes - 11 (Representatives Blanchard, Joseph, Lerner, Livesay,
Meskill, Mink, Proto, Schuler, Stein, Todd and Winch), Excused - 2 (Representatives Blanchard and
Totman). MOTION FAILED.
THE QUESTION WAS CALLED.
A voice vote on the resolution with the understanding that Mrs. Schuler will provide Ms. Kiefer
with the information needed to answer her questions raised above resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes —
0, Excused - 2 (Representatives Blanchard and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the County has received a grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) in the amount of $154,350 towards the cost of purchasing a parcel of land for future development
at the airport, and
WHEREAS, the funding of the purchase and associated appraisals, investigations, etc., is as
follows:
FAA Share (90%) Account No. 5610.4592 $154,350
NYSDOT Share ( 5%) Account No. 5610.3592 $ 8,575
Local Share (PFC's) ( 5%) Account No. 5610.5031 $ 8,575
Total Account No. 5610.9239 $171,500
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the FAA grant
offer in the amount of $154,350 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is
authorized to execute the required documents.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met October 12 and resolutions acted on that
meeting are reflected on the agenda. The next meeting will be November 9 at 9:30 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 237 - ACCEPT LEGISLATIVE GRANT TO SUPPORT TOMPKINS
COUNTY AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL PROGRAM
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has participated in the Aquatic Vegetation Control Program as
one of 18 counties in the Finger Lakes Region over the past eight years, and
WHEREAS, the program has been successful in Tompkins County in demonstrating a number of
relationships important to developing a program for managing weed growth in Cayuga Lake, one of
which is the discovery of a possible biological control, and
WHEREAS, the Legislature in recognition of this work, has awarded the County an additional
$25,000 in support of this work, now therefore be it
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October 17,1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That
these grant monies be accepted in support of the County's aquatic vegetation control program.
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RESOLUTION NO. 238 - CONTRACT WITH CORNELL CENTER FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT TO DRAFT A PLAN OF WORK TO QUALIFY
FOR FUNDING UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS
MITIGATING SOIL EROSION IN THE SIX MILE CREEK
WATERSHED
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the County Water Quality Steering Committee applied for and received two
Legislative grants of $15,000 each to install a stream gage station, conduct a stream and tributary
inventory of problem areas and draft a work plan to mitigate problems associated with soil and property
losses upstream and sedimentation impacts on the City's water supply, and
WHEREAS, the stream gage station has been installed and is operating as a joint agreement
between the City, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Town of Dryden, and
WHEREAS, the County Soil and Water Conservation District has completed a survey of
streambanks in the Six -Mile Creek Watershed, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University has provided additional information on the history of the
watershed and its problems and through the Center for the Environment has agreed to coordinate the
development of this work plan, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
County Administrator be authorized to execute an agreement with the Center for the Environment for an
amount not to exceed $15,000 and that the amount be charged to Account No. 8024.4400.
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RESOLUTION NO. 239 - OPPOSITION TO S.5414 -A (TOBACCO INDUSTRY'S
LEGISLATION TO ELIMINATE LOCAL TOBACCO USE RULES
AND REGULATIONS) AND IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL
A.7733 (THE HEALTHY CHILDREN ACT - EDUCATION TO
CHILDREN ON THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO USE)
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12,
Noes - 1 (Representative Proto), Excused - 2 (Representatives Blanchard and Totman). RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, for the first time in over 20 years the rate of tobacco use among New York's
children is on the rise, and
WHEREAS, Laws to prohibit youth access to tobacco products are best enforced at the local
level by local governments, and
WHEREAS, Local governments should have the flexibility to improve state laws in their efforts
to limit children's access to tobacco products, and
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October 17,1995
WHEREAS, New York State Senate Rules Bill 5414-A, is intended to repeal the rights of
localities - any political subdivision other than the State - to enact regulations regarding the sale,
distribution, use, display, advertisement, or promotion of tobacco and tobacco products, and
WHEREAS, if passed, S.5414 -A calls for the revocation of all local laws and regulations that
concern the sale, distribution, use, display, advertisement, or promotion of tobacco products currently on
the books, and
WHEREAS, New York Assembly Bill 7733 calls for the enhancement of local enforcement of
limits on children's access to tobacco products and proposes additional funding of public health efforts to
educate children of the dangers of tobacco use, and
WHEREAS, considering that over 30,000 New Yorkers die from smoking-related illness and that
75,000 children begin tobacco use each year it does not seem wise to take the power away from county
health departments as proposed in Senate Bill 5414-A, and
WHEREAS, considering that local health officials need additional resources to better enforce
local tobacco restriction laws it does seem wise to allow localities the option of licensing retailers who
sell tobacco products and use the licensing fees for local use, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Environmental Quality Committee, That the
Board of Health and Board of Representatives do hereby request that the New York State Senate Rules
Committee rethink bill 5414-A and its proposal to limit localities rights and the rights of New York State
residents to breathe clean air,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Board of Health and Board of Representatives
do hereby request that the New York State Senate and Assembly instead support Assembly Bill 7733, the
Healthy Children Act, which enhances localities ability to protect the public's health, in particular the
health of its children,
RESOLVED, further, That a certified copy of this resolution be sent to the New York S tate
Assembly and Senate delegation representing Tompkins County, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno,
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, the New York State Department of Health and the Coalition for a
Healthy New York.
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Report and Appointment from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report.
Mr. Meskill was excused at 7:55 p.m.
Appointment
It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to appoint Marion Kossack to the Human Rights Commission for a term
expiring December 31, 1997.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee met on October 3 and 6 and voted to recommend
a 1996 budget. Mr. Lerner announced the meeting scheduled for October 24 has been canceled, and the
date for the public hearing on the proposed budget has been set for November 14 at 7 p.m. in the Board
Room.
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October 17,1995
RESOLUTION NO. 240 - SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 1996 TOMPKINS
COUNTY BUDGET AND ON THE 1996-2000 TOMPKINS COUNTY
CAPITAL PROGRAM
MOVED by Mr. Lerner, seconded by Ms. Mink, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That a public
hearing be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County
Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, November 14, 1995, at 7:00 o'clock
in the evening thereof concerning the review of the 1996 Tompkins County Budget and on the 1996-2000
Tompkins County Capital Program. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter
will be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the next regular meeting will be held on October 23 at 9 a.m. The
Committee will meet jointly with the Rural Affairs Committee to discuss a microenterprise report that
Cooperative Extension worked on over the summer, and to also hear a report by Tom Niederkorn on
infrastructure capabilities and possibilities in Tompkins County. The Committee will stay after and
conduct regular business. She announced the economic development brainstorming session meeting
scheduled for October 18 has been canceled as a result of a poor attendance response. She said she will
copy the material prepared for that meeting for all Board members.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported he will make sure staff prepares information to answer questions
that were raised this evening. Mr. Todd stated the Solid Waste Annual Fee bills that were mailed
contained a computation error. A corrected letter will be mailed in ten days or less. He stated at the
next meting there will be a staff recommendation and cost projections on moving ahead with the
household hazardous waste facility adjacent to the Recycling and Solid Waste Center. Mr. Todd stated a
summary of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center activities from April through September has been
distributed to Board members. He noted the figures are well above budget for both periods. On the
reverse side of that paper is a printout of the selling price per ton of every commodity sold from the
Facility.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week with Scott Heyman, County
Administrator, and will meet again on October 24 at 3:15.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, had no report.
Report from the Leadership Council
312
October 17,1995
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Buildings and Grounds Division have organized themselves into
teams and have already shown extremely positive results on incorporating quality improvement in
everyday work settings. She said it is very gratifying to see that it really does work and is being
accepted. She said a Board retreat for the end of the year will be scheduled once the budget is adopted.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported there will be a meeting October 18 at 9 a.m. The Committee
will be discussing the next newsletter.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on October 23. The Committee will
hold a regular meeting at 8:15 a.m. and will adjourn at 9 a.m. to meet jointly with the Economic
Development Committee. He expects a report to be presented to the Board before the end of the year.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lerner, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote by members present, to enter into executive session at 8:13 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations and
a personnel item. Time did not permit discussion on the personnel item. The meeting returned to open
session at 8:50 p.m.
Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 241 - APPROVAL OF TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY
COLLEGE PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION
AGREEMENT
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the contractual agreement between Tompkins Cortland Community College and the
Professional Administrators Association expired August 31, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the College negotiating committee, comprised of representatives of the College
administration and the sponsoring counties, met in collective bargaining with representatives of the
Professional Administrators Association beginning in the Spring of 1995, and
WHEREAS, the negotiating teams reached agreement, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Cortland Community College accepts the report
of the negotiating teams and recommends the proposed agreement to Cortland and Tompkins County
legislative bodies for their approval, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives hereby approves the above
said agreement.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 242 - APPROVAL OF TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY
COLLEGE FACULTY AGREEMENT
313
October 17,1995
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, the contractual agreement between Tompkins Cortland Community College and the
Tompkins Cortland Community College Faculty Association expired August 31, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the College negotiating committee, comprised of representatives of the College
administration and the sponsoring counties, met in collective bargaining with representatives of the
Tompkins Cortland Community College Faculty Association beginning in the Spring of 1995, and
WHEREAS, the negotiating teams reached agreement, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Cortland Community College accepts the report
of the negotiating teams and recommends the proposed agreement to Cortland and Tompkins County
legislative bodies for their approval, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives hereby approves the above
said agreement.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
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November 9, 1995
Regular Meeting
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 13 Representatives; Excused: 2 (Representative Lerner arrived at 5:47 p.m. and
Chairman Stein arrived at 5:52 p.m.).
Approval of Minutes of October 17, 1995
It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to approve the minutes of October 17, 1995, with the corrections submitted by
Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED.
Presentation of Proclamation
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, presented a proclamation commemorating the 50th
Anniversary of the ending of World War II to the following individuals:
Chet Freeman, representing the United States Army Air Corps
Dusty Bredbenner, representing the United States Army
Florence Finch representing the United States Coast Guard
Leo Maleski, representing the United States Marine Corps
Gilbert Andrews, representing the United States Navy
Peter Kilhea, representing Veterans Affairs office
Floyd Davis, representing the United States Merchant Marines
Elaine Lazar, representing the United States Navy
Calvin Criss, representing the Veterans Day Committee, thanked the Board and community for
its support and said arrangements have been made for state and national proclamations to be included in
their program for their ceremony to be held on November 11.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Lance Barr, 114 Auburn Street, spoke concerning Representative Winch's editorial in the
November 8, 1995 Ithaca Journal, and the proposed move of the Department of Social Services to
downtown Ithaca. Mr. Barr stated he has been a resident of the City of Ithaca for 25 years, noted various
businesses that have left downtown, and said the growth in the City of Ithaca has been restaurants and
retail stores. He said up on the hill is pristine, picked up; downtown is like the ghetto. He said after
looking at the proposal prepared by the Architect, he feels a four-story office building would impose
dramatically on the neighborhood. He feels there is another site one block to the east of the proposed site
that would accommodate a Social Services building.
Representative Lerner arrived at 5:47 p.m.
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November 9, 1995
Ralph Jones, 607 Warren Place, and West State Street businessman, spoke concerning the
proposed move of the Department of Social Services to downtown Ithaca. He read from a letter he wrote
to Representative Mink, Chair of the Human Services Space Planning Committee, in which he states he
is opposed to the proposed site and asked that the Board consider an alternative site. Mr. Jones said he
feels there needs to be more community involvement in this decision making, and suggested the Board
adopt a formal procedure to do this. He feels a project that will have such a large impact should be given
great consideration.
Chairman Stein arrived at 5:52 p.m.
Marge Dill, Lansing resident, and Executive Director of the Human Services Coalition, spoke
concerning moving the Depai tinent of Social Services to downtown Ithaca and thanked staff from various
agencies for paying attention to something that is so important to the community. Ms. Dill also spoke to
the accessibility of services to the people the services are meant to serve. She feels this is important and
should be kept in mind.
Yvonne Bartlett, Interlaken resident, and Department of Social Services employee, quoted from
Representative Winch's editorial in the November 8, 1995 Ithaca Journal. She said it has been almost
three years since she filed a worker's compensation claim because of multiple chemical sensitivity. She
asked the Board to stop controverting the seven worker's compensation cases that are still pending,
specifically asking Representative Lane, who is an attorney, to help get the cases uncontroverted. She
also said she opposes the cost the County is paying for an attorney to fight the worker's compensation
cases. She said she feels the County needs a new building for the Department of Social Services, and
asked that the Board acknowledge that Biggs A is the cause of her problems.
Mel Bartlett, Interlaken resident, and husband of Yvonne Bartlett who is a Depai tinent of Social
Services employee, spoke of the hardship placed on him and his family because of his wife's illness. Mr.
Bartlett said he does not understand why it would cost more to renovate the Biggs A building than it
would be to build a new building.
Barbara Mahoney, Hayts Road, and Department of Social Services employee, stated she
attempted to work in the Biggs building two times after attempts were made to improve air quality. She
said she is now being terminated from her employment at the Department of Social Services because she
has not been able to work in the building. She read from paperwork that she received which outlined the
criteria for her being able to return to work, and said she feels the criteria are unreasonable. She said that
she is now being terminated and will no longer be covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance.
Nancy Zahler, Director of the Tompkins County Youth Bureau, and the Director of a County
Department that would be in the proposed downtown human services building, said she and her staff
prefer to be located at a downtown site for several client related reasons, including the majority of the
Department's client base lives downtown. She feels with proper planning the building would be a
positive move for Tompkins County.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Charles Evans, District No. 13 Representative, spoke concerning Wal-Mart. Mr. Evans,
Chairman of the Special Committee on Wal-Mart, stated he recently met with Jonathan Wood, Assistant
County Attorney; Katie White, Environmental Management Coordinator; and James Hanson, Planning
Commissioner, and felt it would be appropriate to summarize that meeting. He said last July the County
316
November 9, 1995
was advised by the Committee to wait until the City issues a findings statement before the County invests
significant resources in conducting its own. He said the City recently received a final environmental
impact statement and issued the Findings Statement, and thereafter denied Wal -Mart's pennit
application, finding the site plan unacceptable. As Wal -Mart's option with the County is expressly
contingent upon the approval of the site plan by the City, Wal-Mart has not exercised its option and may
never be in a position to do so. With regard to the Wal-Mart project, the County would be required to
make a findings statement before making a final decision to approve or deny an action. The only action
for the County is to deny or approve the selling of the land to Wal-Mart. However, as Wal-Mart has not
exercised its option, the County is not called upon to approve or deny any action and is not now required
to make any findings statement. He commented the County did look at the Findings Statement of the
City and were Wal-Mart to meet the model requirements that were placed in there, he does not feel that
there would be a problem with the project.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, stated the Special Committee on Wal -mart received
and considered recommendations from County staff who had gone through the City's FEIS
(Environmental Impact Statement), and their collective analysis indicated that the one site plan that the
applicant had proposed would not address what were the County's four or five concerns. She feels it
would have been appropriate for the Committee at that point to recommend to the City's Planning and
Development Board that it not approve that particular site plan, but since the City's Board had met prior
to the meeting of the County Committee, there was no point in making that recommendation. She said
the County staff who analyzed the City's FEIS looked at the model site plan that the City's Board
developed and included sufficient mitigation, and felt the County's concerns would be met if the model
plan was the one that was adopted.
Mr. Totman, District No. 9 Representative, spoke concerning the proposal to move the
Department of Social Services to downtown Ithaca, and said he agrees and commends the comments
made by Mr. Winch in his November 8, 1995 Editorial in the Ithaca Journal.
Ms. Mink, District No. 5 Representative, and Chair of the Human Services Space Planning
Committee, stated it is her intention to withdraw the resolution from the agenda entitled Designating a
Site for Design and Construction of a Human Services Office Building. She said this Board adopted two
resolutions this year based on analyzing very detailed spreadsheets about both immediate and long-term
costs. She said that even if the County made minimal or substantial renovations to the Biggs complex,
that over the years it would be phenomenally expensive to maintain. The decision to not invest long-
term money for a long-term future for County agencies was made primarily for financial reasons, and
said she understands why some people speaking this evening are relating their situation to that decision,
but reminded the Board the reason for doing this was to really look seriously at how taxpayer dollars are
being spent. It was found that over 25 years it would cost millions of dollars more to maintain a
renovated Biggs complex than to build a new building. She feels the issue is not whether to build a new
building, but where to build a new building.
She feels the Committee has accomplished what it was charged to do, and has looked into issues
such as dealing with the City of Ithaca, parking, costs and availability, and the issue of security. She also
outlined the contents of a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Ithaca. She said that based on
meetings with the community, staff, and Board members, the Committee has agreed not to ask for a vote
this evening and to answer some of the questions that have been raised, as well as look further into three
specific issues: one of the other preferred sites (Elks/Eagles site), providing more parking at the State
Street Site, and also to look at a site across the street from the preferred site.
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November 9, 1995
Ms. Mink requested an executive session to discuss negotiations.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, and an Attorney by profession, referred to Mrs.
Bartlett's comments under privilege of the floor by the public, and said he serves as a Member of this
Board, and would not interject himself as a lawyer in legal County matters as the County retains its own
attorney for legal purposes.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, spoke concerning the proposal to move the Department
of Social Services to downtown Ithaca. He stated he has been reviewing information on the proposal and
said he has several questions that need to be answered. He thanked Representative Mink for postponing
action on this proposal.
Mr. Meskill, District No. 15 Representative, stated he will be taking his firetruck for its last ride
of the year in the Veterans Day Parade and invited any interested Board member to ride along.
Presentation on the Internet
Dean Eckstrom, Information Services Director, stated at the request of the Electronic Future
Committee, he is present at this meeting to give the Board a presentation on the Internet - what it is about
and why the County is involved.
He stated to facilitate E -Mail access is the foremost reason why the County is connected to the
Internet. He explained the World Wide Web, and stated it integrates text, graphics, animation, and
sound. It's easy to use and easy to find things. It allows seamless cross -connection of information no
matter where it is located. Its introduction in 1992 spawned with the explosive growth to the Internet.
Why use the Web? The Web allows access to County information in a way that almost anyone
can use without prior training. There is an inherently low cost, Web documents can easily be created,
and sophisticated applications can also be built.
Mr. Eckstrom gave the Board a demonstration on sites that are located on the World Wide Web
and how using the Internet can benefit the County. He reported on the status of Internet services in
Tompkins County, and stated the computer in the Board Room and at the Public Library has access to the
Internet and Board members are welcome to take a drive. He concluded his presentation by answering
questions raised by members of the Board.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions:
Authorization to Hold Public Hearing for Amendment to Approved 1995 HUD Small Cities
Program
Authorizing an Agreement with C&S Engineers, Inc. for Services in Connection with
Designating a Site for Design and Construction of a Human Services Office Building
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolutions to be added.
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November 9, 1995
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA051-95 - Approval of Short -Term Lease (Hertz) - Old Terminal Building - Tompkins
County Airport
CA052-95 - Approval of Short -Term Lease (Avis) - Old Terminal Building - Tompkins
County Airport
CA053-95 - Approval of Short -Term Lease (Claritas) - Old Terminal Building - Tompkins
County Airport
CA054-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein thanked Board members for meeting with Senators Kuhl and Seward
immediately before this meeting. After Board members left several department heads met with the
Senators and relayed several concerns they have. Mr. Stein said those items that need further attention
should be pulled together so that correspondence can be transmitted to them as the Senators have agreed
to follow-up on concerns that were raised at this meeting. A meeting with Assemblyman Martin Luster
has been scheduled for November 16 at 4 p.m. for the same purpose.
Mr. Stein reported the Search Committee for a Human Rights Director will meet next week to
begin this process. The members of the Committee are Chairman Stein; Mr. Joseph, Chairman of the
Human Services Committee; Anita Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner; and Joyce Muchan and Robert
Skates who are members of the Human Rights Commission.
Mr. Stein asked that Board members take note of the Report placed on members' desks from the
Assessment Department. He recognized the 25th anniversary of this County Department and
complimented the staff for doing a fine job.
Appointments
Chairman Stein appointed the following members to the Library Feasibility Study:
James Kazda, Senior Civil Engineer
Janet Steiner, Public Library Director
Chair of the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee or Designee
Chair of the Facilities and Operations Committee or Designee
Chair of the Library Board of Trustees or Designee
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Heyman also offered the Assessment Department congratulations on their 25th anniversary.
He welcomed back Judy Tynyk who has been out ill for two months, and wished Theda Zimrot, Human
Rights Commissioner, well in her retirement. Mr. Heyman also reported on a recent visit to the Dewitt
Historical Society.
Report from the County Attorney
319
November 9, 1995
Mr. Theisen had no report.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires had no report.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Meskill, Chairman, reported the Committee met today, and resolutions will be reflected on
the next agenda. There will be resolutions coming forward that deal with the board -out situation at the
jail and another to purchase a patrol boat. Mr. Meskill reported there are currently 24 to 26 prisoners
being boarded out. He stated in 1996 the Committee will be discussing the board -out situation and how
to alleviate its impact on the County. He also reported that due to an automobile accident, the Jail
Administrator is expected to be out of work until the first of the year.
Report from the Planning, Community Development and Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met yesterday and resolutions are reflected on the
agenda. She reported the Committee discussed the consultant services for the County's GIS (Geographic
Information System), and decided which consultant to go with. She announced on December 11 at 2 p.m.
there will be an informational meeting regarding the GIS conversion of the County Clerk's office records
which Bar Association members have been invited to, as they will be the primary users of that. The
Committee also had discussion and a resolution on the renewal of the license agreement with NYSEG.
Mrs. Schuler reported the tour of the libraries that was planned did not work out, and the Committee has
now decided to tour the Ulysses and Newfield libraries on November 20 at 5 p.m., and all members of
the Board are welcome. She announced the Tompkins County Planning Federation will meet November
14 at 7:30 p.m. She reported Tracy Smith, Circuit Rider for the Planning Department, will be leaving her
position in the Planning Department. Mrs. Schuler commended her for her work, and said she will be
missed. She stated prior to this Board meeting she attended a long-range meeting for the Airport and will
keep the Board updated on this.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported a special meeting was held concerning security for the Main
Courthouse. He said it is the Committee's intention to open the main entrance to the Courthouse and
have full court security in the building, and said the entrance on the south end of the building will be
open and will be staffed by a security guard. The staff will be paid for by the Office of Court
Administration; however, there will be minor equipment costs to the County. He reported on the Brown
Road project, and stated the traffic light has been installed and the road will soon open. Mr. Winch
apologized to Board members and the public for parking problems as a result of renovations to the Old
Courthouse.
RESOLUTION NO. 243 - RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE CENTER APPROVAL OF
CHANGE ORDERS
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes
- 12, Noes - 3 (Representatives Proto, Meskill and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, work on the Recycling and Solid Waste Center is now complete, and
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November 9, 1995
WHEREAS, CRInc., performed work which was not part of the scope contained within the
Service Agreement and not covered by the $5,646,439 fixed construction price, and
WHEREAS, the County budget of $350,000 for miscellaneous project expenses, staff services,
consulting and project support activities is projected to have an end of project balance of $206,000, and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Committee reviewed CRInc.'s claim for $98,000 against the project
and recommended payment of $73,015, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the County
Administrator be directed to execute Change Order 1 with New England CRInc., in the amount of
$48,847 and Change Order 2, with New England CRInc., in the amount of $73,015.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 244 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE
CENTER - NEW ENGLAND CRINC.
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes -
14, Noes - 1 (Representative Proto). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of
Representatives:
Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount
New England CRInc. 14 (Final) HH8167.9263 $307,234.05
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay
said claim from Account No. H118167.9263.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 245 - ESTABLISHING COUNTY EQUALIZATION RATES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article III, Section 4.05, Subdivision (d) of the Tompkins County
Charter and Code, the Director of Assessment has submitted and recommended the adoption of
equalization rates for all towns in Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca for the assessment rolls filed
in 1996, and for the apportionment of County taxes levied in 1996, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the
following equalization rates be and hereby are adopted:
AGGREGATE ASSESSED AGGREGATE FULL
VALUATION OF TAXABLE COUNTY VALUATION OF TAXABLE
REAL PROPERTY FOR EQUALIZATION REAL PROPERTY FOR
TOWN COUNTY PURPOSES RATE COUNTY PURPOSES
Caroline $ 91,642,602 100.00 $ 91,642,602
Danby 112,109,689 100.00 112,109,689
Dryden 494,933,663 100.00 494,933,663
Enfield 92,073,536 100.00 92,073,536
Groton 132,384,962 100.00 132,384,962
Ithaca/Town 715,839,628 100.00 715,839,628
Lansing 657,095,609 100.00 657,095,609
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November 9, 1995
Newfield 143,494,423 100.00 143,494,423
Ulysses 217,562,972 100.00 217,562,972
Ithaca/City 846,364,128 100.00 846,364,128
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 246 - RETURNED VILLAGE TAXES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Director
of Assessment of the County be and hereby is authorized and directed to add to the respective 1996 tax
rolls the amount of the uncollected village taxes returned by the collectors of the various villages to the
County Administrator and remaining unpaid and that have not been heretofore relevied on town tax rolls,
and that said returned village taxes be reassessed and relevied on town tax rolls as they are returned and
that said returned village taxes be reassessed and relevied upon the lots and parcels so returned with 12.0
percent annual interest in addition thereto.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 247- RETURNED SCHOOL TAXES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mrs. Livesay, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Director
of Assessment of the County be and hereby is authorized and directed to add to the respective 1996 tax
rolls the amount of the uncollected school taxes returned by the collectors of the various districts,
exclusive of the City of Ithaca School District, to the County Administrator and remaining unpaid and
that have not been heretofore relevied on town tax rolls and that said returned school taxes be reassessed
and relevied on town tax rolls as they are returned, and that said school taxes returned in 1995 be
reassessed and relevied upon the lots and parcels so returned with 12.0 percent annual interest in addition
thereto.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 248 - ADOPTION OF APPORTIONMENT OF TAXES
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the report of
the Facilities and Operations Committee be accepted and adopted and that valuation of real property and
franchise for the purposes of general and highway tax levied against the several tax districts of the
County be equalized at full value and determined as therein set forth as the basis for the apportionment
for such general and highway tax levies for the year 1996,
RESOLVED, further, That several amounts therein listed for State tax, County tax for general
county purposes, and County highway tax for 1996 against the several towns of the County and City of
Ithaca be assessed against, levied upon and collected from taxable property of the several towns and City
liable therefore.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
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November 9, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 249 - ADOPTION OF REGULAR AND SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTS OF
FOOTINGS OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the regular
and supplemental report of the footing of assessment rolls be accepted and the figures therein be used as
a basis for the taxation in the several tax districts of the County for the year 1996.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOOTINGS (Totals)
OF ASSESSMENT ROLLS
1995
TOTAL REAL ONLY
REAL PROPERTY
EXCLUSIVE OF ALL
TOTAL
AND FRANCHISE
PENSION
VILLAGES AND
EXEMPTIONS -INC.
FRANCHISE
SUBJECT TO GEN
EXEMPTIONS
TOWNS
PUBLIC SERVICE
& H -WAY TAX
(Roll Sec 1 & 6
TotAss-CoTax)
(RS 1 + 6 + 7)
(RS 5)
(Col B + Col C)
(B - (Footings _
Col 9 or 10 - C))
DRYDEN-Dryden Village
61,540,496
1,542,560
63,083,056
1,331,004
Freeville Village
12,930,655
580,381
13,511,036
1,362,375
TOTAL -Inside Villages
74,471,151
2,122,941
76,594,092
2,693,379
Outside Villages
492,734,036
7,780,933
500,514,969
12,689,394
TOTAL-TOWNWIDE
567,205,187
9,903,874
577,109,061
15,382,773
GROTON-Groton village
47,740,510
737,673
48,478,183
1,702,390
Outside Village
81,950,132
2,041,925
83,992,057
4,616,068
TOTAL- TOWNWIDE
129,690,642
2,779,598
132,470,240
6,318,458
ITHACA-Cayuga Heights
217,037,065
3,814,463
220,851,528
1,719,535
Outside Village
704,479,052
11,498,329
715,977,381
26,530,120
TOTAL-TOWNWIDE
921,516,117
15,312,792
936,828,909
28,249,655
LANSING -Lansing Village
258,384,008
2,177,532
260,561,540
4,208,593
Outside Village
657,200,021
6,882,430
664,082,451
123,346,945
TOTAL-TOWNWIDE
915,584,029
9,059,962
924,643,991
127,555,538
ULYSSES-Trumansburg
52,856,255
1,187,475
54,043,730
976,545
Outside Village
214,808,542
2,857,095
217,665,637
6,876,758
TOTAL- TOWNWIDE
267,664,797
4,044,570
271,709,367
7,853,303
323
Report of Committee on footings (Totals) of Assessment Rolls
Prepared in 1995
To the Tompkins County Board of Representatives Your committee reports that it has accepted the footings (Totals) of the Assessment
Rolls referred to it, as made by the Assessor of Tompkins
Col .9
+8
Col 7+11
1 2 3 4 5 6
5661 `6 iagU1OAO
L.,.,, y•v• V 7
—. ,_
10
11
12
TAX DISTRICT
ACRES
ACRES
FULL VALUE OF
FULL VALUE OF
PENSION AND
SPECIAL
FRANCHISE
(RS - 5)
PROPERTY OF
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORP
(RS 6 + RS 7)
TOTAL REAL AND
FRANCHISE
SUBJECT TO
SPECIAL DISTRICT
CHARGES
REAL PROPERTY
AND FRANCHISE
SUBJECT TO
GENERAL AND
HIGHWAY TAXES
PROPERTY
WITHIN INCORP
VILLAGES FOR
GENERAL LAND
HIGHWAY TAXES
PROPERTY OUTSIDE
INCORP VILLAGES
FOR GENERAL AND
HIGHWAY TAXES
WHOLLY EXEMPT
GRAND TOTAL OF
ROLL
LAND
REAL PROPERTY
EXCLUSIVE OF
)NCLUDING
PARTIAL
_ I • , -
= 1 •1 R..
EXEMPTION
1 Grand Total
Sec. 1 Grand
fRS18.6TotAemt-
Wnd1
Tota11
CoTaxt
Town Caroline
34,747
32,592,010
90,962,600
4254,369
1,816,602
3,118,700
95,897,902
91,643,533
91,643,533
21,565,010
117,462,912
of
Town Danby
33286
34,530,600
104,681,800
3,483,789
1,263,945
9,667,265
115,613,010
112,129,221
112,129,221
10,278,800
125,891,810
of
Town of Dryden
58,286
173,669,560
523,999,660
15,82,773
9,903,874
58,013,800
591,917,334
576,534,561
76,594,092
499,940,469
266,838,360
858,755,694
Town of Enfield
22,207
30374,600
94,388,900
5,754,170
887,582
2,596,700
97,873,182
92,119,012
92,119,012
9,612,200
107,485,382
Town of Groton
30,725
40,651,200
130,073,600
6,318,458
2,779,598
5,935,500
138,788,698
132,470,240
48,478,183
83,992,057
54,828,800
193 617,498
Town of Ithaca
16,293
389,818,600
931225,000
28,249,655
15,312,792
18,540,772
965,078,564
936,828,909
220,851,528
715,977,381
901,164,428
1,866,242,992
Town of Lansing
37,789
247,669,310
811,592,300
127,555,538
9,059,962
123,213,867
943,866,129
816,310,591
260,561,540
555,749,051
164,928,650
1,108,794,779
Town of Newfield
36,997
35,789,400
125,948,100
4,665,843
3,088,743
19,151,026
148,187,869
143,522,026
143,522,026
21,959 500
170,147,369
Town of Ulysses
19,818
93,270,100
270,829,500
7,853,303
4,044,570
4,640,000
279,514,070
271,660,767
54,043,730
217,617,037
73,600,600
353,114,670
City of Ithaca
2,940
516,542,700
836,243,700
20,842,358
21,158,533
10,250,277
867,652,510
846,810,152
846,810,152
1,161,903,600
2,029,556,110
1,594,908,080
3,919,945 160
224,360 256
69,316,201
255 127,907
4,244,389,268
4,020,029,012
660,529,073
3 359,499,939
2,686,679,948
6,931 069 216
TOTALS
293,088
5661 `6 iagU1OAO
November 9, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 250 - AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the administrative procedures involved in enforcement of property taxes have been
substantially modified as a result of Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law, and
WHEREAS, the property tax enforcement systems maintained on the County's mainframe
computer are now obsolete and require substantial modification in order to provide compliance with
provision of Article 11 of the Real Property Tax Law, and
WHEREAS, the Finance Department and the Data Processing Division (Office of Information
Services) have begun the process of converting existing financial systems maintained on the mainframe
computer to networked based systems, and
WHEREAS, during the process of modernizing computer systems proposals were received for
property tax enforcement software which would ensure compliance with the revised tax enforcement
procedures as well as facilitate enforcement of other liens assessed against tax parcels, and
WHEREAS, the proposal submitted by Systems East of Cortland, New York was the only system
which demonstrated full compliance with new tax enforcement requirements, and
WHEREAS, the proposed system will also improve operational efficiencies by automating
several manual processes within the Treasury Division, and provide full interface with RPS systems
maintained by the Assessment Department, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Finance
Director be authorized to contract with Systems East of Cortland, for the installation of an automated Tax
Collection System at a cost of $33,500.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 251 - AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR FINANCIAL
AUDIT OF THE COUNTY
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Mr. Proto disclosed he has a partnership
arrangement with one of the members of this firm and offered to abstain from voting on this resolution.
He was not asked to do so. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Finance Department and the Data Processing Division (Office of Information
Services) have begun the process of converting existing financial systems maintained on the mainframe
computer to networked based systems as part of the Computer Modernization Capital Project, and
WHEREAS, the conversion of such systems is a major undertaking which will take more than 12
months for full implementation, and
WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to maintain continuity in its financial
reporting and external audit during the conversion, and to limit disruptions to ongoing operations during
the aforementioned conversion, and
WHEREAS, the accounting firm Ciaschi Dietershagen Little Mickelson has submitted a proposal
to extend the current agreement to encompass the 1995 and 1996 financial audits at a cost of $34,200 for
1995 and $35,200 for 1996, and to include the component units of Tompkins County (Soil and Water
District, Public Library) in the engagement in order to facilitate compliance with government accounting
standards, and
WHEREAS, the extended contract results in a reduction in cost for such services, now therefore
be it
325
November 9, 1995
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Operations Committee, That the Finance
Director be authorized to renew the financial audit contract with Ciaschi Dietershagen Little Mickelson
for 1995 and 1996.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met on October 25 and the Report that was
circulated to Board members summarizes much of the information that was discussed at that meeting.
Ms. Blanchard highlighted some of the items in the report. She said of the number of bridges in the
County that are included in the Report only 40 percent are County roads, the other 60 percent are on
either town of village roads. She said 53 percent of the County's bridges are rated as structurally
deficient compared to 57 percent of the bridges in New York State. Twenty-one of the County's bridges
are considered to be functionally obsolete which means they are not geared to provide the kinds of
service they now need to provide. This figure is compared to fourteen percent nationally and nine
percent of bridges throughout New York State. Overall, 26 percent of the County's bridges are
considered to be adequate compared to 37 percent in New York State. She said if the budget
commitment that is tentatively proposed for 1996 were to continue through the year 2000, the County
would be able to raise the 26 percent to 42 percent. The Committee discussed setting a long-range goal
of trying to reach a degree of adequacy on 85 percent of the bridges, and that none would be structurally
deficient. It would be recognized that there would always be some that would be functionally obsolete.
The Committee believes this goal could be reached by the year 2015. She stated the Committee also
discussed the closure of the Myers Road Bridge, and said the situation needs to be revisited. She
reported the Committee will be considering a contract for baggage carts at the Airport at the meeting on
November 15 at 8 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 252 - AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF TOMPKINS AND
TOWNS AND VILLAGES FOR WORK PERFORMED IN RIGHT-
OF-WAY
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote.
WHEREAS, the Highway Division of the Department of Public Works wishes to enter into
agreements with the Towns and Villages in Tompkins County for right-of-way work on County highways
making said Towns and Villages responsible for construction, repair and maintenance of work
performed. Said agreement terms subject to review and approval by the Department of Public Works and
Department of Administration, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the County
Administrator or designee is hereby authorized to execute said agreements.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met this morning. The Committee heard a report
from the Environmental Management Council, and was shown a draft environmental policy statement on
the vision for the environment of the County. The Committee also heard a report from Family and
326
November 9, 1995
Children's Services on the Preschool Homebased Mental Health Project. That Project is being paid for
by funds from the closure of Willard Psychiatric Center. The next meeting will be December 14 at 9:30
a.m. in the Old Jail Conference Room.
RESOLUTION NO. 253 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - DR. MARY TINKER
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, in recognition of over fifty years of service given by Dr. Mary Tinker to the health
and well being of the children of Caroline and Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tinker has served as the Health Officer for the Town of Caroline, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tinker has evaluated and guided the health of thousands of infants and children
m the well-child clinics conducted by the Tompkins County Health Department, and
WHEREAS, a countless number of children have grown and developed free of vaccine
preventable disease due to Dr. Tinker's devoted advocacy for childhood immunizations, now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Health Department, Tompkins County Board of Health
and Tompkins County Board of Representatives wishes to express their grateful appreciation to Dr. Mary
Tinker for her many years of service to the children of Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION: EXEMPT - TYPE 15
Report from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the meeting scheduled for November 1 was canceled for lack of
quorum and was rescheduled to November 3.
Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the public hearing on the Budget will be November 14 at 7:00
p.m. and the vote on the budget will be at the Board meeting on November 21. There are some minor
changes that need to be made but he feels the budget will be presented pretty much as it stands now. The
next meeting will be November 14 at noon. Mr. Lerner said the Committee will be reviewing the fiscal
policy and encouraged $oard members to read through this carefully. If anyone has questions or
concerns, they should let him know. He hopes to bring this to the Board on November 21.
Report from the Capital Program Committee
Mr. Lerner, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet at noon on November 20. There will be
a presentation on the proposed Social Services building project which need not include site. He stated
the Committee will also be discussing deleting the full scale composting program from the Capital
Program. There will also be some retrospective reviewing of changes in the Capital Program Process and
how we may want to revise and improve this in the coming year.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, thanked the members of the Board who attended the staff evaluations on
October 31. The next Committee meeting will be November 11 at 3 p.m. She reported the meeting on
327
November 9, 1995
November 27 may be canceled, and she will let members know. Mrs. Livesay announced there are
currently vacancies on the Landfill Neighborhood Protection Committee.
RESOLUTION NO. 254 - APPROVAL OF SALE PRIOR TO AUCTION - COUNTY OWNED
PROPERTY ACQUIRED THROUGH 1995 FORECLOSURE -
TOWN OF DRYDEN PARCELS TO VARN
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, by 1995 tax foreclosure proceedings, the County acquired Town of Dryden tax map
parcels 52.-1-16, 14.-1-17.17, 14.-1.17.23, and 14.-1-17.24, formerly assessed to Ralph and Richard
Varn, and
WHEREAS, prior to auction of said parcels, said parcels were redeemed and the County
Administrator now wishes to sell same for the total amount due for taxes, penalties, interest and
expenses, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute quit claim deed and
supporting sale documents to transfer the above parcels back to the previous owner(s) Ralph R. and
Richard C. Varn upon payment of the full amount of back taxes, penalties, interest and expenses.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 255 - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. f OF 1995 - AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER
AND CODE, ARTICLE 4 - DIVISION OF ASSESSMENT - TO
ELIMINATE THE SEPARATE ASSESSMENT ROLLS FOR
VILLAGES AND THE CORRESPONDING BOARDS OF
ASSESSMENT REVIEW AND GRIEVANCE DAYS (Adopted as Local
Law No. 2 of 1996)
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill. Ms. Kiefer relayed a message from the
Village of Cayuga Heights Mayor who has asked that this amendment not be made until after the first of
year. She said adopting this anytime after the first of the year would be fine with the Village. There was
a question raised during discussion on the length of time following a public hearing this Board can adopt
a local law. Mr. Theisen suggested adopting the law but making the effective date after the first of the
year. Mr. Theisen was asked to look into how long the Board can adopt a local law after a public
hearing. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Evans, to refer this resolution back to
Committee. A show of hands vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 7 (Representatives Blanchard, Evans,
Joseph, Kiefer, Lane, Lerner, and Schuler), Noes - 8 (Representatives Livesay, Meskill, Mink, Proto,
Stein, Todd, Totman, and Winch). MOTION FAILED.
At the request of the Board Mr. Franklin, Director of Assessment will give the Board a copy of
the "Consideration for the Proposal to Eliminate Separate Village Assessment Rolls and Corresponding
Boards of Assessment Reviews and Grievance Days".
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION
ADOPTED.
RESOLVED on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That a public hearing
be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse,
328
November 9, 1995
320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, November 21, 1995, at 5:30 o'clock in the
evening thereof concerning proposed Local Law No. f of 1995 - Amendment to the Charter and Code,
Article 4 - Division of Assessment. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter
will be heard concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 256 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND
DEED, 349 WEST DRYDEN ROAD, TOWN OF DRYDEN TAX
PARCEL #33-1-1.31
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. Mr. Meskill disclosed he is an independent
contractor with Warren Real Estate and abstained from voting on this resolution. A voice vote resulted
as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Abstentions - 1 (Representative Meskill). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County purchased the house and lot at 349 West Dryden Road as part of
its Landfill Neighborhood Protection Program, and
WHEREAS, this property was retained for the Agency Operated Foster Home program
of the Depai tiuent of Social Services, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has changed its Agency Operated Foster Home
program so that this property is no longer needed, and Tompkins County has no other need for this
property, and
WHEREAS, the property was listed with Warren Real Estate and an offer to purchase it has been
received, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the County Administrator is authorized and directed to execute a purchase
agreement and deed conveying Town of Dryden tax parcel #33-1-1.31 at 349 West Dryden Road[ to
Daniel F. Nash and Cindy Nielsen for the sum of $80,000 and to remit from this sum the agreed upon
real estate commission to Warren Real Estate, with the remaining revenue being allocated as follows:
to the Division of Buildings and Grounds, an amount equal to expenses of preparing the property
for sale;
to the Department of Social Services, reimbursement of funds received from the purchasers for
real property taxes applicable to the period after the closing;
to the County general fund, the remainder.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met jointly with the Rural Affairs Committee on
October 23, and discussed the reports on infrastructure and micro -enterprise and discussed what role the
County should be playing. Ms. Mink said the meeting was very informative. The next meeting will be
November 14 at 8:30 a.m. She announced on November 15 at 6 p.m. there will be an economic strategy
brainstorming session at the Transit Center.
329
November 9, 1995
RESOLUTION NO. 257 - ADVANCING THE AMOUNT OF $48,296 FROM THE
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU'S 1996 BUDGET
REQUEST IN ORDER TO PROVIDE PROOF THAT LOCAL SHARE
FUNDS HAVE BEEN COMMITTED FOR THE STATE OF NEW
YORK MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM
MOVED by Ms. Mink, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has been awarded $48,296 for County/Regional programming by
the Tourism Division of the New York State Depai tnient of Economic Development, and
WHEREAS, these grants were released on September 15, 1995, and
WHEREAS, matching funds guidelines state that after the application of a tourist promotion
agency has been approved by the Commissioner and the offer has been accepted, matching funds became
payable upon submission of an invoice by the tourism promotion agency, and
WHEREAS, the invoice must be accompanied by proof that the local share of funds has been
encumbered in the amount committed, and
WHEREAS, the invoice may also be accompanied by proof that the local share of funds has been
placed in an account specifically designed for Matching Funds use, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic Development Committee, That $48,296 be
advanced from the Convention and Visitors Bureau's 1996 budget request in order to voucher the State,
as previously referenced.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Solid Waste Committee
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee met October 18. He reported the Recycling and
Solid Waste Center has recovered from the vandalism it suffered. He said he expects to see a proposal
presented to the Committee for an electronic security system. Mr. Todd stated at the Neighborhood
Advisory Committee for the Commercial Avenue Central Processing Facility meeting on November 2 the
Committee adopted a resolution responding to the fact the Facility has been well maintained. He said
the Advisory Committee is happy with the way the County has lived up to its promises. Also at that
meeting a solid waste household hazardous waste proposal was discussed. He said there is more work to
be done on this before this comes to the Board. Mr. Todd reported the observation walkway at the
Facility has been used by eight to ten people who are touring the Facility on Wednesdays. He said
schools have been taking advantage of the education opportunities at the Facility as well. Mr. Todd
reported four proposals were received from the sludge management RFP to handle sludge from the Waste
Water Treatment Plant. The next meeting will be November 15.
RESOLUTION NO. 258 - AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. 5 OF 1995 - AMENDING LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF 1994
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That a public hearing be held
before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North
Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, December 5, 1995, at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof on
proposed Local Law No. 5 of 1995 - Amending Local Law No. 4 of 1994 Regarding the Disposal of
330
November 9, 1995
Solid Waste. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning
the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
RESOLUTION NO. 259 - AMENDING FLOW CONTROL OF SOLID WASTE AND
HAULERS LICENSING RULES AND REGULATIONS WITH
RESPECT TO PERMITS
MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. Mr. Lerner expressed concern for people who
only need to use the Facility one time per year such as people who are cleaning out their basements who
are not regular users. He asked that staff look into ways in which this would make it less burdensome on
those people. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Local Law No. 6 of 1993 the County adopted rules and regulations
governing the issuance of permits to persons who dispose of solid waste at the Recycling and Solid
Waste Center, and
WHEREAS, the regulations currently require the issuance of permits on an annual basis, and
WHEREAS, in the interest of efficiency and customer services, the County wishes to issue
permits for three year periods, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Committee, That Section 7 of the Rules •
and Regulations is amended to read as follows:
7. Permits
7.1 No person shall deliver solid waste to the Recycling and Solid Waste Center unless the
vehicle in which the solid waste is being transferred bears either a Tompkins County solid waste permit
or a license or sticker or placard issued pursuant to Section 8.8.1.
7.2 Permits are issuable by the Tompkins County Public Works Department, Division of
Solid Waste, upon completion of the permit application.
7.3 The permit holder must certify that the vehicle will haul only solid waste picked up in
Tompkins County.
7.4 Permits shall be issued for a term of three (3) years.
7.5 The fee for permits shall be five (5) dollars.
7.6 The permit may be revoked by the Commissioner for non-payment of County solid waste
fees or failure to abide by the regulations governing disposal at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center.
7.7 No permits shall be issued to a person who has not paid all past due solid waste fees or
made arrangements for the payment of such fees that is satisfactory to the Commissioner.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met with Emery Guest, Tompkins County Sheriff,
to discuss the position of Sheriff in relation to the County Charter and Code. The next meeting will be
Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. At that time the Committee will focus on what its recommendations to this Board
will be.
Report from the Electronic Future Committee
331
November 9, 1995
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be November 16 at 2 p.m. in the Sherman Peer Room at the Public Library.
Report from the Human Services Space Planning Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Leadership Council
Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Public Information Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported another issue of County News has been published and is being
circulated in the County. He also stated the Committee is looking for a member of this Board to write the
December column in the Ithaca Journal.
Report from the Rural Affairs Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the next meeting will be November 13 at 8:15 a.m. The
Committee will be working on items to submit to the Board as priorities.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Meskill, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice
vote, to enter into executive session at 9:00 p.m. to discuss negotiations. The meeting returned to open
session at 9:45 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
332
November 15, 1995
Public Hearing - proposed Tompkins County 1996 Budget and 1996-2000 Capital Program
Present: 15 Representatives (Representative Todd arrived at 7:07 p.m. and Representative Totman
arrived at 7:15 p.m.).
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 7:05 p.m. concerning the proposed
Tompkins County 1996 Budget and 1996-2000 Capital Program.
Chairman Stein asked Representative Lerner, Chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Policy
Committee, to give a brief presentation on some of the highlights of the budget.
Representative Lerner thanked the Board members, Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee
members and other citizens, and depai anent and agency heads who participated in the process. He said
the Board made a decision in late spring to require a zero percent increase in County Departments and
programs. Depai intents or programs requesting additional funding were required to submit special
requests. Some major highlights of the budget are mandates have decreased although still a major issue;
health prevention for staff has reduced health insurance costs; good planning last year resulted in a fund
balance surplus this year. In 1996, due to good planning and restraint, new initiatives will be funded
without having to raise property taxes including: expanding services at the Public Library, creating a
Criminal Justice Coordinator position, efforts to educate on diversity and against racism, expanding
funding for Literacy Volunteers, additional funding for public information and consumer protection, and
additional funding for the Household Hazardous Waste disposal site which is a capital project.
Chairman Stein also noted that there is new funding for roads and bridges. He said there will be
a Special Orders of the Day on November 21 at 7 p.m. to vote on the budget and capital program. He
will allow public comment at that time due to the snowstorm the night of the public hearing. He
announced that he is scheduling a special session of the Board at 4 p.m. prior to the regular meeting at
5:30 p.m. on November 21 to have a comprehensive review of the DSS space study program.
Chairman Stein asked if anyone wished to speak?
Donald Culligan, 627 Hudson Street, spoke about the room tax money budgeted for 1996. He
submitted two items for Board members to review: local listing of businesses in Tompkins County that
belong to the Finger Lakes Association and a sampling of the publicity generated on the Finger Lakes
Region. He recommended the Board fund the Finger Lakes Association at the 1984 level and not follow
the advise of the Advisory Board on Tourism Development to fund the Convention and Visitor's Bureau
and the new organization called the "Five Lakes".
Paul Steiger, State Street, first complimented the Board for recommending a zero percent
property tax increase. However, he understands that it was the result of windfalls and mandate relief and
not a result of major cost containment programs. He compared Tompkins County with three other
counties in New York State: Dutchess County had in 1995 a property tax decrease of eight percent and a
two percent decrease this year; Livingston County had in 1995 a property tax decrease of two percent;
and Ontario County has not had a property tax increase in several years and does not anticipate any. He
noted there appeared to be several common areas with these counties: they restructured to bring about
improved efficiency, downsized; consolidated units; ousted functions that do not belong with the
counties; and took steps to control employee health care costs. He stated that two years ago the County
Tax Committee recommended that changes be made in the plan design of health insurance that would
bring about savings in the amount of $.25 Million. However, the County spent several thousands dollars
last year for a study done by Mercer that came up with the same recommendations. He said the real
estate prices are dropping in the County while rising nationally, and there is a level sales tax revenue
333
November 15, 1995
while rising statewide. He urged the Board to address the macro issues that will bring about favorable
cost reductions. He also encouraged municipal cooperation.
David Pelletier, Chair of the Budget Reorganization Advisory Committee (BRAC), said BRAC
was formed two years ago with the following charges: 1) work with task forces set up by the Budget and
Fiscal Policy Committee to improve the administrative and technical aspects of the budget preparation to
provide better educational tools in which the Board could make decisions about the budget; and 2)
provide a means to look at ways of getting better public participation. He said it is BRAC's view that
public information is the critical missing link. He said the other administrative changes and
reorganizational changes can be done by the Board and administrators. He feels what is difficult to do,
however, is prioritize setting for long-range planning. He said the views of the public should be brought
into that discussion and there should be dialogue. He said BRAC tried to create that opportunity for
discussion. He feels it is important to have a systematic process for public discussion between the Board
and their constituents on an ongoing basis. BRAC held meetings in three locations throughout the
County this year. He highlighted the discussions at the meetings and noted they were in priority order:
jobs and education were number one and two in each of the three sites. He said transportation and roads
were given low priority. He said this conflicts and is inconsistent with the Rural Affairs Committee
outreach version to find out what was important to towns. He said the results of these surveys is who you
ask and how you ask. He feels BRAC and Rural Affairs could benefit by looking at the combination of
people and process to generate the results that would be useful to the Board. He said after polling the
Board about ideas they wish to put before the public, four issues were presented to the public and
reminded the Board this was done only at one meeting. He brought to the Board's attention a handout
entitled "Critical Budget Issues: Broad Themes from Participants" which lists the following issues: 1)
DSS Re -location; 2) County Employee Benefits; 3) Backfilling State and Federal Cuts; 4) Fund Balance;
5) County Library and the Internet; and 6) Solid Waste Annual Fee. A recommendation that BRAC will
be making to the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee is the County contract with an existing community
organization that has professional capabilities in this area to set up regular forums between elected
officials and the public.
The following letter dated November 15, 1995 was submitted for the record from Elsie Freeman
Finch, Trustee, Tompkins County Public Library:
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Tompkins County Public Library, I want to thank you
for your positive attention to the Library's 1996 budget. As you know, we have begun to implement our
strategic plan, completed in October. As well as maintaining the physical plant, staff and current
programs of the library, 1996 funds will be used to advance that plan, which includes, among other goals,
new programs for children and young adults, new outreach initiatives to the community, and the
establishment of new technologies to make wide access to information available to all residents,
whatever their means.
We believe that public libraries are one of the most efficient and economical forms of public
education available to us, and we look forward to working with you in 1996 to improve the direction and
the services of the Tompkins County Public Library."
No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 7:43 p.m.
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November 21, 1995
Regular Meeting
Public Hearing - Local Law No. f of 1995
Chairman Stein called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning proposed Local Law
No. f of 1995 - Amendment to the Charter and Code - Article 4 - Division of Assessment - to Eliminate
the Separate Assessment Rolls for Villages and the Corresponding Boards of Assessment Review and
Grievance Days. Chairman Stein asked if anyone wished to speak.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, stated Ronald Anderson, Village of Cayuga Heights
Mayor, is unable to attend this public hearing and asked her to speak on his behalf. She reiterated the
importance to the Village of Cayuga Heights of having a delay in the implementation of this law until
January 2, 1996, to make absolutely certain that the assessment roll as of the first of the year is drawn up
for villages this year so that what is viewed as a substantial increase in the assessed value in Cayuga
Heights will be included in the Village assessment roll in 1996 so that they can use it for tax purposes in
the coming year. She said the only other change she suggested in the local law deals with having village
clerks still post notices of the existence of tentative and final assessment rolls. She stated in general the
Village of Cayuga Heights supports the elimination of the separate village grievance days, they are just
concerned that this not take effect until January 2, 1996.
No one else wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 5:35 p.m. [A second public
hearing was held and Local Law No. 2 of 1996 adopted.]
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: 14 Representatives; Excused: 1 (Representative Lerner arrived at 6:52 p.m. prior to
action on Resolution No. 275 - Appropriation From Contingent Fund - Terminal Pay - Sheriff's
Department).
Approval of Minutes of November 9, 1995
This item was forwarded to the end of the agenda.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Chairman Stein stated discussion on the proposed 1996 Tompkins County Budget will begin at 7
p.m. this evening, and anyone that did not have an opportunity to speak at the November 14 public
hearing will be given another opportunity to do so.
Bob Skates, 402 Winston Court, Ithaca, and Human Rights Commission member, spoke
concerning the proposal to move human services agencies to downtown Ithaca. Mr. Skates said the
Human Rights Commission is in favor of this for three reasons: a downtown site is the best location
within the County and a crucial factor in serving those using services provided by the Department of
Social Services, providing a safety net and other social services for the poor and others in need is a
human rights issue, the site should allow recipients to avail themselves to such services in the most
accessible manner; the present site remains questionable due to continual illnesses of employees, and it is
not clear if any rehabilitation of that building would change the situation; and a downtown site would
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November 21, 1995
also be the most sensible location for employees as they would contribute towards revitalization of the
downtown area.
Laurence Stevens, Lake Street, Ithaca, spoke concerning the proposal to move the Department of
Social Services to downtown Ithaca. Mr. Stevens believes if there is something wrong with the Biggs
building, in order to minimize the cost to taxpayers, the building should be repaired. Mr. Stevens stated
if services are needed downtown, then the County should consider having a satellite office downtown.
Privilege of the Floor by Members of the Board
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, spoke concerning the American Flag in the Board
Room. He asked that an effort be made to display the flag more prominently in the room.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion of the appropriate committee chairman and duly seconded, and unanimously adopted
by voice vote by members present, the following resolution was added to the agenda.
Award of Tomtran Bus Bid
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following
resolution(s) from the agenda:
Rescinding Resolution No. 4 of 1993 and Establishing a County Land Policy
Authorizing an Agreement with C&S Engineers, Inc., for Services in Connection with
Underground Tank Removal (Old Fuel Farm) — Tompkins County Airport
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) Not Requiring Board Action from the Agenda
Chairman Stein gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw from the
agenda the following resolutions with final committee action being affirmed:
CA055-95 - Acceptance of New York State Council on the Arts Grant for Intermunicipal
Waterfront Project
CA056-95 - Budget Adjustments - Various Departments
Chairman's Report and Appointments
Chairman Stein, at the request of Representative Proto, appointed the following members who
are to report back to the Board on December 19, to the Flag Location Committee:
Frank Proto, Chairman
Chairman Stein
Tim Joseph
Report from the County Administrator
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November 21, 1995
Mr. Heyman reported on an article in the November 18 issue of the Ithaca Journal on interviews
with a City of Ithaca and a Town of Dryden taxpayer. He stated one of the comments made by the Town
of Dryden taxpayer was that his taxes on a very large parcel for County purposes were $45 eleven years
ago, and are now many times that amount. Mr. Heyman said that highlights the confusion in taxpayers
minds when towns elect to use their sales tax revenues as a credit against County taxes. He said four
towns have gone through this transition and the Town of Ulysses is currently in the process of doing this.
He said he will be working with the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee to prepare a graph to show the
consequences of this and to help Board members respond to their constituents. Chairman Stein asked
Mr. Heyman to prepare a written statement for the Ithaca Journal. He said he has already discussed this
with Mr. Lerner.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported on recent statements in the press concerning the alleged high cost of
attorneys the County hires for the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). He stated the County pays a
usual fee of $145 an hour which is not out of line. He said these lawyers use their paralegals whenever
possible at a rate of $50 per hour. He said the average cost for using those lawyers and their paralegals
averages $110/hr. Mr. Theisen said these lawyers were retained because of the nature of the Biggs A
employees' lawsuits against the County amounting to $800 million.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported this week the County closed on some of the largest foreclosure auction
parcels in several years. He said all back taxes were recovered.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Community Development and
Education Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met two times since the last Board meeting. The
Committee took an enjoyable tour of the Ulysses and Newfield rural libraries. She encouraged the entire
Board to visit the rural libraries. She reported the annual Christmas tree -cutting celebration at Tompkins
Cortland Community College will be held on December 9 and stated the Syracuse Brass Symphony will
be performing at 10:30 a.m. that day. Cooperative Extension will be having its Annual Meeting on
December 29 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. She reported on December 12 there will be a presentation on the GIS
(Geographic Information System) in the Old Jail Conference Room.
Mr. Winch thanked Mrs. Schuler for coordinating the trip to the rural libraries. He said this was
very well received by the Newfield Library Trustees.
RESOLUTION NO. 260 - APPROPRIATION FROM FUND BALANCE (ROLLOVER) —
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development, and Education and
Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following
appropriation on the County's books to match State Grant for development of AG Viability Plan - AG
and Farm Board:
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November 21, 1995
FROM: A0599, Fund Balance $2,758
TO: A8032.4400, Program Expense $2,758
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 261 - AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING FOR
AMENDMENT TO APPROVED 1995 HUD SMALL CITIES
PROGRAM
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has received an economic development grant from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Small Cities Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) program, and
WHEREAS, due to budget cuts at other levels, the original participant in the Small Cities project
was unable to participate in the program for 1995, and
WHEREAS, a substitute project has been found and approved by the Economic Development
Oversight Committee, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing is required for an amendment to any approved HUD Small Cities
program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That a public hearing be held before the Board of Representatives at Board Chambers of the
Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on Tuesday, December 5,
1995, at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof on proposed Amendment to Approved 1995 HUD Small
Cities Program. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard
concerning the same,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place
proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE I1-15
RESOLUTION NO. 262 - RENEWAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NYSEG
PLANIMETRIC MAP PARTNERS
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 332 of 1993 approved on December 10, 1993, recognizes the roles
of the County, New York State Electric & Gas, City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and Cornell University in
a joint capital program venture to produce a planimetric map for the County, and
WHEREAS, the only procedure now available to protect the public/private investment in this
database from unrestrictive reproduction and resale is through a license arrangement with New York
State Electric & Gas, and
WHEREAS, the parties have determined it is in the best interests of all the parties to continue
this arrangement, pending future changes in State legislation regarding the handling of electronic
databases and public/private partnerships in cost sharing, and
WHEREAS, the parties have renegotiated the license agreement to allow for expansion of
partners and future cost sharing formulas, and
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November 21, 1995
WHEREAS, the County will benefit substantially from the cost-sharing arrangement in both
maintaining the map files and in the future updating the map files as an accurate base map for roads,
assessment mapping and E911 support, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator is authorized to enter into a second interim license agreement
and that this agreement shall continue so long as all parties agree, but shall be in effect and bind all of the
parties until at least December 31, 1997.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 263 - PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR DEVELOPING
AN INTEGRATED DATABASE RELATIONAL FILE IN SUPPORT
OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
DEVELOPMENT IN THE GIS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
WHEREAS, in order to complete the linkages between the various GIS related databases the
County has need of specialized programming expertise in linking and integrating relational database files,
and
WHEREAS, a review of available vendors to do this work has been made which includes
experience as well as willingness to compete on pricing, and
WHEREAS, four vendors have submitted fee information along with other documentation, and
Sigma 4 Corporation, among the qualified vendors, has relevant experience to performing work on the
County's related databases and also has the most competitive fee structure among the qualified vendors,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Community Development and Education
Committee, That the County Administrator is authorized to sign a Professional Services Agreement with
Sigma 4 Corporation for an amount not to exceed $20,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
Report from the Economic Development Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the economic development brainstorming session was canceled due to
the weather, and has been postponed until January. Ms. Mink introduced Michael Stamm, Tompkins
County Area Development President, who distributed a one-page outline on what TCAD has been
working on entitled TCAD - Economic Development Activity Update. Mr. Stamm reviewed the
document and reported on specific general economic development trends, projects, initiatives, and future
challenges of TCAD. Ms. Mink reported on funding for the Finger Lakes Association. She stated the
1996 recommendation is $2,500. Representatives Livesay and Kiefer requested backup documentation
from the Committee that assisted them in making the decision to fund the FLA at this level. Ms. Mink
said she would provide them with this information.
Report from the Solid Waste Committee
339
November 21, 1995
Mr. Todd, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since last Board meeting. The next
meeting will be November 22 at 9 a.m.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Governmental Affairs Committee
Mrs. Livesay, Chair, reported the Committee met November 13 and reviewed proposed revisions
to the Code of Ethics. She stated changes have been incorporated and a copy of the proposed law will
be in Board Members boxes by Monday. She stated the Committee is looking for comments and
recommendations from Board members. Proposed changes are also being recommended to the Rules of
the Board and these changes will be circulated at the next meeting on November 28. The Committee
continues to work on the evaluations of the four employees who report to this Board. Mrs. Schuler
requested members of the Board to review the resolution concerning the County's proposed land policy
that was withdrawn from the agenda, and make suggested changes to the Planning Department within a
week.
RESOLUTION NO. 264 - APPROVAL OF SALE PRIOR TO AUCTION - COUNTY OWNED
PROPERTY ACQUIRED THROUGH 1995 FORECLOSURE, CITY
OF ITHACA PARCEL TO BUTLER
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present.
WHEREAS, by 1995 tax foreclosure proceedings, the County acquired City of Ithaca tax map
parcel 50.-1-7, formerly assessed to Fannie M. Butler, and
WHEREAS, said parcel was redeemed and the County Administrator now wishes to sell same
for the total amount due for taxes, penalties, interest and expenses, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the County
Administrator is hereby authorized to execute quit claim deed and supporting sale documents to transfer
the above parcels back to the previous owner Fannie M. Butler.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 265 - RESCISSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-32, REQUESTS
FOR FURNISHING COMPUTERIZED TAX ROLL AND
ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following,
Administrative Policy is hereby rescinded:
01-32 Requests for Furnishing Computerized Tax Roll and
Assessment Information
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
RESOLUTION NO. 266 - ADOPTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 01-42 -
EMERGENCY CLOSING OF COUNTY DEPARTMENTS
340
November 21, 1995
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the following
Administrative Policy is hereby adopted:
01-42 Emergency Closing of County Departments
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-15
RESOLUTION NO. 267 - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A FIVE YEAR LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH HANCOCK PLAZA PROPERTY
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Evans. Mr. Meskill expressed concern for the
escape clause in the lease agreement, and said he would like to see a more open agreement. The question
was called, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present. A voice vote on the resolution
resulted as follows: Ayes - 9, Noes - 4 (Representatives Kiefer, Meskill, Proto and Schuler); Excused - 2
(Representatives Lerner and Mink -temporarily out of the room). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Department of Motor Vehicles currently has a lease agreement with Hancock
Plaza Property for the rental of space, and
WHEREAS, the current lease expires on April 30, 1996, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Affairs Committee, That the County
Administrator is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with Hancock Plaza Property for the period
of May 1, 1996, through April 30, 2001.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 268 - APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION COMMISSIONER FOR 1996-1997
MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by
members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Tompkins County Republican Committee and
Governmental Affairs Committee, That Lee Shurtleff be and hereby is appointed Republican Party
Elections Commissioner for the two-year term commencing January 1, 1996 and ending December 31,
1997.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
RESOLUTION NO. 269 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. F OF 1995 - AMENDMENT TO
THE CHARTER AND CODE, ARTICLE 4 - DIVISION OF
ASSESSMENT - TO ELIMINATE THE SEPARATE ASSESSMENT
ROLLS FOR VILLAGES AND THE CORRESPONDING BOARDS
OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW AND GRIEVANCE DAYS (Adopted as
Local Law No. 2 of 1996)
It was MOVED by Mrs. Livesay, seconded by Mr. Meskill. It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer,
seconded by Mr. Evans, to change the effective date of this law to January 2, 1996. There was no vote
on this motion.
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November 21, 1995
Ms. Kiefer offered changes to the proposed law which she felt were nonsubstantive. Mr. Theisen
concurred that the suggested changes are not substantive. It was felt that a revised version should be
circulated to Board members for review and that a vote on this resolution be postponed to the next
meeting. It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Evans, and unanimously adopted by voice vote
by members present, to postpone this resolution to the December 5, 1995 Board meeting. MOTION
CARRIED.
Report from the Facilities and Operations Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Transportation Services Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, stated the meeting scheduled on November 15 was canceled, and has been
rescheduled for November 22 at 8 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 270 - AWARD OF TOMTRAN BUS BID
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by members
present.
WHEREAS, the Department of Finance - Purchasing has duly advertised for bids for the
purchase of five 35 foot transit buses to provide public transit service in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins
County included in the 1993 County's Federal Transit Administration Section 3 and Section 9 capital
grants (Resolution No. 305 of 1992, September 15, 1992; and Resolution No. 164 of 1993, June 15,
1993), and
WHEREAS, bid documents were requested by twelve vendors or bus manufacturers and two bids
were received from Nova Bus, Inc., and Orion Bus Industries, Inc., and opened on September 27, 1995,
and
WHEREAS, a pre -award certification was performed for Nova Bus, Inc.'s bid to ensure
compliance with technical specifications and federal requirements, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Transportation Services Committee, That the bid be
awarded to Nova Bus, Inc., of Roswell, New Mexico for a grand total bid price of $1,160,527 including
exercising two options to purchase a fifth bus and electronic destination signs, budgeted as follows:
Federal Section 9 $328,000.00 (Grant - NY -90-X267)
Federal Section 3 492,000.00 (Grant - NY -03-0285)
New York State 102,500.00
Cornell University 95,210.80
City of Ithaca 95,210.80
Tompkins County 47,605.40
Total $1,160,527.00
RESOLVED, further, That the Contracts Coordinator is authorized to execute a purchasing
agreement with NOVA Bus, Inc.,
RESOLVED, further, That after acceptance of said buses, the Director of Finance is authorized
to make payment from the Public Transit Improvement Project Account No. HA5625.9239.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II -15
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November 21, 1995
Report from the Health and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The
next meeting will be December 14 at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Evans reported there is a committee being set up to
look at Article 6 of the Sanitary Code.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Human Services Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported Theda Zimrot, Human Rights Director, is retiring, and a search
committee has been selected and will be advertising for a replacement for this position. The 15th Annual
Human Rights Annual Awards Dinner will be held at the B