HomeMy WebLinkAboutTCCOG Monthly Report, January 2021Monthly Report
Tompkins County Council of Governments
January 13, 2021
by Councilperson Robert Lynch
Enfield TCCOG Representative
The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) met December 17, 2020. No Resolutions were
adopted. However, two matters were discussed.
Most importantly, TCCOG members discussed whether to form an Intermunicipal Broadband Committee
to study the planning and potential implementation of the County-led study to expand rural Internet
access in cooperation with the non-profit Southern Tier Network. The Enfield Town Board, by
Resolution adopted last fall, contributed $5,000 toward that $80,000 study initiative.
As TCCOG members left their discussions, a planning group, led by (now) former Caroline Councilperson
Irene Weiser, was tasked with deciding the Committee’s composition. TCCOG member consensus
pointed toward formation of two planning groups; one to discuss technical aspects of broadband
expansion; the other to address policy considerations.
Complicating subsequent progress was Councilperson Weiser’s sudden resignation from the Caroline
Town Board, and consequently TCCOG as well. Caroline Supervisor Mark Witmer has taken over
responsibility for now. On January 11th, Supervisor Witmer wrote me that he, Ithaca Town Supervisor
Rod Howe, and Tompkins County planning staff met a week earlier, and County planners said they
hoped to release within the next few days a description of the committee’s (or committees‘)
responsibilities and functions. Supervisor Witmer advised me that: “In accord with the sentiment
from our December TCCOG meeting, there was consensus that all TCCOG municipalities should
be entitled to representation, which would allow for up to 16 members on the committee.”
As matters unfold, I will keep you informed. At the December meeting, I’d suggested that our
then-Councilperson Michael Miles be on the technical committee, if one were formed. Now,
with Miles’ departure from our Board, that possibility remains somewhat in doubt.
The second item discussed December 17th concerned the prospect of transferring “addressing”
(that is, house numbering) responsibilities from individual towns to the County government. An
advantage was seen in enabling intermunicipal coordination, particularly to aid in EMS
response. There was no talk of renumbering any existing addresses, only coordination in the
designation of house numbers when new parcels are subdivided or developed.
House numbering, all admitted, is a sensitive issue. “It’s a life changing event to change your
address,” the initiative’s lead spokesman, the Town of Ithaca’s Mark Moseley, said.
TCCOG next meets February 25th.
Robert Lynch
Councilperson
Enfield TCCOG Representative