Committee Members present: Frank Proto, Chair; Dan Winch, Vice Chair; Nancy Schuler; Dooley Kiefer; Kathy Luz Herrera(2:36 p.m.)
Staff present: Alice Cole, Public Health Director; Ed Marx, Commissioner of Planning; Kathy Leinthall, Probation Director; Nancy Zahler, Youth Services Director; Patricia Carey, Social Services Commissioner; Crystal Buck, Planner; Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk
Legislator present:  Martha Robertson
Guests present: Kevin Marren, Associate Labella Associates; Annette Marchesseault, Designer – Trowbridge & Wolf Landscape Architects

The meeting was called to order at 2:32 pm.

Nancy Schuler made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2005 meeting. Dooley Kiefer seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

Day Reporting/Drug Treatment Court/Felony Drug Court Probation - Update
Kevin Marren, Associate LaBella Associates provided written information on the Tompkins County Space Use Master Plan for the Human Services Building that covered the original building design as well as the proposed building design proposal to include the Community Justice Center.  He explained the proposed plan placed the Community Justice Center - Probation, Day Reporting, and City Felony Drug Treatment Court, on the third floor as it would prove to be too difficult to move the existing staff on the second floor elsewhere.  Kevin Marren then explained the placement of the elevator on the exterior of the west side of the building was to minimize the impact as well as provide maximum natural lighting.

Patricia Carey asked if there would be a need for additional security cameras in the new walkway to and in the elevator.  Kevin Marren explained the elevator would be a hydraulic system and thought there would be windows to provide a view into the cab.  Patricia Carey expressed concern with reduced security in the stairwell areas as well.

Kathy Herrera arrived at this time.

The Committee and staff discussed issues specific to the proposed space use and noted the following:

· Stairwells would require security cameras
· Changes in parking due to elevator placement could obstruct delivery trucks
· Elevator placement will create an "attractive nuisance" to clients within the Community Justice/Probation agencies as it is parallel to employee entrance; many of them are in the system due to staff reporting
· Concern was noted for additional staffing to monitor the walkways and stairwells
· If a security emergency occurred it could require one department's staff to deal with another's client
· Elevator access to building may create difficulties of general public entering the building
· Modification of original building design reduces security and provides numerous areas that may not be adequately secured
· Prior to commitment of modifications the County should determine its level of commitment to the Day Reporting Program

Ed Marx said it appears that Phase I of the master plan shows security as a major issue; he has not come to that conclusion, it may or may not be able to be addressed.

Kathy Herrera expressed confidence that with the work of staff and technology things could be addressed with the building; however, she expressed concern that the staff needs reasonable assurance of safety in the workplace.

 Frank Proto said the Committee's charge was to perform this review and identify potential problems as we address long- term space needs of County government.  He noted that the cost of this proposal has not yet been determined, and it may prove to be prohibitive.

Ed Marx suggested the plan not be revised further and that the Committee should make a determination to stop this proposal now or go further.  Frank Proto suggested before a decision is made the Committee review all the material presented by Kevin Marren and be certain the Committee has done all it can prior to eliminating this possibility.

It was MOVED by Nancy Schuler, seconded by Kathy Herrera, that due to security considerations it is not deemed feasible to move Day Reporting and Drug and Family Courts into the Human Services building; and would like to look at other alternatives for this building including alternatives that take into consideration the department and agency recommendations to determine the best usage for the building in the future.

Dan Winch believed that the proposal could possibly work but did not believe it would be able to expand due to anticipated growth in programs.  He believes it is necessary to determine the capacity of the building over the next decade and said it may require a department to relocate and a plan should be developed to determine what departments would remain in the building over the next decade.

Dooley Kiefer said she has been impressed with Kevin Marren's ability to fit more things in certain spaces.  She also agrees the security issue is significant enough to eliminate this proposal.  She reiterated her desire to see the available space in the Mental Health building.  Dooley said she understands the desires to locate in certain areas and would like staff to review locations throughout the County for appropriateness.

Kathy Leinthall expressed a desire to be able to maintain proximity to other services utilized by her clientele.  She also said that while the Office for the Aging may not want to relocate to the building it may be feasible to utilize the present first floor areas for their offices.  Kathy noted real estate that was available in the immediate vicinity that would possibly provide adequate space for Probation.

Patricia Carey stressed the importance of Probation maintaining proximity to the Department of Social Services; many clients access services both departments and are attempting to coordinate appointments.

Frank Proto asked that the staff place a high priority on determining a solution for the Office for the Aging's need to relocate; while they desire not to make multiple moves it may be necessary to do so.

A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes -5; Noes - 0.  MOTION CARRIED.

Nancy Schuler left at 3:28 p.m.

Health Department Site Analysis

Frank Proto asked for a motion to enter Executive Session. Kathy Herrera made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss real estate matters.  Dan Winch seconded the motion. The Committee entered Executive Session at 3:30pm.

Nancy Schuler returned at 3:40 p.m.

Kathy Herrera made a motion to exit Executive Session. Nancy Schuler seconded the motion. The Committee exited Executive Session at 4:36pm.

Kevin Marren stated the cost analysis for the sites would be based on similar structure to the Human Services Building as it is a good model.

Dan Winch left at 4:39 p.m.

With regard to providing green building cost figures it was noted there is now a program to quantify how green a building is.  Nancy Schuler expressed a desire to have the cost analysis include windows that would open to allow fresh air in.

Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m.

Next Meeting: April  13 at 2:30pm
The meeting adjourned at 4:44 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller