The meeting was called to order at 2:05pm.
Frank Proto asked that an Executive Session for the purpose of Real Estate Negotiations be added to the end of the agenda. Review of the work plan was postponed until later in the meeting to allow the representatives from Labella Associates the opportunity to discuss the criteria for the Health Department Space needs.
Dan Winch made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 10, 2004 meeting. Nancy Schuler seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Committee members and staff were introduced to Sergio Esteban and Kevin Marren of Labella Associates.
Kevin Marren spoke to the Committee about design objectives, building configuration, and the interviewing process he will utilize in developing a plan for the Health Department. He would like to produce a “user-friendly” building with effective, efficient facility utilization from the user and workers’ perspectives.
Given the nature of the business conducted at the Health Department, the following issues will be addressed in any option proposed by Labella. Way-finding – signage, impairments, physical presence – Where am I going; How far is it to amenities?; settings conducive to learning; security-surveillance – people know who visitors are; appropriate measures taken for privacy issues – HIPPA, audio/visual privacy; reception; proximity to work functions –printers, visitors, etc; proximity to common areas – break room etc.
The question was raised about who would be making the decision about the space allotted for individual functions. Crystal Buck, Planner, stated that space allocation would be based upon the standards set by the committee’s previous work and assessments would be made to see where space can be reduced or shared. Function of the space, how often staff or visitors are present in that space, and who utilizes that space will also be taken into consideration.
Brenda Grinnell-Crosby, Public Health Administrator, arrived at 2:35 pm.
Kevin Marren stated that he had been doing some preliminary thinking. He thought a three-story building would house the DMV on the ground floor, Environmental Health and Public Health Administration on the second floor and the Maternal Care Unit/Moms, WIC and CSCN on the top floor.
The Committee members raised concerns about possible future expansion of the building especially along the route 13 corridor. Criteria were discussed. Dooley Kiefer said daylight is important; Frank Proto stated there is a possibility of a dental clinic in the future. Dan Winch stressed expandability in the future, noting the increase in the elderly population. The Committee did not want a building to take up the entire plot of land, but leave some room for expansion. It was asked that the DMV not necessarily be considered in all the plans for the Health Department as there may be other options for the DMV.
The Committee asked Labella to consider would be access to public transportation.
Addressing the 2005 Work Plan the Committee desires to continue through Labella’s report. There are also recent questions of more space for Finance and the Board of Elections.
Kevin Marren asked if there are other developments planed by the Biggs site. Crystal Buck referred him to the Comprehensive Plan. Dooley Kiefer stated that the development would not be Tompkins County Government. Nancy Schuler suggested he check the Town of Ithaca plans and Frank Proto suggested other health related plans.
3:30 pm Brenda Grinnell-Crosby, Public Health Administrator, Sergio Esteban, and Kevin Marren left the meeting.
Nancy Schuler made a motion to enter Executive Session for the purpose of Real Estate Negotiations. Kathy Luz Herrera seconded the motion. The Committee entered Executive Session at 3:30pm.
Dooley Kiefer made a motion to exit Executive Session for the purpose of Real Estate Negotiations. Nancy Schuler seconded the motion. The Committee exited Executive Session at 4:00 pm.
Committee members and staff were asked to pencil in a meeting for January 5th at 2:00pm.
Next Meeting: January 19, 2005 at 2:00pm
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm
Respectfully submitted by Heather Stewart