Called to Order

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.

Changes to the Agenda

 There were no changes to the agenda.

Approval of Minutes of August 10, 14, 21, 28, October 4,5,8, and 15, 2004

 It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of August 10, 14, 21, 28, October 4,5,8, and 15, 2004 as submitted.  MINUTES APPROVED.

Comments from the Public

 No member of the public was present to speak.

Chair’s Report

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr reminded members that the public hearing on the proposed 2005 Tompkins County Budget will take place this evening at the Ithaca Hall.  Following adoption of the Budget, a survey will be conducted to evaluate how the system worked this year.

Finance Director’s Report

 Mr. Squires distributed an annual invoice from the New York State and Local Retirement System.  He stated there is a discount of $45,000 if the invoice is paid on December 15, 2004 instead of February 1, 2005.  If the County were to pay the invoice on December 15, the amount owed would be $3,93,123; if paid on February 1, 2005 the amount owed would be $4,034,753.   He noted the County’s bill is made up of three participants:  the Public Library, the County, and Tompkins Cortland Community College.

 Mr. Booth arrived at 11:35 a.m.

 Mr. Squires said if the County were to wait until February 1, 2005 to make the payment the amount of interest collected during that time would be approximately $15,000.   He stated Tompkins County will be making the payment on December 15 in order to take advantage of the larger savings of $45,000.

 Mr. Squires also spoke of the refunding issue that was recently approved by the Legislature and  stated he expects this issue to be rated today by Moody’s.  He anticipates this action will save Tompkins County approximately $1 million.  He also distributed a Contingent Fund Report dated November 1, 2004, with total balances available in the amount of $500,362.   He spoke of the General Fund and called attention to the October balance of $15,077,621 and stated $4 million of this will go towards the pension bill.  He stated after analyzing the General Fund he feels most departments are on-line to meet their targeted budget for salaries.  Mr. Squires also called attention to sales tax receipts for the month of October and stated the amount was 5% over last year.  He spoke of the Airport’s finances, and stated that it has expended $1.5 million and has received a little less than that in revenue.   He said although the Airport seems to be holding its own, there are some revenue-related areas he is concerned about.   He said he does not recommend the Airport showing a negative fund balance; therefore, he would suggest interjecting some funds from the General Fund if the need arises.  He noted that at the present time enplanements seem to be steady.

 Mr. Whicher commented that a task force is having discussions with two or three airlines at the present time.  He said there are positive indications from those discussions but noted it is too soon to make any conclusions.

County Administrator’s Report

 Mr. Whicher reported negotiations with the unions are ongoing.   At this point at time there have been two meetings with the White Collar Union and two meetings with the Blue Collar Union.

RESOLUTION NO.      - REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE  ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENT LOCAL SALES TAX RATE IN TOMPKINS COUNTY

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

 WHEREAS, this Legislature in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2001, and 2003 requested and received authorization from the State of New York to enact an additional one percent local sales tax in Tompkins County in addition to the three percent authorization that all New York State counties possess by law, and
 WHEREAS, the current authorization received in 2003 expires November 30, 2005, and
 WHEREAS, this Legislature has been requested by the offices of Assemblyperson Lifton and Senator Seward to forward any request for an extension of this authority when legislation can be timely prepared and submitted at the beginning of a session of the legislature, and
 WHEREAS, the expiration of the additional one percent local sales tax would necessitate, 1) $8,256,468 in reductions in County expenditures, creating a major impact on the availability of services, or a 27 percent increase in County property tax rates, or some combination thereof, as well as 2) substantial spending reductions or tax increases for the City, towns, and villages of Tompkins County, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That this Legislature requests that Assemblyperson Lifton, Senator Seward, and Senator Kuhl sponsor and support legislation extending the authority of the Tompkins County Legislature to extend the additional one percent local sales tax in Tompkins County beyond November 30, 2005, based on the same terms and conditions included in previous legislation, to provide local property tax relief.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Position Request – Department of Social Services

 It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve a request by the Department of Social Services to fill a position of Social Welfare Examiner at a salary of $34,355.  MOTION CARRIED.

Position Request – Highway Division

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve a request by the Highway Division to fill a position of Equipment Services Technician at a salary of $34,902.  MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.      - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR TERMINAL PAY – HIGHWAY DIVISION

 It was MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

 WHEREAS, the Highway Division had one employee, Painter Mechanic, terminate employment effective September 28, 2004, and
 WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal pay replacement from the Contingent Fund, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriations:

FROM:  A1990.54440   Contingent Fund  $2,301.34
TO:  DM5130.51000855  Salary – Painter Mechanic $1,655.64
  DM5130.58800   Fringes    $   645.70
              TOTAL $2,301.34
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Explanation:  The Painter Mechanic retired on September 28, 2004, and was paid fringes he was entitled to when he left, and therefore we are requesting reimbursement.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:
 
 WHEREAS, the Facilities Division has completed an assessment of the need for an emergency standby generator within the Courthouse Complex, and
 WHEREAS, the Facilities Division of Public Works can perform the installation of an emergency standby generator estimated at $50,000, and
 WHEREAS, the Facilities Division does not have the budgeted funds necessary to cover the anticipated costs, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby approves the purchase of a generator,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance be authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:

 FROM: A1990.54400  Contingent Fund  $50,000
  TO: A1620.52220  Department Equipment $30,000
   A1620.54470  Building Repairs  $20,000
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO.        - APPROPRIATION FROM HIGHWAY MACHINERY FUND BALANCE

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

 WHEREAS, the Highway Machinery – Automotive Supplies account is currently in a deficit situation, and
 WHEREAS, the cost of diesel fuel and gas has increased approximately forty percent since January, 2004, and
 WHEREAS, the cost of machinery parts has increased up to twenty percent since the beginning of 2004, and
 WHEREAS, the estimated cost of fuel and parts to complete 2004, considering these price increases, is $70,000, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee and  Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance be authorized to make the following budget appropriation:
 FROM:   DM0599.0000 Highway Machinery Fund $70,000
TO:    DM5130.54306 Automotive Supplies  $70,000
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II –  20

RESOLUTION NO                - ESTABLISHING A UNIT CHARGE FOR THE 2005 SOLID WASTE ANNUAL FEE

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

 WHEREAS, the unit charge for the 2005 Solid Waste Annual Fee has been recommended by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, now therefore be it,
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Unit Charge for the 2005 Solid Waste Annual Fee be established at $52.00 per billing unit, which is the same as the 2004 Solid Waste Annual Fee.

ATTACHMENT A:  SCHEDULE OF RATES

CODE                  PROPERTY CLASS       ‘USED AS’
(A)
Single family residences   210,240,241,242,250,280
Mobile Homes     270,271,416
Churches          Z32
Unit Charge: One billing unit per Church or living unit

(B)
Two-family residences   All 220’s
and other residences with two
living units
Unit Charges: 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’s
 Apartments         A01 - A07
 Rooming houses:   418
   2.5 beds = 1 billing unit
Unit Charges: One billing unit per living unit

(D)
Colleges: All tax exempt parcels owned by the colleges
Unit Charges:  Tompkins Cortland Community College        $5,918.36
   Cornell University      $169,558.42
  Ithaca College         $33,181.08
   BOCES          $29,084.08
     Total Colleges:     $237,741.95

(E)
Recreation and Warehouse (except row storage)     All K’s, Z01-Z11,
          Z19-Z26, F01-
     Unit Charges: $0.0186/sq.ft.       F04, F06, F07,F08
           F10, F11

(F)
Wholly Exempt Homes for the Aged  633
Wholly Exempt Other HealthCare Facilities 642
     Unit Charges: $0.0186/sq.ft.

(G)
All other All property classes and ‘used as’ codes not listed elsewhere in a specific category

      Unit Charges: $0.0372/sq.ft.

(H)
Seasonal Residences    260
 Property must be classified as a seasonal residence by the Tompkins County Assessment Dept.
Unit Charge: One-half (1/2) billing units per living unit.

(I)
No fee assessed:
 Row storage         F05
 Non-contributive area        Z98
 Local government - all tax exempt parcels owned by the city, towns,
  villages, and county within Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO.       - AUTHORIZING TOMPKINS COUNTY TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE IN PAY BETWEEN MILITARY PAY AND BASE COUNTY SALARY TO COUNTY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WHILE PERFORMING ORDERED MILITARY DUTY

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

 WHEREAS, the New York State Military Law provides certain rights to public officers and employees absent on military duty as members of Reserve Forces or Reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States, and
 WHEREAS, pursuant to the Tompkins County Personnel Rules, County officers and employees on authorized military leave are entitled to all the rights and privileges set forth in said Military Law, and
 WHEREAS, despite the rights and benefits afforded by said Military Law and said Personnel Rules, calls to active duty often impose financial hardship on those summoned and their dependents, and
 WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 313 of 2002, this Tompkins County Legislature authorized the payment of supplemental benefits to County officers and employees called to serve their country through December 31, 2003, and
 WHEREAS, there may be renewed need for activation of military personnel beyond 2004, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That effective January 1, 2004, the Tompkins County General Fund will pay the difference in pay between military and base County Salary to such County officers and employees in the Reserves or National Guard who are called to serve their country due to military activation through December 31, 2005, except in the event that military pay exceeds or equals County salary, but not to exceed a maximum of ninety work days in any one calendar year,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance will establish and notify Department Heads and affected employees of the procedures by which the differential shall be paid.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO.        - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 03-15 MILITARY LEAVE

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Legislature:

WHEREAS, there is a need to revise and update Administrative Policies, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the following Administrative Policy is hereby revised:
03-15 Military Leave
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO.        – ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 02-01, CREATING AND ABOLISHIGN NEW POSITIONS AND CHANING EXISTING POSITIONS RECLASSIFICATION POLICY

 MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Penniman.  The Committee made several modifications to the draft presented in the agenda packet.  A revised policy that includes the revisions made at this meeting will be brought back to the next meeting.  At that time the Committee will continue to review and make additional revisions.   Mr. Meskill requested that this policy be circulated to all department heads with the changes clearly defined, and that time be allowed for review and submission of comments.

Personnel

 Ms. Fitzpatrick distributed a Personnel Changes Summary dated October, 2004.

 Mr. Whicher said there have been some concerns about possible abuses of the County’s Disability Plan.  He said although there may be an occasional abuse, the system seems to be working overall and the County is experiencing a net savings as far as productive days go.  Under the previous system the County gave six days per year and in the present system the average use per employee is 2.75 days.   Mr. Whicher said it appears this system is working and provides employees with a positive insurance policy.  Mr. Booth requested Ms. Fitzpatrick to provide information on the actual usage of sick hours claimed under the County’s previous plan and the actual disability hours claimed under the present Disability Plan.

Mr. Whicher also reported on the pay equity system that is currently in place.  He said the point-rating system works well but seems to have some holes in it.  For example, Information Technology Services was left out or non-existent in 1988.  During that time computer technology was related very little, if at all, to County positions and has now evolved into a major component in many County positions.   Ms. Fitzpatrick stated an adjustment needs to be made to the present system to appropriately reflect the technology component.
 

Ms. Fitzpatrick provided the Committee with a historical overview of the County’s system.  She stated in 1988 the State conducted a pilot project and was willing to provide Tompkins County with $165,000 in State staffing assistance.  The process began with each employee completing a survey about their position, ratings were done by the County and State, and were followed by several layers of appeals.

Mr. Todd said an examination needs to be taken of the present system to see how Tompkins County is paying its employees in comparison to other positions in the community.  Mr. Meskill said he feels it would be very difficult to find comparable jobs in the private sector.  A question was raised as to what other counties may have already done this.  Mr. Booth said it may be very difficult to do a comparison with the private sector because the County’s benefits are so much greater.  Mr. Meskill said he feels County employment is attractive because it offers more security than many other jobs and doesn’t feel it is necessarily the pay that makes County employment attractive.

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr asked Ms. Fitzpatrick if she feels the current system is broken.  She responded that although times have changed and a lot of subjective evaluation is done, she feels the present system works.  Mr. Meskill also felt the present system works well and suggested tweaking areas on an individual basis as needed.

There was a discussion relative to the County’s employee retention rate.  Ms. Fitzpatrick stated in the mid-1980’s the County’s retention rate fluctuated between 30-60 percent and now is less than five percent.

 The Committee asked Personnel and County Administration to obtain information on adding an additional point relating to the pointt-factor rating system, and to also provide information on the County’s employment turnover rate.
 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr asked Ms. Fitzpatrick to provide the Committee with information relating to monthly personnel report trends that she observes in the data provided by her department.

Revenue Options

 This item will be forwarded to the next agenda.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 1:36 p.m.
 

Respectfully submitted by Michelle Pottorff, TC Legislature Office