Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m.

Changes to Agenda

 There were no changes to the agenda.

Approval of Minutes
 
 It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the June 8th meeting as corrected.

Comments from the Public

 There were no comments from the public.

 Mr. Booth arrived at this time.

Report from the Committee Chair

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr reported a proposed calendar for fall Expanded Budget Committee meetings was distributed to Legislators.  The Committee will discuss the schedule later in the meeting.

Report from the Finance Director

 Mr. Squires provided Committee members with the most recent "old" data on sales tax.  The report shows sales tax prior to many of the new major retail outlets opening in the County.

 The County is averaging 16 percent over last year in sales tax.  For the first five months, there is a $1.4 million increase in revenue (actual-County portion) over last year.

 Mr. Squires reported the revenue from the motor vehicle use fee budgeted in 2004 was to go into the highway fund.  The money is received in the General Fund and then paid over to the highway fund as a contribution.  The issue is the fee is just being implemented.  He said $140,000 was recognized in the highway budget and said a decision will need to be made later in the year on how to address this and if an adjustment will be needed.

 Mr. Squires said the State Legislature addressed the sales tax on clothing exemption and announced there will be a school shopping holiday period from August 31 to September 6, 2004.  Legislation requires counties to take action on opting out by July 16th if it wishes to not participate.  No action is necessary if a county opts in.  Following a brief discussion, the Committee chose not to take action; Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said he will report this to the Legislature.

Report from the County Administrator

 Mr. Whicher reported on two proposals by the Assembly and Senate concerning Medicaid.  He briefly reviewed the Assembly bill and said it establishes a base year for Medicaid expenditures and any growth they will absorb in the first year five percent, second year ten percent, etc.  He will provide the Committee with more information as soon as it becomes available.

 He also updated the Committee on the cabinet structures and said he has gone through the basics.  He will be meeting with the Public Safety Cabinet this afternoon for the first time.

 The search for the Mental Health Commissioner is being discussed.  Mr. Whicher met with the Mental Health Services Board and will discuss it further at the next meeting.  Mr. DeLuca, Interim Commissioner, would like time to discuss and consider other approaches and decide if a different structure should be recommended.

Airport

 Resolutions
 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Nicholas distributed copies of a map that highlighted the proposed project to rehabilitate the paved area between the T-Hangars and explained the need for this project.  At the same time the Airport was under construction, the T-Hangar project was bid and the same contractors were awarded the bid.  The project was done piecemeal, and therefore over the last ten years has resulted in drainage problems.  The people occupying this space have dealt with this for several years and it has become a hazard.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has agreed that part of this project is eligible and that 50 percent of it can be paid through FAA funding.  The cost of the total project ranges between $60,000-$80,000 with the County cost being $30,000-$40,000.  He feels this is a liability issue and would like to amend the Capital Program budget and incorporate this project into the Transient Ramp Rehabilitation Project.

 Further discussion followed, and a voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4 (Koplinka-Loehr, Todd, Penniman, and Booth); Noes - 1 (McBean-Clairborne).  RESOLUTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.              -  AMENDMENT TO THE 2004-2008 CAPITAL PROGRAM – TRANSIENT RAMP REHABILITATION – ITHACA TOMPKINS
                                                    REGIONAL AIRPORT

WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has an approved Capital Project in the 2004 – 2008 Capital Program in the amount of $1,420,000 for rehabilitation of the Airport’s Transient Ramp, and
WHEREAS, the project has been revised to include the necessary rehabilitation of the paved area between the County T-Hangars, and
WHEREAS, completion of this additional work will increase the project cost by an estimated $80,000, and
WHEREAS, by using Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for said  rehabilitation of the paved area the Airport will be reimbursed an estimated $39,000, and
WHEREAS, the Airport’s local share of this project will increase from $35,500 to $76,500 and said increase will be paid for by incorporating it into the airline rates and charges, and
WHEREAS, the revised funding sources are as follows:
                                                                            Original Project           Revised Project
                FAA                                                         $ 1,349,000                 $ 1,387,000
                NYSDOT                                                 $      35,500                 $      36,500
                Local (Airline Rates & Charges)             $      35,500                 $      76,500
                Total                                                         $ 1,420,000                 $ 1,500,000
, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the 2004-2008 Capital Program be amended to incorporate this change in project scope and estimated cost increase,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to advance funds in connection with this project until reimbursement is received from the FAA, NYSDOT and the Airlines.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Explanatory Notes:

The problems being experienced with the paved area between the County T-hangars are for the most part caused by frost heave of the central drains which have now risen above the level of the surrounding pavement, causing large areas of ponding to occur after rainfall. In addition, insufficient slope of the pavement between the T-hangars and areas of failing pavement are causing ponding in other areas. During winter months this standing water freezes and presents a hazard for T-hangar tenants who wish to use their aircraft. The situation has worsened over the past several years to a point where T-hangar tenants have expressed concern about their safety when using the area.

The problem requires a re-seating and lowering of the drains and then re-paving of the entire lane to ensure adequate pavement contours and thus, proper drainage.

This year’s Transient Ramp Rehabilitation project presents us with the opportunity to get almost half of the costs taken care of under the federal AIP grant program. Under the AIP program the center twenty-five foot section, being considered an aircraft transit lane, is eligible for funding. The two sections 12 1/2 foot sections on either side of the twenty-five foot strip are not eligible. Therefore, half the project would qualify for the usual FAA/NYSDOT/Local split of costs and the other half would be entirely an airport cost.

The FAA is unlikely to approve it as a stand-alone project because it is too small, but they are happy for us to do it as part of a larger project like the Transient Ramp Rehabilitation.

The local cost of this project will be absorbed in the airport’s operational budget and from part of the airline’s rate base.

 It was MOVED by Penniman, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Squires explained the resolution and said the County has a responsibility to pay for the appropriation of property that was acquired by federal funds.  Mr. Booth clarified the County is obligated to pay the Federal government $175,000 for the property; they are willing to allow us to spend that by putting it in the Airport fund.

 Ms. Robertson asked if the Committee would consider repaying the $64,000 appropriated from the Contingent Fund at a previous meeting from the $175,000.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said she would support that approach.  Ms. Robertson agreed to draft the appropriate language for the Legislature to consider.

 Mr. Squires feels this action will stabilize the Airport this year and allow them not to borrow money to pay the local share.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne understands there is a cash-flow problem as reported earlier this year, but she would like more information concerning the Airport's budget and if there are other options available.  Mr. Nicholas said he will be giving a report on the Airport's budget in July to the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee.  Mr. Penniman feels the argument to pay back the $65,000 is legitimate, but agrees with the Finance Director that the Airport fund balance should have reserves and feels this should be discussed.

 A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution:  Ayes - 4 (Penniman, Koplinka-Loehr, Todd, and Booth); Noes - 1 (McBean-Clairborne).  RESOLUTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.          -   AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER OF $ 175,000 FROM THE CONTINGENT FUND TO THE AIRPORT FUND IN PAYMENT FOR AIRPORT LAND
                                                 TRANSFERRED TO THE COUNTY AS A SITE FOR THE NEW E-911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER

WHEREAS, a parcel of airport land was transferred to the County as a site for the new E-911 Emergency Response Center in accordance with a Deed of Release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dated February 14, 2003, and
      WHEREAS, under Federal grant assurances, in return for the land transfer, the County is obligated to reimburse the airport for the fair market value of said parcel as referenced in said Deed of Release, and
      WHEREAS, the County’s Assessment Department placed a value on said parcel of One Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand dollars ($175,000), and
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That a transfer of $175,000 from the Contingent Fund to the Airport Fund be authorized to pay for the E-911 Emergency Response Center parcel and to ease the airport’s cash-flow problems:
From:            A1990.54400     Contingent Fund         $175,000
To:                CT5610.54400   Airport                        $175,000
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-2

Explanatory Note:

The County Finance Director believes there is a general acceptance that, if nothing changes, sooner or later the $175,000 will have to be transferred to the airport due to the drop-off in passengers and diminished revenue stream. However, with the recently signed two-year contract extension with US Airways, having the $175,000 in the airport account should solve the airport’s cash-flow problems and allow the airport to at least get through until the end of the contract (12/31/2005) without the need to borrow money from other sources. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized this money be transferred to the Airport.

Mental Health

 Resolution
 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:
 

RESOLUTION NO. - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR TERMINAL PAY - MENTAL HEALTH

WHEREAS, during 2003, several employees terminated their employment with Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for reimbursement of terminal pay through the Contingent fund, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Capital Committees, that the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:

FROM:  A1990.5440  Contingent Fund                 $ 23,297.00

TO:  A4311.51000599 Salary - Psychiatric Social Worker $ 12,946.50
A4311.51000511 Salary - Case Aide           656.39
A4311.58800   Fringe           5,031.21
           A4312.51000255  Salary - Program Director       3,403.90
A4312.58800   Fringe           1,258.00
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Administration

 Resolution
 It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:

RESOLUTION NO.        PROGRAM RECONFIGURATION CHANGE  – DIRECTOR OF DISPATCH CENTER - MOVE FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO EMERGENCY
                                            RESPONSE

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 5 of 2002 created a position of Director of Dispatch Center (85/182), labor grade O (15), standard work week 40.0 hours in the office of the County Administrator, and
 WHEREAS, It is no longer necessary to fund the position through County Administration (A1230), and
 WHEREAS, Funding is available in Emergency Response (A3410),
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety, Government Operations, and Budget and Capital Committees, That the position of Director of Dispatch Center be moved from County Administration to Department of Emergency Response effective July 1, 2004,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance be directed to transfer any charges made after July 1, 2004 relating to the salary and fringes for this position in County Administration (A1230) to Emergency Response (A3410),
 RESOLVED, further, That the following budget adjustments be made:
 Appropriation:  A1230.5000182  Director of Dispatch Center (23,669)
    A1230.58800      Fringes      (9,231)
   A3410.5000182  Director of Dispatch Center  23,669
    A3410.58800      Fringes       9,231
    A3410.54442    Professional Services  (32,900)

 Revenue:  A1230.42770    Unclassified Revenue  (32,900)
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Tompkins Cortland Community College

 Resolution
 It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve and submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:

RESOLUTION NO.  AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC HEARING - TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPERATING BUDGET – 2004-2005

 WHEREAS, Tompkins Cortland Community College is a joint enterprise of Tompkins County and Cortland County whose budgets must be acted on by each county, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That a public hearing be held on July 20, 2004, at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof in the Legislature’s Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, concerning the 2004-2005 operating budget request 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 Legislature be and hereby is directed to place such notice of public hearing in the official newspaper of Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Facilities

 Position Request
 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the request to fill the vacant position of Cleaner as presented.

Personnel

 Report - Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Tompkins County
 A chart was distributed showing the general racial ethnic diversity population of the County attending and not attending college.  It was reported that at a meeting in July the Committee will have a report on the County's workforce.  A request was made to have this chart and the County workforce information distributed to the full Legislature.   Mr. Marx said the information on the chart is an ethnic designation not a race designation and the source used for producing numbers was from the 2000 Census.

Budget Process

 Review of Calendar
 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr briefly reviewed the budget calendar to date and said the Legislature and staff remain on schedule.  The public forum has been scheduled for September 13th at Boynton Middle School.

 Proposed Calendar for Expanded Meetings
 A draft calendar for the Expanded Budget meetings was distributed and reviewed.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr asked Committee members and staff to report to the Legislature's office any conflicts with the proposed schedule.  New schedules will be proposed following feedback on the first draft.

Budget Community Advisory Panel (CAP) Report

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr asked the Committee review the CAP report and delegate to the appropriate committee(s), department(s), or staff each recommendation.  Below is the outline of assignments as agreed by the Committee:

I.  REDESIGN THE BUDGET PROCESS
 A.  "Reverse" budget decision-making
· Budget and Capital Committee will take the lead
· Legislature approve

B.  Establish a tax levy target
· Budget and Capital Committee will recommend and monitor
· Legislature approve

C.  Address reserve policy
· Budget and Capital Committee will review policy (consider percentage of budget
 going towards reserve funds)

 D.  Match government services to the economic cycle
· Budget and Capital Committee will recommend

E.  Improve criteria for capital project decision-making
· PAR process will begin with this

F.  Take a longer view
· Administration will take the lead
· Budget and Capital Committee will follow-up with policy implementation

II.  REDUCE COSTS
 A.  Stabilize the cost of labor
· Personnel and Administration

B.  Reduce administrative costs
· Administration and departments heads
· Appropriate program committee will review recommendations

C.  Examine purchasing alternatives
· Finance Department

III.  INCREASE REVENUES AND REVENUE SOURCES
 A.  Study all revenue opportunities; weigh pros and cons
· Budget and Capital Committee and Legislature
(Mr. Joseph noted at this time that he will appointing an income tax committee soon)

 B.  Increase grant opportunities
· Administration/Planning

IV.  SET A CLEAR DIRECTION
 A.  Clarify goals and purposes of County government
· Special Committee and Legislature

B.  Develop a strategic plan
· Special committee

V.  ESTABLISH REGULAR PROGRAM EVALUATION
 A.  Design a plan to evaluate all programs
· Special Committee (Administration/Personnel)

B.  Put "sunset" regulations on programs
· Administration and all departments

C.  Re-examine all mandates
· Budget and Capital Committee and program committees

D.  Study the "pros and cons" of grants
· Administration and Planning

VI.  CONSOLIDATE/COORDINATE/COOPERATE
· Administration and departments (Intermunicipal meetings)

VII.  INCREASE PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
· Departments and Public Information

VIII.  USE COMMUNITY EXPERTISE AND INPUT
· Administration and Legislature (Departments will continue)

IX.  ASSESS PROGRESS
· Administration and Budget and Capital Committee

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said he will prepare an outline and distribute to the various entities or departments requesting a timeline be developed for a master list.

Capital PAR Process Status Report

 Mr. Marx reported the PAR process and administrative procedures are being developed and upon completion will be distributed to department heads and the Legislature for review and consideration.  The PAR forms have been submitted for the 2005 budget process for review.  The new capital projects being proposed include:  $8 million highway maintenance project (five years); increase of $4 million in public building restoration to paid over several years; $.5 million increase federal aid projects.  Payments for the highway maintenance project and public building restoration project and how they will be financed need to be discussed.  He does not anticipate the payments to begin in 2005.

 In response to Mr. Booth's question concerning separate PAR forms for highway projects, Mr. Marx said a small group of staff met and it was determined the main concern was communication procedures.  Highway staff is looking at their procedures and how to improve communication rather than through the PAR forms.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.