Present: T. Joseph, T. Todd, P. Penniman, F. Proto (arrived at 8:41
a.m.)
Excused: S. Davis
Staff: R. Erb, J. Kazda, D. Squires, B. Grinnell-Crosby
Board Members in attendance: N. Schuler, B. Blanchard, D. Winch,
D. Kiefer
Guests: B. Ross, C. Haynes, and B. Taetsch of Tompkins Cortland
Community College
Mr. Joseph called the meeting to order at 8: 35 a.m.
Changes to the Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
Capital Project – Bostwick Road Project
RESOLUTION NO. - AMENDMENT TO THE CAPITAL PROGRAM - BOSTWICK ROAD FACILITY RENOVATIONS AND BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS RELOCATION PROJECT
The following resolution was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Penniman.
Mr. Winch said there has been discussion in the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee about performing this project in stages. He said he opposes handling it this way because of the disruption it would make and the possible increase in cost.
Mr. Penniman said he is uncomfortable moving forward with this project at this time because there are so many capital projects being proposed in next year’s budget.
Mr. Kazda said if this project does not get underway soon the County will have to pay for another season of high heating costs at the Biggs building. When asked about the proposed timeline for the project, he responded if approved, he expects design work to be done in August, bidding in September, and construction to be done by the first of the year. Mr. Proto commented that even if there is no signed agreement between the County and the Hospital, he feels the County has a moral obligation to purchase some steam for the Biggs Building. When asked about the status of the Biggs Building, Mr. Kazda responded that some real estate individuals recently toured the building and he is waiting to hear from them.
The Committee spent a few minutes reviewing the status of what is known about other capital projects that have been proposed. The projects that may be delayed are the Public Safety Building, Trunking Radio System, and some of the Courthouse renovations.
Ms. Blanchard said over the last few years the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee has given a great deal of scrutiny to this project and feels this is the most cost effective solution that exists.
Mr. Proto expressed concern about rushing into this and the impact it will have on the capital program. Mr. Joseph also said he has concerns about the capital program; however, he said if the Board is sure it wants to move forward with this project it would make little difference to delay it.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 4, Noes – 0, Excused – 1 (Davis). MOTION CARRIED.
WHEREAS, the original project addressed the needs of relocating the Buildings and Grounds Division only, and
WHEREAS, further investigations have shown that there are significant building and program deficiencies at the site and within the existing Bostwick Road facility, and
WHEREAS, studies have identified the efficiencies of completing the building improvements and expansion portions of work at one time, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee and the Capital Program Committees, That the Budget for the Buildings and Grounds Relocation Project be increased to 2,300,000,
RESOLVED, further, That the project be titled the Bostwick Road Facility Renovations and Buildings and Grounds Relocation Project,
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is hereby directed to secure the funding through borrowing.
SEQR ACTION:
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Tompkins Cortland Community College
It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Board:
WHEREAS, revenues will exceed the original budget due to an increase in enrollment, and there is a need to utilize such funds for operating purposes, and
WHEREAS, the total revenue and total expenditures will be increased by $335,000 to a modified level of $16,265,000, and
WHEREAS, the total sponsor share will not be affected by the modification, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That said proposed Modified 1999-2000 Operating Budget in the amount of $16,265,000 of which the sponsoring community contribution remains in the amount of $3,265,989 be and the same hereby is approved,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon the adoption of a concurrent resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Board:
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives has conducted a public hearing on said proposed budget on the 18th of July 2000, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That said proposed 2000-2001 operating budget in the amount of $17,450,000 of which the sponsoring community contribution is in the amount of $3,363,969 be and the same hereby is approved,
RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives of Tompkins County includes the 2001 Tompkins County Budget in an amount to be determined pursuant to the approved plan for said College in effect as of September 1, 2000 and that the amount when determined be raised by taxation in the County of Tompkins in the fiscal year 2001,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon the adoption of a concurrent resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Board:
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That said 2000-2001 Capital Budget in the amount of $140,000 of which the sponsoring community contribution is in the amount of $0 be and the same hereby is approved and adopted,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall become effective upon adoption of a concurrent resolution by the Cortland County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
It was noted that the College Master Plan listed on the County’s capital budget scenario spreadsheet does not relate to this resolution.
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Chair’s Report
Mr. Joseph distributed a capital budget scenario dated June 6, 2000 and explained what factors he used in coming up with his figures. He said the scenarios are based on a two percent across-the-board increase to departments, $300,000 in new tobacco prevention initiatives, $500,000 new crime prevention/alternative to incarceration programs, $200,000 for new personnel requests, and assessed value increases by three percent. (A copy is attached.) Mr. Joseph said the chart shows sales tax of $20,500,000, which is up from $19,700,000 last year. This is based on the assumption that Tompkins County will not elect to eliminate sales tax on clothing and footwear. It was stated that the Countywide revenue loss would equal $1 million with the County’s share of that being $.5 million.
Mr. Proto said if the County’s census figures hit the 100,000 mark it might change the reimbursement rate in some departments. He suggested that some type of forecast be done. Mr. Erb said he would look into this with departments.
Finance Director’s Report
Mr. Squires distributed the second quarter financial summary report for the County. He said the Sheriff’s Department budget is on target and he sees no area that warrants any attention at this point.
Securitization – Local Law Creating Local Development Corporation
A motion was made by Mr. Proto and seconded by Mr. Penniman to discuss the local law.
Mr. Joseph said that creating a local development corporation is a requirement of securitization. Mr. Erb was asked to obtain information on the minimum and maximum number of members that may serve on the Corporation. He was also asked to provide the Committee with clarification on the term ex-officio and whether these members are appointed by virtue of their office and whether they have voting privileges.
Mr. Joseph commented that the proposed local law does not indicate how much of the settlement the County would be pledging. Mr. Proto felt the wording should be expanded to indicate the County’s intent. Mr. Joseph noted that although this is only establishing the corporation, it does not indicate how the money will be used although it implies that it does. Mr. Erb was directed to work on the wording contained in the proposed law using the suggestions that were offered.
Mr. Todd said the initial question the Board needs to decide on is whether or not Tompkins County is going to securitize or take the funds on an annual basis. Only after that decision is made can the County decide on how much it will securitize.
It was decided that representatives from NYSAC will be invited to meet with the Committee to discuss securitization further and that all Board members will be invited to attend.
Mr. Proto withdrew his motion, as did Mr. Penniman.
Health Systems Software Upgrade
Mr. Grinnell-Crosby, Public Health Administrator, said the Department currently supports the billing, statistical, and clinical functions on an outdated DOS operating system. This version of software will be phased out over the next five years and replaced with a window-based application that will improve the transmission of data and the billing process. This new system will also be required to meet a new requirement of daily billing to Medicare. The Department currently bills Medicare on a monthly basis. She said she does not believe the new system will provide any revenue to cover the cost of replacement and she is not clear whether they will be assisted with State aid.
When asked what impact this new requirement will have on the Department of Social Services and Mental Health Department, Ms. Grinnell-Crosby said DSS does not bill Medicare for services. The Mental Health Department will be impacted but the extent is not yet known.
Mr. Todd was excused at 11:20 a.m.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following resolution and submit to the full Board:
WHEREAS, said study was prepared by a group of citizens who volunteered to prepare recommendations to improve transportation and services, and
WHEREAS, a major proposal recommended a significant upgrade of transit systems in the County, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council intends to undertake a more detailed study of this transit proposal which would require that consultants be retained at a cost of approximately $200,000, and
WHEREAS, 80 percent of such cost can be covered by federal and state funds, with the remaining 20 percent to come from local sources, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Planning and Intermunicipal Coordination Committee and the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That Tompkins County appropriate $5,000 as its share of local support, with the understanding that a sum of money less than this amount be allocated depending upon the number of local participants and the total cost of the study,
RESOLVED, further, That $5,000 be appropriated from the County contingency fund for this purpose.
SEQR ACTION: Type II-21
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It was noted TCAT to has not accepted any responsibility for this at this time, for carrying out the recommendations of this study.
The next meeting will be held on July 20 at 9 a.m.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
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