Present:  P. Penniman, Chair; M. Robertson; D. Booth; L. McBean; T. Todd
Staff:      D. Squires, Finance Director; C. Covert, Clerk of the Board; S. Whicher, County Administrator;
             W. Skinner, Public Information
Other Board Members:  D. Kiefer, T. Joseph, Chair of the Board

Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

Changes to Agenda

 The following resolution was withdrawn from the agenda:

- Amendment to the 2002 Capital Program - New York State Department of Transportation Relocation

Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the minutes of the July 23rd meeting as corrected.

Report from the Committee Chair

 Mr. Penniman spoke about lobbying for changes in State policy and said he would keep on file in the Board office copies of proposed resolutions from the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) 2001 Fall Seminar.  He would like to discuss at the next meeting possible resolutions to consider forwarding for the NYSAC 2002 Fall Seminar.

Report from the Finance Director

 Mr. Squires reviewed and distributed copies of a chart showing "peer group comparisons" of economic assistance (social services expenses) with comparable counties.  It illustrates Tompkins County spends less per capita then other counties in several categories of spending.

 Also distributed was the reconciled sales tax revenue comparing actual sales tax received with prior years.

Report from the County Administrator

 Mr. Whicher stated he has been reviewing departmental budgets and said it has been a very difficult process.  At this point in his review, he is not proposing the elimination of any programs.  He has been meeting with each of the departments and making adjustments.  He also reported on the budget review meetings with County employees that he and Chair Joseph have been attending.  He feels they have been sparsely attended, but that attitudes are good and people are feeling better about the situation.  He commented that some employees with highly marketable skills maybe leaving, we are seeing this happen at the library.

 Mr. Joseph disagreed with Mr. Whicher's comment about the attendance and feels the budget meetings have had good attendance based on where the meetings were held.

Resolution - Early Retirement - Personnel

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Todd, to submit the resolution concerning the early retirement proposal for the Records Manager to the full Board for approval.  Mr. Whicher reviewed and distributed copies of the savings plan for the anticipated early retirement of Robert Hillick, Records Management.  Committee members raised several questions and asked for clarification on the resolution pertaining to the required savings by the State and Fiscal Target adjustment.  Following a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed to postpone action on this resolution to develop language to be incorporated for clarification.

Resolution - Terminal Pay - Sheriff's Department

 It was MOVED by Mr. McBean, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to submit the following resolution to the full Board for approval:

RESOLUTION NO.           – APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR TERMINAL PAY AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

 WHEREAS, due to the death of Deputy Charles “Scott” Odell, there will be a payment of contractual applicable fringe benefit balances at a cost of $6,326, and
 WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal pay from the Contingent fund, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance appropriates a total of $6,326 to the Sheriff’s budget for terminal pay,
 RESOLVED, further, That the money be distributed to the following accounts:

FROM:  A1990.54440  Contingent Fund  $6,326
TO:  A3113.51000419 Regular Pay   $5,021
  A3113.58800  Fringe    $1,305
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Capital Discussion

 Review of Space Needs and Location Committee Projects

 Mr. Joseph reported on the activities and discussions of the Space Needs and Location Committee relating to capital projects.  The Committee had several new members this year and tried to pick up where the previous Committee left off and move ahead.  Time has been spent on looking at various options previously presented as well as developing new options.  At the last meeting, the Committee decided that it needed to look at how the space and building needs were identified and how real they are.  The Committee discussed space needs for each department on the capital project list.  Following that review, many of those departments indicated that there is not an immediate need for more space, just a preference for better space.  The most urgent space need was possibly the State Court System.  Mr. Joseph said he and Deputy County Administrator Smithers will be meeting with Russ Oeschle from the State Court System to discuss their immediate space needs.  If the County has to accommodate the Courts needs, the most appropriate way is to move Office for the Aging possibly to the Old Library which would require the Community Justice Center to move.

 Following the discussion on space needs, the Committee talked about building needs.  Options to renovate Biggs B were projected to cost up to $11.5 million.  When asked about minimal renovations, most of them were not necessary.  It became unclear what really was needed for Biggs B and staff was asked to research this and provide an estimate on what the building needs for its own preservation.  The Old Library was then discussed.  The Records Management Program was moved into the Old Library from Biggs A after finding appalling working conditions.  Considerable discussion took place on the issues at the Old Library.  If offices were to occupy the building, major renovations would be necessary to bring the building up to code.  But placing the County's records in the Old Library and not opening it up to the public, major renovations are not necessary; however, the mezzanine area would not be usable.   The remaining building needs such as roof repairs and front steps need to be examined.

 Mr. Joseph said the Space Needs and Location Committee will continue its discussions and propose a dollar amount for the capital budget as a placeholder.

 Ms. Kiefer asked if the Vital Records were being moved to the Old Library as well.  Mr. Whicher said that they have not been moved.  He is working on developing a project to produce an electronic file of vital records.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 3:56 p.m.