PRESENT: B. Blanchard, C. Evans, M. Lane, T. Joseph, P. Penniman
STAFF: J. Hanson, B. Benjamin, J. Hanson, L. Shurtleff
GUESTS: L. Withiam, E911 Operations Committee; B. Wilbur, Ithaca Fire Department; L. Shurtleff, Fire, Disaster and EMS; C. Yahn, Building Links
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting opened at 2:04 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was Moved by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Joseph and unanimously adopted by voice vote to approve the minutes of September 28, 1999, as submitted.
MOU AND SCOPING UPDATE
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM INFORMATION FROM LABELLA ASSOCIATES
A proposal for services by LaBella Associates was distributed for information and will be discussed at the next committee meeting. Mr. Hanson reported that a technical meeting will be set up for November 15th to discuss this proposal. He asked Committee members to submit any concerns to him so they can be addressed at that meeting. Mr. Wilbur stated clarification should be made about the location of the dispatch center as opposed to the central fire station.
BUILDING LINKS PRESENTATION
Ms. Blanchard introduced Cynthia Yahn, CEO of Building Links, a group that is developing a large portion of the West End. Ms. Yahn will be presenting Building Links involvement in the Carpenter Business Park. Ms. Blanchard emphasized the importance of ensuring the County's activities and the activities of Building Links are coordinated and support each other.
Ms. Yahn explained that Building Links is a Building 501 C3 Community Development Corporation. She stated the organization is undergoing extensive board development and the group has been operating for four years and received 501 C3 designation this year. The group was formed because the City of Ithaca did not have a solid plan for developing the West End and the group believes there is solid opportunity for development. Nine independent companies have joined the group. She stated that by owning property, the group can ensure development and they believe it will bring significant economic growth to the City of Ithaca.
Ms. Yahn stated that the group began work by obtaining the most vulnerable properties, with the nine companies controlling the properties. She stated that the nine companies are business owners. Building Links wants dense development with specific land use that does not compete with downtown. A walkway will be constructed through the area and parking will be phased in during development. Each property has been thoroughly researched and mapping has been completed. She stated that the group has been able to bring together people to make deals that wouldn’t have been made otherwise.
Ideas for the DOT site include putting in a roadway and bikes lanes and discussion has begun with hotel companies. Ms. Yahn indicated that the hotel companies do not favor the site because it is close to the railroad tracks. Ms. Yahn stated that should the County acquire the DOT site, Building Links would like to further discuss development.
Ms. Blanchard stated it is important to understand what other types of development is taking place in the West End. She stated she would appreciate Building Links keeping in touch with the County as their plans develop. She stated a portion of the Economic Development Strategy involves a feasibility study being done for a convention center in Ithaca and the DOT property has always been considered for this purpose. She stated that if Building Links can develop a roadway system that does not go by the sewer plant, this would be a better approach.
UPDATE ON SEWER/WATER DISTRICT TIME TABLE/PROGRESS
Mr. Hanson stated that there has been a delay in getting the Memorandum of Understanding signed because there was an issue of how the sewer district costs are going to be distributed to residents along Hanshaw Road. This will be worked out with Cornell Real Estate after the Town of Dryden determines the costs.
PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
DOT
Mr. Hanson stated the soil data at the existing site have been reviewed. Mr. Hanson reported that Mr. Kazda has ordered the appraisal for the Hanshaw Road property and the report is available in his office for review. Ms. Blanchard asked that copies be made available for committee members.
E911
Mr. Wilbur stated that the outline for the operations plan is complete. The major aspects include a historical prospective, overview of the centralization process, and mechanics of centralization. The plan will include the move to the new site and the system components (what is required, the existing equipment and what will be needed) in relation to 911. The police centralization piece of the plan is a larger piece because there are several remote locations and the plan will include every aspect of each location (the financial aspects, communications upgrade to the 800 MHz trunking system and dispatching needs). The plan will also discuss the administration and management of the centralized operation.
Ms. Blanchard stated that the budget includes funding for joint training so protocols will be same. Mr. Shurtleff stated that beginning in 2000 training will begin and this has been included in the operational plan. Mr. Withiam stated that Doug Robertson is chairing a subcommittee of the E911 Operations Committee that will work on pulling together procedures for police agencies. He stated the procedures will be in place and training provided prior to moving into the new facility.
Mr. Shurtleff stated that Mr. Miller has sent out letters to cell phone companies asking that all cell calls be routed through PSAP through coordination with Fire and Disaster and the State Police. He stated that the Governor has asked for more information from the senate sponsors on the increased 911 surcharge.
TOWERS PROJECT
Ms. Blanchard stated that Dutch Hill Consultants has submitted a draft report on the towers project that looks at alternative sites and answers Board Member questions. She stated that additional editing will be completed and a joint meeting will be held with the Public Safety Committee November 23, 1999, at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Heyman Conference Room to hear a presentation by Dutch Hill.
CISNET
Mr. Benjamin reported that the specialized training is being finalized. Sites will be operational within the next few months.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Blanchard stated she would like a meeting held with Assemblyman Luster and Senators Seward and Kuhl to provide them with an update on the various projects. She stated a specific timeline and funding projections will be provided to them at the meeting. Mr. Benjamin will coordinate the meeting and notify the Committee.
OTHER AND OLD COMMITTEE BUSINESS
No additional or old committee business was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. The next meeting will be a joint meeting with the Public Safety Committee on November 23, 1999 at 1:30 p.m. in the Scott Heyman Conference Room.
Respectfully submitted by Jennifer
Luu, Administrative Assistant, Board of Representative's Office.