Present:    M. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair; G. Totman; D. Kiefer; D. Booth

Excused:  T. Todd

Staff:     D. Giordano, Workforce Development; C. Sowards, Workforce Development; W. Skinner, Public Information; D. Squires, Finance Director; S. Whicher, County Administrator; J. Wood, County Attorney; D. Filiberto, Intern; V. Coggin, Assessment Director; J. Franklin, Assessment Department; K. Borgella, Planning Department; A. Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner; K. Smithers, Deputy County Administrator

Guests:    T. Joseph, Chair of the Board

Called to Order

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

Workforce Development

Ms. Giordano said Mrs. Smithers feels the standing committee responsible for this department is unclear and recommended both committees (Government Operations and Economic and Workforce Development) approve the following resolution.   Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed the Chair of the Board should determine the appropriate standing committee Workforce Development should report to.

It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Booth, to approve the following resolution.  Ms. Giordano presented and briefly explained the following resolution.  Ms. Kiefer asked if the guidelines adopted by the County's Web Resource Team would be followed.  Ms. Giordano said the decision has not been made yet as to whether it will be attached to the County's website, but will work with the team if it is.

    A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Representative Todd).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

RESOLUTION NO.       - ACCEPTANCE OF CHALLENGE YOUTH GRANT AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENT - TOMPKINS COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board was recently awarded a $25,960 grant from New York State Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act funds, and
WHEREAS, the grant will be used to develop the Tompkins FYI (Full Youth Integration) website utilizing 12 WIA eligible youth and three non-WIA eligible youth, and
WHEREAS, the website will bring youth and youth service agencies together and increase access to One-Stop services to all youth, including the 70 percent of Tompkins County youth living in rural areas, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins FYI will provide youth and youth-serving agencies (including schools) with a centralized information database, direct links to businesses, apprenticeships, other partner agencies and various training opportunities, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board will be contracting with the Office of Employment and Training to implement this program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development and Government Operations Committees, That the County hereby accepts the grant in the amount of $25,960,
    RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized to make the following budget adjustment to his books:
    REVENUE:    CD6290.44790        Federal Aid Job Training       $25,960
APPROPRIATION:    CD6290.54491        Subcontracts                $25,960

    REVENUE:    CD6292.42225        Local Rev (Fed.) WIA           $25,960
APPROPRIATION:    CD6292.51000        Salaries                          $ 9,722
                                      CD6292.58800        Fringe Benefits             $ 1,138
                                      CD6292.54491        Subcontracts               $11,000
                                      CD6292.54414        Local Mileage             $     100
                                      CD6292.54412        Travel & Training       $  2,500
                                     CD6292.54433        Education and Promotion    $  1,500
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

    The following items were added to the agenda:

- Two memorandums from Assessment:  (1) Recent RPTL Legislation; and (2) Image Mate Online
- Transfer - Assessment
- Resolution - Budgeting Unit Reconfiguration and Fiscal Target Adjustment - County Administration and Personnel

At the request of the Ms. Coggin, the Committee agreed to withdraw the agenda item concerning permission to proceed with budget scenario.

Report from Committee Chair

    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said he did not have a report.

Report from County Administrator

    Mr. Whicher followed up on the discussion from the last meeting concerning the County Corridors article about the budget comments received from County employees.  He and Chair Joseph will be going out to various work locations to speak with staff directly and provide an overview of the budget process including, e.g., if there is a reduction in a program, how that will work.  He commented that there are also discussions happening with the unions.

    Mr. Whicher spoke about the formation of a capital projects team and has asked the two training and development employees to assist in the development of a charge process.  It is hoped the charge process would provide clear direction, goals, expectations, etc.    In addition, he has discussed with Ms. Fitzpatrick the creation of an administration cabinet or downtown complex cabinet.

    Ms. Kiefer asked that the charge process be reviewed by the Government Operations Committee. Mr. Whicher said he would also keep the committee informed of the cabinet structure.

Report from County Attorney

    Mr. Wood distributed copies of a summary of lawsuits that his Department handled this year.

Report from the Finance Director

    Mr. Squires stated that over the last two weeks his Department has been collecting second-installment payments that were due July 1st.  There were about 3,000 people that chose the installment plan and approximately one third have paid in the last day or two.  Last week, three-hundred payments came in one day.  One-million dollars has been collected between June 28 and July 2.

    He commented on a bill that was in the State Legislature and was moving along that would require senior citizens being notified that if they were in foreclosure they had a right to an attorney at the County's expense.

    Mr. Squires reported that Mr. Filiberto, Intern, has been working on the GASB project.  The area of GASB that will affect the County is infrastructure.  The value of the County's infrastructure has not been fully reported.  Mr. Filiberto is trying to determine the value of the road system.  The figure is based on the reconstruction of the network of roads and subtracting cumulative depreciation.  The Airport is the one area that is constantly being rebuilt.  Thirty million dollars has been spent on improvements at the Airport since the early 1980's.

Report from Public Information Officer

    Ms. Skinner updated the Committee on the Web Resource Team activities.  She commented that the charge process was used for this group and it is one of the best cross-functional teams the County has had in recent years.  The Web Resource Team met with the consultant, who is impressed with the simplicity, direction, and speed in the way they work.  The Team hopes to have a product within two months.  She reported on another web project; a coalition of the County, City, and Ithaca Fire Department dealing with emergency management information both for the public and proprietary information that will be stored on the web in a secure location to allow responders to look for resources such as public works and health.  The website is likely to be located on the Ithaca Fire Department's server.

    Ms. Skinner spoke about the item on the agenda concerning agenda format and recommended the Committee consider adding a place for County staff to address the Board.  Currently, when employees wish to speak at a Board meeting, it is done under privilege of the floor for the public and at times can be uncomfortable or awkward.  (This was further discussed later in the meeting.)

    Ms. Skinner also spoke about the budget she submitted for the public information program.  As she feels the contract with Cooperative Extension for Jim Blizzard's work with the web and television is well worth the County's money, she submitted a budget reducing the Public Information Officer's position to halftime.  There is an over-target request to maintain the position at fulltime, however.  She commented that she has proposed $10,000 savings for 2002 and $12,000 for 2003.

Approval of Minutes

    It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2002 meeting as submitted.

Assessment

    New Exemptions Legislation - Senior and STAR
    Ms. Coggin spoke about new exemption legislation and presented the following information:
1. STAR
a. COLA's - For 2003 Assessment Roll, income maximum will increase by 3.5 percent to $62,100.  Also, income tax year to be used will be two years behind the assessment roll.
b. Enhanced Renewal process - When reapplying for the Enhanced Star Exemption, seniors may by choice authorize the Department of Assessment to verify their income with the State Department of Taxation and Finance.  The senior would still need to reapply for the 2003 assessment year by including their 2001 income, but in the future, would not need to reapply.  The senior would still have to be notified of any increase in the maximum income level and whether the exemption was granted or not.
c. Husband and wife can only receive the basic STAR exemption on separate residences if they are living apart due to legal separation.

2. Senior Exemption (RPTL 467 (6-b))
a. Renewal Process - If the senior has received the exemption on the prior five years of assessment rolls, the senior can just sign a waiver to reapply.  While this provision requires the senior to file the waiver each year, this provision does not require the senior to supply income information on a year to year basis.
b. 903 seniors would be eligible for "automatic" renewals for the 2003 Assessment Year.
c. Must be authorized by adoption of Local Law.

Committee discussion followed regarding the senior exemption and a request was made for staff to prepare a draft law for the Committee to consider at the next meeting.

Permission to Proceed with Budget Scenario
    At the request of Ms. Coggin, the Committee agreed to withdraw this item.

    AES Cayuga Energy LP
    It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to hold an executive session to discuss confidential information.  An executive session was held at 12:09 p.m. and returned to open session at 12:22 p.m.

    Mr. Whicher requested Ms. Coggin keep the Committee up to date on railroads and utilities that have filed class-action grievances at the State level.

County-Owned Land

    Caroline Pinnacles
    Ms. Borgella referred to the memorandum she prepared for Committee members and restated the opinion of staff as follows:  "The Planning Department recommends that the Government Operations Committee seek authorization to expend up to $1,160 (from the Contingency Fund, if necessary) to pay the cost of the survey, and that the County Attorney's office be directed to review the work of Allen Folkerson prior to fieldwork beginning.  Once the survey is done, we recommend that the parcel be offered for purchase first to Cornell University and the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and if no negotiated agreement can be reached, to sell the parcel in the 2003 public auction."

    Mr. Squires said it was his understanding after talking with a representative from Cornell University that they were going to make an offer.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said there are two options:  (1) encourage Cornell to make an offer including the survey; or (2) take the risk, survey, and market it to Cornell first and second to Finger Lakes Land Trust.

    Mr. Squires stated that currently there is $6,000 in un-recovered interest in the property.  Ms. Kiefer feels it is worthwhile to pursue a survey to know where the property lines exist.  Mr. Whicher said he has been opposed to this since the beginning.  He feels there was a great loss to the County because as a favor to Cornell the parcel with the house from the original parcel was divided and auctioned off for $5,000 in anticipation of an offer being made by Cornell for the remaining property.   Then Cornell did not follow through on the amount anticipated.  It is his opinion that the owners of the house should be approached to see if they are interested in purchasing the property.

    Ms. Coggin reminded the Committee that next year the parcel will be going on the taxable roll.  Ms. Borgella shared with the Committee Mr. Proto's concern and main goal is that Cornell pays their fair share for the land if they purchase it.

    It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to authorize $1,160 for a survey.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 2 (Representatives Booth and Kiefer); Noes - 2 (Representatives Koplinka-Loehr and Totman); Excused - 1 (Representative Todd).  MOTION FAILED.

    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr suggested that Cornell and the adjacent property owner be contacted and asked to make an offer of the property.

County Attorney

    Resolutions
    It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to submit the following resolution to the Budget and Capital Committee for approval:

RESOLUTION NO.    AUTHORIZATION FOR CONTINGENT FUND APPROPRIATION TO COVER PAYMENT FOR OUTSIDE LEGAL FEES RELATED TO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM LAWSUIT – COUNTY ATTORNEY

    WHEREAS, outside counsel was obtained to facilitate the County's defense in the recent lawsuit related to the proposed Communications System and the County Public Works Building imposed by the Town of Ithaca and several other parties, and
    WHEREAS, the County has been billed by Harris Beach, LLP, for legal services from February 12, 2002 through June 21, 2002 totaling $4,480.78, and
    WHEREAS, payment is now due, and
    WHEREAS, this payment brings the total bills to date on this case to $13,511.99, now therefore be it
    RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance be authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:
    FROM:        A1990.54400 Contingent Fund            $4,480.78
    TO:        A1420.54442 Professional Services        $4,480.78
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO.    AUTHORIZATION FOR CONTINGENT FUND APPROPRIATION TO COVER FINAL PAYMENT FOR OUTSIDE LEGAL FEES RELATED TO REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT-COUNTY ATTORNEY

    WHEREAS, outside counsel was obtained to facilitate the County's defense in the recent redistricting lawsuit imposed by the Town of Ithaca and several other parties, and
    WHEREAS, the County has been billed by Harris Beach, LLP, for legal services from January 18, 2002 through June 21, 2002 totaling $1,242.50, and
    WHEREAS, payment is now due, and
    WHEREAS, this payment brings total bills to date on this case to $56,125.45, now therefore be it
    RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance be authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:
    FROM:        A1990.54400 Contingent Fund            $1,242.50
    TO:        A1420.54442 Professional Services        $1,242.50
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

    A brief discussion followed on the resolution and Ms. Kiefer felt the comments made by Ms Skinner earlier in the meeting were worth considering.  She recommended adding an agenda item allowing an opportunity for County staff to report as recognized by the Chair of the Board and the Committee agreed.

    It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to submit the following resolution to the full Board for approval:

RESOLUTION NO.     - AMENDING THE RULES OF THE BOARD - ORDER OF BUSINESS

    WHEREAS, it is desirable that a provision for a report from municipal official(s) be added to the order of business at each session of the Board of Representatives, and
    WHEREAS, it is also desirable that there be a provision for a report from County staff as determined by the Chair of the Board, now therefore be it
    RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That Rule IV, Order of Business, of the Rules of the Board of Representatives is hereby amended as follows:

RULE IV - ORDER OF BUSINESS

    The order of business at each session, except at such times as may be set apart for the consideration of special orders of the day, shall be as follows:
      1.  Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
      2.  Roll Call of Members
      3.  Presentation of Petitions, Communications and Notices
      4.  Announcement of Special Orders of the Day
      5.  Privilege of the Floor
              A.  Public
 B.  Board Members
     6.   Report from Municipal Official(s)
     7. [6.]  Special Topical Presentation and/or Discussion
     8. [7.]  Chair’s Report, and Chair’s Appointments
              9. [8.]  Reports by County Administrator, County Attorney, and Finance Director
     10.  Report from other County Staff as Recognized by the Chair of the Board
     11. [9.]  Resolutions Added to and Withdrawn from the Agenda
     12. [10.]  Consent Agenda
     13. [11.]  Standing Committees:
                     A. Report
                     B. Motions and Resolutions
    14. [12.]  Reports of Special Committees
    15. [13.] Minutes of Previous Meeting
    16. [14.] Individual Member-Filed Resolutions
    17. [15.] Unfinished Business
    18. [16.]  Adjournment

(6.)    Report from Municipal Official(s)

Municipal officials (e.g., Mayor or Supervisor) are invited to report on any issue; when appropriate, a response will be provided as quickly as possible.

(10.)     Report from other County Staff as Recognized by the Chair of the Board

When recognized by the Chair of the Board, County staff may report on any item(s) deemed appropriate.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

    Mr. Whicher briefly explained the resolution that transfers the Records Management program from Administration to Personnel.  There is a need for staff assistance in the program and Ms. Fitzpatrick has indicated there is capacity within her Department to provide it.  Ms. Kiefer feels the program belongs with the County Clerk as that person is designated the Records Management Officer by Charter.  The Committee agreed to add the following wording to the first Resolved:  "until such time a provision is made to return this function to County Clerk".

    It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Booth, to submit the following resolution to the Budget and Capital Committee for approval.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Representatives Koplinka-Loehr, Booth, and Totman); Noes - 1 (Representative Kiefer); Excused - 1 (Representative Todd). RESOLUTION CARRIED.  Ms. Kiefer stated the reason she voted against the resolution is that she opposes the transfer of the fiscal target less 20 percent target reduction.
 RESOLUTION NO.        - BUDGETING UNIT RECONFIGURATION AND FISCAL TARGET ADJUSTMENT – COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
     WHEREAS, the Records Management Program is in need of support and assistance that cannot readily be provided through the Department of Administration, and
    WHEREAS, the Central Services Division is a program within the Personnel Department and works in conjunction with the Records Management Program, and
    WHEREAS, greater efficiencies can be achieved through a reassignment of tasks that can be more readily made when functions and oversight are within a single department, now therefore be it
    RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and Budget and Capital Committees, That effective immediately, the Records Management Program shall be transferred from County Administration to Personnel, until such time a provision is made to return this function to County Clerk,
    RESOLVED, further, That the 2003 County Administration Fiscal Target shall be reduced by $51,012 ($63,765 less 20% Target Reduction pursuant to Resolution No. 105 of 2002) with a commensurate increase in the Personnel Fiscal Target.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

    Mrs. Covert explained the proposed changes recommended for the application for advisory boards.  The Committee reviewed the form and made minor revisions as reflected in the attached application.  Ms. Kiefer requested that the resume form receive a complete review prior to Board approval.  She also asked the Committee to decide how to handle the few appointments submitted for people living outside the County.

    Mrs. Covert agreed to send out the final version of the revised application and resume form to the contact person or chair of each advisory board, directing that this replace the older versions.

Review of Advisory Boards

    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr reviewed the memorandum outlining the questions committees were asked to consider when reviewing the advisory boards they are responsible for.  Mr. Booth and Ms. Kiefer asked that more information about the advisory boards be compiled including the above-mentioned memorandum, summary of survey results, bylaws, and attendance records.

    At this time the Committee listed the number of responses received for each advisory board as follows:

    Community Affirmative Action Committee (10 members) - 2 responses
    Assessment Review Board (3-5 members) - 2 responses
    Ethics Advisory Board (5 members) - 3 responses
    Public Information Advisory Board (8 members) - 6 responses
    Human Rights Commission (15 members) - 2 responses

    A brief review followed on each of the following advisory boards:

    Community Affirmative Action Committee
    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr spoke about the continued need for this group.    However, it was noted hat there has been difficulty in maintaining membership.  Mr. Whicher indicated the Committee serves as a buffer to the Personnel Commissioner.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr explained that two years ago there were discussions concerning the possible creation of an affirmative action officer separate from the Personnel Commissioner.  The decision instead was to hire the two Training and Development Coordinators.

    The Committee agreed to the idea of creating uniform standards for advisory boards including attendance matrix and a sufficient mechanism for replacing un-attendees,

    Human Rights Commission
    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said this committee also has had difficulty in maintaining its membership.  The Human Rights Commission does a lot of outreach and education in the community for the Department.  The Commission does not perform investigations or review complaints.

    At this time Mr. Koplinka-Loehr suggested and the Committee agreed to have Committee members go out and talk with each advisory board reporting to this Committee and report back at the next meeting.  The following assignments were made:

    Community Affirmative Action Committee - Tom Todd
    Ethics Advisory Board - Dooley Kiefer
    Assessment Review Board - George Totman
    Public Information Advisory Board - Dick Booth
    Human Rights Commission - Mike Koplinka-Loehr

2002 Goals

    The Committee continued its discussion on the 2002 goals and developed target dates.

    Advisory Board Review (complete)
    It was felt that the review of advisory boards could be completed by October 31, 2002.

    Policy/Procedure Manual
    Mr. Booth and Ms. Kiefer agreed to take the lead on this and will report back to the Committee.

    County Government Structure
    The Committee agreed that this would be carried over to 2003.

    Personnel Impact (as it relates to Budgets)
    Mr. Koplinka-Loehr clarified that this goal relates to employee morale and the decisions that need to be made under Civil Service as employees may be laid off.  He suggested that Ms. Fitzpatrick attend the meeting in August to discuss some of the rules that pertain to Civil Service and laying-off procedures.

    Election Reform
    Ms. Kiefer spoke about the Governor's Advisory Committee Report on Election Reform.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said he would ask the Election Commissioners if available to provide a report to the Committee in August.

Adjournment

    The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
.