Staff: E. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works; M. Lynch, Public Information Officer; D. Squires, Finance Director; A. Cole, Public Health Director; K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk
Call to Order
Mr. Proto, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m.
Additions to Agenda
Mr. Proto asked if there were any additions to the agenda; no one wished to make an addition.
Statement from the Chairman
Mr. Proto welcomed those present and thanked them for serving on this Committee. He then briefly reviewed the process taken by the Space Needs and Location Committee (SNL) that led to the recommendation to proceed with construction of a new Health Department Building. Mr. Proto said he had spoken to Mr. Joseph and Mr. Marx, and all were in agreement that a good deal of work had been done by the SNL and it is important to now move forward rather than taking the same steps that were completed.
Review Charge to the Committee
Members of the Committee were provided with the following charge from Mr. Joseph in his capacity as Chair of the Legislature:
Charge to the Public Health Department Building Committee
The Committee is charged with preparing a set of location and design options for a Health Department building. The options should include remaining in and renovating the current building, constructing a new building in the immediate vicinity of the current building, and constructing a new building at other sites that seem, in the committee’s judgment, to be reasonable options. The Committee should prepare and present to the Legislature the pros and cons of each option, including both capital costs and relevant operating costs that are affected by either location or design choices. The goal of the Committee shall be to inform the Legislature of the choices available and get a vote to proceed with one of the options.
In addition to the five voting members of the committee appointed by the Chair of the Legislature, the Committee Chair shall put together a group of stakeholders including representatives from Health Department administration, Health Department staff, Health Department staff member recommend by their the union, the Facilities Division, and any other stakeholders who’s input is deemed necessary. Staff support for the various aspects of the Committee’s work shall be assigned by the County Administrator.
It is assumed that the committee will need to issue a Request For Proposals and hire design consultants in order to complete its work. The money included in the capital program for this project shall be available to the committee in order to carry out its work.
In preparing building options the committee will review the information previously collected by the Space Needs and Location Committee, by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, and by County staff that is relevant to carrying out its function. An effort will be made to be consistent with the Space Needs and Location report and its recommendations.
Members of the Committee discussed the various aspects of the Charge and noted the following:
· Stakeholders – Mr. Proto will contact Mr. Chase to recommend
the union staff personnel who would act as a liaison between the Committee
and Health Department staff members.
· Municipal/Private Sector – in addition stakeholders, the Committee
will contact appropriate representatives (planners and elected officials)
of the Town of Ithaca and City of Ithaca, as well as appropriate staff
of the Cayuga Medical Center prior to the next meeting to determine level
of interest.
· Review of Space Needs and Location Committee work – Mr. Marx
noted LaBella Associates, consultants for the SNL work, had offered to
provide a summary review without expense to the County and will be asked
to attend the next meeting of the Committee to provide a summary presentation
of the work completed. Members were asked to review the report presented
to the Legislature in July 2005 and be prepared to ask appropriate questions
related to it at that time.
· Hiring of Consultant – the Committee requested particular contractual aspects required to hire a consultant, including a review of the previous contractual obligation with LaBella Associates. Mr. Joseph stated the hiring of a consultant was the first step for the Committee in order to move forward as it is imperative to have assistance in siting and preliminary design for the project.
General Discussion
Over the course of the meeting the Committee also discussed various aspects of the project. Mr. Squires spoke of Cayuga Medical Center’s property and suggested the possibility of some form of partnership regarding design and construction, noting physicians are relocating to locations east of the City of Ithaca. Ms. Herrera agreed that if there were an opportunity to provide economies of scale in various aspects of the project such as shared bus stop, parking, and lot maintenance it would be beneficial to all parties.
A brief discussion took place regarding whether it would be beneficial to lease space versus construction of a building. Although it was the private sector would have fewer regulatory restrictions during construction there was not a consensus to look at leasing space would be beneficial and could result in a loss of state aid.
Following discussion the Committee determined there would be between 2 – 5 sites reviewed during this process, including the City of Ithaca. The municipalities that may be considered would be contacted in order to know their level of interest or concerns.
Next meeting
The next meeting will be on February 8th, 3:30 p.m. At that time a representative from LaBella Associates will provide an overview of the work completed by the SNL Committee, a report on communications with potential interested parties (City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and Cayuga Medical Center) will be provided, and a report on how the County may proceed regarding a preliminary consultant will be provided.
Adjournment – the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk of the Legislature
Tompkins
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