SPECIAL MEETING
PLANNING,
DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, JANUARY
17, 2006
COURTHOUSE
CONFERENCE ROOM
5:00 P.M.
Present: M. Robertson, Chair; K. Herrera; F. Proto; D. Randall; J. Dennis
Staff: E. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works; K. Fuller, Recorder
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 5 -
APPOINTMENTS TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
It was MOVED by Mr. Randall, seconded by Mr. Dennis, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.
Mr. Proto expressed concern that the Committee was making a recommendation for the Chair of the Industrial Development Agency and stated he believes appointment of the Chair should be determined by the full Legislature. Ms. Herrera feels there is no problem with the manner the Chair is appointed and recalled that the Secretary/Treasurer position is appointed by the IDA membership. It was clarified for the new members of the Legislature that the Chair of the IDA is not necessarily the Chair of the Legislature.
Ms. Herrera feels that given the upcoming issues the IDA will face, including the sunset of the City of Ithaca density policy, it would be beneficial to have Mr. Joseph in the position of Chair of the IDA. Mr. Proto reiterated that the Chair of the Legislature normally would recommend an appointment but it is by vote of the full Legislature the appointment is made.
Ms. Robertson indicated although this procedure may seem unusual, she believes it to be acceptable. She asked if Mr. Proto had a different name to offer as Chair of the IDA.
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, to recommend appointing Jean McPheeters to the position of Chair of the Industrial Development Agency.
Ms. Herrera pointed out that Ms. McPheeters is the President of the Chamber of Commerce. She believes it is appropriate to have a member of the Legislature Chair of the IDA as they are directly responsible to taxpayers. She respects Ms. McPheeters but would not support the motion.
Ms. Robertson stated it would be presumptuous to assume Ms. McPheeters would take on this position without her presence to speak to the issue. She feels that as a County agency that is responsible as the taxing authority, the Chair should be someone closely responsible to taxpayers. She has a high regard for Ms. McPheetes but believes the Chair should be a member of the Legislature, and that Mr. Joseph would be the best choice.
Mr. Proto said he believed that Ms. McPheeters’ appointment by a Board to her position should not effect her appointment as Chair of the IDA. He commented on her extensive experience in dealing with government from the local to national levels. He believed she would be able to provide a great deal of knowledge and even-handed judgments.
Mr. Randall was provided clarification that Municipal Law does not provide the ability for the IDA members to vote a Chair.
A voice vote on the motion to appoint Ms. McPheeters to the position of Chair of the Industrial Development Agency resulted as follows: Ayes - 2 (Legislators Proto and Randall); Noes - 3 (Legislators Dennis, Herrera, and Robertson). MOTION FAILED.
Mr. Proto requested the full Legislature be provided information relating to the discussion that occurred regarding appointment of the Chair.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 5; Noes - 0. RESOLUTION APPROVED.
WHEREAS, Section 856 of the General Municipal Law authorized that the Tompkins County Legislature designate the members of Industrial Development Agency by resolution, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee, That the following members be appointed to the Industrial Development Agency to serve at the pleasure of the Board, effective immediately:
Kathy Luz Herrera - Member, Tompkins County Legislature (City representative)
Tim Joseph - Member, Tompkins County Legislature (Rural representative)
Mike Hattery - Member, Tompkins County Legislature (Rural representative)
Martha Robertson - Member, Tompkins County Legislature (Rural representative)
Jeff Furman - At-large member
Dan Cogan - At-large member
Jean McPheeters - Tompkins County Area Development Board of Directors representative
RESOLVED, further, That Tim Joseph serve as the Chair of the Industrial Development Agency,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Legislature is authorized and directed to file with the Secretary of State a Certificate of Appointment.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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