Minutes
Planning, Development & Environmental Quality Committee
Tompkins County Legislature
November 15, 2005 5:00 PM Heyman
Conference
Room
Members Present: Kathy Luz Herrera (Chair), Barbara
Blanchard, Mike Lane, Frank Proto, Nancy Schuler
Other Legislators Present: Dooley Kiefer, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne
Staff: Kathy
Wilsea, TCPD
Visitors: Carl Haynes,
Tompkins-Cortland Community College; David Marsh, Tompkins County
Building Trades; Bob Ross, TC3;
Michael Stamm, Tompkins County Industrial
Development Agency
The meeting was called to order at 5:04 PM by Kathy Luz Herrera,
Chair.
Resolution: Approval of the Issuance by the Tompkins County
Industrial Development Agency of up to $7,000,000 Civic Facility
Revenue Bonds (Tompkins Cortland Community College Foundation, Inc.
Project), Series 2005
The resolution has been amended by bond counsel to include a Whereas
clause: “Whereas, the project will not proceed to construction
until full compliance with the SEQRA is complete”. The IDA public
hearing has been conducted. Resolution moved by Mike Lane,
seconded by Frank Proto. Mike said Carl Haynes and Bob Ross have
been discussing contract parameters with labor representatives.
Suitable technical projects will use apprentices. Dr. Haynes said
he was pleased with the meeting with labor representatives for two
reasons. The local contractors are interested, and that will lead to
more competitive bids. Also, he made a commitment to examine the
possibility of using small amounts from the contingency fund to cover
differences so a bid that is not lowest might be accepted.
Kathy said she intends to vote no on this resolution, but does see
progress in the discussions. She is concerned with the perception
that shops with apprenticeship programs lack competitiveness in
bidding, but realizes this needs to go to the Legislature today in
order to be timely. Dr. Haynes said he doesn’t see any need for
written agreements, and parties are working hard to generate local bids
and interest.
Bob Ross provided information from an examination of bids over the last
2 ½ years. Of total value, union shops add 46% of cost and
open shops add 52% of costs. A comparison was also conducted for
non-signatory work. Kathy said adding the apprentice piece
includes an educational component. Lower wages drive down the
quality of life. She is interested in a higher ratio of
apprenticeships. Bob Ross said Dave Marsh will help examine
costs. Dave Marsh said speculation about added costs of
apprenticeships might be misplaced. Bidding can be mysterious,
and union contractors are sometimes lowest. The trades would like
to see livable wage prevail.
Dooley Kiefer said she spoke with a DEC representative, and she feels
the SEQR compliance is being done out of order. The funding
resolution should come after the SEQR review is completed.
Michael Stamm said IDA is acting on the recommendation of bond counsel,
who state the SEQR negative declaration must be in place before the IDA
vote. Nancy voiced support for the spirit of apprenticeships,
which Leslyn McBean-Clairborne supported.
Resolution passed by 4:1 (Herrera) vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.
Tompkins County Homepage
Questions or Comments