Members Present: Dooley Kiefer, Peter Penniman, Stu Stein, George Totman, Dan Winch
Others Present: Tammi Aiken, Cornell Univ. ECO; Karen Flores, TCPD; Kate Hackett, TCPD/WRC; Jim Hanson, Commissioner, TCPD; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Teresa Linde, ITCTC; Jennifer Miller, TCPD; Frank Proto, BOR/WRC; Fred Wilcox; Kathy Wilsea, Secretary, TCDP
Committee Administration
Call To Order
Chair Peter Penniman called the meeting to order at 12:04 PM.
Agenda Changes
The Committee will act on Water Resources Council’s bylaws and membership appointments. Jim asked to add comments about reorganizing the Planning Federation to the Commissioner’s Report.
Approval of Minutes
Peter asked for a change on page 2, and Dooley submitted several changes. Peter asked for votes. Passed 4:0 (Stein absent at this point).
Chair’s Announcements
Peter attended an information meeting presented by Cooperative Extension on aspects of the Pesticide Neighbor Notification law already passed by NYS. The Health & Human Services Committee is taking the lead on the issue. Staffing, if we pass the local law, would be through the Health Department. Following a report, the Planning Committee would meet with HHS for discussion, and that is probably a few months away.
Dooley said she received summary notes and wondered if EMC was represented. Peter said Steve Nicholson was present. Tompkins County appears to have many options. He noted some areas are not covered by the new law, such as golf courses.
Regarding Economic Development Revolving Loans, Peter said that Jim Hanson, Jen Miller and he met with Mike Stamm at TCAD. TCAD is willing to be central for information distribution and screening of applicants. He probably will have more information next week.
Planning Department
Budget Transfers were presented. Jim noted that these transfers were for accounting reasons, worded to bring these State & Federal programs in line with the 2001 County budget. All changes are within Federal guidelines. Moved by George, seconded by Dan, passed 4:0 (Stein not present).
ITCTC
Budget Transfer Request
Teresa Linde, ITCTC Administrative Assistant, joined the committee to answer questions about the Budget Transfer Request. She said this is the solution worked out with Finance for adjustments because MPO has a fiscal year which ends March 31st. These are all federal funds, and action has no impact on the County budget. Moved by Dan, seconded by Dooley, passed 4:0 (Stein not present).
Planning Department (cont)
Resolution: Snowmobile Trail Grant – Acceptance of Grant; Authorization to Contract for Trail Maintenance; Budget Adjustment
Dan moved the Resolution, George seconded. Dooley had question on the second Resolved clause. Joan said TCPD only administers the grant, passing the funds through; the County develops a contract for the use of funds. The snowmobile group has submitted all budget and program information required. Dooley and Dan expressed concern about who oversees the project and adherance to guidelines. Joan will provide program information to committee members.
Peter asked if the state has any input on design and safety. Joan said yes, the club has all property and maintenance agreements worked out per their grant application. They must carry insurance, which meets the County’s requirements. Homeowner agreements and signage are defined in the program. Resolution passed 4:0 (Stein not present).
Resolution: Authorization to Execute an Agreement with the City of Ithaca for Purposes of Ithaca Downtown Partnership
Dooley moved the Resolution. Dan seconded for discussion. Dan questioned if this committee has had reports on status of IDP. Peter said when he was the liaison, he reported to Economic & Workforce Development Committee. Dan asked what the dollar figure was based on. Joan said it is based on an assessment of costs & value of county-owned property within the BID. The budget item for IDP passes through this committee, and the dollar amount in the resolution is based on the budget.
George said this committee deserves a clear report. Dan asked what their success indicators are. Joan said we can get a speaker from IDP so committee members are clear on the subject. Dooley recalled receiving IDP’s annual report.
Peter said he feels the downtown situation would be worse without IDP. They have a ten-year strategy. They try to prevent movement of retailers from downtown/Commons. Plus, they help develop other, large projects, such as the Hilton Garden Inn, the Cornell office building and the Six Mile Creek project mentioned in today’s newspaper by the new library.
George said he feels we don’t know the program and benefits. Peter thought a presentation to the full BOR would be appropriate. Dan wanted to postpone the resolution as he felt uninformed. Dooley asked if the matter was urgent. Joan said no.
Jim asked if the committee would like him to arrange a presentation by Gary Ferguson. Peter said he will speak with Barbara Mink about putting it on the BOR agenda.
Dan moved to postpone. Seconded by George. Dooley voiced support for postponement because she felt it was not urgent and she respects others’ desireto have more information. Vote 4:0 to postpone (Stein not present).
Commissioner’s Report
-SCCDBG Economic Development Program -- Jim noted information about the Economic Development program was attached to the Agenda. The advertisement resulted in several phone inquiries. He confirmed inquiries are welcome through February 28 for this grant round. He felt the meeting between TCAD and TCPD helped organize the overall program.
(Stu arrived 12:44)
Dooley asked what is the direction of the contacts with TCAD. Will TCAD result in one-stop shopping? Jim said the proposed arrangement by TCAD was to seek initiation and orientation through TCAD. Dooley asked if companies will start with inquiry at TCPD and then be referred elsewhere as appropriate. Jim said that TCAD would be an information clearing house. The Planning Department writes SCCDBG grants and administers the grants through the oversight committees. Jen Miller offered the example of having met this week with a Syracuse businessman who wants to expand into Tompkins County. She gave him what information she had from the county, then sent him to TCAD.
Peter said Mike Stamm is already coordinating information and putting together financing packages. This would add to his options for companies if he has more information.
Dooley said she has concerns about the rather narrowly focussed type of companies TCAD has historically worked with. Jim said this would give TCAD a grant information matrix. Stu said he felt this effort is trying to join a fragmented system together, and that’s a good approach. Liking what TCAD does is a separate issue. Historically a big piece missing from this matrix is the City’s SCCDBG, and it will require a lot of work and cooperation to bring the City’s information into the TCAD matrix. Peter added there may be missing information from other municipalities, too.
Peter said we are looking at developing a comprehensive loan program through TCAD, however, we need discussion on priorities. Stu said we have an economic development policy in place. Jim said Mike Stamm is developing an organizational structure of economic development loan options and their oversight committees.
Dooley mentioned that the chart on economic development loan types and criteria is very helpful. Jim said Jen Miller is to be thanked for putting that matrix together.
- Vital Communities -- Jim said the second Vital Communities workshop was held last month. He felt his staff did a great job and feedback from the participants was generally very positive. The VC team has since met with Wendy Skinner to develop an outreach plan for the program. Also, a final report on the workshops is being prepared by staff.
Peter indicated he had heard about the state office on quality communities. This is becoming a state-wide issue. Dooley asked if the state would address regional planning; this seems doubtful. Peter said the article he read touched on several issues, and he was particularly interested in grant possibilities.
- Tompkins County Planning Federation -- Jim mentioned that Fred Wilcox, former Chair of the Planning Federation, has been working with Karen Flores on an examination of the Planning Federation. He handed out copies of Karen’s memo, which included input from Fred Wicox, on the status of their efforts. There are no simple solutions, and he recommended more time be devoted to the project as he expects more progress.
Fred Wilcox said he agrees with the conclusions cited in the memo. He would add for the committee that there is no criticism of the County Planning Department. They have been very supportive, provided good staffing and organizational skills. The municipalities, however, don’t’ feel the program is important to them, so they don’t appoint representatives & don’t attend meetings. (The PF is not currently meeting.)
Peter asked whose decision will it be to reorganize PF. Fred responded that it is up to the County. Dooley commented that the group is now defunct and should be functioning. Jim said they may reorganize with different roles, try to pick up on their positive issues. Dooley has an interest in keeping the training workshops going and felt that the people who did attend Planning Federation meetings benefited from their interchange of ideas and experience. She wondered if it would be possible to require each municipality to appoint a member.
Dan agreed the workshops were fantastic. PF seemed to have the same membership over the years, and they were unable to draw new people. Attendance correlated with the planning interest of the member’s municipality. Maybe some type of reorganization would spark interest.
Fred said participation was not a rural/urban issue, it was simply a matter of interest. George suggested a memo from this committee or the Planning Department to municipalities could get feedback. In his work with Groton/Dryden/Lansing, he has not heard the Planning Federation mentioned at municipal board meetings.
Stu said we would have to convince the municipalities it’s worthwhile. Questions remain about the possibility of continuing the workshops with having a PF. How can we keep the good parts going and discard what doesn’t work. Dan said PF was a major benefit to him in getting some programs started in Newfield. Dooley concurred that contacting municipalities was a good idea. Jim will handle contacts.
Commercial Center Revitalization Program
Peter said he met with the CCRP Advisory Committee, Karen Flores and Jim two weeks ago. They are reviewing program guidelines and whether or not they were being followed or were too strict or not strict enough, as the case may be.
Jim said it was an active discussion at the Advisory Committee meeting. They are working with suggestions to form a new and more effective structure.
Karen felt more can be done to strengthen the program, as the CCRP committee wants to draw in more businesses.
Dan felt that applicants need better "in kind" contribution matches, as had been mentioned by committee members during review of the recent grants.
Jim said the matrix developed by Karen and attached to the agenda is a great picture, as some communities want to hustle programs along, and others have been less inspired or haven’t developed strategic plans. This shows in the matrix.
Peter said discussion of having student interns help with projects, as suggested by Dan Krull, was an interesting aspect. At the meeting, Gary Watrous of Groton extended the idea of getting more funding buy-in (from area banks and municipalities) which Peter found very interesting.
Dooley said the charts are interesting. She was troubled by the phrase "in the plan", which keeps appearing, since so long as "the plan" refers to improving private property, that gets okayed. She felt funding treatment for private property needs to be more uniform, if allowed at all. Peter also expressed concerns about grants to private businesses. Dooley wanted Stu’s interpretation of what the original plan was for CCRP.
Stu said they had sought significant change, however that might be defined, in the character and quality of the community. Improvement to an individual storefront may or may not have anything to do with changing the quality of the community. He said it starts with a sense of what is trying to be achieved overall, so yes, a "long-term plan" has to be worked out and agreed upon by local officials, people involved and businesses.
Dan said he understands, but finds it frustrating that a "Strategic Plan: is necessary. He has had problems getting Newfield to craft one, and the same problem in Enfield. Stu asked what the barrier is. George said they need someone who has a personal interest and will carry it out. McLean had such an individual who has recently been very successful. Karen added that the template form was a great help and that McLean project went quickly. Dan said the group in Newfield feels constrained by the Newfield Town Board. George said the Board in Groton wasn’t involved until the end.
Peter said some municipalities may need more stimulation than this program offers, such as private financial institutions. Groton’s "private/public financial participation" approach could help all municipalities. Dooley wondered if every municipality had a bank. Other members felt there are several banks, branches, and/or ATM sites which cover all areas, therefore it may not be necessary for each community to have its own bank.
Peter asked Karen what is the current status of CCRP. Karen said the winter round of grants has been deferred so they can work out a plan to restructure. She feels there is enough support from area banks to cover all municipalities for development of Gary Watrous’ idea. Dooley wondered if we can tie it in with garnering interest for reorganizing the Planning Federation.
Dan said he still can’t figure out why the Enfield Grange proposal wasn’t funded. Is the Strategic Plan an absolute requirement? Is a request automatically declined if a community doesn’t have a strategic plan? Peter said it would be a bad precedent to forego the requirement. Karen said the program has review & submission criteria and a strategic plan is required. Karen also said there is a video available on the CCRP to spark interest; she is willing to make a presentation wherever it may be helpful to the community.
Peter again expressed an interest in the expanded program with private/public funding. He is interested in getting input from municipalities and feels it’s an issue to pursue. The Advisory Committee will be meeting again soon and will report their progress to this committee.
Resource Conservation & Development District
George reported that RC&D directors were to research their services to Tompkins. They didn’t find any substantial contact with Tompkins County. The Soil & Water Conservation District felt the membership was of no benefit and consequently hasn’t paid dues for two years.
Stu asked what’s the deal with the budget. Jim said there was funding in S&WCD for this, also Madison Wright’s mileage was included. George said it was not itemized in S&WCD budget, and they acted not to rejoin.
Dooley asked if the $400 per year should have been rolled over. Peter asked if RC&D is performing a service for Tompkins County on the premise that the Count would pay. George said there is no reason – no services.
Dooley said it was wrong not to pay the dues if the BOR provided funding for this purpose. Stu said indeed the BOR gave funds to S&WCD for this purpose.
Peter asked if anyone felt it should be paid. Dooley said yes. The programs are useful and Madison has in good faith represented the County. Perhaps in determining whether or not to have future membership the Committee needs information – annual reports, etc.
Dan said Cooperative Extension is another local agency that deals with alternative crops. Cooperative Extension’s interaction has been energetic with farmers. If S&WCD is not pleased, get RC&D to make a presentation to the Ag & Environment Committee. They need to decide whether to keep or cancel RC&D for the future. George said he feels the cancellation was put in writing. Dan asked that he get a copy mailed to Jim to share with the Committee.
Dooley said S&WCD January minutes refer to letter drafted to RC&D, but content was not mentioned. Peter said he will try to get a copy of that letter.
Peter wanted to know what should be done about past due amounts. George said actually S&WCD decided before this year. Dan felt that if the Ag & Env. Committee would be willing to start membership again, RC&D probably would cancel the debt.
Dooley had a copy of a letter from a Trumansburg farmer, Billy Kenney, supporting continued participation in RC&D. The letter had been copied to BOR members in September.
George requested research on whether the money was targeted for RC&D in the County budget. Jim will look into this aspect.
Water Resources Council
Frank Proto and Kate Hackett joined the committee for an update on WRC business, its draft bylaws, and membership recommendations. Frank said that the Council was interested in developing three groups of seven members each with three-year staggered term expiration dates. He felt the change would require a resolution, as the two-year terms were set up by resolution. They also recommend that the BOR liaison membership be for a one-year term (Resolution said two years).
In Frank’s memo of 2/9 to Planning Committee members, WRC membership appointments were recommended. Dooley wondered if appointments should be addressed after the change to three year terms was made. Frank notes that the WRC also wants to trade the seat for Economic Development and Business/Industry, as they felt at some point the appointments were mixed up.
Frank indicated that the WRC would like to request two applications for ever liaison position from which it could chose its members. Dan said it was very difficult to get one professional, let alone two. Frank said they are concerned about municipal and stakeholder representation, and this might help address these issues.
Stu made a motion to separate the issues. Dooley seconded.
George moved to accept the By-Laws as presently drafted. Seconded by Dan. Yes 5 / No 0, motion passed.
Dan moved to change membership term to three years. George seconded. Yes 5 / No 0, motion passed.
Stu moved to approve the membership appointments as recommended by WRC. George seconded. Yes 5 / No 0, motion passed.
George moved to require two applicants for each liaison seat selection. Dan seconded. Yes 2 (Totman, Winch) / No 3 (Kiefer, Penniman, Stein), motion failed.
It was agreed not to exchange the Economic Development and Business/Industry seats.
Committee Goals
As we lacked time to address this issue, Peter asked that comments be
sent to him and the topic will be included with the next agenda.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 21st at noon in the Old
Jail Conference room.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:14 PM.
Go
to Tompkins County Homepage
E-mail
Comments about this page