Minutes
Planning, Development & Environmental Quality Committee
Tompkins County Legislature

April 19, 2005    4:30 PM     Heyman Conference Room
Members Present:  Kathy Luz Herrera (Chair), Barbara Blanchard, Mike Lane, Frank Proto, Nancy Schuler

Staff:            Fernando de Aragon, ITCTC; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Jackie Kippola, TC Administration; Ed Marx, Planning Commissioner;             Kathy Wilsea, TCPD;

Visitors:        Fred Bonn; Carol Chock; Carol Kamen; Stuart Stein; Scott Wiggins

I    Administration

A    Call to Order – Chair Kathy Luz Herrera called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.

B    Changes to the Agenda – There were no changes to the agenda.

II    Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council

C    Resolution:  Appropriation of 2005-2006 Budgets for the ITCTC
Resolution moved by Frank Proto, seconded by Nancy Schuler.  Fernando de Aragon pointed out that part of the budget is for a Park & Ride Study, and Cornell University is paying half of their piece of the study.  Kathy said she completed a survey form, and pointed out there is no data being gathered regarding the needs of downtown residents, students or staff who choose to park off campus.  The City and Town of Ithaca might be interested in that data.  Frank pointed out the Chamber of Commerce was involved in a prior study, which Fred Bonn said was a long time ago.  Fernando said staff salary increases will be processed after the White Collar Union contract is finalized, and his is done by resolution.  The resolution passed by unanimous vote. 

III    Tompkins County Planning Department

D    Commissioner’s Report – Ed Marx reported that TCPD submitted a federal farmland protection grant application for the Lansing property which has been approved for a NYS grant.

IV    Strategic Tourism Planning Board

E    Resolution:  Funding of Community Celebrations Grants
Resolution moved by Frank, seconded by Nancy.  Carol Kamen, chair of the Celebrations grant committee, was present to provide information.  She said the committee is seeing stronger, better-written applications with more community focus.  In general, they funded the portions of the applications that met the program guidelines.  Most are in the City, just by coincidence of how they came in, but most of last fall’s round went to rural areas.  Carol said she plans more outreach to inform communities of how these grants can work besides things like Old Home Days.  Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

F    Resolution:  Acceptance of the Strategic Plan for Tourism Developed by the STPB
Resolution moved by Frank, seconded by Barbara.  Jackie Kippola introduced Fred Bonn, Scott Wiggins, Carol Chock and Stuart Stein.  Scott, who is STPB Chair, said this document is their “vision thing” and indicates where they hope to go with tourism and how to achieve their goals.  He thanked the volunteers who have been involved.  Carol Chock said this is the process for use of room tax funds.  Overall, tourists spend over $100 million per year in Tompkins County, and STPB wants to encourage that while preserving our “place”.  Goals include stabilizing current programs.  Most action items are under way.  A couple of the short term goals are to encourage a better link with higher education, “edutourism”, and improve customer service.  They will keep the materials they gathered while developing the plan.  Ed Marx said it is a great document, and asked about lake access on page 12, which mentions “private sector must implement”.  Ed said there is a need to retain public access to our natural features.  Scott said they agree, and the spirit of the section was intended to include public access.  This resolution will go to the Legislature in May, and perhaps a presentation by STPB will be arranged.  Resolution passed by unanimous vote. 

Mike asked about the Scenic Byway, and Fred said signs are ready to go up this Spring, then they will begin marketing it as a destination.  Their website is also being developed.  Scott thanked Jackie for all her work with STPB.  Barbara suggested a presentation on air service, and Scott said they are working with the new carrier to market Tompkins County as a destination. 

VI    Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 5:07 PM. 

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