MINUTES
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
(Tompkins County Legislature)
APRIL 2, 2003 - 2 P.M.
HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present:    Kathy Luz Herrera, Dooley Kiefer, Mike Lane, Peter Penniman, Dan Winch

Staff Present:        Fernando deAragon, ITCTC; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Jackie Kippola, TC Admin.; Ed Marx, Commissioner, TCPD; Heather McDaniel, CPD; Wendy Skinner, TC Admin.; Kathy Wilsea, Secretary, TCPD

Other BOR Members Present:  Barbara Blanchard, Martha Robertson, Nancy Schuler

Guests:        Martha Armstrong, TCAD; Bridgette Barry, Tourism Center; Carol Chock, STPB; Chrys Gardner, Cooperative Extension; Barbara Mink, Light in Winter; Don Rakow, Discovery Trail; Charles Trautman, Sciencenter

I    Committee Administration

A    Call to Order

Chair Mike Lane called the meeting to order at 2:02 PM.  

B    Agenda Changes

The Strategic Tourism Planning Board requested addition of two resolutions.

Addition to Agenda:  STPB

Resolution:  Funding of Tourism Development Grants – Ithaca Harmony in Nature and Paleontological Research Institution, and Budget Appropriation

Carol Chock was present to provide information about the two programs funded by the resolution.  The money to cover these two items will come from funds already in the room-tax account.  Harmony in Nature – Light in Winter is a $25,000 grant specifically for marketing.  The concept ties in edu-tourism, nature, and culture.  The Discovery Trail combines eight organizations that would qualify for grant money individually, but have banded together and the grant application was handled by PRI.  This $16,000 is for marketing for the rest of 2003.

[Dooley arrived at 2:10.]

Dan asked if there were other applicants for the grant money, and were any applications denied.  Carol Chock said these were special requests received in an open-ended grant process.  Jackie Kippola said they did not receive other applications, but they did not advertise a grant round.  Time is of the essence for these two items.  This action does not exhaust the fund; there is around $132,000 left.  Kathy said this funding is consistent with the findings of the tourism study, and fulfills all the criteria.  Dan said he would prefer that they advertise a round.  Don Rakow said the Discovery Trail includes the Tompkins County Public Library and area museums.  The funding benefits these institutions, but also promotes tourism.  Carol Chock noted that each museum could have applied separately.  Barbara Mink said the guidelines for tourism grants divided the money between small projects and large development, and there is an open competitive process.  

Dooley asked if her assumption that as Light in Winter program goes forward any First Night celebration recedes is correct.  Barbara Mink said they have different targets.  Light in Winter would not exclude First Night from developing.  Peter joked it seemed a reasonable price to pay to have light in winter.

Resolution was moved by Kathy, seconded by Peter.  References to Sciencenter in draft resolution were changed to Paleontological Research Institution.  Passed 5:0.

Resolution:  Approval of Contract for Arts and Culture Stabilization – Community Arts Partnership

This is the third component for CAP, and the other two were passed by PDEQ last month.  Carol Chock noted that this segment was delayed while a budget was developed.

Motion by Kathy, seconded by Dooley and passed 5:0.

Dooley asked if this is a one-time or annual request.  Jackie Kippola said they made it clear to CAP that the application led to a one-time grant.  Carol Chock said it might take several years to get the ticket center up and running, and it is growing rapidly.  CAP might apply for other funds in the future.

Dooley apologized for arriving late, but had difficulty finding parking.  She asked to add an item to the agenda regarding cleanup of lead contamination at Ithaca Falls.

C    Approval of Minutes

Motion by Kathy, seconded by Dan.  Dooley submitted a change for the top of page 4, section I:  “Dooley believes it is preferable to for CAP to retain its identity by keeping a separate budget line with zero local share of taxpayer dollars,” which was accepted.

Passed 5:0.

D    Announcements

There were no announcements.

II    Planning Department

E    TCPD Work Program

Ed Marx said that while in most years it would be preferable to build in some unallocated time, there is none in this year’s Work Program.  Completion of the Comprehensive Plan draft will require a major, intensive commitment of staff time.  The Department plans to finish that by the end of 2004.  All Department programs are being evaluated for coordination with the Vital Communities Initiative.  The VCI Toolbox is near completion.  This will be a web resource for municipalities and citizens.  Staff will probably make a presentation to this committee when the Toolbox is completed.  Dooley pointed out that the term “core purpose” is used in the document, but not defined.  Joan Jurkowich will see that it is explained.  Dan asked if the program evaluation is being conducted by staff or an outside agency.  Ed said it will be in-house, and Joan noted that basically the evaluation is for how our programs link to the Vital Communities Initiative.  Ed noted that VCI has some outstanding funding issues.  Initially it was to have the Toolbox, pilot programs in selected communities, and evaluation of County programs.

Dooley noted that items listed as “projects” are of finite duration and asked that for these with planned end dates, the dates be shared with us.  Mike asked if Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is promoting multi-story buildings and density, and asked if Ithaca is going to be a “tall city”.  He feels the city is heading that way, especially college town.  Ed said the City has a density policy and their zoning changes seem headed that way.  The West End might go to four stories also.  Staff continues to make comments on density, traffic congestion and pedestrian access on city projects.  Peter said the capacity for building more tall structures is only limited by parking.  Kathy said Tompkins County is a partner in the TCAT transit system.  Bikes, buses and pedestrians can reduce congestion.  She expects a difficult construction phase for the parking garage.  Shuttles could help, and there is a need to keep the public informed so they have ways to get downtown.  She also sees many more opportunities for bikes.  Ed felt the City is coming to a time to step back and evaluate.  He feels assessment of markets and demands for growth in the southwest area of the City were pretty fuzzy.  Dooley said “vertical sprawl” changes the feel of the City.  The City’s approval of 12 stories as of right seems wrong to her.  Views will be lost.  She would like the County Planning Department to point out and comment on vertical growth.

Martha Robertson said economic vitality and viability depend on growth.  Keeping the concentration of businesses in a small area through vertical growth allows people to depend on parking at a separate site.  Ed said buildings should be consistent with their neighbors; generally this would mean building heights within two stories of adjacent buildings.  This would help keep the character of the community.  The West End and the waterfront have opportunities for more density.

In discussion of other parts of the Work Program, committee members requested a report to the committee on job creation, including that projected by Small Cities Community Development Block Grants versus actual growth.

Dan commented on the Aquifer Study, saying he supports it but it seems to be tied to communities that can help with funding.  He is interested in those without funding or adequate public water.  Enfield is an example – they have no aquifer but have water/sewer problems.  Water could come from the lake, but the community needs County involvement.  There is a need for something like Bolton Point on the west side of the lake.  The County needs to tackle this problem.  Enfield can’t afford to be part of the aquifer study program.  Ed said he expects this to be part of the Comprehensive Plan analysis.  Mike agreed that water on the west side of the County is important, but felt that towns need to spearhead solutions.  The County would be perceived as trying to tell them how to spend their dollars.  Ed noted that one of the TCPD pending technical assistance projects is about Enfield water.  Peter agreed about the need for water systems.  25% of Ulysses residents are on the Trumansburg water system.  The new line being built will only cover 10% more.  This is very expensive.  Dan said some towns just can’t afford to contribute to the aquifer study.  Dooley said cost estimates can be used by a municipality to develop a timetable and accrue the needed funds over some number of years.

The Planning, Information and Education section indicated that a sewer lines map is being completed.  Joan said a water lines map already exists.  TCPD does not have maps of other utilities (cable TV, electricity, gas pipelines), although the utility providers might have that and choose not to share it.  Ed said security concerns are one issue about releasing this kind of information into the public domain.  Peter said having such information available might help with rural economic development.  Mike asked what LUNR maps are, and Joan said that is land use and natural resources.  Dan said he had problems understanding the acronyms throughout the Work Program.  Joan will address that.  Dooley noted there were two vacancies in the organization chart.  Joan said one vacancy is not funded.  Mike complimented the Department for producing such a well-organized document, and Ed said the credit goes to Joan.

F    Comprehensive Plan

Ed commented that the documents included with the agenda were also shared at the Board of Representatives last night.  There will be a public comment period, then review by the Planning Advisory Board, then the draft will come to PDEQ again.

Peter asked for an example of facilities as mentioned in V-B on page 2.  Ed said health facilities could be neighborhood clinics or a large, specialized center.  The County wouldn’t implement them, but could support their development.  Ed said the Elements list is still fluid.  Staff tried to put similar things together.  The Elements may expand in scope due to public comment.  The Planning Advisory Board felt some elements would be identified, but not addressed.  Joan said there will be a Planning Process chapter, and the appendix will include all issues mentioned at the public meetings.

Mike mentioned that Dick Booth noted Emergency Planning was not in the elements.  Mike would like congestion addressed, too, perhaps as part of transportation.  Joan said it might fall under land use, and Peter said it might be in long-range economic development.

G    Resolution:  Authorizing Multi-Year Planning Technical Assistance Agreements

Mike summarized last month’s discussion as seeing the resolution as allowing the department to proceed with the contractual commitment and hire in spite of budget problems.  Peter asked if the new position is likely to be cut first if need be.  Ed said yes.  Dooley said she feels providing technical assistance is part of the core work of the Department.  Ed noted having such income was part of the Department’s three-year budget proposal.  The Department could sustain the budget cut through this attempt to gain a steady revenue stream.  Without this revenue, the Department would be down half a position in a few years.  Joan said it also shows the Department’s intent.  Ed said if it were necessary to retrench, services outside County government would probably be cut first.  Dooley reiterated that she feels this is a basic service of the Planning Department, especially because we are a rural county.  

Dan expressed concern about trying to hire with a guarantee.  The situation does not lead to hiring an experienced person.  If cut, a current staff member would have to step in, which is a change in priorities outlined in the Work Program.  Ed said they have made it clear to job applicants that the position is vulnerable.  Some applicants are willing to take the risk.

Kathy said she supports the resolution.  Committee discussion today, such as about density and congestion, shows a need to keep strong contacts between the Department and municipalities.  Mike asked what would happen if several contracts were developed and then the County couldn’t fund the position.  Ed said the contract includes the ability to terminate.  The municipalities would be approached about that.  Martha Robertson said municipalities want services without hiring their own employees, so could the Department get full funding for the position from municipalities?  Ed didn’t want to start one way and then increase the fees.  The first whereas clause says it is in the County’s interest to be involved in municipal planning, which differs from just selling services.  The proposal reflects a cost-share basis.

Motion by Kathy to adopt the resolution, seconded by Dooley.  Dooley asked if second resolved could be reworded, but better alternatives have not been developed.  Joan said fees paid by municipalities will differ.  Staff time will not be billed by the hour.  Ed said the charges will be based on population, growth rate and other factors.  He is confident the Department will be providing twice what the municipality is paying for.  Passed 5:0.

H    Resolution:  Authorization to Loan Monies to F&T Distributing Company, Inc. From the Tompkins County Revolving Loan Fund

Heather McDaniel was present to provide information.  The pre-application was submitted in response to an advertisement, the applicant was interviewed by the oversight committee, and a full application was then submitted.  The resolution was amended to include a note at the end:  “The loan to F&T Distributing will consist of a $20,000 working capital loan at a term of three (3) years and a $75,000 equipment loan at a term of seven (7) years. Collateral to secure the loan will consist of the equipment purchased with County loan monies and a third position on the mortgage for the property.”  The SEQR determination will be made by the Town of Dryden, as lead agency.
 
Motion by Kathy, seconded by Dooley.  Peter noted that IDA reviewed the F&T project, and their criteria were having outside markets, not competing with local businesses, and the need for the money.  Heather said the oversight committee’s review included ability to create low- to moderate-income jobs, providing a service to community, presence of leveraged funds, and need for funds.  Passed 5:0.

I    Commissioner’s Report

Ed announced that Heather McDaniel has been promoted to Senior Planner, noting that she is very deserving of this.  The Department continues to interview for the Planner vacancy.

Through referral from Tim Joseph, Ed has been approached by Dan Cogan of the City of Ithaca Common Council about intermunicipal issues concerning the Cayuga Green Project.  These include the solar panels, the creek walk adjacent to the Mental Health Building, and development of the area between Cayuga Green and the library.  They are waiting for some cost estimates on these issues.  The structure of the working group has not been determined yet.  Dan asked if the space set aside for possible future expansion of the library was included.  Ed said yes, it is mentioned in the original Memorandum of Understanding, but he thought it was left open for further discussion.  Dooley concurred, saying the City and County agreed to discuss issues as they arise.

Tompkins County Area Development is establishing a committee regarding issues of people who are working but unable to sustain themselves.

III    Committee Goals

At this point, Mike asked members if they were available for a special meeting or if they would be able to meet twice a month.  It was agreed to meet on fifth Wednesdays at 2 PM.  Dooley expressed a preference for 1½-hour-long meetings on the fifth Wednesdays (April, July, October and possibly December).

Committee Goals will be addressed at the April 30th meeting.  Bridgette Berry also offered to have her agenda item delayed.  She will give the report on the Convention & Visitors Bureau at the April 30th meeting, and handed out information for review before the meeting.

IV    Chamber of Commerce

K    Spring 2003 Beautification Grants

Chrys Gardner was present from Cooperative Extension.  A written synopsis of the approved and denied applications was distributed with the agenda.  Committee members said this was very clear.

Motion was made by Peter, seconded by Dan to authorize the committee recommendations.  Passed 5:0.  Jackie Kippola has informed Kathy Wilsea that this does not need to proceed through the Legislature.  

V    Tompkins County Area Development

M    Tompkins County Economic Develop Strategy – 2002 Progress Report

Martha Armstrong was present to discuss the ED Strategy.  She said a steering committee has been set up to update the document.  They are taking a new look at action steps.  About half of the action steps are now fully implemented, approximately 30% are partially implemented, and the rest are on hold or discontinued.  The vision statement was developed about five years ago.  

The front part of the report covers income trends.  Martha noted that families are defined as two or more related persons, which is the Census definition, not the City of Ithaca definition.  The table on page 2 has been adjusted for inflation.  Mike asked about agriculture economic development, and Martha said about half of the ag goods that go out of the county are from dairy farms, and they have been hit hard due to milk prices dipping so low.  Most of the dried milk products come in from outside the United States, and that has a large impact on the milk market.

In response to comments on air service, Barbara Blanchard said there previously had been an air service task force.  She expects to see the Ithaca-Tompkins County Area Airport become a passenger packaging center that will process security checks, and transport groups to Syracuse where they will remain isolated until their flight.  A regional airport was explored, but experts consider Syracuse to be our regional airport.

Martha invited committee members and other representatives to contact her with any questions about the ED Strategy.  She said the next step is a 4/21 meeting, the first meeting of the 5-person steering committee.  Dooley asked if there are any representatives from the local alternatives/Hours economy.  Martha said that is likely to happen if we have focus groups again.

VI    Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council

N    Resolution:  Endorsing ITCTC Recommendation to Increase the ITCTC Staff Director’s Salary

Fernando deAragon was present to answer any questions.  Barbara Blanchard said the ITCTC Policy Committee will ask the Government Operations Committee to look at this process, as examination of “red circle” position salaries involves unequal scrutiny and causes unnecessary delays.

Motion by Dooley, second by Kathy.  Due to a request from Cathy Covert, Clerk of the Board, “Endorsing” was changed to “Affirming” in the title, and “approve” was changed to “affirm” in the final Resolved clause.  Passed 5:0.

O    Resolution:  Appropriation of 2003/2004 Budgets for the ITCTC

Fernando noted that this type of resolution is necessary every year because of the differences in the County and Federal fiscal years.

Motion by Kathy, seconded by Peter, passed 4:0 (Winch on break).

VII    Appointments

Q    Fish & Wildlife Management Board

Motion by Kathy, seconded by Dooley to appoint Dan Winch for 2003.  Passed 5:0

R    Strategic Tourism Planning Board

Motion by Dooley, seconded by Kathy to appoint Lynette Scofield and Gary Stewart.  Passed 5:0.  Dooley noted that applicants should fill out the new resume form.

S    BOR Liaison to STPB

Since this board has changed its meeting date, Peter can continue to serve.

Addition to Agenda:

Dooley said there was an article in today’s Ithaca Journal about a group letter she signed concerning the responsibility of Cornell University and Ithaca Gun to share the financial cost for cleanup of lead at Ithaca Falls.  She provided copies of letters dated May 2, 1997 and May 29, 1997 from DEC to CU’s Environmental Compliance Office.  The first letter demanded an agreement that Cornell undertake a remedial program.  The second letter takes CU’s response as a denial to perform remediation and reserves DEC’s right to seek a full recovery of all costs associated with remediation of the site.  The location is now City property.

Kathy said this is a City land use issue, but the site is in her district.  Kathy has been participating in this process as a neighborhood resident.  She was unsure what would be appropriate action as a County BOR member.  Mike said she has no authority, but is free to speak on the issue.

Addition to Agenda:

Because Kathy will be unable to attend the April 30th meeting, she provided her colleagues with some comments on her preferences for development of goals.

VIII    Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:05 PM.

 
 
 

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