Minutes
Planning, Development & Environmental Quality Committee
Tompkins County Legislature
Regular Meeting
May 4, 2005    2:30 PM     Heyman Conference Room
Members Present:  Kathy Luz Herrera (Chair), Barbara Blanchard, Mike Lane, Frank Proto, Nancy Schuler

Staff:            Debbie Giordano, Workforce Development; Kate Hackett, TCPD; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Ed Marx, Planning Commissioner;Julia                              Mattick, Workforce Development; Kathy Wilsea, TCPD

Visitors:        Matthew Bishop; Roxy Johnston, Water Resources Council; Michael Stamm, TCPD

I    Administration

A    Call to Order – Chair Kathy Luz Herrera called the meeting to order at 2:32 PM.

B    Changes to the Agenda – A new application was distributed for the Planning Advisory Board appointment.  Barbara Blanchard asked to be excused around 3:40 for a funeral. 

C    Approval of Minutes – Minutes from 3/2 and 4/19 were moved by Nancy Schuler, seconded by Barbara.  Kathy submitted one change and they were approved by vote of 4:0 (Proto on break).

D    Appointments – Kathy wished to delay the appointment for Fish & Wildlife Management Board.  Appointments of Brian Martinson to Planning Advisory Board (Education seat), Diane Goodman to Economic Development Loan Oversight Committee (Micro-enterprise Business Rep seat), Kathy Luz Herrera to Economic Development Revolving Loan Oversight Committee (Legislature seat), and Kathy Luz Herrera to Environmental Management Council (Legislature liaison) were moved by Nancy, seconded by Barbara and passed by vote of 4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention (Proto).

E    Public Comment – Matt Bishop said he is a candidate for the County Legislature District 4 seat.  He spoke of his support for economic development programs of TCAD and workforce development programs of the Workforce Investment Board.  He is interested in having an internship program as part of WIB.

II    Industrial Development Agency

F    Overview of IDA Policies and Projects – Michael Stamm provided a handout on IDA Mission, Policies and Procedures, and a chart of property tax abatement values.  Not-for-profit projects, bonds, and projects initiated prior to 1990 are not on the chart.  The “terms of payment” column shows number of years of payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT).  Most are ten, a few are 15, and Seneca Place is 20.  Michael stressed these are property tax abatements, and show total of school, town, city and county property taxes.  The value of tax abatements compares favorably with new job creation.  Kathy asked what can be done when a project seems to differ from the original proposal, and Michael said they try to capture the project in IDA minutes and get intent in written messages.  Kathy said she would like to see memoranda of understanding for clarification, but doesn’t want to deter applicants.  Michael said they could ask for a MOU on project parameters rather than details.  Nancy asked if reluctance to be specific is a flag for a poorly planned project, and Michael said they have had some prior applicants who were unwilling to commit to a MOU, and sometimes it is simply refreshing honesty.  Kathy said it is merely a weighting factor for her, but for some IDA members it might be a deal breaker.  Frank said his concern with IDA projects is getting jobs of a certain value that stay in our community.  We can hope jobs go to Tompkins County residents, but can’t ensure that.  Michael said IDA is sensitive to the hope for jobs to go to County residents.  The flip side is that we need to improve workforce investment so we have local residents qualified for new jobs.  IDA will be meeting on Friday, but have no new projects to discuss.  He expects review of a new project at the June meeting.  Some projects don’t suit IDA, but development still proceeds in the community.  It is difficult to help tourism projects due to some aspects of NYS law. 

III    Workforce Development

G    Resolution:  Appropriation from Contingent Fund – Administrative Expenses – Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board Development
Resolution moved by Barbara, seconded by Nancy.  Debbie Giordano said her annual budget includes speculation of success in grant applications.  She is bringing this contingency resolution to the committee because she expects a shortfall.  She has mentioned at previous meetings that it is difficult to get administration money in many grants.  Workforce Development fulfills its obligations for program administration and reporting, but often can’t get admin money in grants.  Frank asked if it would be suitable for WIB corporate members to contribute or help find funding, which led to discussion about that being an unreasonable expectation that might deter membership.  Kathy said development is an interrelationship between tourism, jobs, and economic incentives, and we need to see that the burden doesn’t fall too heavily on one component.  Ed Marx asked how federal money is distributed in grants.  Debbie said New York receives the federal money and uses 85% for local programs, holds 4% for administration, and uses 11% for competitive local programs (grant rounds).  Governors have a lot of flexibility, and this year New York State is retaining some of the 11%.  Kathy suggested we do research to create a resolution to state and federal lawmakers about changing the course of funding.  Vote on resolution 5:0.

H    Resolution:  Increase in Hours – Transition Workforce Specialist – Tompkins County Office of Employment and Training
Julia Mattick said this resolution involves a January, 2005 partnership with Probation to provide services at the Criminal Justice Center and transition services at the jail.  Probation can leverage other funds if the person is a Probation employee, so there are benefits beyond the service delivery.  The resolution is an “on paper” situation and does not increase expenses.  Resolution moved by Nancy, seconded by Mike.  Frank said it needs an explanation, and PDEQ should be added to the Resolved clause.  Julia and Debbie will provide revised document for the Legislature.  Vote on resolution 5:0.

I    Update – Debbie said WIB is in transition.  They are examining their original vision and working to overcome stumbling blocks.  They see changes in the labor market, with much more workforce transition.  She provided a handout of value components, which protect and enhance services.  [Barbara left at 3:36.]  Michael Stamm concurred it is time to re-examine their vision.  They had the first certified One Stop Center, and need to continue to meet the needs of employers and job seekers.  Kathy said data is important to use in justification for value of the program in the community.  Mike Lane asked if there is a data formula for the relationship of unemployment to underemployment.  Michael Stamm said Martha Armstrong is examining the unemployment rate with students removed.  Nancy said statistics have never been really relevant to Tompkins County unemployment.  Matt Bishop said this shows why an internship program would provide ways to keep students in the area and connected with local employers.  It would provide experience, income for students, and local contacts.  Frank said we also need electricians, plumbers, and other skilled labor.  NYS requires regional service and planning, which bleeds across borders both ways.  He asked if Debbie has heard comments from neighboring counties on this issue.  Debbie said they have mentioned it, and all feel burdened. 

Kathy said the department provides stellar performance with restricted funding.  Debbie reported they served over 9,100 job seekers last year.  Michael Stamm said statistics are skewed because Tompkins County gets fewer of the other economic development programs, an example being that we have no Empire Zone.  Nancy said our county also has high poverty and homelessness rates.  Mike Lane asked if a future discussion item could be how unemployment rates are established.  Michael Stamm felt we need to keep our autonomous economic development and workforce investment programs because we differ from our neighbors.  Debbie said WIB is examining the right things.  She expects $175,000 in summer job funds, and told PDEQ members she will be issuing an RFP for that program. 

IV    State Annexation Law

J    Resolution:  In Support of NYS Assembly Bill A05632 and NYS Senate Bill S02748: An Act to Amend the General Municipal Law in Relation to Municipal Annexation
Mike Lane explained that under the proposed legislation, two municipalities could institute the annexation process, in addition to the existing avenues.  Moved by Mike, seconded by Nancy, passed 4:0.

V    Planning Department

K    Commissioner’s Report – Ed Marx reported that staff is working with Highway Division on reconstruction projects on Hanshaw, Coddington, and Warren roads for pedestrian/bike/community impacts.  This is a positive partnership, in line with the Comprehensive Plan.  The County has a responsibility under federal law to provide safe roads for all potential users.  The MPO survey at Cornell continues on Park & Ride feasibility.  Next step will be a downtown survey.  The Planning Advisory Board has set up committees, and they had a discussion about their role in countywide examination of wind energy.  Staff will be seeking a consultant for the Housing Needs Study.  There will be examination of vehicular, pedestrian, bike, and transit traffic in the West End Circulation Study.  Watershed assessments continue, with a report coming up on 5/19 for the three watersheds being examined by the consultant.  Staff is doing outreach to look for next project areas for aquifer studies.  Staff is also developing success indicators for Comp Plan action items.  The Space Needs & Location Committee continues addressing downtown office needs.  Government Operations Committee will be discussion a need to change the County Charter to reflect the changes to Ed’s job.

Kathy reiterated her opinion about the Park & Ride survey being flawed because it does not mention staff/students who choose to park off campus.  Joan Jurkowich said its focus is on Park & Ride, not parking in general.  The concept is to provide a service for commuters before they reach campus.  Nancy said the Cornell Daily Sun had an interesting article yesterday on Redbud Woods.  Frank asked about the process of the recommendation for the PAB appointment.  Ed said staff went directly to Ithaca College, and the President recommended this person for the seat.  IC has not been represented on a County planning group for many years.  The seat was previously filled by TC3.  Ed, as Commissioner, brings recommendations for PAB to PDEQ.  Frank noted the entire advisory board appointment process is under review, and there is no uniformity.  Kathy said we have trouble getting applicants and participants, and staff already spends much time pursuing volunteers.  Sometimes a department can best address appointments because the purpose of the advisory board is exclusive to that department.

VI    Water Resources Council

L    Annual Report – Kate Hackett introduced Roxy Johnston, Vice Chair of WRC.  Roxy began with a brief tribute to Jane Schafrik, First Vice Chair in 2004, who died in October.  Roxy provided highlights of the WRC work last year, including the Phase II Coordinating Committee, Water Week display done by the Education Committee, and a centralized GIS and web-searchable data program being planned by the Monitoring Committee.  WRC meeting attendance has been high.  One vacancy exists for the Economic Development seat, which they hope to fill next month.

M    2005-2006 Workplan – Roxy mentioned some of the WRC goals.  WRC provided a model stormwater ordinance to municipalities, which included requirements and options for more stringent controls.  They hope to begin the monitoring program this summer by getting the GIS system up and running.  The Recreation Committee is finalizing a brochure on clean boating.  There is an Ad Hoc committee on Lake Source Cooling to examine Cornell’s request for reduced monitoring.  The Wetlands Committee has been invited to submit a second level application for an EPA Region 2 grant to clarify boundaries and do an analysis of regulatory gaps.  Their goal is to have a database similar to Unique Natural Areas.  Nancy suggested approaching municipal officials about consistency of laws by making contact with the Municipal Officials Association, chaired by Steve Farkas. 

N    WRC Update – Kate Hackett pointed out the Workplan correlates with the Water Quality Strategy.  WRC is also submitting another grant application for implementation of Phase II stormwater regulations.  Money is earmarked at DEC for these implementation programs, so she expects to receive funding.

VII    Committee Goals

O    Finalize 2005 Goals – This item was postponed.

VIII    Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 PM. 

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