Visitors:  Fred Bonn, Convention & Visitors Bureau
   Herb Engman, Chair, Planning Advisory Board
   Louise Felker-Holl, CVB
   Pam Mackesey, Chandidate for Legislature
   Jean McPheeters, Chamber of Commerce
   Paul Tatar, Strategic Tourism Planning Board
   Debbie Teeter, Cooperative Extension
Lauren Whittle, CVB

I Administration

A Call to Order – Chair Kathy Luz Herrera called the meeting to order at 2:32 PM with members Barbara Blanchard, Mike Lane and Nancy Schuler present.

B Changes to the Agenda – Item III will be addressed as soon as Steve Whicher arrives.  Item VII Q has been postponed to July.

C Approval of Minutes – Draft minutes were moved by Barbara, seconded by Nancy and passed 4:0.

D Announcements – Nancy shared a 1938 aerial photo of Redbud Woods and an early 1900’s photo of the estate.  This property has been the subject of a lawsuit between Cornell and the City of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission.  Cornell University has been cleared by the court to put a parking lot on part of this land as part of the West Campus Residential Initiative.

III County Administration

K Resolution:  Creating Position and Appointing Commissioner of Planning and Public Works

Steve Whicher provided the resolution, draft job description, and proposed changes to the Charter.  He said he has a meeting scheduled for 6/2 with Anita Fitzpatrick about the labor grade.  Kathy pointed out that committee members received a memo from Dooley Kiefer with her views on the combined jobs.  [Frank Proto arrived 2:37.]

Barbara did not agree with all of Dooley’s comments and was ready to act today.  Mike expressed reservation about the proposed changes and asked for information on the grade level and salary.  Barbara said this is a very good way to provide senior leadership, and the groups that work with Ed Marx appreciate his contributions.  It is unrealistic to have separate commissioners.  The Planning Department has a very competent Deputy Commissioner and Ed has terrific backup.  Frank suggested separating creation of the commissioner from appointing Ed.  He doesn’t want any negative comments about the job to be interpreted negatively about Ed.  Ed pointed out the changes to the Charter allow the job share, but do not require that.  Mike said he feels he understands the issues, based on previous discussions.  He disagrees with Dooley about the need for a full time Public Works Commissioner.  He sees merit to the job share, but is not ready to change the Charter to include a PW Commissioner again.  Nancy commented it is important for the County planning and public works departments to work together, but there is a need to have enough support and staff at the Planning Dept.

Anita Fitzpatrick said she really came today to listen to committee comments.  She pointed out the Personnel process is about the position, not the person.  She is currently dealing with the job description and reviewing the changes that went on at PW when it was reorganized and the PW Commissioner position ended.  She is reviewing whether this is a reclass or a new position.  Some other PW staff were reclassed due to the absence of a commissioner, and should those be left in place?  She respects Ed, and noted this is not about him.  Mike concurred about the reorganization at Highway during the creation of the PW cabinet and wondered about the cost of those reclassed jobs plus having a Commissioner.  Steve said, in general, the cabinet worked well, but it has some shortfalls.  If this proposal is not approved, it affects current plans for hiring.

Kathy said she supports Barbara’s comments.  Ed’s work is effective and Kathy has concerns that Planning will be shortchanged.  She knows Ed can do this, but could anyone else?  She feels the Legislature generally approves of this move, but she needs more time to review it.  Based on comments, Steve will amend the resolution to make a Charter change and appoint Ed Marx subject to the Charter change.  It will be on the Facilities & Infrastructure agenda next week, and also go to Government Operations.  Steve read a portion of Dooley’s memo, where she mentioned opposition to a Charter change, but willingness to accept Ed’s offer.

I Committee Administration (continued)

D Announcements – Kathy Wilsea passed out copies of a Budget Adjustment Request from Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council.

E Appointment to Fish & Wildlife Management Board – Mike moved appointment of Ron Updike to FWMB, which was seconded by Nancy, and passed by 5:0 vote.

F Finalize 2005 Committee Goals – Decisions were made about which 2004 goals carried over, and the list was finalized.

II Planning Department

G Resolution:  Accepting Federal Farmland Protection Grant Funds – Katie Borgella apologized for providing the resolution late, but only received the details on 5/31 and the contract needs to be in place by 7/1.  Resolution moved by Nancy, seconded by Barbara.  Tompkins County previously received a conservation easement from NYS Ag & Markets, which can be used for up to 75% of the total easement and combine with other programs.  This resolution accepts federal money and authorizes execution of the contract.  The contract spells out the duties of the partners.  Frank said AFPB was concerned about appraisals, and are inviting appraisers to one of their meetings for discussion.  Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

H Resolution:  Authorization to Accept 2004 State Water Quality Coordinating Committee Mini-Grant Funding – Kate Hackett had provided background information with the agenda.  Frank asked about source of the non-grant amount of $20,000 for aerial thermography.  Kate said it is cash and in-kind services from the other partners, not County funds.  John Andersson drafted the text about the thermography, and it may become a pilot program for the Health Department to pursue countywide.  It was also a Comp Plan action item.  This is not a budget commitment, but does serve as a cost effective way to examine the technology.  The Health Department will be paying to send staff for training provided in the level 7 grant, so some income is assured from providing that training.  Resolution moved by Nancy, seconded by Barbara, and passed by unanimous vote.

I Rollover Request – Joan Jurkowich said the Planning Department is requesting some rollover for use this year, and some for future years.  Hard copies of the Comp Plan were printed, and copies went to public libraries, legislators, and municipalities.  While this was planned for 2004, it did not occur until February, 2005.  A typo was pointed out in the Comp Plan item, which should be $5,150 instead of $5,250.  Discussions have been going on with the City and Town of Ithaca about existing and developing traffic on West Hill.  TCPD realizes they need some rough data to proceed.  Committee members sought more information on the three proposed studies.  Herb Engman spoke as chair of the Planning Advisory Board in support of the Scenic Resources Plan, saying it is an important component in examining wind energy in Tompkins County.  Also, he serves on the Town of Ithaca board, and noted when they voted to establish housing on West Hill, they got sued for faulty traffic studies.  They won the lawsuit, but more traffic information on West Hill is important.  Frank moved to separate and approve the top two boxes on the form (equipment and Comp Plan printing) for $8,150, and set a special meeting on the studies prior to the 6/7 Legislature meeting.  Seconded by Barbara and passed by unanimous vote.  More information will be provided to members on the proposed studies prior to the special meeting.

J Commissioner’s Report – Ed Marx said the Planning Department is interested in committing some of their future rollover to an Open Space Protection Fund.  The concept has been approved by David Squires.  PAB and its committees feel it is good for the County to clarify a role in open space protection.  He pointed out that rollover is not new tax dollars.  PAB voted unanimously to advance this concept.  Right now there are three properties the County is selling to NYS that we would want to keep as open space if they were not going to NYS.  He expects to discuss this further at future meetings.  Providing a local share would mean we could partner with State and Federal programs, including PDR.  On 5/19 Milone & MacBroom made a presentation about three completed watershed studies on Salmon Creek, Fall Creek, and Cayuga Inlet.  Two local actions are occurring that complement the Comp Plan:  the City is examining an infill development strategy for Southwest Park, and the Town of Danby is instituting zoning changes.

IV Ag & Farmland Protection Board

L Ag Plan Update – Debbie Teeter was present from Cooperative Extension.  She explained that the previous Ag Plan was adopted in 1998.  They have been proceeding through a review with AFPB, area farmers, municipal farm boards, PAB, and the Municipal Officials Association.  The plan continues to have sections on Ag Economic Development, Government Programs, and Education.  A new component on Environmental Issues was added this time.  Further update will be provided at the PDEQ July meeting.

V Chamber of Commerce

M Update on Building Expansion – Jean McPheeters was present for discussion, and said she will send copies of her memo to all Legislators.  The Chamber of Commerce is located in a Special Land Use District, which limits the number of employees.  The building is 18 years old, and during that time they have expanded from 5 employees to 10.  They have about 20,000 visitors per year.  She is hoping for a 2,000 square foot addition, and that is not out to bid yet.  This will reconfigure CVB and add a meeting room, rest rooms, and offices.  They are checking to see if any room tax can be used, and whether or not it could qualify as a TCAD capital project.  There is no direct County contribution.

VI Convention & Visitors Bureau

N Introduction of New Sales Director and Sale Manager – Fred Bonn introduced new staff members Louise Felker-Holl and Lauren Whittle.  Louise has been working at CVB while attending RIT.  She did a needs assessment for downtown signage with TCAT, and noted the signs will be installed in August.  Lauren Whittel is returning to the area after working in San Francisco, and is excited to be back in Tompkins County.  Both women hold degrees in Hospitality/Tourism.  Fred said he appreciates the good relationship CVB has with the County.  He noted that new hotels and expansions are increasing the local room inventory by 25%.  Tourism can help support quality of life initiatives.

VII Strategic Tourism Planning Board

O Resolution:  Funding of Tourism Project Grants
P Resolution:  Funding of Tourism Marketing and Advertising Grants
Kathy mentioned the need for committee members to have documentation in advance.  Jackie Kippola said STPB met on the agenda mailing date, but may change their meetings in the future.  Resolutions moved as a pair by Barbara, seconded by Frank.  Jackie explained the instances when the review committee felt applicants were qualified for both types of grants.  Barbara asked if Grassroots sets aside funds for public safety in their budget, and Jackie said the committee only gets to examine their marketing budget.  She is aware the Sheriff is pursuing a contract with Grass Roots.  Kathy asked about how the demographic targets vary, and Jackie said most were established by the Randall Study a few years ago.  Fred Bonn said CVB and STPB are trying to find how they are delivering services.  Studying demographics helps them understand who is coming to Tompkins County.  He is seeing a huge influx of Cornell and Ithaca College parents.  CVB needs to provide for them, but parents are making multiple trips without CVB expending advertising funds on them.  CVB is reviewing trends with the Restaurant and Tavern Association for information on guests during non-college weekends.  Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

Q Resolution:  Authorization to Move Funds From Room Tax Reserve Into Operating Budget
Per prior notice from Jackie, this will be addressed in July.

VIII Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.