MINUTES
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
(Tompkins County Legislature)
JUNE 17, 2003 - 5 P.M.
HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present:    Kathy Luz Herrera, Dooley Kiefer, Mike Lane, Peter Penniman, Dan Winch

Members Present:    Kathy Luz Herrera, Dooley Kiefer, Mike Lane, Peter Penniman

Member Absent:     Dan Winch

Staff Present:        Ed Marx, T C Planning

Guest:        Steve Nicholson, EMC Chair

I    Call to Order

Chairman Lane called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. with members Kiefer and Herrera also in attendance. 

II    Appointments

The first item of business was to consider the applications and resumes from two prospective members of the Planning Advisory Board.  Andy Zepp was recommended by Commissioner Marx for the Land Preservation/Public Land Management seat on the Board. Mr. Zepp is Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Land Trust and has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell University.  David Herrick, was recommended by Legislator Kiefer for the Intrastructure/Utilities seat.  Mr. Herrick is a Professional Engineer with T.G. Miller.  Mr. Marx noted that there is another potential applicant for this seat but that an application has not been received at this time.  Ms. Herrera moved approval of both applicants, seconded by Ms. Kiefer and approved unanimously.  These appointments will be considered at the July 1 Legislature meeting.

Mr. Penniman entered the meeting at this point.

III    Environmental Management Council

Resolution :  Resolution in Support of S3055, Net Metering Legislation for New York State

Next item of business was Resolution J, Resolution in Support of S3055, Net Metering Legislation for New York State.  The resolution was moved by Mr. Penniman and seconded by Ms. Kiefer.  A similar resolution was passed by unanimous vote by the EMC on June 11th.  Ms. Kiefer suggested that a Whereas be added to reflect the EMC’s recommendation.  The resolution, as amended, was passed unanimously. 

Mr. Penniman asked whether the legislation would require meters that spin backward.  Mr. Nicholson said this is one option, the other being two meters.  The legislation would have the effect of leveling the playing field between the utilities and the producer/user of renewable energy.  The law also changes the maximum percent of a utility’s energy production that can be net metered from the current .1% to 1%.  Discussion ensued on the potentials for incorporating renewable energy, particularly wind, in the TC3 expansion. 

IV    Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

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