MINUTES
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
(Tompkins County Legislature)
JUNE 4, 2003 - 2 P.M.
HEYMAN CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present:    Kathy Luz Herrera, Dooley Kiefer, Mike Lane, Peter Penniman

Member Absent:    Dan Winch

Staff Present:        Crystal Buck, TCPD; Debbie Giordano, Workforce Dev.; Kate Hackett, TCPD; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Ed Marx, Commissioner, TCPD; Wendy Skinner, TC Public Information; Connie Sowards, Workforce Dev.; Kathy Wilsea, Secretary, TCPD

Other Legislators Present:  Frank Proto, Martha Robertson

Guest:        Denise Sanderson, TCAD

I    Committee Administration

A    Call to Order

Chair Mike Lane called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM.

B    Agenda Changes

Kathy Herrera asked to have Leni Hochman and Bill Myers report on the living wage report of Alternatives Federal Credit Union.  Dooley wished to discuss the Southern Tier East Regional Planning & Development Board annual report.

Ed Marx introduced Crystal Buck, the new Planner at the Planning Department.  Crystal recently received her masters degree from Cornell University in City and Regional Planning.

C    Approval of Minutes

The minutes of 4/30 were moved by Dooley and seconded by Mike.  Dooley submitted some changes.  P. 2, first paragraph:  “In discussion of other ideas, Mike noted that Greek Peak is building a hotel.  Bridgette said Penn Yan had about 450 ice fishermen . . .”  P 2, first paragraph of Committee Goals: “Dooley said enforcement is a problem on the County level.  In the past, Environmental Health declined to do it, and it is not really a Solid Waste responsibility.”  The minutes of 4/30 were approved by vote of 4:0.

Kathy moved the minutes of 5/7, and Dooley seconded.   Changes were submitted by Dooley.  Page 4, top paragraph:  “Ed said IDA will probably have procedures by the time this takes effect, as they are very close.  Martha Armstrong agreed that they are reviewing a draft and expect to act in July.”   Page 4, last paragraph:  “ SEQR law says we “may” hold a public hearing for an EIS, but Dooley would like County policy to state we “shall” hold a public hearing, noting we very rarely have EISs.”  The minutes of 5/7 were approved by vote of 4:0.

Dooley noted the Committee needs minutes for brief the special meeting 5/20 that was held before the Legislature meeting to approve the swipe card system for Workforce Development.

D    Announcements

There were no announcements.

II    Aquifer Study

E    Water Resources Council Aquifer Study Prioritization Report

Frank Proto said he and Kate Hackett were present today to report on the progress of the Water Resources Council in providing prioritization recommendations for the Aquifer Study.  WRC approved the report that was provided to Committee members in the agenda pack.  He acknowledged the work of the Aquifer Committee in producing this report.  On two previous occasions discussion took place at the Planning Committee about funding for the Aquifer Study.  He mentioned that the towns of Caroline and Dryden did their own funding and are proceeding with USGS.  He noted that on page 1, “Methods”, criteria for the recommendations were discussed.  The priority is subject to modification as information becomes available.  Funding requirements mean it will be spread out over many years, and human resources are limited both at the Planning Department and at USGS.  

Frank said the USGS funding match continues to shrink.  It was 70% and is now 30%.  He expressed a need for the County to enter an agreement with USGS before the match shrinks more.

Kate provided some context for the recommendations.  Tompkins County groundwater directly serves 45,000 residents, and influences even more because of interaction between surface water and ground water.  It is difficult and costly to remediate aquifers once they are contaminated.  A database on wells is being compiled, as NYS now requires well drillers to submit logs to the DEC.  NYS currently only requires regulation of wells that serve more than 25 people.

USGS mapped the surficial aquifers.  The Water Resources Council, TCPD, the Dept. of Health, and State Parks collaborated on education efforts by making presentations and producing a color brochure.  Recommendations for funding distribution were discussed for the capital programs of 2001, 2002, and 2003.  TCPD also hired USGS to produce aquifer needs assessments, which are complete.

The WRC committee discussed various criteria, including growth potential of the population dependent upon the aquifer, contamination, non-drinking use, role in ecosystem, quality of water, quantity of water, protection regulations in effect, and current knowledge.  It was noted that the list as viewed on the graphic was not ranked or in order.  The committee also spent time examining land use.  They produced a list, but it is not an absolute ranking.  More factors may become known and change the prioritization.  There was also discussion on confined/unconfined aquifers at the WRC committee.  The committee subjectively weighted this initial prioritization toward density – water usage; they did not use a formula and felt that it would have taken much longer to provide and define weighting formula.

Kathy said it was an excellent report, with useful maps.  It is something we really needed.  Martha Robertson said the report was terrific, and she found it very educational.  She noted that town boards will be putting their budgets together in the fall, and it is important to get the report to them before that process begins.

There was discussion about how the report will be distributed.  In addition to all legislators and municipalities, Frank suggested sending more copies to municipalities that have conservation advisory councils.  Kate said it could be put on the County website with the Legislature’s approval.  Frank suggested TCAD, USGS, EMC, and municipal planning boards.

Mike said we also need to get out the message of why this is important.  Frank said Cortland County has an aquifer program.  We work through the Intermunicipal Organization.  He suggested sharing the report with contiguous counties, and Mike agreed.

Dooley said Kate mentioned that the USGS needs assessment will be in the Comprehensive Plan.  She asked if it doesn’t come to this committee for funding?  She said we should share that information with municipalities also as it relates to the need for the Aquifer Study.  Frank said perhaps the Comp Plan examination will help define which municipalities to approach.  Ed agreed that aspects of the recommendations will go into Comp Plan.  He felt we could begin taking this to municipalities this year.  Frank again expressed concern about the USGS funding match possibly decreasing or ending.  Kate wondered if the County could contribute to the Caroline and Dryden studies, as they have already begun.  Frank felt they would appreciate any contribution.  Mike said we need to develop a policy to be fair.  Ed suggested (1) using this year’s dollars for Caroline and Dryden, and/or (2) review their scope of work to see if it agrees with ours, then we might develop ways to help.  It was recalled that last year’s committee recommended 30% USGS, 35% Tompkins County and 35% municipalities, and that is understanding on which the Board of Representatives approved money for 2003.  Mike said he would like to see funding ideas from TCPD, and that will be on the agenda next month.  Frank noted that the County will need to keep some money to address the suggestions of USGS directly.  He is willing to schedule discussions with municipal officials and planning boards, and CACs and water committees could be invited. 

Martha suggested also sending a copy of the recommendations to the Chamber of Commerce.  She said if paying attention to this recommendation, Dryden jumps to the top of the list.  Peter said three of the reaches comprise 8,000 or 9,000 of the total population involved.  He is interested in studying those three reaches first and finding out what to do with the study results.  He felt examination of the larger reaches would be beneficial before spending money for the studies in smaller areas.  Mike noted that in Cortland County a permit application was denied because of possible contamination to the aquifer from a gas station, and that is being challenged in court.

Mike thanked Frank and Kate for attending the meeting today.  Frank thanked Kate for all her work on this endeavor, and it was agreed she should get Gold Stars in the minutes.

III    Planning Department

F    Commissioner’s Report

Ed Marx said TCPD staff are working diligently on the Comprehensive Plan.  

The Department budget is being developed.  Dooley asked for inclusion of flexible funds for Legislature requests, but Ed and Joan Jurkowich warned her that would be over target. 

Ed said the Vital Communities Initiative toolbox is completed and ready to be publicized.  He is very impressed by the end product that has been developed. 

Tom Mank has contacted the Census Bureau about tabulation of statistics of Tompkins County with the student population separated.  The Census Bureau is willing to do this, but will charge $6,600.  Ed felt some Comp Plan money could be used.  The whole community would find this of interest, and TCPD is trying to get partners to fund it.  Peter asked if there are more ways to classify students, and Ed said it can’t be divided further and we still won’t be able to compare statistics with other counties, since they will not have a comparable data breakdown.  Mike warned that the statistics might not bear out presumptions in the community.  Joan said grant applications do not request such specific information.  Kathy thought these statistics might show impact of student population on seasonal work.  Denise Sanderson asked if it separates individuals who declare “student” as occupation, and Ed said that was correct.

The consultant hired to do the Flood Hazard Mitigation Study is examining stream corridors and meeting with people in the area.  Citizens and professionals report that they are very impressed with the consultant.  The first pilot will begin in about a month, and they expect to finish field work this year.

Ed and Kate met with Bob Brower about the NASA research center at Cayuga Community College.  NASA data are put into a GIS format and can provide information about watersheds.  They are beginning with Owasco Lake watershed, which includes part of northeastern Tompkins County.  Ed was very impressed by the 3D graphics and data-gathering capabilities.

Dooley asked if information was available yet on the job creation rates from CDBG projects, as discussed last month.  Ed said TCPD will provide that, but not immediately.  Dooley reminded Kathy Wilsea that use of italics in the minutes makes future action items easier to pick out.  She also asked Ed if the Committee could have a presentation on the sewer negotiations.  Ed said the Environmental Impact Statement is due any time.  He has heard remarks about the status, but nothing tangible.  Peter said there were comments during the TCAD discussion on the sewer agreement that many elected officials are leaving office at the end of this year, and the agreement will probably be finalized by new officials.

G    Planning Advisory Board Membership

Ed has contacted several individuals about serving on PAB.  He hopes to fill all the seats before the next PAB meeting on 6/25.  If applications are received in time, he would like to have a brief special meeting of PDEQ before the Legislature meeting on 6/17, which Mike found agreeable.

Addition to Agenda:  Dooley received the STERPDB annual report and wanted to let Committee members know it has an article on regional airports that mentions the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport.  Mike explained to Kathy that STERPDB is a regional planning board that Tompkins County used to belong to.  Our membership was terminated because we felt their services did not justify the annual membership dues and there were issues with the leadership.  Dooley said the annual report also discusses agricluster models and commercial kitchens under Appalachian Regional Commission grant programs, and they are obligated to serve the whole region under ARC grant conditions.  Ed said they might be interacting with Cooperative Extension on the agricluster program.  Dooley said they also mention Tompkins County in an article about partnering for energy distribution.  Ed noted he had not received a copy of their annual report, and is interested in seeing it.

IV    Workforce Development

H    Status Report

Debbie Giordano was present to provide an update.  She introduced Connie Sowards, manager of the Career Center.  

Organization:  Debbie said Workforce Development (WFD) is governed by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB), which has eleven partners.  The County is represented on WIB by the County Office for the Aging (COFA), Department of Social Services (DSS), and Office of Employment & Training (OET).  Other partners include TC3, BOCES, Tompkins Community Action, VESID, NYS Department of Labor, Women’s Opportunity Center (current appointment to Community-Based Organization seat), Challenge Industries, and Experience Works (formerly Green Thumb).  The mission of WIB is very broad. 

Funding:  Direct forms of funding for WFD include federal job-training grants, welfare-to-work money (these grants are expiring; there have been no new grants in three years), competitive grants (most have no administration money), and partner shares (these can be in kind).  Indirect funding includes partner agency contributions (employment related), and competitive grants.

Operations:  WIB oversees the system, but by law can’t deliver the services.  The eleven partners must have a single database of jobs, shared services and staff, shared performance measures, and shared marketing.  They maintain a website and the Career Center.  Peter asked about the difference between WIB and staff functions in terms of issues they address.  Debbie said WIB does the decision making, such as how much of funding should be spent on employed vs. unemployed workers, or what occupations skills training will be made available.  Connie Sowards and the staff of the Career Center handle client interaction.  The Career Center is certified and subject to a recertification process.

Accomplishments:  Tompkins County is very proud to have the first accredited 1-Stop system in NYS.  In the two years since that accreditation, about 30 centers have been accredited.  Tompkins County has been nominated for a national award.  Debbie said they “do more with less”, in terms of formula funding.  They have a high market penetration and are training ten times as many workers as they did four years ago.  All of this is happening even though funding is reduced.  They have brought in $2.6 million in competitive grants.  They are always honing their services to be better aligned with the County’s economic development strategy.  Client and employer surveys continue to show increases in customer satisfaction.

Challenges:  Debbie is finishing the State of the Workforce report, and copies will go to all Legislators.  The report will include the challenges being faced by WFD.  Challenges include issues that Debbie calls “skills mismatches”, such as a labor force considered to be unstable due to aging, leakage, and underemployment, and also considered to be inadequate.  There is a decline in public funding, partner funding, federal job-training funding, and a lack of administrative funds (these are rarely in grants).  The location of the Career Center is also an issue that is coming up, as their lease is expiring.  Ed Marx said admin. funding is a critical issue.  Debbie said she is preparing information for the County, and noted the Legislature has made every effort to preserve WFD.

Mike asked about the status of the WFD budget.  Debbie said she sees big changes coming.  She expects a big bite in youth funding and a new definition of “youth”, which will be older and include persons coming out of the criminal-justice system.

Debbie said WIB can review programs of employers for efficiency and expressed a hope that any County department will consider the services of WIB when they need ideas.  Denise Sanderson asked if the Census data that will be separated for students could be used for special funding applications.  Ed said while it is legitimate data, he is not sure yet of its usefulness in that area.  Mike asked Debbie if she would be willing to make a presentation to the full Legislature later in the year, and Debbie said she is very busy with the State of the Workforce report right now but would be glad to speak later.  Connie invited those present to come for a tour of the Career Center.  She feels it is a phenomenal partnership. 
 
WFD is housed in leased space.  Ed said he will mention WFD at the Space Needs & Location Committee.  Connie said information is being gathered about space and special accommodations, and that is due by 6/30.  Denise Sanderson speculated that they might need more security if they become mandated to serve youth coming out of the criminal-justice system.  Debbie said security is always an issue that they are aware of.

Addition to Agenda:  Kathy Herrera recently attended a meeting at Alternatives Federal Credit Union and received updates on their calculations for livable wage.  This year they have included health care, entertainment and taxes.  The increase is 5.57% over last year.  She made notes on her copies at the meeting, and will obtain clean copies for the rest of the Legislature.  She suggested having someone from AFCU speak at a PDEQ meeting.   Peter said the Budget & Capital Committee is trying to standardize an increase for inflation and would like the information.

V    Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM.

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