Others Present: Jim Hanson, Commissioner, TCPD

Chair Peter Penniman called the meeting to order at 5 PM. Peter said the only item to be discussed in this meeting is Resolution "R" for tonight’s Board of Representatives meeting. The special meeting was called because August 1, 2001 is the deadline for public comment on the National Forest drilling proposals. Much has been in the news lately on this issue. The original proposal was to use 34% of forest service lands for development and drilling. The Forest Service chose Alternative 2, which is 15% for development/drilling. Alternative 3 is mentioned in the EMC resolution (no surface drilling) and Alternative 4 called for no drilling or leasing at all.

George asked if we would want neighboring counties commenting on our business. He also pointed out the discussion around the whole country on energy needs.

Peter responded that we are commenting on a federal agency. 500 gas leases have already been signed in Schuyler County. This resolution recommends protection of public land, not preventing all drilling.

Dooley said EMC has spelled out need and relationship to adjoining county. She read from the Whereas clauses of the EMC resolution. She said under all alternatives, including Alternative 3, drilling can occur on adjacent private land. EMC felt it is important to protect the only piece of National Forest in New York State from surface disturbance. Alternative 3 allows governments to receive income from leasing the mineral rights.

Dooley also said the EMC resolution had recommendation of dedicated funds from lease revenue in its final Resolved clause, which she read. She commented that she was sorry to see that the trust fund concept was not in Peter’s draft resolution.

Dan said much of the land on the map handout is private. He wondered what is land use of this private land. Lacking research, we could leave quality farmland open to drilling whereas there may be low-quality brush land in the FLNF that could be drilled instead. He also pointed out that blocking domestic exploration means more imported fuels.

Peter said the Town of Hector passed a resolution recommending no leasing on the public land. Private land exploration is a separate issue. Schuyler County also voted to recommend no leasing.

Frank Proto asked what is the time issue. Peter brought him up to date on the 8/1/2001 public comment deadline.

Frank said EMC was asked about how Tompkins County should address drilling proposals for County land. Frank asked if this resolution will play into that decision. Peter said he expects the same issues to be examined regarding Tompkins County Land.

Stu asked about locations of Tompkins County Land. Dooley mentioned some that are being reviewed (Caswell landfill and adjacent buffer lands).

Motion by Stu to accept the resolution. Seconded by Dooley.

Dooley said since the Resolution refers to the EMC recommendation, she would prefer the resolution to also quote two of the EMC Resolved paragraphs that explain why the EMC recommends Alternative 3. She requested addition of 4^th and 5^th Whereas clauses from EMC resolution. This was agreed to.

Dooley said she would also like to add the end of the EMC Resolved clause, phrasing about dedication of income, but did not receive support.

Amended resolution, which included insertion of paragraphs 4 and 5 from the EMC resolution, passed by vote of 3 yes (Kiefer, Penniman, Stein): 2 no (Totman, Winch)

The resolution will be added to the Board of Representatives agenda for 7/17, 5:30 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

Kathy Wilsea, Secretary

Tompkins County Planning Department