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

Other Legislators Present:  Barbara Blanchard, Martha Robertson

Staff Present:        Katie Borgella, TCPD; Heather Filiberto, TCPD; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Jackie Kippola, T C Administration; Ed Marx, Commissioner, TCPD; Wendy Skinner, TC Public Information; Kathy Wilsea, Secretary, TCPD

Guests:        Theresa Alt, T C Living Wage Coalition; Martha Armstrong, TCAD; Richard Hepburn, EcoVillage at Ithaca; Leni Hochman, Alternatives FCU; Bill Myers, Alternatives FCU;Monika Roth, Cooperative Extension; Beth Rubin, Ithaca Paraprofessional Assn.; Debbie Teeter, Cooperative Extension

I    Committee Administration

A    Call to Order

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

B    Agenda Changes

Ed Marx said he will discuss the TCPD Annual Report at the July 30th meeting.  Mike added appointments to Soil & Water Conservation District and Forest Practices Board.

C    Approval of Minutes

The minutes of 5/20 were moved by Dooley and seconded by Kathy.  It was noted that Peter Penniman was not present at that meeting.  Passed by vote of 4:0 (Penniman absent at this point) with no changes.

The minutes of 6/4 were moved by Kathy and seconded by Dan.  Kathy asked for an addition in item B:  “Kathy Herrera asked to have Leni Hochman and Bill Myers report on the living wage report of Alternatives Federal Credit Union.”  Passed by vote of 4:0.

The minutes of 6/17 were moved by Dooley and seconded by Dan.  Ed Marx provided changes, and the minutes were approved by vote of 4:0.

D    Announcements

Mike said he attended the recent Ag & Farmland Protection Board, and will comment on that during section IX.

II    Alternatives Federal Credit Union

E    Livable Wage Report

Leni Hochman and Bill Myers were introduced by Kathy Herrera.  Leni provided background, saying AFCU first examined staff income in 1994 in response to staff comments.  They organized a group of staff and an intern to research the idea, and when the first report was completed the board of directors encouraged them to provide the information to the community as a benchmark.  AFCU designs programs to move people out of poverty, so wanted to make sure they weren’t keeping their own staff in poverty because of their wage policy.  In 1994, the livable wage developed by the research team was $15,000, and at that time AFCU was paying $12,900 for entry-level staff.  When they made a presentation at the Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Blanchard pointed out that they did not add taxes, so subsequent years included taxes.  Leni distributed a chart of the newest data, notes on the categories, and a copy of the press release on the most recent study.  In choosing budget items, selections were made near the bottom of the scale, but not for barebones survival.  In 2000 the livable wage was defined to be $17,940/yr ($8.43/hr).  The current livable wage is $18,060.80/yr ($8.68/hr).  Many of the issues included in the study were also examined by Tompkins County’s Quality of Life Study.  The livable wage calculations were developed on the premise that full time workers should be able to support themselves through their labor.

Bill Myers said AFCU as an employer had to increase wages.  The increases resulted in some compression of their wage scale, as it only impacted the lower levels.  AFCU feels that if they create jobs without providing a livable wage, it lacks social responsibility.  Over the years there have been comments received about the possibility of a wage increase pulling a worker out of benefits of the welfare system that would be of more value than the wages, but there has been no specific point found of paying more and having a person being worse off.  Examination of the livable wage started internally, and the board pushed them to provide the information to the public.  Since they are not economists, they have tried to find other sponsors to carry on the study.  [Peter Penniman arrived at 2:28 PM.]  AFCU staff has tried to compare their work to other methods and studies, and they seem to be close to the proper methodology.  He offered the reminder that the study works with local expense ranges, so does not apply well to other regions.  He referred people to the AFCU website for comparison with other years.

Dooley said she found the transportation costs confusing, as such a wide variety of methods was averaged.  She asked if there was a reason not to give a range.  Leni said they preferred not to work with a range, and differences in rent can balance transportation costs.  Downtown rent is higher, but the worker is then able to walk or use the bus, so there are some tradeoffs.

Mike asked what employee wages were compared to in the first study.  Bill said they were compared with other financial institutions.  While it might make AFCU a preferable employer, it really only impacts starting-level jobs for workers who rarely have experience.  He thinks paying a livable wage keeps employees at AFCU longer and that point helps AFCU invest in their training and development.

Martha Robertson commented on the health care figure.  If an employee did not receive health care as a benefit, he/she could not afford it at the listed budget.  Leni agreed, and said that health care is expensive.  Green Star is developing their own livable wage, and they pay 100% of health care so Leni expects their hourly wage to be lower.  Green Star also chose a higher food budget, which supports purchase of organic food.

III    Strategic Tourism Planning Board

F    Resolution:  Approval of Contract with Tompkins County Area Development for Tourism Capital Grants Program and Appropriation from the Room Tax Fund Balance

Martha Armstrong and Jackie Kippola were present to discuss this.  Martha said the resolution is required for appropriation of the funds.  Last fall, she provided information about the grant program to the BOR Workforce Development Committee (now part of PDEQ).  This is the first year of the program, and they held a workshop for applicants.  Applications are being submitted and Martha expects a few more to arrive.

The resolution was moved by Peter and seconded by Dan.  Kathy asked if this was money from the room occupancy tax fund, and that was confirmed.  Mike asked what kind of projects are being funded.  Martha Armstrong said some of the projects are the Paleontological Research Institution for general programs, Sciencenter for a science obstacle mini golf course, the Hangar Theater for a feasibility study, the State Theater for Phase II of the lobby, and the Children’s Garden.  Dooley said she would prefer to have the full Legislature approve the grants.  Kathy said she supports the resolution.  Peter said he supports it also, and he serves on the grant review committee.  He agreed with Dooley about the level of involvement of the Legislature.  He asked why the “program amount of $90,000” is mentioned in the third Resolved clause, and the appropriation in the final Resolved clause is $70,000.  Jackie said $20,000 was moved already from reserves to spend on the grants.  Mike said sending it to the Legislature would make it consistent with other programs.  

Dooley asked about the guidelines and maximum grant amounts.  Martha Armstrong said these grants are for feasibility studies or “bricks and mortar”.  The projects are usually more than $75,000, and this grant is designed to pay 1/3.  Dan also asked about the guidelines, and Jackie said she will provide committee members with copies of the guidelines.

Dooley proposed an amendment, and Joan Jurkowich provided the wording:  “Resolved, further, That expenditures made from this program account shall be subject to approval by the County Legislature”.  Motion to amend seconded by Dan, and passed unanimously.  The amended resolution passed unanimously.  Peter asked for addition of an Explanation at the end, to include the $20,000 being moved from the reserve, that this is funded by the 2% room tax increase, and brief information on grant criteria.  Jackie and Martha said they will probably bring grant recommendations to this committee next month.

Mike asked if committee members had any questions on the TCAD Report on Activities that was included with the agenda package.  Dooley asked what is the “working poor discussion group”.  Martha Armstrong said it is an internal TCAD board committee that includes some legislators, community representatives, and TCAD staff.  Their discussions are concerning uninsured citizens, and efforts to employ the Family Health Plus program.  Barbara Blanchard said it is a fascinating group to work with.  The next meeting will be 7/22, 9 AM at United Way.  Dooley also asked about the status of the TCAD membership drive.  Barbara and Martha said that is ongoing.    

IV    Environmental Management Council

G    Resolution:  Making a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance in Relation to Resolution No ____ of 2003

H    Resolution:  Adoption of the Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions for County Government Operations

Heather Filiberto was present to provide information.  She said the Local Action Plan is a product of the Cities for Climate Protection membership and prescribed steps.  Tompkins County was one of the first counties to join, so our Local Action Plan is slightly different from others developed by CCP members.  We joined CCP in 2001, and had an intern do the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report.  In 2002 the Board of Representatives adopted an emissions reduction target of 20% by 2008, with 1998 used as a baseline.  The Local Action Plan mentions existing measures, such as the library solar panels and Phase I of the building audit.   Current projects that are supported by the LAP include renovations.  There are three new recommendations:  organization of a vehicle fleet policy, development of a purchasing policy that supports emissions reduction, and energy conservation measures.

Kathy said she liked the document, and asked how this report deals with new buildings.  Heather said it is considered in terms of total emissions.  Ed said the County would not have any new buildings by 2008 unless they result in a net reduction of operating costs.  Major retrofits would have benefits for emissions.  Heather mentioned that since the baseline inventory (1998), Biggs A was sold and the old Library has decreased use, but the new Library is operating.  The new Library is more efficient by design.

Kathy made a motion to adopt the negative declaration resolution, seconded by Peter.  Dan said he understands overall savings, but mentioned the diversity of the County’s equipment fleet, which includes large equipment.  Heather said the inventory addresses sedans, and did not include large equipment.  Mike asked how 2C of the SEQR would reduce traffic congestion.  Heather and Kathy said that is an effect of the fleet policy.  The negative declaration resolution was adopted unanimously.

Kathy moved to adopt the Local Action Plan resolution, seconded by Dooley.  This passed unanimously.

V    County Policy on SSEQR

I    Resolution:  Revision of Administrative Manual Policy 01-33:  SEQR Policy

Ed noted that the policy was approved at the last meeting.  Resolution was moved by Dan, seconded by Kathy and approved unanimously.

VI    Planning Department

K    Program Reconfiguration for Stop DWI Program

Ed reported that County Administration has asked to move this to the Planning Department.  There are several reasons:  (1) Admin is an inappropriate place for program administration; (2) It should be in a department that does not receive its funds; (3) The program has revenues to support staff; (4) The traffic safety aspect correlates with ITCTC for future synergies; and (5) There is financial accounting capability in TCPD.   

John Beach is currently retired but working part time.  The objective of moving the program is to continue to have programmatic aspects dealt with by contractual agreements.  The budget being prepared by the Planning Department has Stop DWI in it.  Ed will probably bring resolution to the PDEQ meeting for program reconfiguration and charter change.

Barbara Blanchard said this has been discussed at Public Safety Committee.  They find similarities with ITCTC.  She feels the grant management at TCPD is outstanding.  The DWI advisory board approved the idea and Schenectady County has their Stop DWI administered by Planning.  Dan said he liked what he heard, but it is a good time to examine the overall program.  This is an opportunity to examine it fully, and he would prefer to see more of the money out in the program categories rather than used for administration.  He felt it was a stretch to put it in Planning, although it didn’t match Admin either.  Ed said all the other logical groups are entities that receive program funding.  Contractual arrangements are being reviewed, and Ed expects the program to keep changing.  John Beach will continue to coordinate, but John has told Ed that the contracts are pretty well set.  John will continue the public education, and in the future if John is no longer interested they will seek someone else.  Kathy said she supports the idea, and felt it was important to keep the coordination piece active.

Peter said it would be easier to understand if he could have a complete budget breakdown to examine.  Ed will provide that at the next meeting.  Dooley said it is a reach to have this in Planning.  Since it concerns addictive behavior, she wondered if it should be sent to Mental Health.  She asked if that was investigated, and what options were examined.  Ed and Joan Jurkowich will check.  Barbara Blanchard said the DWI Advisory Committee has examined this move.  The program needs someone to manage funds to the agencies, track the application process, and coordinate activities with the Traffic Safety Board.

L    Commissioner’s Report

Ed provided an update on interaction with municipalities.  The Municipal Officials’ Planning Coaltion has provided positive feedback on two ideas:  limiting the scope of 239 reviews and developing three-year agreements for staff support.  He and Joan spoke with the Town of Caroline last night and they are ready to act on an agreement.  They continue to discuss the Comp Plan with the Planning Coalition.

Regarding the move of the Department of Transportation, a Memorandum of Understanding is ready to execute.  The property owner has filed annexation petitions.  Ed has begun discussions with the City of Ithaca about the tax sharing concept.  Mike noted the County began examining tax sharing when Barbara Mink was chair of the BOR.  

The Planning Advisory Board will be forming committees on Housing (Comp Plan element), Open Space (Comp Plan element), Commercial Center Revitalization Program, and development of grant projects for the Vital Communities Initiative.  They are discussing alternative monthly meetings between the full board and committees.  Ed passed out a membership chart for PAB, and noted the ‘residence’ column at the far right shows some geographic diversity.  Three vacancies remain:  education and two at-large, which were left for last to examine for diversity/ balance.

VII    Appointments

Appointments were delayed to the end of the meeting in order to employ an Executive Session.

VIII    Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council

P    Budget Adjustment

The budget adjustment was moved by Peter, seconded by Dan and passed unanimously.  The funds are to pay a portion of the Census fee to provide a separate run of the student population, as discussed last month.  Mike asked Fernando deAragon to provide a general program update at the PDEQ August or September  meeting.

VII    Appointments

While waiting for Cooperative Extension staff to make copies, Mike reviewed information he received from Michelle Pottorff of the Legislative Office staff that we need to make reappointments to Soil & Water Conservation District and the Forest Practices Board.  Dooley would like to have legislators take turns on SWCD.  Kathy made a motion to reappoint Dan Winch to the Forest Practices Board.  Seconded by Peter and passed unanimously.  

Peter made a motion to reappoint Barbara Blanchard and George Totman to SWCD.  Seconded by Dan and passed unanimously.

IX    Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board

Q    Review Board Functions

Monika Roth and Debbie Teeter were present for this review.  Monika handed out copies of AFPB’s Mission Statement and powers and duties.  Monika began by stating that AFPB was created in 1993 by a change in NYS Ag District Law.  Their charge includes development of the Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan.  Regarding powers and duties, their primary function is to review ag districts, and Monika noted that review of Tompkins County’s Ag District 1 will begin this month.  They examine land uses, and the District needs to keep 50% of the property for agriculture in order to maintain an Ag District.  AFPB has an obligation to review Notices of Intent regarding changes in public infrastructure.  If a municipality is expanding its infrastructure within an Ag District, they must provide information to NYS Ag & Markets, which provides copies to AFPB.  This year or next year AFPB will have a Review of the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan on their work plan.  AFPB is also supposed to make a recommendation to NYS whenever a farm in Tompkins County applies for NYS PDR funds.

AFPB meets monthly, and includes farmer leadership.  They continue to work towards implementation of the Ag & Farmland Protection Plan’s three major areas:  (1) Ag Policies -- AFPB is seeking exemptions for farmers from fire district taxes, and hope for friendly town amendments, PDR Feasibility Study, Right to Farm, Farm Friendly Town Award; (2) Promoting Awareness – mostly through education and Farm-City Day; and (3) Agriculture Development – providing a directory of services for rural land owners, and the survey of farmers discussed at a previous PDEQ meeting.

Mike said he attended the recent AFPB meeting, and there were several Legislature members there.  He noted they do not have “bylaws”, but use “general operating policies”.  Their board is very active and knowledgeable.  Monika said they are considering having more liaisons, as some groups have been expressing interest.  Dooley said she reviewed the information provided with the agenda, and asked how many voting members are on AFPB.  Monika said language in the original County resolution is not consistent with NYS law, and she and Dooley felt it was time to revisit seats, terms and voting rights as the guidelines are turned into bylaws.  Monika said ex officio members can vote, which was cleared up a couple years ago when the AFPB amended its operating policies to be consistent with State law.

Dooley asked if AFPB has made any recommendations to NYS on Purchase of Development Rights grants.  Monika said they have a procedure and have agreed to supply staff support to an application.  Grants can include some administration funds.  She noted that PDR state funding is back up to $16 million.  Monika invited committee members to Farm-City Day.

VII    Appointments

Motion by Dan, seconded by Kathy to enter executive session for discussion of resumes at 4:03 PM.  Motion by Dan, seconded by Peter to exit executive session at 4:04 PM.

Motion by Dan to reappoint Monika Roth to the Cooperative Extension seat of AFPB, appoint Ashley Miller to EMC, and appoint Tom Gerow to the Planning Advisory Board.  Seconded by Kathy and passed unanimously.

V    Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:06 PM.

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