MINUTES
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
(Tompkins County Legislature)
REGULAR MEETING
September 3, 2003 2:00 PM Heyman Conference Room
Members Present: Kathy Luz Herrera, Dooley Kiefer, Mike Lane, Peter Penniman, Dan Winch
Staff Present: Katie Borgella, TCPD;
Fernando de Aragon, ITCTC; Debbie Giordano, Tompkins Workforce New York;
Kate Hackett, TCPD; Joan Jurkowich, TCPD; Tom Mank, TCPD; Ed Marx, Commissioner,
TCPD; Kathy Smithers, T C Admin.; Jackie Thomas, T C Admin.; Steve Whicher,
T C Admin.; Kathy Wilsea, Secretary, TCPD
Other Legislators Present: Tim Joseph
Guests: Martha Armstrong, TCAD; John
Collett, Cayuga Medical Center (CMC); Joe Fitzgerald, CMC; John B. Rudd,
CMC
I Committee Administration
A Call to Order
Chair Mike Lane called the meeting to order at 2:05 PM. Peter was not present yet.
B Agenda Changes
Ed Marx wished to delete item H (Resolution: Authorizing a Public Hearing
on Proposed Local Law No. ___ of 2003 – Amending Section 27-03 of the Tompkins
County Charter and Code – Special Traffic Options Program), and provide an
amended version of item I (Resolution: Program Reconfiguration – Planning
and Administration – Stop DWI Program and the Resulting Amendment to Section
C-27.03 of the Charter and Code).
C Approval of Minutes
Dan moved all three sets of minutes, seconded by Dooley. Dooley provided
some changes for the minutes of 7/2 and 8/6, and the group passed by vote
of 4:0.
D Announcements
There were no announcements.
E Budget Meeting Schedule
Debbie Giordano announced that she just received notice of some grants to
Tompkins Workforce New York, and would need time to review their impact on
her budget for 2004. She made a request that she be removed from the
budget agenda for 9/4, which Mike granted. Kathy Wilsea will try to
reach Craig Schutt and/or Fernando deAragon to appear for the budget talks.
[Peter arrived 2:12 p.m.]
F Selection of Named Giving Opportunity for Museum of the Earth
There was brief discussion on interests from the list provided by the Museum
of the Earth. Motion was made by Dooley to sponsor the Multipurpose/Classroom,
seconded by Kathy and passed 5:0. Planning Department staff will craft
a resolution with the selection, and wording for the dedication plaque will
be “From the People of Tompkins County.” Passed 5:0.
IV Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency
Q Resolution: Approval of Issuance by the Tompkins
County Industrial Development Agency of up to $20,000,000 Civic Facility
Revenue Bonds (Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Inc.), Series 2003
Mike chose to take this item next in order to accommodate the visitors.
John B. Rudd, John Collett and Joe Fitzgerald were present from CMC.
Mr. Rudd explained that the bonds would be used for construction of an education
& conference building, renovation of the ambulatory procedure center,
expansion and renovation of the imaging center (at East Campus), renovations
in the surgical unit on the 3rd floor, construction of a radiation &
oncology center, purchase of equipment, and possibly for other renovations,
such as the cafeteria and gift shop.
The resolution was moved by Dan and seconded by Peter. Kathy said she
is a member of IDA and voiced her preferences for contracting with local
builders, employing local workers, and paying livable wages. Mr. Fitzgerald
said the projects were too large in scope for local general contractors.
Hueber-Breuer of Syracuse will do the East Campus and Gaetano of Utica will
do CMC; they both use local subcontractors. He could not provide information
on wage scales or unions, but provided Kathy with contacts for obtaining
that information.
The resolution passed by vote of 5:0.
II Planning Department
G Commissioner’s Report
Planning/Administration Roles – Ed said he wanted to give a status report
on this. He has distributed some functions among TCPD staff, and the
transition has been relatively smooth. Joan Jurkowich does day-to-day
management and will arrange staff evaluations. Ed, Joan and Katie Borgella
share supervision of staff. Some board representation has been passed
to staff members, e.g. Ag & Farmland Protection Board, Economic Development,
Homeownership, and ComCap DOT. Ed remains available for policy decisions
and direction on projects as needed. He sees definite benefits in the
linkage between the Planning Department and Public Works, and feels many
more positive aspects will become clear in the future. Dan asked if
there was melding of Planning and Engineering, and Ed said the engineering
function is largely in project implementation for Public Works. The
Planning function is effective in lining up projects, setting priorities,
and looking into the future beyond five years. The Highway Division
has a projection system for road condition and repairs that is useful.
It doesn’t predict volume of use or identification of who uses the roads,
but leads to discussions that are productive. The Facilities Division
faces more difficult decisions about repairs. Dan said there has been
failure in communications between Highway, Engineering, and municipalities.
This needs to be addressed, and soon. Ed said that is on the Public
Works agenda.
Mike raised the issues of whether or not Ed would retain the job title of
Planning Commissioner, would the County Charter need change, who does the
Deputy Planning Commissioner report to, and can the department get by with
a half-time Commissioner. Ed said the budget climate would produce
staffing constraints, so his half-time work for Administration keeps the
Planning Department from cutting a staff person. The highly qualified
staff in Planning is able to assume responsibility. He is available
for leadership. While there is some stretching of resources for him
to cover Planning and Administration, he would have been on some of the same
boards as Planning Commissioner anyway. Dooley said it was not a “given”
that staff cuts would happen. She expressed concern about the overall
structure. Steve Whicher said the mechanics need to be addressed –
the larger question is whether what Steve as Administrator is trying to accomplish
is acceptable to the Legislature. Ed’s skills are a big plus for Administration.
Steve feels this is working well, and they are remaining flexible.
Kathy remarked that Ed’s comments that TCPD might have staff cuts is realistic,
not that he is resigned to cuts.
Dan said if “key people” are becoming leaders, what is Ed’s approach to developing
this? Ed said he continues to show confidence in staff ability; they
know the level that needs his input; and they have demonstrated their skills
repeatedly in the community. Dooley said she was enthusiastic when
Ed arrived about his ideas for developing the Comprehensive Plan. The
synergy of interdepartmental interaction can be achieved using Steve’s cabinet
structure without having Ed move into Administration. She recognizes
that Steve and Ed work well together and Ed’s work is appreciated, but she
does not want to change the charter, and hopes to revert to a full-time Planning
Commissioner. Peter said he was comfortable with the arrangement, and
recognizes the budgetary constraints. Mike said he shares Dooley’s
concerns, and wants TCPD to continue to function well.
Cayuga Green Discussions with City of Ithaca – Ed said the County has been
approached by the City of Ithaca concerning the solar panels on the Library.
He noted the estimated cost of full mitigation is $398,000. The City
proposes the County absorb the loss of generation from shading of the panels,
and the City would do the creek walk improvements on County property near
Mental Health and improvements between the Library and the parking garage.
Ed expects to put forward a counterproposal that the City pay for energy-efficiency
improvements to County properties. The Energy Efficiency audit was
just completed, and a cost of $98,000 could cover lightin improvements at
the Public Library and Mental Health that would yield improved energy savings
annually of up to four times the loss from the solar panels. This counterproposal
would include changes to the Library entrance. Dooley noted that getting
the City to pay just replaces our opportunity to obtain NYSERDA aid.
Ed said the capital cost would be reduced, and funds could be used otherwise.
There was discussion about moving the system and the difficulty of setting
a dollar value on the loss of efficiency. Dooley suggested keeping
the unshaded panels on TCPL and exploring moving the others, e.g. to Mental
Health roof. Ed said if all phases of Cayuga Green proceed, every solar
panel would have periodic shading.
Trails Discussion – Ed spoke with Mike about trails since the PDEQ meeting
last month. He also has discussed this with staff, and sees four advantages
to developing trails: transportation, public health, recreation, and
tourism. Peter suggested putting the Black Diamond Trail on the front
burner, and putting pressure there. Black Diamond needs help with obtaining
easements. Ed said strong leadership and dedicated staff resources
will be needed, whether public or private. Dooley said she doesn’t
recall Black Diamond being in the Planning Department’s Work Plan.
Dan agreed it will need a key person to provide leadership, and suggested
joint funding from tourism, Chamber of Commerce, municipalities, the County,
and State Parks. Ed said different models were used to develop the
Scenic Byway and the Cayuga Lake Waterfront Trail, and he will provide information
on models for consideration.
Vital Communities Initiative – The on-line Toolbox has been selected for
an honorable mention in the public education category by the Upstate
Chapter of the American Planning Association. Katie Borgella and Tom
Mank deserve a lot of credit for the development of the Toolbox.
Community Development Block Grant Opportunity – Ed has received notice of
a grant opportunity through the Governor’s Office for Small Cities for technical
assistance on strategic plans. He is interested in obtaining funds
for a strategic plan on affordable housing. This would allow work with
communities to see what is needed to develop a variety of housing opportunities.
The application deadline is September 19th and it requires authorization
of the “governing body”, which does not match the County’s policy.
Ed felt a resolution of this committee probably would cover the requirement,
then have Tim Joseph sign the grant application. If it is detemined
that a full legislature resolution is required, the resolution will go on
the next legislature agenda. Peter made a motion to authorize applying
for the grant, which was seconded by Dooley and passed 5:0.
H Resolution: Authorizing a Public Hearing on Proposed
Local Law No. ___ of 2003 – Amending Section 27-03 of the Tompkins County
Charter and Code – Special Traffic Options Program
This item was withdrawn. Ed has discussed it with County Attorney Jonathan
Wood, who felt a change in the charter is not necessary. The program
could be reconfigured and then a further resolution could designate a new
Coordinator.
I Resolution: Program Reconfiguration – Planning and Administration – Stop DWI Program
Ed distributed an amended version of the draft resolution, which was moved
by Dan and seconded by Peter. Dooley reiterated her opinion that this
program should be in Mental Health, and she did not support this resolution.
Peter said it is his understanding that the program is well established.
Mike said he finds this idea superior to previous proposals, and TCPD has
experience with a variety of programs. Dan said it might help salvage
a TCPD job to have these administration funds move there. Ed said he
expects administration of this program to be similar to the homeownership
program, and he is willing to have the Planning Department do it. Dooley
asked how much of STOP DWI funds would be used for administration, and Joan
said $23,000, approximately one-third of a full time employee.
Resolution passed by vote of 4:1 (Dooley).
J Resolution: Acceptance of Grant from New York State
Emergency Management Office to Develop a Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Kate Hackett was present to answer questions on this grant and resolution.
She said the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan is mandatory in order to apply for
funds following disasters. Ed noted there are no County dollars involved.
The County contribution is Kate’s time spent on the grant application and
coordinating efforts.
Dan moved the resolution, and Dooley seconded. A note was added at
the bottom of the resolution concerning the partnership configuration.
Passed by vote of 5:0.
K Commercial Center Revitalization Program
A draft of updated guidelines was distributed with the agenda. Tom
Mank reported that the guidelines were being reviewed in anticipation of
another grant round. The biggest change is the absence of use of the
term “rural”, and this was changed because of the revised Census designations
following the 2000 count; the urbanized area now extends to include what
was formerly “rural” area, such as Varna and Brooktondale. Input was
gathered from Planning Advisory Board members and former CCRP advisory board
members. Most of the changes are in response to problems that developed
in the past, some in terms of business / municipal choices, some to provide
better definition, and the changes have more focus on civic organizations.
Dooley suggested some further language changes to clarify the application
process, and the need to develop a plan before application can be made for
grants to pay for activities in agreement with the plan. Mike provided
explanation for Kathy that this program was developed to balance the County’s
contribution to the Business Improvement District in the City. Ed said
last year there were 17 applications and seven were funded. This year
there is only $20,000 left to award.
Peter made a motion to accept the guidelines with Dooley’s amendments, which
was seconded by Dan. Ed clarified that the applications will proceed
from the advisory committee to the Planning Advisory Board, then to PDEQ,
then to the Legislature. The PAB committee consists of Dan Krall, Tom
Gerow, John Gutenberger, and Mike Stamm. By the new PAB bylaws, they
can appoint associates to committees, although that was not done for CCRP.
The CCRP guidelines were approved by vote of 5:0.
L Resolution: Making a Negative Declaration of Environmental
Significance in Relation to Resolution No. ___ of 2003 (Authorization to
Accept 2003 Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aid)
Resolution was moved by Kathy and seconded by Dan. Katie Borgella reported
that there are 34 new miles of trails added to the total for which clubs
seek funding. The SEQR information focused on new and potential sites
in the three-year plans of the clubs. Committee members requested explanation
of the abbreviations used in the legend on the state map. Committee
members will also receive copies of the letter sent to Mike Lane from the
Environmental Review Committee of the Environmental Management Council.
Katie said the EMC has made a commitment to provide a review of snowmobile
routes over the next year. Dan said there are developing conflicts
among the various recreational sports, and restrictions are needed to impose
some discipline. Ed said many of the conflicts become DEC issues, as
so many miles of the trails are on state land. Kathy asked if more
signs will be needed for the new trails. Ed said the sign issue remains
up in the air. NYS Department of Transportation is helping determine
the appropriate level of signage and possible funding options for signs are
continuing to be explored. Katie addressed Dooley’s questions on the
short environmental assessment form.
The resolution was passed by vote of 5:0.
M Resolution: Authorization to Accept 2003 Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aid
Dan made a motion to adopt the resolution, which was seconded by Kathy. Passed by vote of 5:0.
N Update on County-Owned Reforestry Lands
Katie briefly reviewed the options outlined in the memo that was attached
to the agenda. She recommended requesting assistance from DEC for development
of a 20-year master plan and go forward with cleanup if that is recommended
in the plan. Dan felt the issue deserves more discussion. There
may be an option of turning the property over to DEC, and they would make
payment in lieu of taxes that would benefit the County. He wondered
if there was any benefit to the County to retain these lands. Steve
Whicher said we would need to check how the properties were acquired, and
Dooley recalled some were gifts the County is obligated to keep.
Mike put further discussion of this matter off until the October meeting.
The County Policy on SEQR will also be addressed in October.
V Appointment
R Water Resources Council
Dan made a motion to appoint Tania Schusler to the Cooperative Extension
seat of the WRC, which was seconded by Dooley and approved 4:0 (Peter on
break).
VI Budget Discussion
S Over Target Requests
Minutes were not taken at the budget discussion.
VII Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.