Present:   P. Penniman, Chair, D. Kiefer, Vice Chair, N. Schuler,  T. Todd

Excused: D. Winch

Staff:      R. Nicholas, Airport Manager; C. Nelson, Public Works Administrator; J.
Lampman, Highway Division; D. Squires, Finance Director, A. Fitzpatrick,
Personnel Commissioner; A. LeMaro, Facilities; K. Fuller, Recorder
 
1)  Called to Order

 Mr. Penniman called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.

2)  Additions to and Deletions from the Agenda

 The following item were added:

· Request to receive information related to GASBY rules - valuation of infrastructure and depreciation
· Report regarding Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partners
· Update regarding Brown Road/NYS Route 13 intersection

3)  Persons to Address the Committee

 There was no one wishing to speak to the Committee.

4) Chair's Report

Mr. Penniman did not have a report

5)  Minutes of December 14, 2004

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved by voice vote to accept the minutes of December 14, 2004, as amended. [Ms. Kiefer offered amendments following the previous meeting; she was not present at the 1/11/05 meeting].

6)  Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

Approval to Seek Request for Proposals - Parking Lots, Terminal Café/Gift Shop, and Ground Transportation Concession

 Mr. Nicholas provided members with the Café/Gift Shop and Parking Lot operations financial information for the past two years.  He noted the figures compared nine months for each year as the most recent contracts did not begin until April 2004.  Additionally, Mr. Nicholas pointed out that the 2003 contractual agreement for the parking operations had a guaranteed amount that was paid, this had been changed in 2004 to reflect actual amounts.  It was noted that for the Café/Gift Shop and the Parking Lot operations, a monthly management fee of $1,000 was paid by the airport during 2004.  The airport is also responsible to compensate for losses on these operations.  For 2003 the cost was $135,000 for the parking operations, and $98,206.28 for 2004; for the café/gift shop the cost was $5,360.49 in 2003 and $16,446.65 in 2004.

 Mr. Nicholas explained he would like permission to seek a request for proposal (RFP) for these operations, the contractual obligations expire on March 31, 2005.  He also noted that with the new flight service that will be offered by Northwest Airlines it may provide additional interest to potential bidders to seriously consider the operations as viable.  It was noted that the Air Service Task Force (ASTF) is including the operation of the café as part of its review.  Ms. Schuler said it could be worthwhile to delay and determine the ASTF's perspective of this operation prior to making any commitment, however, Mr. Nicholas indicated they support proceeding with the RFP at this time.

Members of the Committee discussed marketing of the café/gift shop and offered suggestions related to particular firms in the proximity of the airport.  Additionally it was asked if the Village of Lansing would have any concerns regarding marketing the operation.  Mr. Nicholas indicated that he believes the Village understands the importance of the airport to the community and County and that it should not be a problem.  Ms. Kiefer asked that the RFP include a plan to market the café to potential nearby workers.  Also, the members inquired whether it is worthwhile to have the contract for such a long period of time.  Mr. Nicholas indicated that a business may not be interested if the period were shortened as it takes approximately three years to develop, implement, and complete work plans for the operation to be successful.

A discussion ensued regarding the ground transportation contract.  The Committee inquired whether there was a possible way to allow both the limousine service and local taxi services to work cooperatively and was informed by Mr. Nicholas that he did not believe this would be possible and that it is not unique to our airport.  He explained the competitive nature of their businesses often causes this conflict.  The Committee discussed ways in which to possibly achieve harmony and noted a desire to assure transportation access to individuals in wheelchairs and appropriate infant/child safety seats.  Additionally, it was felt important that the rates for both options were readily available to travelers to determine which mode of transportation they desired.  Ms. Kiefer requested that the Committee receive information regarding transportation/taxi rates to/from the airport for review.

Consensus was reached to allow the RFP with the understanding that upon receipt the information be returned to the Committee to review.

CFR Building

 Ms. Schuler inquired on the status of the now vacant Crash-Fire-Rescue Building and was informed that at this time the office space is available for occupancy by a tenant.  Ms. Kiefer asked if the Village of Lansing may be concerned about the occupant and it was mentioned this should not be a problem.

7) Request for Proposal - Marketing Consultant - Ithaca Tompkins Airport

 Mr. Nicholas stated the request is a result of discussions with the Air Service Task Force and will provide a marketing consultant that will focus on a strategy that will emphasize the airport's significance in this community.  He indicated that Deputy Administrator Marx feels the RFP is important and would like to see it proceed as quickly as possible to fully benefit from the recent inclusion of new service.  Ms. Kiefer would like to see the RFP upon completion.  Mr. Penniman spoke of the many unknowns at this time.  He believed marketing that included electronic abilities was an important factor; the ability to connect via e-mail to the community would assist in awareness.  Mr. Nicholas stated within the next week  the Air Service Task Force is refining the RFP.  Members of the ASTF that are working on this include Larry Baum, Mike Hall, Charles Hamilton, Mr. Nicholas, and Deputy County Administrator Marx.  Consensus was reached to proceed with the project, with a request that the Committee members receive a copy of the RFP.

8)  Request for Position - Highway Department

Mr. Lampman, Acting Highway Director, stated that due to discussions occurring at the Budget and Capital Committee regarding the positions he wished to withdraw the requests.  He indicated that he will be providing additional information that would encompass concerns that were discussed during the budget process.  It was noted that at the Budget and Capital Committee the vote was 2-2, which now requires that if passed within the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee the request is passed on to the full Legislature for approval.  The additional information will include items related to diversity within the department and steps taken during the advertising of positions.  Mr. Todd felt excessive time was being taken on the item that was covered by the full Legislature during the budget process.  This item will return to the agenda in two weeks.

Ms. Kiefer stated that at the Budget Committee Mr. Squires, Finance Director, spoke of inclusion of the equipment related to these positions in the bonding refinancing issues.  Also forthcoming was bonding issues that would include financing the BANS for Tompkins Community Action, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Cooperative Extension , $2 million for Energy Performance Contract with Johnson Controls, $1/2 million for highway equipment and $6 - 16 million  for the Public Safety Communication System project.  She stated that the timing was important, the hiring should correlate to the equipment arrival.  Mr. Squires stated that the bonding issuance requires a 2/3 vote to pass.  He said that to delay moving ahead on the financial resolutions for  the bonds could cost more money as the interest rates are increasing.

Ms. Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner, noted that the positions were approved in the budget process during the fall.  Due to policy issues, the formal request to fill the position must be addressed before the positions can be filled.

9)  2005 F&I Schedule

 Committee members discussed the suggested dates for the 2005 meetings.  Following discussion it was determined that the meetings will occur on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., with the fourth Tuesday being reserved to hold meetings if required.

10)  Facilities Status Report

 The Committee reviewed the report submitted and noted the following items; it was noted that to be placed within the report funds must be committed for the work to be done:

· Old Court House Front Step Repair - a review is being undertaken to determine if the work may be included as part of a capital project.
· Main Courthouse Window Repair/Replacement - It was noted this item will be removed shortly.  The majority of work was repairs such as gaskets and hardware and will now be considered routine maintenance.
· Old Court House/Old Jail HVAC controls - this is part of the performance contract work and will allow for more control of the HVAC within the Old Jail.
· Public Works Facility - Highway Paint Booth - It was noted that work will go forward at this time; necessary funds are in the 2005 budget.
· Public Works Facility- Phase I - MP2 implementation - this is the second phase of work that will provide streamlined work order processing, including inventory reorder through the use of Datastream software.
· Tompkins County Public Library - it was noted there is significant water flow from the roof on the west side of the building.
· Public Works Facility - PESH Inspection - Mr. LeMaro reported that all citation items were remedied and a letter noting the rapid response to suggested remedies was received.  Also recommended to the County was to have MSDS sheets kept in County-owned vehicles. These New York State inspections are more frequent than in the past.
· Public Safety Building Bunks - it was noted these were removed as a result of the variance removals.  Ms. Schuler asked if the bunks could be used in homeless shelters.

11)  Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partners

 Ms. Kiefer said she had received information about the Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partners and forwarded it to Mr. LeMaro.  It was explained that this was a no-cost program and to qualify a building would have to receive a minimum of six percent of its energy through green power (wind, solar, etc.).  Upon qualifying the County would be allowed to utilize the Green Power Partners logo.  The Tompkins County Public Library building would qualify for the Green Power Partners due to the solar panels that provide approximately 11 - 12 percent of the energy used.  Ms. Schuler asked if the new parking lot being built by the County has reduced this figure by 2 percent as anticipated.  Mr. LeMaro said that to date the effect has been minimal.  In 2003 the panels produced 126,000 kwh; in 2004 the panels produced 120,000 kwh.  It was noted that the solar panels are not producing as well as originally had been anticipated; the projected savings of $26,000 - $30,000 annually is only $12,000 - $15,000 annually.  Mr. Penniman requested a report on what the County savings has been from the solar panels.

 There was no action required by the Committee regarding this partnership.  The Committee was informed a report will be provided at the end of the first year.  Ms. Kiefer felt it was good to join this partnership.  It was noted that Ms. Steiner should be informed of the intent to do so.

12) ITS Terminal Pay

RESOLUTION NO.      –  APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR
     TERMINAL PAY – INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
     SERVICES

 MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved to recommend the following resolution for approval by the Legislature:

 WHEREAS, the Information Technology Services had one employee, Geographic Information Services Project Leader, terminate employment effective January 14, 2005, and
 WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal pay replacement from the Contingent Fund, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriations:

FROM:  A1990.54440  Contingent Fund  $11,714.18

TO:  1683.51000732  Salary, GIS Project Leader $  8,427.47
  1683.58800  Fringes        3,286.71
       TOTAL           $11,714.18

SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20
___________________
13) Brown Road Update

Ms. Schuler indicated having an interest in reviewing minutes from the Cornell University/Town of Dryden regarding this intersection (April 2001).  Mr. LeMaro said he has spoken to the Regional Traffic Safety Engineer and will be assisting him in obtaining additional information on accidents at this location.  He said that the past year's reports submitted to the State had not included all known accidents as not all are reportable.  He will seek information from local emergency responders and provide it to the State.
 

It was once again confirmed that the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) does not enter/exit the airport complex from the intersection of Route13/Brown Road.

14) Bonding Resolutions - Highway equipment funding

 Mr. Squires informed the Committee that at the next Legislature meeting he will be presenting several bonding resolutions, one is $250,000 for materials and $110,000 for equipment in the Highway Division's budget and the bonding will be $525,000; one is to cover work outlined within the Energy Performance Contract, and the third is for the Public Safety Communication System.  He explained that he would like to proceed at this time when the interest rates are favorable; he anticipates that if we delay the rates will be significantly higher.  Additionally, he pointed out that the bonding resolutions require  ten favorable  (2/3 majority) votes to pass.  Ms. Kiefer stated her objection to wording in the bond resolutions that states "including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, have been performed."  She believes it is an inaccurate statement at this time since the EIS cannot be done until the actual preferred sites are selected.  Mr. Penniman stated that it indicates that everything required to this point has occurred.  It was duly noted that the bonding was approved at the Budget and Capital Committee.

14)  2004 Goals

 This item was postponed due to time constraints.  Ms. Kiefer inquired if goals should include staff members; Mr. Penniman indicated he is in the process of meeting staff.

15)  Facilities Report Continued

 Mr. LeMaro reported a review of the 2004 utility projected budget resulted in his estimate coming to within two-tenths of a percent to his estimate.

Tompkins County Public Library

 Mr. LeMaro reported the $41,000 mitigation payment as a result of an agreement with the City of Ithaca will be used at the Tompkins County Public Library; fifty percent will go toward redesigning/realigning the front doors and the balance for other areas of energy improvement within the building.  He said he asked QPK, the original design firm, to review the entrance and prepare a proposal that will notify the County whether architectural renovation is necessary.  It is thought that adding heat to the vestibule will be cheaper than renovation.  He said QPK's fee is only $2,000.  Ms. Kiefer expressed her belief that to add heat would not remove the wind-tunnel effect and an architectural solution will be required.  Mr. LeMaro said he feels more heat is needed in that area and he also has thought of swinging doors as an appropriate modification, however the library is not favorable with this idea.  Ms. Kiefer expressed surprise that Mr. LeMaro went to QPK; Ms. Schuler said she viewed the front door problems as a design flaw.

Johnson Controls

 Mr. Lemaro said he has met two times with the Johnson Controls to review the energy performance contract.  Mr. Penniman is concerned about verification and requested a copy of the contract for review.

16)  GASBY Reporting

 Ms. Kiefer inquired about details of the value of County infrastructure investment that will be depreciated though the GASBY system.  Mr. Squires said that in March he will be doing this depreciation, and can report then.

17)  Spring Street Request for Proposals

 Ms. Kiefer inquired of the status and was informed it has not been sent out yet.  Meetings will be taking place with the Village and Town regarding the proposed project.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.