Excused: D. Randall, Chair

Call to Order

 Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

 Ms. Kiefer indicated she would like to have a Commissioner's report added to the agenda, and suggested this become a permanent agenda item.

 There were no deletions from the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 There were no persons wishing to address the Committee.

Minutes of January 24, 2006

 It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Booth, and approved by voice vote of members present to accept the minutes of January 24, 2006, as amended.

Planning and Public Works Commissioner's Report

 Mr. Marx, Commissioner, reported that the Committee would need to discuss the long-range capital program priorities over the next two months.  He explained three major projects have been discussed over the past several years that would need to be prioritized and factored into the twenty-year Capital Plan.  He said the Space Needs and Location Committee had made a recommendation and the Committee could accept it, or discuss further if desired.  Mr. Marx stated that upon completion of the prioritization, thought would need to be given to address the needs of projects not completed at this time.  It was explained the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee would initially discuss the priorities, the Budget and Capital Committee should identify the criteria by which we evaluate fiscal capacity to accommodate fiscal responsibility, and Administration and Finance recommend, based on these items, when the County would schedule the projects.

 Mr. Marx said the three main projects to prioritize would be the Health Department, Public Safety/Jail potential construction/expansion, and proposed Center of Government complex.  He indicated these are not the only items that would be included in the capital program, presently the Public Safety Communications System and Highway Department also are included in the capital program.  In addition, it was noted that the Public Safety/Jail Expansion is not part of the Space Needs and Location Committee recommendations, and Facilities and Infrastructure needs background information on this.

Solid Waste Division

Disposal Fee Implementation
 Ms. Eckstrom, Director, reported the post cards indicating the new disposal fees have been mailed out to permit holders.  She indicated flyers have been provided to consumers at the scale house and press releases have also been prepared.  In addition, staff schedules have been modified to allow increased coverage on Saturday to answer questions and sell the necessary coupons for the changes.  Ms. Eckstrom reported a telephone survey indicated that the majority of solid waste facilities around the state that allow consumers to bring solid waste indicated a minimum fee of $10 - $15 and some are only open to the public one day a month.  At this time the coupons are only available at the Solid Waste facility and users cannot just pay cash instead.  Upon completion of a ninety-day period an analysis will be made to determine if the fee structure is adequate to cover costs of operation.

 Ms. Kiefer inquired if it would be possible to have the coupons available at municipal offices.  Ms. Eckstrom said although possible it is not being done at this time.  Some individuals using the facilities have expressed displeasure regarding the amended fees, yet others have recognized it will reduce wait time.  She asked that any questions that may be raised by constituents should be directed to the Solid Waste offices; they will track the questions and issues raised by constituents.

Upcoming Initiatives

 Ms. Eckstrom reported she will be periodically providing reports on the progress made with the Business Partner project.  In addition, updates are being made to the website to include information on "green purchases"; when complete the Committee will receive more information on the topic.

Solid Waste Plan

 Ms. Eckstrom reported the plan will be updated this year.  She recommended members review the annual report for general information regarding the facility and offered to prepare a brief presentation if desired.

 The Committee was informed that the review and update of the Solid Waste Plan was to include Planning Department staff assistance last year due to their expertise in various areas, but their work priorities did not permit this to happen; they may be available this year.  Ms. Eckstrom will be providing members a copy of the executive summary of the existing plan.

Caswell Road Leachate Project

 Mr. Thompson provided the Committee with a brief history of the Caswell Road Leachate site, noting that since its closing and subsequent capping of the landfill the net reduction of leachate is seventy percent.  When the site first closed the cost of transporting the leachate was between $120,000 - $140,000 per year; presently the cost is approximately $30,000 - $40,000.  He stated that utilizing the private trucks to haul the leachate is difficult due to the hours of operation.  Mr. Thompson reported on the proposed line directly from the site to the Freeville waste plant, stating that subsequent to testing that indicated the leachate could be handled without concern, plans are being considered to put a two-inch line in place to handle the flow.  He stated it would be a win-win situation that would get the trucks off the highway as well as providing a source of revenue for the Village of Freeville.

 It was determined that the two County Legislators from the Dryden area be briefed on the project in order to answer any questions that could arise at Town or Village meetings.

 Ms. Eckstrom indicated that the project will proceed as other items needed are obtained.  She will be working with the Department of Environmental Conservation as required.  Ms. Kiefer asked if a copy of the headworks analysis was available.  Mr. Thompson indicated it is in draft form and three copies will be provided to the Legislature office for review.  Ms. Eckstrom said she will report back to the Committee in April on the project.

 Ms. Kiefer asked if there will be a wetlands delineation; Mr. Thompson indicated he did not know if any would be involved.  It was noted by that a mole operation may be used to place the two-inch main.  Mr. Marx also indicated there may be some interest by the Village of Freeville to allow residents to hook into the system.

 The Committee was informed that although this is a Solid Waste Facility Project it would be present within the County's capital plan.

Conveyor System

 Background information was provided to members of the Committee.  They were informed the bids had been received and that Recycle America has been directed to accept the bid from Van Dyke Baler Corporation as it the lowest compatible equipment bid.  A brief discussion occurred during which it was noted that a thorough analysis was completed to determine that the existing equipment had outlived its useful life, which is an important factor due to the contract that exists between Solid Waste and Recycle America.  If the equipment requires repair, Recycle America pays the cost; however, if new equipment is required, Solid Waste is responsible.  The cost of this equipment will be covered by the Solid Waste Equipment Reserve Account.  Ms. Kiefer asked if any discussion on possible process expansion had occurred.  Ms. Eckstrom said the review determined that this particular piece of equipment would handle any growth over the next ten-year period.  It was noted that there is a warranty that covers the equipment for a period of time and that the company has repair parts available at all times and are readily accessible.

Recycled Products

 Ms. Eckstrom shared some recycled material products with the Committee.  These products were made from recycled money, plastics, and glass.

Highway Division

Memorandum of Explanation

 Ms. Kiefer inquired whether the intent of the new format memorandum is to provide information to the Committee only.  Mr. Marx indicated that was the initial intent, however, if desired, the Committee could request the information be provided to the full Legislature in the form of an explanatory note.  Ms. Kiefer expressed appreciation for the memo format development to make information available with the agenda.

RESOLUTION NO.     - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE RIGHT-OF-WAY FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION– RINGWOOD ROAD BRIDGE (BIN 3314160) OVER CASCADILLA CREEK

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Booth stated he recalled previous discussions by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee that indicated the desire to review the financial responsibility of bridges not on county roads.  He recalled a desire to enter into discussions with municipalities about sharing the expense.  In addition, Mr. Booth spoke of a desire to include information on what the loss of interest earned/cost of interest paid on projects that require the County to bear the cost of the project prior to reimbursement.  It was noted there are no wetlands associated with rights-of-ways on the project.

 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes -0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Randall).  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, a Project to replace the Ringwood Road Bridge over Cascadilla Creek, BIN 3314160, P.I.N. 3753.20, (the Project) in the Town of Dryden, is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended that calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of eighty percent Federal funds and twenty percent non-Federal funds, and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 8 adopted on January 19, 2005, approved the Project and authorized execution of an agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation regarding administration and funding of Scoping, Design (Phases I-VI) and Right-of-Way Incidentals, and
WHEREAS, in order to expedite advancement of the Project and realize potential total project cost reductions, the New York State Department of Transportation requires the County to appropriate one-hundred percent of the project costs and then file for reimbursement of eligible costs, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins desires to advance the above project by making a commitment of one-hundred percent of the non-Federal share of the costs of Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby approves the above-subject project and authorizes the County of Tompkins to pay in the first instance one hundred percent of the Federal and non-Federal share of the costs of ROW Acquisition work for the subject Project or portions thereof,
RESOLVED, further, That the sum of $5,000 is hereby made available within account HZ5103.59239.53.11, Ringwood Capital Project Account, to cover the cost of participation in the ROW Acquisition phase of the Project,
RESOLVED, further, That in the event the full Federal and non-Federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Tompkins County Legislature shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the New York State Department of Transportation thereof,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Highway Manager be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications and reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and/or Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the County of Tompkins with the New York State Department of Transportation in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality’s first instance funding of Project costs and permanent funding of the local share of Federal-aid and State-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that are not so eligible,
RESOLVED, further, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in connection with the Project,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 2

RESOLUTION NO. AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - LOWER BROOKTONDALE BRIDGE REHABILITATION (BIN 1045990) CARRYING COUNTY ROAD 115 OVER SIX-MILE CREEK

 It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to approve the following Committee resolution.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the work performed by Silverline Construction, Inc. to rehabilitate the Lower Brooktondale Bridge over Six-Mile Creek in the hamlet of Brooktondale, Town of Caroline, has been completed as authorized, and all mandatory documents, including as-built drawings, manuals, and warranties have been provided, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the final claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee.

Vendor  Payment Request  Account No.  Amount
Silverline Construction Final   HZ5103.53.07  $12,841.55
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 20   (No further action required)

Request for Information

 Ms. Kiefer requested that at a future meeting members of the Committee be provided with a brief tutorial relating to categories of road projects and Department of Transportation terminology.

RESOLUTION NO.      - AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE DESIGN AND RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAN APPROVALS – CR 121, WARREN ROAD    RECONSTRUCTION  - PIN 3753.73

 It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Booth asked how a determination was made relating to the SEQR Action.  It was explained that the overall actions of this project are replacing the facility and therefore does not impact the environment significantly to warrant an environmental review.  Members of the Committee will be provided information on how SEQR is determined, as well as PAR (Project Approval Request) forms.

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 12 of 2005, authorized an agreement between Tompkins County and the State of New York Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to fund the design of the reconstruction of County Road 121, Warren Road, in the Village and Town of Lansing, and
 WHEREAS, preliminary project design has been developed in conformance with the applicable environmental laws, design standards, and accepted engineering practice; all exceptions to accepted design standards have been thoroughly analyzed and their retention adequately justified; all permits have been identified and will be secured prior to letting; public participation has been encouraged and included in the project development processes; and project costs are reasonable, and
 WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable Federal regulations and guidelines a Right-of-Way Plan has been prepared which indicates that acquisition of approximately fifty (50) parcels (“strip takings”) is necessary, but that the individual and cumulative impacts of right of way acquisition are considered total de minimus in nature, and
WHEREAS, the County Highway Manager has deemed the project to have no significant impacts and classified it as a "TYPE II Action", namely TYPE II-2, "reconstruction of a …. facility, in kind, on the same site, under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), as defined by the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York, and a " National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion", and
WHEREAS, completion of all procedural requirements needed prior to project design approval and Right-of-Way Plan approval have been certified by the design consultant and approved by the County Highway Manager, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature, having reviewed project materials provided, hereby determines that this project is a TYPE II SEQRA action requiring no further environmental review,
RESOLVED, further, That the Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature or designee be and hereby is authorized to execute documents granting Design Approval whereby completion of project final design shall be authorized,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature or designee be and hereby is authorized to execute documents granting approval of the Right-of-Way Plan for the referenced project.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 2

Municipal Notification of County Projects

 It was noted that information on projects is available online for review.  In addition, it was noted the Highway Division is making every effort to include the local municipalities in the planning process.

Capital Payment Summary Reports

 The Committee reviewed the information provided.   Items of special interest are noted below:

· McLean-Cortland Road and Bridge - Mr. Lampman will provide information on reimbursement to the Committee.
· Red Mill Bridge - It does not appear that the bridge being closed has significantly affected the farm that utilized it.  Discussions with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) have been delayed as a result of the closing and lack of funding.
· Newfield Depot Road Bridge - Barton and Loguidice indicated the railroad had no significant comments.
· Hanshaw Road Reconstruction/Restoration - The project is more restoration than reconstruction.  The Town of Ithaca is passing a local law to indicate the intent to maintain sidewalks if they are built.

Mental Health

RESOLUTION NO.         - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE ALCOHOL & DRUG COUNCIL       OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc., currently has a lease agreement with Tompkins County for the rental of office space in the Mental Health Building, 201 East Green Street, Ithaca, and
 WHEREAS, this lease agreement will expire on March 31, 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc., would like to renew the lease for an additional five-year period, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Facilities and Infrastructure Committees, That the County Administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc. for a five-year period running from April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2011, with an eighteen-month notice escape clause,
 RESOLVED, further, That the lease includes rent, cleaning, utilities, and maintenance, and the rates are as follows:
April 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007, $92,250
April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008, $95,018
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009, $97,868
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010, $100,804
April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011, $103,828
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Air Service Board Appointments

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to recommend the following appointments to the full Legislature for approval:

Air Service Board
Nathan Shinagawa - County Legislator; term expires December 31, 2006
Richard W. McDaniel - Cornell University representative; term expires December 31, 2006
Edward C. Marx - Commissioner of Planning an Public Works; term expires December 31, 2006
Michael Stamm - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2007
Alan Pedersen - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2007
Michael S. Hall - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2008
Larry Baum - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Adjournment

 Ms. Kiefer declared the meeting adjourned at 5:01 p.m., without objection.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk