MINUTES
Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
April 12, 2005
Scott Heyman Conference Room
2:00 p.m.


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

Staff:     R. Nicholas, Airport Manager; C. Nelson, Public Works Administrator; J. Lampman, Highway Division; E. Marx, Planning/Administration; A. LeMaro, Facilities; B. Blanchard, Air Service Committee Liaison/Legislature; K. Fuller, Recorder

Legislature: M. Koplinka-Loehr; M. Robertson

Guests: M. J. Bauer, M. Russell, M. Bishop

1)  Called to Order

 Mr. Penniman called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m.

2)  Additions to and Deletions from the Agenda

 The following items were added:

· Resolution - Creating Position and Appointing  Commissioner of Planning and Public Works

3)  Chair's Report - Discussion of Additional Meeting Time

 Mr. Penniman, Chair did not have a report.

 The Committee members discussed whether to hold the second meeting of the month on the fourth Tuesday or Thursday of the month.  Consensus was reached to hold the second meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning in April.

4)  Minutes of February 17, March 17, and March 22, 2005

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously approved by members present, to accept the minutes of February 17, 2005, as amended.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved by members present, to accept the minutes of March 17, 2005, as amended.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously approved by members present, to accept the minutes of March 22, 2005, as amended.

5)  Highway Surplus Funds

Ms. Kiefer inquired if Mr. Squires, Finance Director, has information regarding recommended use for the Highway Division surplus funds and was informed it was not yet complete.

6)  Persons Wishing to Speak
 Mr. Penniman invited members of the public who wished to speak to please do so at this time, limiting comments to three minutes.

 Ms. Russell, Coddington Road resident, said she did not have a statement, but rather hoped to obtain information related to the design of the proposed highway project on Coddington Road.  She expressed a strong desire that the County make a conscious effort to put neighborhood concerns foremost in mind during the design and construction phases.

 Ms. Bauer, Coddington Road resident, asked that the County utilize a slightly different approach than normal to keep residents in mind and in particular the character of the neighborhood.  She spoke of the ability of neighbors to easily cross the road to socialize and feels it may be lost if the wrong design creates a situation that traffic is heavier or faster.

 Ms. Russell and Ms. Bauer shared a petition and suggested models for review and said their presence was to gain information to take back to members of the neighborhood to establish questions and come back to the Committee to discuss.

7)  2005 Summer Highway Work Plan

 Mr. Lampman provided a map of the proposed 2005 Summer Highway Work Plan, stating some of the work to be done is due to Town and County concerns regarding safe snow and ice removal and these roads need work prior to the next winter season.  In addition the work reflects a continuation of projects.

 The Committee reviewed the spreadsheet information provided that explained the various treatments the infrastructure would receive.  It was indicated that several local roads on the listing would receive a thin layer of coating to alleviate the distress they presently have in an attempt to extend the life two to three years when it is hoped they can be rebuilt.  Roads that were more distressed and for which thin layer treatment would not apply would be boxed-out and repaired in certain areas.  Ms. Schuler asked if there were sufficient funding and labor would the roads receive the work needed.  Mr. Lampman noted that the 2005 summer plan includes the new equipment and labor provided in the budget, however there is only $200,000 for highway improvements this year with additional funding from the capital plan next year.  The 2005 work plan reflects having the additional staff to complete more work than would otherwise be done.  In response to Ms. Kiefer's inquiry, Mr. Lampman said he is not certain if this plan includes all projects not completed in the 2004 plan.  He reviewed the Pavement Management System and requests for work and developed the present work plan.

 Ms. Robertson said that while not appearing on the list, Ellis Hollow Road is deteriorating to almost the same level as those listed.  It was also suggested that the spreadsheet provide historical data regarding previous rebuild work completed to assist in determining future projections., and specify the length of road to be worked on.

 The Committee briefly discussed the various treatments used in roadwork including the re-use of material from roadbeds for shoulders.

 Mr. Penniman asked if by the end of the year the County roads would be in better shape and more on track with planned maintenance.  Mr. Lampman said although surface stress will be reduced on some it is a stop-gap measure until the capital project begins.

Members of the Committee asked what roads were the next on the list produced by the Highway Division's Pavement Management System.  Mr. Lampman will provide members with a printout of the information at a later meeting. Mr. Penniman inquired what level of participation Town Highway Superintendents have had in the process and was informed they have had significant conversations to discuss concerns; most concerns are addressed within the work plan.

8)  Highway Project Design Criteria

  Mr. Lampman provided the Committee with a spreadsheet of New York State Department of Transportation highway project standards for the various categories of infrastructure, noting that projects receiving Federal Aid are the urban collector or arterial roads and major rural collectors or arterial roads.  He reported that in addition to the eligible roads presently approved for Federal Aid, there are others for which requests for funding was denied due to the budget constraints and State requests for funding.  He said the Coddington and Hanshaw Roads project requests were made several years ago and the County is now able to proceed.  He noted that since the roads are collector roads the County determines what design is required to have a collector road be accepted for Federal aid.  This may include lane width, shoulder width and material, accident history, and pedestrian/bicycle need, and then a benefit-cost ratio is determined with the hope it is high enough to obtain the Federal funding.  Mr. Lampman said also considered within the design framework is the neighborhood character, noting it is becoming an emphasis with the Department of Transportation.  He also provided information relating to shoulder policy that was established several years ago for review.

 The Committee and guests discussed how width is chosen as well as the shoulder treatments in design work.  It was noted by Mr. Lampman that a great deal of preliminary review and meetings occur prior to determining the best possible route that would be taken in the event of widening the roadway.   Also noted was how a different-colored shoulder treatment is important in signifying where the actual highway lane ends.

9)  Flood Damage Report

Service Order Report

 Mr. Lampman provided a list of service orders issued as a result of the recent flooding situations.  He noted that only one bridge was under water and several problems were trees in roadways.  The areas of the County most severely hit were McLean, Groton City, Caroline, and Danby.  Based on work done to date and the balance of work to be completed, Mr. Lampman estimates the cost of the flooding to be approximately $75,000 to $100,000.  At this time one-half the service orders have been completed.  The most severe problems were addressed immediately with the balance being completed on a rotation of the County by the Highway Division.

Discussion of Correspondence from Town of Caroline Supervisor Barber

 The Committee received a copy of correspondence from Supervisor Barber indicating the need to address the problem of built-up gravel beneath the Boiceville Bridge, the only bridge under water during the flood.  Mr. Barber would like to have the County work with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop a protocol for gravel removal from bridges and culverts that would maintain the initial design capacity.  Mr. Lampman noted he was aware of the increased level of gravel beneath the bridge and said the DEC does not view gravel removal in a favorable manner and also restrict work in the bridge area to within fifty feet of either side of the bridge and requires a DEC permit.  He said previous requests to do similar work have been denied by the DEC.

 Mr. Penniman asked if this the County's responsibility to do so.  Mr. Lampman indicated it was, however the DEC approval is required prior to doing any work in the creek area.

Ms. Robertson asked if the Dryden Dam collaborative project's success reported by Mr. Lane at the last Legislature meeting was the type of project that should be undertaken to prevent the flooding.  Mr. Lampman expressed his believe that short of building a dam or undertaking a bridge replacement there is not much that can be done due to DEC regulations.

Mr. Marx reported that the County's Flood Hazard Mitigation Program has had a consultant working on the project for the past one and one-half years.  This report encompasses the County's watersheds and will be finalized soon and enable the County to be proactive in addressing flood hazards.  Mr. Marx explained that what may seem like an obvious solution such as removal of gravel could potentially create a much worse problem.  He said there could be funding available to allow a review of the problem at the bridge location.  Mr. Marx suggests waiting for long-range planning options provided within the report and see if any of the recommended projects could be done cooperatively.

Mr. Lampman spoke of the County's interest in stream erosion and placing special "damming" structures to assist in redirecting the water to the center of the stream to help prevent erosion.  It was noted the DEC is positive toward this approach.

Mr. Marx indicated the County will identify problem areas and will look into them.  Mr. Lampman suggested the DEC could participate in the visual inspection of these areas.  Mr. Penniman said he will contact Mr. Barber to let him know the County is looking into his requests.

10)  Air Service Committee

Ms. Blanchard spoke to the Committee about the Air Service Committee's work, stating the meetings take place on the 2nd and fourth Mondays of the month.  She inquired what might be the best method to relay all the information, whether attending the Facilities and Infrastructure meetings to report, or to supply minutes to the Committee.  She said the Committee has been designated to report to the full Legislature through the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee.   Mr. Penniman stated one item of interest to the Committee has been a financial report for the airport.  Ms. Blanchard said she believed a mid-year report would be the most beneficial.  Ms. Schuler thought minutes would be sufficient to inform Legislators, however, Ms. Blanchard said her concern is to make certain the Legislature knows what is happening at the airport and minutes may not be as up-to-date.  Mr. Winch suggested a monthly report as part of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee report would be sufficient.

Ms. Blanchard said minutes of the Air Service Committee would be forwarded to Ms. Nelson, Public Works Administrator.  She reported there is a great deal of activity occurring within the Air Service Committee; four subcommittees have been established who report directly to the Air Service Committee.

Ms. Blanchard provided a one-page summary of the work the Air Service Committee has undertaken relating to the following resolution.

11)  RESOLUTION NO.   IN SUPPORT OF THE ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT'S APPLICATION FOR A FEDERAL SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE GRANT

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, to approve the following resolution for submission to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Nicholas said this is the third year the County has applied for this grant.  He said other small community airports meeting eligibility requirements have received this grant in previous years and the County's chances should be improved. A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0.  MOTION CARRIED.

 WHEREAS, the economy in Tompkins County is thriving and our principal economic sector, educational services, is instrumental in keeping unemployment at the lowest rate in New York and continues to create spin-off businesses that ensure a bright future for Ithaca and the surrounding area, and
      WHEREAS, Ithaca was recently named the foremost emerging Metropolitan Statistical Area in the nation by Cities Ranked and Rated, and
      WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, the air service provided to the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport has been severely reduced in terms of frequency and destinations served, thus inhibiting the ability of the airport to serve the needs of the local business and educational community, and
      WHEREAS, the lack of convenient air service and uncompetitive airfares are threatening to harm the County's burgeoning economy, and
      WHEREAS, the Air Service Committee and Air Service Task Force, working on behalf of the Tompkins County Legislature have taken steps that have brought a groundswell of community support leading to partial relief of the air service situation by bringing limited additional air service to the airport, and
 WHEREAS, this effort will require ongoing financial support and a protracted effort to sustain and increase air service and airport usage, and
      WHEREAS, the federal Small Community Air Service grant program, that was designed to assist communities like Tompkins County with creating sustainable air service and reducing airfares, can greatly assist our efforts by helping to finance the necessary marketing and incentives program, now therefore be it
      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature does unanimously support the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport's application for a Small Community Air Service grant,
      RESOLVED, further, That recognizing the importance to the community of better air service and lower airfares, the congressional representatives of Tompkins County be urged to vigorously support the Airport's application.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

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12)  RESOLUTION NO.    - AWARD OF CONTRACT- GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, to approve the following resolution for submission to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Nicholas said the Air Service Committee recommended modifying the length of contract to provide flexibility in the event of changes in services over a period of time.  As only one bidder came forward it allowed the County to do so and the resolution reflects the most desirable agreement at present.

A brief discussion of the Air Service Committee's authority took place.  Ms. Blanchard stated that the charge of the Committee is to provide the ability for the airport to act quickly when necessary to allow the airport to quickly take advantage of opportunities as they arrive.  Mr. Penniman said the Air Service Committee can handle some items that the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee may not be able to do within a particular timeframe.  Information and action required by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee will continue as normal.  He said the guideline is that Mr. Nicholas, Airport Manager continues to have authority to act on particular items without bringing them to the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, the Air Service Committee has authority to change things with a particular scope.  Mr. Whicher clarified that the normal purchasing policy would allow Mr. Nicholas to make a decision regarding the contract as it is only one year; additionally, the charge provided to the Air Service Committee would allow them to make recommendations.  He noted if the contract were more than one-year it would require full Legislative approval.

 This contract provides a $300 per month counter rental fee for the first year with incremental increases to a total of $500 per month in the third year.  In response to Ms. Schuler's inquiries, there is handicap accessibility for customers and no restriction placed on Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT).  Mr. Nicholas noted group rates are available through Ithaca Dispatch.  Ms. Kiefer inquired about the present contract holder, Ithaca Airport Limousine, and was informed by Mr. Nicholas that although he anticipated they would place a bid, none was received.

 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, the Airport's ground transportation services contract with Ithaca Airline Limousine (IAL) expired on December 31, 2004, and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was duly advertised and one proposal was received from Ithaca Dispatch of Fifth Street, Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the Air Service Committee deems it desirable to have as much flexibility as possible while it formulates a long-term plan for the airport, and
WHEREAS, the Air Service Committee requested that the Airport Manager negotiate a flexible contract with Ithaca Dispatch, in accordance with the provisions detailed in the RFP, and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Dispatch was agreeable to a one-year contract with options to renew annually for a further four years, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator be authorized to sign a one-year contract with Ithaca Dispatch commencing on May 1, 2005, with options to renew annually for a further four years until April 30, 2010.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

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Notes:

The airport manager and the Air Service Committee will review this contract annually to determine if it is meeting the airport's needs before extending it for additional periods of time.

13) Airport Café/Gift Shop - Contract Extension

Mr. Nicholas reported the Air Service Committee would like to have a one-year extension of the present contract to allow for the possibility of additional bidders.  The present contract holder, Aramark, was the only bidder on the request for proposals.  Mr. Nicholas said he believed the reason for this is due to Cornell University speaking of opening up a deli in the business park.  He said attempts have been made to see if Cornell University would partner with Shortstop Deli to provide a six-month trial period operation but to date there is no interest to do so for that short a period of time.  The extension of this contract allows for a thirty-day cancellation after six months have passed.  Mr. Nicholas said the present agreement holder, Aramark, has requested an increase in the management fee to $1,200 per month; this management fee has been at $1,000 per month for the past eleven years.  Ms. Schuler asked if the Cornell University deli was going to be instructional in nature.  Mr. Nicholas said it is to provide for individuals at the business park and Cornell does not anticipate revenue from the venture.  Ms. Blanchard said the Air Service Committee will continue to discuss the matter but felt it is in the County's best interest to extend the contract at this time to allow for a recommendation that would serve everyone's interest.

14)  Airport Public Parking Lots - Contract Extension

 Ms. Blanchard reported the Air Service Committee suggested flexibility to possibly provide free parking to regular airport users.  It is not clear how to best accommodate this request,  soit was suggested to extend the contract with Standard Parking for a period of one year to allow time to fully determine what the best course of action to take may be.  This extension will be from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006.

15)  RESOLUTION NO.            - AWARD OF BID – TRANSIENT APRON REHABILITATION - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, to approve the following resolution for submission to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Nicholas explained the project had gone to bid previously without successful bidders.  The present request for proposal was successful, with three responsible bidders.  Although the bids are twenty-five to thirty-eight percent higher than the original engineer's estimate it is deemed reasonable due to present commodity costs.  Included in the cost estimates are two additional items:  a concrete pad that will allow US Air and Northwest to be serviced and a sewer connection to allow dumping of waste from corporate aircraft.  The cost of construction is included in the airport's operational budget.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5; Noes - 0.  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

      WHEREAS, the Finance Department advertised and received three bids for the Transient Apron Rehabilitation at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, and
      WHEREAS, the lowest responsible bid of $1,422,995.00 was submitted by Boland's Excavating & Topsoil of Conklin, NY, and
      WHEREAS, the budget for this construction project is as follows:

      FAA Share          (95.0 percent) Account No. 5601.44592           $1,328,095.00
      NYSDOT Share  (  2.5 percent) Account No. 5601.43592           $     34,950.00
      Local Share         (  2.5 percent) Account No. HT 5601.45031     $     34,950.00
     *Non-Eligible Local Cost                                                               $     25,000.00

       Total                                                                                              $1,422,995.00

     *Cost of repairing a portion of the T-Hangar pavement that is not eligible for Federal funding.

      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That subject to grants being received from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the bid be awarded to Boland's Excavating and Topsoil of Conklin, New York,
      RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to borrow monies if necessary, until reimbursement is received from the FAA and NYSDOT,
RESOLVED, further, That the local share of $34,950 and the $25,000 of non-eligible local cost be and hereby is included in the airport operating budget for 2005,
      RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute a contract with Boland's Excavating and Topsoil.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-2

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Notes:
1. The three bids submitted ranged from 25% to 38% above the engineers' ORIGINAL estimate from last year.
2. The two lowest bidders were within $ 16,596 of each other.
3. The project was originally bid last year when the sole bid was 37% over the engineers' estimate. That bid was rejected. Since then $ 108,000 of construction work has been added and oil prices have risen dramatically (significantly affecting the price of asphalt). No doubt there is a hedge against a possible continued rise in oil prices built into the bid.
4.  The drainage system and asphalt between the County-owned T-Hangars is in need of        reconstruction due to frost-heave and general wear and tear. The center (aircraft taxiing) section is eligible under the FAA AIP funding program but the two sections either side of the center are not. The cost of doing these two sections is estimated at approximately $ 25,000.
5. Both the $ 25,000 and the local 2.5% share are included in the airport's 2005 operational budget.

16)  RESOLUTION NO. - CREATING POSITION AND APPOINTING COMMISSIONER OF PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS

Mr. Whicher said he brought the resolution to the Committee to enable him to bring the matter forward to the full Legislature for discussion.  He said as discussed previously it was determined the best possible solution due to finances and resources was to create the combined position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works.  Other options considered were the Public Works Cabinet or to have separate Commissioners for Public Works and Planning.

 Ms. Kiefer expressed her belief that while she recognizes the need to have an individual perform the duties of Commissioner of Public Works, it should be done as a half-time Commissioner of Public Works and half-time Commissioner of Planning rather than a combined position.  Mr. Whicher said he does not believe two part-time positions would be possible in a Civil Service environment as the Commissioner of Public Works is an exam position and the Commissioner of Planning is not.  He said if it were half-time it would require the examination for the Commissioner of Public Works and require Mr. Marx to be one of the top three candidates, he believes the joint Commissioner position is the most logical choice.

 Mr. Todd asked for clarification regarding the Public Works Division responsibilities; Mr. Marks spoke of the various divisions and duties within Public Works.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Schuler, to approve the following resolution for submission to the full Legislature for approval.

Ms. Schuler asked what the follow-up will be to determine if the dual position is meeting the needs of both Planning and Public Works.  Ms. Kiefer said she believes it should be noted this is a trial-basis combined position.  Mr. Winch said he has consistently indicated he believes the Commissioner of Public Works should possess a PE degree and as such cannot support the resolution.

 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Legislators Todd, Schuler, and Penniman); Noes - 2 (Legislators Kiefer and Winch).  MOTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, a principle of good government is that public investments in infrastructure be made in accordance with a long range plan, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works is responsible for managing the Highway, Solid Waste, Airport, and Facilities Divisions, and
WHEREAS, long-range planning activities of County government are conducted by the Planning Department, and
WHEREAS, integration of the Planning and Public Works functions of County government offers many opportunities for more effective management of county infrastructure and for maximizing the benefits of that infrastructure to the community, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County government has previously had the position of Commissioner of Public Works which position was not filled when it was vacated five years ago, and
WHEREAS, current and future challenges facing the Public Works Department warrant the oversight and leadership provided by a Commissioner level position in Public Works, and
WHEREAS, combining the positions of Commissioner of Planning and Commissioner of Public Works into a single position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works will provide for the direct integration of the Planning and Public Works functions, and
WHEREAS, the organizational structures for the Planning and Public Works Departments are amenable to oversight and leadership by a single Commissioner of Planning and Public Works, and
WHEREAS, a savings to taxpayers in excess of $100,000 can be realized by combining the two positions into a single Commissioner, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works is hereby created in Tompkins County government,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Charter will be amended as necessary to reflect this change,
RESOLVED, further, That the Legislature approves the recommendation of the County Administrator to appoint Edward C. Marx, Commissioner of Planning, to the position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

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17)  2005 Facilities Goals

The Committee reviewed the handout of the 2005 Facilities Goals.  There are eight goals:  develop 5-year maintenance plan, complete MP2 (CMMS) Implementation (software program for equipment), track/monitor performance measures, improve teamwork and cooperation, provide training opportunities, increase effectiveness/efficiency of operations, improve customer relations, and conduct performance reviews.  Mr. LeMaro noted that while it has been challenging to maintain the same level of service with fewer employees there have been improvements in many areas.  He looks forward to improving his division and spoke of CSEA's working with him to possibly fund some training opportunity for their membership.  Mr. LeMaro feels performance reviews provide an opportunity for the employee as well as supervisor to discuss areas that may be of concern to either.   In response to a question by Mr. Penniman, Mr. LeMaro said his greatest challenge would be to accomplish all the work required with limited staff.  Mr. Winch suggested certain supplies could be kept as standard stock in an effort to save delays due to ordering problems.

Ms. Schuler was excused at this time, 4:34 p.m.

18) Facilities Status Report

Members reviewed the Facilities Status Report and noted the following:

· The County will hire out the striping of the main court house/old jail parking lot areas.
· Tompkins County Public Library Main Entrance - It was noted that although it has not yet occurred, QPK who will do design work, should be able to provide information relating to the energy savings potential of their design work.  Mr. LeMaro said a revolving door would be the most energy efficient but is not certain if it is the most logical choice due to the building use.  Ms. Kiefer asked if a regular door were installed near a revolving door would the wind tunnel effect be less than with the current door.
· Building C - LaBella Associates are the engineers and will be providing cost estimates for both a grate mount and a roof mount for the generator.  At this time the cost estimates exceed the initial approved budget however this may be due in part to the engineers proposing a larger generator than the County may require.  Mr. Winch stressed the importance of the engineers to take noise levels into consideration when preparing the project specifications.

The report on the County Library photovoltalic panels was delayed to a future meeting.

19)  Wind Energy Purchase

 Mr. LeMaro spoke of the County's goal to reduce greenhouse gases, noting that 1.5% of the reductions comes from the library photovoltaic panels with another 3.5% required to meet the goal of 5% by 2008.   He suggested the possibility of purchasing wind energy at a cost of approximately $5,000 for a one-year period.  Mr. Winch spoke of the energy performance contract that will result in reduced energy consumption, noting this should also reduce greenhouse gas.  He noted there will be a certain point at which the County cannot do so and thought that would be the time to consider other energy sources.  In response to Mr. Penniman, Mr. LeMaro said wind energy costs approximately $.0175 per kwh, approximately ten percent above the standard cost per kwh.  The initial cost of $5,000 is a small portion of the total $750,000 energy costs paid by the County.  Ms. Kiefer said at a recent energy committee meeting information was received that the wind energy supplier has all their energy spoken for.  She had hoped the revenue received by that private company would have been used to build more wind towers but it does not appear to be so.  As a result of this information the energy committee is skeptical about the value of purchasing that company's wind energy at this time and she could not support the recommendation.  It was suggested that no action be taken and that the use of the funds for improvements be made prior to purchasing alternative energy.

20) Energy Performance Contract

Mr. LeMaro said the Energy Performance Contract with Johnson Controls was signed on March 25, 2005.  A meeting took place last week in Syracuse to do the engineering design and will be completed in early June.  Lighting and boiler work will be completed in four months, the controls for all buildings will take longer and are expected to be operational by March 2006.  Additional meetings will take place upon completion of the design phase prior to actual work being done.

21)  Adjournment

 On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.

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