Excused: N. Shinagawa

Staff:  K. Fuller, Deputy Clerk, C. Nelson, Public Works Administrator, T. Richardson, K.
Thompson, Solid Waste Division; W. Sczesny, J. Lampman, Highway Department; E.
Marx, Pubic Works Commissioner; R. Nicholas, Airport

Guests:  R. Sirico, A+ Taxi; D. Denna, Ithaca Times; J. Morrissey, C&S Engineers

Call To Order

 Mr. Randall, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

Changes/Additions to Agenda

 There were no changes or additions to the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 Mr. Ralph Sirico, owner/operator of A+ Taxi, spoke on behalf of the non-contractual taxi owners and expressed concerns relating to taxi service at the airport.  Mr. Sirico believes it is unfair business practice to exclude private operators from pick-up service at the curb.  He believes the policies of having to pay a fee and to identify individuals who have called for rides to be inappropriate.  It was pointed out that the airport puts out to bid taxi operations.  The company who awarded the bid is provided with office area within the airport and has the right to service passengers at the curb.  The present contract is a five-year contract with approximately three years remaining.  Mr. Nicholas pointed out that this type of arrangement is not unusual at airports and avoids conflicts due to different companies desiring to be able to have the most passengers.  He indicated he had attempted many other options and has found this to be the best one for the local service.  Each company picking up passengers is charged a fee based on the number of passengers, with an annual survey done to adjust the fees as necessary; the contracted company also pays for rent of the building area.  Members of the Committee were pleased to see multiple companies within the area and agreed that the topic will be addressed at a future date.

Minutes of Apri 25, 2006

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Randal, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to approve the minutes of April 25, 2006, as amended.

Correspondence

 Mr. Randall said he asked this be included in agendas to provide information to Legislators.

Don Barber – Boiceville Road Bridge Sedimentation

 Mr. Scezsny provided members with historical information relating to sedimentation at the Boiceville Road Bridge.  This indicated that the actual space at the bridge has appropriate clearance and appears to be clearing itself out.  At a meeting Mr. Lampman attended with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Soil and Water Conservation, and the Town of Caroline it was noted that Mr. Barber’s desire to clear an area 100 feet up and down stream was clearly outside of the County’s purview.  It was recommended that the Town continue discussions with the DEC and Soil and Water to determine if a more extensive project should take place.  Mr. Marx cautioned about undertaking large projects such as the Barelli project.  Mr. Sczesny noted that there has been scouring of an abutment and steps are being taken to correct the situation.

Jim Shurtleff – Village of Groton

 Mr. Sczesny has drafted a letter of response to Mr. Shurtleff’s request for County assistance with the stormwater runoff on Spring Street and West Groton Road.  Mr. Sczesny reported it is clearly not a County problem and that improper placement of pipes has led to erosion beneath and there is not a 60 ‘ deep, 100’ wide trench under the pipes.  The request made by Mr. Shurtleff to redirect the water to County drainage (ditches) is being denied; Mr. Sczesny will assist by stockpiling removed gravel.

Mr. Hubbert – Ringwood Road Bridge Project

 Mr. Lampman reported that the right-of-way has been staked out and there is a band of trees 4-5 inches in diameter along the right-of-way.  Mr. Hubbert understands that few the trees would be removed in this project and asked for a guarantee that he be allowed to approve any removal and any possible change it may cause to property value be considered.  Mr. Lampman said the County Attorney does not approve of this condition.  Mr. Hubbert will be meeting with the appraiser in the near future; which could result in a revised appraisal with a higher value.  It was noted that Mr. Hubbert’s request to work on the stream is outside of the County right-of-way area.  Mr. Lampman said the plans will include some armoring of the bank, but not to the extent Mr. Hubbert may desire.

Joe Cassaniti – Solid Waste Issues

 Mr. Richardson reported he had contacted the Friends of the Library who did not desire to have a drop box located at the Solid Waste Facility as they are concerned about possible contamination of the books donated.  With regard to the bottle deposit issue, Mr. Richardson stated it has not been a priority at the facility.  He has done a brief report to analyze the feasibility and indicated that it does not appear it would be financially lucrative.  Mr. Richardson stated additional work could be undertaken later in the year if the Committee desired.  With regard to the reuse of lumber, it is a topic that has been discussed and will be discussed at a future date.  Mr. Richardson said the facility has been working on ideas to eliminate the agricultural plastic waste; a demonstration of a plastic bailer will be taking place at an upcoming function.  Ms. Mackesey will contact Mr. Cassaniti to provide him with the responses provided.

 Ms. Kiefer felt the bottle return issue was not resolved.  Mr. Marx indicated many initiatives exist and that the Solid Waste Facility work plan has prioritized them by what ones have the most impact, and the bottle issue is not one of these.  Ms. Kiefer said although a report had been received she did not believe the topic was completed.  It was noted this area is not included in the Committee Work Plan.  A request was made to provide a copy of the report to Committee members.

Commissioner of Planning and Public Works Report

 Mr. Marx acknowledged Mr. Lampman’s inclusion in the Tompkins County 25-Year Club, and commended Mr. Lampman for his dedication and service to the infrastructure and highways that the County depends upon.  He then reported Mr. LeMaro will be interviewing for the Assistant Director position as the civil service exams are complete.  Mr. Marx reported the bids for the Building “C” generator bids will be sent next week, with a return date of June 24th.

20-Year Capital Plan

Mr. Marx indicated there are some revisions to be made as a result of discussions at the Budget and Capital Committee as well as the addition of the Table 9B provided by Mr. Marx showing changes in debt service if the Public Safety Building work was done instead of the Health Department.  He noted the plan will be presented to the full Legislature at the first meeting in June with a vote taking place the second meeting in June and serves as a guide in budget preparation this year.  He brought attention to the fact that the capital plan focuses primarily on debt and debt service; its management and impact on the tax levy and the parameters the County desires.  It also acknowledges the need to increase the cash capital expenditures to maintain the infrastructures ($400,000 for Facilities, $500,000 once the Highway Division capital project is completed.  A determination of whether these amounts become part of a capital budget or operating budget needs to be decided.  In addition, a determination of how to do this will be required; in the year occurred it would require almost a 4.5 % increase in tax levy.

The Committee discussed various areas of the report, including the $18 million need for highways over the next five years; it was pointed out that the figure is based on the capital project request forms and includes anticipated CHIPS funding and the five-year capital program.  Mr. Marx stated the calculation assumes that CHIPS funding would be continued and funding would remain level.  It was requested to add clarifying language regarding this portion of the plan.

Ms. Mackesey expressed concern that it may be difficult for the new members of the Legislature to have a full understanding of how decisions regarding future capital projects were made.  It was clarified that the plan is a budgeting tool to be used to consider how capital projects will effect budgets; upon adoption by the Legislature information contained within the plan will be reviewed, however, future capital projects would require Legislative approval.

 Ms. Kiefer indicated she would like to have more information regarding the depreciation calculations.  She reviewed various areas of the plan she felt required clarification.

 The discussion adjourned due to time constraints and was continued later in the meeting.

Tompkins County Airport

Obstruction Clearance and Runway Safety Area Improvements

 Mr. Morrissey, of C&S Engineers, spoke to the Committee about a consolidation of work at the airport.  He reported that regulations require the airport to have 1,000 for landing/takeoff available, which the airport has not had.  There are several solutions that include relocating Warren Road and Route 13 to accommodate the required length, utilizing EMOS – a special lightweight concrete to assist with a potential run-over, or the proposed improvement of extending each end (runway end 14 and runway end 32) to allow the additional space required.  The Federal Aviation Administration amended regulations that will allow the addition of 355 feet for runway end 14; and 47 feet for runway end 32, at a significantly lower cost than relocation of the roads or the addition of EMOS.  At this time the FAA requested this project be combined with the obstruction clearance project to minimize additional costs.  There will be additional trees within the amended clearance zone, however the majority of the trees are located on airport property.  In addition, the environmental review will include this new project.  It was noted the FAA regulations have always required the 1,000, however in the past have not demanded immediate remediation; they are now requiring all airports to meet this regulation.  Ms. Kiefer requested that the Committee be updated on additional analysis as a result of this work and was informed it will primarily be noise levels.  The County share of this project is 2.5 percent.  It is anticipated to have the FAA approval in November, design work done in 2007, and construction in 2008, providing no significant impact is discovered during the SEQR process.

Creation of Petty Cash Account

 Mr. Nicholas explained that since the airport was opened in 1954 a bank account was in place and utilized as a petty cash fund.  Mr. Squires, Finance Director, indicated he would like to have it closed and operate with a petty cash fund in the same manner as other departments.

RESOLUTION NO.      - CREATION OF A PETTY CASH ACCOUNT - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

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

      WHEREAS, a bank account was created for the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport in 1956 and said bank account was originally used to handle revenue collection and petty cash, and
      WHEREAS, revenues collection is now handled by the Finance Department, and
      WHEREAS, the County's policies do not allow for bank accounts outside the direct control of the Finance Department, and
      WHEREAS, the airport's bank account has now been closed and the one thousand dollar ($ 1,000.00) balance has been transferred to the airport's fund balance under the control of the Finance Department, and
      WHEREAS, the airport still has a need to spend small amounts of money when a County credit card would not be appropriate or convenient, now therefore be it
      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee, That the Legislature approve and does hereby create a three-hundred dollar ($ 300.00) petty cash account for the airport, to be kept in the airport's safe,
      RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Department makes arrangements to provide the airport with three hundred dollars, in cash, from the airport fund balance.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

With the availability of a County credit card, the airport no longer needs a bank account. In addition, the $1,000 that was available for petty cash purchases is also in excess of what the airport needs. This $300 petty cash account would replace the bank account and still provide the airport with the convenience of having cash for small purchases.

Highway Division

RESOLUTION NO.  - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE CONSTRUCTION FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NYSDOT) – MCLEAN-CORTLAND ROAD RECONSTRUCTION – PHASE 2

 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.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, a Project for the CR105, McLean-Cortland Road Reconstruction – Phase 2, P.I.N. 375395, in the Town of Groton, (the Project), 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, Resolutions 164 of 1997 and 33 of 2002 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 ROW Incidentals, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation requires the County appropriate one hundred percent of the project costs and then file for reimbursement of eligible costs, and
WHEREAS, in order to expedite advancement of the Project and realize potential total project cost reductions, the County of Tompkins desires to advance the above project by making a commitment of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Construction, Construction Inspection and Supervision, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That 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 Construction, Construction Inspection and Supervision work for the subject Project or portions thereof,
RESOLVED, further, That the sum of $2,707,340 is hereby made available within account HZ5103.59239.53.02, McLean Road Capital Project Account, to cover the cost of participation in the Construction phase of the Project,
RESOLVED, further, That in the event the full Federal and non-Federal share costs of the project exceed 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 - 20  (No further action required)

Highway Capital Projects

 The Committee received written information providing a glossary of highway terminology.

 The Committee reviewed the Highway Capital Projects.  Items of interest are noted below:

· Hanshaw Road Reconstruction – discussions are continuing with regard to the Town share of cost of sidewalks on this project.
· Coddington Road Reconstruction - discussions are continuing with regard to the Town share of cost of sidewalks on this project.
· Station Road Culvert Replacements – meets have occurred with the railroad who has indicated their approval of the work to be done.
· Newfield Depot Road – the railroad has approved the work and indicated they would like to upgrade the crossing, this would not require a local share.

Update of Material/Fuel Cost

 Mr. Sczesny provided a handout that gave comparison pricing on materials and fuel used by his Division.  It was clearly shown that there has been significant increases in the costs which could effect project cost.

Road Tour

 Members were reminded of the highway tour on June 3rd from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Members will start the tour at Bostwick Road.

20-Year Capital Plan - Continued
 
 The Committee continued its discussion regarding the capital plan and continued to recommend modifications to various portions.  It was determined following discussions that another meeting was not necessary.  Ms. Kiefer indicated her desire to be able to have a breakdown of figures available to determine how the various estimates within the appendix were made.  Mr. Marx offered to meet with any member of the Legislature to explain the plan and its contents.

Adjournment

 On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
 

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk