Excused:   D. Winch

Staff:      E. Marx, Planning Commissioner; C. Nelson, Facilities; R. Nicholas, Airport Manager;
P. Messmer, Highway; J. Lampman; Highway

Guests:  A. Chernish

1)  Called to Order

 Chair Booth called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

2)  Chair's Report

 The Chair did not have a report.

3)  Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

No persons wished to address the Committee.

4) Bicycle Rack Inventory

Mr. Marx reported that in conjunction with the recent "Bike to Work" day, a survey has been given to employees to determine accessibility and need of bicycle racks at County facilities.  If it is determined that racks would be useful a plan would be put together and grants will be sought to cover the expenses of developing them.

5)  Space Needs and Location Committee Report

Mr. Marx gave a report on work being done by the Space Needs and Location Committee regarding standardization of space requirements for all County buildings and workstations.  He explained that the standardization would allow the County to specify square footage required to provide adequate work area as determined by each County position.  This would assist in the development of more accurate floor plan designs and determination of total building areas required when future buildings are constructed or when renovations are undertaken.  The Space Needs and Location Committee is also working on standardizing the way of defining the gross/net definable square footage of buildings and interior spaces in order to provide contractors with clear specifications and therefore allow a more standard form of comparison on bid specifications.  Mr. Marx said that these space standardization efforts will address the space needs of an employee who is out in the field more than in the office.  His staff is working closely with the Personnel Commissioner to determine how to best evaluate each group of employees needs.

6)  2003 Facilities and Infrastructure Committee Goals

 The Committee reviewed the updated committee goals report prepared by Ms. Nelson, and members requested the following information:

1) Updates on the Highway Fund including what the balance is and how the fund works.  Mr. Squires will be asked to provide this information;
2) Whether the road preventive management system would be of interest to other local municipalities.  The Committee was informed that the system is proprietary software and that the municipalities would be required to contract with the company directly; it was not thought that the cost of the program would warrant use by smaller municipalities.

Ms. Nelson will update this report for the Committee and provide it at one of July 2003 meetings.

7)  Appropriation from County Road Fund Balance

RESOLUTION NO.____ - APPROPRIATION FROM HIGHWAY MACHINERY FUND BALANCE – 2002 SURPLUS FUNDS

 MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Blanchard.  Mr. Messmer was asked what would happen to any surplus funds available in the event of a decrease in fuel cost.  He stated surplus money would be utilized in other areas as needed such as repair of vehicles.  A voice vote of members present resulted in a unanimous decision to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:

 WHEREAS, the Highway Machinery Fund has been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent appropriations and excess revenue from 2002 resulting in a surplus on the County’s books as of December 31, 2002, and
 WHEREAS, the end of year DM Fund Balance for 2002 was $101,036 and
 WHEREAS, the DM target fund balance for 2002 was $42,837, and
 WHEREAS, the DM Fund Balance has an excess in the amount of $58, 199, and
 WHEREAS, pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, surplus funds may be requested for use in the current or following year budget, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following transactions are approved:
Budget Appropriation:

FROM:   DM0599.0000 Highway Machinery Fund Balance $58,199
TO:   DM5130.54306 Automotive Supplies   $58,199
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

 Ms. Kiefer Arrived.

8) Appropriation from County Road Fund Balance

RESOLUTION NO.____ -   APPROPRIATION FROM COUNTY ROAD FUND BALANCE- 2002 SURPLUS FUNDS

 MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson.  A voice vote resulted in a unanimous decision to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:

 WHEREAS, the County Road Fund has been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent appropriations and excess revenue from 2002 resulting in a surplus on the County’s books as of December 31, 2002, and
 WHEREAS, the end of year County Road Fund Balance for 2002 was $122,589 and,
 WHEREAS, the County Road Target Fund Balance for 2002 was $64,631,
 WHEREAS, the County Road Fund Balance has an excess in the amount of $57,958, and
 WHEREAS, pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, surplus funds may be requested for use in the current or following year budget, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following transactions are approved:
Budget Appropriation:

FROM:  D599.0000  County Road Fund Balance  $ 57,958
TO:  D5110.51200  Overtime Pay    $ 57,958
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

2. Highway and Bridge Status Report

The Committee reviewed the report provided, noting that Red Mill Bridge is still listed on the report until the TIP amendments are completed.  The following points were made in the ensuing discussion:

A. Lounsbury Bridge Approach - it was noted that under the Federal process the approach to the bridge is viewed as a separate item from the actual bridge.

B. Champlin Road Bridge - when asked, it was noted that the life expectancy for the bridge fifty design years, but is anticipated the bridge will last for seventy years.

C. CR 105, McLean-Cortland Road and Bridge - it was that the inspectors of the work being done for this project are not members of the actual construction group; there is a list of approximately fifteen firms approved by the State for inspection purposes and the County had chosen Popli as the inspector for the first phase of this project.  (The County has also contracted with Popli for bridge painting projects the County is undertaking this summer.)  Mr. Lampman reported that the pre-construction meeting for the first phase of this road and bridge project went well, and indicated that the residents are disappointed that more of this project is not being completed at this time.

D. The Committee inquired about County liability relative to the removal of wastes resulting from bridge painting projects.  They were informed that the bid specifications for these projects require the contractor to indemnify the County as well as provide insurance coverage adequate to the particular work being completed.  The Committee then discussed the storage and disposal of barrels containing hazardous waste material and was informed that the contaminated waste is required to be hauled by a certified waste hauler.  It is standard practice for the painting contractor to place the barrels containing waste in the vicinity of the work site when the work is completed because they cannot remove them.  When a sufficient number of waste barrels, normally forty, are accumulated they are properly disposed of at a licensed waste facility.

Of the nine County bridges currently being painted six are completed.  The Turkey Hill Road bridge barrels were removed on May 15, 2003.  The first three sites painted generated twenty-one barrels, Etna Lane Bridge accumulated in excess of forty barrels.  It was noted by the Committee that the hauler removed the barrels well within the required time provided in the regulations.  It was suggested it might be helpful for concerned residents if a letter were sent to a local newspaper explaining how hazardous waste barrels are handled at County bridge painting projects.
E. Mr. Lampman reported that the removal process has begun on the Beach Road Bridge.  He also  reported that the replacement bridge will be narrower than the present structure and the height will be slightly higher than it presently is.  There will be landscaping to assist in the transition to the higher grade.

F. North Triphammer Road and Asbury Road Intersection Light - A brief discussion took place about this intersection and the removal of the light at the time of construction.  The Committee was provided with a spreadsheet indicating the various options and costs regarding a warning of the stop required on Asbury Road.  Ms. Blanchard, Mr. Messmer, Mr. Todd, Mr. Farkas, the Town of Lansing Supervisor, and others have met and discussed this intersection.  The preferred option of flashing lights on a stop ahead sign is not reimbursable by the State, however, flashing lights on the stop signs at the intersection would be.  It was suggested that Mr. Lampman, Mr. Messmer, Mr. Marx, Mr. Farkas, and the Town of Lansing Legislator, Mr. Todd meet and discuss the matter and come back to the Committee with a recommendation.  Because the project came in under budget any expense associated with a decision would come out of the remaining funds for the project.  Mr. Messmer said he does not believe there is a need for an overhead light due to the grade changes made in the roadbed at the intersection.

B. Budget Adjustment - Highway

It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to submit the following budget adjustments to the full Legislature for approval:

Highway (#22)
Revenue Acct           Title            Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________
DM5130.42801  Interfund Revenues      $7,360 DM5130.52233 Highway Equipment
   (Equipment Rentals)
Explanation:  Money needed to purchase a vibratory compactor for the John Deere Hydraulic Excavator.

11)  Audits

 The Committee received a written report of project expenditures to date.

12)  Airport

Resolution

RESOLUTION NO.    - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - AIR RESCUE FIRE   FIGHTING (ARFF) CRASH, FIRE, RESCUE (CFR)   BUILDING ADDITION - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL   AIRPORT

 MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Robertson and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval:

 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the following claim against the County of Tompkins be, and hereby is audited by the County Legislature:

VENDOR  PAYMENT REQUEST ACCOUNT NUMBER  AMOUNT

Kimble, Inc.       Number 8 (Final)         HT.5601.59239  $5,512.02

 RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay said claim from Account No. HT.5601.59239.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Explanation:  The other three contractors on this project were paid earlier this year.  This final payment was awaiting the tapping off of the old water supply line, which was completed during the week of April 7, 2003.  This is a Federally funded project with ninety percent of the money from the Federal Aviation Administration, five percent from the State, and five percent from the airport's operational budget.

13)  Request to seek bids

 Mr. Nicholas requested and received permission from the Committee to seek bids on two items:

1. Carpeting for the terminal.  This will be a request for bid to match existing carpeting.
2. Crack Sealer - a new unit is needed to adequately repair normal wear-and-tear of the tarmack.

The Committee was informed that the cost of these items will be covered within the operating budget of the airport.

14)  Approval of Minutes of May 13, 2003

 MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson.  A voice vote resulted in a unanimous decision by members present to accept the minutes of April 22, 2003, as amended.

15)  Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk, Tompkins County Legislature