Call to Order

 Mr. Penniman, Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

The following resolution was added to the agenda:  Resolution Confirming Appointment of Tompkins County Highway Manager.

 There were no deletions from the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 There were none.

Solid Waste

Recycling and Solid Waste Center Traffic Study

 Ms. Eckstrom, Director, reported that the Solid Waste Center during its first year of operation served a total of 40,000 vehicles; now it is serving 200,000.  She said as a result it requires three scale operators and due to increased usage now has safety issues, long lines, and extensive waiting periods for customers.  Ms. Eckstrom said as the use of the facilities has grown other attempts have been made to reduce traffic such as the household hazardous waste areas and scrap metal, but this has not been enough.  As a result, the County and Barton and Laguidice teamed with graduate students and faculty from Cornell's Operations Research department in the Engineering College to build a traffic simulation model of the facility.  This model was utilized to observe the effect of facility modifications on site traffic flow, congestion, and safety.

 Ms. Eckstrom reviewed the summary report of the analysis which included the possibilities listed:  automated weighing at the scale house; bypass of scale house for certain classes of vehicles (i.e. use of punch cards, fixed rate, electronic debit system); increasing waiting area and capacity of recycling-loop garbage bays; one-way traffic flow past recycling bays; and alternative tipping floor options.   She noted that some of the findings would not alleviate the traffic-flow difficulties/delays and as a result of the findings coupled with the idea of  new regulations that would exempt vehicles under 2,000 from being weighed, a pilot program to modify the process for vehicles falling into this category could bypass the scales and be charged through a punch/debit card or flat-rate system.  The model completed in the study indicated that approximately 6-7 minutes of waiting time per vehicle compared to the present 13/14 minutes wait would be eliminated.    Ms. Eckstrom said this modification of procedure could be done within the present budget and without major structural changes.  She stated the entire program will be reviewed and a determination made of the best manner to proceed; she will return to the Committee with a proposal.  It was noted that if a punch card system were used she believed the cost would be $3/bag.  A flat rate would be determined by reviewing data to come up with a fair charge. It is also her hope to eliminate individuals from coming to the facility with only a single bag.

 Mr. Winch arrived at this time (2:30 p.m.).

 A discussion took place and Committee members spoke of various aspects related to the proposal such as estimated fees, incentives to utilize the facility during off-peak hours, extending hours of operation, improving signage, modifying traffic flow, etc.  Ms. Eckstrom noted that she would require time to study data to determine the most appropriate fees.  In addition, Ms. Eckstrom is not certain if the law would allow for "off-peak" discounts but would review this item; additionally, she stated the hours of operation are set in accordance with the business permit; she will review information to see if it is possible and if so the cost to extend hours.  With regard to signage, it was thought new signage would be included in the modifications.  Ms. Eckstrom said the model study indicated that changing the traffic flow with the current operation did not improve the waits.  The pilot would be conducted Mondays through Saturdays for a period of time to determine the effectiveness, and will be as close to the final goal to assist in the transition.

 Ms. Kiefer asked the length of time data were collected and was informed it was three Saturdays as well as a review of historical data.  Ms. Kiefer asked how the figure of 18 mph was determined and was informed it was based on standards, not an exact measurement.  She questioned the reliability of the information regarding the measurement.  Ms. Kiefer said the largest problem is the cross-over of traffic; she feels a loop would be better.  Ms. Eckstrom spoke of Recycle America's plan to evaluate the feasibility for the installation of a traffic-control booth and roadway improvements entering the tipping floor; this should resolve the problem.  In addition, it is recommended the driving area be closer to the building to provide more width.  Ms. Kiefer suggested in the interim to have an individual direct traffic.  It was requested to improve signage as soon as possible.

 Ms. Eckstrom said it would be approximately 6-8 weeks before anything would be implemented; she desires to have everything well thought out prior to implementation.  Mr. Marx will visit the site to provide input.

 Consensus was to proceed to the next step and come back to the Committee with an explanation of the specific proposal.

Request for Disposal Fee Exemption

 Ms. Eckstrom explained this request is from the Highway Division to minimize their cost for the "Adopt A Highway" Program tipping fees.  Following discussions with the Highway Division it was determined that it would be acceptable to allow the exemption in the amount of a $100 cap for 2005 and a $200 cap for 2006.  Mr. Winch expressed concern the exemption may set a precedent and others would request it.  Ms. Eckstrom said it would be contractual between the two divisions.  Mr. Winch said often towns use the scrap metal revenue during roadside collections.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to set a cap on the tipping fee charged to the Highway Division of $100 for 2005, and $200 for 2006 for waste brought to the Solid Waste Facility as part of the "Adopt a Highway" program.  MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION NO.     - INCREASE IN PETTY CASH FUND - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

 Ms. Eckstrom said the request is made to provide for an increase in petty cash from $100 to $500 to cover the higher cost of items required to operate in an efficient manner.  She spoke of the tarps used to cover loads as an example, noting it is easier to purchase a small supply via petty cash than to have to order and store larger quantities.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION APPROVED.

 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the existing Solid Waste Management Division's petty cash fund be increased from $150 to $500.
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Solid Waste Capital Payment Summary

 The Committee reviewed the summary report; Ms. Eckstrom stated the payment period was from February 24 - March 26, 2005.  Future reports will include the period covered.

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

Obstruction Clearance - Scope of Services for Environmental Assesment

 Mr. Nicholas, Airport Manager, said the identification portion of the obstruction report is completed and the next step will be to review the obstructions noted and to complete the State Environmental Quality Review, with a contract anticipated to be complete within the next two weeks.   Additionally, it was noted that $1 million is not excessive for a project of this type in the Northeastern area of the United States as most obstructions are trees.

 Mr. Morrissey, of C & S Engineers, reported the next step would be the planning and environmental aspects of removal of obstructions and introduced Mr. Charles McDermott who would be responsible for this portion of the project.  He explained that an analysis would be done and a meeting of stakeholders/agencies will take place.

Ms. Kiefer requested a copy of a written summary of the first stakeholders meeting; she also recalled an interest in identifying species to determine growth rate and need to remove as part of the mitigation.  Mr. McDermott said that this was not done as part of the Obstruction Identification Study, but during the analysis/SEQR process the trees will be looked at and impacts and recommendations determined.  In response to Mr. Todd, Mr. McDermott said the obstruction study completed follows the Federal Aviation Administration's safety regulations.  Mr. Morrissey said there are several "imaginary" surfaces and the study will look at these surfaces and will determine if it is an environmental concern or wetlands.  This will enable the County to accurately determine what next steps to take.  It was noted the purpose of attending the meeting was to seek input for the scope of work to determine a fee schedule.

 During the March meeting it was noted that it would be important to include an ornithologist and botanist in the review process as well as notifying the adjoining property owners and public of the project.   Mr. McDermott spoke of the "paperless" notification process relating to the project; the Committee felt there needs to be other outreach as many do not have computer access.  Mr. Marx suggested having a meeting with C & S to review information on file with the County relating to the SEQR review that would reduce costs and time for the project.

 Mr. Winch stated his desire to see a ground cover that would eliminate a future growth of brush once the area is cleaned and grubbed; he also said a tree should not be topped unless the desire is to kill it.

 Consensus of the Committee was to proceed as planned, with the assistance of the Planning Department; C&S will return to the next Committee meeting.

RESOLUTION NO.  - AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AIRPORT REVITALIZATION (SOARs) GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NYSDOT) – TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO RETAIN A CONSULTANT FOR MARKETING THE ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIN  3902.53.001)

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION APPROVED.

       WHEREAS, the airport has applied for a grant under the 2005 Federal Small Community Air Service Development Program, and
      WHEREAS, said Federal grant would form part of an extensive marketing and business development program designed by the Air Service Committee (ASC), and
      WHEREAS, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has offered a supporting grant under the state SOARs program to help with the costs of said marketing and business development program, and
     WHEREAS, in the event that said Federal grant is not forthcoming, a marketing and business development program will continue but in an amended form, now therefore be it
     RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the NYSDOT grant of $50,000 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.
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The New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) has been lobbying for some time to have state legislators create a program that would assist airports that are experiencing difficulties in maintaining air service and recruiting new airlines. The SOARs program does just that. In this case the $ 50,000 will offset consultant fees that will be spent whether or not we are successful in obtaining the federal grant. Results of our application for the $ 500,000 federal grant should be known in late August.

Facilities Status Report

 Ms. Schuler thanked Mr. LeMaro for the fast response to cleaning the grounds of the Tompkins County Public Library.

Members reviewed the Facilities Status Report and noted the following:

· Building C generator - it was reported two cost estimates have been received which were higher than the budgeted amount.  Mr. LeMaro said the estimate was for a unit capable of providing electricity for the entire building, including the elevator.  They are now modifying the bids to provide power only to the first floor of the building.  It is believed this would come within budget.  Additionally, it was noted to install the unit on the roof would cost an addition $14,000 due to structural requirements.
· Tompkins County Public Library front entrance - according to QPK, the consulting architect, there is not an energy-efficient mechanical solution to the problem of heat loss at the front entrance.  They are now looking at an architectural solution that may include revolving doors or increasing the length of the door separation.  If the length is increased it would be toward the interior of the building rather than the exterior. It was noted that Connie Brace of QPK has been the contact person.

Brown Road Update

 Ms. Schuler said following the meeting with the MPO she received a letter from Mr. George Doucette of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) that indicated a willingness to review the traffic situation of the Brown Road/New York State Route 13/Sapsucker Woods intersection.  Mr. Marx reported that the NYSDOT has stated that a traffic light would not be an option for this intersection.  Ms. Schuler indicated her belief that in order to modify the intersection the Cornell University Lab or Ornithology will probably want to have a large part in determining what course may be taken.  She spoke of the possibility of moving the sign indicating the bird sanctuary to the Hanshaw Road intersection to reroute some traffic.  Ms. Schuler spoke of the need to restrict the intersection to right turns only and perhaps as Mr. Marx suggested, put up a barrier to prevent traffic from crossing NYS Route 13.  Mr. Penniman suggested scheduling a meeting with the stakeholders of the intersection; Mr. Winch asked to be certain to include the fire and emergency service personnel as they had initially desired the ability to exit from that location.  Ms. Schuler will assist in contacting parties involved; Mr. Lampman will investigate the possibility of moving the ornithology lab sign.

Rollover Requests

Information Technology

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present (Mr. Todd temporarily out of room), to approve the 2005 rollover request in the amount of $1,727.11.  MOTION CARRIED.

Public Works Administration

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Schuler, to approve the 2005 rollover request in the amount of $3,000.  Members of the Committee has questions which required Ms. Nelson's presence, she was unavailable due to a medical leave.  Ms. Kiefer withdrew her motion, Ms. Schuler accepted the withdrawal.  Ms. Nelson will be contacted to provide additional material.  MOTION WITHDRAWN.

Approval of the Minutes from May 10 and June 7, 2005

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present to accept the minutes of May 10 and June 7, 2005, as amended.

Highway Manager Update

 Mr. Marx reported that the screening process for the position of Highway Manager is complete and brought forth a resolution for Committee and Legislative approval.  He said the candidate chosen has accepted pending confirmation of the Legislature.  Mr. Sczesny comes highly accredited and has held a similar position in Broome County for eight years.  It was noted that Broome County's highways system is approximately the same size as Tompkins County.

RESOLUTION NO. - RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF TOMPKINS COUNTY HIGHWAY MANAGER

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  MOTION CARRIED.   Mr. Winch expressed gratitude for Lansing Highway Superintendent Jack French's attendance throughout the entire process.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Charter provides that the County Highway Manager shall be appointed by the County Administrator subject to confirmation by the Legislature, and
WHEREAS, a search process has been conducted over the last nine months which included two separate recruitment efforts and rounds of interviews, and
WHEREAS, the search committee, consisting of Legislator Daniel Winch, Town of Lansing Highway Superintendent Jack French, Highway Senior Crew Supervisor Matt Whittemore, Equipment Service Manager Dale Gregrow, Director of Facilities Arel Lemaro, Personnel Commissioner Anita Fitzpatrick and Deputy County Administrator Ed Marx, recommended two candidates to the County Administrator for consideration, and
WHEREAS, the County Administrator is requesting confirmation of his appointment of one of those candidates, William Sczesny, as Tompkins County Highway Manager, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator's appointment of William Sczesny to the position of Tompkins County Highway Manager is confirmed by the Legislature, effective immediately.
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 On motion the Committee adjourned at 4:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted - Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk