Present: R. Booth, Chair; D. Kiefer, Vice Chair; N. Schuler, D. Winch, M. Lane
Staff: J. Lampman, Highway Division; E. Marx, Administration; R. Nicholas, Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport; A. LeMaro, Facilities; B. Eckstrom, K. Thompson, Solid Waste; D. Squires, Finance Director; J. Wood, County Attorney; K. Fuller, Recorder
Guests: O. Gustofson, Cornell University
Called to Order
Mr. Booth called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
1) Chair's Announcement
Mr. Booth, Chair, informed members of the Committee that Ms. Nelson's son, Barry, had received a kidney transplant over the past weekend. Mr. Booth said that Ms. Nelson's son is responding well and is expected to be out of intensive care today. Mr. Booth and the other members of the Committee expressed congratulations and best wishes to the Nelson family.
2) Additions to and Deletions from the Agenda
Additions:
· Executive session regarding personnel matter
Deletions:
· Minutes of June 8, 2004
3) Cornell University Chemical and Radioactive Sites Annual Report
Mr. Gustofson, Operations Manager at the Chemical and Radioactive sites, provided Cornell's annual report regarding the university's chemical and radioactive waste sites near the airport. The Committee received maps and graphs of the sites and was provided a brief history of the sites. Mr. Gustofson's report and his responses to various questions highlighted the following points:
Chemical Disposal Site
· The final construction measures of the chemical site are being
completed. The chemical site is having the temporary cap that was
installed in 1990 replaced with a permanent multi-composition cap.
Once the cap is in place soil with rocks and vegetation will be placed
on top to prevent erosion. The cap is expected to have a life of
approximately 30 years.
· Regarding alternatives to reduce and/or eliminate the VOC
concentrations at the site there may be methods to introduce chemical oxidizers
or nutrients to eliminate the contamination. However, the University
has determined not to pursue those alternatives, because of their costs
and the time necessary to implement them.
· Although the plume 1,000' x 500' and is slowly shrinking,
it is anticipated that it will be approximately 30 years before it is totally
gone.
· TCE at the site is absorbed in the soil and shows itself at
various times throughout the year based upon the moisture content of the
soil.
· There are seasonal variations in well testing; September is
usually the driest month, and has the highest numbers.
Radiation Disposal Site
· During last two to three years testing has been for paradioxane.
· During the past year work was completed to seal leakage by
drilling and grouting any existing fractures in bedrock beneath the radiation
disposal site.
· The installation of a cap over the site (with a life of one
hundred years) is taking place this summer.
· Pumping of groundwater initiated two years ago showed a reduction
in paradioxane levels within the first six months, and the addition of
grouting has also helped traces of this chemical.
Treatment Plant
· Uses carbon absorption for volatile agents, and ultraviolet
oxidation to destroy paradioxanes. There is no treatment for tritium.
· Under the supervision of Cornell University, the Icthiological
Associates assists in monitoring of nearby streams to determine any hazard
to macro- invertebrates.
Additional Discussion
· It was noted that the slurry wall built at the chemical site
is estimated to have a minimum thirty-year life span.
· Cornell University's annual operating budget for these sites
is an estimated $360,000 for the Chemical Disposal site and $300,000 for
the Radiation Disposal site.
· The treatment plant has a new collection system installed
to filter hazardous waste.
· There are three to four areas near the Radiation Disposal
site designated as wetlands. Testing of these areas has indicated
no direct proof of contamination.
· On occasion paradioxine has been found downstream when no
evidence of its presence has been monitored upstream. Other products
such as antifreeze and others contain this compound, and traces of this
chemical may be due to contamination coming from another source.
· According to Mr. Nicholas, operation and maintenance of the
University's sites, including well monitoring have no difficulties for
actual airport operations.
· Copies of the annual report are available at the airport,
Town of Ithaca, and at Cornell University.
4) RESOLUTION NO. AUTHORIZATION OF A FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CORNELL UNIVERSITY FOR DISCOUNT PARKING AT THE ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. Mr. Nicholas provided a history as outlined in the explanation below. Ms. Schuler said that it may be prudent to extend the contract for only a one-year period in order to allow the Airport Task Force the opportunity to complete the review and recommendations regarding service.
It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to amend
the resolution to permit a one-year extension. Ms. Kiefer said without
the contract to review it is difficult to ascertain if there is an escape
clause for either party. Mr. Nicholas will research and notify the
Committee. Ms. Schuler asked if the Task Force was aware of the contract
and was informed that they are not at this time.
Mr. Winch said the contract should be left as it at the present time
and that if circumstances change it could be renegotiated. Mr. Booth
said a five-year extension would lock in a revenue stream. Ms. Kiefer
said that she does not feel comfortable in approving a five-year extension
without an escape clause. Mr. Nicholas suggested a one-year extension
with a County option to renew for four years. At this time members
of the Committee reached consensus that the suggested changes to the resolution
(i.e., a one year contract with a County option to extend it for four more
years) were friendly, and the previous motion was lifted from the table.
The amended resolution was unanimously adopted by voice vote of
members present, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature
for approval. MOTION CARRIED.
WHEREAS, Cornell University wishes to extend its agreement for discount
parking at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University will guarantee the County a minimum of
$ 51,470.34 per year plus an accumulative increase based on the previous
year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) from Cornell-authorized vehicles parking
in the airport’s long-term and short-term parking lots, and
WHEREAS, in return for said minimum guarantee the County will provide
parking spaces for Cornell-authorized business travelers at seventy-five
percent of the normal pre-sales tax fee, and
WHEREAS, the Airport Task Force is in the process of studying airport
operations and preparing recommendations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee,
That the County Administrator be authorized and directed to execute an
agreement with Cornell University for an a one year period with a County
option to continue for an additional four years commencing May 1, 2004.
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The airport has provided Cornell with a discount on parking since the
terminal opened in 1994. In return the university guarantees a minimum
level of Cornell parking income for the airport. There is an inflation
factor built into the agreement and the minimum guarantee increases each
year based on the previous year’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The discount was originally 50% but it was lowered to 25% last year.
This extension would continue to provide a 25% discount for all Cornell
business parking.
5) RESOLUTION NO. AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER OF $ 175,000 FROM THE CONTINGENT FUND TO THE AIRPORT FUND IN PAYMENT FOR AIRPORT LAND TRANSFERRED TO THE COUNTY AS A SITE FOR THE NEW E-911 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Lane. Mr. Booth stated that this resolution came before the Budget and Capital Committee earlier in the day, was amended as shown in the revised resolution handed to the Committee. He said there had been discussion regarding whether the resolution should just reflect the transfer because the new building is on airport property, or whether it should include reference to the cash flow situation at the airport as well At the Budget and Capital Committee meeting the contract was approved by a 4-1 vote as just a transfer due to the real property transaction.
Mr. Lane inquired if the funds for this transfer could possibly come from capital funds earmarked for the Emergency Response Center (ERC). Mr. Booth indicated that the question of funding from the ERC project had been brought up at the Budget and Capital meeting, and it was noted that the additional funds from that project are being utilized to move the South Hill Tower project forward. Accordingly, there are not sufficient funds in the ERC capital project to cover this cost. Mr. Lane asked if the capital project fund could be amended to include the $175,000. It was noted that it language about the airports fiscal situation was removed in order to keep the resolution directed specifically at the transfer of funds authorized by the FAA. It was further noted that a separate resolution could be brought forward related to the reimbursement to the General Fund related to the old airport terminal demolition. Mr. Winch said he supports the resolution as written and that he believes the resolution is appropriate because for years the airport supported the Emergency Services Department.
At this time Chair Booth called a three-minute recess to allow Mr. Squires to come to the meeting to discuss the matter with the Committee. The Committee recessed at 2:59 p.m.
The Committee reconvened at 3:02 p.m.
Mr. Squires indicated it would not be advisable to amend the capital project for the ERC building in order to provide the funds necessary for this transaction. He said while theoretically an amendment could be adopted, the amount was not significant and the costs associated with the bonding would be too high to be warranted. In addition, he noted that the authorization to amend the capital project and adopt a new bonding resolution should have been done prior to this time.
A voice vote of members present, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval resulted as follows: Ayes - 3 (Legislators Booth, Lane, and Winch); Noes - 2 (Legislators Kiefer and Schuler). MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Kiefer stated she would like to propose a companion resolution relating to the funds authorized for the old airport terminal. Mr. Booth suggested she present it later in the meeting.
WHEREAS, a parcel of airport land was transferred to the County as a site for the new E-911 Emergency Response Center in accordance with a Deed of Release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dated 14 February 2003, and
WHEREAS, under federal grant assurances, in return for the land transfer, the County is obligated to reimburse the airport for the fair market value of said parcel as referenced in said Deed of Release, and
WHEREAS, the County’s Assessment Department placed a value on said parcel
of
One Hundred and Seventy Five Thousand dollars ($ 175,000), and
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That a transfer of $ 175,000 from the Contingent Fund to the Airport Fund be authorized to pay for the E-911 Emergency Response Center parcel and to ease the airport’s cash-flow problems:
From:
A1990.54400 Contingent Fund
$ 175,000
To:
CT5610.54400 Airport
$ 175,000
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Explanatory Note:
The County Finance Director believes there is a general acceptance that, if nothing changes, sooner or later the $175,000 will have to be transferred to the airport due to the drop-off in passengers and diminished revenue stream. However, with the recently signed two-year contract extension with US Airways, having the $175,000 in the airport account should solve the airport’s cash-flow problems and allow the airport to at least get through until the end of the contract (12/31/2005) without the need to borrow money from other sources. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized this money be transferred to the Airport.
6) RESOLUTION NO. AMENDMENT TO THE 2004-2008 CAPITAL PROGRAM – TRANSIENT RAMP REHABILITATION – ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Booth. Mr. Nicholas reviewed the history as written in the explanation. It was noted that the estimate for this amendment to the transient ramp rehabilitation project was received by C&S Engineers and that this project is presently out for bid (with the rehabilitation of the T-hangars taxiway noted as an add on to that project). Ms. Schuler noted the local share for this project amendment would result in an increase of charges to those using the airport and may affect landings; she asked whether a delay was possible. The majority of the Committee felt delay was not appropriate because this has been an existing problem that can be corrected within the transient ramp rehabilitation project. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4; Noes - 1 (Legislator Schuler).
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has an approved Capital Project in the
2004 – 2008 Capital Program in the amount of $ 1,420,000 for Rehabilitation
of the airport’s Transient Ramp, and
WHEREAS, the project has been revised to include the necessary rehabilitation
of the paved area between the County T-Hangars, and
WHEREAS, completion of this additional work will increase the project
cost by an estimated $80,000, and
WHEREAS, by using federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding
for said rehabilitation of the paved area the airport will be reimbursed
$ 39,000, and
WHEREAS, the airport’s local share of this project will increase from
$35,500 to $76,500 and said increase will be paid for by incorporating
it into the airline rates and charges, and
WHEREAS, the revised funding sources are as follows:
Original Project Revised Project
FAA
$ 1,349,000
$ 1,387,000
NYSDOT
$ 35,500
$ 36,500
Local (Airline Rates & Charges)
$ 35,500
$ 76,500
Total $ 1,420,000 $ 1,500,000
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities & Infrastructure
and Budget & Capital Committees, That the 2004-2008 Capital Program
be amended to incorporate this change in project scope and estimated cost
increase,
RESOLVED, further, that the Finance Director be authorized to advance
funds in connection with this project until reimbursement is received from
the FAA, NYSDOT and the Airlines.
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Explanatory Notes:
The problems being experienced with the paved area between the County T-hangars are for the most part caused by frost heave of the central drains which have now risen above the level of the surrounding pavement, causing large areas of ponding to occur after rainfall. In addition, insufficient slope of the pavement between the T-hangars and areas of failing pavement are causing ponding in other areas. During winter months this standing water freezes and presents a hazard for T-hangar tenants who wish to use their aircraft. The situation has worsened over the past several years to a point where T-hangar tenants have expressed concern about their safety when using the area.
The problem requires a re-seating and lowering of the drains and then re-paving of the entire lane to ensure adequate pavement contours and thus, proper drainage.
This year’s Transient Ramp Rehabilitation project presents us with the opportunity to get almost half of the costs taken care of under the federal AIP grant program. Under the AIP program the center twenty-five foot section, being considered an aircraft transit lane, is eligible for funding. The two sections 12 1/2 foot sections on either side of the twenty-five foot strip are not eligible. Therefore, half the project would qualify for the usual FAA/NYSDOT/Local split of costs and the other half would be entirely an airport cost.
The FAA is unlikely to approve it as a stand-alone project because it is too small, but they are happy for us to do it as part of a larger project like the Transient Ramp Rehabilitation.
The local cost of this project will be absorbed in the airport’s operational budget and form part of the airline’s rate base.
7) 2004 Position Request to Fill Vacated Cleaner Position- Facilities
MOVED by Ms. Schuler seconded by Ms. Kiefer. The Committee was informed that the cleaner position is unfilled due to a permanent disability of the individual holding the position. It was noted the funds for the individual leaving the position was on Social Security disability.
8) RESOLUTION NO. - REPAYMENT TO CONTINGENT FUND - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Schuler. Mr. Lane said he would support it as it takes some of the Capital Funds and puts them back into where they belong. Mr. Squires said if desired, the previous resolution that approved the $64,066 funds for the airport could be rescinded instead. Mr. Booth will not support the resolution because he feels Mr. Squires has clearly indicated the airport's need to retain the funds. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 3; Noes - 2 (Legislators Booth and Winch).
WHEREAS the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport requested and was
granted $64,066 from the Contingent Fund be transferred to the Ithaca Tompkins
Regional Airport to cover the airport's share of demolition of the Old
Terminal with the understanding that the airport would reimburse the Contingent
Fund when it had funds available, and
WHEREAS, with the transfer to the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
of $175,000 reflecting repayment of FAA monies for use of County Airport
land for new Emergency Response Center the airport now has funds to repay
the Contingency Fund, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
Committee, That a transfer of $64,066 from the Airport Fund to the contingent
fund be authorized.
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8) Facilities Status Report
Mr. LeMaro stated he had added requested information to the status report indicating how the work is being funded. Members noted that when departments request Facilities undertake work that is not routine maintenance, funds should be paid by the requesting department to facilities.
Ms. Schuler reported to Mr. LeMaro that an ongoing long-term drainage problem continues to exist at the sidewalk area at the Mental Health Building.
9) Capital Payment Summaries
Members of the Committee reviewed the capital payment summaries. It again was requested that the period of time covered for the current payment be noted on the report.
10) Audit of Final Payment - McLean-Cortland Road
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Lane. Mr. Lampman said the punch list items were finished the previous month. However, certain striping work in of the repair areas is still incomplete, and the contractor was told the check would be held until the work is completed. A discussion ensued regarding the need to have all the work completed prior to approval of final payments. As a result of the discussion the motion was withdrawn.
11) RESOLUTION NO: - APPROVAL OF EQUIPMENT SWAP WITH TOWN OFITHACA HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. Mr. Lampman explained this was a mutual agreement to provide the Town of Ithaca with equipment the County was planning to sell at auction; in return the County will receive a piece of equipment from the Town that has been used often by the County. It was explained that an auctioneer has provided estimated values for these pieces of equipment and this will be an even swap. The piece of equipment the County would receive is utilized to assist in opening culverts. Mr. Marx inquired whether this transfer might affect the anticipated revenue portion from sales of equipment budgeted for equipment purchases during 2004. Consensus was reached by the Committee to approve the resolution pending receipt of the information related to the revenue and equipment purchases.
A voice vote to approve the resolution pending the receipt and satisfactory assurances related to the revenue and equipment purchase questions resulted as follows: Ayes - 5; Noes - 0. MOTION APPROVED
[*Subsequent to the meeting it was reported that the bid received for the live bottom trailer was $6,700 less than the budget estimate. When deducting the $3,500 appraisal for the auction estimate, $3,200 surplus remains within the equipment budget line.]
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca has a 1995 SECA, 747F Trailer Mounted
Sewer Jet which is scheduled to be replaced this year, and a new one has
been ordered; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Highway Department has a 1990 Red River,
LB237 Live Bottom Trailer for sale; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County and the Town of Ithaca are in agreement
to trade these two pieces of equipment, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
Committee that the Highway Manager be authorized to trade the County’s
1990 Red River Live Bottom Trailer for the Town’s 1995 SECA Trailer Mounted
Sewer Jet. No monetary transactions are needed
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EXPLANATION: In the spirit of intermunicipal cooperation and offering used equipment to other municipalities, this was a successful agreement for both parties where no money had to be exchanged.
12) Highway Project Status
Members reviewed the Highway Projects Status Report and noted the following:
· Highway staff tentatively designated consulting firms to design
the six uninitiated FHWA-funded projects. These include the Ringwood
Road Bridge, Newfield Depot bridge, Station Road culvert, Hanshaw Road
reconstructions, Coddington Road reconstruction and Warren Road reconstruction.
· Warren Road - the Forest Home Improvement Association (FHIA)
has expressed a desire to have certain traffic-calming elements incorporated
in the design. It was noted that the proposal elements may not be
possible due to engineering standards. It was suggested that further
discussions take place with the Town of Ithaca and FHIA.
· The uninitiated FHWA projects are expected to have fall public
meetings held with the work taking place in 2005.
· Ludlowville Road - A meeting with residents from the affected
area of Ludlowville Road will be held. Information obtained regarding
possible causes of the flooding will be reviewed as well as a review of
the geographic area by hydrology consultants is taking place.
13) Federal Aid Consultant Selection Process
Mr. Booth explained this item is a continuation of the discussion occurring at the previous meeting. He suggested that the Committee consider permitting a town/village highway superintendnet be a non-voting participant in discussions related to the consultant selection process, with the selection being determined by County officials. Following a brief discussion the matter was tabled for a future meeting.
14) Annual Fees for Colleges and BOCES
Ms. Eckstrom, Director of Tompkins County Solid Waste, informed the Committee that following the direction of the Committee, a determination was made to recommend the following changes to the 2005 fee schedules for Colleges and BOCES:
· Use correct County solid waste tonnage data.
· Modify staff allocations in budget from administration to
programs.
For the 2006 budget the following was recommended:
· Review other methods of charging colleges (on some other basis
than provided by existing formulas.
· Determine the implications of a more direct relationship between
changes in the residential and the college fees.
The ensuing discussion dealt with the following points:
· Ms. Eckstrom then reported that she will undertake a larger
study of solid waste fees collected throughout a variety of communities
to determine if there is a equitable method of determining fees for the
colleges and BOCES. She believes that there is a relationship between
increased residential costs and increased college/BOCES costs and will
be studying the matter.
· Ms. Kiefer expressed disappointment that once again dealing
with more accurate fees for this user group has been put off another year.
· Ms. Eckstrom noted that the tonnage numbers from Ithaca College
are very useful in determining fees; however, Cornell University data are
not broken out in a manner to easily determine the necessary information.
· Ms. Schuler thought that perhaps this topic could be covered
within the committee dealing with County/University relations.
· Ms. Eckstrom said that she has referred to her counterpart
at Cornell, Walt Smithers,but has not yet had success in obtaining information
such as solid waste tonnage from off-campus university housing.
· It was generally agreed that the manner in which Ms. Eckstrom
was proceeding was acceptable at this time.
15) Executive Session
It was unanimously approved to MOVE to an Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Mr. Booth indicated that no action would be taken upon the close of the executive session.
Executive session began at 4:15 p.m. and ended at 5:15 p.m.
Adjournment
The regular meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk, Tompkins County
Legislature