Call to Order

 Mr. Penniman, Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

 The following item was requested and approved to be added to the agenda:
· Resolution - Authorizing Acceptance of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant to Extend and Relocate, Mark and Light (Medium Intensity Taxiway Lighting) Parallel Taxiway "A" Between Taxiways "C" and "E" (Approx. 1500' x 50'), Including Associated Drainage and Airfield Guidance Signs - Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 There were none.

Chairs Report

 Mr. Penniman stated that the Budget and Capital Committee approved the Snyder Hill Road Tower funding as well as approved the Civil Engineer position for the Highway Division.

Approval of Minutes of June 21, 2005

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve the minutes of June 21, 2005.  Ms. Kiefer indicated she had several additions to the set of minutes.  Mr. Penniman said since the minutes were of a joint meeting he would like to see all revisions being presented to all committees involved.  The motion was withdrawn to do so.

Appointment to Hillview Road Landfill Advisory Committee

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present,  to approve the appointment of Dooley Kiefer to the Hillview Road Landfill Advisory Committee for a term to expire December 31, 2005.  MOTION APPROVED.

 Ms. Kiefer stated the Committee will be receiving a hydrology report from Mr. Dan Karig, a former member.  Mr. Karig has donated a great deal of volunteer time to this project and Ms. Kiefer has been asked by the Hillview Landfill Advisory Council to bring forth a resolution of appreciation at a later meeting.

Staff Development and Training Update

 Ms. Nelson reported that the Staff Development and Training Program had been prepared and several training sessions have taken place.  The first half-day sessions for supervisors were held on May 17 and June 7, and 17 of the County's 20 supervisors in the division attended one or more of the sessions.  The cost for this training was $3,410.  The second half-day sessions for field staff were held on June 22 and July 12 with 45 attendees; the cost for this session was $1,472.  Following the sessions a meeting of division managers, Mr. Marx, Ms. Nelson, and Bob Blenn, the Tompkins Cortland Community College instructor, to obtain Mr. Blenn's perspective on the training that occurred and possible future training.  Also discussed was the possibility of future training for the division managers and cabinet managers as well as field and supervisory staff.  Ms. Nelson will meet next week to discuss the future training schedules and will bring forward a proposal when complete.  Ms. Nelson is preparing a spreadsheet with feedback information; it appears the training sessions were well received by participants, including employees who expressed a negative opinion at first.

 Ms. Schuler arrived at this time (2:10 p.m.).

 Ms. Nelson indicated that a future training will take place in the fall and a request for funding may be made if necessary.

 Mr. Winch said he has always supported training and asked if the Highway Division receives "tool box" safety meetings on such important topics as drinking adequate amounts of water during the summer to avoid dehydration.  Ms. Nelson said the Division stresses this type of meeting and has expressed a commitment to the continuation of them.  She said other departments such as Environmental Health supply information on pollen counts, new recommendations for the removal of dead animals on the highway, and such.  In addition, she said each crew has large water containers on site and at times supervisors supply crews with sodas and Gatoradeã on occasion.  Mr. Sczesny said many different topics are brought up during safety meetings; the past week was a notification of hogweed, an invasive week that is extremely caustic to the touch.  Mr. Marx complimented Ms. Nelson for her part in organizing the training and formulating a long-range plan.  He said training had taken place previously; it will now continue to be offered.

Warren Road/Forest Home Plan

 Mr. Sczesny reviewed the preliminary plans for the construction work to take place on Warren Road in the Forest Home Area.  He reported he met with the Forest Home Homeowners Association representatives regarding the project.  The curb on the west will be hauled, with the curb, gutter, and pavement sections replaced.  The east gutter will be adjusted with a sidewalk and retaining wall; this portion is being planned with the Town of Ithaca's involvement.  Mr. Sczesny said it appears some difficulties may occur due to the sub-base and stumps along a steep slope of the proposed work area.  He does not anticipate the project to start this year as work is being coordinated with the Town of Ithaca who is in agreement with the plan.

 A discussion related to the project occurred with Committee members asking specifics about width, curb, and sidewalk areas.    The project overall will retain the present width with a curve pulled in.  Due to the 1.5 foot gutter there will be the illusion of the road being narrower than it actually is.  Mr. Winch expressed concern regarding the sidewalk, saying it is difficult for the Town to maintain.  Mr. Penniman felt it was better than to have pedestrians walk along the street.  Mr. Marx said he believes the plan was adequate, that it provides a compromise as the request from residents was to narrow the roadway.  Mr. Sczesny said the road would appear narrower due to the design, the concerns of residents has been heard.   The curbs will be a mountable curb on the east side and is to allow bicyclists and pedestrians a rapid access to the sidewalk/shoulder area and is provided as a safety measure.  Ms. Kiefer noted her concern regarding mountable curbs and said at an earlier meeting with Forest Home Improvement Association and Town of Ithaca a Cornell University safety officer and others also expressed their dislike for them saying they are less safe.  She would like to attend the meeting with the Forest Home Association next week but is unable to do so as she will be out of town.  Mr. Sczesny will notify the Committee when the final plan is completed in the next 3-4 weeks.

Capital Payment Summaries

 Ms. Kiefer requested again that the dates the payment covers be provided.  Mr. Marx stated he is in the process of standardizing the forms for all divisions, the request will be included.

Mr. Penniman requested an update on the Coddington Road project at the next meeting.

Highway Machinery Overruns, Extension of Machinery Rental Payments, Snow and Ice Reserve - Fund Balance Use Options (recommendations)

 Mr. Sczesny reviewed the handout related to the Road Fund.  He stated the current  2005 balance was $720,000 with anticipated expenditures bringing the anticipated balance at the end of the year to $131,110.  It was noted the State has modified rental rates (which are used to determine the cost of operation of equipment when budgeting) and an estimated $228,890.   With regard to McLean Road the funds will cover the reconstruction of the highway up to the bridge in the hamlet.  Following this, the bridge and second portion of the reconstruction of the remaining highway will be put back out to bid with the hope of reducing overall costs as the present Federal Aid budget will not cover the project in its entirety; $32,000 is being set aside for this project.  The snow and ice contracts are anticipated to cost approximately $50,000 for the upcoming season.  In addition, $50,000 will be placed in a revenue reserve account.

 With regard to the Snow and Ice budget, Mr. Marx explained that an attempt is being undertaken to provide reliable level budget results for this annual work; it is not yet in place but this is a step in that direction.

 Ms. Nelson reported that a check for the machinery fund received as a 2004 reimbursement was placed in the highway account to offset expenditures for 2005; it was not received soon enough to credit 2004.

 Mr. Winch said he would like to see the cost of blacktop and materials for year-to-date to determine if the budget will allow completion of projects.  Mr. Penniman agreed and stated he would like to see a report showing year-to-date expenses in all categories.  Ms. Nelson said the machinery account comes into the Highway Road Fund and then is passed through to the other account.  Mr. Penniman also wanted to receive information regarding equipment purchases.  Mr. Marx said the equipment rental reimbursement budget line should assist in providing needed funding for new equipment.  In response to a question, it was noted that the cost of both parts and fuel have risen significantly and the funds from sale of equipment, while assisting in offsetting the increases, will not cover the entire amount required for the 2005 budget.

 The equipment rental funding was explained to the Committee; it is a reimbursement from the Federal government for the use of the County equipment when undertaking Federal Aid highway projects.  This year the amount of rental revenue was high due to a concerted effort to obtain all reimbursements in a timely fashion.  It is not anticipated the amount will be as high in subsequent years.

Position Request - Civil Engineer - Highway Division

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Winch to approve the full-time position of Civil Engineer in the Highway Division, salary level $46,040 (2004 rate), with 100% local funding.  The Committee was informed that the present list has only one individual and expires in December 2005.  This position will be advertised and resumes will be reviewed.  Mr. Sczesny is working with Mr. Estes in the Personnel Department to perform a broad outreach for candidates.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Todd).  POSITION APPROVED.

 Ms. Nelson notified the Committee she would be bringing forth an administrative position that will become open due to retirement at the next meeting.

Approval of Minutes of July 12, 2005

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to approve the minutes of July 12, 2005.

Airport

RESOLUTION NO.       AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) GRANT TO EXTEND AND RELOCATE, MARK AND LIGHT (MEDIUM INTENSITY TAXIWAY LIGHTING)       PARALLEL TAXIWAY "A" BETWEEN TAXIWAYS "C" AND "E" (APPROXIMATELY 1500' X 50'), INCLUDING    ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND AIRFIELD GUIDANCE SIGNS - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch and approved by acclamation of the Committee, to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.

WHEREAS, the County has received a grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the amount of $2,420,450 to complete construction of Phase II of the three phase Parallel Taxiway Relocation project, to eventually bring the parallel taxiway into compliance with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, and
WHEREAS, the budget for this project is as follows:

     FAA Share         (95.0%)     Account No. HT 5601.44592       $3,255,144.35
     NYSDOT Share (  2.5%)     Account No. HT 5601.43592       $   110,067.95
     Local Share        (  2.5%)     Account No. HT 5601.45031       $   110,067.96

     Total                                                                                          $3,475,280.26

, and
WHEREAS, the remaining Federal funding of $834,694.35 is already in hand from a previous 2002 Federal grant that has been set aside for this project, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the grant offer from the FAA of $2,420,450 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-2

Note:  Funding for this project is made up of $ 2,225,000 in Federal DISCRETIONARY funding with the remainder being 2002 and 2005 ENTITLEMENT funding. The local share is factored into the airline rates and charges. The third and final phase of this project is set for design this coming winter with construction next year.

Brown Road Update

 Mr. Marx reported he received information from Mr. Doucette of the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) that the DOT will undertake a traffic count at the Brown Road/New York State Route 13 intersection and portions of Warren Road as well.  At this time he is confirming how far off the Route 13 corridor the State is allowed to place equipment.  In the event it is necessary, steps will be taken to contact the County and Towns involved to coordinate the effort.  It was noted that to do the count as soon as possible would be desirable but that it should perhaps wait until students are back in the area and that it not be done during a holiday.  Mr. Marx anticipates the count would be completed and preliminary results due in September.

2006 - 2010 Capital Projects Requests

Airport

 Mr. Nicholas reviewed written material provided to the Committee regarding capital projects requests.   He noted that for 2006 the projects include the following:  reconfigure public parking lots, parallel taxiway (Phase III) construction, multi-purpose snow blower/broom purchase, GIS development of an overlay of technical drawings of the airport, general obstruction clearance, construction of a second general aviation hangar, and construction of a ten-unit set of T-hangars (Phase I).  The estimated cost of the projects for 2006 is $5,880,000 of which the total local share would be $293,250.

Ms. Kiefer inquired why Egner was the recommended design contractor for the parking lot and suggested the possibility of a project such as this being done by architectural students at Cornell University as a class project. Mr. Nicholas thought it may be an idea to be discussed; Mr. Marx thought the project would not be a challenge and therefore the college may not be interested.  He also said the Air Space Committee felt it important to maintain the overall architectural design of the original terminal construction project and therefore it should be the same firm.  It is believed the work can be done without adding asphalt but rather to reconfigure the present design.

Ms. Kiefer left at this time (3:07 p.m.).

Mr. Nicholas said the GIS project will only proceed in the event the Federal Aviation Administration makes a determination to authorize AIP funding, in the interim it is a placeholder.  He explained this project would provide a computerized overlay of all technical drawings/information relating to the airport.  A brief discussion occurred regarding in-house capability of working on the project, noting the County Information Technology Services department may not have time to do the project.  In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration has specific standards that may be required when completing the project.

The general aviation hangar would be a project of Taughannock Aviation; if done the old hangar could be removed.

The T-hangars would be completed only if the waiting list had greater than 5 individuals on it.  It was suggested to perhaps rent out other units as storage for items such as antique cars.

For 2007, the projects included security improvements, removal of the old general aviation facility, and a runway safety area analysis and improvement.  Total cost of projects is $4,150,000 with a local share of $103,750.  The runway safety area analysis and improvement project is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

For 2009 a project to expand the general aviation ramp is proposed with a cost of $580,000, local share of $14,500.

For 2010 two projects, construction for an air freight/maintenance building, and a second set of T-hangars is proposed; total cost of $1,150,000, local share of $175,000.

Facilities

 Mr. LeMaro reported the work is ongoing regarding the Facilities proposed capital budget, partly due to the pending Space Use Master Plan 2005 that recommends several options over the course of the next several years.  He has prepared a 20-year report for Mr. Marx outlining repairs and maintenance anticipated such as roof and equipment repairs.  At this time determinations are being made of whether the various projects would be operational or capital projects.

Chair's Directive

 Mr. Penniman stated the Committee will continue budget reviews over the course of the next several meetings.  It was asked that items of concerns and specific topics be reported on rather than the entire budget for each division.  The August 9 meeting will include budget items from Solid Waste and the Highway Division.

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk