Call To Order

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

Changes/Additions to Agenda

There were no changes/additions to the agenda.
 
Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 No persons wished to address the Committee

Minutes of July 25, 2006

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

Commissioner of Planning and Public Works Report

 Mr. Marx reported all budgets for the Public Works Division were submitted to the County Administrator on schedule.  There were some modifications to over-target requests previously discussed, with Facilities requesting less funding for the utilities line due to significant savings from the energy performance agreement entered into with Johnson Controls.  In addition, the Highway Division has one significant request for highway equipment.  As previously mentioned, the Facilities Division is making an over-target request to provide funding for maintenance items previously deferred.  Both enterprise operations appear to be in good standing.  In response to Ms. Kiefer’s question about Public Works Administration funding, Mr. Marx said a determination was made to continue the present method of having each Public Works division share equally the expense of Administration, utilizing interfund revenue rather than an over-target request.  He explained that at this time it would have less of an impact on the tax rate than to have a separate budget line.

 Mr. Booth inquired how the decrease in over-target requests occurred and was informed that Facilities is only asking for the increase in utility costs that has already occurred.  The Facilities Division is requesting between $50,000 to $60,000 for utility increases, a reduction that is possible due to savings as a result of the emergency performance contract.  In addition, an over-target one-time request for $100,000 is being made to provide for vehicle replacement.  Highway Division’s over-target request for fuel has been reduced from $180,000 to $70,000; and approximately $210,000 will be requested for anticipated increase in the cost of asphalt and supplies.

 Ms. Kiefer inquired if the Committee would be receiving a report in September regarding the energy performance contract with Johnson Control, noting it would be helpful with budget deliberations.  If the results of the first year of the contract indicated real savings, that could affect the size of the over-target requests.

 Mr. Marx reported he met with Mr. Sczesny, Mr. Lampman, and Town of Caroline Supervisor, Mr. Barber, to discuss flood mitigation opportunities.  He said there will be funding available for grants for counties included as part of the disaster declaration area in addition to the funding for repairs of the infrastructure.  The day following the meeting he received a letter from the State stating initially only applications for mitigation by purchasing property damaged by flood will be accepted.  If any funds are remaining after the initial applications there may be other mitigation projects considered.  Mr. Marx said there is not anything identified in Tompkins County to meet the initial application criteria outlined by the State.

 Mr. Marx responded to Mr. Booth’s question regarding the Boiceville Road bridge and noted there is no appropriate action to be taken at this time.  He said more analysis of both up-stream and down-stream impacts would be required.  Mr. Marx noted a good deal of money was spent on the Berille project which completed mitigation work upstream.  The Town would like to continue the process downstream and may apply for additional funding.  Mr. Marx noted it is an expensive way to address problems and he is not sure it is the best way to accomplish the work.

 Mr. Marx indicated there is discussion with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relating to the flood damage in Groton.  Mr. Randall said work has begun at the Spring Street Extension site where erosion has removed eroded soil beneath the drain pipe and is close to the septic field of an existing home next to the location.  Mr. Booth inquired whether consideration has been made to purchase and move the home; he was informed by Mr. Marx that the situation is not at that point at this time.  He said that the FEMA soil individual and structural engineer spoke of the Spring Street Extension and Banks Road sites being extraordinary; they had not ever seen such situations in many years of experience.  Mr. Sczesny stated the Banks Road site is unusual inasmuch as the clay bottom of the stream is coming up and behind the structure it is sinking; in addition there is a fissure 200’ to 250’, with the fissure being 3-4 inches wide in some areas.  Mr. Marx noted that the County crews having to respond to emergency work such as what has recently occurred has a negative effect on the regular work schedule.

 Mr. Marx indicated Ms. Eckstrom, Solid Waste Manager was unable to be in attendance; questions related to her annual report should be made deferred to the next meeting.

Authorization to Execute Extension of Highway Snow and Ice Agreement with the State of New York Department of Transportation

RESOLUTION NO.                - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Randall.  Ms. Kiefer noted her continued reservation to sign an agreement so far in advance.  Mr. Randall said he shared her sentiments.  Mr. Sczesny indicated the State prepares the agreement in advance to assist with their planning process; if it were deferred he would let the State know the County chose to defer at this time.  It was noted the amount of the contract is based on the Statewide average based upon center-line mile or linear mile; the approximate contract amount is just over $200,000 and is adjusted annually based upon fuel-cost calculations.  The total contract is approximately 133 center-line miles, with an estimated revenue of $3,200 to $3,400 per mile plowed.  It was requested that Mr. Sczesny provide the Committee with the County’s cost for these services.   Mr. Booth said in general he believes it is good for the County to be responsible for plowing the State-owned roads because they are heavily used by the County’s citizens.

 The resolution was tabled until the next meeting when the requested information may be reviewed.

WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has heretofore entered into an agreement with the State of New York pursuant to Section 12 of Highway Law relating to control of snow and ice on State highways, and
 WHEREAS, Sections 7 and 10 of said agreement respectively provide a method of modifying the map of affected State highways and for annually updating the estimated expenditures, and
 WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to extend said agreement currently set to expire June 30, 2008 as modified and updated, for an additional two-year period, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That an extension of the snow and ice agreement is hereby authorized for a period of one year, from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, and the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute such extension on behalf of the County,
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Authorization of a Five-Year Extension to the Agreement with Cornell University for Discount Parking at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

RESOLUTION NO.  - AUTHORIZATION OF A FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CORNELL UNIVERSITY FOR DISCOUNT PARKING AT THE ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Randall, to recommend the following to the full Legislature for approval.  A discussion occurred during which it was indicated the figure does not have an escalation clause; five years following the initial contract an increase based on the consumer price index was included in the contract, however in practice the increase brought the parking cost up to or above the full parking rate.  Since that occurred it was determined to again utilize the $45,000 figure, which has proven to be successful.  Last year the actual amount of discount parking was $39,665, and Cornell University provided the airport with a payment for the difference.  A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes – 3; Noes –0; Excused – 1 (Legislator Mackesey); Absent – 1 (Legislator Shinagawa).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

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 $ 45,000 per year 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, 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 additional five years commencing May 1, 2006.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

 Explanatory Note: 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. This extension would continue to provide a 25% discount for all Cornell business parking.

RESOLUTION NO.      - AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL CONSULTANT AGREEMENT NO. 1 WITH C&S ENGINEERS, INC., FOR PHASE II OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL AND RUNWAY SAFETY AREA IMPROVEMENTS – ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Mr. Randall, seconded by Mr. Booth, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Nicholas explained the original amount of the resolution was decreased as a result of changes in the information and amount of work connected with the project.  Present at the meeting were Mr. McDermott and Mr. Morrissey, of C&S Engineers, Inc., to provide additional information relating to the scope of the project.  Mr. Morrissey said the majority of the work within this supplemental agreement is for the runway extensions discussed previously to meet the Federal Safety Standards.  The balance is to investigate Obstruction No. 32-11 located in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary as identified as part of the FAR Part 77 Obstruction Study prepared by C&S dated may 2005 to determine the exact height and geographical location of each tree within the limits of the obstruction.  One particular feature of the work to be done is combining the environmental needs assessment for both projects into one environmental assessment.  Mr. Morrissey noted that many of the individual items listed within the financial breakdown for this supplemental agreement have already been completed, that C&S had advanced them.

Mr. Morrissey reported that the result of the runway extension study, which is the least expensive option to comply with the FAA Safety Standards for the Runway Safety Area (RSA), could interfere with the present grade of a portion of Warren Road (1,500 feet).  It was explained that when the grade of the road plus fifteen feet for the height of a truck is taken into account, the study indicates it penetrates the Part 77 surface.  This situation requires either a few obstruction lights or to lower the grade of the road by 1.5 feet.  It was noted that lowering the grade of the road is not required, however the pending reconstruction of Warren Road could take into account this penetration.  Mr. Morrissey spoke of the noise analysis completed as an additional project.  Mr. Marx questioned the portion of the charge related to the present project, stating his belief that additional charges should only be related to the new work to be completed, particularly due to the lack of submission of recommendations following the stakeholder meetings.  Mr. McDermott and Mr. Morrissey clarified that the noise analysis was completed per FAA instructions due to the runway extension, and an obstruction analysis was required as well, which determined the road grade penetration; both are part of the new RSA requirements.  The balance of the work summary was reviewed, which indicated that, with the exception of the design phase services ($19,467), all were related to the runway extension.  It was noted that the cost of the scope modification is a result of combining the cost of the RSA study environmental assessment with the original obstruction study environmental assessment into one project.  The design phase services was a result of the stakeholders meeting when a request for more detailed mapping and analysis take place in section 32-11, 2.9 acres within the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in an effort to minimize the impact of removal of trees.  As a result, this area will by surveyed to determine the exact height of tree and species, providing an individual identification to determine the best way to address the obstruction.  The Committee was cautioned that the survey will be very costly; however, since the area is considered locally and nationally valuable it is a worthwhile venture.  Ms. Kiefer recalled the Ornithology Laboratory representatives not being present at the stakeholders meeting; Mr. Nicholas reported a subsequent meeting and walk-through took place at a later date.  It was noted that the option to provide accurate measurements utilizing low-flying planes does not appear to be the appropriate method.  It is thought a conventional survey utilizing two points to determine measurement would be the best method.

 Mr. Marx inquired whether all funding on the project was spent?  He thought some funds were available in other portions of the project.  He also inquired about pictometry as an option to determine tree height.  Mr. Morrissey said the FAA expects construction to begin in 2008; it is not anticipated that the design and construction would occur within the same year.  He also noted it is important to bid during the winter months, to get a bid within the anticipated costs of the project.  It is anticipated to have the design-only grant in 2007, which would require the bonding to be in place by the end of 2006.  Mr. McDermott indicated he believes that at this time the original project is on-target, with approximately $150,000 spent thus far.

Following a brief discussion, various amendments to the resolution were made and accepted as friendly.

Mr. McDermott reported the map provided in the handout is based on the 50:1 approach slope and therefore includes a larger area than the actual area of concern.

A brief discussion occurred, during which it was thought a one-day trial of determining tree height should be undertaken to see whether the method thought to be acceptable by C&S will work and not be too costly.  In the event this method does not appear to be possible measurement will be delayed until the leaves are off trees.

Ms. Kiefer expressed concern that the stakeholders be included during the process of scope and design and was informed there will be several meetings to do so.  In addition, Mr. McDermott stated he will speak to the surveyor to discuss pictometry and other options.

Mr. Booth said although the tree survey is expensive he would support the resolution because the sanctuary at Sapsucker Woods is a special area.

A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes – 2 (Legislators Booth and Kiefer); Noes – 1 (Legislator Randall); Excused – 1 (Legislator Mackesey); Absent – 1 (Legislator Shinagawa).  RESOLUTION FAILED.

 A request was made to place it on the next Committee agenda for reconsideration.

      WHEREAS, the Legislature, through Resolution No. 127 dated July 5, 2005, approved an agreement with C&S Engineers, Inc., for $175,000 to conduct an Environmental Assessment for an Obstruction Clearance project at the airport, and
      WHEREAS, in the process of completing said environmental assessment, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the airport address its two non-standard Runway Safety Areas, and
      WHEREAS, bringing the Runway Safety Areas in line with FAA requirements requires changing the runway configuration and this affected the delineation of obstructions at one end of the runway, and
      WHEREAS, local stakeholder concern about sensitive areas within the obstruction clearance project require a change from the original scope of services, and
      WHEREAS, the funding of this additional environmental assessment effort is as follows:

     FAA (95%)                                                                        $56,662.00
     NYSDOT (2.5%)                                                               $  1,491.00
     Local (Operational Budget)                                               $  1,491.00
                                                                                                $59,644.00
, now therefore be it

          RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That Supplementary Agreement No. 1 with C&S Engineers, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $59,644 be and hereby is approved and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents,
      RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director is authorized to advance payment for these services until reimbursement is received from the FAA and NYSDOT.
SEQR ACTION: UNLISTED
TYPE 1 - 6

Explanation:  Of the amount, $40,177 of the increase is for the runway safety area extension; the balance of $19, 467 is associated with obstruction clearance within designated area 32-11 (Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary).

Correspondence

 The Committee was informed that the rules for taxi use at the airport were created prior to the Local Law that affirmed the rules.  It was noted that the rules had undergone a review by the County Attorney prior to enactment of the Local Law.  In response to a question, it was noted by Mr. Nicholas that the determination to designate a particular area with a covered curb-area to the contractual taxi service, and a separate area for the non-contractual taxi service in another area was due to extreme conflicts that had existed.  As a result of the modified system there are very few conflicts.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously agreed by members present, to enter into an executive session to discuss potential litigation.  The Committee entered executive session at 4:25 p.m.  On motion, open session resumed at 4:39 p.m.

 Ms. Kiefer stated her desire to have discussions regarding access by other general taxi services at a later date closer to contract expiration.  Mr. Nicholas shared information from a recent visit by the terminal manager at Kennedy airport who indicated much the same difficulties regarding taxis exist at their airport.

2005 Annual Reports

 Mr. Randall indicated that due to time constraints he would like to have members directly contact Division Managers with questions.  Ms. Kiefer noted that she liked the professional appearance of the Airport’s annual report and the inclusion of previous year’s statistics.

Public Works Department Goals and Objectives

Ms. Kiefer asked Mr. Sczesny about minimum standards for infrastructure.  Mr. Sczesny said the reference is to the County reviewing and adopting New York State standards for materials, not necessarily the design standards.  He referred to a “Superpave” material presently being used on interstates that is continually having the design mix amended, but not yet perfected.  Upon the State determining the right mixture to provide optimum results he would consider using the material.  Ms. Kiefer shared information she recently heard regarding utilizing old rubber to make sidewalk-paving material.  She then complimented Mr. LeMaro on his Annual Report as well.  Mr. Randall and Ms. Kiefer will contact managers with questions.

Ms. Nelson provided members with a copy of her Public Works Administration Annual Report.

Agricultural Plastics

 Mr. Randall noted a demonstration relating to agricultural plastics would take place on Thursday at Bakers Acres.

Adjournment

 On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk