Staff:     E. Marx, Planning Commissioner; C. Nelson, Public Works Administration; Arel LeMaro, Facilities; T. Rudy, Airport; D. Crawford, Airport; B. Eckstrom, Solid Waste; K. Kreider, Solid Waste, T. Richardson, Solid Waste; W. Skinner, Public Information

Guests: M. Janiga, Ithaca Journal

Called to Order

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

Additions to Agenda

 The following resolution was added to the agenda:

 Authorizing An Agreement With the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to Provide a Law Enforcement Presence At The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

1)  Chair's Report

 Mr. Booth reviewed the Committee's meeting dates for September, noting there will be a regular meeting on September 9th, and two budget review meetings on September 16th and September 23rd, and stressing that only necessary action items will be dealt with on September 23rd.

2)  Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 No person wished to address the Committee.

3)  Minutes of August 12, 2003

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch to approve the minutes of August 12, 2003 as amended.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5, Noes - 0. MINUTES APPROVED.

4)  Blackout Impact Report

Members of the Committee received a report of the impacts the August 14, 2003, blackout had on County facilities.  It was noted that impacts were minimal with County staff providing necessary coverage to reset any necessary equipment.  It was noted that some emergency lighting systems are in need of repair and should be done on a priority basis.  Members will be provided a listing of these sites, together with information indicating whether a lighting system is insufficient or non-existent and information regarding  whose responsibility it is to provide an annual inspection of emergency lighting systems.

Committee members inquired about the telephone systems and were informed that the newer systems that are connected with fiber-optics may be negatively affected in the event of a blackout situation, unlike older systems with copper wiring.

Mr. Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, was asked if systems came down, and what the result would have been if the blackout existed for a longer period of time.  He replied locations with generators maintained their systems; however, other areas without generators had server failures that were not preventable.  His staff maintained the County's systems to the best of their ability in this situation, communicating through the use of cellular telephones and bringing the systems up as soon as possible.  Mr. Potter felt there would have been be no significant change in recovery had the blackout lasted for a longer period.  In response to an inquiry about lost data, Mr. Potter indicated he did not feel any significant data were lost during the outage.  Mr. Marx commended Mr. Potter and his staff for the level of commitment shown during this power emergency.

5)  Update on Facilities and Infrastructure Goal #4 (To review the County's emergency plans for
      infrastructure)

Committee members discussed the possibility of generators and/or fire suppression at the library and Human Services Building to better utilize these facilities in the event citizens need to be housed there.  Ms. Skinner stated the American Red Cross does not have these facilities on their list of emergency shelters because they do not lend themselves to providing adequate space to set up temporary beds.

A discussion of fire suppression occurred.  It was noted that building codes are such that fire suppression systems are not required at all in some buildings, or in particular areas of buildings in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy.  It was also noted that a fire suppression system may be a sprinkler system or a specialized gas system for high-tech equipment.  Mr. Potter responded to a question regarding special gas fire suppression for the County's technology equipment, stating that in 2004 he is planning to develop a disaster recovery plan as part of the Bio-Terrorism plan and this item may be included within that plan.

The Committee stated a desire to have a prioritized summary regarding fire suppression and generator needs in County buildings as well as further information  on this topic.

6)  Public Works and ITS Employee Roster and Responsibilities Report

 The Committee reviewed the various reports listing positions and responsibilities in the divisions and Information Technology Services.  A request was made that revised reports be submitted in the same format and include the number of hours per week and labor grade assigned to each position.

7)   Introduction of Internet Monitoring and Filtering

Mr. Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, spoke to the Committee regarding upgrades to take place within the next two months that will change internet capability on the County's internet servers.  He explained that as a result of new equipment the department will have increased ability to monitor and filter internet use.  This equipment is comprosed of three pieces:  (1) an internet monitoring tool, (2) a spam detection device with immediate deletion, and (3) a security level device that will detect intrusion of the County system.  The majority of this project has been funded through the State program available for Bio-Terrorism with additional funding having been budgeted for the 2003 fiscal year.  Mr. Potter said that the equipment would be set up to initially eliminate undesired web sites such as pornographic, gambling, and radio/music sites that utilize bandwidth, as well as others causing operational difficulties on the County system.  Such filtering has policy implications.

Mr. Potter reported the system would have the capability of refining internet use, limiting access to any or all of the internet as desired.  He has spoken to Personnel about determining if there is a need for any modification of County policy. Committee members stressed the importance of notifying employees of the policy and any modifications that may result.  Mr. Potter indicated that he was bringing the matter to the Committee to inform them of the changes to the technical system as well as the potential for policy changes and that he will proceed at an appropriate time when a policy change is in order.

8)  Resolution:  Award of Bid - Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle - Ithaca-
     Tompkins County Administration (TSA)

RESOLUTION NO.    - AWARD OF BID - AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE  FIGHTING (ARFF) VEHICLE - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL  AIRPORT

 MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.
The Committee inquired how the specifications were determined and was informed the Federal Aviation Administration provides an extensive list of items to be included on the equipment.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5, Noes - 0. MOTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the Finance Department has duly advertised for bids to purchase an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle for the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport, and
 WHEREAS, two (2) responsive bids were duly received as follows:
  Emergency One, Inc.  $689,517
 Oshkosh Truck Corporation $742,577
and,
  WHEREAS, the budget for said ARFF vehicle is as follows:

    Federal Aviation Administration (90%)  $620,565
    New York State Department of Transportation $  34,475
    Local Share (Airline Rates and Charges) (5%) $  34,477

 TOTAL     $689,517
 now therefore be it,
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That subject to grants being received from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the New York State Department of Transportation  (NYSDOT), the bid be awarded to Emergency One, Inc., of Ocala, Florida, as the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $689,517,
 RESOLVED, further, That the local share be derived from the airport budget contract with the airlines, covering rates and charges,
  RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be authorized to advance payments for this piece of equipment until reimbursement is received from the FAA and NYSDOT.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-25

NOTE:  This truck will replace a 15-year old ARFF truck that is nearing the end of its useful life.  The FAA recommends replacement of ARFF trucks when they reach 12- 15 years of age.  The airport's FAA-approved emergency program calls for a two-truck response.  The 15-year old truck will be relegated to training use and as back up in the event of a breakdown or required maintenance of the program trucks.

9) Resolution:  Authorizing an Agreement With the Transportation  Security Administration to Provide a Law Enforcement Presence At The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

RESOLUTION NO      - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION (TSA) TO PROVIDE A LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE AT THE ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Winch, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  The Committee was informed that this resolution provides reimbursement for coverage by the Sheriff's Department at the airport.  Ms. Blanchard said individuals hired previously to accommodate security requirements and that it was beneficial to accept the resolution to recoup funds.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5, Noes - 0.  MOTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, Resolution 85 of 2002 authorized an agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for local Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) to staff the security screening point for all pre-departure screening activity and patrol for airport security, and
 WHEREAS, law enforcement was temporarily provided until the TSA cancelled the agreement, and
WHEREAS, the TSA now wishes to reinstate reimbursement for said services, and
 WHEREAS, consideration was given to providing this service with both State Police personnel and with Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office personnel, and
WHEREAS, it was determined that the Sheriff’s Office option was more cost-effective, and
 WHEREAS, three deputy sheriff positions dedicated to airport security already exists within the Sheriff's Office budget as authorized by Resolution 113 of 2002, and
WHEREAS, a proposed reimbursement agreement and supporting documentation indicate that the TSA will provide reimbursement for the costs associated with providing LEO coverage, and
WHEREAS, since the airport is owned by the County of Tompkins, it is deemed desirable to meet this commitment with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputies, and
WHEREAS, since this is a TSA homeland security measure designed to protect passengers traveling on scheduled airline service from the airport terminal, it is considered appropriate that the airport should stand as guarantor for these costs in the event that reimbursement is delayed or not forthcoming, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Public Safety Committees, That the agreement with the TSA be approved for a term of September 1, 2003 through September 30, 2007, providing for reimbursement of $15,360 for the balance of Federal fiscal year 2003, $193,013.76 for fiscal year 2004, $198,268 for fiscal year 2005, $204,224.80 for fiscal year 2006, and $210,356.80 for fiscal year 2007, and that the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement with the TSA,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Sheriff agrees to maintain a separate detail log for all security services at the Airport, including, but not limited to:  employee name, hourly rate, date of service, and hours of service.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Note:  On April 2, 2002, the Transportation Security Administration issued Security Directive 1542-02-01, requiring airports to post a uniformed Law Enforcement Officer at all passenger screening checkpoints by 10 May 2002.  The security directive came with the announcement that the National Guard would be withdrawing its presence at airports on 9 May 2002.  On May 7, 2002, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives approved Resolution No. 85 – Authorizing an agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide a law enforcement presence in the passenger terminal – Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport.  On 10 May 2002, Sheriff Deputies began their assignment at the airport.  On May 1, 2003, TSA gave notice of termination of the Memorandum of Agreement under the law enforcement officer program for services at the airport and allowed for a “flexible response” to screening checkpoints.  On May 31, 2003, Sheriff Deputies suspended their airport assignment.  After realizing that airports such as Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport cannot afford a permanent law enforcement presence and that a flexible response to airport security issues would be made from road patrols or off-airport law enforcement officers, the TSA authorized a limited number of smaller airports to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement to help defray the costs of on site law enforcement.  The TSA has recently negotiated a Reimbursement Agreement with the airport to allow for Deputy Sheriff patrols at the airport and to reimburse the airport for this service.

10)  Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award - Keith Kreider

 Ms. Eckstrom, Solid Waste Manger, introduced the Committee to Mr. Kreider, Solid Waste Operation Specialist, informing them of the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award he received as a result of her nomination.  Mr. Kreider, who has a background in environmental toxicology, was one of twenty-five individuals nominated, with seven winners for this award.  Ms. Eckstrom spoke of his commitment to the Household Hazardous Waste Program and work in the Computer Recycling Program.  A brief discussion of the Hazardous Waste program and citizen notification took place with a suggestion made to include the Household Hazardous Waste program schedule in the annual pamphlet sent to citizens of the County.  Committee members were pleased to hear of the increase in participation of this program.  Mr. Winch commented on Tompkins County Solid Waste Division's superb service and related his attempts to work with a transfer station in New Hampshire that provided a profound comparison.

11)  Increase of Hours for Solid Waste Assistant - Solid Waste Division

RESOLUTION NO.  - INCREASE OF HOURS FOR SOLID WASTE  ASSISTANT - SOLID WASTE DIVISION

 MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Ms. Robertson, to submit the following resolution to the full Board for approval.  It was explained that this position was budgeted for and will be filled by an employee presently in a temporary position.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5, Noes - 0.  MOTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, a request for an increase in hours for the Solid Waste Assistant in the Solid Waste Division is needed to provide assistance in customer service due to increased public usage of our programs and financial management, and
  WHEREAS, this position can be filled by trained staff presently holding a temporary position, and
WHEREAS, this position has been funded within the present budget of the Solid Waste Division and does not require any additional local funding, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the position of Solid Waste Assistant, labor grade (9), is hereby increased from twenty hours to thirty-five hours effective August 1, 2003.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Explanatory Note:  The increase in hours for this position is due to increased public use of our facility and to provide help with financial management in the Division.   This title presently exists and was vacant; this resolution allows a change of title and increased hours to an employee who has been cross-trained and is presently in a temporary position.  No additional local funding is necessary as funds have been budgeted for this title from Solid Waste Division revenue.

12)  Solid Waste 2002 Annual Report - Review

 Members of the Committee reviewed and discussed the Division's 2002 Annual Report, noting that seventy-five percent of the revenue is a result of the sale of paper, with scrap metal, plastics, and glass contributing the majority of the balance.  Committee members asked to be provided the estimated percentage of garbage not handled in the County facility.

 The Committee also discussed the reduction of leachate removed as a result of work done to redirect the groundwater as well as the improvements of the cap on the Caswell landfill.  At this time payment for the work is starting, but this will be offset by the saved costs of hauling the leachate.  A more detailed update on this project will be provided to the Committee at a later date.

13)  Appropriation from Contingent Fund - Professional Services

RESOLUTION NO.           - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND –  PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Booth, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Ms. Robertson asked to be provided information whether the capital budget would have to be modified as a result of this resolution.  A question was raised regarding whether Federal funding that may be provided at a later date for the Ellis Hollow project could be applied to the services covered by this resolution; Mr. Lampman responded that Federal funding received at a later date could not cover these services.  Mr. Lampman said at this time no new Federal projects are being undertaken.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 5, Noes 0.  MOTION CARRIED.

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 249, dated October 16, 2001, authorized a contract with Fisher Associates for design of Ellis Hollow Road Reconstruction, and
  WHEREAS, in adopting the Capital Program for 2003, the Tompkins County Legislature postponed the project until 2006, and
 WHEREAS, Engineering services in the amount of $26,328.99 had already been expended with Fisher Associates, now therefore be it
  RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance be authorized to make the following budget appropriations:
  FROM:  A1990.54400 Contingent Fund $26,328.99
  TO:  D5110.54442 Professional Services $26,328.99
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Fisher Associates completed this work in 2002.  The work included survey, attending public meetings and preparing a design criteria report.

However, reconstruction of Ellis Hollow Road was postponed in 2002 as a budget cutting measure.  When the budget was changed, all funds, including these needed to pay for ongoing planning work, were moved to 2006.

This resolution provides reimbursement to the Professional Services account for payment made to Fisher Associations for the above-mentioned work.

14)  Virgil Creek Project - Town of Dryden - Report

 Mr. Lampman reported that slope stabalization work continues on this project which also involves the Town of Dryden and other agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation.  He noted the Town is the lead agency on this project.

15)  Highway and Bridges Status Report

 Committee members heard information on the shoulder-widening equipment that is shared by the Town of Lansing, Town of Dryden, and the County.

 The Committee reviewed the highway and bridge status report and noted the following:

· While there may not be Marchiselli funding for new projects, continuing projects already underway are expected to receive some funding from the State.

· Beach Road Bridge - The Committee requested a letter be sent to the Town of Newfield from the County Administrator with copies to all pertinent parties that the County's obligation of $10,000 to this project has almost been reached, as well as the agreed County reimbursables of  $7,500 above the $10,000 figure.  Mr. Lampman noted a change in the agreement that will have the County sandblast the bridge and the Town of Newfield paint it.  The Committee expressed its desire to have Mr. Westmiller, Town of Newfield Highway Superintendent, be responsible for completion of the project.

· Red Mill Bridge - Staff is exploring the possibility that this historic bridge could possibly be moved to Malloryville Road to preserve its historic value and a new bridge could be built in the vicinity of the present Red Mill bridge.

16)  Audits

 Members of the Committee reviewed the capital project audit reports.

17)  Cayuga Green Project - Request from City of Ithaca - Report

 Mr. Marx informed Committee members of an offer by the City of Ithaca to develop the previously proposed Creek-Walk as mitigation for the loss of power from solar panels as a result of the Cayuga Green project.  Replacing the estimated loss of 44,000 kwh per year of power is estimated to cost more than $395,000.  Committee members discussed possible recommendations to better mitigate this loss, including improvements in lighting and other energy use requirements at the library and mental health buildings.  Also discussed was the need to contact New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to determine whether their grant that was used for these panels would be affected by the loss of power from the solar panels as well as their preferred suggestions.  Mr. Marx was directed to take the Committee's suggestions and questions back to the City for further negotiation.

18)  Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

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