Call to Order

 Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.

Agenda Additions/Deletions

 There were no items added to or deleted from the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 Brian Eden, Chair of the Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) said most individuals performing public service do so as a thankless task but recognize it is not without redeeming value.  He said the Hillview Road Landfill CAC has provided a lot of valuable work for the community and the Committee, noting most members are willing to serve and make what contributions they are able.  Mr. Eden said some individuals bring great skill and knowledge and there is one who has volunteered who should be recognized for his work.  He spoke of the report provided by Daniel Karig stating it was extensive and it took a great deal of fieldwork with Mr. Thompson in the process.  While Mr. Karig is no longer a member of the Hillview Road Landfill CAC it would be remiss not to bring forward the report for the Committee and Legislature to recognize.  Copies of the report were handed out to Committee members.  Mr. Eden briefly described the work of the study resulting in a conclusion that at this time there is no need for a concern relating to the flow of leachate at this site, although well monitoring should continue.

RESOLUTION NO.        - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION - DANIEL KARIG

 Ms. Kiefer thanked Mr. Eden for his comments and requested the resolution of appreciation for Mr. Karig be acted upon at this time.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Kiefer to present the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.  Mr. Winch said he has consistently voted against Mr. Karig due to reasons that go back to the landfill siting days.  He stated that while that may be, he recognized the quality of work done in the report and will vote to accept it.  Mr. Thompson said while working with Mr. Karig at the landfill site he was impressed that Mr. Karig was guided by facts rather than others opinions and he enjoyed working with him.

 A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3; Noes - 0; Excused - 2 (Legislators Penniman and Schuler).  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

 WHEREAS, the groundwater movement under and around Tompkins County's Hillview Road Landfill has long been a concern, potentially carrying landfill leachate pollution to neighboring wells and/or into the headwaters of Cayuga Inlet, and
 WHEREAS, the Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee was created by Tompkins County in 1990 (Resolution No. 497) to study, analyze, and comment on various issues related to that landfill, and has, since the Landfill's closure to solid waste at the end of 1991, mainly focused on placement of monitoring wells, results of the ongoing well-testing, and trying to resolve geohydrology questions, and
 WHEREAS, in the spring of 1997 Daniel Karig, former chair of the Cornell University Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, joined the Committee, bringing his lifetime of experience and keen analytical mind to bear on the geohydrological mysteries of the landfill area, and
 WHEREAS, Daniel Karig gave an extraordinary amount of time and effort, undertaking the field work of executing a sampling regime in cooperation with Ken Thompson (Solid Waste Division Assistant Manager and engineer) and subsequently performing data analysis, and
WHEREAS, Daniel Karig ultimately created a report summarizing his conclusions, and
 WHEREAS, Daniel Karig's work resolved many of the apparent contradictions in prior investigations and sets forth a plausible model of groundwater flow consistent with the available data and ongoing well-monitoring program, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature gratefully accepts the Karig report, "Hydrogeology of the Area Northeast of the Hillview Road Landfill, Tompkins, County, N.Y."  dated May 20, 2005, and thanks Daniel Karig for his many volunteer hours in the service of the County and its welfare.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-21

 Ms. Kiefer stated she did not have a Chair's report.

Minutes of August 16, and 23, 2005

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to accept the minutes of August 16 and 23, 2005, as amended.  MINUTES APPROVED.

20-Year Capital Plan

 Mr. Marx said the Budget and Capital Committee had discussed the topic of the 20 Year Capital Plan.  He assumed that members of this Committee have note had time to review the entire document as yet since it was only distributed yesterday, and said what is important is to recognize the numbers will change as the development of the plan progresses.  He asked for input to determine if this format is what is expected of the plan.  At the Budget and Capital meeting Mr. Koplinka-Loehr had suggested members of the CAP Committee might be interested in reviewing the document/process.  He would like to focus on policy issues for Committee's feedback.  Mr. Booth had recommended a glossary of terms be included.  Mr. Marx said he is looking for initial feedback, he anticipates the document to be discussed at least on a monthly basis for review of items contained in it.

 Mr. Todd said it is important that the new Legislature members be provided adequate time to digest the budgeting process.

Mr. Winch said he likes to quickly find items contained in a document and suggests an index be provided as well as the glossary.  In addition he requested that a table be provided that would indicate final payments in chronological order to be able to see the amount of debt service relieved in any one year.

Mr. Todd spoke of the discussion at the Budget and Capital Committee relating to debt service and the potential to change radically in Tompkins County.  He reported Mr. Squires, Finance Director, spoke of the potential for the tobacco securitization settlement to go from $1.1 million to $3.5 or $4.5 million.  He suggested that if this did occur it would be good to put funds into debt service.  Mr. Winch did not think all of the bonds were callable; Mr. Marx noted two areas were possible - Tompkins Cortland Community College, and possibly the Public Safety Communication System.  Ms. Kiefer expressed surprise over the amount received in the first round of tobacco resecuritization, yet felt perhaps it would be better to wait.  Mr. Marx explained Mr. Squires report said this increase is due to the current climate combined with long-term and short-term interest rates and have diversity within portfolios.  The experience of those who participated was receiving two to three times the anticipated amount.

Ms. Kiefer suggested that the fiscal policy quote citation be included within the document.  Additionally, she suggested that the 1998 facilities analysis portion include the name of the firm completing this [AME].  Ms. Kiefer inquired why the Public Safety Communication System is referred to as a twenty million dollar project when it appears the project will be done for less than this amount.  Mr. Marx explained the initial document utilizes approved figures within the present capital budget; as projects are amended this document will change.  Referencing the Space Needs and Location Committee report, she noted it included the possibility of a Justice Center that could be built or leased as one of three possible options, but there is no reference to it in the capital plan.  Mr. Marx said it did not seem definite to him that building/leasing a justice center was to be included.  At this time other projects are listed in the capital program.  Ms. Kiefer did not find Biggs B in the appendix.  Mr. Marx said the assumption for the capital plan is that the Health Department would be dealt with and therefore would be constructed within the first five-year timeframe.  If the plan was modified to have this in a different time slot, additional funds would have to be put in place for Biggs B now and until a new building is completed.  Ms. Kiefer felt some estimates of what that cost could be would be worthwhile to include.

Ms. Kiefer said she was glad to see comments on what is counted as a capital project versus an operational expense.  She believes at a future meeting a discussion should occur with the Committee to provide a full understanding of how the costs are separated.

Mr. Winch feels there should be language regarding future strategies of issues requiring further study.  He also felt a statement indicating a commitment to energy conservation both in capital and operational programs as well as moving toward green buildings as they have been proven to be more cost effective.

A discussion regarding projects took place during which it was noted more information regarding the highway projects would be done.  Also it was noted there is a pattern of high costs that diminish and then increase again.  Mr. Marx said it could be a result of only doing what is necessary versus sustained maintenance.  He believes creating a reserve during years of low demand to build funds for the higher demand years is a good idea.   Ms. Kiefer said while this plan is structured toward 2007 budget deliberations she noted there is a natural resources reserve fund  that is being established and wonders if a capital reserve fund should be discussed this year.  Mr. Marx said it is not included this year due to the budget constraints; it would be good if the County were able to fund it and still maintain the goals listed; however, this is a legislative decision.  He said another way is to finish the plan and then determine the funding mechanism.  Mr. Marx said a healthy fund balance can act as a reserve and it is a good thing to work on.  Mr. Winch spoke of a predecessor fund that had been in existence until the Legislature utilized the funds to reduce the tax rate, which ended this function.

RESOLUTION NO.         - INTERDEPARTMENTAL BUDGET TRANSFERS FROM ADMINISTRATION AND HIGHWAY TO PLANNING

 Mr. Marx explained the transfers are to cover the newly created Commissioner of Planning and Public Works position for the balance of the year.  Mr. Winch asked what would have occurred with the salary for the vacant positions if this were not done and was told it would become rollover.  Ms. Kiefer asked if the funds would have been used for a Deputy County Administrator and was told that it would if moved forward.  She questioned what the timeframe was for a Deputy County Administrator and was informed that advertising will start and that the start date for a Deputy County Administrator would not affect the amount of funding.  Ms. Kiefer believes a Deputy County Administrator should be in place this year rather than next.

 It was MOVED by Mr.Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote of members present, to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, Tompkins County has combined the positions of Commissioner of Planning and Commissioner of Public Works into a single position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works, and
WHEREAS, the new position is located in the Planning Department for budgetary purposes, and
WHEREAS, for the remainder of 2005 one-half of the salary and fringe can be paid from the Planning Department budget, and funds from temporarily unfilled positions in Administration and Highway are available to fund the remaining one-half of the position’s salary and fringe, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality, Facilities and Infrastructure, Government Operations and Budget and Capital committees, That $24,902 be transferred from Highway and Administration to cover one-half of the Commissioner of Planning and Public Works’ salary and fringe for 2005,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget transfers:
 FROM:  A5110.51000837 Highway Salary                $8,958
               A5110.58800  Highway Fringe                     $3,493
               A1230.51000282 Administration Salary        $8,958
               A1230.58800  Administration Fringe             $3,493
 TO:  A8020.51000243 Planning Salary                     $17,916
   A8020.58800  Planning Fringe                                  $6,986
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. -   AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A 2005 FEDERAL SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Winch, to to submit the following resolution to the full Legislature.  Mr. Marx said this is a significant grant that will be important to the airport to continue its marketing plan.  A voice vote resulted unanimously to approve the resolution.  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

      WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Legislature has created the Air Service Committee in part to look into ways to improve air service at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, and
      WHEREAS, the Air Service Committee has embarked on a number of initiatives towards that end, and
      WHEREAS, one of those initiatives was to apply for a 2005 grant from the Federal Small Community Air Service Development Program; said grant to be used to assist with air service marketing and development, and
      WHEREAS, the application was successful and the County has received a grant offer from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) in the amount of $500,000 to be used in various ways over a three-year period to improve air service at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, now therefore be it
     RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the grant offer of $500,000 from the USDOT be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.
SEQR ACTION : TYPE II-20

Budget Adjustment - Solid Waste

 The Committee was informed by Mr. Todd questions were raised at the Budget and Capital Meeting regarding the second item relating to the data development and website of a Green Purchasing being prepared by the Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Thompson said it is an initiative that will state where "Green" purchases may be made and would be used by individuals in that field.  He does not believe it is a part of the Chamber of Commerce site and will confirm information for individuals.  Mr. Marx said the adjustment was made in error, that the funding is available as a transfer in the budget and should be withdrawn.  The Committee asked for the number of bins being purchased by the remaining budget adjustment item and was informed they would receive the information at their next meeting.

Snyder Road Tower Project - Approval of PAR Form

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd to approve the PAR form for the Snyder Road Tower Project.

 A discussion of the PAR process occurred during which Ms. Kiefer felt approvals should have a specific order in which to be processed.  Mr. Marx said there is no formal policy for PAR forms at this time but one is being developed.   Mr. Winch agreed that a PAR form needs to be signed off in a particular manner by each required individual/department/committee.  Mr. Marx indicated that each other aspect of the review is completed prior to coming to the Committee; no specific routing order exists as each reviewer has a specific portion they are looking at.

 Ms. Kiefer reviewed suggested changes to the data contained on the form and these will be made.  [They are reflected in the amended PAR form dated September 19, 2005].  As part of this  discussion occurred during which it was determined that due to the nature of this particular tower Mr. LeMaro, Facilities Director, should be noted as both project manager and program manager, understanding that Mr. Nicholas as well as consultants would be assigned to work on different areas of the project.

 Mr. Whicher said the present communications tower at the public safety building needs to be decommissioned.  He spoke of the potential revenue from this tower, which over a ten-year period could be as much as a million dollars.  He would like to be able to take one-half of these funds for use with airport capital projects if possible, but is concerned that this revenue stream may reduce the airline's obligations.

 With regard to the environmental assessment form (EAF), Mr. Marx noted it will be a long form with visual addendums for the State Environmental Quality Review.  Mr. Whicher said it would be a Phase I and Phase 2 environmental review.

 A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3; Noes - 0; Excused - 2 (Legislators Penniman and Schuler).  PAR APPROVED AS AMENDED.

 Mr. Winch expressed his desire to help develop a sequence on the PAR forms for routing purposes.

 Ms. Kiefer asked if any information has been received regarding possible alternative locations.  Mr. Marx has not heard of any at this time.  Mr. Whicher said one company is contemplating a tower in Cayuga Heights near the cemetery and another company is looking for a site with proximity to Pyramid Mall; he suggested the Ramada Inn on North Triphammer Road.

 Mr. Todd asked for information regarding the tower height.  Mr. Marx said between 120' to 150'.  If approved temporary towers at a height of approximately 80' could be erected with the actual tower being built next spring.

Position Request Approval - Assistant Facilities Manager

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Mr. Winch, to approve the position request for a Full-Time Assistant Facilities Manager, at a salary to be determined pending review.  Mr. LeMaro said the vacancy is due to the present employee, Gil Tunney, resigning to take a position out of state.  He has spent the last several weeks debriefing the employee and reviewing projects in order to provide information and delegate as necessary.  Mr. Tunney has offered to continue to be available by phone to provide information as needed.

 A discussion regarding salary took place, with Mr. Winch expressing his belief the salary is low when looking at industry standards.  He believes in order to attract and keep good employees the salary needs to be addressed.  Ms. Kiefer spoke of the portion of the job description relating to supervisory responsibility with cleaners and was told it is oversight of the operations, with little direct supervision.  Ms. Kiefer would prefer to have the final salary amount in place prior to approving but does not want to hold up the process.  Mr. LeMaro said the review should be done this week.

 A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3; Noes - 0; Excused - 2 (Legislators Penniman and Schuler).  POSITION APPROVED.

Solid Waste Facility - Uncollected Returnables

 Ms. Kiefer spoke of Mr. Lane's inquiry about uncollected returnables at the Solid Waste Facility.  She would like an update of any information related to this topic at a future meeting.

Adjournment

 Ms. Kiefer declared the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m., without objection.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk