Staff:     J. Lampman, Highway Division; E. Marx, Administration; C. Neslon, Public Works Administrator; K. Fuller, Recorder

Called to Order

 Mr. Booth called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.

Additions to and Deletions from the Agenda

 There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda.

Persons to Address the Committee

 There was no one wishing to speak to the Committee.

1) Chair's Report

Mr. Booth stated that the Air Service Task Force is continuing to review alternatives in light of the recent announcement regarding US Air which is seeking bankruptcy for a second time.  A report from the Task Force should be completed within the next several months.

Ms. Kiefer inquired about Solid Waste fee schedules, noting they had been previously mentioned at a Committee meeting.  Mr. Booth will place the item on a future agenda.

2)  Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present to approve the minutes of August 10, 2004, as amended.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present to approve the minutes of August 24, 2004, as amended.

 Mr. Lane arrived at this time (2:11 p.m.).

3)  Public Works Administrator Report

 Ms. Nelson reported that at a recent Public Works Cabinet meeting a presentation related to Bioterrorism and Preparedness was the main topic of discussion.  It was noted that there are many aspects related to emergency situations that are presently unknown, such as migration from other areas and the steps necessary to assist the public who come to Tompkins County following a major disaster in some other county.  She also said the discussion addressed the possible need to utilize employees in different ways during emergencies within the County.  The question was posed whether this presentation should be made to the Legislature's standing committees or the full Legislature; some Committee members expressed concern that information of value might have to be excluded from such a presentation due to sensitivity of the topic in the event a public meeting is held.

 Ms. Nelson reported that the contract with Gregory Howe (the third-party administrator who contracts Drug and Alcohol testing for Commercial Driver License holders) is expiring.  A consortium was formed a number of years ago to provide this testing (which involves various types of tests).  The consortium includes the County, nine towns, six villages, and the City of Ithaca.  A Request for Proposals is being drafted and will be provided to appropriate vendors, with the award anticipated in October.  Ms. Nelson has acted as the contract administrator for this contract.  She will provide the Committee with information respecting the test  charges (which vary for the different services).

 The Committee was informed that for a period of six to eight weeks Ms. Nelson would be out of the office on leave.  During her absence Ms. Eighmey will be performing necessary duties.

4)  Highway Manager Search

 Mr. Marx reported that by the end of the month he hoped to have a search committee in place and a schedule for the process developed so that a search for a Highway Manager can commence.  He anticipates the position to be filled by the end of the year.  The search Committee will be primarily made up of staff members.  It was noted that the position will not necessarily be filled from a Civil Service list because there is none at this time.   Mr. Lane recommended that a member of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee participate in the search.  Mr. Winch inquired why the search process was taking so long.  Mr. Marx reiterated his comments from the previous meeting that the Administration determined it was best to delay the search in order to allow the Highway Division to complete the summer work without further changes within the Department.  He also indicated that the delay is permitting Personnel to review the job description and scope of duties for this position and to make any  necessary changes.  Mr. Marx further indicated that his administrative responsibilities related to the budget process have required a great deal of his time, and he felt that this particular item was not high priority.  Mr. Winch stated he has confidence in Mr. Lampman's leadership during this interim period, but he wished to express his disappointment that the search process has been slowed down.  Mr. Winch also said he feels that if the Administration felt this way it should have asked for the Legislature's opinion;, he feels it is a high priority item.  Ms. Kiefer and Mr. Lane inquired how the position will be advertised and was informed the Personnel Department is responsible for advertising.  Following discussion it was determined to provide the Committee with the modified job description prior to advertising for the position.

5) 2004 Position Request Form - Painter/Mechanic - Highway Division

 Mr. Booth reported that at the Budget and Capital Committee meeting earlier in the day this position was not approved.  He noted that the denial was due to the fact the request was not included in the Committee's agenda packet.

 Mr. Lampman stated that the request is due to a retirement and that the individual in this position is a key employee for seasonal equipment change-over.  During discussion it was noted that while this individual's knowledge of the equipment has been critical, the Service Manager and other employees within the Division should also have knowledge and capability with respect to directing/performing the change-over work.  Mr. Winch stated he believes the title should be modified to more accurately reflect the work that is being done by this employee, noting it is a highly skilled position.  He requested that future consideration be given to changing the title to Welding and Fabricating Technician.  In addition, it was suggested that the subject of reimbursing certain employees for their purchase of tools be reviewed because costs for tools have increased significantly over the years.

 It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms.Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to recommend filling the position of Painter/Mechanic within the Highway Division.  MOTION CARRIED.

6) Highway Office Hours Coverage Change

It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Booth, to approve the following recommendation for amended hours of operation: i.e., Highway Division office to be open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Ms. Nelson brought forth the request made by staff members at the Highway Division to amend office hours to more accurately reflect what is needed.  She explained the staff (including those in the garage) presently cover the offices for a period 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The proposed amendment would allow adequate staff coverage for telephones during the hours most needed, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., year round.  A brief discussion took place during which Mr. Lane expressed his belief that County offices should stay open until 5:00 p.m.  Mr. Booth inquired whether there would be any potential conflict with union agreements when changing the hours and was informed that no conflict has been identified.  Members of the Committee noted this request will be put in the form of a resolution and sent on to the Government Operations Committee and asked that appropriate personnel be contacted to assure there will not be a conflict with existing employee contracts.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Legislators Booth, Kiefer, Winch); Noes - 1 (Legislator Lane); Excused - 1 (Legislator Schuler).  MOTION CARRIED.

7)  Dryden Dam Inspection

  Mr. Marx reported that he met with Mr. Wood (County Attorney), Mr. LeMaro (Facilities Division Director), and Ms. Nelson (Public Works Administrator), to determine the appropriate course of action to be taken to meet the County's obligations for the Dryden Dam inspection.  The participants at this meeting concluded that the County does not have staff qualified to perform the inspection and that a Request for Proposals should be made to find a qualified engineer.  Once the cost and scope of the required inspection have been determined, a determination will be made regarding funding for the inspection.  Mr. Marx stated that the town and NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Services) will be notified of the County's intention to complete the five-year inspection.  The Committee will be notified of the cost and will receive a copy of the inspection report; it is anticipated this inspection may cost $2-3,000.  Mr. Winch suggested NRCS be contacted to determine if they have the capability to complete the inspection; they were involved with the original project and often have completed inspections for the Soil and Water Conservation District.  Mr. Marx will look into the matter.

8) Budget Adjustment - Highway Division

It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Lane.  It was explained that these funds have been paid to the County by the Work Force New York summer employment program.  A brief discussion took place during which Ms. Kiefer indicated that she did not feel the funds should be put into the Overtime Pay account and that she felt these revenues should be put in the Highway Materials budget line.  A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 3 (Legislators Booth, Lane, and Winch), Noes - 1 (Legislator Kiefer); Excused - 1 (Legislator Schuler).

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Highway
Revenue Acct      Title           Amt         App. Acct.                 Title(s) _____
5110.42801 Interfund Revenues $11,007 5110.51200  Overtime Pay

Explanation:  The money spent on overtime so far and what is expected is going to exceed what is budgeted.  Therefore this money is needed to offset the overtime budget line.

9) 2005 - 2009 Highway Capital Program - Road Construction

Mr. Lampman, Acting Highway Division Manger, provided a slide presentation of the 2005 - 2009 Highway Capital Program.  This program is being requested as a six-year , $8 million capital project designed to effect a significant upgrading of the quality of a number of currently sub-par County roads.  The first year of the proposal would also involve hiring of another crew, acquiring necessary equipment, and undertaking planning for the specified projects that will be undertaken each year.  A copy of this report is on file in the Legislative Office.

10) Adjournment

 The regular meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

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