Present:  D. Randall, Chair, D. Kiefer, R. Booth, P. Mackesey
Excused: N. Shinagawa
Staff: C. Nelson, Public Works Administrator; E. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works; A. LeMaro, Facilities Director; R. Kissinger, Assistant Facilities Director; L. Holmes, Office for the Aging; R. Nicholas, Airport Manager; S. Martel-Moore, Deputy County Administrator; W. Sczesny, Highway Manager; J. Lampman, Highway
Legislators: M. Hattery, M. Robertson

Call to Order

 Chair Randall called the meeting to order at 3:34.

Agenda Additions or Deletions

 The following items were added to the agenda:
· Maps indicating the road-swap with the Towns of Ulysses and Ithaca were provided to members.
· Road and Highway Machinery Fund discussion.
· Chair's Report

Budget Procedure

 Members of the Committee briefly commented on the lapse in time between the last meeting of the Expanded Budget Committee and the adoption of the budget.  It was felt that a review should occur to determine if amendments could be made to the process to avoid this situation in the future, perhaps by spreading the Expanded Budget Committee meetings over more days.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 No one was present to speak.

Chair's Report

 Mr. Randall reported as a follow-up to McLean resident Mr. Albern's concern regarding the curb location at his residence in McLean.  A suitable completion of the road work has occurred.

 Mr. Marx reported that Mr. Albern and Highway staff reviewed the problems with the curbing as noted previously.  A decision was made to eliminate the one small driveway area that could create difficulties due to the proximity to the intersection and to provide curbing and seeding the area.

Approval Minutes - October 24, 2006

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously approved by voice vote of members present, to approve the minutes of October 24, 2006, as submitted.

Commissioner of Planning and Public Works Report

Mr. Marx indicated items to be discussed are already agenda items.

Airport

RESOLUTION NO.   - AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NYSDOT) GRANT TO PURCHASE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT AND PERFORM AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL AND RUNWAY SAFETY AREA IMPROVEMENTS (PHASE II) ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIN 3902.10)

 It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature.

      WHEREAS, the County has received a grant offer from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in the amount of $14,625 to assist with the purchase of a Snow Blower and an amendment to the Environmental Assessment for Obstruction Removal and Runway Safety Area Improvements (Phase II), and
      WHEREAS, the budgets for these two projects are as follows:
     FAA Share         (95.0%)     Account No. HT 5601.44592        $555,750.00
     NYSDOT Share (  2.5%)     Account No. HT 5601.43592        $  14,625.00
     Local Share        (  2.5%)     Account No. HT 5601.45031        $  14,625.00
     Total                                                                                            $585,000.00
, now therefore be it
      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the grant offer from the NYSDOT of $14,625 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents,
      RESOLVED, further, that in the event of an increase in eligible project costs, the State DOT matching share may be increased by up to fifteen percent, to a maximum of $16,819.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Note: A FAA grant has already been received covering 95% of these costs. This grant covers another 2.5 % of the costs of the Snow Blower and Environmental Assessment project. Costs of the two projects are :
                   Snow Blower -     $500,525.00
                   Environmental Assessment (Phase II) -  $  59,644.00
Note : The FAA and NYSDOT grants were based on estimates and exceed the amount required.

RESOLUTION NO.         - AWARD OF BID – TERMINAL CLEANING CONTRACT -  ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

 Mr. Nicholas said the award would be going to the present cleaning service that has performed their contract very well in the past.  He noted the amount of the proposed contract was less than their bid six years ago.  Mr. Nicholas stated the company has consistently strived to perform their services with consideration for the airport’s needs.

      It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously approved by voice vote by members present, to recommend approval of the following resolution to the full Legislature.

     WHEREAS, the Finance Department advertised a Request For Proposals and received three bids for a three-year contract, with an option to renew for a further three years, to provide cleaning services at the airport terminal building, and
      WHEREAS, the lowest responsible bid was received from Cindy's Cleaning Service Inc., of Ithaca, New York, and
      WHEREAS, the total cost for the three-year contract, beginning on January 1, 2007, will be $294,864.00, now therefore be it
      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the bid be awarded to Cindy's Cleaning Service Inc., of Ithaca, New York,
      RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute said contract with Cindy's Cleaning Service of Ithaca.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-2

Notes:  Cindy's is the current contractor for terminal cleaning services.
The two other bids were: ABM Janitorial Services of Utica  ($382,804.80)
S&S Cleaning Services of Marathon  ($387,342.24)
The expiring contract was valued at -    $301,416.00
The cost of the terminal cleaning contract is part of the normal operational budget.

Ansbrow Petroleum Company

 Mr. Nicholas reported he had been approached by a representative of Ansbrow Petroleum Company to express an interest in a lease for drilling rights for petroleum and/or natural gas under airport property.  Mr. Wood, County Attorney is aware of their interest and has indicated his authorization to discuss the matter.  Subsequently, Mr. Nicholas reported meeting with four members of their firm to receive additional information.  He was informed that the company has been seeking similar leases throughout Central New York, particularly in the Elmira area.  They have a great deal of interest in the airport parcel that would provide the ability to deal with fewer landowners to complete this work.  Mr. Nicholas said he was informed that if gas were found, average yields for the company over the 15-year period could range between $16 million and $60 million with the airport to receive 12.5 percent of the figure ($2 million - $8 million).  The operation would be result in minimal interruption to the area utilized and no interruption to the airport operations.  Mr. Nicholas suggested the appropriate area for the operations would be the location the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously approved off Brown Road for a tower not to exceed 150 feet; the drilling process would require a tower approximately 140 feet.

 A brief discussion occurred and it was decided to ask the representatives to speak to the Committee, with an invitation extended to the full Legislature.  Mr. Booth asked whether the FAA would approve the drilling, and whether there would be any concern regarding a potential hazard due to natural gas/petroleum on the airport site.  Mr. Nicholas believed there are no restrictions with regard to the actual drilling on airport property.  He indicated he would have to ascertain what remedies would be available for a problem due to the nature of the product.  In addition, he noted there would be the issue of the Cornell University Chemical and Radiation disposal sites that would need to be addressed as well.  Mr. Nicholas also reported the company held an informational session, for the Town of Lansing at the North Lansing Fire Station; the company is looking at a larger area than just the airport.

 Mr. Marx reported that several years ago the County went through an extensive exercise of mineral rights regarding a County-owned forest area.  Mr. Wood is very familiar with the subject area.  Ms. Kiefer noted that as a result of this previous work the County developed a model lease for residents to assist in consumer protections.

Parallel Taxiway Project

 Mr. Booth inquired whether any publicity has taken place regarding the parallel taxiway relocation project, noting it is a unique project that is being undertaken.  Mr. Nicholas reported that due to limited funds the project would not be fully completed until 2008, at which time the publicity would occur.

Leaded Aircraft Fuel

 Ms. Kiefer noted an article regarding leaded gas for non-jet aircraft becoming a concern and asked if it was present at the airport.  Mr. Nicholas stated that there are small quantities for particular aircraft.

US Senate Interest in Airports

 It was noted that Senator Charles Schumer is anticipated to refocus on upstate airports.  Mr. Booth expressed concern if a reorganization of upstate airports were to occur.

Executive Session

 It was MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously approved by voice vote, to enter into an executive session to discuss potential real estate negotiations.

 An executive session occurred between 4:00 p.m. to 4:32 p.m.  On motion, the Committee left executive session at 4:32 p.m.

New Health Department Building

 Following discussions during the executive session that noted a decision needs to be made regarding the site location for a new Health Department building before the design process may begin.  This item will be ongoing work of the Committee with the intent of making a site determination as quickly as possible to keep on schedule.

Brown Road Update

 Mr. Marx provided an update of the follow-up letter to the State with regard to the Brown Road/Route 13/Sapsucker Woods Road intersection.  The review with subsequent accident information, including the most recent accident resulted in the State indicating a willingness to modify their previous stance.  At this time the State will provide additional advanced warning signage indicating the upcoming intersection, with lighting to be placed on those signs in spring.  It was also noted the Department of Transportation said they had heard a rumor of a desire by Cornell to close the road; if desired, they would not object to this.  Mr. Marx informed them he did not know of such a request at this time.  The intersection statistics will be reviewed and, if deemed necessary, installation of a blinking or full light and/or left turning lanes are possible.  He stated the State indicated it is unusual since the sight-distance and other factors regarding road design are such that the accident rate should not be as high as it is.  Ms. Kiefer said she was pleased to see the State would allow the roadway to be closed, although she does not believe it would occur.

Mr. Booth spoke of the placement of signs and the regulations involved.  Mr. Marx indicated the previous reluctance to place signage is the State’s regulatory stance and the belief that excessive signage is ineffective.

Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

 The Committee reviewed the spreadsheet indicating the various highway and bridge projects to be submitted for consideration.  Mr. Randall requested material such as this be provided in advance.  The projects submitted were as follows (in order of priority):

Highway     Bridge                               .
1.  Coddington Road    1.  Newfield Depot Road
2.  Pine Tree Road    2.  Freese Road
3.  Ellis Hollow Road    *W. Malloryville Road
4.  East King Road    *Red Mill Road

*No priority provided for these two bridges.

 Mr. Sczesny explained that although previously disallowed under the TIP program, Ellis Hollow Road could be reconsidered as the particular phase submitted meets TIP traffic count criteria.  He also said the Pine Tree Road submission would straighten the roadway, deal with the pedestrian walkway and make it a safer road.  It was noted there are other projects with higher priority; however, due to time constraints they are not included within this more lengthy process.  Industrial Access funds are available with a forty percent reimbursement rate.

 With regard to the Red Mill Road bridge, the following information was provided:

· To perform the work, with Industrial Access funding the cost to the County would be 40 percent ($320,000).
· Mr. Lampman noted previously reimbursement was not available for agricultural-based work; this has now changed and reimbursement is available.
· Ms. Kiefer does not believe it would be appropriate to complete this project; there are other projects that would benefit more residents of the County.  She noted the Beck Farm is a wonderful asset, but believes it to be thriving in spite of the lack of this particular bridge.
· Mr. Lampman reported there is a concern about the additional traffic on the Malloryville Road Bridge as a result of the closure of the Red Mill Bridge.

Ms. Robertson indicated her belief that the cost would be less if the driving width for Red Mill Road was 1.5 lanes, noting farm equipment has to fit in one lane.  She also expressed concern that Malloryville Road, and Freese Road bridges should remain one-lane bridges.

Mr. Lampman spoke of possible design modifications that could occur with the Freese Road Bridge, including the possibility of bypass bridges if required by the State Historic Preservation Office.  Mr. Booth said placing proposed construction on the TIP provides a “place-holder” for the work.  He asked that it be noted the concerns of the Committee with the design details if approved.

In response to Ms. Kiefer’s question, it was noted the full application is extremely detailed with regard to each project.

2006 Highway Construction Report

 The Committee reviewed the written report provided indicating the 2006 highway construction season.  In 2005 46 miles of infrastructure was improved, in 2006 the Division was able to complete 60 miles.  Although some of the work was done due to the flooding, a majority was in the work plan for 2006.  Mr. Sczesny spoke of the chip/seal slurry/seal program undertaken this year that will preserve existing roads and extend their life.  He explained the present year’s work was based upon the previous Highway Manager’s schedule, however, he will be reviewing existing information in the next several months to determine next year’s construction schedule.  Mr. Sczesny said the present Pavement Quality Index (PQI) for county roads is an average of 7.1, with a desired average of 7.5.  He also said that while the previous PQI for some of the roadwork completed this year was not extremely low, work was done to prevent further damage that could be more costly.  Roads undergoing a reconstruction are now at a level 10 PQI, while others only increased the rating to a lesser degree.  Mr. Randall requested that future reports provide a comparison of the old PQI with the new PQI following work.

 It was noted the traffic counts are subject to the time taken, portion of road being surveyed, etc.

 Ms. Kiefer inquired whether Weatherby Road was being considered as a road to turn over to the Town.  Mr. Sczesny said this is under consideration.

Ellis Hollow Road Project

 The Committee reviewed materials regarding the revised scope and design of the Ellis Hollow Road project, including the width perspective provided by adding a significantly different color to the shoulder of the road.  It was explained the newest design would provide for covered ditches, and instead of shifting the centerline of the highway two feet to the north it will be shifted two feet to the south with sloped drainage on the south side.  It was noted that the difference between the first scope and design and the present is approximately $1.3 million.  The budget is such that if the roadway is shifted to the south and is within the County’s right of way, the difference could be reduced somewhat.   Mr. Marx informed the Committee that there is the possibility of having to request an amendment to the Capital Program as the cost to do the project will exceed the $1.6 approved five-years ago, as well as amending the PAR form for the project.  He said it is possible to apply for State and Federal funding for the portion of the road that could meet TIP criteria.  Following a brief discussion it was agreed by the Committee that it would be prudent to apply for the TIP and wait to see what the final outcome would be prior to amending the Capital Program.

Highway Capital Status Report

 The Committee reviewed the written report and noted the following:

· Forest Home Bridge – the bridge is eligible for Marchiselli funding, although the road is only one-lane and wuld not be eligible.
· Peruville Road – there will not be funds available for a Route 38 overpass, however a design would be considered to provide safety improvements along the length of the road, not just at the intersection.
· When designing roads a paved shoulder is used unless it is a low-volume rural road.

Highway Fund Balances

 Ms. Kiefer spoke of the Highway and Equipment Fund balances, which are set at five percent.  At the Budget and Capital meeting it was increased to seven percent due to a notation from Ms. Kiefer.  She said it had not been a recommendation from this Committee and inquired it the increase would be desired.  It was noted that to do so would provide less money to spend on projects unless the tax levy were raised.  The Committee indicated it did not desire to do so at this time.

Highway Maps

 Mr. Sczesny provided maps of the Towns of Ithaca and Ulysses that indicated which sections of road swaps taking place between the Towns and the County.

Public Hearing Announcement

 There will be a public hearing regarding the Coddington Road project on December 11th at South Hill Elementary School.

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.

Respectfully submitted – Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk.