Chair B. Blanchard called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM.

1.  Chair's Report - Chair B. Blanchard reminded the committee of a memo from Rod Ghearing related to new buses and 2004 diesel emissions standards.  She also reminded the committee of the Red Mill Road Bridge meeting on 12/5/02 at 9:00 AM at the Bostwick Rd. facility.

2.  Approval of Minutes - 10/3/02 and 10/17/02 - These minutes were approved as submitted in the agenda packet in a motion by T. Todd, seconded by D. Winch and carried.

3.  Budget Transfer - The following transfer was provided to the committee for information only; no action required:

FROM:    TO:
5610.52231 Vehicles - $1,750 5610.54340 Clothing
Explanation:  Money needed to cover costs of uniforms and jackets for new employees.

4.  Audits - The list of audits for various capital projects was submitted to the committee for information only; no action required.
(D. Kiefer arrived at 9:10 AM)
D. Winch questioned the Schickel Architecture amount for the old library.  A. LeMaro explained the charges related to additional analysis of load capacity and building code requirements.

5.  Air Service Issues - B. Nicholas sent a memo on this subject to the Board of Representatives and TCAD Board of Directors on 10/23/02.  B. Blanchard gave an extensive report to the full Board of Representatives on 11/6.  The committee was asked if they had any additional comments or questions.  M. Lane stated that now that United Airlines has settled with the unions, whereby employees will be taking pay cuts in order for the company to avoid bankruptcy, that it might be time to approach them about service at our airport.  Bob stated that a packet of information is ready and waiting to be used at the proper time.

As an aside, Bob reported that the airport consultants that will be assisting with the rates and charges will be in Ithaca on 12/12/02 at 9:30 AM in the TC3 Conference Room in the terminal.  Committee members are invited to attend this meeting to provide information to the consultant on expectations for the upcoming contractual terms.

6.  Runway 14 Approach Land Acquisition (Lent Parcel) Cost Breakdown Report - Steve Babcock and Mark Petranchuk from C&S were present to review with the committee the cost breakdown of the various tasks for this project. In 2001, the Public Works Committee and other Board of Representatives members had questions about the costs. D. Kiefer reminded the committee that the questions raised were about how fees were calculated for all airport projects, and that the acquisition of this parcel seemed like a straight-forward project to use.  She also stated that she and others had expressed interest in finding out if some of the work done by C&S could be done by in-house staff.  Steve and Mark went through each task and explained the work required for each.  After the discussion, M. Lane stated that this was a good example of how government funded contracts drive up the price of projects. D. Winch asked if it would be possible for an FAA representative to meet with the committee and describe the various rules and requirements that consultants have to follow.  B. Nicholas stated that about one year ago, he had set up a meeting with the FAA and then Board of Representatives member Stu Stein.  However, Stu and other Board members were not available.  Bob stated that he could try to arrange a similar meeting if the committee would like.  M. Robertson stated that even though the local share cost of these projects is only 5%, that all expenses need to be scrutinized in the present fiscal and budget climate. D. Kiefer reminded the committee that C&S charges the maximum allowable for profit on overhead and she questioned if the county should negotiate this downward.  S. Whicher stated that on future projects, C&S may want to ask the County about information that is already available electronically that could be supplied to them to reduce time and costs (i.e. wetland maps, etc.).  D. Kiefer requested additional labor costs broken down by job title and employee name.  Steve and Mark will make this information available to her.

6A.  Authorizing a Public Hearing - Agreement to Lease Space to the Transportation Security Administration - The following resolution was approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by T. Todd and carried:

     WHEREAS, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wishes to lease unoccupied space in the passenger terminal at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, to facilitate provision of passenger and baggage screening services, in accordance with the provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, and

     WHEREAS, the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport is a publicly owned, public use facility which is required by said Aviation and Transportation Security Act to have all passengers using the airport terminal, together with their carry-on and checked baggage, undergo security screening checks as prescribed by the TSA, and
     RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That a public hearing be held by the Board of Representatives on 3 December, 2002 at 5:30 o’clock in the evening thereof at the Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York concerning the proposed leasing of space in the passenger terminal at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,

     RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place proper notice of said public hearing in the official newspapers of the County and to make available said proposed lease agreement to all persons interested in same, at the Board offices during normal business hours.

6B.  Authorizing an Agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to Lease Space for a Period of Up To 5 Years in the Passenger Terminal - Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport - B. Nicholas stated that the revenue from the lease will total $25,000 per year.  There will be additional charges to the TSA for maintenance and renovations above and beyond the monthly lease amount.  After discussion, the following resolution was approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by T. Todd and carried:

     WHEREAS, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wishes to lease unoccupied space in the passenger terminal at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, to facilitate provision of passenger and baggage screening services in accordance with the provisions of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, and

     WHEREAS, the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport is a publicly owned, public use facility which is required by said Aviation and Transportation Security Act to have all passengers using the airport, together with their carry-on and checked baggage, undergo security screening checks as prescribed by the TSA, and

     WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held before the Board of Representatives at 5:30 o’clock in the evening of December 3, 2002 at which time and place all persons interested in the leasing of space to the TSA were able to be heard, now therefore be it

     RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That a 5-year lease agreement with the TSA be approved and that the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute said lease agreement.

6C.  Airport and 911 Center Issue Potential - B. Blanchard reported that the FAA is requesting that they receive full market value for the 1.9 acre parcel proposed for the 911 center location.  She stated that there are several options that are being discussed to possibly mitigate this issue.  However, she wanted the committee to be aware that some appraisal work may be needed to resolve this issue.  B. Nicholas was questioned about the FAA's request to be reimbursed for this land since the airport property belongs to the county.  Bob stated that the FAA's point of view is that they have invested $21 million in airport entitlements and discretionary funds in the last few years, of which some was used for land acquisition.  So, the FAA is asking why, on one hand they are paying for improvements and land purchases when on the other hand, the county wants to use some of the airport property for another purpose.  It was the moved by T. Todd, seconded by D. Winch and carried to authorize the appraisals, if needed.

7.   Audit of Final Payment - Brooktondale Road Project - Various Property Owners - The following resolution was approved in a motion by D. Kiefer, seconded by T. Todd and carried:

WHEREAS, the seven (7) parcel acquisitions as listed below (indentures and easements) were completed as authorized by Resolution #128 of 2002, for construction of the Lounsberry Road Bridge Replacement Project, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives.

Vendor  Payment Request   Account No.     Amount

Various Property  Two (Final)   HZ5103.53.07  $4,001.00
Owners

COUNT TAX MAP # ACRES TYPE STREET ADDRESS OWNER PRICE
1 10.-2-5 .11 FEE 202 E.COURT STREET, ITHACA FINGERLAKES LAND TRUST $1.00
2 10.-2.5 .11 FEE 615 VALLEY RD. KELLOCK, JUDITH $500.00
3 10.-2-1 .13 FEE 231 LOUNSBERRY RD WOODIN, RUBY $1,000.00
4 10.-6-7 .16 FEE 577 BROOKTONDALE RD. IRWIN, LYNNE $1,400.00
5  .01 TE
6 10.-6-8 .035 FEE 7 MILL STREET
 EGGLESTON, FRANK $1,100.00
7  .22 FEE
 

Explanatory Note: All seven parcels were obtained without the need to use Eminent Domain Procedures.  Types of acquisition are as follows: FEE – County assumed ownership via deed; TE – Temporary Easement.

8.  Red Mill Road Bridge - Meeting with Town of Dryden - As B. Blanchard reported in the chair's report, this meeting is scheduled for 12/[5]/02, 9:00 AM in the Bostwick Rd. facility conference room. A copy of the meeting notice was given to M. Robertson.  M. Lane requested that Ron and Russ Beck and George Totman be invited, also.  The State Historic Preservation Office will not be in attendance, however,  M. Robertson suggested, and the committee concurred that  P. Messmer have SHPO alerted that if they are needed as part of the discussion at the meeting they will be contacted by phone during the meeting.

9.  Ellis Hollow/Turkey Hill/Quarry Road Engineering Analysis - P. Messmer distributed copies of the analysis report done for this intersection.  Pete used the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as a guide in preparing this report.  There are three criteria that were examined to see if additional stop signs should be installed at this intersection.  Those criteria were a) sight distance, b) accident history, and c) traffic volume.  Pete's report showed that the threshold of these criteria is not high enough to warrant any additional stop signs.  M. Robertson thanked Pete for the report but stated that she was annoyed that Pete had not notified her of the landscaping work taking place at the residence on one of the corners of this intersection.  Pete stated that the property owner was already having landscaping work performed, and the county will be paying for only additional items to improve the sight distance there.   The committee members were encouraged to read the report in its entirety.  Discussion and decision of whether or not to hold a public meeting to share the report findings with the residents will be done at a later time.  S. Whicher reminded the committee that per NYS Highway Law, Pete, as Highway Manager, is responsible for determining if additional signs should be put up at that location and that it would be improper for the committee to vote to override his decision.

10.  Approval to Seed Annual Highway Materials and Services Bids and Level of Committee Involvement - It was moved by T. Todd, seconded by D. Kiefer and carried for staff to seek and award bids and provide the committee with a report of the bids.

11.  Highway Capital Projects Status Report - J. Lampman distributed the report and briefly mentioned highlights to the committee.  Due to time constraints, committee members were asked to review the report in its entirety and contact John with questions.

11A.  Approval to Seek Bids and Level of Committee Involvement - One New Service Body - Highway - It was the committee consensus for staff to seek and award the bids and provide the committee with a report.

11B.  West Dryden Road Issue - M. Lane stated that he had received questions from his constituents about the condition of the Rt. 38 and W. Dryden Road intersection.  P. Messmer stated that he had originally anticipated repairing that intersection as part of this summer's paving project, however, due to the budget cuts, there was not enough money to do this work.  Pete will re-evaluate the situation to see what can be done with the turning radius from Rt. 38 onto W. Dryden Road and the constant pothole and rut situation.

12.  Audit of Final Payment (Electrical) - Public Works - Bostwick Rd. Facility - The following resolution was approved in a motion by T. Todd, seconded by D. Winch and carried:

Whereas, Richardson Bros., Electrical Contractor, has completed their contract to our satisfaction for the Tompkins County Department of Public Works, now therefore be it
Resolved, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee that the following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives:
Vendor    Payment Request Acct. No.  Amt.
Richardson Bros.         11 (final)  HZ5101.50.10  $11,657.85
Resolved, further, that the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay said claim from Acct. No. HZ5101.50.10

13.  Audit of Final Payment (Construction) - Public Works - Bostwick Rd. Facility - The following resolution was approved in a motion by T. Todd, seconded by D. Winch and carried in a vote of 4 yes, 1 no (M. Lane - who felt that the final payment should not be made until the roofing claim was settled) after discussion of the status of the roofing claim for the project.  A. LeMaro stated that Jonathan Wood, County Attorney, had advised processing the final payment, which was for the original contract amount.  The roof claim is above and beyond the original contract amount:

Whereas, Paul Yaman Construction, General Contractor, has completed their contract to our satisfaction for the Tompkins County Department of Public Works, now therefore be it
Resolved, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, that the following claim against the County of Tompkins be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives:

Vendor    Payment Request  Acct. No.      Amt.
Paul Yaman Construction        13 (final)   HZ5101.50.10     $66,317
Resolved, further, that the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay said claim from Acct. No. HZ5101.50.10

Meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM