Staff:  K. Fuller, Recorder; R. Nicholas, Airport Manager; C. Nelson, Public Works Administrator; E. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works; B. Eckstrom, K. Thompson, T. Richardson, Solid Waste Division

Guest:  C. Hamilton, Air Services Committee; S. Nicholson, EMC Energy Committee

Legislator: B. Blanchard, Chair, Air Service Committee

Call to Order

 Mr. Penniman called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m.

Air Service Committee

RESOLUTION NO. 281 - ESTABLISHING AN AIR SERVICE BOARD

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Schuler, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval. Ms. Blanchard, Chair of the Air Services Committee, reviewed the bylaws of the proposed Air Services Board, noting the amendments recommended by Mr. Wood, County Attorney.   Ms. Kiefer spoke of the "optional language" sunset clause for the Air Service Board in order to allow for a review and possible extension.  Ms. Blanchard said she would like to see more longevity expressed but did not feel a sunset would be detrimental to the Air Service Board.
 
 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

      WHEREAS, the Air Service Task Force (ASTF) was established in 1998 by the Chamber of Commerce and Tompkins County Area Development as a result of community concern over diminishing air service at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, and
      WHEREAS, due to continuing concern over the volatility of the airline industry and the financial plight of the airport's principal tenant, US Airways, the County Legislature, by Resolution No. 80 dated April 20, 2004, did establish a Charge for the ASTF that was designed to review the operational and financial condition of the airport and improve air service, and
      WHEREAS, in January 2005, the Chair of the County Legislature established a seven-person Air Service Committee (ASC) to focus more keenly on completing the ASTF's Charge and assist airport management with the stabilizing of the airport's future, and
      WHEREAS, after a number of notable successes, including establishing new air service by Northwest Airlines, obtaining a Small Community Air Service grant for $500,000 and galvanizing community support for same, and
      WHEREAS, it is considered desirable that a more permanent group be established to continue with the work of keeping the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport open and responsive to the ever-changing aviation climate, now therefore be it
      RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Air Service Board (ASB) is hereby established effective January 1, 2006,
 RESOLVED, further, That the ASB shall consist of seven members:

Commissioner of Planning and Public Works
Member of the appropriate committee of the Legislature
Representative of Cornell University with functional responsibility for air travel issues
Four at-large members representing varied economic development, business, and
airport user interests,

RESOLVED, further, That said members shall serve three-year terms, without limit, with initial appointments staggered as 1-2-or 3-year terms; and that all members shall be residents of Tompkins County with the possible exception of the Cornell University representative who shall in any event work in Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That members of the Air Service Board shall receive no compensation for their services as members thereof, but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties provided appropriations are made available by the Tompkins County Legislature for this purpose; local travel is not reimbursable,
RESOLVED, further, That said ASB will continue until December 31, 2008, at which time the County Legislature will review its efficacy and determine whether it will continue beyond December 31, 2008, and for what period of time,
      RESOLVED, further, That the reporting structure and authority of the ASB will be in accordance with Attachment A - "Governance of Air Service Board" and will operate in accordance with Attachment B - "Bylaws of the Air Service Board", and those bylaws shall be filed with the Clerk of the Legislature and may be amended by the Legislature.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve the Bylaws of the Air Service Board.  Minor amendments were made to the by laws as suggested by Committee members.

 A voice vote to approve the Bylaws of the Air Service Board resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Stevenson).  BYLAWS APPROVED.

ARTICLE I - NAME AND AUTHORIZATION
The name of this organization is the Tompkins County Air Service Board. The Board exists and functions by virtue of Resolution No. 281 of the Tompkins County Legislature dated December 20, 2005 [approved by Legislature December 20, 2005], and assume the responsibilities delegated to it by the Legislature.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the Air Service Board is to serve as an advisory board to the Airport Manager focusing on policy and procedures to ensure the successful operation of the airport.  It is the obligation of the Board to assist the Airport Manager in the preparation of a budget that will support air service in the county, to consult on opportunities for state and federal funding, to promote the best possible use of all airport resources, to improve existing services whenever possible, and to formulate policy for confirmation by the Legislature.

ARTICLE III – BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - Members

The Board is composed of seven members, all to be residents of Tompkins County at the time of their appointment and during their tenure, with the exception of the Cornell University representative, who shall in any event work in Tompkins County.  The members of the Board are appointed by the Tompkins County Legislature on recommendation by the Air Service Board and relevant Program Committee. Membership to include the following:

Member of Legislature
 Commissioner of Planning and Public Works
Representative of Cornell University with functional responsibility for air travel issues
Four at-large members representing varied economic development, business and airport user interests.

Section 2 - Term of Office
The term of office of Board members shall be three (3) years without limitation on terms served. Initial appointments shall be for one, two and three year terms.

Section 3 - Disqualifications and Vacancies
 a)  The Board may declare a position vacant when a member fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Board, excused or unexcused.  An exception may be made if a leave of absence for good cause is secured.
 b)   The Legislature shall be notified by the Chairman of the Air Service Board whenever a vacancy occurs.  Notification may include the name of a person or persons being recommended to fill the position.
 
  Section 4 - Duties of the Board
  The Board shall:
 
 a)   Develop policies for the operation of the airport, which are designed to promote efficient and effective procedures and optimal provision of service to airport customers.
 b)   Consult with County Administration and the Commissioner of Planning and Public Works on airport staffing when senior management positions become vacant.
 c)   Advise airport administration in the preparation of the annual budget; review and recommend the budget for submission to the County Administrator; advocate for the airport to the Legislature and make every effort to ensure that adequate funds are available to finance airport operation.
 d)   In consultation with the airport administration regularly review the needs of airport tenants to ensure that their needs are met within the confines of budgetary authority.
 e)   Maintain positive relationships and work cooperatively with other public officials and boards on matters pertaining to the airport.
 f)  Recommend individuals to the appropriate committee of the Legislature for membership on the Board.
 
 g)  Perform such other duties as shall become necessary from time to time.
 
  Section 5 - Officers
  Officers of the Board shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman. Officers shall be elected at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Board in January of each year. Vacancies in an office shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board at the next regular meeting of the Board after the vacancy occurs.
 
 The duties of the officers shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
 
a)  The chairman shall preside at meetings and perform such other duties as custom and regulation may require.
b)  The Vice-Chairman shall assume the duties of the Chairman in the event of the absence or disability of the Chairman.

ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES
 a) The Air Service Board will usually act as a committee of the whole but an Executive Committee is authorized as described in the following paragraph. In addition, Ad Hoc Committees or Task Groups may be formed for the special study of problems or issues. Such committees or task groups shall be appointed by the Chairman with approval of the majority of the Board, to serve until the final report for their work has been presented.
b)  The Executive Committee shall consist of the Board Chairman and Vice-Chairman and the Commissioner of Planning and Public Works. The Executive Committee shall, if necessary between regularly scheduled meetings of the full Board, make decisions on behalf of the Board.  These decisions shall be conveyed to the full Board either via electronic medium or in hard copy and reported to the Board at its next scheduled meeting.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS
a)  The Air Service Board shall meet once a month, at a time and place to be determined by the Board with notice to the public as required by Public Officer’s Law, §104.
b)   The regular January meeting of the Board shall be the annual meeting.
c)   A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the Board's full membership.
d)   An affirmative vote of a majority of the Board shall be necessary to approve any motion before the Board at any meeting.
 e) Robert’s Rules of Order, plus common sense, shall govern the parliamentary procedures of all meetings.
 f) All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public and minutes of each meeting shall be kept in accordance with county policy.  Executive sessions may be held in appropriate circumstances.

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to the by-laws must be submitted in writing at a regularly scheduled meeting for consideration at the next regular meeting of the Board.  A two-thirds vote of the Board membership is required for passage.  Amendments shall become effective upon approval by the Legislature.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, to approve the Governance Structure of the Air Service Board.  Minor amendments were made to the by laws as suggested by Committee members to more clearly define the chain of command and provide a fluid structure.

 A voice vote to approve the Governance of the Air Service Board resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Stevenson).  GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE APPROVED. (Governance Structure Document on File in the Legislature Office)

Agenda Additions/Deletions

The following items were added to the agenda:
· Resolution - Charging a Flat-Fee Structure For Cars, Pick-Up Trucks, and Full-Size Vans, Tipping of Garbage at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center (RSWC)
· Discussion regarding Solid Waste Transfer
· Discussion regarding main entrance door of Main Courthouse, which is very heavy and therefore difficult for many persons to use.
· Smoking in immediate doorway area of Main Courthouse

There were no deletions to the agenda.

Persons Wishing to Address the Committee

 There were no persons wishing to address the Committee.

Chair's Report

Mr. Penniman did not have a report.

Approval of Minutes of November 22, 2005

 By consensus, the minutes of November 22, 2005, were accepted as amended.  MINUTES APPROVED.

2005 Committee Goals

 Mr. Penniman would like to provide a report for the Legislature about the Committee goals completed as well as making suggestions for the 2006 Committee Goals.  The Committee reviewed the material that  resulted in the following report:

The Facilities & Infrastructure Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature will pursue the following goals in 2005.  In doing so, the Committee will make recommendations to the Legislature in order to carry out the goals.

Finances and the Future
Goal 1: To anticipate budget difficulties that the Public Works divisions and the ITS Department are likely to face in 2005 and beyond, and to plan accordingly, including a 20-year capital program.

Mid-Year Status: 20-year capital expenses have been identified by the Public Works/Planning/ITS/Weights & Measures Cabinet and forwarded to County Administration.

Year-End Status:  The 2006 budget has been passed by the Legislature and it leaves the Public Works programs intact.  The 20-year capital plan continues to be refined.

Goal 2:  To review and make use of Focus Area Recommendations resulting from the County's Strategic Planning Process.

Mid-Year Status:  The Strategic Planning process is complete but there has not been discussion by the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee regarding specific recommendations for implementation.

Year-End Status:  The County Administrator and the department heads are beginning discussions on performance measures that will pick up from and incorporate the work done through the Strategic Planning process completed earlier in 2005.

Goal 3:  To continue the identification and initiation of actions related to emergency needs and response related to the County government's infrastructure.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status: The Facilities & infrastructure Committee took no action on this item in 2005.  However, the Public Works/Planning/ITS/Weights & Measures Cabinet is formulating plans and action steps for addressing emergency and disaster situations.  This work will continue into 2006.

Goal 4:  To establish a database that will allow the County to record and evaluate the past performance of vendors of County supplies, services, or projects in order to improve the County's ability to identify responsible bidders.

Mid-Year Status:  The Budget and Finance Office and the Risk Manager are the leads on establishing this database.  Public Works divisions received some initial training on the proposed process changes with more information forthcoming as it becomes available.

Year-End Status:  No change from Mid-Year status.

Goal 5:  To review the existing Solid Waste fee formula for institutions and make recommendations for change.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  No action to date.  Staff reviewed the formula but did not recommend any changes.

Personnel
Goal 6:  To consider any Charter changes regarding the reinstatement of the Commissioner of Public Works position.

Mid-Year Status:  On 7/5/05, the Legislature approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on 7/19/05 for the proposed charter changes to reinstate a Commissioner of Public Works position.

Year-End Status: The Charter and Code changes were approved to create the position of Commissioner of Planning and Public Works.   Ed Marx was appointed as the Commissioner of Planning and Public Works position.

Goal 7:  To fill the County Highway Manager position.

Mid-Year Status:  William Sczesny was hired to fill this position in 6/05.

Year-End Status:  No change from Mid-Year Status.

Goal 8:  To ensure that staff development needs are met and adequately funded.

Mid-Year Status:  Several staff development topics, especially for departmental supervisors and the Highway field staff, were identified.  Training is being delivered in June and July of 2005.  Recommendations will be forthcoming on additional needs and financing.

Year-End Status:  A second series of training sessions have been developed for delivery to the Public Works supervisors group, the division managers group, and the Highway management and supervisory staff.  These courses are conducted by TC3 staff and will be completed in January 2006.  After the training is complete, evaluations and recommendations will be made for future sessions, topics to be offered, time, costs, etc.

Environment
Goal 9:  To continue to explore alternative fuel sources for vehicles and equipment.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  No action to date.  However, the County Highway Division is investigating the local availability of using Bio Diesel for part of the fleet.

Goal 10:  To continue to monitor the Energy Performance Contract and cost-savings for county facilities.

Mid-Year Status:  The Facilities division management continues to work with Johnson Controls on the contract development and implementation plan.  The Facilities & Infrastructure Committee and the Environmental Management Council's Energy Committee receive periodic reports on the status.

Year-End Status:  The retrofitting is well underway in the county facilities.  Phase II for extensive work in the Court House was approved by the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee in November.  The Committee continues to receive periodic reports from the Facilities Manager on the progress.

Goal 11:  To continue examining more economical and/or environmentally friendly options for snow and ice removal.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  The County Highway Division established a satellite facility at the closed Caswell Landfill site for more economical snow and ice removal operations on the east side of the County.

Goal 12:  To evaluate options and make a recommendation on effluent disposal from the closed Caswell Road landfill.

Mid-Year Status:  The Solid Waste division management continues to work with the consultant, Barton & Loguidice, on various options.  A headworks analysis of the Village of Freeville Wastewater Treatment facility is underway and reports and recommendations will be forthcoming to the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee later in the year.

Year-End Status:  This subject continues to be analyzed and evaluated by the Village of Freeville and reports have been given to the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee on a regular basis.

Goal 13:  To explore the establishment of a County Reuse Center as it relates to the Solid Waste Management Plan.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  No action to date.  Solid Waste program plans for 2006 and beyond were discussed as part of the 2006 budget discussions.

Technology
Goal 14:  To meet with the Public Safety Committee to address the multi-agency Criminal Justice data management project, specifically with respect to ITS' role, obligations, and future impacts and responsibilities.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  As part of the 2006 budget approval, ITS was granted permanent funding (instead of one-time funding) to fill the position that administers this program.

Goal 15:  To have a database of information related to intersections developed.

Mid-Year Status:  ITS reported to the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee that the potential exists for the development of this database.  However, without standardization of data input by the municipalities, the information will not yield complete, accurate, and comparable information.

Year-End Status:  No change from Mid-Year status.

Transportation Infrastructure
Goal 16:  To ensure that expiring snow and ice removal contracts with the towns are reviewed and renewed to garner the best services at the best price for the taxpayers and the traveling public.

Mid-Year Status: On 5/10/05, the Committee approved a resolution was that allowed the negotiations with the towns to continue.

Year-End Status:  Discussions have taken place between the County Highway Manager, the Town Highway Superintendents, and the NYSDOT that resulted in some route changes for the 2005-2006 winter season.  Contracts are in place between the County Highway and the Towns for one additional year.  The County Highway Division has made arrangements with the Solid Waste Division for the use of the old Caswell Rd. landfill storage garage as a remote Highway operations site to assist in snow and ice removal on the east side of the county.

Goal 17:  To continue the dialog with the towns related to improving services to the taxpayers and the traveling public (e.g. swapping sections or complete highways, modifying bridge replacement cost-splitting formula, sign maintenance, other services).

Mid-Year Status:  Initial meetings have taken place with the Towns of Ithaca and Lansing. These discussions will continue with the towns with any joint recommendations being brought forward to the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee for consideration.

Year-End Status:  The discussions continue between the County Highway Manager and the towns.

Goal 18:  To review the County's bridge repair and replacement program for identifying those bridges that are of critical importance, those that are of lesser importance, and those that might be considered for abandonment at some future point.

Mid-Year Status:  No action to date.

Year-End Status:  No action to date.

 Ms. Kiefer said she believed the following 2005 goals need to be continued into 2006:   numbers 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17.  She also suggested that the draft 2006 goals would be more useful if some were grouped by division.  Mr. Penniman added it will be important to review road conditions countywide and set priorities.  Also , there is the need to monitor the new Solid Waste Vehicle Fee and adjust as necessary.

Financial:

1. Monitor progress of 20-year Capital Plan development and its impact on Public Works division operations and budgets.

Performance Measurement:

2. Review goals, performance measurements, and annual reports of the divisions and departments that report to the Facilities & Infrastructure Committee.

3. Monitor the establishment of a database that will allow the County to record and evaluate the past performance of vendors of County supplies, services, or projects in order to improve the County’s ability to identify non-responsible bidders.

4. Review the existing Solid Waste fee formula for institutions and make any recommendations for changes needed.

5. Monitor the success of the vehicle fee structure at the Recycling and Solid Waste center and its impact on the traffic congestion at the site.

6. Monitor the discussions between the County Highway and the towns related to improving services to the taxpayers and the traveling public (e.g. swapping sections or complete highways, modifying bridge replacement cost-splitting formula, etc.)

7. Ensure that snow and ice removal contracts with the towns are renewed to garner the best services at the best price for the taxpayers and the traveling public.
 

8. Continue to monitor the Energy Performance Contract with Johnson Controls and cost-saving outcomes for County facilities.

9. Monitor the progress of the multi-agency Criminal Justice data management project, with special attention to ITS’ role, responsibilities, and operational impacts.

Emergency Management:

10. Review and support Public Works and ITS emergency response needs and plans.

Staff Development:

11. Ensure and support funding for adequate Public Works and ITS staff training.

Environment:

12. Continue to explore alternative fuel sources for vehicles and equipment.

13. Continue to examine and support more economical and environmentally-friendly options for snow and ice removal.

14. Approve final option and monitor the effluent disposal from the closed Caswell Road Landfill site.

15. Review the Solid Waste Management Plan status and possible additional recycling and reuse options.
Transportation:

16. Monitor the development of a database of information related to intersections.

17. Understand how projects are selected for the annual Highway work plan.

Solid Waste Division

 Ms. Eckstrom provided a new handout clarifying the staff proposal.

 Ms. Eckstrom reviewed the memo provided to the Committee that outlined the revised recommended fee structure associated with the resolution.  She thanked Mr. Thompson for his extensive research that assisted in determining an effective fair rate.  The review included the various options, including coupons, that could provide adequate funding for the changes in operation.     It was noted that presently, forty-three percent of the present traffic is cars.  The operational changes will now eliminate this traffic over the scales and it is estimated the average time to drop off garbage is estimated to be ten to fifteen minutes.

 Mr. Marx said upon reviewing the information he feels the $5 and $10 break-down is the closest possible to fairly reflect the present situation.  Ms. Eckstrom noted that part of the fee includes the cost of implementation of the new system (printing of coupons, advertising, etc.).  In addition it was noted trucks still would be going on the scale to determine how to charge them depending on weight.  She reiterated her previous statements regarding how this operational change will assist in mitigating traffic concerns, improve safety, and bring the facility into compliance with regulatory requirements for the scale.

 In response to a question from Ms. Schuler, Mrs. Eckstrom noted that commercial vehicles do not include the licensed haulers; it is a motor vehicle classification of New York State.

 Mr. Todd believed Option A ($5 for cards, $10 for trucks under 1,000 pounds) to be the best choice.  He stated it would be difficult to fully have all the answers until the operational changes have taken place.

 Mr. Penniman said the revisions to the initial recommendation that now provides the opportunity for trucks to go over the scales to determine costs was positive.

 Members of the Committee felt a review of the operation should be made once it has been in place for a period of time.   This recommendation was included in the resolution to be brought forward to the Legislature.

RESOLUTION NO.        - CHARGING A FLAT-FEE STRUCTURE FOR CARS, PICK-UP TRUCKS AND FULL SIZE VANS, TIPPING OF GARBAGE AT THE RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE CENTER (RSWC)

 It was MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Schuler, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.

 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Stevenson).  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, customer usage of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center has increased to the point of causing long waits and safety concerns, and
WHEREAS, the main cause of the gridlock has been identified as the weighing out of vehicles at the scale house, and
 WHEREAS, according to a study by Barton and Loguidice working with Cornell University Operations Research students, commissioned by the Solid Waste Division, 90 percent of relevant scale house traffic comes from cars, pick-up trucks and full size vans, (45 percent pick-ups, 40 percent cars, and 5 percent vans) so that focusing on these vehicles to reduce delays would be a sensible approach, and
WHEREAS, engineering modeling completed as part of the study projected that eliminating the need for most of these vehicles to weigh out at the scale house would alleviate the congestion problem of traffic and lead to a safer flow within the facility, and
WHEREAS, in order to comply with State and Federal Regulations the Tompkins County Department of Weights and Measures has informed the Solid Waste Division that the vehicle scale at the RSWC cannot be used to weigh net loads smaller than 1,000 pounds, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and the Budget and Capital Committees, That all vehicles with loads less than 1,000 pounds should be assessed a fee during 2006 in accordance with the fee structure below:
 
Vehicles* Payment Method Fee
Cars, minivans, sport utility vehicles Flat rate coupon atdrop-off area $5.00
Pick-up Trucks Flat-fee at scale house $10.00
Full-size vans Flat-fee at scale house $10.00

 RESOLVED, further, That the Solid Waste Division continue to make punch cards available at $2.00 per bag to provide incentives for reducing waste,
RESOLVED, further, That vehicles with load weights greater than or equal to 1,000 pounds be charged the per ton disposal fee,
RESOLVED, further, That these changes take effect on March 1, 2006, with appropriate public notification,
RESOLVED, further, That this new system will be evaluated by June 15, 2006, with further adjustments if necessary.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

*FOR PURPOSE OF CLARIFICATION THE ATTACHED TABLE PROVIDES A DETAILED SCHEDULE OF THE VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION

Types of vehicles in each class

Vehicle Class Vehicles Types
AutomobilePick-up TrucksVans 2-door sedans4-door sedansSUVSuburbanStation WagonsMini-vansHummerAll sizes - excludes truck that have been significantly altered such as, stake body and such as flatbeds.DMV designation by use (cargo vans, panel vans, work vans).

Explanation:

The Department of Weights And Measures informed the County Solid Waste Management Division that a State law passed in prior to 1988, effects our use of scales and because our scale-house scales register in increments of 20 pounds and the law does not allow weighing of net loads of less than 50 times the scale interval (50 x 20 = 1000), it is illegal for Tompkins County to use a weight-based fee for vehicles with a net load garbage weight of less than 1,000 pounds.  The State had determined not to enforce this until complaints were received.  This has occurred this past year and it must now be enforced.

In an effort to reduce waiting time at the scale, improve safety, and comply with State and Federal Regulations the vehicle weigh scale at the RSWC cannot be used to weigh net loads smaller than 1,000 pounds, it was necessary to develop a fair and reasonable means to allow residents and businesses to continue to bring their solid waste to the facility.  Following a traffic study by Barton and Loguidice working with Cornell University Operations Research students relating to the County Solid Waste Division, it was determined the flat fee system would be the most efficient method to relieve traffic flow, improve safety, and comply with regulations.

Individuals with cars will not enter the facility via the scales but proceed directly to the public drop-off area where they will utilize a coupon system to pay for their load and then exit without stopping at the scale-house.  Pick up trucks and full-size vans will have a standard tare weight determined as a result of previous or initial use of the facility prior to implementation.  When entering the facility they will still enter on the scale where the permit number is entered, providing the tare information.  If the total weight minus tare is less than 1,000 pounds they will be assessed the $10.00 fee, pay at the scale-house, proceed from the point to the tipping floor and then exit the same as cars.  If the pick up truck weight above tare is over 1,000 pounds, the current weighing process will be utilized and the customer will pay for the actual tonnage upon exiting the facility.

Capital Payment Summary Reports

 The Committee reviewed the Capital Payment Summary Reports and noted the following:

· Snyder Road Tower - To date a total of $9,500 was spent on the project.  This includes preliminary work regarding tower placement and specifications as well as a survey of the property completed by TG Miller.  Although the project is rescinded, this information will be kept on file for use at a future time.

Federal Aid Projects

 The Committee reviewed the information provided and discussed the following:

· McLean-Cortland Road and Bridge - at this time there is one property owner who has not provided a right of way easement for the bridge portion of the project.
· Red Mill Bridge - this bridge has been closed since December 8, 2005, due to severe deterioration of deck, beams, pier, and abutments.  It is anticipated to remain closed until it can be replaced.  In answer to a question, it was indicated industrial-access road funding may be again pursued since this bridge mainly serves a large-farm operation.
· Hanshaw Road - three public meetings had been held to date.  A review of rights-of- way information has not provided clearly delineated information in order to determine whether the width is thirty-six feet or fifty feet.  The County Attorney is reviewing material and will provide an opinion.   Cost is becoming an issue, with work in Cayuga Heights and varying the sidewalk location.
· Coddington Road - a public hearing was held on November 5.  A major item to consider is speed reduction.  The Town would like ten-foot lanes and four-foot shoulders, however in order to meet requirements there should be ten-foot lanes and five-foot shoulders.

Future Committee Resolution

 Mr. Marx said he, John Lampman, Peter Penniman, and Nancy Schuler met with Town of Ithaca supervisory Valentino.  He indicated a Committee-level resolution may be forthcoming to support a specific width for a specific project it that seems helpful with Department of Transportation.

Brown Road

 Mr. Sczesny reported the data have been received and are in the process of being reviewed.  He is asking the State to call together a meeting with the New York State Department of Transportation, County, and others who participated in the earlier meeting in order to speak about the data and outline potential problems found as a result of the information.  At this time the State has not indicated any problem and is not recommending changes to the intersection.

 A discussion took place regarding how any action could be initiated to alleviate what is felt to be hazardous traffic situations at the intersection.  It was felt that the NYS Department of Transportation should meet with individuals to discuss the matter more fully and that participants did not necessarily have to include all those who met previously.  It was also thought that changes to the traffic patterns would require clarification of who would be responsible for any financial expenses.

RESOLUTION NO. 262 - IN SUPPORT OF NET METERING FOR SOLAR AND WIND POWERED ELECTRICITY PRODUCED BY ALL TYPES OF ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONS

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Schuler, to recommend the following resolution to the full Legislature for approval.

 Mr. Nicholson, of the EMC Energy Committee, said to have a bill at the State level in support of net metering  for all solar- and wind-powered electricity would be beneficial.  It was noted that a bill with similar language passed the Assembly.  Mr. Nicholson feels the resolution is ambitious and that it is important to obtain public and political awareness of the issue.  Mr. Penniman said the large cost to install a solar or wind system is moderated with NYSERDA subsidies.

 A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Stevenson).  RESOLUTION APPROVED.

WHEREAS, the electricity industry is the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States, with 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions coming from electric power generation, and
WHEREAS, energy independence and the reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels can enhance our national economic security, and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of the Governor, the New York State Public Service Commission in 2004 adopted a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) of producing twenty-five percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2013, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Public Service Commission has estimated the total cost to develop sufficient energy sources to meet the New York State RPS is not expected to increase energy costs for consumers by more than one percent, and
WHEREAS, to meet this target, New York State will need to add approximately 3,700 megawatts of renewable resource generation capacity, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County in 2001 adopted its own 2008 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions twenty percent below what they were in 1998, and in 2004 adopted its own goal of having 5% of its electricity generated from renewable resources by 2008, and
WHEREAS Tompkins County annually generates approximately 1.5 percent of its electrical need from its solar photovoltaic array on the Tompkins County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, commercial and institutional electric customers in New York State may generate electricity from solar energy or wind, but they currently lack the right to sell their surplus power to their local utility company (called “net metering”), while residential customers have been afforded this right since 1997 for solar and since 2004 for wind, and
WHEREAS, solar electricity provides power during peak summer periods when it is most needed, thus reducing the need for additional fossil-fuel generation capacity,
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature supports legislation that will provide the right to all electric customers in New York State to produce solar and wind electricity and to sell smaller amounts of surplus power (for systems up to 25 kilowatts) to their local electric utility at the retail rate, and to sell larger amounts of surplus power (systems larger than 25 kilowatts) to their local electric utility at the wholesale rate,
RESOLVED, further, That a copy of this resolution shall be sent to Assemblyperson Barbara Lifton, Senator James Seward, Senator George Winner, Senator Michael Nozzolio, and the Public Service Commission.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

 Mr. Marx reviewed the following information with the Committee:

Policy Issues to be addressed by Legislature:

Issue #1- Are long-term capital needs being increased by inadequate annual infrastructure and facilities maintenance budgets? (See pp. 7-8 draft plan)

May need to increase annual O&M budgets for Highway and Facilities by $1 million.

Issue #2 – What measures of fiscal capacity are appropriate to guide capital investment decisions in Tompkins County?  (See p. 12 draft plan)

Large student population and percentage of tax-exempt property may skew some measures.

Issue #3 – How do we account for impact of overlapping debt with municipalities and school districts?

Debt load varies by municipality and school district with differing impacts on taxpayers.  Coordination would no doubt involve discussion of roles and debt financing policies of different levels of government.

Issue #4 – How do we establish mechanisms for maintaining discipline in capital budgeting?

We may want, for example, to make greater use of Capital Reserve funds to balance investment in infrastructure and facilities over time.

Issue #5 – What is the order of priority for the Health Department, Center of Government and Public Safety Building?  How is that determined?

We should begin planning and design for one project in 2006/2007 with construction in 2007/2008.  We also will need to budget for interim improvements to buildings not undergoing major renovation/replacement.

Schedule Update for 2006

Update draft plan with 2006 budget figures.    January

Review draft plan and policy issues with interested   January /February
members of Citizens Advisory Panel.

Determine parameters to be used to measure fiscal capacity  February
and establish fiscal capacity for 20 year plan.

Prioritize capital needs and develop preliminary 20 year plan.  March

Present draft plan to Legislature.      April

Refine plan based on comment from Legislature.    May

Resolution to adopt plan to Legislature.     June

Use plan to develop 2007 Capital Program.    July

Adjournment

 Mr. Penniman declared the meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m., without objection.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk