The meeting was called to order at 9:02 AM by Chair B. Blanchard.

1.  (Agenda item #10) Budget Adjustment - Highway - The following budget adjustment was approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by T. Todd and carried:
(D. Kiefer arrived at 9:08 AM)
FROM:        TO:
D5111.44589 Federal Aid, Bridges - $220,379 D5111.54411 Bridge Contracts
Explanation:  Bridge Painting:  Federal share (80%) of work that could not be completed in 2001 due to state budget delays.  Local share of costs encumbered from 2001 budget
D5111.43589 State Aid, Bridges - $ 41,321  5111.54411 Bridge Contracts
Explanation:  State share (15%) of bridge painting work that could not be completed in 2001 due to state budget delays.  Local share of costs encumbered from 2001 budget.

2.  (Agenda item #1) Chair’s Report -

A.  CHIPS Funding Status - B. Blanchard asked P. Messmer to relay information on the status of the CHIPS funding.  Pete reported, based on the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association meeting he recently attended in Albany, that the CHIPS operation and maintenance funds cut in 2001 will also not be funded in 2002.  Additionally, the CHIPS capital funds, which total one million dollars for Tompkins County Highway, are in jeopardy in the state budget.  The advise delivered to the County Highway Superintendents was not to spend this anticipated funding until the budget is approved to see if the funds are available.  Pete reminded the committee members that this one million dollars is equal to the amount of the highway materials budget.  Pete stated that he needs to be advancing his summer work program, now, and that in order to keep the highway program on track, he cannot wait until the state budget is settled to proceed.  S. Whicher stated that he has been in contact with NYSAC about this same issue.  M. Lane stated that CHIPS funding has always been questionable, but that this year, the added circumstances created by 9/11/01, impacts from the proposed federal budget, and the possibility of increasing gas taxes, makes the situation even more uncertain than usual.
After discussion, Pete was directed to prepare month-to-month reports on activities and expenditures to keep Steve and the committee apprised of the highway program status and risk to the county for 2002.  Pete stated that he could use funds available in other part of the highway budget (approximately $200,000) now, to begin to stockpile needed materials, etc.  B. Blanchard will make the full Board aware of this issue through her committee report. A presentation will also be made to the Budget committee on this topic.

B.  Air Service Task Force - B. Blanchard reported that a consultant had addressed the task force at its last meeting.  The advice conveyed by the consultant was for Tompkins County to not pursue [a meeting with United Airlines, since no airlines are currently looking to expand].  It was suggested to wait until after the first quarter of 2002, and then re-examine pursuing other airlines.  There was discussion of providing services to Washington, DC with more fuel efficient planes, and Washington is a United Airlines hub, which would increase access to the western US.  It was suggested by the consultant that the county keep its presentation to United polished, in order that it can be made when the time is right to do so.
Bob Nicholas has applied for funds from the AIR 21 program.  He has received support for this from Rep. Hinchey and Senator Schumer.  If accepted, there would be funds available, up to $500,000 for three years.  [Bob stated that he would like to use the funds to market the airport, reduce airport fees, and lower fares to better compete with other upstate airports.]

3.  Consent Agenda Items - The following items were approved as consent items in a motion by D. Kiefer, seconded by M. Lane and carried:

A.  Budget Transfer -
FROM:        TO:
1490.54414 Local Mileage - $120   .54416 Dues/Memberships
Explanation - Data entry error when budget booklet was prepared.

B.  Audits - Payments for various Facilities and Airport capital projects paid on 1/20/02 were provided to the committee members for information.

4.  (Agenda item #3) Baggage Carts - B. Nicholas stated that in 1995, the Airport entered into a contract with SmartCarte for ten (10) carts at the airport.  Since SmartCarte has requested to raise the price of the carts, Bob has decided to purchase the ten carts for $1500.  Additional carts can be purchased, if needed.  The purchase of the carts also allows flexibility for placement in the terminal for maximum use by the airport users.

5.  (Agenda item #4) Approval of Project and Making a Negative Determination of Environmental Significance - Runway 32 (Approach End) Obstruction Clearance - Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport - This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

6.  (Agenda item #5) 2001 Recycling Revenue Report - B. Eckstrom reviewed the report with the committee.  There is an expected surplus of recycling revenue of $85,961.  Barbara also stated that she anticipates about $45,000 surplus revenues from disposal.  All of the 2001 year-end receipts will be in by the end of February, when final reports can be prepared.
Barbara reported that the recent ENRON scandal had some relevance to Tompkins County since there was a hedge price for cardboard with Waste Management through ENRON which totaled about $10,000 which will have little of no impact because of a) Broome County revenues of $2500 - $3000 per month, b) seasonal market fluctuations, and c) conservative disposal revenues.
B. Eckstrom is to prepare monthly reports on the revenue for the committee, including the breakdown by commodity.  Barbara will do a local media spot on the 2001 year-end report once the final report has been developed.
In other Solid Waste issues, Barbara reported that the arrangement with Broome County to accept recyclables will continue through 7/02.  Historic Ithaca’s expansion looks promising for the Center St. location.  Solid Waste is working with others on improving the collection of year-end clean up when the students leave in the spring.  Barbara was asked by D. Winch, to follow up on the Clean Sweep Pesticide Program to see if advertisements may increase the number of participants from last year.  Barbara was also asked to add flow control to the agenda the next time she will have items for the committee.

7.  (Agenda item #6) Mechanical Systems Technician - A. LeMaro distributed copies of the job description developed and agreed upon by he, Steve W., and Anita F..  This job description and approval to seek applicants and fill the position was approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by M. Lane and carried.
Arel distributed copies of the Facilities organizational chart.  The chart was discussed.  Arel was given the approval to develop the Capital Construction Manager job description and return it to the committee for review and approval once agreed upon by Steve and Anita.  Steve and Arel stated that even though funds are presently available in the Facilities budget to fund several positions, the positions will be developed and filled one at a time, in order to evaluate the strengths of each new hire.

8.  (Agenda item #9) Change in Position - Public Works - The following resolution was approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by T. Todd and carried:
Resolved, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the following position changes be made effective February 11, 2002:
Highway:
Abolish One (1) Cleaner Position, Labor Grade (D) 40 Hours, Job Grade (4-801)
Facilities:
Create One (1) Cleaner Position, Labor Grade (D) 35 Hours, Job Grade (4-801)
Resolved, further, that the annual funds for this position, minus what has already been paid through February 10, 2000, in the amount of  $ 17,335 be transferred from Highway account DM5130.51000 to Facilities account A1620.51000
Resolved, further, that the fringes (26%) $4,507.10, plus Dental in the amount of $ 363.88 be transferred from Highway account DM5130.58800 to Facilities account A1620.58800
Resolved, further, that part of the Building Repairs budget ($2,500) be transferred from Highway account DM5130.54470 to Facilities Maintenance account A1620.54311

9.  (Agenda item #7) 2001 Year End Public Works Cabinet Report - The changes requested by the committee were made and five (5) copies were delivered to the Board of Representatives office for Board members to read.  Final copies will be made and distributed to all Board members and cabinet members.

10.  (Agenda item #8) 2002 Committee and Public Works Department Goals - B. Blanchard distributed a draft of these goals that she had prepared.  She had reviewed these goals with the PW Cabinet.  The committee discussed these and B. Blanchard will revise her draft based on the committee discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM