The meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM by Chair B. Blanchard.

1. Chair's Report - B. Blanchard reported on the following items:

A. TCAT Insurance and Board Report - The cost of TCAT's insurance has increased greatly. This will have major impacts on future years operating costs. This increase has impacted transit systems across the state. This increase has partially resulted from September 11th. The TCAT board is looking into ways to reduce the impact (i.e. statewide pool). TCAT is seeking bids for the insurance, and only one bid was received, so additional work on this is being done. Route consolidation will be investigated as an option to lower costs. TCAT is also moving forward with strategic planning for TCAT to become an employer, since it does not now have any employees. Investigation into TCAT becoming and "authority" are being discussed. TCAT is now considered a minimum sized transit system, up from a small system. This puts additional requirements on its operations, such as the need for a full-time accident investigator, additional training, and a training officer. Barbara will keep the committee abreast of developments in these areas.

(D. Kiefer arrived at 9:10 AM)

B. Public Works Cabinet - Barbara and S. Whicher have been meeting with the cabinet. This has been very worthwhile and interesting experience. Both of them are pleased with the cabinet process. The committee will need to make a decision on how the cabinet will be evaluated in order that the issues of Commissioner vs. no Commissioner, cabinet vs. no cabinet can be determined prior to the budget process for 2003 commencing. Also, the Charter and Code needs to be revised to reflect any changes in PW.

C. Bostwick Rd. Facility Retaining Wall - As the PWC Chair, Barbara issued instruction to Arel LeMaro and Tom Schickel that the retaining wall is to be finished to match the new addition.

2. Consent Agenda - The following items were approved in a motion by D. Winch, seconded by T. Todd and carried:

A. PW Administration Transfer - $535 from .54412 (Travel & Training) to .52214 (Office Furnishings). Funds needed to cover miscellaneous furniture for PW Administration office.

B. Approval to Seek Bids - Hydraulic Telescoping Boom Type Excavator - Highway
The approval of the 2/7/02 minutes and the Highway transfer for $113 were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion and action. The 2/7/01 minutes, along with D. Kiefer changes, were approved in a motion by D. Kiefer, seconded by D. Winch and carried. C. Nelson will verify the exact amount that B. Eckstrom stated would be cut from the 2003 public information budget as a result of the annual fee not being raised.
The $113 transfer from Highway will be approved with item #4 on the agenda as it relates to that subject.

3. 2002 Goals - B. Blanchard asked that the committee members give her any final comments or changes to the draft goals for 2002.
(M. Lane arrived at 9:25 AM)

Once the goals are agreed to by the committee, the cabinet will develop actions items for each one. These action items will be presented to the committee at the 4/4/02 meeting.

4. Authorization for Membership - American Public Works Association (APWA) - County Highway Manager - The following resolution and the transfer to cover the membership for P. Messmer for 2002 in the amount of $113.00 was approved in a motion by M. Lane, seconded by D. Kiefer and carried. The committee requested receiving a list of all 2002 memberships for PW staff members along with the names, locations, and costs of all budget conferences or seminars.

5. Highway Capital Projects Status Report - The report was reviewed with the committee by J. Lampman and P. Messmer. Points of interest discussed on particular items are as follows:

Ellis Hollow Road Reconstruction - The date of the "Stop Sign Open House" has been changed from 3/18 to 3/25. The focus of the meeting will be on traffic calming and an area speed limit. Martha Robertson is working with Barry Steven of the NYSDOT. Martha will draft a resolution in support of an area speed limit for the PWC to act on. M. Lane asked that the NYS Police and the Sheriff be invited to the meeting. Martha will have these invitations made by the Town of Dryden. It was recommended that a meeting facilitator be designated for the 3/25/02 meeting to keep the meeting on track. Martha will be responsible to find a facilitator.

Beach Road Bridge - Pete asked the committee to give direction on the next steps for resolving this issue. After discussion, it was agreed that meeting should be held in the next month with the PWC, the Town of Newfield Board, Pete M., John L. and Roy Westmiller, Town of Newfield Highway Superintendent. The purpose of this meeting will be to try to agree on options for repairing or replacing the bridge, how many options should be priced out, and resources that will be contributed by the County and the Town.

6. Authorizing Changes in Permit Fee Schedule - Tompkins County Highway Department - The following resolution was approved in a motion by M. Lane, seconded by T. Todd and carried:

Whereas, Tompkins County Highway Manager, Peter F. Messmer, has recommended changes in the permit fee schedule to allow for fee collections at current rates being offered by the private sector, and
Whereas, all changes proposed were determined during the Highway Department's most recent review of other New York State counties permit fee schedules, now therefore be it
Resolved, on recommendation of the PWC, that the Tompkins County Highway Department implements the charge scheduled below
       2001   2002
Water main, Sanitary Sewer,
Storm Sewer, Pipe Ditch    $0.25/ft.  $2.00/ft
Excavation, Tunneling, Boring,
Plowing, etc.      $0.25/ft.  $2.00/ft
Commercial Service, Sub-service
Connection      $0.25/ft.  $2.00/ft
Private Service, Sub-service
Connection      $0.25/ft.  $2.00/ft

7. Facilities Capital Projects Status Report - The report was reviewed with the committee by A. LeMaro.

(D. Kiefer left the meeting at 10:55 AM)

(D. Winch left the meeting at 11:00 AM)

8. Flow Control - Report and Recommendation - This item was tabled until Ken Thompson returns from an upcoming conference on flow control and the information can be shared with the committee.

9. Authorizing a Public Hearing - Rules & Regulations and Minimum Standards - Airport - This item was tabled.

10. Adoption of Local Law No. ___ - Rules & Regulations and Minimum Standards - Airport - This item was tabled.

11. Project Labor Agreements - B. Blanchard distributed information for the committee members to review for future discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM