Called to Order

 Mrs. Covert, Clerk of the Legislature, called the organizational meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature to order at 5:30 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members

 Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 Present:  15 Legislators.

   District No.  1 ? Pam Mackesey, 323 Pleasant Street, Ithaca
   District No.  2 ? Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, 528 West Clinton Street, Ithaca
   District No.  3 ? Richard S. Booth, 510 Mitchell Street, Ithaca
   District No.  4 ? Nathan I. Shinagawa, 307 Stewart Avenue, Ithaca
   District No.  5 ? Katherine Luz Herrera, 116 Utica Street, Ithaca
   District No.  6 ? Michael J. Sigler, 218 Peruville Road, Freeville
   District No.  7 ? Frank P. Proto, 2585 Slaterville Road, Slaterville Springs
   District No.  8 ? Greg W. Stevenson, 130 Harvey Hill Road, Ithaca
   District No.  9 ? Duane T. Randall II, 305 West Groton Road, Groton
   District No. 10 ? Dooley Kiefer, 629 Highland Road, Ithaca
   District No. 11 ? Michael A. Koplinka-Loehr, 124 Crest Lane, Ithaca
   District No. 12 ? Tim Joseph, 772 Elm Street Extension, Ithaca
   District No. 13 ? Martha Robertson, 1655 Ellis Hollow Road, Ithaca
   District No. 14 ? Michael R. Hattery, 4 Greystone Drive, Dryden
   District No. 15 ? James P. Dennis, 47 Elm Street, Trumansburg

Administration of Oath of Office

 Mrs. Covert introduced Aurora Valenti, County Clerk.  Ms. Valenti administered the Oath of Office to all Legislature members.

Election of Temporary Chair

 Mrs. Covert announced the first order of business was the election of a temporary chair.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr nominated Mr. Proto as Temporary Chair, seconded by Ms. Robertson.   After hearing no more nominations, it was Moved by Mr. Sigler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to close nominations.  A voice vote resulted as follows for Temporary Chair:  Ayes ? 15, Noes ? 0.   MOTION CARRIED.    Mr. Proto took the chair as Temporary Chairman.

Mr. Proto took the occasion to reflect on his humorous remarks of last year regarding temporary appointments and how a Town Supervisor viewed the remarks in a negative manner.  He said there would be fun times while working with the Legislature.  Mr. Proto expressed congratulations to the newest members of the Legislature; he said the position is challenging but all members will work together regardless of position.  Mr. Proto said Mr. Joseph said the County is complimented at the State level for the ability to get along.  Mr. Proto then opened nominations for a Permanent Chair.

Election of a Permanent Chair

 Nominations were opened.  Mr. Booth nominated Mr. Joseph as Permanent Chair, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr.

Mr. Booth said Mr. Joseph is deeply experienced in all aspects of the Legislature and County government and encourages participation by all members.  He said although they sometimes disagreed, Mr. Joseph respects his right to do so.  Mr. Booth said Mr. Joseph listens well, is patient, and has a willingness to include everyone and should be respected for this.  In addition, he is honest and open in terms of explaining difficult issues in a manner that people can understand.  Mr. Koplinka-Loehr stated that Mr. Joseph has the ability to summarize differences and articulate opposing views and is someone he looks to as a model.

Mr. Hattery nominated Mr. Proto as Permanent Chair, seconded by Mr. Sigler.

Mr. Hattery said Mr. Proto is the senior Legislator of the body and has acted as Chair on many Committees as well as having the temperament and values to allow him to see both sides of an issue.

Hearing no more nominations, it was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Herrera, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to close nominations.  In answer to a question, no one requested a secret ballot.

A vote by show of hands to elect Tim Joseph Chair of the Legislature resulted as follows:  Ayes - 11 (Legislators Booth, Dennis, Herrera, Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Mackesey, McBean-Clairborne, Robertson, Shinagawa, and Stevenson).

A vote by show of hands to elect Frank Proto Chair of the Legislature resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4 (Legislators Hattery, Proto, Randall, and Sigler).

 Mr. Joseph was declared Chair of the Legislature for 2006.

 At this time Mr. Proto turned the meeting over to Mr. Joseph, newly elected Chair.

Election of a Vice Chairman

 The next order of business was the election of Vice Chairman and Mr. Joseph opened nominations.  Ms. Herrera nominated Mrs. McBean-Clairborne as Vice Chair, seconded by Mr. Dennis.  Ms. Herrera made the following statement:

"It is my honor and privilege to nominate someone who embodies the notion of democracy in action. Since her arrival here in 1990, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne has been an active part of this community, as an ally to all.

"Leslyn’s early efforts organizing and running a peer mediation group for teens (the Ithaca Peacemakers), her work with Local Law C [Local Law No. 6 of 1991}as a new member to the community, her efforts organizing an active neighborhood association (CAN-DO) for the Historic Southside, and her work with the Corn Street gas station remediation, just to name a few, demonstrate her support of our community. She continues to give her time, talent, and commitment to fighting for social justice and equality for all.

"As a Legislator, Leslyn is a model of fairness, treating workers, administrators, and her peers from either side of the aisle with respect. This is what we hope for from our leaders, and from Leslyn, what we have come to rely on. Thoughtful and well spoken, Leslyn seeks not only to represent everyone, but also to represent everyone fairly. And she succeeds.

"As chair of the Public Safety Committee, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne worked to include the voices of all Public Safety personnel on matters of interest such as the integrated communications system.  She's also led the committee to more cooperative discussions and decisions.

"Leslyn successfully articulated to the Legislature the need for Tompkins County to move forward in its efforts toward fully supporting the diversity of our community. With Leslyn McBean-Clairborne's adept communication skills and diplomacy, we gained the support of the Legislature and are engaged in a process of culture change that can enhance the quality of life for us all. A tall order for sure, and Leslyn will take us there, not single-handedly but as a team.

"As a working class woman of color, I am proud to serve on the Tompkins County Legislature with Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, who I consider to be a colleague, friend, and sister.

"There is much more I could say, but to sum up I will mention that Leslyn has been awarded the Human Rights Commission's special Award for 2006, which is a great honor and is well deserved.

"Accordingly, it gives me great pleasure to nominate Leslyn McBean-Clairborne for vice chair of the 2006 Tompkins County Legislature."

 Mr. Hattery nominated Mr. Sigler as Vice Chair, seconded by Mr. Randall.  Mr. Hattery stated Mr. Sigler would be capable of continuing Legislature leadership that he is known for in Lansing.  Mr. Randall said he has come to respect the phenomenal dedication exhibited by Mr. Sigler and that while he may lack in experience this would be made up for by his passion and dedication.

 Hearing no more nominations, it was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to close nominations.

A vote by show of hands to elect Mrs. McBean-Clairborne Vice Chair of the Legislature resulted as follows:  Ayes - 11 (Legislators Booth, Dennis, Herrera, Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Mackesey, McBean-Clairborne, Robertson, Shinagawa, and Stevenson).

A vote by show of hands to elect Mr. Sigler Vice Chair of the Legislature resulted as follows:  Ayes - 4 (Legislators Hattery, Proto, Randall, and Sigler).

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne was declared Vice Chair of the Legislature for 2006.

 Mr. Joseph introduced the camera crew to the new Legislators and the Public.  He thanked members for electing him chair and said he would do his best to ensure the function of the Legislature in a cooperative and effective manner.  Mr. Joseph then read the following statement:

Address to Legislature

"Thank you.  I appreciate your support in choosing me as chair and will do my best to ensure that we function cooperatively and effectively.  We will, of course, have many differences.  That is in the nature of the work we do.  But those differences can be an asset if they are handled respectfully and productively.

"Many of the issues we face and much of what we do in the months ahead will be a continuation of what we’ve been doing, because the issues and problems facing the County do not change simply because many of the people do.  We still face county property taxes that are too high, and the increases of recent years were driven largely by state mandated expenditures.  We have won some relief in the form of a cap on growth in the local share of Medicaid but we remain vulnerable to other forms of cost shifting and will continue working with other counties through our state association to resist this.  As most people are aware, County property tax is part of a much larger total bill that covers County, municipal and school services.  The overall structure of taxation in the state and nation has become too regressive and too reliant on property tax.  Congress has just passed new legislation that again cuts taxes for the wealthiest while slashing services for the poorest.  We have yet to see how these program cuts will affect our citizens, but we can be certain these cuts in Federal taxes and services will translate into increased expenditures and taxes at the local level.  To reverse this trend will require working effectively in alliances with many other groups who share an interest in reasonable and progressive taxation.

"We have the opportunity to partner with a new district attorney and increase our efforts to make our community safer and bring down our jail population.  Her support will make existing programs more effective and will make new initiatives possible.  I would like to see us increase our efforts to help inmates from our local jail and from state prison succeed in reintegrating into the community.  Currently we simply open the jail door and say goodbye.  We can do better than that, and we must if we don’t want to see the same people coming right back.  We must also ensure that the youth in our communities have positive and productive choices available to counter the temptations of drugs, gangs and other dangers they face.  The guidance and opportunities we offer our young people are the most important factors that influence their futures and the future of our community.

"Our economic development efforts have been quite successful in recent years.  They have made us a regional job center, and have led to business growth and new development in Ithaca as well as in other parts of the County.  TCAD is currently engaged in updating and implementing a County economic development strategy.  The IDA will be taking on three new members and will be reexamining its policies and procedures, particularly around its density policy for the City.

"A housing shortage has been a long standing problem in our community.  This is reflected in high prices that have put decent housing out of reach for many working class families.  A number of projects, both completed and underway, have begun to relieve some of the shortage, but affordability remains a problem.  We must continue working to ensure the availability of adequate and affordable housing for all the people who live here, as well as those who wish to live here but currently cannot.

"In this, as in many areas, other municipalities have greater authority and influence than the County does.  The County can be most effective by working with, and at times coordinating, the efforts of others.  Intergovernmental cooperation has long been a stated goal of virtually all local governments.  Near the end of last year we began discussions about a council of governments that could facilitate our working together.  I hope that this year will see the formation of such a council and the beginning of new joint ventures as a result.

"We must increase the diversity of our workforce, so that it better reflects the community we serve. This was a priority this past year, but so far we have only laid the groundwork for change.  Continuing this effort is critical, not only because justice and fairness demand it, but because it is essential to providing quality service to all the people we represent.

"In order to accomplish any of this, we must first integrate 7 new members of the Legislature and build an effective team that can govern, solve problems, and push forward new initiatives.  Almost half of the legislature is new, but they are a talented and capable group, most of whom have previous experience in government.  We have already had a few orientation meetings, but with today’s meeting and the formation of committees, we begin actually working together.  The continuing members will provide continuity and leadership in many areas.  Leslyn McBean-Clairborne has stepped forward to fill role of vice chair and many continuing members will chair committees.  New members will bring new ideas and new priorities that will gradually play a larger and larger role in setting our agenda and defining our direction.  Two are already being tapped to lead committees.

"As always, the efforts of the legislature are dependent on the hundreds of men and women who work for the county and serve our citizens.  They are the ones who make real the programs and initiatives that we talk about.  Often they are the ones who guide us in making the right choices.  They are critical members of the team that makes our county government a leader and an example in the state.  I thank you for choosing me to lead that team and look forward to an exciting and productive year together."

 Mr. Joseph called upon Mrs. McBean-Clairborne to make a statement.

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne thanked Ms. Herrera and Mr. Dennis for their nomination.  She said often it is difficult to know what you have done and the influence you have had until someone notifies you of it; she appreciated being reminded of some of the accomplishments.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said that her life has taken her in directions she had not planned and that she has learned to be able to "go with the flow".  She is proud and honored to have been chosen Vice Chair of the Legislature.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said she chose her seat location to be able to deliberately look to the new and continuing members of the Legislature to assist in shaping the position which does not have fully-defined responsibilities.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne is open and willing to listen to suggestions and thoughts from others that could be put in place.  She said that she will be continuing as Chair of the Public Safety and the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committees, and that she will continue to work diligently for the issues of social justice, human and civil rights, public safety, and most importantly teamwork.  She spoke of the importance of working as a team and said Mr. Winch, former Legislator, spoke of the importance of communications.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said she expects to work more on communications with each other and noted that although people sometimes disagree it does not need to be disagreeable.

She said although she is a City of Ithaca representative her movement has and will go beyond the City; that it is about the people of the County and what is right.  She emphasized that voting is a responsibility and that it is important to be fiscally responsible as well as moving forward for things that benefit not only her constituents, but everyone.  She also stressed the importance of listening to the residents of the County.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne thanked the Chair for his confidence and said she looks forward to building the team of Legislators to be even stronger than it has been.  She also said she looks forward to working with the new Legislators.

Expressions of Appreciation from Legislators

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne thanked her family for their continued support and recognition of the areas of importance and movement to her and their desire to support her efforts.

Mr. Dennis thanked his wife, Karen, a teacher at Northeast school for her support, that he is glad for her presence.

Ms. Mackesey thanked her husband, Thomas Mann, for his support and understanding and expressed appreciation for his support.

Mr. Hattery thanked his wife Deborah, son Michael, and friend Jim Crawford, for their support.

Mr. Sigler thanked his wife, Sarah, and the voters in the Town of Lansing for their support.  He will do all he can to represent them well.

Mr. Randall thanked his wife, Phyllis, who acted as his campaign manager, for her efforts.

Mr. Shinagawa said during the election period he had spoken often of his siblings and grandparents; at this time he wished to thank his parents who have been an inspiration to him.  As a young candidate he had not spoken much of them, now as a Legislator he was pleased to be able to formally recognize all they had done.  Mr. Shinagawa also thanked his brothers for their assistance during his campaign.

Ms. Herrera acknowledged her parents and said although not with her family any more their vision lives on through their children.  In addition, she expressed her gratitude to her siblings and partner whose support is essential to her work.  Ms. Herrera thanked her community for their continued support.

Mr. Stevenson thanked his wife, Sherry and her daughter, Amiee, for their support and noted his wife is a dedicated County employee.

Mr. Proto said appreciation should be given to family not able to attend and the families of staff attending the meetings for their support.  He also looks forward to working with Mrs. McBean-Clairborne in her new capacity of Vice Chair of the Legislature.

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

 Mrs. Clairborne, of Caulfield, Kansas, said she is the proud mother-in-law of Mrs. McBean-Clairborne and wanted to share that she has seen her handle meetings in terms of the people of the community and not the desire of just the Legislature.  She blessed Mrs. McBean-Clairborne for her work.

Privilege of the Floor by Legislators

 Ms. Herrera, District No. 5 Legislator, reported the 24th Annual Human Rights Commission Dinner will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. in Beverly J. Martin School gymnasium.  The keynote speaker will be Mr. Raymond M. Schlather, Attorney.  During this meeting Mrs. McBean-Clairborne will be the recipient of a special award.  She said this is a very moving event that provides a lot of information on the community.

 Ms. Robertson, District No. 14 Legislator, expressed her gratitude to the retired Legislators.  She then spoke of an upcoming meeting on January 5, 2006, in the Dome Center in Rochester where Monroe County has set up a public viewing of the variety of voting machines being considered in order to comply with the Help America Vote Act.  Municipal officials may view the equipment from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  New York State must make a choice in 2006.  Both Digital Recording Equipment and Optical Scan machines will be present.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, District No. 2 Legislator, spoke of the upcoming Martin Luther King holiday and provided information on events.  On Thursday, January 12th, Southside Community Center will hold its annual luncheon at noon; Saturday, January 14th, Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) will hold its annual breakfast; and on January 16th, a joint GIAC, Multicultural Center, Cornell University, and other agencies will hold all-day celebration, at Beverly J. Martin School.  The joint event will include workshop discussions and other programs related to social justice affecting communities.

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, District No. 11 Legislator, reported the initial dates of January 6 and 26 for a Strategic Planning meeting between the Legislature and Department Heads are cancelled.  At this time a tentative date of February 1, 2006 has been chosen.

Mr. Booth, District No. 3 Legislator, said he appreciated the positive comments regarding County employees.  He then expressed his appreciation to the Legislature staff, noting he believes them to have a high standard in terms of receiving and informing the community.  In addition he said they are highly-competent, very courteous, amazingly even-handed, and cheerful to all.  He said he believes they are a strong set of assistants for the Legislators and wanted to thank them.

Mr. Randall, District No. 9 Legislator, said he had reflected on what it would be to be a Legislator and found some quotes he believed to be pertinent:  "When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, understand what he is trying to do, nine times out of ten he is trying to do right." - Harry S. Truman; and "Once a mind has been stretched by new ideas it never returns to its original shape." - Oliver Wendell Holmes.  Mr. Randall said he would like his colleagues and fellow Legislators to help him to understand and to stretch his mind.

Report from a Municipal Official

 There was no municipal official(s) in attendance at this time.

Chair’s Report and Appointment(s)

 Mr. Joseph, Chair, reviewed the 2006 list of Standing and Special Committee assignments and responsibilities.   Mr. Joseph noted a draft schedule for Committee meetings had been provided and asked members of the Legislature to review the information and meet with staff following the Legislature meeting to note any questions or problems with the schedule.  He reported a meeting with Committee Chairs to discuss what the role of Chair is and how to carry out the responsibility would be set in the future, prior to a regular Legislature meeting.  Mr. Joseph then extended an invitation to members of the Legislature to join Department Heads at their next regular meeting on January 11, 2006, between 10:00 - 10:30 a.m..

Mr. Joseph made the following appointments:

Tompkins County Area Development Board of Directors
Martha Robertson

Chamber of Commerce
Tim Joseph
Frank Proto, Alternate

Cornell Vet School Incinerator Project
Dooley Kiefer, Delegate
Beverly Livesay, Alternate

Ethics Advisory Board - Chair
Dooley Kiefer

Extension Service
Duane Randall

Local Advisory Board on Assessment Review
Caroline/Danby - Frank P. Proto
Newfield/Enfield - Greg Stevenson
Groton - Duane Randall
Dryden - Michael Hattery/Martha Robertson
Ithaca - Dooley Kiefer/Michael Koplinka-Loehr
Lansing - Michael Sigler/Dooley Kiefer
Ulysses - James Dennis
City of Ithaca - Nathan Shinagawa/Kathy Luz Herrera

Ithaca Metropolitan Planning Organization (Policy Committee)
Dooley Kiefer

Tompkins Cortland Community College Financial Oversight Committee
Duane Randall
Michael Hattery

Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board
Kathy Herrera

Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance - Terms expire December 31, 2009
Stuart Stein
Barbara Blanchard

Report from the County Administrator

 Mr. Whicher, on behalf of himself Department Heads, and staff, congratulated the new members of the Legislature and welcomed them.  He did not have a report.

Report from the County Attorney

 Mr. Wood did not have a report.  He informed the new Legislators he welcomed them and would look forward to speaking with them and answering questions.

Report from the Finance Director

 Mr. Squires informed the newly elected Legislators they were joining a stable organization.  He reported that sales tax estimates are expected to exceed estimates by at least $877,000, as well as interest by about one-half million, and unallocated revenues by a total of  approximately $2 million (including sales tax).  He then reported the upcoming tax foreclosure cycle will begin the following week.  The number of foreclosed properties on the list has been reduced from 148 to 44 at this time.  He explained to the new members that every attempt is made to avoid the foreclosure sale if possible, including personally meeting with the property owners.  Mr. Squires informed the members of the Legislature that notice will be provided to them of any constituents' properties involved.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

 There were no resolution(s) added to the agenda.

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

 There were no resolutions withdrawn from the agenda:

Approval of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following resolution(s) under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLUTION NO. 1- BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – OFFICE OF EMPLOYMENT AND  TRAINING

 MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustment on his books:

Office of Employment and Training
Revenue Acct           Title            Amt  Approp Acct Title(s) __________________
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $  80,313 6292.5100783      Training Workforce Specialist
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $  31,322 6292.58800           Fringe
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $  80,000 6292.51000051     JTPA Participants
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $  25,000 6292.54432           Rent
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $198,000 6292.54491           Subcontracts
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $       500 6292.54452           Postage
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $    1,000 6292.54472           Telephone
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $    2,000 6292.54412           Travel/Training
    Contributions
6292.42797 Other Local Govt.    $    1,000 6292.54342           Food
    Contributions

Explanation:  The Office of Employment and Training was awarded the contract for the WIA Youth Program.  The positions will support that program.  Fringe Benefits for two Transition Work Specialist positions.  Wages for program participants.  Rent for Youth One-Stop.  Program components being contracted out to various agencies.  Increased postage costs relating to operation of youth program.  Increased telephone costs relating to operation of youth program.  Travel to work sites.  Food/Incentive for program activities.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_________________

RESOLUTION NO. 2 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 260 OF 2005 - REDUCTION OF HOURS - DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY POSITION

 MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 260 of 2005 included creation of positions and changes to existing positions, and
 WHEREAS, the reduction of hours of one Deputy County Attorney position from 40 to 35 hours per week was inadvertently omitted from Resolution No. 260 of 2005, and
 WHEREAS, such a change would be beneficial to the organization, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the appropriate Program Committees, That the standard workweek for one position of Deputy County Attorney (89-262) shall be reduced from 40 hours per week to 35 hours per week effective January 1, 2006.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

_________________  
RESOLUTION NO. 3 - DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN  TAX REFUNDS AND CREDITS OF $2500 AND UNDER

MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, Section 554 of the Real Property Tax Law authorizes a tax-levying body to delegate the correction of tax rolls due to a clerical error, an error in essential fact, or an unlawful entry (an unlawful entry is any information on the tax roll that violates the Real Property Tax Law), and
 WHEREAS, Section 556 of the Real Property Tax Law authorizes a tax-levying body to delegate the payment of tax refunds due to a clerical error, an error in essential fact, or an unlawful entry, and
 WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the Government Operations Committee, that such delegation would be more efficient in processing said refunds and therefore beneficial to the taxpayer, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the County Director of Assessment shall transmit corrections and/or refund recommendations to the County Administrator,
 RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to allow payments of bills where recommended refund or credit is $2,500 or less, without prior audit by the tax-levying body, in compliance with Paragraph 9 (a), (c) of Section 554, and Paragraph 8 (a), (c), (d), and Paragraph 9 and 10 of Section 556 of the Real Property Tax Law,
 RESOLVED, further, That any refund or credit over $2,500 must be approved by the Tompkins County Legislature pursuant to Paragraph 8 (a), 9, and 10 of Section 566 of the Real Property Tax Law, except for refunds amounting over $2,500 as a result of Real Property Tax Law Article 7 litigation ordered by the New York State Supreme Court,
 RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator shall transmit on or before the 15th day of each month a report to the Tompkins County Legislature of all the corrections and refunds processed,
 RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall only be in effect during the calendar year 2006.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

_________________

Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:

Youth Services Board
Jessica Evett-Miller - City of Ithaca representative

Report from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee

 Ms. Herrera, 2005 Chair, reported as Chair for two years many goals were accomplished.  She spoke of being very impressed with the way the Planning Department operates and the professionalism exhibited.  Ms. Herrera noted two of the goals were the County Comprehensive Plan and the Open Burning issue; she was amazed at how people were brought together through the process.  Ms. Herrera said the Committee met on December 7th at which time there was a presentation from Fred Bonn who discussed the tourism work done through the Strategic Tourism Planning Board.

She noted that the new Chair of the Committee, Ms. Robertson, would get to see the Convention and Tourism Center expansions planned.  Ms. Herrera spoke of the work done by Workforce New York and encouraged their efforts.  Also noted was the study of the Route 13 corridor in Dryden, as well as a multi-modal transportation study  for the waterfront area of the City, walkability assessments on Hanshaw Road and in Trumansburg.  She said these things are rural and urban Quality-of-Life issues.  Ms. Herrera said a Request for Proposals was completed relating to the scenic resources inventory for a consultant who will assist in determining what locations could be included.

Ms. Herrera said it has been an honor and pleasure to serve as Chair of the Committee.

 Ms. Robertson, 2006 Chair, said the Committee will meet briefly prior to the January 17 Legislature meeting.  She noted the Committee is scheduled to meet on the second Monday of the month for regular meetings, beginning in February.

Report from the Budget and Capital Committee

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, did not have a report.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Government Operations Committee
 
 Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, did not have a report.

RESOLUTION NO. 4  - ESTABLISHING 2006 MEETING DATES

 MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Booth.  Ms. Kiefer said she would like to recommend only one meeting be scheduled for the month of August 2006.  She provided information relating to action taken within the last five-year period for that month.  Ms. Kiefer believed the information indicated it was potentially feasible to combine the meetings.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Robertson, to amend the resolution to indicate that for the month of August, 2006, one meeting be held on August 8, 2006.

 Ms. Herrera said while commendable to try not to have meetings if not necessary, it leaves the potential of a full month time between Legislature action; this could create a problem.

 Ms. Robertson asked what Mr. Whicher and other Department Heads felt the impact may be.  Mr. Whicher said it should not impact staff, but could slow down work in some areas due to the length of time.

 Mr. Booth said he would not support the motion, consent agenda items are equally as important to act upon.  Ms. Kiefer felt the number of resolutions is reducing with time and that the changes to the budget process have changed the focus, she does not believe it to be necessary.

 Mr. Dennis inquired whether it is possible to cancel the second meeting in August if it were proven not to be necessary.  It was noted the meeting could be cancelled by resolution.

 Mr. Proto felt the schedule should be kept, that if Legislators needed to be excused they could do so.

 Ms. Robertson said she seconded the resolution to be able to have a discussion; upon hearing the information provided she will not be supporting the resolution.

 A voice vote on the motion to amend the schedule resulted as follows:  Ayes - 1 (Legislator Kiefer); Noes - 14.  MOTION FAILED.

 A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:  Ayes - 14; Noes - 1 (Legislator Kiefer).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the 2006 regular meetings of the Tompkins County Legislature are as follows:

 Tuesday,  January 3,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  February 21,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  April 4,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  May 16,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. (Tuesday, July 4 - Holiday)
 Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  August 15, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  September 19,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Wednesday,  November 8,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.  (Tuesday, November 7 - Election Day)
 Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
 Tuesday,  December 19,  2006 at 5:30 p.m.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

____________________

 Ms. Herrera, 2006 Chair of the Government Operations Committee, noted a special meeting is tentatively planned for Tuesday, January 10, 2006, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., for any individual interested in learning more about the assessment process and the differences between an annual and three-year assessment cycle.  If anyone has questions regarding the process it is recommended to forward them to the Legislature office.

Report from the Public Safety Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, did not have a report.

Report from the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, did not have a report.

Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

 Ms. Kiefer, member, did not have a report.

Report from the Health and Human Services Committee

 Ms. Robertson, Chair, expressed appreciation to the members of the Committee and support staff.  She noted she was Chair for three years and a member for four.  She will be working on a summary of goals for Mr. Proto, new Chair of the Committee.

Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously approved by voice vote to approve the minutes of December 20, 2005.  MINUTES APPROVED.

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
 

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, TC Legislature Office