Tompkins County Legislature

February 6, 2007

Call to Order

Mr. Joseph called the 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. (Ms. Kiefer arrived at 5:35 p.m.)

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Barbara Blanchard, former Legislator and Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) member, spoke of the achievements of MEGA during 2006, noting that at present twelve counties are members, and due to connections made by County Administrator Steve Whicher with other county officials, three more counties are interested in joining as well. She provided members of the Legislature with written material describing MEGA as well as a list of various members. Ms. Blanchard reported that the Voice Your Choice program through New York State Electric and Gas resulted in 183 expressions of interest in MEGA, which potentially could add 488 electric and 156 natural gas accounts to the program. She said MEGA will be going out to public bid this summer and is hoping to achieve a better rate and savings for all members.

Ms. Kiefer arrived at this time.

Ms. Blanchard presented Mr. Squires, Finance Director, with a check for $2,000, representing the second year of a three-year subsidy provided as a result of the County’s five-year commitment to purchase five percent of its energy from wind-power. She noted that it is hoped to develop a program that will offer a blended renewable energy package that could include wind, solar, etc. In response to a question regarding the Voice Your Choice deadline, Ms. Blanchard stated interested individuals may join the program at any time.

Rick Dobson, Danby resident, spoke of his concerns regarding incident reports relating to an accident that occurred approximately two years ago. He feels that incident reports should have a file number associated with them to prevent amending reports at a later time. Mr. Dobson believes there should be some form of review committee connected to public safety officials and requested that he be provided assistance in the matter.

Privilege of the Floor by Legislators

Mr. Dennis, District No. 15 Legislator, reminded individuals that cellular telephone numbers would be made available to telemarketers within the next fifteen days. Individuals wishing to have their numbers excluded from the list need to register their cell phone at www.donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Mr. Dennis also spoke of the inappropriateness of the “dart” published in the Ithaca Journal that criticized our new Tompkins County Poet Laureate.

Mr. Dennis spoke of the Public Information Advisory Board’s work regarding the community budget forums that will be held to provide the opportunity for public input into the budget process. There will be one held on March 3^rd at the Neptune Hose Fire Department in Dryden, March 10^th at the Enfield Elementary School, and on March 24^th at the Human Services Building on West State Street. He introduced Marcia Lynch, Public Information Officer, who spoke of the importance of these sessions and to obtain public input on the 2008 budget process. She asked that Legislators assist in notifying residents of these meetings and asked for recommendations of individuals who would assist in organizing other public information sessions. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr noted that this effort should not diminish Legislators efforts in the budget process.

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, spoke of the public discussions as many property owners express opposition to tax rate increases. He said often, the largest tax paid by property owners is school taxes rather than County taxes, and individuals should be aware of the pending $100 million bond issue coming before Ithaca City School District voters. Mr. Proto noted that with the exception of the Groton district, every town has some residents this will affect. He thanked the Board of Education for bringing a public input session to Enfield and Caroline and recommended the public participate when it comes to their area. Mr. Proto expressed concerns with the bonding issue, noting that the initial presentation did not take into account ongoing operation and maintenance costs associated with the project. The second item Mr. Proto wished to note was that to date, the Universal Service Fund audit has not yet taken place. He intends to continue to work on seeking ways to return more of the funds to the County, particularly due to newly-elected Governor Spitzer’s interest in expanding broadband throughout the State.

Mr. Sigler, District No. 6 Legislator, reminded voters in the Lansing district of the bond proposition vote that is taking place today.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, District No. 2 Legislator, announced February is Black History Month. She reported that on February 7^th Ithaca City Common Council will be awarding Ms. Frances Eastman the J. Diann Sams Annual African American History Month award. Ms. Eastman who has celebrated her 90^th birthday, is still an active advocate for fellow citizens. In addition, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne announced that on February 16^th the Greater Ithaca Activities Center will hold its annual Black Community Talent Show at 6:00 p.m.

Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, announced that Ithaca College Biologist Jason Hamilton’s presentation on global warming is taking place this evening at the Tompkins County Public Library.

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, District No. 11 Legislator, reported that Dorothy Cotton, peacemaker, motivational speaker, former Southern Christian Leadership Conference education director, and close associate of Dr. King, would be appearing at Cornell University Sage Hall on February 20^th.

Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Legislator, spoke regarding Mr. Dobson’s concerns, noting that she had been contacted by Mr. Dobson and informed him that due to the public safety issue he is involved in, the County’s Ethics Advisory Board was not the appropriate body to address his concerns. She did however inform Mr. Dobson of the traditional routes to investigate concerns of this nature.

Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

RESOLUTION NO. 6 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF TIOGA – HARFORD ROAD BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND FUTURE BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION (BIN 3314090)

MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, Tompkins and Tioga Counties cooperatively maintain a bridge on Harford Road (BIN 3314090) over the West Branch of Owego Creek, and

WHEREAS, in response to deterioration of the Bridge, the Counties are preparing plans, specifications, and estimates, and Tompkins County has done temporary repair to allow plow trucks and emergency vehicles to pass safely over the structure, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an Agreement with the County of Tioga to obtain reimbursement of costs already spent by Tompkins County and continued cooperative maintenance of the bridge, and design and construction costs associated with the bridge reconstruction, including completed repairs.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II- 20

_____________________

Resolution(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously approved by voice vote under the Consent Agenda, to present for approval the following resolutions under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLUTION NO. 7 - APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW HEARING MEMBERS TO SERVE ON ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PANELS

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, Real Property Tax Law 523-a permits the County Legislature to appoint up to six Temporary Board of Assessment Review members to serve on Administrative Review Panels, and

WHEREAS, Real Property Tax Law 523-a permits the compensation of Temporary Board of Assessment Review Members, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That six Temporary Board of Assessment Review Members, namely Jan deRoos, Edward Laine, Robert Walpole, Ed Finegan, Michael Cannon, and Paul Banfield be appointed to serve on Administrative Review Panels,

RESOLVED, further, That Temporary Board of Assessment Review members be compensated at a maximum annual compensation of $250.00.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 8 - TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 9 OF FEBRUARY 7, 2006 - DETERMINATION AND CERTIFICATION OF COUNTY CLERK'S ALLOWANCE - ANNUAL EXPENSES FOR ADMINISTERING MORTGAGE TAX – AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 251 OF 2007

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 262 of the Tax Law, recording officers are entitled to receive all their necessary expenses for purposes of administering mortgage taxes in their offices on approval and allowance by the New York State Tax Commission, and

WHEREAS, the State Tax Commission, by resolution duly adopted July 1, 1946, did determine that such mortgage tax expenses be approved at the amount certified to the State Tax Commission by the County Board of Representatives [Tompkins County Legislature] provided it is a reasonable and necessary allowance for such expenses, and

WHEREAS, the County Clerk has conducted a cost analysis and has recommended that the allowance for mortgage tax expenses be increased from $143,042 per annum to $152,483 per annum, and

WHEREAS, the Finance Director has conducted a cost analysis and has recommended that the allowance for the treasurer’s expense for administering the mortgage tax be set at $15,000 per annum, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the sum of $152,483 per annum be, and the same hereby is, determined as a reasonable and necessary allowance of the Tompkins County Clerk, the recording officer of the County of Tompkins, for the hire of clerks and assistants and other expenses to assist in the administration of the mortgage recording tax law in her office, and that the sum of $15,000 per annum be, and the same hereby is, determined as reasonable and necessary allowance of the Tompkins County Finance Director, to assist in the administration of the mortgage tax funds, and that the said sum of $167,483 is hereby certified to the State Tax Commission as the reasonable and necessary allowance for such expenses,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Legislature is hereby directed to send a certified copy of this resolution, with her original signature thereon, to the State Tax Commission,

RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 9 – AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOMPKINS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“GRANTEE”) AND THE NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“STATE”) TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO POLLING PLACES

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 mandates reforms to voting systems and procedures, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Board of Elections has allocated certain State funds provided to New York State to improve access to polling places in the amount of $28,074 to Grantee as part of the New York State Budget for FY 2006, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the grant offer from the State be and hereby is accepted in the amount of $28,074 and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized and directed to make the following budget adjustment:

APPROPRIATION: 1450.54400 Program Expense $28,074

REVENUE: 1450.43089 Other State Aid $28,074

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 10 – ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOMPKINS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“GRANTEE”) AND THE NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“STATE”) TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO POLLING PLACES

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 mandates reforms to voting systems and procedures, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Board of Elections has allocated certain Federal funds provided to New York State to improve access to polling places in the amount of $13,487 to Grantee as part of the New York State Budget for FY 2006, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the grant offer from the State be and hereby is accepted in the amount of $13,487 and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized and directed to make the following budget adjustment:

APPROPRIATION: 1450.54400 Program Expense $13,487

REVENUE: 1450.43089 Other State Aid $13,487

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 11 – AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOMPKINS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“GRANTEE”) AND THE NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS (“STATE”) FOR VOTER EDUCATION AND POLL WORKER TRAINING

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 mandates reforms to voting systems and procedures, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Board of Elections has allocated certain Federal funds provided to New York State for poll worker training and voter education in the amount of $56,148 to Grantee as part of the New York State Budget for FY 2006, and

WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that this is a “reimbursement based” contract, based on reimbursement of 95 percent of the amount expended by the Grantee, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the grant offer from the State be and hereby is accepted in the amount of $56,148 and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 12 – AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF A GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the Probation Director has been notified of a grant award from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $35,600 and referred to as the STOP grant, and

WHEREAS, the STOP grant represents a collaborative effort between Tompkins County, Cayuga Medical Center, The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, Cornell University Police Department, and the Human Services Coalition, and will fund the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, Self-Defense Training, and a lock-change program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, now therefore be it

RESOLVED on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee execute all contracts related to this award,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following adjustments to his books for 2007:

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

Revenue: A3996.43389 State Aid $35,600

Appropriation: A3996.51000754 Administrative Services Coordinator $ 5,000

.58800 Fringes $ 1,950

.54442 Professional Services $28,650

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 13 – EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE - ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 267 on the 16^th day of December 2003 the Tompkins County Legislature did award a three-year contract to Clarity Connect, Inc., of Ithaca to provide Wireless Internet Service at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, and

WHEREAS, it is desirable to investigate whether certain improvements can be made to said Wireless Internet Service that would benefit airport customers, with such improvements being the possible provision of free access and/or the use of an airport-owned computer, and

WHEREAS, said investigation would include collection of pertinent information over a six-month period to be evaluated prior to issuing a Request for Proposals that would allow the airport to more clearly state our customer service and operational goals, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the contract with Clarity Connect, Inc., of Ithaca be extended for a six-month period from the 1^st day of January 2007 until the 30^th day of June 2007 and that the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute a contract extension with Clarity Connect, Inc.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

RESOLUTION NO. 14 - AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO GRANT AN EASEMENT TO THE CITY OF ITHACA TO CONSTRUCT AND MAINTAIN A WATER MAIN

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Randall, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has requested that the County grant it an easement on certain property owned by the County near Commercial Avenue in the City of Ithaca for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a water main, and

WHEREAS, the anticipated water main project would benefit the County by providing a more reliable water supply and will increase water flow and pressure to the Recycling and Solid Waste Center which would be beneficial in the event of a fire, and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that construction work does not interfere with operations at the Solid Waste Center, no work will take place without the approval of the Solid Waste Manager, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator is authorized to grant any necessary easements to the City of Ithaca in order to construct and maintain the water main.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

_____________________

Appointment(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda

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

Ethics Advisory Board

Dooley Kiefer, Legislator - term expires December 31, 2010

Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee

Dooley Kiefer, Legislator – term expires December 31, 2007

Environmental Management Council

Michael Miles – Term expires December 31, 2008

Assessment Review Board

Nelson Bills – Term expires September 30, 2011

Edith Spaulding – Term expires September 30, 2010

Advisory Board on Indigent Representation

Michael Koplinka-Loehr – Legislator representative; term expires December 31, 2009

Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives-to-Incarceration Board

Martha Robertson – Legislator representative; term expires December 31, 2009

Emergency Communications Review and Oversight Committee

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne – Public Safety Committee representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Traffic Safety Committee

Martha Robertson – Public Safety Committee representative; term expires December 31, 2009

Chair’s Appointment

Mr. Joseph made the following appointment:

Dooley Kiefer, Chair of the Ethics Advisory Board for 2007

Chair’s Report

Mr. Joseph reported on his recent attendance at the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Legislative Conference held in Albany. The Governor’s budget was not available as it normally is due to the change of leadership in Albany, which allows later submission. However, the Governor did speak about his proposals to be included in the budget. As a result of the delay, there will be a budget workshop “webinar” available for interested parties to review the information. At this time, Mr. Joseph highlighted some of the overall budget discussions regarding the Governor’s budget proposals.

One of the items included the removal of parolees from county jails. Mr. Joseph received congratulations that an initiative he had worked for was coming to fruition. The following day during a conference call with Governor Spitzer’s staff, more details were provided on the subject and indicated that while the intent is to remove parolees from local facilities, the technicalities of how to proceed due to current statutes may make it difficult. Mr. Joseph said a parolee is entitled to a hearing in the county of origin. At present various solutions are being reviewed, including the possibility of video arraignments and the like. He stated that the important factor is that they are acknowledging the State’s responsibility for parolees.

Mr. Joseph noted that the State is honoring the Medicaid cap and that overall the budget appears to be a break-even proposal with regard to counties.

Mr. Shinagawa reported on his attendance at the NYSAC conference, noting he was able to attend a session relating to the Berger Commission’s decision regarding Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Two speakers, one a general counsel, and the other a Deputy Director of the Berger Commission, reviewed the methodology and framework utilized to make the recommendations. It had been noted that there was a desire for comprehensive data which meant more current issues and information were not taken into consideration. In addition, it appears that while the Berger Commission has directed closure of facilities, the recommendations are not done in a manner that is logical. The General Counsel of the Berger Commission said the enabling legislation stated that the Commissioner of Health must enact the closures in a reasonable and cost-efficient manner, which may provide an opportunity for Tompkins County to come up with a positive solution.

Ms. Robertson reported on her attendance at NYSAC. She received information that the company who has been responsible for certification of voting machines in New York State, as well as other areas across the country, Ciber, has been decertified as a result of the Federal Elections Commission audit in July 2006. This decertification has resulted in a freezing of the certification process and the New York timeline is now at risk as it is doubtful that new machines could be implemented in 2007. Ms. Robertson said the decertification was not initially made public and that the Federal authorities did not provide the information to New York until January 2007. She said another consideration is the desire to wait for a non-presidential year to implement the new voting machines. New York is working with the Department of Justice to extend the HAVA deadline until the 2009 election.

Ms. Robertson reported she also went to a Young Professionals Speak Out program that provided insight as to why young people do not remain in New York. Six young adults between the ages of 22 to 30, including Lindsey Novakavic from Ithaca, spoke to the group about the need to have a competitive job market available for individuals to be able to pick and choose the positions desired. Ms. Robertson noted that the youth believe that their positions will change every few years rather than stay in one position as many older professionals have done. The young adults indicated that since most of them would be renting versus owning, property taxes are not a factor.

Ms. Mackesey also spoke of her experience at the conference and stated she found it interesting that the only company that had been certified to test voting equipment was Ciber, but that the Federal government did not release the information regarding their malfeasance even when requested. She then spoke of the Berger Commission information received and noted there is a sunset of June 30, 2008 to implement the mandate. Ms. Mackesey said it was a good experience to be among so many officials and was pleased to attend the various workshops, including one relating to staffing public service and dealing with public-sector labor-management relations, particularly how the civil service merit system operates.

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said that Governor Spitzer’s speech indicated that he wanted to make changes in the budget transparent in respect to how it will have an impact on counties. In addition, while at the conference, Mr. Whicher, Ms. Younger, and Ms. Martel-Moore, as well as others attending, all received positive comments of how Tompkins County is the leading edge when undertaking programs and ahead of the curve in many areas. He stated the County and staff should be proud of the recognition received.

Ms. Herrera said it was interesting to see reactions to Governor Spitzer’s speech. She said it is important to recognize that there was a feeling that local government can make a difference. She attended several workshops, including: (1) Building Consensus in a Political Environment, which addressed the importance of public involvement; (2) Workplace Violence Law, which goes into effect March 4^th, with a forty-five day period following for public comment; and (3) NYSAC Workforce Intelligence Project relating to high-tech manufacturing. She noted the Worforce Intelligence Project indicated that manufacturing in rural areas is not being eliminated but is adapting to become more of a higher technological-based industry.

In response to a question from Mr. Proto, it was noted that there were no discussions at NYSAC regarding the STAR school-tax benefit or capping the amount of tax schools could charge.

Mr. Dennis reported on his attendance at a local meeting sponsored by “Ithaca Forward” which was designed to show young adults what non-profit programs do and asking for volunteers to serve on committees. In addition, he said several days earlier the Chamber of Commerce had launched a program entitled “Drop Anchor” which was designed to find solutions to retaining the young people in Tompkins County. Mr. Joseph stated there have been many educational meetings by various economic development groups to encourage young people to return to the community and make a life and/or career here. Mr. Proto recalled the success a number of years ago of a Cooperative Extension program coordinated by Ms. Munroe for retention of individuals that was very successful.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Whicher reported he heard many positive comments regarding Tompkins County while attending the NYSAC conference. He is very optimistic with regard to the presentation of the Governor’s budget information, noting it is very open and well organized. Mr. Whicher expressed his appreciation to Mr. Proto for the e-mail correspondence recently received. With regard to the previously mentioned webinar on the Governor’s budget, Mr. Whicher announced it will be presented at the Beverly Livesay conference room in the Human Services Building this coming Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. He anticipates that this presentation will be made by Ken Crannell who has shown an insightful grasp of what the local implications would be for counties.

Mr. Whicher spoke of the recent discussions relating to obtaining permission to drill for natural gas at the airport; it is a very complicated process that will require an education process prior to any commitment. He asked that the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee undertake this work.

Ms. Robertson noted that Governor Spitzer’s budget presentation provided at NYSAC is available at the state website. She stated the school aid formula has been a very political process that the Governor has chosen to eliminate and replace with a standard percentage increase coupled with additional funding for schools whose need is significant. Ms. Robertson inquired whether any information was provided relating to the State’s recalculation of reimbursement rates for Early Intervention and was informed by Mr. Joseph that during the conference call with budget officials it was made clear that nothing presented offered a “hold harmless” clause to counties. He said that although it would not be changed there is a possibility of allowing the pay-back period of five years. Mr. Joseph also stated that NYSAC has indicated this matter will be the highest priority of their Legislative Committee.

Mr. Booth stated that the school state aid formulas have been developed over a number of years and that it will be difficult to eliminate them in a short period. In addition he remarked that a major difficulty in Albany regarding the setting of State budgets has involved achieving agreement on what State revenues will be collected. This difficulty will not disappear any time soon.

Mr. Proto spoke of the proposed drilling for natural gas on County property and noted various drilling companies who expressed the same interest on his property. As a result, he has sought out legal advice due to the manner leases are presented by these various firms. Mr. Proto spoke of obtaining the services of the counsel recommended by Cooperative Extension and the Farm Bureau and has spent over four hours discussing the topic. He feels that it is important to obtain as much detailed information as possible and that everyone should be made aware of what the long-term outcomes of a lease could be. An area of concern Mr. Proto noted was what may happen to aquifers if there is blasting and drilling. He recalled when an aquifer was punctured during a bridge reconstruction; the end result was it required emergency work to provide temporary plumbing and was almost two years before the water level returned to its previous level.

Mr. Stevenson believes there will be a concerted effort of resources investigating the proposal for drilling on County property and cautioned that the amount of staff time, external consultants, attorney, etc. could exceed the value of the potential revenue and he would like to have the time and money accounted for.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Wood did not have a report.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires reported he has started to receive transfer tax income from the State, with $1,200 received in December, $12,000 for January, and the Clerk indicated thus far $15,000 for February. On February 12^th there will be a rating review with Moodys, due to notes to be converted into bonds. He anticipates that it will not be a perfect report and may result in a negative outlook. Although the last time this occurred it did not have a negative impact on the County’s rating. Mr. Squires indicated that the County received an excess of $300,000 sales tax for 2006, which was the lowest excess in the past six to seven years. In response to Mr. Proto’s question, Mr. Squires did not attribute the low sales tax due to warmer weather that caused lower utility charges; he noted that the fourth quarter was even with last year’s figures.

Resolution(s) to be Added to or Withdrawn from the Agenda

There were no resolution to be added to or withdrawn from the agenda.

Report from the Personnel Committee

Mr. Dennis, Chair, reported the Committee meets on February 14^th at 3:00 p.m.

Report from the Government Operations Committee

Mr. Stevenson, Chair, reported the Committee met on January 17^th, at which time they heard from Mr. Wood, County Attorney, about the reorganization of the County Attorney office; this will be discussed further at future meetings. Ms. Coggin and Mr. Franklin from the Assessment Department spoke to the Committee regarding Empire Zone Business Exemptions; no action has been taken at this time. At the present time the Committee is reviewing schedules to determine a mutually agreeable meeting time. The Committee will meet next on February 21^st.

Report from the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee

Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on February 12^th in the Legislature Chambers at 3:30 p.m., with the first half hour being a joint meeting with the Budget and Capital Committee to review the room tax. She noted it will be a full agenda and will include discussion of the first draft of the Committee goals.

Report from the Budget and Capital Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr reported the Committee met on January 22^nd, at which time they reviewed budget survey results, which will lead to a meeting of Legislators with department heads. The Committee reviewed the Public Information Advisory Board recommendations regarding budget forums. In addition the Committee reviewed the top five budget strategies and began to look at the goals.

Report from the Public Safety Committee

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne reported the Committee met on February 1^st and reviewed the activities of departments. The Emergency Response department provided an update of the communication system as well as other workings of the department. One item that will be coming forward shortly is the subscriber equipment that will be required; specifically, how it will be distributed and who is responsible for costs. The Committee received information regarding the increase in the number of inmate board-outs and the associated expense. In 2006 costs were approximately $779,000; the Committee will review the issue to determine other alternatives to incarceration and building matters that may alleviate the expenses. In addition the Committee approved the resolutions presented to the Legislature this evening as well as reviewed committee goals. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne reported that during the course of the meeting the Committee was informed of a bomb threat at the Human Services Building; she thanked the staff and police personnel for their prompt actions and investigation. The Sheriff reported the Commission of Corrections completed a walk-through and review of the jail and he did not receive any new mandates or directives to amend operations. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said Assigned Counsel provided statistics for 2006 and the funding expended. Judge Rowley, Family Court Judge, provided information on the collaborative law judge program and requested funding to train their attorneys. This program is designed to keep cases out of the courtroom and have the parties directly involved rather than just attorney decisions. The Committee approved a resolution that will allow the thirty attorneys attend the training that will provide them with the skills to pass the training on to other attorneys.

Mr. Proto congratulated Mrs. McBean-Clairborne on her appointment to the Emergency Planning group. He then spoke of the recent flooding last June and suggested a method of central reporting of flooding or emergencies be developed. Mr. Proto then requested the Committee attempt to provide an update on the Alternative to Incarceration program costs. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said the Criminal Justice/Alternative to Incarceration Advisory Board worked extensively last year on separating out issues and reviewing analysis to assist in planning. She hopes that within the next few months an update will be provided on this work.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne reported a change in the Public Safety Committee meeting schedule, to the third Friday of the month, at 3:00 p.m.

Report from the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, reported the Committee had a productive meeting on January 24^th. The Committee worked on goals, indicating there are two to three the Committee hopes to accomplish in 2007. A diversity training film, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins was shown to members with a brief discussion following. The Marketing Committee brought forth the proposal of implementation of the approved logo, which is now in Phase 2. The interim plan was revisited and will be worked on to provide a full, comprehensive diversity plan to be completed. She expressed a desire to see how the County work may be integrated to outlying areas. The Committee will discuss the civil service process and finding alternative ways to have people become successful and obtain meaningful and sustainable employment. The next meeting will be on February 28^th.

Report from the Health and Human Services Committee

Mr. Shinagawa, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on February 7^th. He reported a small working group has been formed by Ms. Holmes, Office for the Aging Director, regarding Lakeside closure. This group, has met with Senator Winner and Assemblywoman Lifton to discuss options, and also earlier in the day to provide an update of information received at the NYSAC conference. At the Committee meeting more details will be provided as well as a presentation by Reality Check regarding increasing the age for tobacco sales to age 19. Mr. Shinagawa said the initiative is being requested to eliminate cigarette sales to high school youth, and is under consideration in Nassau, Suffolk, and Onondaga Counties.

Report from the Health Department Building Committee

Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on February 8^th. A summary presentation of the work completed by the Space Needs and Location Committee will be provided by Kevin Marren, LaBella Associates, and the Committee will be updated on discussions with the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and Cayuga Medical Center.

Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

Ms. Herrera, Chair, reported the Committee met on January 23^rd and will meet again on February 13^th. At the meeting Mr. Nicholas, Airport Manager, updated members on the Ansbro request to drill on County property. The discussion indicated the complexity of this request and requested staff members keep the Committee aware of the process. Ms. Herrera noted that since the meeting many residents have been contacted regarding potential drilling and that the topic may have a consumer impact. She asked that the public be made aware of new information and recommendations and said she agrees with Mr. Stevenson that the County needs to be aware when moving forward that it may not be a viable option. Ms. Herrera reported that she has been working on presenting the goals of the Committee and will be presenting three formats for review.

Approval of Minutes of January 16, 2007

It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members, to approve the minutes of the January 16, 2007 meeting. MINUTES APPROVED.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, TC Legislature Office