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 Mr. Joseph called the meeting 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:  13 Legislators (Mr. Booth arrived at 5:35 p.m.; Mrs. McBean-Clairborne arrived at 5:43 p.m.).  Excused - 2 (Legislators Koplinka-Loehr and Sigler).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

 Timothy Bangs of Bangs Ambulance Service and Craig Wilkins of WCHU Radio Broadcasting presented a "Distinguished Citizen Award" to Michael Trunkes, Craig Beierle, and Judy Rosen for their quick actions during a recent incident during which Francis Russell, a patron of the Boat Yard Grill, was choking.  These citizens took action to open the airway of the victim, perform the Heimlich maneuver, and initiate CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) on the victim who was in distress from choking.  They successfully opened the airway and returned the individual to a state of breathing prior to the arrival of the ambulance.  They were commended for their actions and response during this critical time.

 Jay Franklin, Assistant Director of Assessment, urged the public to submit their real property  tax exemption renewal applications to the Assessment Department by March 1, 2006, and noted the Office has received 300-400 applications less than it did last year at this time.   Mr. Franklin said the Department contracted for an automatic dialer system to make 1,000 phone calls to residents reminding them of this.  He said the system took approximately ten minutes to make the calls and at a cost much less than it would have been for staff to do the work.

Privilege of the Floor by Legislators

 Ms. Herrera, District No. 4 Legislator, thanked Bangs Ambulance and Cayuga Radio for their recognition of these individuals and the service they provided.   She said she will be presenting the Distinguished Youth Award at the second meeting in March and asked that nominations be submitted to the Clerk of the Legislature.

 Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, reported on a new resource that is available at the Tompkins County Public Library entitled Rosetta Stone that is an interactive software program that teaches any of 29 languages.  She said it is a very interesting program that is available to any holder of a Library card.   This program was made possible through the Friends of the Public Library.

 Mr. Joseph, Chair and District No. 12 Legislator, reported on another incident of violence in the community in which racism played a role.  He said the details are not yet clear; however, it is clear that a white person shouted racial epithets and stabbed a black person which makes it more than just a conflict between two individuals.  He said he recently saw a survey about racial attitudes in this country that showed white people tend to see racism as an individual thing.  They see racism as acts of individuals behaving badly.  People of color tend to see racism very differently and as something that is social and institutional and consists of much more than individual acts and where individual acts take place within the context of social support and acceptance.   Mr. Joseph said as a community we cannot do anything about the events that have already happened but we can and should ask what made this student think that it is alright to shout racial slurs.  The question should also be asked of why did the situation escalate into violence and what can be done to remove the social support and acceptance that allows such incidents to keep happening in our community.

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, District No. 2 Legislator, thanked Mr. Joseph for his comments.   She announced as part of the conclusion of Black History Month there will be a local documentary film being shown at the History Center on February 23rd entitled "Freedom Call".  She also announced that a community talent show will take place at GIAC on February 24th and is free and open to the public.

 Mr. Randall, District No. 9 Legislator, thanked his colleagues, family, and staff for the concern shown for his health over the last couple of weeks and particularly thanked Ms. Kiefer for her support.  Mr. Randall said going through trials and tribulations often serve as a reminder to appreciate what you have.

Chair's Report

 Mr. Joseph also reported on the Intermunicipal Committee that meets periodically.  He said that group has been discussing the subject of health insurance.  At the next meeting a representative of Ontario County will be in attendance and explain options that County has explored in the past and the presentation should provide Tompkins County with valuable information.  Mr. Joseph said all legislators are welcome to attend.

County Administrator's Report

 Mr. Whicher announced the last day of work for Irene Stein, Director of the Office for the Aging, will be February 28th.   An Open House will be held at the Department on February 24th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there will also be an evening event in Ms. Stein's honor held March 15th.  He quoted from an article that appeared in the Senior Circle in which it stated "Irene has set a standard in the community for excellence when it comes to the needs of seniors.  In our office, here on Tioga Street, she will be missed.  We have been the beneficiaries of what Barbara Lifton calls her "candid assertiveness", her fine sense of humor, as well as her passion for chocolate".    Mr. Whicher said Ms. Stein is a mentor, a mom, an advisor, and a great colleague and department head who will be missed.

 Mr. Whicher requested confirmation of the appointment of Lisa Holmes as Interim Director of the Office for the Aging.

 It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to confirm the County Administrator's appointment of Lisa Holmes as Interim Director of the Office for the Aging effective March 1, 2006.

Report from the County Attorney

 Mr. Wood reported renovations of the County Attorney's Office are now complete with staff having much more efficient working space.  He extended an invitation to Legislators to visit the Office and tour the space.  He noted the renovations were financed with unanticipated revenues and not taxpayer dollars.

Report from the Finance Director

 Mr. Squires reported January sales tax receipts were 11 percent higher than last year.  He stated there is some indication that there was some carry-over from December due to some delays in processing at the State level.  He said the transit strike might have been a contributor to that.
 Mr. Squires displayed the official financial statement for the latest bond offering in the amount of $7 million that will be issued in March.  He explained that process requires the County to go through a rating review, during which time Tompkins County received a rating of "Aa2 Negative Outlook", which is one of the highest ratings in New York State.  Only three other counties received ratings that were higher or equal to Tompkins County.  He said the official statement will be available online and in the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature.   He commented he believes that the negative outlook is the result of the opinion that all counties are operating in a negative financial environment.

 He also updated the Legislature on the foreclosure process and stated presently there are ten properties that are scheduled for foreclosure.  He will report back to the Legislature once a site visit of each of those properties has been conducted.

 Ms. Kiefer recalled last time the rating agency's negative outlook for Tompkins County was based on a belief that Tompkins County's "0%" budget guideline was on revenues, implying we may not be able to meet our obligations and that we needed to clarify this is not a flat cap.

 Mr. Proto asked about the status of the GASB review and Mr. Squires explained we must now recognize the costs of benefits provided to retirees.  For Tompkins County this means we must who how we will pay for health benefits in the future.  This requirement will be devastating for school districts that guarantee full payments.

 Mr. Dennis complimented Mr. Squires on his management of the County's finances and stated it is very hard to maintain such a good rating in these difficult financial times.

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne requested a detailed report on 2005 sales tax receipts.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

 It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Herrera, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Adoption of the Tompkins County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan.

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

 No resolutions were withdrawn from the agenda.

Approval of Resolution(s) Under the Consent Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to present for approval the following resolution(s):

RESOLUTION NO.  21  - AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE DESIGN AND RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAN APPROVALS – CR 121, WARREN ROAD  RECONSTRUCTION  - PIN 3753.73

 MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 12 of 2005, authorized an agreement between Tompkins County and the State of New York Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to fund the design of the reconstruction of County Road 121, Warren Road, in the Village and Town of Lansing, and
 WHEREAS, preliminary project design has been developed in conformance with the applicable environmental laws, design standards, and accepted engineering practice; all exceptions to accepted design standards have been thoroughly analyzed and their retention adequately justified; all permits have been identified and will be secured prior to letting; public participation has been encouraged and included in the project development processes; and project costs are reasonable, and
 WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable Federal regulations and guidelines a Right-of-Way Plan has been prepared which indicates that acquisition of approximately fifty (50) parcels (“strip takings”) is necessary, but that the individual and cumulative impacts of right of way acquisition are considered total de minimus in nature, and
WHEREAS, the County Highway Manager has deemed the project to have no significant impacts and classified it as a "TYPE II Action", namely TYPE II-2, "reconstruction of a …. facility, in kind, on the same site, under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), as defined by the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York, and a " National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion", and
 WHEREAS, completion of all procedural requirements needed prior to project design approval and Right-of-Way Plan approval have been certified by the design consultant and approved by the County Highway Manager, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature, having reviewed project materials provided, hereby determines that this project is a TYPE II SEQRA action requiring no further environmental review,
RESOLVED, further, That the Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature or designee be and hereby is authorized to execute documents granting Design Approval whereby completion of project final design shall be authorized,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature or designee be and hereby is authorized to execute documents granting approval of the Right-of-Way Plan for the referenced project.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 2

RESOLUTION NO.  22   - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE RIGHT-OF-WAY FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION– RINGWOOD ROAD BRIDGE (BIN 3314160) OVER CASCADILLA CREEK

MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members prsent under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, a Project to replace the Ringwood Road Bridge over Cascadilla Creek, BIN 3314160, P.I.N. 3753.20, (the Project) in the Town of Dryden, is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended that calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of eighty percent Federal funds and twenty percent non-Federal funds, and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 8 adopted on January 19, 2005, approved the Project and authorized execution of an agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation regarding administration and funding of Scoping, Design (Phases I-VI) and Right-of-Way Incidentals, and
WHEREAS, in order to expedite advancement of the Project and realize potential total project cost reductions, the New York State Department of Transportation requires the County to appropriate one-hundred percent of the project costs and then file for reimbursement of eligible costs, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins desires to advance the above project by making a commitment of one-hundred percent of the non-Federal share of the costs of Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby approves the above-subject project and authorizes the County of Tompkins to pay in the first instance one hundred percent of the Federal and non-Federal share of the costs of ROW Acquisition work for the subject Project or portions thereof,
RESOLVED, further, That the sum of $5,000 is hereby made available within account HZ5103.59239.53.11, Ringwood Capital Project Account, to cover the cost of participation in the ROW Acquisition phase of the Project,
RESOLVED, further, That in the event the full Federal and non-Federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Tompkins County Legislature shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the New York State Department of Transportation thereof,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Highway Manager be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications and reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and/or Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the County of Tompkins with the New York State Department of Transportation in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality’s first instance funding of Project costs and permanent funding of the local share of Federal-aid and State-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that are not so eligible,
RESOLVED, further, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in connection with the Project,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 2

RESOLUTION NO.   23  - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR        VEHICLE OFFICE IN ITHACA, NEW YORK

 MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

 WHEREAS, the Lease Agreement presently covering the offices in which the Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles transacts business, located in the Hancock Plaza, 301 Third Street (corner Third and Hancock Streets) in the City of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, shall expire on April 30, 2006, (see Resolution No. 216 adopted October 17, 2000), and
WHEREAS, this location provides convenient access to the public, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Operations Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with landlord, Hancock Plaza Properties, Inc., for the period May 1, 2006, through April 30, 2011.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE 11-20

Appointment(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:

Air Service Board
Nathan Shinagawa - County Legislator; term expires December 31, 2006
Richard W. McDaniel - Cornell University representative; term expires December 31, 2006
Edward C. Marx - Commissioner of Planning an Public Works; term expires December 31, 2006
Michael Stamm - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2007
Alan Pedersen - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2007
Michael S. Hall - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2008
Larry Baum - At-Large representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Recreation Partnership
James Dennis - County Legislator; term expires December 31, 2007

Youth Services Board
Debra Austic - Village of Trumansburg representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Report from the Library Committee

 Mr. Joseph, Chair, had no report.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Capital Committee

 Ms. Mackesey, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on February 13 and continued the process of educating new Legislators on the budget process and Fiscal Policy.   Mr. Marx provided the Committee with an update on the 20-year Capital Plan.  Mr. Squires, Finance Director, reported on the Contingent Fund at year-end 2005.  The total available balance showed $264,979; however, he reported there were still pending year-end needs in the amount of $1,465,000.  Two big surprises that occurred during the year were Worker's Compensation in the amount of $400,000 and the Education and Transportation of Preschool Handicapped Children, which is a mandated account, in the amount of $475,000.  The TC3 Master Plan payment in the amount of $620,000 was a mid-year funding decision by the Legislature that will save funds in the long-run.   Mr. Squires said he intends to cover these costs by using the balance of the Contingent Fund and Unallocated Revenues, which consists primarily of sales tax and interest earnings.

RESOLUTION NO.  24   - AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCE OF UP TO $2,100,000 OF STATE     TRANSIT OPERATING ASSISTANCE (STOA) TO TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT (TCAT)

  MOVED by Ms. Mackesey, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

 WHEREAS, the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc. (TCAT) was originally formed under a partnership agreement among Tompkins County, Cornell University and the City of Ithaca effective January 1, 1999, and
WHEREAS, each party makes an annual contribution of equal amounts to support TCAT, and
 WHEREAS, the timing of State Aid payments severely impairs the financing of operations,  and
WHEREAS, in order to address TCAT's cash-flow problems, it is proposed that the County distribute up-front to TCAT estimated first, second, and third quarter State Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) payments anticipated within the 2006 Adopted Budget in advance of their receipt, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the Director of Finance is authorized to enter into an agreement with TCAT whereby the County would disburse from Budget Account 5630.54404 Transportation Services 2006 Appropriations supported by STOA payments in advance of their receipt in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000,
  RESOLVED, further, That the County will recover the loss of investment income from the advance of STOA funds by billing TCAT for the actual lost earnings based upon the application of the average monthly investment applied against the average monthly balance of advanced STOA payments,
RESOLVED, further, That the County will retain all future STOA payments until such time as the advance has been fully liquidated or reauthorized by the Tompkins County Legislature.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Report from the Strategic Planning Committee

 Mr. Hattery said the Committee has not met since the retreat meeting.  He said another meeting is being scheduled.

Report from the Public Safety Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, had no report.

Report from the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, reported the Committee will meet tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in the Beverly Livesay Conference Room.   The Committee will be discussing the recent incident that Mr. Joseph spoke of earlier in this meeting.   A report will also be provided by the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, including voluntary demographic information that is a part of the County's employment forms.   There will also be discussion of the Diversity Policy that has been worked on by the subcommittee.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee

 Mr. Proto, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on March 1st.  At that meeting there will be a review of public water supply fees.  He said a request has been made from Bolton Water Systems to review its fee and they will have representatives in attendance at the meeting.  He reminded members there is a packet of information in the Legislature Office on proposed Committee goals for 2006 and asked members to review and comment on them.

 Mr. Proto announced he received a copy of Summary of Findings of the Annual Evaluation of the Office for the Aging and will place on file with the Clerk of the Legislature.  He said the Office received a AAA rating and thanked Irene Stein, Director of the Office for the Aging, and her staff for this accomplishment.   Mr. Proto raised the issue of the increase incidence of whooping cough in the community and reported a new vaccination has come out for that, as well as one being added to the MMR entitled varicella due to the increased incidence of chicken pox.  He reported that Cornell University's Veterinary College has been on the forefront on the subject of the bird flu and has suggested that the University send a representative to speak to the Board of Health and the Health and Human Services Committee to provide an overview on what they have been doing with regard to this.

RESOLUTION NO.  25   - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A FIVE-YEAR LEASE  AGREEMENT WITH THE ALCOHOL & DRUG COUNCIL OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC.

 MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
 
WHEREAS, the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc., currently has a lease agreement with Tompkins County for the rental of office space in the Mental Health Building, 201 East Green Street, Ithaca, and
 WHEREAS, this lease agreement will expire on March 31, 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc., would like to renew the lease for an additional five-year period, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and the Facilities and Infrastructure Committees, That the County Administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with the Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, Inc. for a five-year period running from April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2011, with an eighteen-month notice escape clause,
 RESOLVED, further, That the lease includes rent, cleaning, utilities, and maintenance, and the rates are as follows:
April 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007, $92,250
April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008, $95,018
April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009, $97,868
April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010, $100,804
April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011, $103,828
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE II-20

Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

 Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on February 14 at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center and received an update on the Caswell Road Landfill Leachate Project.  The Committee authorized acquisition by the Center of replacement equipment in the feed conveyor system, which should last 15 to 20 years.  She said the new equipment should last longer than the existing equipment and will cost approximately the same amount as it would to repair the present system.   Many items appearing under the Consent Agenda were approved at the meeting as well.   Mr. Booth noted Solid Waste staff Committee with several products that were produced from recycled materials.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee

 Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee met on February 17th and approved resolutions that add two parcels to the agricultural district on the eastern side of the County.  Monika Roth of Cooperative Extension was present at the meeting and pointed out that of the 450 total farms in Tompkins County, 150 are less than ten years old.  The Committee also heard from Jackie Kippola, Contracts Coordinator, about the beautification grant process.  She reported the Strategic Tourism Planning Board is proposing one-time grants for each of the towns up to the amount of $5,000 in the coming year.  The Town of Ithaca would not be included as they recently received a grant.  Kate Hackett from the Planning Department presented the Committee with a resolution on the All-Hazards Mitigation Plan that will be acted upon this evening.

 Ms. Robertson said the Committee also spent time discussing the Density Policy of the Industrial Development Agency.   Mayor Carolyn Peterson and other City representatives attended the meeting and discussed the City's perspective as the City will consider a resolution supporting the Density Policy in its current form.   The next meeting will be March 16 and this topic will be discussed again.  At that meeting the City will provide the Committee with an update on southwest development plan.

 Mr. Proto asked that any materials distributed at that meeting be provided to members who were not in attendance.

 Mr. Booth asked if the new farms could be categorized as to what types of farms they are.  Mr. Proto said organic farming has grown immensely and there has also been an increase in stables and crop farming such as hay.   He noted greenhouses and landscape businesses also fall under the farming umbrella, and that in order to be classified as a farm there must be $10,000 in annual sales.   Mr. Proto also noted there is $40-$50 million contributed to the local economy from farming each year.

 Ms. Kiefer asked if the $5,000 per town beautification grant is planned to be annual; Ms. Robertson said it is one-time and does require a match.

 Ms. Herrera spoke of the Density Policy and said she is a member of the Industrial Development Agency.   Out of the five projects that have been considered for density abatement she voted against three of them out of concern that there was a rush to make a recommendation based on a Density Policy that is under consideration for revision.  She said there are four members from this Legislature that serve on the IDA and as that Policy is considered for revision the Legislature will be kept informed.  She also said there are concerns that the current Density Policy grants abatements to projects that have a focus on mixed retail development in high population areas rather than bringing in jobs.  She said she is concerned with any entity granting a recommendation under a Density Policy that is likely to change.  Mr. Hattery agreed with Ms. Herrera's caution.

 Mr. Proto said several years ago during discussion of the Density Policy by the IDA there was also an effort made to make sure the rural communities had an opportunity to be brought in on the discussion to develop an outreach to the rural communities.  He noted that land use is up to the town municipal governments so they need to be a part of the discussion so that it is not perceived as the County overstepping its authority.

RESOLUTION NO. 26 - ADOPTION OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL ALL-HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN

 MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Randall. A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Koplinka-Loehr and Sigler).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, Tompkins County and the municipalities therein have identified a history of damages resulting from flooding, severe storms, winter storms, and other weather-related phenomena, and have recognized the potential for future damages resulting from natural, human-caused, and technological disasters, and
 WHEREAS, an all-hazards mitigation plan can provide recommendations to help prevent and minimize the damages resulting from such events, and
 WHEREAS, the adoption of an all-hazards mitigation plan is required to be eligible to receive State and Federal funding for hazard mitigation initiatives, and
WHEREAS, the Towns of Dryden and Newfield and the City of Ithaca are developing or have developed their respective hazard mitigation plans, and
 WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins and the towns of Caroline, Danby, Enfield, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, and Ulysses (Partners) executed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2003 to develop a Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan (Plan), and
 WHEREAS, the Partners subsequently drafted the Plan in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, and
 WHEREAS, the Plan includes jurisdiction-specific recommendations to minimize the damages associated with natural, human-caused, and technological disasters, and
 WHEREAS, the Plan has been made available for public review online at the Tompkins County Planning Department Hazard Mitigation website (http://www.tompkins-co.org/planning/haz_mit.htm) and by placement in municipal offices, the Tompkins County Planning office, and the Tompkins County Public Library, with notices published in the Ithaca Journal, the local paper of record, inviting public comment, and
WHEREAS, public meetings were hosted by the Partners throughout the development of the Plan to discuss the contents of the Plan with members of the public, and
WHEREAS, comments from the public and Partners have been incorporated into the Plan, and
WHEREAS, the revised Plan is wholly supported by its State and Federal reviewers, and
WHEREAS, once all the hazard mitigation plans for the respective jurisdictions in Tompkins County are complete, the County, Towns, and City of Ithaca will work to coordinate the implementation of the hazard mitigation plans, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has reviewed the Plan and affirms that the Plan will be updated no less than every five years, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, That Tompkins County adopts the Tompkins County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan as its all-hazards mitigation plan, and resolves to execute the actions in the Plan.
SEQR ACTION:  TYPE:  II-21

Report from the Personnel Committee

 Mr. Dennis, Chair, reported the Committee met on February 8th and discussed the health benefits the County offers.  The County's health care consultant was present and reviewed the present plan with the Committee.  Mr. Dennis said the health plan will be a big part of negotiations over the next five years.  The Committee also developed a list of goals for 2006.   The next meeting will be March 8th.

Report and Appointment(s) from the Government Operations Committee

 Ms. Herrera, Chair, reported the Committee met on February 15th.  She said staff is in the process of setting up a meeting to discuss the bus passes.  She spoke of the lease agreement approved for the Motor Vehicle Department Office and stated cleaning of the Office is included in the price.    The Committee discussed appointments to the Library Board of Trustees and at a later date the bigger issue of advisory board appointments will come before the Committee for discussion.    The Committee was also presented with and accepted minor changes to the application form which staff will begin to use.

 Jackie Kippola, Contracts Coordinator, spoke to the Committee about risk management and reported the pay out for self-insurance has been controlled and is declining for the period 1993 to 2005.  Ms. Kippola spoke to the Committee about how proactive measures are being taken to shift the risk to contractors with their own insurance, as well as other actions to reduce the likelihood, frequency, and severity of accidents and incidents.    The Committee also heard about the HAVA (Help America Vote Act) report.  Elizabeth Cree and Stephen Dewitt, Election Commissioners, reported on information they have received from the State Board of Elections about recent developments in the decision-making process at the State level.  There is a second draft that is now available for public comment until February 24 on the State website.   Manufacturers are waiting for the regulations to become finalized before manufacturing their product.

 Applications are being accepted for the position of Deputy County Administrator and are available for review in the County Administrator's Office through February 24th.  She announced a tour of the Human Rights Commission will take place on March 14 at 2 p.m.

Appointment to Library Board of Trustees

 It was MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Ms. Robertson, to approve the reappointment of Leonardo Vargas-Mendez to the Library Board of Trustees for a term expiring December 31, 2008.  Mr. Stevenson said prior to voting in support of a candidate to the Board of Trustees, he was interested in hearing that a candidate would not be in favor of another Library Referendum proposal.  A voice vote on the appointment resulted as follows:  Ayes - 12, Noes - 1(Legislator Stevenson); Excused - 2 (Legislators Koplinka-Loehr and Sigler).  APPOINTMENT APPROVED.

Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2006
 
 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of February 7, 2006 as corrected.  MINUTES APPROVED.

Adjournment

 On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.