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.  Excused: 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

 Rebecca Elgie, representative of the Tompkins County Health Care Task Force, invited Legislators to attend a health care hearing to be held March 18th from 1- 5 p.m., at Tompkins Cortland Community College. This is part of a national movement for single payer on health care.  She said citizen congressional hearings are being held throughout the nation.  One component of the hearing will be dedicated to the Medicare Part D prescription law; there will be testimony by individuals affected by the law.

Privilege of the Floor by Legislators

 Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, spoke regarding the Universal Service Charge that appears on telephone bills and their current status, and the NYSEG (New York State Electric and Gas) invoices stating that cases where bills have been estimated he has found that those estimates appear to be extremely high and asked that people review their bills closely.  He said he has prepared information that will be sent to the Public Service Commission because he has not received a response from NYSEG.

 Mr. Proto, on behalf of the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, read a notice alerting farmers in Tompkins County that the deadline for submitting agricultural assessment applications to the Tompkins County Assessment Department is April 1.  Mr. Proto will provide the Clerk of the Legislature with information on this.

 Mr. Dennis, District No. 15 Legislator, commented on an article entitled "A Titan of Tompkins" which appeared in the Ithaca Journal.  This article referred to an individual by the name of Cal Walker who is a long-time resident of the community.   Mr. Dennis said Mr. Walker has done a great deal for children in Tompkins County and richly deserved the article that was written about him.  Mr. Dennis said he and Mr. Shinagawa visited Northeast Elementary School last week and thanked the Departments of Planning, Health, and the Sheriff's Office for providing materials for them to distribute to the children.

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr announced that effective March 1 the Solid Waste Fee structure changed; therefore, everyone should plan accordingly.

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, District No. 2 Legislator, reported March is Women's History Month and reminded everyone that the second annual Sister Friends Celebrating Sisterhood luncheon a celebration of women in Tompkins County will be held on March 9th.   Mrs. McBean-Clairborne thanked her friends and colleagues for their support as she prepares to give birth to a child.

 Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, reported that over the last weekend she attended the 10th Anniversary meeting of the Democratic Rural Conference held at the Statler Hotel.   They heard from candidates for Governor, Attorney General, Senate, and also heard from Senator Clinton.   She said one of the speakers was Jonathan Tasini who is running for the United States Senate.  Mr. Tasini is a vocal opponent of the Iraq War and will be speaking tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. at the Public Library. Ms. Robertson noted as of this week there have been 2,300 Americans killed in that war.

Report from the Chair

 Mr. Joseph said it has been a sad week as Tompkins County has lost two of its employees -- Leslie Goehner, Department of Probation and Community Justice retiree, and Jeffrey Vandermark from the Division of Facilities.

Report from the County Administrator

 Mr. Whicher reported there have been in excess of 75 applications received for the position of Deputy County Administrator.  The process will continue moving forward and he will keep the Legislature posted.

 Mr. Whicher reported on the Communications Capital Project and said three responses to the bid for site work came in higher than anticipated; he will be presenting the Public Safety Committee with a summary of the overall financing of the project at the Committee's next meeting.

Report from the County Attorney

 Steve Flash, Assistant County Attorney, had no report.

Report from the Finance Director

 Mr. Squires reported ten bids were received on February 28th on the bond notes; this is the largest response he can recall.  He said there were $7,020,000 bonds sold at an average interest rate of 3.49%.  There was a $420,000 bond anticipation note at a one-year term at a rate of 3.53% compared to the eight year rate of 3.49%.
 
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Requesting Federal and State Assistance for the Public Safety Communications System.

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

 There were no resolution(s) withdrawn from the agenda.

Approval of Resolution(s) Under the Consent Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to present for approval the following resolution under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLUTION NO. 27 - AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH PICTOMETRY FOR DIGITAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTS RELATED TO THE E-911 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

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

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 34 of 2004 authorized the Department of Emergency Response to apply to the New York State 911 Board for funding to assist the County in achieving “Phase 2” capability for the 911 emergency call system, and
 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 104 of 2005 authorized the Department of Emergency Response to accept grant funding from the New York State 911 Board for funding to assist the County in achieving “Phase 2” capability for the 911 emergency call system, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Emergency Response and the Department of Information Technology Services have researched and coordinated the implementation of “Phase 2” capability for various on-going and planned projects, including the Pictometry system, and
WHEREAS, the Pictometry digital aerial photography products and integration within the E-911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system will greatly expedite the identification of true event locations by dispatch personnel and in turn provide police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency crews with more accurate and timely data, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County Administrator, or his designee, is authorized to enter into a contract for up to one year with Pictometry as a sole source vendor for professional services for the purchase of digital aerial photography and a software system to improve “Phase 2” emergency response capabilities at a contract price not to exceed $178,884.60.
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RESOLUTION NO. 28 - ADOPTION OF BYLAWS - EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

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

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 318, dated December 19, 2002, recognized the E911 Operations Committee and established the Emergency Communications Review and Oversight Committee, and
 WHEREAS, the Emergency Communications Review and Oversight Committee drafted and adopted Bylaws unanimously at the July 20, 2005 meeting, and in response to Legislature questions amended them on February 15, 2006, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That these Bylaws be adopted and filed with the Clerk of the Legislature.
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RESOLUTION NO. 29  - AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE HOURS – WIC PROGRAM DIRECTOR – HEALTH DEPARTMENT

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

 WHEREAS, the WIC Program has sufficient State/Federal funds to increase the WIC Director's time,
 WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health has authorized the program to increase the hours, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Capital Committees, That the position of WIC Program Director (14/598), labor grade N, competitive class, be increased from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week effective March 26, 2006,
 RESOLVED, further, That this increase in hours shall be permanent as long as there are sufficient grant funds to cover the increase in hours,
 

 RESOLVED, further, That this change is 100 percent funded by the WIC Program grant.
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RESOLUTION NO. 30 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

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

 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustment on his books:

Office for the Aging
Revenue Acct           Title            Amt  Approp Acct  Title(s)
6790.43803 State Revenue     $     66 6790.54472  Telephone
6790.43803 State Revenue     $   286 6790.54303  Supplies
6790.43803 State Revenue     $1,667 6790.54330  Printing
6790.43803 State Revenue     $   332 6790.54452  Postage
6790.43803 State Revenue     $1,101 6790.52206  Computer Equipment
6790.43803 State Revenue     $   200 6790.54400  Program Expense
6790.43803 State Revenue     $   485 6790.54412  Travel and Training
6790.43803 State Revenue     $1,104 6790.54402  Advertising
Explanation:  Reappropriated money to be used in 2006 Long Term Care Insurance Program.

WIC-4012
Revenue Acct           Title            Amt  Approp Acct  Title(s)
4012.44402 WIC Federal Aid       $12,850 4012.54400  Program Expense
4012.44402 WIC Federal Aid       $     400 4012.54330  Printing
4012.44402 WIC Federal Aid       $     258 4012.54412  Travel/Training
Explanation:  Materials for the Health Lifestyle FitWIC Program through the WIC Program.  Printing for handouts/surveys for FitWIC Program.  Training for FitWIC Program.  Funds were made available from New York State Department of Health to promote the Healthy Lifestyle FitWIC Program.
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RESOLUTION NO. 31 - SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADDITIONS TO AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT NO. 1 (EAST SIDE OF CAYUGA LAKE)

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

 WHEREAS, Resolution No. 25 of 2004 designated November as an annual review period when landowner proposals for inclusion of viable agricultural lands within existing certified agricultural districts will be accepted for review and action by the Tompkins County Legislature, and
 WHEREAS, two landowners have requested addition of parcels (184 Lower Creek Road, Etna, and 583 Sheldon Road, Etna) totaling 71.36 acres to Tompkins County Agricultural District 1 and no landowners have requested addition of parcels to Tompkins County Agricultural District 2, and
 WHEREAS, the County Legislature is required to hold a public hearing and act on such proposals within 120 days under New York State Agriculture District Law, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, That a public hearing be held before the Tompkins County Legislature in Legislative Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof concerning additions to the Agriculture Districts of Tompkins County.  At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,
 RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the County Legislature is authorized to place proper notice of this public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.
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Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda

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

Environmental Management Council
Stephen Nicholson - Town of Caroline representative; term expires December 31, 2007

Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board
Gwen Wilkinson - District Attorney representative; term expires December 31, 2006
Randolph W. Haus - Alternate representative of a Local Police Agency; term expires December 31, 2006

STOP-DWI Advisory Board
Gwen Wilkinson - District Attorney representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Local Emergency Planning Committee
Frank Proto, Chair, Health and Human Services; no set terms
Lee Shurtleff, Director of Emergency Response; no set terms

Traffic Safety Committee
Michael Hattery; term expires December 31, 2007
Richard Booth; term expires December 31, 2007
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne; term expires December 31, 2008
Michael Koplinka-Loehr; term expires December 31, 2008

Fire, Disaster, and EMS Advisory Board
Benjamin C. Caskey - Town of Newfield representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Board of Health
Greg Stevenson - County Legislator; term expires December 31, 2007

Youth Services Board
Amy Brown - Town of Newfield representative; term expires December 31, 2008

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, reported the committee met on March 2 and again immediately before this meeting.  The Committee heard updates on the Communications Capital Project and also Dispatch Operations.  She said there will be more discussion about the Jail population and Committee goals at the next meeting.

RESOLUTON NO. 32 - REQUESTING FEDERAL AND STATE ASSISTANCE FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

 MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Mr. Booth.  Mr. Proto asked if the request A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the age, condition, and technological obsolescence of Tompkins County’s Public Safety Communications System (PSCS) has required the County to pursue a total system replacement, as recommended through independent evaluations, and
WHEREAS, the County did institute a long-term Capital Project in 1998; completed Phase I construction of an Emergency Response Center in 2004, thereby establishing a preliminary network headquarters; and, further, negotiated a contract for system replacement in 2005, and
  WHEREAS, system construction and implementation will begin in 2006 with completion anticipated mid-2007, representing a commitment of over $15 million in local funding, and
 WHEREAS, replacement of mobile and handheld radios, mobile data equipment, pagers, and other subscriber equipment used by emergency responders must also be replaced to ensure full system functionality and communication interoperability between public safety agencies and other emergency management partners, and
 WHEREAS, the cost of subscriber equipment is estimated at $4 million and will place additional and significant financial burden upon the County, local governments, and approximately forty volunteer and career response organizations, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby establishes the timely completion of the PSCS as the County's top priority for receiving additional State and Federal funding and requests the assistance of our Federal and State legislators to identify and secure any funding sources available to fulfill this critical public safety need,
 RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator is hereby directed to communicate this message of priority and need to County departments,
 RESOLVED, further, That this message of priority, need, and request be immediately communicated to Tompkins County’s Federal and State Legislators by County Administration and the Department of Emergency Response.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Capital Committee

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, reported the Committee met on February 27th and continued its tutorial on the budget process.    He said because of some cost overruns in the 2005 budget the Committee spent time hearing detailed presentations from the Assigned Counsel and Preschool Education Program about the causes of those overruns and what may be done to contain those costs in the future.    The Committee heard from Administration that Jevon Grogan will be taking over the duties of the Public Information Officer until a replacement is hired from the Civil Service list.
 
RESOLUTION NO. 33 – AUTHORIZATION OF A LEASE FINANCING AGREEMENT WITH CHASE EQUIPMENT LEASING CORPORATION

 MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne.  Ms. Kiefer referred to the last Resolved and asked if this would mean an amendment would be at the same interest rate; Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said that it does not necessarily mean that.   She said she did not understand why the County was not doing what was done in the past which was to have the original resolution be up to a higher amount to cover the higher dollar figure so that the better rate could be secured for the total.  Mr. Squires said when proposals were put out they went with $8 million.  Lease financing is tied to the Treasury Index and when the situation came in with the towers it looked like the budget was going to be challenged to stay within the amount that was already borrowed.  He said there is always a possibility that the County could go out to bid at a later date; however, this will provide the tool to lock in additional financing with this lender.  Otherwise, the County would incur some issuance expenses to secure more money.  Ms. Kiefer felt the initial request should be for a higher dollar figure and asked why that was not possible.  Mr. Squires said if that were to be done it would adjust the rate because the interest was effective the day of the proposal; any changes would allow the lender to amend the rate.

 A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has an approved capital project for the replacement of the public safety communication system, and
 WHEREAS, the Director of Finance has advertised for “lease financing” to permanently finance a portion of the contract with Motorola that was authorized by Resolution No. 266 of 2005, and
 WHEREAS, Chase Leasing Equipment Corporation provided the most cost-effective proposal of the six proposals received, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the Tompkins County Administrator is authorized to execute a Master Lease Agreement with Chase Leasing Equipment Corporation in the amount of $8 million dollars for a ten-year period,
 RESOLVED, further, That should additional project financing requirements become necessary that the Finance Director is authorized to negotiate an amendment to the Master Lease in an amount not to exceed $4 million dollars.
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Report from the Strategic Planning Committee

 Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, reported the Committee has not met.  A meeting with department heads will be scheduled soon.

Report from the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee

 Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, Chair, reported the Committee met on February 25th and spoke to Pat Pryor who is a representative of the LGBT community as the Committee continued its discussion around voluntary demographic information that comes with Tompkins County employment forms.  Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said the Committee was approached because there is a local law that provides protection for LGBT status.  Ms. Pryor presented ideas which lead to a discussion about the County's form; this topic will continue to be discussed.  The Committee also received from Dave Richardson of Cornell University, contract language that includes information about diversity and inclusion language in the contract process used by Cornell University.

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

 Mr. Proto, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 1 and had a lengthy discussion about the public water supply and how it pertains to Bolton Point.  The discussion was a review of the fairness of the fee that has been proposed and approved by this Legislature for 2004-2006.  John Andersson, Director of Environmental Health, was asked to contact other counties and to present the Committee with a few options at the next meeting.  The Committee also received a report on FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Office) funds that were received last year.  Those funds in the amount of $35,000 went primarily to food pantries.  Mr. Proto said the Committee will continue a discussion of goals for 2006 at the next meeting on April 5th.

 Mr. Shinagawa spoke of the Board of Health appointment made under the Consent Agenda.  He said the primary concern raised at the Committee meeting related to the appointment of Legislators to public seats.

RESOLUTION NO. 34 – AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE HOURS AND APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson.  A short roll call vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, the WIC Program record review is projected to be completed by April 29, 2006, and
WHEREAS, additional staff hours are required to complete this review, including the Public Health Director (2.5 hours/week approved by Resolution No. 255 of 2005), Director of Patient Services, one Community Health Nurse (20 hours/week), and one Health Aide (7 hours/week), and
WHEREAS, funds were not budgeted to complete this record review and are requested from the contingent fund, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee and Budget and Capital Committees, That the standard workweek of the Director of Patient Services (88-230), shall be temporarily increased from 35 hours to 40 hours per week, effective March 26, 2006,
 RESOLVED, further, That the temporary increase in the authorized workweek will sunset on April 29, 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:

FROM:  A1990.54440 Contingent Fund $13,673
TO: A4010.51000250 Public Health Director $  1,257
 A4010.58800 Fringes 490
A4016.51000230 Director of Patient Services 2,943
 A4016.51000580 Community Health Nurse 4,683
 A4016.51000654 Health Aide 954
 A4016.58800 Fringes 3,346
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RESOLUTION NO. 35 – APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – TERMINAL PAY – HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Shinagawa.  A short roll call vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, the Health Department had an Administrative Assistant resign effective December 30, 2005, and
 WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for terminal pay from the Contingent Fund, now therefore be it
 RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance is hereby authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:
 FROM:  A1990.54440  Contingent Fund  $ 457
 TO:  A4010.51000535 Administrative Assistant $ 329
   A4010.58800  Fringes    $ 128
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Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

 Mr. Randall, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Legislature meeting.  The next meeting will be March 14 at the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport.

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

 Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Legislature meeting.  At the next meeting there will be a discussion of Committee goals for 2006.

RESOLUTION NO. 36 - APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR BEAUTIFICATION, SIGNAGE AND PUBLIC ART PLAN

 MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Dennis.  Mr. Proto said there needs to be  a review of the items that are included in the beautification piece, particularly the Commons.  He said the City needs to participate financially in maintaining the Commons and that it cannot always come out of the Room Tax.  He said this study is underway at the present time.  Ms. Robertson said the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee heard from Gary Ferguson at the last meeting that the retail market on the Commons is being driven by tourists.  She said when surveys of tourists are conducted, the number one destination that is mentioned is the Commons.  She said the City is central to the importance of the health of the Countywide economy.  Ms. Kiefer had questions about what administration is done by Chamber of Commerce compared to that done by Cooperative Extension, and Mr. Booth noted that although the program refers to public art, there is no money allocated for that this year.

 A voice vote resulted as follows:  Ayes - 13, Noes - 0, Excused - 2 (Legislators Herrera and Stevenson).  RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

 WHEREAS, the 2006 budget authorized spending $90,000 from the Room Tax Fund for the County Beautification, Signage, and Public Art Plan to further the County's tourism program, and
 WHEREAS, the scope of services for the Beautification, Signage, and Public Art Plan requires expertise in the area of landscape planning and architecture which are possessed by staff at Cooperative Extension and other sub-contractors of the Chamber of Commerce, and
WHEREAS, the Chamber of Commerce wishes to lead this project to completion by accepting the revenue to contract out the work with those who have expertise in this area, now therefore be it
  RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee is authorized to execute an amendment to the Chamber of Commerce tourism promotion contract for $90,000 to carry out the tasks outlined in the “2006 Tompkins County Beautification Program” dated February 8, 2006.
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Report from the Personnel Committee
 
 Mr. Dennis, Chair, reported the Committee will meet tomorrow.  One item on the agenda is a discussion of the salaries of elected officials.

Report from the Government Operations Committee

 Mr. Sigler, Vice Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Legislature meeting.  At the next meeting the Committee will discuss the County's Communications Policy and will be looking at the process for making appointments to advisory boards.

Report from the Library Committee

 Mr. Joseph, Chair, reported the Committee has completed its business after three meetings and will disband.  The Committee discussed communications issues and the way Library budget presentations had been made and received, the feelings that were evoked around the process, and the assumptions that were made.  Mr. Joseph said the Committee did a fair amount of work to straighten out communications issues.  The main recommendation out of the Committee is that the Library hold an early budget presentation similar to the ones given by TCAT and Tompkins Cortland Community College, with an outreach to the Legislature to obtain feedback.

Approval of Minutes of February 21, 2006

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of February 21, 2006 as submitted.  MINUTES APPROVED.

Executive Session

 It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to enter into executive session at 6:35 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter.   The following action was taken in executive session.

Addition to the Agenda

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add the resolution entitled "In Appreciation of Retiring Office for the Aging Department Head, Irene Stein" to the agenda.

RESOLUTION NO. 37 -  IN APPRECIATION OF RETIRING OFFICE FOR THE AGING DEPARTMENT HEAD, IRENE STEIN
 
 MOVED by Mr. Proto and unanimously seconded and adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, since April of 1985, Irene Stein has devoted twenty-one years of service to the senior citizens of Tompkins County, first as a Community Service Elderly Grants Coordinator, followed by the position of Aging Services Planner, and taking the role of Director of the Office for the Aging in May of 1991, and
WHEREAS, Irene, in her capacity as Department Head and defacto Chair of the Health and Human Services Cabinet, has demonstrated an extremely admirable degree of leadership, which was greatly appreciated by her colleagues, and
WHEREAS, through her leadership qualities, Irene has demonstrated enthusiastic dedication towards public service, and in particular the needs of the aging population within the County, and
WHEREAS, Irene, in her capacity as Director of the Office for the Aging, has placed an emphasis on professionalism and recognizing future needs of senior citizens of the County, and
WHEREAS, as a result of the Millennium Report (1999), which indicated there will be a significant increase in the number of senior citizen residents within the County, Irene recognized the importance of long-range planning for not only her Department, but all facets of Tompkins County government, and
WHEREAS, Irene assisted in creating and fostering strong support for a wide range of programs, including the Foodnet; Personal Emergency Response System; expanding the Long Term Care Unit; Mini-Home Repair Program; incorporating the Housing Options for Seniors Today (HOST) in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension, providing housing, counseling, home-sharing and reverse mortgage counseling to seniors; as well as numerous other programs that direct senior citizens to necessary services enabling them to remain in their residences whenever possible, and to live with dignity, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature recognizes, on the occasion of her retirement, the many significant contributions Irene has made to preserve and improve the quality of life for the citizens of our County,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Legislature extends its sincere appreciation and best wishes to Irene on this well-deserved occasion.
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 The meeting returned to open session at 6:41 p.m.

Adjournment