Mr. Joseph, Chair, 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: 12 Legislators. Excused: 3 (Legislators Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Totman).
Proclamation
Mr. Joseph read the proclamation declaring April 2004, to be Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month and presented it to Ms. Campbell. Ms. Campbell, representative of The Advocacy Center, thanked the Legislature of their support for their agency that provides support services to over 1,100 in the community.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
No one wished to speak.
Distinguished Youth Award Privilege of the Floor by Legislators
Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, presented the Distinguished Youth Award to representatives of the Independent Living Survey Project Team. She stated beginning November 2002, a group of young people from the Learning Web's Youth Outreach program became involved in this project. Over a period of January through and March 2003, more than 165 interviews were completed, followed by compilation of information leading to the report and presentation of additional information that will be given later in this meeting. She spoke of how each of the young men and women who participated deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated and that each is a survivor who had to face situations and challenges such as homelessness.
Privilege of the Floor by Legislators
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Legislator, reported on his recent attendance at a Neighborhood Legal Services presentation ceremony on March 25, 2004. He spoke of the civil portion that assists low-income individuals having been in place for approximately twenty-five years, during which Tompkins County Legislature has shown support through funding. As a result of the support shown by the County the New York State Unified Court System Friends of Legal Services awarded the County a plaque of appreciation of support for access to justice. Mr. Lane feels it was important to understand the importance of the recognition and need for this commitment; he believes it has made things better. Mr. Lane spoke of the upcoming Dryden Historical Society program on April 19, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., highlighting the founding and history of Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, spoke of correspondence received from State and Federal legislators regarding the recent resolution urging the Farm Service Agency remain at its present location. Senator Seward indicated support for the request, Congressman Hinchey's office expressed displeasure at the manner in which this decision was made, and Congressman Boehlert has sent correspondence to Mr. Robbins of the USDA/FSAS NY State Office requesting they explore all options prior to making decisions and supports Tompkins County in their efforts. Mr. Proto thanked his fellow Legislators for support in this matter.
Ms. Schuler, District No. 4 Legislator, reported that Better Housing of Tompkins County will be hosting a program entitled Someone You Know Lives Here, that will provide tours of specific housing during the period of April 17 - August 2004 and provided written information on the dates and locations. She then congratulated the individuals involved with the Independent Living Survey Project and thanked them for enlightening members of the Legislature and community of the difficulties of youth, including the need for more accommodating public transportation to outlying areas of the County.
Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, District No. 2 Legislator, reported that on April 15, 2004, one of the oldest black historical building/churches, the St. James A M E Zion Church on Cleveland Avenue, will be celebrating 107 years of existence. She noted that it is one of the very few places to be listed in the National Historic Registry, and encouraged individuals to attend the banquet at the Holiday Inn.
Distinguished Youth Award
Mr. Joseph stated the recipient of last month's Distinguished Youth Award was now able to be present. He congratulated Ms. Williams on her accomplishments in overcoming tremendous personal hardships and wished her success in the future.
Presentation – Independent Living Survey Project
Members of the Youth Planning Team and the Learning Web presented the Legislature with the Independent Living Survey Project report. The report is a collaborative effort of the Family Life Development Center of Cornell University, Tompkins County Youth Services Department, The Learning Web, and young adult participants in the Web's Youth Outreach Program. It provides valuable information on the past, present, and future of at-risk youth between the ages of 15 - 24 who do not have a home to safely go to. A copy of their report is on file in the Legislature Office.
Following the presentation the youth were asked to state what they felt the most important things were to assist them to succeed. They said adequate and affordable public transportation to outlying areas, especially Tompkins Cortland Community College, more training programs to provide necessary skills, more outreach to bring about awareness of programs and services, and additional adult guidance. Members of the Legislature noted the youth's information about the cost of bus passes and the difficulties the youth have in obtaining funding for them. Mr. Proto indicated he feels that it would be worthwhile for the youth to meet with a subcommittee dealing with public transportation issues.
Mr. Penniman felt that while gaps exist in programs there have been good first steps to assist individuals. He feels continued dialogue at the committee level would be beneficial. Mr. Whicher said he feels there are many caring adults in this community and that what needs to occur are regular forums providing information on how to work through the system. Ms. Blanchard said she does not want youth to feel that by coming to the Legislature everything will be fixed, that she is supportive and understanding of their needs but it will take time to assist in all areas. Ms. Herrera said she feels the youth have the solutions, and that the Legislature needs to listen. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said she appreciated the youth coming forward to share their lives and that it is important to remember that children placed in these situations are not bad children and that they have a great deal of potential. Ms. Robertson suggested members read the full report and asked the youth to stay involved, for example at budget forums in the fall, to follow-up on the report and progress made in various areas.
Chair's Report
Mr. Joseph reported that Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit partners met earlier in the day regarding the directive received from the New York State Commissioner of Transportation. He asked Ms. Blanchard to provide a report of that meeting.
Ms. Blanchard said the March 20, 2004, leter received by Mr. Joseph informed the partners of a ninety-day notice to resolve what was deemed deficiencies in the Systems Safety Program Plan. She stated the issue, the organizational structure of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, was viewed as being unable to implement the plan with three separate employers. Ms. Blanchard said that discussions have taken place to determine how to resolve this concern, and modifications of the public benefit corporation plan are being discussed. In the event this may not come to fruition members are working on the possibility of developing a 501c not-for-profit corporation to serve as a contingency plan. If the concerns stated in the letter are not resolved it could mean the potential of a significant loss of funding for public transportation. Mr. Ghearing, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Director, will be providing a presentation to the Legislature at the April 20, 2004, meeting.
A question and answer period took place, during which it was clarified that the safety plan itself is fine, it is the organizational structure that is in question due to the lack of consistent chain-of-command due to multiple employers. What the Public Safety Transportation Board would like to have is one employer for all employees that provides a clean line of authority and responsibility. The public benefit corporation option normally requires a dedicated source of funding, however it is hoped that it would not be a criteria to deny this organizational option. It was said that it is not a requirement to have only one union, however it has been made clear that there needs to be one employer. A meeting will take place with the Public Transportation Safety Board on May 19, 2004, in New York City to discuss the matter further. In answer to a question, Mr. Joseph said the Safety Board insists there be a single employer, but not necessarily a single union.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Whicher spoke of employees' concern that the Mental Health Department may become a not-for-profit organization. He said that it is something he is reviewing and should it be determined that it occur, nothing would happen until the 2006 budget period. He then requested an Executive Session at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss personnel matters.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wood did not have any report.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires informed the Legislature that the annual property
auction will take place the evening of May 26, 2004. On May 19, 2004,
the informational meeting will take place at the Human Services Building.
Mr. Squires has spent time meeting with individuals within the City whose
property is in jeopardy of being included in the auction and believes that
this will assist in eliminating some of the potential properties.
He then reported that at this time the annual audit is approximately fifty
percent of the way completed and so far there is no indication of any changes
in the County's financial position. He believes the County will be
exhibiting stability in these difficult times. In response to a question
from Ms. Robertson regarding the number of properties that could potentially
be auctioned, Mr. Squires said although the number is very low - twenty
- the dollar amount is very high due to a single high-value problem property.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
There were no resolutions withdrawn from the agenda.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolutions added to the agenda.
Approval of Resolution(s) Under the Consent Agenda
RESOLUTION NO. 67 - FUNDING OF COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS GRANTS
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a grant program for community celebrations
using funds drawn entirely from Room Occupancy Tax, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has requested and reviewed grant applications
for recommendation to the Tompkins County Legislature through the Planning,
Development and Environmental Quality Committee with the advice of the
Strategic Tourism Planning Board, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and
Environmental Quality Committee, That the following grants are approved:
Town of Enfield - Enfield Rural School Reunion $
275
Village of Groton - Groton Pizza Fun Day $ 1,000
Village of Trumansburg - Festival of Flowers & Historical
Happenings $ 1,400
Town of Ithaca - Museum of the Earth Community Day $ 1,000
City of Ithaca - Rock the Arts $ 700
City of Ithaca - Juneteenth 2004 $1,115
City of Ithaca - National Night Out - Northside $
300
City of Ithaca - Scarecrow Jubilee $1,215
TOTAL $7,005
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or designee shall
be authorized to sign any documents related to the aforementioned projects.
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RESOLUTION NO. 68 - AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AIRPORT REVITALIZATION (SOARs) GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NYSDOT) – TO ASSIST WITH THE 2003 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE GRANT – ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIN 3902.52.001)
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, New York State Department of
Transportation (NYSDOT) has offered a grant under the State SOARs program
to help with the costs of putting together a 2003 application for the Federal
Small Community Air Service grant program, and
WHEREAS, said Federal grant program is designed
to assist small communities with improving their air service, increasing
airline competition and lowering airfares, and
WHEREAS, said NYSDOT grant may be used to
offset the costs associated with consultant services used in putting together
last year’s unsuccessful application, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities
and Infrastructure Committee, That the NYSDOT grant of $ 10,000 be and
hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute
the required documents.
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Appointment(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Robertson, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:
Homeownership Oversight Committee
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne - County Legislator; no set term
Water Resources Council
Kathy Herrera - County Legislature representative; term expires December
31, 2004
Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee
Brian Caldwell - Neighborhood representative; term expires December
31, 2006
Youth Services Board
Trina S. Newton - At-large representative; term expires December 31,
2006
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee
Ms. Herrera, Chair, reported the Committee had met on April 7, and discussed many items including the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board's suggestions for the Agricultural District No. 1, Farmland Grant Administration, and the Planning Department's Comprehensive Plan Updates that will be presented to the public in a variety of locations. In addition, under the Planning Commissioner's report the Committee heard of the recent meetings with the New York State Parks and Department of Environmental Conservation and adjoining county agency representatives to discuss various initiatives for inter-municipal cooperation, and heard about the funding of $1.2 million for Phase 3 of the waterfront trail project. The next meeting will be on May 5, 2004.
RESOLUTION NO. 69 - FUNDING OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne. A motion was made by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Robertson to amend the resolution to include an award of $5,000 to the Ithaca Festival. Ms. Kiefer said the awards followed the guidelines, however, she noted that although the Ithaca Festival requests funding each year they are not always awarded it. She believed that it had been previously discussed to determine how the Ithaca Festival can be awarded funding each year as it is a premier event within the County. She feels it would be appropriate that the Legislature add these funds, and that the Strategic Tourism Planning Board review the guidelines and amend them appropriately to allow continued funding of events.
Mr. Lane stated that at Committee the issue was raised and consensus was that the festival was operating and self-sustaining and could continue without the grant. Mr. Lane felt that the guidelines may have discouraged other organizations attempting to hold annual events. He said that the tourism grant program is presently designed to focus on events to bring in overnight guests to the community and feels it needs to be amended to include other events in the County where people spend money but not necessarily stay overnight. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said that it is important to follow the recommendations as other groups having previously been awarded may have applied. The guidelines are specific to provide for seed money for events, not sustaining them. She feels the guidelines need to be amended to include some sustainability. Ms. Herrera said that if there is a need to change the criteria it should be prior to the fall grant period and that to change at this time would not be appropriate.
Mr. Penniman said that while it is worth future discussion he does not feel he can support a change at this time. Ms. Kiefer said that the Strategic Tourism Planning Board attending the Committee meeting would not have any difficulty with the legislature modifying the grants in any way. She does not feel it would be a problem as it appears that the direction the Legislature is heading would allow this practice. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said that while the members of the STPB did not have a problem, the funding of the Ithaca Festival has been awarded when the proposal included new items and not sustainability of the event. Mr. Proto noted that the Ithaca Dance Week is being performed and coordinated with the Ithaca Festival and is being funded. He feels that the larger issue is the future of the funding which will be discussed throughout the budget process. Mr. Proto feels it is important not to send a message that the County Legislature is not supportive of the Ithaca Festival and he believes it would be appropriate to withdraw the motion at this time. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said she echoes Mr. Proto's statements regarding the Ithaca Festival. Ms. Robertson said she supports the motion as the Ithaca Festival is an essential tourist attraction. Mr. Joseph said that he believes that if the criteria specify only seed money it is a mistake. He spoke of how the County is often put in the position of receiving short-term funding and the difficulties faced when there are no longer funds coming in. He feels sustainability should be built in to the criteria.
Mr. Proto MOVED that the proposed amendment be tabled indefinitely. There being no second, MOTION FAILED.
Mr. Proto said at the Committee meeting the topic of the bicycle events was raised and he suggested municipal officials and policing agencies be contacted to eliminate any local concerns.
A voice vote on the motion to amend the funding grants resulted as follows: Ayes - 3 (Legislators Kiefer, Schuler, and Robertson); Noes - 9 (Legislators Blanchard, Herrera, Joseph, Lane, McBean-Clairborne, Penniman, Proto, Todd, and Winch); Excused - 3 (Legislators Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Totman). MOTION FAILED.
A voice vote on the main motion resulted as follows: Ayes - 11; Noes - 1 (Legislator Todd); Excused - 3 (Legislators Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a grant program for tourism development
using funds drawn entirely from Room Occupancy Tax, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has requested and reviewed grant applications
for recommendation to the Tompkins County Legislature through the Planning,
Development and Environmental Quality Committee with the advice of the
Strategic Tourism Planning Board, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and
Environmental Quality Committee, That the following grants are approved:
7th Art Corp. - Ithaca Film Festival 2004…………………………………………….….
$ 3,000
Music in Motion and Ithaca Festival - National Dance Week - Sharing
Our Cultures…. $ 5,000
Town of Lansing - Music in the Park 2004 Concert Series……………………………
$ 2,200
NY Bicycling Coalition - 2005 Bike Events Calendar…………………………………..
$ 4,000
Cayuga Chimes - 2005 Finger Lakes Barbershop Invitational…………………………..
$ 5,000
Ithaca Downtown Partnership - 2004 Downtown Ithaca Holidays Around
the World… $ 5,000
Finger Lakes Finns - Finn Funn Weekend 2004………………………………………...
$ 2,500
Cornell Coop. Ext/Beautification Program- Open Days Garden Tours
2004…………… $ 1,600
Ithaca Triathlon Club, Inc.- 2nd Annual Cayuga Lake Triathlon…………………………
$ 2,500
Ithaca A Cappella (aka Cayuga Vocal Ensemble) - Choral Arts Tourism
Awareness… $ 3,100
Co-op Plus Energy Cooperative of CNY- Ithaca Earth Day Energy
Conference………. $ 500
TC Chamber of Commerce Foundation- Late Night in Winter………………………….
$ 3,500
TOTAL
$ 37,900
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or designee
shall be authorized to sign any documents related to the aforementioned
projects.
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Mr. Winch said he appreciated the report regarding the waterfront trail grant and stated his concern regarding the creation of something as a result of a grant that will require future maintenance. He inquired who would own the trail and was informed that it will be absorbed into the City of Ithaca park system.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 70 - MENTAL HYGIENE LEGISLATIVE, POLICY AND BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, there has been a significant reduction in funding for the Mental
Health system from 1980 to 2000 when adjusting for inflation (based on
the consumer price index of medical costs), and the Mental Health system
has increasingly become reliant on Medicaid for funding purposes, and
WHEREAS, counties recognize the benefits of community mental health
services, but counties should not be asked to assume the costs for services
that have been a historical state responsibility, and
WHEREAS, the state must maintain its financial commitment to mental
health services to ensure that people can live productive lives in the
community and avoid expensive stays in jails, hospitals, and other inpatient
settings, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee,
That to ensure the continuation of high-quality community mental health
services, the Tompkins County Mental Health Subcommittee and the Tompkins
County Legislature call upon the Governor and the New York State Legislature
to:
· Continue to fund and ensure mental hygiene services for all
New York State citizens, regardless of ability to pay;
· Maintain the state’s responsibility to mental health clients:
o Provide 100 percent state
reimbursement of the non-federal share of all Medicaid expenses for all
Overburden-eligible individuals;
o Specifically, reinstate
19.5 million dollars in Overburden payments that were eliminated from the
proposed Executive budget (for Tompkins County this translates to an estimated
$72,000, in lost overburden payments, primarily for services and supervised
housing for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities);
o Provide 100 percent state
reimbursement of expenses for new Overburden-eligible individuals expressly
when non-traditional Medicaid services are converted to Medicaid. This
includes but is not limited to new initiatives such as New York State Office
of Mental Health Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) and NYS
OMRDD Options for Persons Through Services (NYS OPTS);
· Hold the counties harmless from the local share of Medicaid
with new and expanded programs and services converted to Medicaid;
· Support legislation to create a state funded distressed provider
pool for uninsured individuals in need of mental hygiene services especially
where the state converts net deficit funded mental hygiene programs to
Medicaid;
· Reauthorize Community Mental Health Reinvestment and direct
a significant portion of savings from state-operated service reduction
to community-based services based on local need,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Mental Health Subcommittee
and the Tompkins County Legislature call upon the Governor and the New
York State Legislature to:
· Restore 10.1 million dollars in “local efficiencies reductions”
from the Governor’s proposed Office of Mental Health’s local assistance
budget (7.7 million in 2004, 2.4 million in 2003).
This could affect contracted not-for-profit agencies or administration,
with a possible loss of
$50,000 locally;
· Enact A.4085 (DiNapoli)/S.1152 (Seward) to limit the cost
of court ordered charge backs to thirty days;
· Thoroughly review true access and utilization of children’s
psychiatric hospital beds throughout all of New York State when considering
elimination of these services, before closing 20 children’s beds in state
psychiatric centers as proposed;
· Support efforts to address the statewide shortage of child
psychiatrists and remove barriers that preclude access for services for
children and their families;
· Amend Assisted Outpatient Treatment to clarify appropriate
limitations of county liability associated with the administration of Kendra’s
Law on the local level;
· Amend New York Mental Hygiene Law 9.45, A.9826 (Rivera)/ S.6326
(Libous), to allow intensive case managers and supportive case managers
to report to County Directors on the need for transport of a non-consenting
person to a psychiatric emergency room for mental health evaluation;
· Enact Timothy’s Law A.8301 (Tonko)/S.5329 (Libous), which
provides for fair insurance treatment for diagnoses of mental, nervous,
or emotional disorders or ailments and those disorders or ailments associated
with alcoholism, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and substance or chemical
dependence;
· Simplify Medicaid regulations and billing rules to eliminate
barriers to the development of integrated treatment;
· Support efforts to integrate treatment for persons with co-occurring
mental health and substance abuse disorders including, but not limited
to: allocation of necessary resources, addressing separate administrative
structures and funding mechanisms; utilizing appropriate screening and
assessment tools, cross training of mental health and chemical dependency
professionals, eligibility criteria, co–licensing and co-location of programs.
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Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 24th, where she spoke of her visit to the Red Cross Shelter and Friendship Center. Following the tour, she met with four case managers and learned the one thing that would help them or make a difference was supportive housing for people with mental health issues. The next most urgent need is a special shelter for homeless youth. Mr. DeLuca, Deputy Mental Health Commissioner, updated the Committee on the Single Room Occupancy facility and the Unity House proposalthat will add ten beds to Unity House. Ms. Falcao provided an overview of the document she distributed entitled Tracking the Impact of Health Care Reform in Tompkins County 1997-2003, which tracked Federal health issues over the years. Ms. Carey, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, presented information on the three-year plan, which is presently going through the public comment period, and shared statistical information on services. Ms. Conners of the Health Department spoke of the Home Health Care program provided to residents, and the Committee met the new Bioterrorism Coordinator, Carol Gripp, R.N. Ms. Robertson said there will be a mock disaster drill being coordinated through several counties for June 15, 2004.
RESOLUTION NO. 71 - APPOINTING TRUSTEES OF TOMPKINS HEALTH CARE CORPORATION - RECONSTRUCTION HOME, INC.
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Schuler. Mr. Winch inquired why there was not detailed information for the individuals being appointed such as a resume form normally received when the Legislature makes appointments and said he will not support it for this reason. Mr. Squires, Financial Director, said these appointments were recommended by the attorneys working with the reorganization of the Reconstruction Home, Inc. Mr. Wood indicated the appointment's are necessary to proceed with the refinancing that will assist in the baseline figures related to Medicaid. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 10; Noes - 2 (Legislators Kiefer and Winch); Excused - 3 (Legislators Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives adopted
Resolution No. 164 of May 21, 1985, approving the creation of the Tompkins
County Health Care Corporation (the "Corporation"), and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins, New York (the "County") approved
the issuance of certain obligations of the Corporation for the purpose
of financing the construction and/or rehabilitation of a nursing home and
health-care facility referred to as the "Reconstruction Home Project",
by the adoption of Resolution Nos. 276 and 277 in 1985, and
WHEREAS, the Corporation issued its $3,765,000 Mortgage Revenue
Bonds, Series 1985 (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan - Reconstruction Home, Inc.,
Project) dated as of September 1, 1985, and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Representatives by Resolution No.
206 adopted on July 13, 1993, approved the issuance of additional obligations
of the Corporation, and
WHEREAS, the Corporation issued $3,195,000 Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
Series 1993A (FHA Insured Mortgage Loan - Reconstruction Home, Inc. Project)
and $125,000 Subordinated Revenue Bonds, Series 1993B (Reconstruction Home,
Inc., Project), both dated as of August 1, 1993, and
WHEREAS, Reconstruction Home, Inc., has made application to the
New York State Department of Health and Public Health Council for the re-basing
of its Medicaid rate, and
WHEREAS, Public Health Council approval of such re-basing project
is contingent upon, among other things, approval of such re-basing project
by the Corporation, and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of the Corporation are appointed by the
County, and
WHEREAS, the County has not appointed Trustees for the Corporation
since 1993, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, by the County of Tompkins, New York, a body corporate and politic,
a lawful quorum of which is duly assembled as follows:
Section 1. That the County hereby appoints the following persons to serve as Trustees of the Corporation, each to serve a term of three (3) years or until a successor is appointed or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office, or death:
1. George Schneider
2. John Rudd
3. David Iles
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall be in full force and effect
from and after its passage in accordance with the regulations of this County.
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RESOLUTION NO. 72 - APPROVAL OF 2004-2006 COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH SERVICES PLAN - YOUTH SERVICES
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Penniman. Mr. Proto inquired whether information related to the needs of the youth who presented information to the Legislature this evening was included in this plan and was informed by Ms. Robertson that she will discuss this with Ms. Zahler, Director of Youth Services. Ms. Blanchard said that many items within the plan call for action items that require funding, however at the Committee level it was noted that approval of the plan did not guarantee funding agreement. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12; Noes - 0; Excused - 3 (Legislators Booth, Koplinka-Loehr, and Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services requires
the Tompkins County Youth Services Department to prepare a multi-year plan
identifying youth needs and goals for a three-year period to qualify for
state aid reimbursement, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Youth Services Board has analyzed demographic,
statistical, and opinion data gathered by the Youth Services Department
over the past two years, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Services Board has prepared a set of priorities to
guide the planning, resource allocation, and coordination efforts of the
Youth Services Department, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Health and Human Services Committee,
That the 2004-2006 Comprehensive Youth Services Plan be approved,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be, and hereby is
authorized to sign the final plan to be submitted by April 1, 2004.
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Report from the Consumer and Community Affairs Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Chair, reported the Committee met on April 1 and approved the position within the Board of Elections so there would be legal parity between the two major parties. The Committee was informed that the Draft New York State HAVA Implementation Plan was published in the Federal Registry on March 24, 2004, with a forty-five day comment period. Ms. Kiefer urged the public to comment, particularly on the designation of a voter-verified paper trail. Ms. Creenan of the Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS) shared information about replacing the present Dynix software program for the FLLS and member libraries and said it will take approximately 1.5 years to complete this change. Ms. Creenan spoke of the library system not having funding increases from New York State, its main source of funds, since 1998 and the consequences of the proposed additional cuts and requests being made through library associations to restore funding. The DeWitt Historical Society spoke to the Committee regarding the efforts being undertaken to achieve sustainability. Ms. Kiefer said the name will be changed and major fundraising events and cooperative ventures with other agencies and businesses are hoped to achieve these goals.
Report from the Budget and Capital Committee
Mr. Penniman, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met March 23 and continued its review of mandate status of departments and programs. The budget retreat will take place April 27. Mr. Whicher indicated that it is early in the budget process, particularly in light of the State budget not yet pased. He said if the present program structure were to continue exactly as this year there would be a $3 - $4 million shortfall, or a 10 to 11 percent tax levy increase. Mr. Penniman said while attending a recent meeting of the Inter-County Association of Western New York that recently took place he heard information from Senator Winter that there would be no increase in Medicaid figures this year for counties and asked Mr. Whicher's opinion. Mr. Whicher said he prefers to reserve any comment as a lack of increase in Medicaid could easily be an increase elsewhere.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Lane, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on April 15th at 2 p.m.
Report from the Communications Capital Projects Committee
Mr. Penniman, Chairman, reported the Committee met on March 18th and received information on the progress of the Emergency Response Center Building. The Phase 2 portion of the Communications Project is underway with contract preparations with Motorola and the requests necessary to obtain a technical consultant to represent the County throughout this phase. Mr. Penniman said a meeting took place earlier in the day with Motorola representatives to discuss the technical aspects of the project. The next meeting will take place on April 15, 2004.
Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee
Mr. Proto, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 10 and worked on developing a request for proposal for a consultant to assist with the workplan. He said it was suggested that an architect with an engineering firm might best suit the work. A joint meeting has was held on March 23 at 2 p.m. with the Government Operations and Facilities and Infrastructure Committees to review the report. The next meeting will be April 14.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met on March 30 at which she provided a report on her meeting with the Commission of Correction. She stated she will provide all Legislators with a copy of her written report. The Committee met with the consultants and identified four options. She hopes to have a presentation on the options at a future meeting. The next Committee meeting will be May 6 and will be looking at more information concerning the options discussed.
Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met on March 23, 2004, and reviewed the monthly report of highway projects as well discussed the snow removal agreement with the Town of Dryden. In addition, the topic of mandate classification as it pertains to committee responsibility resulted in a request to Mr. LeMaro, Director of Facilities, and Mr. Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, to develop estimates of what portion of their budgets go with mandated payments and mandated services. Mr. LeMaro indicated he has much of the necessary information on hand and will provide the requested data. The Committee also heard a presentation on the Space Use Master Plan from Crystal Buck of the Planning Department that provides information on County office use. Mr. Marx, Planning Commissioner, shared information on the presentation to the MPO on functional classification of roads in Tompkins County and possible reclassifications. The next meeting will be on April 13th.
Approval of Minutes of March 16, 2004
It was MOVED by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, seconded by Ms. Herrera, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of March 16, 2004.
Recess
Chair Joseph declared a recess at 7:45 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:55 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote to hold an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. An executive session was held at 7:55 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:05 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.