Mr. Joseph called the meeting to order at 5:32 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: 14 Legislators; Excused: 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne).
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Jonathan Miller, Member of the University Neighborhoods Council, read the following letter from the Council to the Tompkins County Legislature regarding "Requested action to meet challenges associated with the County's growing deer population" into the record:
"The University Neighborhoods Council, composed of appointed neighborhood association representatives from Cayuga Heights, Collegetown, Cornell Heights, Ellis Hollow, University Hill and Varna, plus representatives from Cornell University student groups, departments and administration, agreed by consensus at its April 25 meeting to urgently request that the Tompkins County Legislature take immediate action and form a citizen task force or similar group, that can meet as soon as possible to determine the issues and impacts associated with the county's growing deer population.
"Deer have proven increasingly disconcerting for area property owners, farmers, researchers, gardeners, motorists and foresters. Simultaneously, human and deer health-related concerns continue to mount. Deer-vehicle accidents, damage to ornamental plants and gardens in residential areas, crop damage, and impacts to native plant communities in forests and parks, have become commonplace.
"The University Neighborhoods Council requests that a broad, countywide solutions-oriented strategy, with opportunities for considerable public input, be developed this spring and summer, with an emphasis on impact assessment and damage mitigation, including both short-and-long-term solutions. All viable options for reducing deer impacts should be evaluated.
"Similar communities and counties across the nation have reacted proactively to deer-related issues. Without a strategy to address these issues, the situation will only get worse. We urge the Tompkins County Legislature to address this request at its May 2 meeting.
"Thank you for your consideration of this request".
Privilege of the Floor by Legislators
Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, responded to Mr. Miller's comments and stated the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality Committee is continuing to look at this issue. She has been in contact with one of the experts that were named, as well as Monika Roth of Cooperative Extension, and this subject will likely be on the Committee's June or July agenda.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, reported that over the past weekend there was a Northeast sanctioned cycling event with over 500 participants and several hundred supporters that took place in the Town of Caroline, Richford, and Newark Valley area. The Cornell Cycling Club was involved. He expressed concern that the local community was the last to be informed of the event. Fred Bonn of the Convention and Visitors Bureau said the Chamber of Commerce was made aware of the event approximately four weeks ago. Mr. Whicher said this was brought up yesterday at a meeting held between Cornell and Tompkins County representatives.
Mr. Booth, District No. 3 Legislator, said he agreed with the concerns raised by the University Neighborhoods Council with regard to the deer population. He said any solution will likely be much broader than a Countywide solution, will be expensive, and will be a long-term effort. He also said any effort will need to involve the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Chair's Report
Mr. Joseph displayed a lucite desk ornament given by NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) to participants in the tobacco settlement and commemorating the five-year anniversary of tobacco securitization.
He reported on the Living Wage Coalition and stated they now have a certification program for Living Wage employers. He said given Tompkins County's commitment to this, he will be asking that Tompkins County be certified as a Living Wage Employer.
Ms. Robertson asked if there was any additional information about the document she received entitled "Video Franchising Alert". Mr. Joseph said he received the document and distributed it to all Legislators. He has no further information other than what was contained in the Alert.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Whicher reported the search process for the position of Deputy County Administrator is nearing completion. The Search Committee will meet tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. and he anticipates a final decision will be made near the end of the week. He also reported on the process for filling the position of Public Information Officer and stated there is now a valid Civil Service List and the top three candidates will be interviewed.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wood had no report.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires distributed the 2005 Tompkins County annual Financial report that was filed electronically last Friday with the New York State Comptroller's Office.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Support of the Updated and Expanded Bottle Bill (the "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill") to Include Non-Carbonated Beverages and to Retain the Unclaimed Deposits to Support Municipal Recycling and Waste Prevention Programs.
Resolution(s) Withdrawn 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. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution(s) Under the Consent Agenda:
RESOLUTION NO. 66 - APPROVAL OF THE CITY CENTER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG CITY OF ITHACA, COUNTY OF TOMPKINS AND TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT, INC.
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Legislature authorized
a capital grant application (Resolution No. 55 of 2006) to the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA) to fund $557,660 of improvements to bus stops
and shelters around the Ithaca Commons in downtown Ithaca (known as the
City Center Project), and
WHEREAS, to protect the Federal government's interest
in the project, the FTA requires a Memorandum of Understanding be executed
by the City, County and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc., to complete
the County’s grant application, and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding by and among
the named parties that meets FTA requirements has been drawn up to identify
rights and responsibilities with regard to ownership, maintenance, etc.
of the Seneca Street and Cayuga Street bus stop improvements, and
WHEREAS, this Memorandum of Understanding may be
amended in the future to include public transit facilities on other City-owned
properties around the Commons, in particular Aurora Street and Green Street,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development
and Environmental Quality Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature
authorizes the County Contracts Coordinator to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding with the City of Ithaca and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit,
Inc., for the City Center Project.
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RESOLUTION NO. 67 - FUNDING OF COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS GRANTS
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, 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 Newfield 2006 Finnish Heritage Concert
$1,200
City of Ithaca 2006 Rock the Arts Celebration
1,000
Town of Lansing 2006 Opening of Lansing Library
Art Space 810
City of Ithaca 2006 Kick Off to Summer Children
Carnival 900
City of Ithaca 2006 GIAC Community Festival
1,600
Town of Groton 2006 Annual Kids’ Halloween
Party 400
Town of Groton 2006 Happenin’ in the Hamlet
Celebration 1,500
City of Ithaca 2006 Latino Heritage Month
Celebration 2,000
Town of Danby 2006 Danby Fun Day and Parade
1,988
Town of Ithaca 2006 Tutelo Park Marker
1,486
Village of Dryden 2006 Dryden Dairy
Day 2,000
TOTAL:
$14,884
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 – AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF A GRANT FOR TRAINING ON OUTCOME MANAGEMENT – BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the County Administrator has been notified of
a grant award in the amount of $2,700 from a local foundation that requests
no publicity for the grant, to provide tuition for training in Outcome
Management sponsored by the Grantsmakers Forum of New York, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations
Committee, That the Department of Administration is authorized to accept
the Grant from the local foundation for the purposes of attending training,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance shall
make the following budget adjustments for 2006:
REVENUE: A1230.42770 Other Miscellaneous Revenues
$2,700
APPROPRIATION: A1230.54412 Travel/Training
$2,700
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Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda:
Youth Services Board
Jennifer Fisher - Town of Enfield representative; term
expires December 31, 2007
Water Resources Council
Dan Konowalow - Agriculture representative; term expires
December 31, 2008
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board
Raul Aguirre - Land Preservation representative; term
expires December 31, 2007
Report and Presentation of Resolution from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Booth, Vice Chair, reported the Committee will meet on May 4th at 3 p.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 69 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT AND APPROPRIATION OF UNSPENT GENERAL FUNDS FROM 2005 TO VARIOUS ACCOUNTS – DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Hattery. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Department of Emergency Response received
an award from the New York State Expedited Wireless 911 Grant Fund in 2005
to assist the County in achieving “Phase 2” capability for the 911 emergency
call system, and
WHEREAS, procurement processes for the funded equipment
will be completed in 2006, creating a mismatched grant period and budget
year, and
WHEREAS, unspent department appropriations and
excess revenues from this grant total $208,000, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety
and the Budget and Capital Committees, That the following transactions
are approved:
FROM: General Fund Balance
A599 $208,000
TO:
Communications Equipment
3410.52222
$ 52,000
Communications Software
3410.52230 156,000
Total
$208,000
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee
Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee met on April 20. At that meeting the Committee heard a report on the Planning Department's Work Plan. The Committee discussed at length the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and what some of the next reasonable steps would be. A public meeting on the Housing Needs Assessment will be held on May 24th. Planning Department staff have agreed on a number of things to bring forward as next steps, and Mr. Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Public Works, will be taking these into consideration during the budget process.
The Committee was presented with the Water Resources
Council's annual report. Ms. Robertson said it is an impressive report
and said what the group has accomplished is amazing. She announced
public meetings will be held throughout the County on the three natural
resources focus areas. Joe Turcotte, TCAT, Inc. General Manager,
provided the Committee with an update on the City Center project.
Ms. Robertson reported the Strategic Tourism Planning
Board brought resolutions for funding and said there was a great deal of
discussion about the capital grant request for the Convention and Visitors
Bureau.
A significant amount of the Committee's time was spent discussing the proposed new sewer system for Lansing. Ms. Robertson stated six municipalities have been working for seven years on establishing an extended sewage system that would extend sewage services to a greater part of Lansing. Town officials feel the cost is too high to go to a public referendum and get support from property owners so they have been trying to raise funding for the project. Ms. Robertson said it was communicated to the Committee that they will be requesting $3 million over a ten-year period from the County. She recognized that this would be a very complex issue; however, given that the lack of infrastructure is a barrier to affordable housing and a very high hurdle, the Committee will be taking up this issue at a future meeting.
Many concerns were raised by Legislators concerning the anticipated funding request from the Town of Lansing for the proposed sewer system. Some of the concerns expressed were:
Tompkins County cannot afford to fully fund its
own infrastructure costs;
Providing this type of funding sets a precedent;
Water and sewer costs are generally paid for by
user fees and not general taxes; and
Assisting communities financially to adhere to
the Comprehensive Plan;
Advantages of funding such a request were also
expressed, such as:
This could be another way to leverage other needs
of the County; and
The County would receive a return on such an important
investment.
It was the consensus of the Legislature that while this is a very difficult and controversial item, it should receive a full review and hearing.
The next Planning, Development and Environmental Quality meeting will be on May 18th.
RESOLUTION NO. 70 - FUNDING OF TOURISM MARKETING AND ADVERTISING GRANTS
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Herrera. Mr. Sigler disclosed that he is employed by Park Outdoor Advertising and that firm may be a recipient of some of these funds. It was felt Mr. Sigler's disclosure was sufficient and that there was no need for him to abstain from voting on the resolution.
Mr. Joseph quoted from the Rules of the Legislature, Rule VII - Rules of Voting:
" (2) Every member present when a vote is taken upon any question shall vote unless excused by unanimous consent of all members present, or unless that member has a direct interest in the result of the vote". Mr. Joseph said this rule does not state who decides in cases of a conflict of interest whether a member shall vote and referred this to the Government Operations Committee.
Mr. Randall asked for clarification on the relationship between the Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce itself.
Ms. McPheeters, Chamber of Commerce President, said the Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 Corporation. They pay property and sales tax and is a business organization and a labor union. The Chamber Foundation, which is a 501(c)3, was organized approximately 15 years ago for chartable ventures. The Foundation is a participant in a number of things, including the Waterfront Trail initiative and the Leadership Tompkins program in cooperation with Tompkins Cortland Community College. Although there is some overlap, each has a separate board.
Mr. Randall expressed concern over the appearance that this is a sidestep to apply fro the some of the Room Tax funds that would not otherwise be able to be applied for through the Chamber.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a grant program for
the marketing and advertising of tourist-generating events 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:
Musefest……………………… Musefest 2006……………………………… $ 3,500
Community Arts Partnership… Greater Ithaca Art Trail
Promotion 2006…... 5,000
Historic Ithaca/State Theatre… “Matinees with the Moose”
Series 2006-07.. 1,500
Light in Winter……………… Light in Winter Festival 2007……………..
5,000
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation………
Hike and Bike Brochure & Digital Map……
2,750
Ithaca Downtown Partnership 2006 Marketing Campaign…………………
5,000
Ithaca Festival………………. Web Marketing Campaign…………………
1,500
TOTAL: $ 24,250
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. 71 - FUNDING OF TOURISM PROJECT GRANTS
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Sigler. Mr. Sigler asked if any funding requests were received from outside the City of Ithaca. Mr. Bonn of the Convention and Visitors' Bureau responded that two requests from groups outside the City were received but were not approved for funding through this program. Those two entities, however, receive funding through other programs. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a grant program for
supporting tourist-generating projects 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:
Light in Winter…………………….. Light in Winter Festival 2007……………..
$ 15,388
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Foundation…………… Waterfront Trail Panels……………………
4,000
Hangar Theatre……………………. Art, Aviation, and Architecture
Exhibit….. 2,200
Social Ventures (Temuchin Skate Fund)……………………………
Renovation of the Ithaca Skate Park……… 10,000
Historic Ithaca/State Theatre……… Red Hot Bluegrass Concert
Series……… 20,000
Ithaca Downtown Partnership…….. Downtown Ithaca’s Holiday
Parade of Ice 9,480
TOTAL $ 61,068
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. 72 - AWARD OF TOURISM CAPITAL GRANTS FROM ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX FUND
MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Ms. Herrera. Mr. Randall said he does not feel this is an appropriate way to use capital grant funds. Ms. Kiefer said she cannot support this resolution because she does not feel this money is intended for this type of usage and that the guidelines are clear that these funds are intended for major visitor generating projects. Although she would use a tourism bureau when she arrived at a destination, she would not travel somewhere just for the purpose of visiting the tourism bureau.
Ms. Robertson said the Strategic Tourism Planning Board struggled with this proposal and she can understand both sides of the discussion. Although it is not a primary destination she believes an attractive visitor center can have staff that can encourage visitors to stay longer than they had planned or return to the area, which would result in additional bed nights. Ms. Robertson said she is convinced this is worthwhile because it will not place constraints on the capital side of the budget.
Scott Wiggins, former Chair of the Strategic Tourism Planning Board and current member, said regardless of whether there is support for this proposal it will come out of the Room Tax funds from either the three percent increased rent from the Convention and Visitors Bureau which reduces the marketing budget or it will come out of the capital grants project. Mr. Wiggins said there was discussion at the Planning, Environmental Quality, and Education Committee about this being a different type of grant because it is not necessarily visitor-generating. However, Mr. Wiggins said they do believe that with the scenic byways in place and the great job that is done at the Visitor's Office that people who are just passing through may end up staying. He also said there has been a 25% increase in room inventory in the County over the last two years and rooms are continuing to be added. He stated they need every dollar to be used from the marketing standpoint to drive more demand. The Capital Grants program has a significant amount of funds and this will not be a hardship on that program.
Mr. Proto asked how much of the Room Tax goes to
the Convention and Visitor's Bureau/Chamber of Commerce. Ms. McPheeters
responded $650,000, most of this goes towards marketing and the salaries
of staff, and usage of the building. He feels this is an inappropriate
investment because the county does not have any equity interest in this
building. He said he would prefer to see an increase in building
rent.
Mr. Sigler asked Ms. McPheeters to comment on the
statement that the Convention and Visitors Bureau is not a primary tourist
destination. She said she, too, was not certain if this grant request
was appropriate, although she agreed with Mr. Wiggin's comments.
It was MOVED by Mr. Shinagawa, seconded by Mr. Sigler, to call the question. A voice vote on the motion to Call the Question resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 1 (Legislator Joseph), Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne). MOTION CARRIED.
A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes 7 (Legislators Booth, Dennis, Herrera, Robertson, Shinagawa, Sigler,
and Stevenson); Noes - 7 (Legislators Hattery, Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr,
Proto, and Mackesey, and Randall); Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne).
RESOLUTION FAILED.
WHEREAS, the County has entered into an agreement
with Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) to administer the Tourism
Capital Grants Process, which included designing the application process,
reviewing and analyzing the feasibility and economic impact of tourism
projects, and providing oversight for tourism projects, and
WHEREAS, funding exists within the Room Tax Occupancy
budget for Tourism Capital Grants, and
WHEREAS, TCAD reviewed the following project with
the Strategic Tourism Planning Board (STPC), and the STPB anticipates that
the following project will encourage the development of tourism products
and attractions in order to improve community assets, increase the tourism
business in the County and increase the income from the Room Occupancy
tax, and the grant award have been reviewed and recommended by the STPB,
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 sign all documents related to the project:
Entity Project 2006 Allocation 2007-2010 Allocation Total
Allocation
Chamber of Commerce Expansion of Convention and Visitors
Bureau building $15,000 $15,000/yr $75,000
RESOLVED, further, That, of the total program amount
of $1,500 annually (10 percent of program expenditures) shall be paid to
TCAD for administrative evaluation and oversight services.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee
Mr. Proto, Chair, reported the Committee will meet tomorrow. One of the topics that will be discussed is whether to consider the issue of the Bolton Point Water Fee. The Committee will also be discussing the Children with Special Care Needs. He referred to the February 27, 2006 Budget and Capital Committee minutes which contained a summary of discussion that took place regarding that meeting and encouraged Legislators to review the information. Mr. Proto reminded the Legislature that all members are invited to a presentation being given on May 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Scott Heyman Conference Room by Patricia Carey, Department of Social Services Commissioner, on the Medicaid Program and how it relates to the County's budget constraints.
RESOLUTION NO. 73 – AUTHORIZATION TO INCREASE HOURS AND APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Kiefer. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the WIC Program record review is projected
to be completed by May 27, 2006, and
WHEREAS, additional staff hours are required to complete
this review, including the Director of Patient Services (5 hours/week),
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 and the 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 April 30, 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That the temporary increase
in the authorized workweek will sunset on May 27, 2006,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is hereby
authorized and directed to make the following budget appropriation:
FROM: A1990.54440 Contingent Fund $4,684
TO: A4016.51000230 Director of Patient Services
$ 692
A4016.51000580 Community Health Nurse 2,082
A4016.51000654 Health Aide 596
A4016.58800 Fringes 1,314
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Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Mr. Randall, Chair, reported the Committee met on
April 25 and heard concerns raised by Don Barber, Town of Caroline Supervisor,
with regard to the Boiceville Road Bridge. The Committee
was informed that Tony Rudy, Assistant Airport Manager, has completed his
requirements to become a Nationally Certified Airport Executive.
There are only four individuals in the State of New York with this certification,
of which now two are employed by the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport.
The 20-year Capital Plan was discussed at length; the Committee by a 3-2
vote endorsed the following order of priorities: Public Health Department,
Public Safety Building, and the Center of Government Building .
Mr. Randall reported Tompkins County will be participating in the Nike
Sneaker Recycling Plan in conjunction with Cornell University, Ithaca College,
and Herkimer County. He announced the
Tompkins County Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Day will be held on May 20th. The next meeting will be May 23rd. The Committee
has decided to meet only one time per month unless a need arises for a
second meeting.
Report from the Personnel Committee
Mr. Dennis. Chair, reported the Committee will meet on May 10th. At that meeting the Committee will discuss the County Clerk and Sheriff salary schedule. He reported discussion on the health insurance plan is moving ahead and will continue at the next meeting.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Ms. Herrera, Chair, reported the Committee met on April 19 and discussed several issues including an article brought forward by Legislator Kiefer with regard to an increase in the value of timber which has resulted in assessment increases. The Committee also discussed public access to records and the legislative bill that in the State Legislature at the present time that suggests all public information be made available on the internet. The Committee received a report from the Finance Director on properties scheduled for sale at that foreclosure auction. Ms. Herrera reported some department heads have agreed to serve on a Committee with Mr. Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, to look at the County's Communication Policy and enforcement and report back to the Committee. She stated that she will be asking for a report on the Help America Vote Act from the Elections Department as there has been action at the State level on this subject. The Committee discussed and approved the Diversity Policy and forwarded it to the Personnel Committee.
Ms. Herrera said she has been meeting with staff and has distributed a memo on the advisory board process that identifies three major issues: shall GO prepare and recommend changes to the County charter to clarify the role of Legislators who serve in voting seats on advisory boards, shall GO prepare and recommend changes to the County charter that clarify the role of the Legislature in the appointment process, detailing a consistent procedure for advisory board nominations, recommendations, and voting on appointments, what ethics issues, if any, arise when a Legislator serves on an advisory board as chair, in a non-voting seat, in a seat not specifically designated as a legislative seat, or as liaison to the Legislature? Ms. Herrera said most of the other issues that were originally suggested would require a thorough and comprehensive review which would have a cost associated with staffing.
The next meeting will be May 17th at the History Center.
Report from the Budget and Capital Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, reported the Committee met on April 24 and discussed the financial goals resolution that was forwarded to the Legislature's budget retreat. The Legislature will take action on that resolution at the May 16th meeting. He encouraged all Legislators to complete the survey regarding the Public Information Program.
Report from the Strategic Planning Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, reported a resolution will be placed on the May 16th Legislature agenda that will be a charge from the Legislature to a management team to assist with the next phase of strategic planning to look at focus areas identified in May, 2005 and move to the next step.
Report from the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee
There was no report from this Committee.
Member-Filed Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 74 - SUPPORT OF THE UPDATED AND EXPANDED BOTTLE BILL (THE “BIGGER, BETTER BOTTLE BILL”) TO INCLUDE NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGES AND TO RETAIN THE UNCLAIMED DEPOSITS TO SUPPORT MUNICIPAL RECYCLING AND WASTE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Booth. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 13, Noes - 1 (Legislator Stevenson); Excused - 1 (Legislator McBean-Clairborne). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Returnable Container Act of 1982, commonly
referred to as the "Bottle Bill," has been one of the most effective State
laws to increase recycling rates and reduce curbside litter, and
WHEREAS, that law requires a minimum 5-cent refundable
deposit on carbonated soft drinks, beer, malt beverages, sparkling water,
and wine coolers, thereby creating an economic incentive for the collection
and return of these beverage containers, and
WHEREAS, that law has resulted in an average return rate
of 75% over its first twenty years, totaling over 75 billion bottles and
cans, virtually all of which have been recycled, and
WHEREAS, that law has diverted more than 5.2 million
tons from the waste stream, saving municipalities money in solid waste
collection and disposal costs, and
WHEREAS, that law has reduced litter by 30%, which has
resulted in safer and more attractive streets, parks, playgrounds, beaches,
and roadsides and has prevented injuries and property damage from broken
glass, and
WHEREAS, since the law was enacted, non-carbonated beverages
such as bottled water, juices, teas, and sports drinks have been introduced
into the consumer stream and their containers have been introduced into
the waste stream, and
WHEREAS, these new products now make up more than 20%
of the beverage containers sold in New York and it is time to update the
Bottle Bill to include these new products, and
WHEREAS, separate litter surveys conducted by the American
Littoral Society and Scenic Hudson in 2002 show that non-carbonated beverages
make up 62% of the beverage container litter in New York parks and on New
York beaches, and
WHEREAS, expanding the Bottle Bill to include these containers
would divert an additional 2.5 billion bottles and cans each year from
the waste stream, reducing litter and easing the burden on municipal solid
waste programs, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYDEC) estimates that $85-137 million annually is generated
from unclaimed deposits under the existing deposit law system and not returned
to the people of New York State for environmental purposes, and
WHEREAS, under the existing law the bottlers and distributors
who initiate the deposit collection system enjoy a five cent windfall for
each container that is not returned; in contrast, under the proposed law,
they would be required to submit the unclaimed deposits quarterly to the
Department of Taxation and Finance to be deposited in the Environmental
Protection Fund, while their “handling fee” would be increased from two
cents up to three and one-half cents per container, and
WHEREAS, Senate bill S.1290D and Assembly bill A.2517D
would expand the Bottle Bill to include bottled water, tea, juice and sports
drinks, and would require that unredeemed deposits be credited to the State
Environmental Protection Fund and be distributed regionally, by DEC region,
in proportion to the amount that came in from each region, and
WHEREAS, the Container Recycling Institute estimates
that this proposed legislation could generate more than $175 million a
year in new revenue for New York State, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Tompkins County Legislature urges
passage of State legislation, S.1290D and A.2517D, which would expand and
update the Bottle Bill to include additional beverages; support increased
recycling; curb litter; reduce costs for municipalities; allow State assistance
grants toward the costs of reverse vending machines and establishment of
additional redemption centers; and provide a steady stream of funding for
the Environmental Protection Fund,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Legislature
also supports an increase in the deposit amount from five cents to ten
cents per item.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Pottorff, TC Legislature Office