Tompkins County Legislature
Regular Meeting
July 18, 2006 - 5:30 p.m.
Legislature Chambers

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Called to Order

Chair 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: 14 Legislators. Excused - 1 (Legislator Koplinka-Loehr).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

No member of the public wished to speak.

Presentation of Distinguished Youth Award

Mr. Randall, District No. 9 Legislator, presented the July, 2006 Distinguished Youth Award to thirteen-year-old Charles Whitsell of Groton. Charles was nominated by Viola Fitzgerald of Groton Youth Services, who praised him for being an extremely civic-minded young man who volunteers with the Groton Farmers Market, Groton’s Helping Hands Program, beautification, and other programs, dedicating many positive services to his community.

Privilege of the Floor by Legislators

Ms. Herrera, District No. 5 Legislator, spoke of a meeting she had with her personal attorney for the purpose of creating a Last Will and Testament. She said she had to get things written into her Will because there are rights and responsibilities she is not allowed to have under the current law because she is not permitted to marry her partner. Today, the Federal Marriage Amendment was defeated in the House by a large margin. She said if she were in the hospital for some reason, her partner would not be allowed to visit her under the HIPPA Law unless she provides written permission that says she is permitted and that document is accepted by the Hospital and recognized by that State. Ms. Herrera said some of the rhetoric she heard in some of the floor debates was staggering in its lack of acknowledgement of the moral values this country was founded on having to do with freedom and justice. She said this is a local-and national-level issue and is thankful to those in the House, some of whom are facing terrific re-election pressures, for standing up and for fairness and freedom today.

Mr. Stevenson, District No. 8 Legislator and liaison to the History Center, reported Matt Braun, Executive Director of the History Center, is currently in Los Angeles at the 2006 Museum Leadership Institute at the Getty Center. This is a leading professional development program for decision-makers, and is an intensive and highly competitive three-week course. Mr. Braun is there with directors from museums such as the Smithsonian Institute and the Art Institute of Chicago. Mr. Stevenson said he has been impressed with the Board and leadership of the History Center and feels it is in good hands with Mr. Braun as Executive Director.

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, reported on the American Cancer Society's Walk for Life event that took place over the past weekend in Lansing and stated it was well-attended. However, as a result of the weather, the closing ceremony will take place on July 20th at Ithaca College.

Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, reported there was another demonstration today of the election voting machines by one of the vendors who is presenting it's machine to be certified in New York State. One more session will take place tomorrow at the Borg Warner Room at the Public Library. She said it has been interesting to see the machines and try them out, as well as listen to the comments by members of the public.

Report from the Chair

Mr. Joseph reported last weekend the County's Dragon Boat team defeated the City's team and captured the trophy dragon. Mr. Joseph thanked all of the individuals who helped sponsor the boat financially and who helped paddle. He recognized Kathy Luz Herrera, Anita Fitzpatrick, and Karen Fuller for helping in the organization of the County's team.

Mrs. McBean-Clairborne acknowledged the entire community for their participating in the Dragon Boat Race and thanked everyone for coming out to support this effort. One of the things she took away from this was there were a number of the top Dragon Boat racing teams from across the country here in Tompkins County and who were very pleased by the hospitality shown to them by Tompkins County residents.

Mr. Whicher thanked Mr. Joseph for his leadership with this event and for making it a fun experience to be a part of. He presented Mr. Joseph with a certificate thanking him for his participation in the event.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Whicher requested an executive session to discuss collective bargaining. He reported the Office for the Aging Director search is moving forward and he expects a final decision will be made before the end of August.

Mr. Whicher recognized Marcia Lynch, Public Information Coordinator, who began employment with Tompkins County last week.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Wood had no report.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires reported on the County's bond-anticipation note sale that was held last week and said the County received a rate of 3.63 percent on a bond sale of $8.6 million. He said this is an astounding rate and the rates have not been this low since March. Mr. Squires attributes this to the County's strong financial statements and reputation in the financial community. The auditors will be present at the next Budget and Capital Committee meeting to provide a report on the County's Audit; a summary of the Audit will be distributed to Legislators this week. Mr. Squires reported on sales tax for the second quarter of 2006 and stated the June distribution was down, noting it was less than June, 2005. However, the overall sales tax receipts for 2006 are still $.5 million over budget.

Mr. Proto stated that Mr. Squires should be complimented for his good work and role in Tompkins County receiving such a good bond rating.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda