Chair Joseph called the public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning the Small Cities program dealing with general housing, public facilities, and microenterprise needs in the County.
Chair Joseph introduced Dave Carlson of Carlson Associates who explained the program and said that comments from the public would immediately follow.
Mr. Carlson explained that the program has been in existence since 1978. He said that Tompkins County has utilized this program extensively within municipalities as well as for the County. He reported that since 1993 the County has received twelve separate grants totaling over five million dollars. These funds have been used primarily for the County Homeownership Program that assists lower income individuals attain the goal of homeownership, as well as funding economic development projects as they occur.
Mr. Carlson said there is fifty-five million dollars available for Small Cities requests and that it is the third year New York State is running the program instead of Housing and Urban Development. This is the first of two public hearings that need to take place prior to submission of the grant application that is due on April 12, 2002.
Chair Joseph asked if there were any questions or if anyone cared to speak regarding the program.
No member of the public wished to speak.
Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, inquired whether actual microenterprises had been funded. Mr. Carlson indicated that he believed that one microenterprise program had been funded and that the reason for so few is due to specific criteria required for eligibility.
Mr. Booth, District No. 3 Representative, requested clarification of the amount of funding available through the grant. Mr. Carlson responded that the fifty-five million dollars is a state-wide figure and that it will be broken out into two areas, one for economic development in the amount of fifteen million dollars which would be available year-round for projects pertaining to economic development up to an amount of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, and the second area is for homeownership, housing related, or public improvement projects for up to six-hundred thousand dollars. All of these are Federal funds that are administered by New York.
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, asked if funds used by Tompkins County Area Development are originally through this program. Mr. Carlson said that the funding is not through this particular program.
Chair Joseph asked if anyone else cared to speak to the issue. There being no further speakers, he closed the public hearing at 5:35 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: 15 Representatives.
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Joel Harlan of Dryden addressed the Board on the subjects of high taxes and bringing businesses into the area. He expressed concern that the higher taxes and layoffs would have a negative effect on the local economy by creating a situation requiring increased rents and cost of products. He felt that this would result in individuals choosing to make their purchases outside of the area, thereby compounding the situation. He felt that it was important to look to the future and possibly work toward the development of technological business like the Silicon Valley. He also felt that Cornell University and Ithaca College should have more responsibility to contribute to our area. Mr. Harlan also said consideration needs to be given to the local small merchant and their needs to continue rather than that of the larger enterprises.
Christiann Dean, Chair of the Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee, thanked the Board in advance for considering the County’s role in Agricultural Land Protection. She said that as the Town worked through this they have found it is a complex issue and has worthwhile initiatives and examples elsewhere in the country to learn from. She offered to act as a representative from the Town of Ithaca Agriculture Committee to share information and work with the County. She said that the Town has approved a program for development rights for both agricultural land and/or ecologically environmentally appropriate properties. Although the Town has not yet purchased development rights from a farmer she felt that it would be important for the County to be involved since many farms cross various townships. Ms. Dean expressed the desire to work cooperatively with the County toward this end.
Michael Powell, a resident of the City of Ithaca, spoke in support to the Small City Block Grant and encouraged the City and Mayor of Ithaca to review this program which will beautify and redeem neighborhoods.
Chair Joseph indicated that there were a lot of young people in the audience and inquired if there was a class present to witness the meeting. Margo Agostini, a Senior at Ithaca High School, acted as representative of the group and informed the Board that the students were Seniors completing a participation requirement in their Government classes. Their assignment was to see what public meetings are like. Chair Joseph thanked them for coming and said that he hoped they enjoy the meeting.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, stated that there was a news article in the local section of The Ithaca Journal that compared Tompkins County tax rates to other counties. She said that the article was not clear in stating what figures are included in the reported Tompkins County tax bill. She felt it is a misleading figure and requested clarification on how the figure was derived.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, provided the Board an update on the Danby Academy, which the Board helped to finance last year. The Academy, which provides an opportunity for students in the areas of agriculture and horticulture, was established as a result of contributions from various venues and the cooperation of agencies. Mr. Proto stated that this project is the first one of its kind in New York State and is a result of funding provided by the County, a fifty thousand dollar grant that Senator Kuhl helped to obtain, and it is hoped to receive an additional fifty thousand dollars this year as well. In addition, he said that there are approximately thirteen to fifteen individuals from various groups who are working on this project. Mr. Charles Grumman of Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services is working on curriculum development for this program.
At the present time one class, Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Global Observation, has been completed and it is hoped to increase to three classes in the near future. Mr. Proto reported that a number of individuals traveled to Massachusetts to observe a model of this program. Mr. Proto said that many scholarships in these areas go unfilled as a result of lack of knowledge. This program is hoped to attract Junior and Senior students who possess an interest in these fields to aid them in expanding their educational options.
Mr. Penniman, District No. 15 Representative, thanked Dave Carlson and the Planning Department and Better Housing for the excellent work they have been giving over the years. There is still a need for continued success in the programs. Mr. Penniman reminded Board members that he will be attending the New York State Association of Counties Legislative Meeting being held in Albany January 27th through January 29th and hoped that they had the opportunity to review the information he gave them in connection with this conference.
Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Representative thanked Ms. Dean for attending the meeting this evening and speaking to the Board. She said she hoped the County would work with the Town on the Purchase of Development Rights proposal.
Public Information – Television and Microphone Usage
Ms. Skinner, Public Information Officer, introduced herself to new Board Representatives and members of the public. She said that she would like to take a moment to familiarize the new members with the best way to project themselves at meetings as they are broadcast on the local access television network. Ms. Skinner addressed the questions she had received regarding the light level in the room and requested that Board members please refrain from bringing in desk lamps as they create a "hot spot" for the viewing cameras.
Next, Ms. Skinner introduced Mr. Jim Blizzard, who explained the proper way to utilize the microphones to project the best audio levels.
Presentation of Agricultural Development Rights
Mr. Joseph introduced Joan Jurkowich of the County Planning Department who gave an overview of this project that was a joint effort of the Tompkins County Planning Department and Cooperative Extension working with consultant, Mr. George Franz of George R. Franz and Associates, American Farmland Trust, and Professor Tom Daniels of SUNY Albany to review the acceptance and effectiveness of purchasing development rights in the County. Questions directed to this project included: Would it be accepted in Tompkins County; if so, how would this program be operated, the cost of the program, and what possible funding resources are available.
Mr. Franz then spoke, introducing his colleagues, Terri Platek of the American Farmland Trust, Northeast Office located in Saratoga Springs, and Tom Daniels of the SUNY Albany Department of Geography and Environmental Planning.
Mr. Daniels shared a handout with the Board that provided a summary of information on this program. He said that he has been a visitor to the Tompkins County region over the past thirty years and that it is one of his favorite areas of the State. He provided a history of his background in farmland preservation. For nine years he led the farmland preservation programs in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He then thanked all individuals who have worked with this project, which included employees of the Planning Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, members of the steering committee for this study, Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, and the public input from the public hearings held.
Mr. Daniels said that Tompkins County has a significant agricultural industry that is noted in the latest United States Agricultural Census done in 1997 that indicates approximately ninety-five thousand acres of farmland, with the farmers producing approximately forty-seven million dollars in crops and livestock that year.
An overview of purchasing of development rights was provided by Mr. Daniels. He said it is a voluntary program that in exchange for a specified cash payment, the landowner limits the use of the land to farmland or open space usage. This sale of rights is in the form of a conservation easement. The benefits to the landowner are a way to receive cash from the land without having to sell the land for development and to be able to utilize the funds for the farm operation, strengthen the farm, set up a retirement fund, or assure the continuation of the farm beyond the current generation. The benefits is to the local government are that the land remains on the tax roll as private property, the open space is maintained which contributes to the quality of life in the county, the agricultural industry is strengthened, and it is a way to influence the location and the pace of development in the community.
Landowners retain all other rights and responsibilities that go with the landownership, such as the right to sell the property and liability for property taxes. The property remains in private ownership and no public access is allowed.
Mr. Daniels said that during the study they also reviewed waterfront access and the acquisition of natural areas in the County. They did not feel that the purchase of development rights was the appropriate tool for waterfront access and suggested outright purchase of property in order to manage it. He said that in the case of natural areas the purchase of development rights does have some potential but recommends that an open space inventory and plan should be completed first.
Next, Mr. Frantz explained an important step is to be certain that the purchase of development rights encompasses the best agricultural properties. Using criteria that include soil quality, existing concentrations of farmland and participation in the Agricultural Districts program, approximately forty-two thousand acres of farmland in six locations in the county warrant consideration for protection through this program. These areas include: approximately fourteen thousand acres in the northwestern area of the County, primarily in the Town of Ulysses but also extending into the Towns of Ithaca, and Enfield and approximately thirteen thousand acres in the northern area of the County primarily in the Town of Lansing with about one mile extending into the Town of Groton. The remaining areas are a rectangular area on the eastern side of the Town of Groton and portions of the Town and Village of Dryden, the Town of Caroline in the upper reaches of the Six Mile Creek Valley, the Benjamin Hill area of the Town of Newfield, and a small parcel in Pony Hollow located in the southern area of the County.
Mr. Daniels referred the Board to the handout that explained the major components and program cost as noted below:
A successful Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program would require a long-term commitment of twenty to thirty years or more. The operation of a PDR program can be broken down into two tasks: the acquisition of development rights and the monitoring and enforcement of the preserved farmland. The acquisition of the development rights includes:
The study looked at a number of options for structuring a PDR program, including a fully County-run program; independent town-level programs; town-level programs with partial full County funding; a County-funded program run by an outside agency such as a land trust; and a program run by the Industrial Development Agency.
Mr. Daniels informed the Board that the Federal program requires a fifty percent local match and the State program requires a twenty-five percent local match. A County PDR program can provide the local share of the match. He said it is important to develop a program that will enable the County to qualify for the State and Federal programs in order to take advantage of funds available.
Their recommendation is a County-funded and administered program for a number of reasons:
Mr. Penniman, District No. 15 Representative, noted that often properties are abandoned rather than developed and asked what would provide a successful PDR program. Mr. Daniels noted that what makes it successful is the farmers’ eager participation. He said that if they see a benefit to themselves in the form of assistance to their farming operations and family they will participate. If they do not see a future in farming they will not participate.
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, said she thought that what the inquiry was related to was what type of economic conditions have prompted other municipalities to embark on a PDR project. Mr. Daniels noted that Suffolk County is the leading agricultural area of New York State. They have been seeing the value of the property for development increase significantly over the value for farming purposes and resulted in the farmer’s selling land for development, creating additional stress on farm support businesses, which is a key element to the economy. Without the farms producing, the support businesses necessary to farms could fold.
Mr. Franz stated that a problem that exists is the gradual erosion of farmlands and fragmentation of the agricultural land through small scaled residential building. He said that the development of a PDR here would be different than inthe other Counties mentioned; here in Tompkins County many of the farmers are past retirement age and do not see any young farmers on the horizon that could afford to purchase a farm. This has contributed to the loss of agricultural property in our area. He explained that a farmer participating in the PDR could utilize the funds received to reduce the selling price of the farm and make it possible for the young farmers to own property.
Mr. Totman, District No. 9 Representative, asked what happens to a farmer who participates in the program in anticipation of young family members continuation of the family business, only to find in future years that it is not the younger generation’s desire to do so, and all the adjoining farms have been sold. What are the options available.
Mr. Franz said that this is one reason why the planning stage of this program is important. He stressed the importance of advanced planning when developing this program; that adjoining farms should be one objective of this program; also, the municipality should be certain that contiguity takes place to assure there is a better chance of a potential purchaser of the farm in the event the family does not desire to continue in this field.
Mr. Totman asked what happens if all the surrounding farms do not desire to purchase the farm. Ms. Platek, of the American Farmland Trust, said that there might be interest by a direct market farmer, or another type of farming operation that may express an interest in the farm and with the reduced cost it may be more easily sold.
Mr. Todd, District No. 6 Representative, asked who owns the rights after the farmer sells them.
Mr. Franz explained that at the time of the initial agreement the entity that is operating the program holds the easement. At the time of selling the development rights the farmer may designate a specific portion of the property may be excluded in the rights in order to utilize them in a different fashion, i.e., to build a home(s) for a child(ren). The specific development and usage of the land is determined by joint discussion between the landholder and easement holder. Once the development rights are sold it would not allow any development or modification of the agreement.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, said that from the presentation given at the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board his understanding was that the only possible sale of the easement rights would be back to the farmer/landowner, not to any other entity or real estate developer.
Mr. Proto asked what effect participation in this program would have on the farmer/landowners financial balance sheet and equity if they apply for a loan. Mr. Daniels explained that part of the process of obtaining an easement would require a title search for mortgage holders. If there were mortgage holders they would be required to sign an agreement that their loans would be subordinate to the easement. This means that in the event of foreclosure the deed of easement would remain in place for the duration of the initial agreement. He further stated that in the experiences of PDR’s currently in existence it has not posed any negative rating on the farmer/landowner credit rating. In the event mortgage holders choose not to sign the subordination agreement the PDR cannot take place.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, feels management of the PDR would seem more logical to be in place at the town level rather than the county. He said that they would have a better idea of specific growth issues of the municipality rather than looking at it from the county viewpoint. Mr. Lane felt that the argument that it should be at the County level since it benefits the entire County is not convincing. He feels the need to be extremely careful on how the program is to be developed so that a municipality does not feel it is being told how the program is to be run in their area. The second area of concern is the development of areas immediately outside presently developed residential areas of the villages. He said that the Vital Communities initiative suggests additional development in existing developed areas, would be in conflict with the PDR program that is designed to preserve those same areas. Mr. Daniels said that the reason to have this program at the County level was suggested as smaller communities may not have adequate funds available to operate it. Mr. Franz said that during the planning process for the PDR requirements such as the growth of communities would have to be taken into consideration prior to setting the boundaries for the program.
Ms. Robertson stated that she felt there is an appropriate role for the County in this process. Many farms cross municipal lines, so individual towns may have a problem implementing a PDR program; the Townof Ithaca has had just this problem. In addition, the County has planning resources that could assist towns in managing a PDR program, to help keep the overall administrative costs down. Further, there may be private foundation funds available to support the local share of a PDR program, and Ms. Robertson suggested that the County consider such opportunities in any future deliberations. She then asked for elaboration on why a farmer or landowner would select to participate in the program and limit options available for the property. Mr. Daniels explained that it provides funding to expand on the operations. He gave an example of a farmer who sold development rights so that he would bring his two sons into the dairy operation and expanded the size of the herd. Mr. Daniels also said that it provides funds that enable offspring to purchase a farm from the parent.
Mr. Penniman said that he hoped that all the municipalities of the County will review the many facets of the program and come to understand what it is and how it may benefit the farmers of their communities. He further commented that he sees the possible need for the County to administer the program, however believes that it needs to be reviewed so that one municipality does not derive a greater benefit than another.
Ms. Kiefer said that the Planning Committee will review all the information. She asked a question related to soil preservation through this program and whether any municipality has utilized this program to preserve prime soil apart from existing farms. Mr. Daniels said that active farms should be targeted as they are contributing at the present time to the local agricultural economy. If sufficient funds were available it maybe worthwhile to look into the possibility of obtaining property that is rented to farmers. He said that he has not yet heard of just areas of prime agricultural soil being preserved.
Chair’s Report and Appointment(s)
Mr. Joseph said that he has received inquiries regarding committee and board assignments and referred individuals to the lists provided. He said the majority of assignments are made by the full Board and/or Committees and that his assignments as Chair will be given this evening.
Mr. Joseph said there are two new committees he would like to appoint. The first is the Information Technology Services Policy Committee that will replace the Information Management Committee (IMC) and will be a standing committee. He noted that the department was having difficulties implementing policy and procedure when they were required to present it to the IMC and then repeat the process with the Government Operations Committee. This new committee will combine this process so that only one presentation is made. This Committee will be chaired by Mr. Winch, and include Chair Joseph and Ms. Kiefer as the other Board representatives on the Committee.
The second committee will be dealing with the issue of the temporary variances of inmate housing at the Public Safety building. The Committee will be responsible for making a presentation to the full Board for approval and comment, and then to the Commissioner of Corrections in support of the temporary variances currently in place due to overpopulation at the public safety facility. Mr. Joseph said that one thing that he would like to point out to the State Commissioner is that the County has been attempting to strategize on how to reduce the need for inmate housing through various programs. These strategies are now in place and the County would like to request time to develop these strategies. At the same time the County will work with the Commissioner of Corrections on how to expand the jail if the need arises. At this time Mr. Joseph is reactivating the Public Safety Building Space Study Committee towards this end. It will consist of himself as Chair, Mrs. Schuler, Ms. Blanchard, Mr. Lane, and Mr. Todd.
He said that Mr. Whicher has been assisting him in developing a retreat for Board members. Information regarding the retreat has been given to Board members and Mr. Joseph asked that any questions be directed to administration or personnel in training and development.
The following appointments to various board and agencies were made by Chair Joseph:
Tompkins County Area Development Board of Directors
Barbara Blanchard
Chamber of Commerce
Tim Joseph
Cornell Vet School Incinerator Project
Dooley Kiefer, Delegate
Beverly Livesay, Alternate
Ethics Advisory Board
Dooley Kiefer, Chair
Extension Service
Martha Robertson
Finger Lakes Association
Stuart Stein
Ithaca Downtown Business Improvement District Board
Leslyn McBean - Class C Director (effective April 15, 2002)
Local Advisory Board on Assessment Review
Caroline/Danby - Frank P. Proto
Newfield/Enfield - Daniel Winch
Groton - George Totman
Dryden - Michael Lane/Martha Robertson
Ithaca - Dooley Kiefer/Michael Koplinka-Loehr
Lansing - Thomas Todd/Dooley Kiefer
Ulysses - Peter Penniman
City of Ithaca - Barbara Blanchard/Kathy Luz Herrera
Recreation Partnership
Martha Robertson
Dick Booth
Intermunicipal Recreation Facilities Study
Dan Winch
Peter Penniman
Nancy Schuler, Alternate (back up)
Public Safety Communications Center Building
Voting members: Barbara Blanchard, Chair
George Totman
Dan Winch
Nancy Schuler
Dick Booth
Non-voting members: Steve Whicher
Lee Shurtleff
Joe Vitali
Brian Wilbur
Dan Walker
Bob Holt
Ithaca Metropolitan Planning Organization (Policy Committee)
Barbara Blanchard
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Whicher, County Administrator, informed the Board that the proposed State budget line that would assist in increasing payroll for health care workers. Since the local share of the affected payroll is twenty-five percent the local cost would increase.
Next, Mr. Whicher announced that the selection committee charged with interviewing for the position of Communications Director has chosen Mr. Lee Shurtleff for the position. He thanked all members of this selection committee for their participation and asked to submit the name of Mr. Shurtleff for the Board’s approval. Mr. Whicher also reported to the Board that a Resolution amending the actual title of the position will be presented.
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman, to confirm the nomination and appointment of Mr. Lee Shurtleff to the position of Communications Director. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 14, Noes – 1 (Representative Winch). MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Proto asked if any specific information was provided from the State level regarding health care worker positions and where they fall within the budget. Mr. Whicher said that there are numerous categories that have not been clearly defined and he is not certain where they fall. He did know that it would have an impact on the Medicaid reimbursement rates, and therefore all of the programs. Mr. Whicher also said that the information is being voted upon and anticipates having a report within the next few days.
Mr. Winch inquired if the twenty-five percent noted is an increase or total. Mr. Whicher said that the twenty five percent is the charge for the cost of the total program.
Mr. Proto asked during which budget would the increase be implemented. Mr. Whicher said it could be as early as this year.
Ms. Robertson requested that an estimate of the number of workers and the category of workers that this change would effect, be provided. Mr. Whicher said he would request a report for the Board.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wood, County Attorney, informed the Board that the Town of Ithaca has filed an appeal on the decision regarding the Public Works Building.
He also reported that a letter had been received from the Census Bureau thanking the County for calling to their attention the errors in reporting. This letter did not provide any specific corrections and a request has been made to the Census Bureau to provide the County with the correct figures for the block reporting.
Mr. Wood said that he has obtained the information requested by the Board with regard to the costs of litigation against the County by various municipalities. He noted that there are the two separate lawsuits. The reapportionment lawsuit charges eighty percent of the billing to the Town of Ithaca. When taking the figure they have paid and factoring in the other twenty percent it shows a total spent of approximately $44,000 to $45,000. The other lawsuit that includes telecommunications and Bostwick Road Facility shows the Town of Ithaca having paid approximately $10,500. At this time not all of the municipalities involved have been billed so it is difficult to estimate the final cost.
Mr. Penniman noted that since the Town of Ithaca comprises twenty percent of the County that it is contributing approximately twenty percent toward the County bill for litigation as well.
Mr. Proto inquired whether the participation of original litigants is the same for the lawsuit regarding the communication towers. Mr. Wood replied that at this time it is only the Town of Ithaca appealing the ruling of this lawsuit.
Mr. Winch asked for a written summary of monies expended by all parties connected with the lawsuits so it would be available to review at a future date.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires, Finance Director, recommended that Representatives review the list of properties scheduled to be placed in foreclosure by the County. He anticipated a substantial reduction in the list prior to the actual foreclosure process. He believes it may be possible join the City of Ithaca in the auction process.
Mr. Squires also reported that as a result of the soft-hiring practices the preliminary information received indicates 1.8 million dollars of unexpended salary lines. This is almost seven percent of this particular line item of the budget. He did state that this is a preliminary figure and the final outcome for the year cannot yet be predicted.
Sales tax figures for the fourth quarter have been received and he was pleased to see the figure of almost eight hundred thousand dollars in revenue.
Mr. Proto said that he had heard a news report that the Lung Association claimed inappropriate spending by government of funds received through the tobacco lawsuit. This report said that the funds were to be spent on health care initiatives and that some counties did not spend the funds in that manner. Mr. Squires said that the settlement was made to reimburse Medicaid funds expended by governments for tobacco-related illness and that many different means of utilizing these funds have been set up throughout the State. Mrs. Schuler said that she recalled that it was up to the individual States to decide how to best use these funds. Ms. Kiefer said she felt it was the State level that had been directed to spend it on anti-tobacco education and that no directive was given below that level.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, the following resolution(s) were added to the agenda:
Appointment to the Industrial Development Agency
Amendment to Resolution No. 192 of 2001 – Creation
of Position – Director of Emergency Communications; Creation of New Position
– Director of Dispatch Center – County Administration
Withdrawal of Appointments Under the Consent Agenda
Chair Joseph granted Mr. Winch permission to withdraw the appointment of Jan Gorovitz – Probation Department Representative – term to expire December 31, 2004 from the agenda.
Ms. Kiefer requested the appointment of George Gesslein be removed from the Consent Agenda as she has a question about his residency. Appointment approved later in the meeting.
Approval of Appointments Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Proto and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Board of Directors
Barbara Blanchard – County Representative – term to expire December 31, 2004
Office for the Aging Advisory Committee
Glenn Morey – term to expire December 31, 2004
Eileen Wright – term to expire December 31, 2004
Leroy Wollney – term to expire December 31, 2004
Tompkins County Youth Board
Wenmouth Williams – Education Representative – term to expire December
31, 2004
Barbara Barry – Town of Lansing Representative – term to expire December
31, 2004
Kathy Schlather – Department of Social Services Representative – term
to expire December 31, 2004
Substance Abuse Subcommittee
Linda Weaver – Community Member – term to expire December 31, 2002
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council
Carolyn Shapiro – Seat #4 – term to expire December 31, 2003
Barbara Ebert – Seat #5 – term to expire December 31, 2003
Susan Brock – Seat #6 – term to expire December 31, 2003
Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board
James R. Spencer, Alternate – Town of Lansing – term to expire December
31, 2004
Stop-DWI Advisory Board
Peter Meskill – Sheriff’s Department Representative – term to expire
December 31, 2004
Nancy Schuler - Public Safety Committee - term to expire December 31,
2003
Family Court Advisory Council
Susan Hatch – At-Large – term to expire December 31, 2004
Advisory Board on Indigent Representation
Diane V. Bruns – term to expire December 31, 2004
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Nancy Schuler - Chair, Public Safety Committee - no set term
Daniel Winch - Chair, Health and Human Services Committee - no set
term
Traffic Safety Committee
Leslyn McBean - Member, Public Safety Committee - term to expire December
31, 2002
Nancy Schuler - Member, Public Safety Committee - term to expire December
31, 2004
Kathy Luz Herrera - Member, Public Safety Committee - term to expire
December 31, 2004
Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board
Nancy Schuler - County Representative - term to expire December 31,
2004
Ethics Advisory Board
Dooley Kiefer - Elected or Appointed County Official - term to expire
December 31, 2005
Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees
John J. Gilbert, Jr. – term to expire December 31, 2004
Carl Gortzig – term to expire December 31, 2004
Report from the Planning Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Chair, said the first meeting of the newly formed Planning Committee will take place on Thursday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m. She anticipates that the majority of Committee time will be used to discuss Planning Department matters, especially the work program, what plans and goals the department has, she is looking for Committee members to come prepared with suggestions.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, said the Committee will meet on February 12th at 11:30 a.m. He noted that the Committee had met briefly to review the appointment of Director of Dispatch. He reported that three members of the County Board did conduct the evaluation of County Administrator Steve Whicher and will be providing Mr. Whicher’s 2002 goals within the next several weeks.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr also asked individuals to review the delinquent tax properties on the list provided and to respond to Mr. Squires with any questions or concerns.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, said that the presentation given at this meeting addressed the importance and need to continually strive toward economic development in the County. He further noted that the Committee met on January 10th and held basically an organizational meeting. The meeting started with reviewing goals and anticipates a full report next month.
Additionally, Tompkins County Area Development provided a brief update of their agency. Highlights of Industrial Development Agency projects included:
The Wall of Inspiration has been a topic of discussion at the Committee level and will be coming to the full Board with suggestions of names to be decided upon. The County may choose one to be placed in this special area as a result of a grant provided to the Sciencenter. Mr. Lane said that the Committee wanted to pick an individual with local connections.
The County may also name a room within the newly renovated Sciencenter as a result of the donation. Mr. Lane informed the Board that the Committee felt the Resource Room would be a good choice to be noted as the room for the "People of Tompkins County."
The Committee met briefly prior to the regular meeting to discuss appointments to the Industrial Development Agency.
Ms. Robertson inquired about a right-of-way sale in connection with the Gateway Project and was referred to the City or Tompkins County Area Development to obtain the information.
Ms. Blanchard wished to report that Mr. Stamm of Tompkins County Area Development was on his way to Albany to give a presentation of the Density Policy to the New York State Economic Group meeting. This meeting is approximately two hundred individuals coming together to discuss economic development.
RESOLUTION NO. 4 - APPOINTMENTS TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Ms. Robertson. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 14, Noes – 0, Temporarily Out of the Room – 1 (Representative Proto). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Section 856 of the General Municipal Law authorized that the Board of Representatives designate the members of Industrial Development Agency by resolution, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, That the following members of the Board of Representatives be appointed to the Industrial Development Agency to serve at the pleasure of the Board, effective immediately:
George Totman
Peter Penniman
Tim Joseph
RESOLVED, further, That Kathy Luz Herrera be appointed to the Industrial Development Agency as an at-large representative, effective immediately,
RESOLVED, further, That Barbara Mink, appointed by Resolution No. 334 of 2001 as an at-large member, continue as Chair of the Industrial Development Agency,
RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is authorized and directed to file with the Secretary of State a Certificate of Appointment.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
Report from the Budget and Capital Committee
Mr. Penniman, Chairman, said the Committee will meet on January 22nd at 2:00 p.m. The Committee will start with an overview of the budget calendar, then expand into fiscal policy, capital program, and sales tax distribution so that new members to the Board and other interested parties have an opportunity to fully understand the process.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) and Appointments from the Public Safety Committee
Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported that the Committee met on January 9th. She said that although the Committee has two new members (which are also newly elected to the Board) they moved right into a full agenda meting. One of the items discussed was the proposed Mutual-Aid Assistance Agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and the City of Ithaca. A resolution will be coming to the Board in February. A request to fill three permanent positions that had been approved within the 2002 budget process was approved by the Committee. Ms. Robinson, from the Community Justice Center, reported that she along with Joann Farbman, Task Force for Battered Women/Child Sexual Abuse Project would be doing outreach and training to the elderly and disabled population.
She also said that the County Administrator updated the Committee on CISNET. Norma Jayne of the Administrator’s office has been assigned to work with the police and courts to increase the ability to improve communication "link" systems and pass information from one to another.
Mr. Totman spoke to the Board regarding Mr. Gesslein’s resume that had been withdrawn from consent agenda. He stated that the question raised regarding residency was understood. The location of Mr. Gesslein’s mailing address is Locke, but his residence is within the County.
MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to appoint Mr. George Gesslein to the Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board as a Delegate – Town of Lansing – term to expire December 31, 2004.
RESOLUTION NO. 5 AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 192 OF 2001 –CREATION OF
POSITION – DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS;
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 192 of 2001 created a position
of Director of Emergency Communications Center (88/188), labor grade R
(18), standard work week 40.0 hours in the office of the County Administrator,
and
WHEREAS, funding for the position was stated as available
through the Department of County Administration (A1230), and
WHEREAS, due to payroll increases, a fiscal target reduction,
and the need for clerical support in Administration, funding for this position
is not available through the County Administration budget, and
WHEREAS, funding is available in the Department of County
Fire, Disaster and Emergency Medical Services (A3410), and
WHEREAS, daily oversight of the E-911 Dispatch Center
is necessary for routine training and hands-on assistance to emergency
services dispatchers, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and
Government Operations Committees, That the position of Director of Emergency
Communications to be retitled "Director of the Department of Emergency
Response" pending Charter change and be located then in the Department
of Emergency Response,
RESOLVED, further, That the position of Director of Dispatch
Center (85/182) labor grade O (15), standard work week 40.0 hours, be created
effective immediately in the Department of Administration (A1230) with
an annual salary of $47,322,
RESOLVED, further, That the following budget adjustment
be made:
Appropriation: A1230.5000182 Director of Dispatch Center
44,421
A1230.58800 Fringes 11,549
Revenue: A1230.42770 Unclassified Revenue 55,970
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
* * * * * * * * * *
Report from the Health and Human Services Committee
Mr. Winch, Chair, thanked Mr. Joseph for his appointment as Chair of this Committee. He wanted to state that he wanted individuals to realize that he does not feel that members of the Committee and Departments will work under him, but rather, he is a player/coach who works with the Committee as a team. He hopes that it will be a very productive year and he hopes to review the way that the County provides services to determine if it is the most economical way to adequately provide services for residents.
He reported that the first meeting of this Committee took place on January 15th and that it was a very productive meeting. He said that the Human Services Cabinet will be working to develop evaluation tools for the programs, looking to see what methods can be utilized by all departments.
The Committee received a report from the Mental Health Department that included the goals for this year. This included the department recognizing the need to review programs for effectiveness and possible recommendations for changes.
The Committee also reviewed and approved requests to fill vacancies within the Department of Social Services and Health Department. He noted that it was mentioned that a streamlined form would be beneficial to all when these requests are made. Mr. Whicher will be addressing this matter.
The Office for the Aging provided a report on the Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) that have been made available to the disabled and elderly of the County. These units have been made available to individuals for either a small fee or free of charge if deemed eligible, and give a sense of security and confidence to those who may have a personal emergency and not be able to directly contact emergency personnel. As of the end of the year there are two hundred eighty-nine individuals utilizing these units.
Report from the Public Works Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, expressed her gratitude on the appointment of Chair of this Committee. She noted the first meeting will take place on January 17th.
Report from the Charter Review Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting.
Report from the Communications Capital Project Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee meets on January 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee meets on January 22nd.
Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2001 and January 2, 2002
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Booth, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the minutes of December 18, 2001 and January 2, 2002 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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