Ms. Mink 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: 15 Representatives. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr arrived immediately following the roll call of members.

Presentation of Proclamation(s)

Chair Mink presented the following proclamations:

Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4H Week in Tompkins County, October 3-9, 1999 to Sean Sorrells, 4H Teen Ambassador for Cooperative Extension; and

Breast Cancer Awareness Week in Tompkins County, October 18-24, 1999 to Andy Gladstone, Director of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, read and submitted the following statement:

"I’ve been very interested and concerned about this year’s Sheriff’s race, and I was out of town due to my father’s death, so I haven’t followed any budget discussions. However, after my arrival back to Ithaca I heard on the radio that the Sheriff wanted an 18 percent increase in its budget.

Representative Charles Evans, now Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, was quoted on the radio saying that since 1991 in his opinion, the Sheriff’s Department and the Library have been underfunded. Peter Meskill’s main message for his campaign was that the Sheriff’s Department was overfunded, and with his recent budget, the Sheriff’s Department is sending a different message.

I believe the public as well as I would like to know what the truth is. Is the Department overfunded or underfunded. This is a truth that people deserve to know during the election. I also would like to see our old library space still be used as a public building. It is an important location and historic public use should be maintained as such".

Ed Cope, Chairman of the Environmental Management Council (EMC), spoke concerning the Water Resources Planner position proposed in the Planning Department's 2000 budget request. He urged the Board to approve this position and said there a lot of available grants which this position could assist the County in obtaining. Mr. Cope also spoke of the proposed restructuring of the Environmental Management Council and said the resolution on the agenda this evening is a nice example of a piece of work that was developed over a two-year period by the Environmental Management Council and a special subcommittee of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee. He said the EMC wishes to see that there continue to be a large voting membership on the Council and does not feel that having Associated Members on the Council takes the place of voting members. He said the Board would maintain control because it would appoint the at-large members.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, encouraged the Board to end early so that those interested may listen to the Mayor of Rochester speak on the subject of Smart Growth at 7:30 p.m. She also announced the Tompkins County Health Department will begin its annual flu and pneumonia immunizations on October 8^th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Senior Citizens Center.

Chair's Report

Ms. Mink announced there will be a FEMA-sponsored workshop in Emmittsville, Maryland, to practice disaster responses and asked if any staff were planning to attend. Lee Shurtleff, Deputy Fire, Disaster, and EMS Coordinator, responded that four people from his office were planning to attend. Ms. Mink suggested the Public Information Coordinator attend also.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Erb had no report.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Theisen reported the property on Elmira Road has been sold to the Widewater Group.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires had no report.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote the following resolution(s) were added to the agenda:

Authorizing Acceptance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Grant Offer for AID Project 3-36-0047-32-989 - Rehabilitate Runway 14/32 Edge Lighting (Phase I) - Tompkins County Airport

Authorizing Acceptance of a Supplemental Grant Amendment No. 2 from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) - Construct, Mark and Light (MIL) New Terminal Apron - Tompkins County Airport (PIN 3902.78/K550318-1992)

To Clarify the County’s Policy on the Use of Health Insurance Rebates

Reconsideration of Resolution No. 221

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, to reconsider Resolution No. 221 entitled To Clarify the County's Policy on the Use of Health Insurance Rebates. A voice vote on the motion to reconsider resulted as follows: Ayes - 12; Noes - 3 (Representatives Joseph, Proto, and Totman). MOTION CARRIED.

Consent Agenda

Appointment(s)

It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Todd, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:

Family Court Advisory Council

Mary Burtless – School Representative – Term to expire December 31, 2001

Environmental Management Council

Robert Roe – Town of Danby Representative – Term to expire December 31, 2001

A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Blanchard). MOTION CARRIED.

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

Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met on September 28^th and received a report from John Beach, STOP-DWI Coordinator, on DWI arrests. He said 50 percent of these arrests are being done by the Sheriff's Department; this is up by 30 percent from last year. The Assigned Counsel Department reported that misdemeanor cases are down this year and that there are 166 this year compared to over 200 last year. He noted that family court cases have risen extensively. Offender Aid Restoration reported they have bailed 43 people so far this year; the goal is 62. Mr. Evans said they unfortunately had to use their line of credit this year; however, they expect to pay that back very soon. It was reported that the variance at the Jail has been reduced to 103 from 117; however, there is some flexibility in case of emergencies. Sheriff Meskill reported he has had a very good year of drug arrests and has captured in excess of $250,000 in marijuana and paraphernalia, and over $50,000 hallucigenic mushrooms. Lou Withiam, Chairman of the E911 Operations Committee, has requested that the Committee consider receiving cellular phone calls directly to the Center rather than the through the State Police. The next meeting will be October 26 at noon.

RESOLUTION NO. 223 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – FIRE, DISASTER AND EMS

MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustment on his books:

Fire, Disaster and EMS (#46)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s)

3401 1140 911 $10,000 3411 54425 Service Contracts

Explanation: Funds previously expensed out of 911 and now come from the Fire and EMS operating budget to cover the service contracts on 911 equipment.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

WHEREAS, this single answering point provides (2) full-time call takers around the clock, and

WHEREAS, this PSAP is interconnected to New York State Police, Ithaca Police Department, and Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, and

WHEREAS, this location dispatches all fire, rescue, and ambulance services, and

WHEREAS, each police car is further interconnected by a mobile data and GPS network to the PSAP and to each other, and

WHEREAS, this mobile data provides the PSAP the ability to send the closest car to incidents, and

WHEREAS, wireless PCS and cell phone calls are not part of this PSAP answering system, and

WHEREAS, the residents of Tompkins County would be better served through direct access to Tompkins County E-911 PSAP, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Police have for the past eight to ten years answered these calls and their outstanding service has seen an increase of calls within Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, these services were in place before Tompkins County had an E-911 answering system, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That Tompkins County request New York State Police to allow all wireless/PCS cell phone calls to be answered at the Tompkins County E-911 PSAP,

RESOLVED, further, That any and all providers of wireless/PCS cell phone service with operating equipment within Tompkins County will program their switches to forward any and all calls for E-911 service to Tompkins County E-911 PSAP,

RESOLVED, further, That each provider of wireless PCS cell phone service is requested to complete this change on request of the New York State Police.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 225 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND

FOR HEALTH CARE COSTS AND OVERTIME

PAYROLL

MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Proto. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, in June of this year the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department incurred medical costs for two inmates that exceeded normal budgetary funds, and

WHEREAS, overtime costs incurred to guard inmates while at the hospital amounted to thirty shifts of duty during this same period for the same inmates, and

WHEREAS, the Jail medical budget does not provide for long-term, intensive hospital care and its associated costs, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee and Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the Director of Finance appropriate $31,929 to the Jail medical budget 3151.54467 for costs incurred,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance appropriate $7,070 to the Corrections budgeting unit 3150.51200 for overtime labor associated with posting a 24/7 guard for said inmates.

FROM: CONTINGENT FUND A1990.54400 $38,999

TO: CORRECTIONS DIVISION A3151.54467 $31,929

A3150.51200 7,070

TOTAL $38,999

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met on September 28, and heard a report from Ed Cope, Chairman of the Environmental Management Council; they recently received a presentation from Cornell University on their radioactive waste disposal site. The Council's nomination for an award at the State-level for a cellular tower project was not successful. Mr. Lane reported the Committee received a report from the Business Improvement District of the Downtown Ithaca Business Partnership and its new Director, Gary Ferguson. He reported the Water Resources Council will be addressing administrative issues and coordination of its functions. The Committee will be appointing a subcommittee similar to the EMC's, to look at how that is set up. The Committee wants to learn more about Smart Growth, and the Planning Federation will be sponsoring a workshop October 7^th at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Mr. Lane also reported the Aquifer study is going very well but it may take a year for publication of the report.

RESOLUTION NO. - RESTRUCTURING COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Ms. Kiefer said she had prepared a substitute resolution; however, she will only be proposing specific amendments from that resolution to Mr. Lane's resolution.

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Joseph, to amend the membership of the Environmental Management Council to at least 21 members instead of a maximum of 21.

The following wording was accepted as a friendly amendment to the resolution: "WHEREAS, the County Board of Representatives wishes to now alter the structure of the Tompkins County EMC to improve its effectiveness and efficiency, and,for ease of reference, proposes re-adoption of the entire original Resolution 103 incorporating all subsequent amendments".

Insert the word "draft" minutes under Reports - Section 5a. This was accepted as a friendly amendment.

Under 2. MEMBERSHIP AND TERM, Ms. Kiefer proposed giving each class of membership a title and the following substantive changes: clarification of how municipal representatives would be appointed; have both conservation advisory councils and conservation advisory boards included. Mr. Lane also accepted these as friendly amendments.

Under (iv) b) Add the following wording: "The EMC may make recommendations for these appointments, and shall maintain a list of persons interested in such appointment".

Under (iv) c) Non-voting liaisons, add the following wording: A representative "from the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division, from the Soil and Water Conservation District, and"..

The above two proposals were not accepted as friendly amendments.

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mr. Joseph, to amend the total membership to at least 21. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 8 (Representatives Davis, Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Mink, Penniman, Proto, and Schuler); Noes – 7 (Blanchard, Evans, Lane, Stein, Todd, Totman, and Winch). MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Stein expressed concern that the increase in the number of at-large members will dilute the strength of the municipal membership. He said the proposed wording will bring the EMC back to giving more non-municipal positions on the Council.

Mr. Proto said he has always supported the EMC; however, is having difficulty supporting this for the reasons stated by Mr. Stein. He said a municipality that conscientiously chooses not to appoint someone, may have that person appointed for them. He said the resolution in its present form seems to take away the right for a municipality to say they do not want someone appointed.

Following a lengthy discussion and debate over what the membership of this Council should be, Ms. Mink gave Mr. Lane permission to withdraw the resolution at this time and take it back to Committee.

Mr. Lane said this resolution does not prohibit those activities and nothing prohibits towns from providing input on this matter. He said the problem is that the joint use of trails by different activities may cause erosion and deterioration.

Mr. Joseph said he, too, is concerned about over-restriction; however, he feels this resolution is alright.

It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Winch, to postpone this resolution to the October 19 Board meeting. A voice vote on the motion to postpone resulted as follows: Ayes – 4 (Representatives Proto, Todd, Totman, and Winch). MOTION FAILED.

A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 11, Noes – 4 (Representatives Proto, Todd, Totman, and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has invited comment on a Recreation Master Plan for Forests and Unique Areas in Region 7, and

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives has previously provided input for a number of activities on New York State land, and

WHEREAS, the possible recreational activities are often incompatible and may result in poor footing and trail conditions, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives recommends that:

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-21

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 228 of 1999 grants funds to the Ulysses Philomathic Library for the addition of walkways and landscaping to a new library building, and

WHEREAS, Ulysses Philomathic Library has proposed to demolish a one-story block building, located on 74 East Main Street, the former Gow Chevrolet Dealership, and construct a new library structure consisting of 8,028 square foot with parking, walkways, landscaping, and all other incidental improvements in connection therewith, all as described in the Environmental Assessment Form, dated September 23, 1997, (hereinafter referred to as the "Project"), and

WHEREAS, the County’s participation in the Project was not originally contemplated at the time the Village of Trumansburg (the "Lead Agency") conducted its environmental review of the Project, and

WHEREAS, the Lead Agency has been acting as "Lead Agency" pursuant to SEQRA for purposes of environmental review of the Project under SEQRA, and

WHEREAS, the Lead Agency issued a written determination with respect to the Project dated April 28, 1999, (the Lead Agency’s Negative Declaration), a copy of which has been provided to the County, and

WHEREAS, the negative declaration statement and supporting documentation has been reviewed and considered by the County, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee, That the County hereby acknowledges that the Lead Agency has conducted an environmental review and consents to the Lead Agency’s having acted as "Lead Agency" with respect to the Project for the purposes of SEQRA,

RESOLVED, further, That Resolution No. 228 of 1999 is an unlisted action,

RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives hereby makes a negative determination of the environmental significance in regard to Resolution No. 228 of 1999.

SEQR ACTION: UNLISTED

(Environmental Assessment Form Prepared)

WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee has reviewed the applications for funding and has made recommendations based on the program guidelines of the Commercial Center Revitalization Program, and

WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee are within the budget for the Commercial Center Revitalization program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the following project be approved:

Ulysses Philomathic Library (walkways and landscaping ) $7,500.00

RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute a multi-year contract to implement this grant.

SEQR ACTION: UNLISTED

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Division of Buildings and Grounds currently performs utility, cleaning, and maintenance services at the currently library facility, including the space leased by the Finger Lakes Library System, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County is creating a new library at 115 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, and

WHEREAS, both the County and the Finger Lakes Library System agree that there should be an agreement for the rental of space in the new library by the Finger Lakes Library System and that the lease should include utility, cleaning, and maintenance services, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to sign a lease agreement with the Finger Lakes Library System for September 1, 2000 through December 31, 2010 which shall include utility, cleaning, and maintenance services.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-26

Ms. Kiefer said she would like to see surplus health insurance funds placed in a fringe pool to level-out health insurance costs.

A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 7 (Representatives Davis, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Lane, Mink, Penniman, and Schuler); Noes – 8 (Representatives Blanchard, Evans, Joseph, Proto, Stein, Todd, Totman, and Winch). MOTION FAILED.

Report from the Government Operations Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, had no report.

Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, had no report.

Report from the Health and Human Services Committee

Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported he attended the Mental Health Association’s annual meeting and dinner last week. At that meeting Representative Evans was given an award for his support and fund-raising for the organization. Mr. Evans was referred to as the "conscience of the Board" for his hard work.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met this morning and received a presentation on the various alternatives being considered for the intersection and bridge and pavement improvements in McLean. She thanked Mr. Totman for making the public hearing go so well. She reported that the Committee authorized the execution of the funding agreement for the Valley Road and Lounsberry Road bridges. The Committee also received a presentation on the Buildings and Grounds relocation project and the Bostwick Road facility. The Solid Waste Division was given approval to go out to bid for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, and the Solid Waste Manager reported they are about $25,000 ahead of schedule on the hauling fee.

WHEREAS, the Runway Overlay Project, completed in 1998, highlighted certain problems with the condition of the runway lighting cable, and

WHEREAS, the FAA has requested that we dedicate the remainder of the airport’s 1999 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) entitlement funds to the next priority project, that project being the rehabilitation of the runway lighting, and

WHEREAS, the County has received a grant offer from the FAA for the balance of our 1999 entitlement funds, in the amount of $160,828 for the Rehabilitate Runway 14/32 Edge Lighting (Phase I), project, and

WHEREAS, the expected costs of the entire project will be $250,000-$300,000 and the breakdown of the Phase I project will be as follows:

FAA Share (90.0%) Account No. HT5601.44592 $160,828

NYSDOT ( 5.0%) Account No. HT5601.43592 $ 8,935

Local Share ( 5.0%) Account No. HT5601.45031 $ 8,935

Total Account No. HT5601.59239 $178,698

now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the grant offer from the FAA of $160,828 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.

SERQ ACTION: TYPE II-2

WHEREAS, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has offered a matching grant amendment to the federal (FAA) grant for AIP Project No. 3-36-0047-15-92, construct, mark and light (MIL) terminal apron, etc., accepted by the Board of Representatives through Resolution No. 119 on June 15, 1999, and

WHEREAS, said grant amendment was to pay for costs incurred during construction and not covered by the original grant amount, and

WHEREAS, upon close-out of the final paperwork, the FAA and NYSDOT are able to cover their traditional share of these costs from Discretionary Funds as follows:

FAA Share (90.0%) Account No. HT5601.44592 $419,190

NYSDOT ( 5.0%) Account No. HT5601.43592 $ 23,288

Local Share ( 5.0%) Account No. HT5601.45031 $ 23,289

Total Account No. HT5601.59239 $465,767

now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the NSYDOT Supplemental Grant Amendment No. 2 be and hereby is accepted and that the County Administrator is authorized to execute the required documents.

SERQ ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report from the Information Management Committee

Ms. Kiefer said the Committee met this morning. With respect to the County network, a direct line is being installed to Center Ithaca to support County employees housed there.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.
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