Mr. 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 Herrera).
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Tim Little, as representative of the Deputy Sheriff's Union, spoke of their concern regarding the proposed cuts in the 2004 County Budget and read the following statement:
"The Employees Union of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department would like to take a moment to express our concerns regarding the 2004 Budget. Since we anticipate that many County residents will want to speak at this meeting and in the interest of time, we have prepared a statement from our Union to address our concerns.
"For the past several months you have been engaged in the difficult task of reviewing the 2004 budget for Tompkins County. Like many households in Tompkins County, you have been faced with more expenses to pay out than you have revenue coming in. We realize that the current budget crisis has been caused by Federal and State unfunded mandates. In these tough economic times domestic violence, larceny, burglary and robbery calls increase. With unemployment high and local businesses not hiring, families unable to make ends meet, people are committing crimes that they would not commit absent the stresses of their financial situations. This requires understanding, well trained, experienced deputy sheriff's to meet the needs of the community. That is what we enjoy at Tompkins County at this time. It takes years to develop and even longer to replace this type of law enforcement professional.
"It is more important than ever to commit to public safety spending. There are large low income house complexes expanding, moving a lot of people out of the city and into the County. There are plans for more of these complexes in almost every town in this County. With the people moving into the County comes the need for services. The City of Ithaca Police Department Narcotics Unit has done an exceptional job of eradicating drug dealers from the City. Unfortunately the dealers have not gone away, they have moved. They have moved into the County, where they have discovered that the Sheriff's Office does not have a Narcotics Unit. This type of proactive law enforcement costs money, but the City of Ithaca has found it is money well spent.
"This year the County Legislature has cut over $158,000 from the Sheriff's Office law enforcement budget. A deputy sheriff position has been eliminated. An additional deputy sheriff position was eliminated in last year's budget. At the present time there are twenty-seven deputies at the Sheriff's Office. Two are assigned to court security, three more assigned to airport security, one deputy assigned to the civil division, one deputy assigned to community policing and one deputy assigned to teach Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) to the County's youth. In addition there is one deputy on disability and one deputy on extended military leave. Leaving seventeen deputies and five supervisors to patrol Tompkins County, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three-hundred sixty-five days a year.
"A new York State Department of Criminal Justice Services report determined that for a population the size of Tompkins County to adequately handle our current caseload, eight deputies, a shift supervisor and a lieutenant should be added to our road patrol division.
"Every day the Sheriff's Office receives calls from the public asking for proactive patrols, speed enforcement in neighborhoods, drug activity, property checks, and so on. We do not currently have the personnel to answer these requests. Our patrols are going from complaint to complaint with no time for proactive law enforcement.
"Many shifts consist of a supervisor and two deputies. A domestic dispute requires two patrols to respond. If two domestic disputes are reported at the same time, which is not unusual, one of them will have to wait. Any other complaint that comes in will wait also.
"Obviously we have to prioritize the calls that come in, right now there are calls for service that come in that will wait over an hour for a deputy to respond. With the looming budget crisis the Sheriff did not see fit to request additional deputies in this year's budget, but we cannot afford to lose the ones we have. If the Legislature decides to put funds back into the budget, the Sheriff's Office law enforcement budget should be the first to benefit, by returning the wages for the deputy sheriff's position that has been cut.
"When the financial situation of the County recovers the Sheriff's Office needs to expand to the minimum number of deputies to ADQUATELY handle the calls we receive. There are a number of programs in this County to assist people with problems of dependency to mental health, but you have to get them to the program. That's where we come in.
"In closing, the workload will not decrease even if the number of deputies does. Therefore additional cuts to the law enforcement budget will not save money, you will be making the choice of paying for a deputy sheriff's position or paying for overtime."
Bill Hawley, Director of the Senior Citizen's Council, requested the County provide a level amount of funding and requested restoration of proposed cuts in the 2004 County budget. The following statement was read:
"The Tompkins County Senior Citizens' Council has served the senior members of this community since 1952. In two years, the county has or is proposing to cut their support by over 26%. At a time when funding for all not-for-profits is precarious at best, we need public funding to remain at least at the same level.
"In many communities across the nation, agencies that provide Senior Center services such as ours, are fully supported by public funding. Here in Tompkins County, we have always been funded by both public funds and private donations. Over the last twenty years, our funding from the County and the Towns has dropped from 34% of our budget to 20% in 2003. In 2003, our funding was cut to $71,355, a cut of $8,149 from the county or local share, a 15.62% cut in county funding. In the proposed county budget, we are being cut again by $5,000 (out of $44,000 from the county), an 11.36% cut. In two years, the county has or is proposing to cut their support by over 26%.
"In addition to these cuts, the proposed county budget proposes to cut some reimbursements the county has made to certain towns since 1995, in line 7200. While in theory, the county is cutting the towns and not particular programs, it appears that the towns, which have received these reimbursements for county-wide services may be passing this cut onto agencies such as the Senior Citizens' Council and Gadabout, both of which serve senior citizens in Tompkins County.
"For years, the Senior Citizens' Council has had to increase the amount raised from private donations to meet rising costs as well as cut our budget. I ask the Legislature to restore these proposed funding cuts.
"Most people know us as "the Senior Center" or know about "RSVP" (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). The Senior Center hosts weekly activities that help seniors stay active, engaged in community and well and also houses the Senior Circuit, our lifelong learning program.
"RSVP recruits seniors to serve their community as volunteers. Currently, approximately 400 seniors regularly volunteer in over 100 community organizations and agencies. They contribute nearly a million dollars worth of volunteer hours to the community each year. Gadabout, Cayuga Medical Center, and Foodnet receive the most RSVP volunteers. One program, which RSVP runs directly, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program assisted 900 senior and low-income individuals with their taxes last spring. Over 1,200 returns (Federal and State) were filed. That program alone saved the poorest seniors in our community nearly the total amount of funding we receive from the county, not to mention the amount brought back to the community in tax refunds.
"In addition to these well know programs, the Senior Citizens' Council offers seniors support through several other programs. Included in these, the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free counseling and assistance regarding Medicare, Medigap policies, Medicaid, and Long Term Care Insurance. Because we do not sell insurance, we serve as unbiased and objective counselors to seniors as they consider their needs, resources, and options. Annually we offer support and assistance to the Tompkins County Health Department with their Flu Clinics.
"In collaboration with other agencies and groups, we provide meeting space at no cost for programs that serve seniors like AARP's "Safe Driving Class," (each year more than 350 seniors take this class at the Senior Center) or the American Cancer Society's "Man to Man Support Group" for men with prostate cancer.
"I urge you to reconsider both the direct cut to our county funding as well as the impact of the indirect cut reimbursing the towns for county-wide services. Because the Town of Ithaca was supporting us above and beyond that which it was reimbursed, the total cuts facing the Senior Citizens' Council is $16,549 and not just the $5,000 that was cut directly from our line of support. Please continue to support these programs for seniors."
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca resident, spoke of the Alternatives to Incarceration program and the District Attorney's recent decision to not participate in the Drug Courts saying while the programs may be beneficial the budget is too high and that perhaps criminals feel that they will not be prosecuted severely if caught. Ms. Gougakis also feels that the District Attorney's office should get support for the increased workload resulting from the City of Ithaca's decision to close their prosecutor's office and that local colleges and universities should contribute more due to the prosecution of their resident population. Ms. Gougakis said she hopes that the Human Rights Commission can continue to operate as it provides a needed service.
Patricia McElwee of the Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council said she is a third-generation Tompkins County resident who feels her family has continued to reside here in part due to the services available. She said that if the $16,500 reduction in the Senior Citizens Council takes place it would be difficult to replace this revenue. She shared information on many new services throughout the County the Senior Citizens Center has planned for 2004.
Rodney Baker, Groton resident, spoke in support of the Alternatives to Incarceration programs. He said as an observer in the felony drug court he has seen only worthwhile educational opportunities such as balancing checkbooks, home weatherization, etc. He requested support for these programs continue.
Judith Willis, Executive Director of Gadabout Transportation, Inc., expressed concern about the unexpected cut of $16,532 from their budget. She said this would be difficult to make up elsewhere and hopes that a remedy can be found.
Louis Pollio, graduate of the Felony Drug Court, spoke in support of the program. He said that he is no longer part of the problem, but part of the solution. He feels the District Attorney's office should continue to work with this program.
Chad Novelli, Brooktondale resident, spoke in support of the program and spoke of Mr. Pollio's success in re-establishing himself. He said that being a contributing member of society is very important to him. Mr. Novelli said he feels that Drug Court was a major contributing factor to Mr. Pollio's success.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Penniman, District No. 15 Legislator, said he feels those who spoke about programs reflects the difficulty of the budget situation. Mr. Penniman then addressed the issue of the proposed budget reductions that would affect the Senior Citizens Council, Gadabout, and Learning Web, saying these funds reimbursing some towns for their contributions to agencies for countywide services were not in the Administrators budget recommendations to the Budget Committee who did not recognize this "phantom cut" until recently. He expressed a desire to bring the matter up at the next Budget and Capital Committee meeting in order to provide the opportunity to review the matter in more detail.
Ms. Robertson, District No. 13 Legislator, said she attempted to review the Town of Ithaca budget online and when not finding it made inquiries. She was informed that it is not made available online until approved. With regard to Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs and their reported $1.2 million cost, Ms. Robertson said that if both the Family Court Drug Treatment Program, a program for youth through Department of Social Services, and the Electronic Monitoring which was in place long before the ATI initiatives were taken out of the list the remaining amount reflects the true cost for ATI at $864,676. She feels the drug court programs are a part of public safety and hopes they have continued support through funding.
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Legislator, reminded individuals of the United Way campaign and reported approximately $553,000 of the $1.7 million goal has been reached and hopes individuals will consider making contributions.
Ms. Schuler, District No. 4 Legislator, spoke of the October 25, 2003, 10th Annual Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance Walkathon, thanking fellow Legislators and all who participated in the event. This event was attended by over six hundred individuals and raised in excess of $37,000. Ms. Schuler said a tape previewed at the rally entitled "IBCA: Because no one should face breast cancer alone" will be available at the Legislative office for those who may desire to view it.
Mr. Booth, District No. 3 Legislator, spoke of a workshop to be held on November 13, 2003, Emergency Management Seminar entitled The "Paperwork" Process, How to be Prepared and Proactive. This seminar will educate municipalities on necessary paperwork and how to make advance preparations to be better prepared when an emergency occurs.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Legislator, spoke of the Lounsbery Bridge re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony on November 11, 2003, and asked that Ms. Blanchard and Mr. Booth be invited as past and present Chairs of Facilities and Infrastructure Committees as well as Mr. Joseph as Chair of the Board. He extended the invitation to all desiring to attend. He reported there will be a Veteran's Day Parade on Sunday, November 9, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., starting at South Cayuga Street. Mr. Proto spoke of the Election Day Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast and the wonderful time individuals had who attended. He extended his congratulations to individuals involved in the recent elections and said he hopes that they enjoy their time in public office.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add the following resolution to the agenda:
· Honoring and Acknowledging the Service of Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, to the Citizens of Tompkins County
RESOLUTION NO. 222 - HONORING AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE SERVICE OF MARY PAT DOLAN, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, TO THE CITIZENS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
MOVED by Ms. Robertson and unanimously seconded. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr shared anecdotes of the period he worked under Ms. Dolan from 1984 - 1988, noting he did not always agree but grew to admire her leadership. He said she was a class act that was hard to follow, who taught him how to choose his battles and advocate for those who cannot, and convert his compassion to staying power. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr expressed appreciation for what Ms. Dolan has done for the County as well as the things she taught him.
Mr. Winch spoke of his desire to be involved with the human services area when first becoming a Legislator, and the assistance received from former Legislator Mary Call and Ms. Dolan. He would often address Ms. Dolan about situations he had difficulty with and came away from the discussions with a different opinion. He thanked Ms. Dolan for all her assistance.
Mrs. McBean-Clairborne expressed appreciation for what Ms. Dolan had given to the County. She spoke of Ms. Dolan's ability to provide her much needed information as a foster home provider and parent, and spoke of the humanity shown by Ms. Dolan by being able to extend apologies when necessary. Mrs. McBean-Clairborne said it is these qualities that have garnered the utmost respect for Ms. Dolan and wished her well in retirement.
Mr. Lane spoke of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services being looked at as a model and it has been the direction of Ms. Dolan that made it such. He feels the County will experience a great loss with Ms. Dolan's retirement and that all will miss her.
Mr. Joseph said when someone retires it is standard that they be given a gift; however in this case Ms. Dolan has left two gifts to the County. He said the first was a sense of mission of helping those in trouble and in need to receive the benefits and services needed; the second is the staff and management team who share commitment to the mission and have the outstanding ability to carry it out, regardless of obstacles. Mr. Joseph thanked Ms. Dolan for these gifts.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator Herrera). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Mary Pat Dolan became Commissioner of Social Services
of Tompkins County in August 1984, and she will retire effective November
7, 2003, and
WHEREAS, during her tenure with Tompkins County Mary Pat led
the Department through major transitions, including two physical moves
and design and construction of a new Human Services Building, and
WHEREAS, massive changes in the system of caring for the poor
have taken place during this time and Mary Pat stewarded her staff through
this constant change, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat’s leadership created a climate of unparalleled
professionalism among the staff, transforming the Department from a bureaucratic
entity that just carried out state regulations, to an organization dedicated
to the people of Tompkins County and the mission of County government,
and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat led the way in New York State in partnering
with nonprofit providers for service delivery where appropriate, to accomplish
greater efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness on behalf of clients,
breaking down traditional barriers between government and the nonprofit
sector, and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this community collaboration Mary
Pat received the 2002 Ruth Pettengill Award for distinguished community
service from the Human Services Coalition, but she insisted that the award
go to her entire staff, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat relentlessly sought, and found, new sources
of federal and state funds to serve clients in creative ways, such as the
Merit Incentive Program in 2000 and 2001, which rewarded some 50 students
for their improved school performance, enhancing their self-esteem and
validating the importance of school, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat imbued her staff to also seek out new methods
and best practices, and to be creative in finding better ways to help clients
become self-sufficient, and
WHEREAS, Mary Pat also imbued her staff with a deep respect for
all people, regardless of their current circumstances in life, and among
the public she advocated tirelessly for the humanistic caring for those
most in need, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is indebted to Mary Pat Dolan for her
legacy of dedication to and respect for clients, which are the necessary
foundation of a system that helps people to reach their fullest potential,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services
Committee, That the Tompkins County Legislature thanks Mary Pat Dolan for
her compassionate, inspirational service to the people of Tompkins County
and her leadership of all who have worked with her, and wishes her the
best for a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Presentation – Planning Department initiatives to make information accessible to the public over the Internet - Vital Communities Toolbox
Mr. Marx, Planning Commissioner, provided an introduction of the presentation which encompassed the Vital Communities Toolbox, and introduced Ms. Borgella, Principal Planner for the project. Mr. Marx said this project has received recognition from the New York State Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association in the 2003 Outstanding Planning Project for Public Education category during October 2003 at their annual meeting. In addition, the American Planning Association's national publication "Zoning News" said: "for those wanting some basic planning tools on a wide range of subjects this online document offers a comprehensive introduction to neighborhood, nodol development, housing, natural resources, agriculture and transportation, with lots of links to specific details on issues like how best to design overlay districts, development rights, critical environmental areas and dozens of more topics of essential value to local planners. This is one of the best internet tools to emerge recently." Mr. Marx reported this site is also featured on the National American Planning website under Planning Resources for Your Community.
Ms. Borgella explained by demonstration this interactive internet tool that can be utilized by individuals, communities, local planning boards, and others who can obtain information about planning tools available to address issues within their communities. Since the toolbox's introduction in June 2003 there have been 4,200 internet hits on this site. Following questions regarding updates it was recommended that additional glossary terms be added as well as a listing of acronyms used and an explanation of "Home Rule.
Chair's Report and Appointment(s)
Mr. Joseph made the following appointments:
Workforce Development Board
Mary Opperman - Business representative; term expires June 30, 2006
Barbara Blanchard - Business representative; term expires June 30,
2006
John E. Little - Business representative; term expires June 30, 2006
Jean McPheeters - Business representative; term expires June 30, 2006
Doug Czerwonka - Business representative; term expires June 30, 2006
Paul Gardner - Business representative; term expires June 30, 2006
Mr. Joseph reminded members of the Legislature of the notebook in the Clerk's office containing comments from the public related to the budget process for their review.
He then reported to the Legislature that the Legislative Clerk had certified a sufficient number of signature to require a referendum on the Off-Track Betting resolution. A brief discussion took place regarding the number of signatures certified and amount of time spent by staff on the required certification of petitions. It was reported that the Board of Elections provided the listing and the actual certification was done by the Legislative Clerk's office.
Mr. Joseph next discussed a plan for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) funding, speaking of a meeting where he spoke with the partners involved in TCAT. There is a desire by TCAT to restructure to become a public benefit corporation; however, New York State requires that in order to do so a dedicated revenue stream must be in place prior to approval. As a result of these discussions it was thought to use one-quarter of a percent of mortgage recording tax as the dedicated revenue for TCAT, which would require State legislation authorizing such and specifying its purpose. Mr. Joseph clarified that all three partners will pay their share of expenses as presently occurs, with the tax revenue utilized for the County share. Any funds in excess of the County share would become a reserve fund for TCAT to draw on if needed, with the understanding that TCAT would be required to repay, with all three partners contributing. Mr. Joseph requested input from members of the Legislature regarding the topic.
Discussion followed and some members of the Legislature expressed
concern of placing a tax on home purchases, stating it may make it more
difficult for lower income household to obtain home ownership; also an
area of concern was what would happen in the event enough revenue was not
reached to make the County contribution. A request was made to document
the stated requirement for dedicated revenue. Also mentioned was
the possibility of dedicating the funds to transportation, thereby affording
flexibility to utilize funds to other transportation providers if need
be. Also discussed was the need to review who would share in the
tax, noting the City is a large player in TCAT and housing sales, as well
as a concern being expressed regarding tax contributions being made by
county-wide home purchases while TCAT does not equally serve all communities.
It was noted that if approved the timeline would mean that the County would
have to budget for funds next year prior to implementation of the tax.
Also noted was that while not going to every corner of the County, TCAT
does go to every town. As a result of a straw-poll indicating that
more work needed to be done in order to find an acceptable solution, Mr.
Joseph said he will be referring the matter to Committee.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Whicher called legislator's attention to the report provided by Ms. Smithers, Deputy Administrator, regarding the municipal reimbursement agreement, which will be discussed at the next Budget and Capital Committee meeting. He then reported that on November 10, 2003, the swearing-in ceremony will take place for Patricia Carey, the new Commissioner of Social Services.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wilson, Assistant County Attorney, reported on two favorable court decisions, one by jury and one by judge. One judgment before Supreme Court Judge Mulvey indicated that the County Mental Health Department was not substantially negligent in the cause of Officer Padula's death. The second is in Federal Court regarding a correction's officer's allegation of failure of reasonable accommodation in a disability and was found that the individual was not disabled and the County was not found to be in failure of any accommodation in this decision.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires reported that during a meeting of the New York State
County Treasurer's and Finance Association last Wednesday, comments were
made about PushBack, the non-partisan advocate group for reduced property
taxes, and that Tompkins County has the most open government in New York
State.
Mr. Squires reported that public notices of foreclosure publications
have been running in the newspaper. He said the largest single property
that has not paid taxes has filed bankruptcy and though the County cannot
force collection of back taxes the County can monitor current payments
to be certain future taxes are paid.
Addition of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Ms. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Prot, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add the following appointment to the Consent Agenda:
Community Mental Health Services Board - Michael Lakin - Term expires December 31, 2006
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) 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. Booth, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution(s) under the Consent Agenda:
RESOLUTION NO. 223 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT (CONSTRUCTION) TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS - BOSTWICK ROAD FACILITY - JAMES L. LEWIS, INC. (MECHANICAL)
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, JAMES L. LEWIS, INC., Mechanical Contractor, has completed
their contract to our satisfaction for the Tompkins County Department of
Public Works, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
Committee, That the following claim against the County of Tompkins be and
hereby is audited by the Legislature:
Vendor Payment Request Account No.
Amount
JAMES L. LEWIS, INC. 10 (Final)
HZ5101.50.10 $17,378.05
RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is
authorized and directed to pay said claim from Account No. HZ5101.50.10.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
RESOLUTION NO. 224 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – HIGHWAY DIVISION
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, revenue received from New York State Department of Transportation
for snow removal services by Tompkins County was in excess of the budgeted
amount, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following
budget adjustment on his books:
Highway Division (#53)
Revenue Acct
Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s)
__________
5144 42302 Snow Removal
$176,015 5142 54446 Town Services
Explanation: Revenue received from New York State Department
of Transportation was in excess of the budgeted amount. Also, Town
Services account is in the red and needs additional funding to complete
the 2003 winter season for Town Services.
SEQR ACTION TYPE II-20
RESOLUTION NO. 225 - ADOPTION OF REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, there is a need to revise and update Administrative Policies,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee,
That the following Administrative Policies are hereby revised:
01-28 County-Owned Vehicles
03-04 Family Emergencies
04-04 Work Week and Work Shift
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote under the Consent Agenda, to approve the following appointments:
Environmental Management Council
Amanda Kittelberger - Village of Freeville representative; term expires
December 31, 2004
Community Mental Health Services Board
Michael Lakin - Term expires December 31, 2006
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Development
and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has met twice since the last Legislative meeting. The first meeting on October 29, 2003, included discussions with municipal officials and members of the Environmental Management Council regarding the joint sewer study and the EMC review of DEIS. Also discussed were Commercial Center Revitalization grant requests, an update on the interaction of municipalities for the aquifer study, the process of the Agriculture District No. 1 review that is underway, and an application for the purchase of development rights in the Town of Lansing as well as the bylaws for the organization interested. The Committee also met earlier in the day and spoke with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), who reported on a conversion study indicating that tourists come in following contact with the CVB, and included information that visitors are from higher-income brackets, indicating a need to develop strategies to bring in tourists with more moderate incomes. Mr. Lane then reported that Mr. Proto updated the Committee on the Water Resources Council (WRC) review of the personal watercraft issue, saying a report adopted by the WRC will be provided to Legislators. The Committee will be reviewing the matter further at the December meeting, inviting parties involved in the personal watercraft issues to participate. Mr. Lane reported information was received regarding flood hazard mitigation from Ms. Hackett of the Planning Department as well as information regarding possible grants available for water management.
RESOLUTION NO. 226 - MAKING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE IN RELATION TO RESOLUTION NO. 227 OF 2003
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 227 of 2003, the Tompkins County Legislature
would approve funding for Commercial Center Revitalization Program projects
including signage/planters in the Hamlet of Varna and construction of a
path in the Hamlet of Newfield, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Legislature has reviewed and accepted
as adequate Environmental Assessment Forms with respect to those two projects,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental
Quality Committee, That the signage/planters project in the Hamlet of Varna
and the path construction project in the Hamlet of Newfield listed as part
of Resolution No. 227 of 2003 are unlisted actions,
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Legislature hereby makes
a negative declaration of environmental significance in regard to the signage/planters
project in the Hamlet of Varna and the path construction project in the
Hamlet of Newfield listed as part Resolution No. 227 of 2003.
SEQR ACTION: Unlisted
(Short EAF on file in Clerk's Office)
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mrs. McBean-Clairborne. Ms. Schuler requested copies be provided regarding a breakdown of the total funding provided to each municipality to date. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14; Noes - 0; Excused - 1 (Legislator Herrera). Mr. Lane reported that there is approximately $6,000 left in this program and there is no funds budgeted for 2004. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Commercial/Civic Center Revitalization Advisory Committee
(Advisory Committee) was assigned responsibility for providing advice on
the award of grant funds for the revitalization of rural commercial centers,
and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee has reviewed the applications
for funding and has made recommendations based on the program guidelines
of the Commercial/Civic Center Revitalization Program, and
WHEREAS, these funding recommendations have been approved by
the Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board, and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee are well
within the budget for the Commercial Center Revitalization program, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and
Environmental Quality Committee, That the following projects be approved:
Hamlet of Newfield (construction of path by restored Zenas King
Truss bridge) $5,368.00
Hamlet of Varna (installation of welcome signage and planters)
$800.00
Town of Danby (installation of antique lighting at Town Hall)
$3,532.68
Village of Groton (external improvements to historic Jones Schoolhouse)
$4,000.00
(Total project cost = $13,700.68)
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized
to execute any contracts related to these projects.
SEQR ACTION:
Hamlet of Newfield (construction of path by restored bridge)
Unlisted
(Short EAF on file in Clerk's Office)
Hamlet of Varna (installation of welcome signage and planters)
Unlisted
(Short EAF on file in Clerk's Office)
Town of Danby (installation of antique lighting at Town Hall)
Type II-7
Village of Groton (external improvements to historic Jones Schoolhouse)
Type II-2
Report from the Budget and Capital Committee
Mr. Penniman, Chairman, reported the Committee meets next on Wednesday, November 6, 2003. He then reminded individuals of the Public Hearing on the Proposed 2004 County Budget to be held November 10, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at Boynton Middle School. Mr. Penniman asked that Legislators wishing to make amendments to the proposed budget to please provide them in advance if at all possible.
Report from the Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee met on November 5, 2003, and heard information from to a City and Regional Planning course at Cornell University. The first part of the semester was devoted to developing a needs assessment for affordable housing, the last part of the semester will look at solutions that may be done by local government. This report indicated that growth and turnover is at the high-end and those in low to moderate income ranges ($35,000/year) are having difficulty in finding housing. Also of note was that twenty-five percent of homeless individuals are employed. She also said that a large number of homeowners are spending thirty percent of their income on housing and these individuals are often seen at local food pantries. Ms. Robertson reported that progress is being made on the single room occupancy issue through the Mental Health Department and she will continue to provide updates. Ms. Robertson reported that Ms. Dolan, Department of Social Services Commissioner, provided information that for the first time in her history the number of Safety Net recipients that are unemployable is higher than those employable. Ms. Dolan expressed concern of being able to meet mandates required for employment. Ms. Robertson said Mr. Hawley of the Senior Citizens Center indicated that if the possible cut of $16,500 were made they would be at the five percent scenario.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee has not met since the last Legislative meeting. She informed members of the Legislature that the Commission of Corrections has received information on the progress of the Public Safety Building and have extended the variances for an additional 90 days. County officials will meet with the Commission in March of 2004. The report submitted to the Commission of Corrections will be available in the Clerk's office. Ms. Blanchard then reported on the two-day workshop for the Public Safety Archtectural design project. On November 10, 2003, there will be a tour of the Delaware County jail facilities with a design workshop taking place on November 11, 2003.
Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Mr. Booth, Chairman, reported the Committee met on October 28, 2003. The meeting scheduled for November 11, 2003, is cancelled due to the holiday; the next meeting will be on November 24, 2003. He reminded individuals of the workshop to take place on November 13, 2003, that will provide information on advance completion of papers required in the event of emergencies. This workshop is open to all municipalities. Mr. Booth reported discussions took place regarding contracts for municipalities for snow and ice removal and the desire to have consistency in these agreements. Mr. Booth said Committee members heard information related to the ground transportation agreements at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, noting a concern was made from individuals that have had an ongoing agreement with the airport for this service. He explained there is presently an increased number of passengers utilizing public transportation and that the present service has lost business. He informed the Legislature that Mr. Nicholas, Airport Manager, is conducting a survey that will provide information related to the various ground transportation providers numbers that will enable an equitable agreement for all parties involved.
RESOLUTION NO. 228 - ESTABLISHING A UNIT CHARGE FOR THE 2004 SOLID WASTE ANNUAL FEE
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson. It was MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman to amend the annual fee from $53.00 to $52.00. A discussion occurred regarding the recommended ten percent fund balance, the various figures that determined the financial benefits of increasing the fee to $53.00 rather than $52.00, and information from Mr. Squires, Financial Director, of the importance of maintaining a balance that would support replacement of equipment and the revenue to pay the one-third share of debt service. Members inquired about the fees charged for tax-exempt educational facilities and were informed that the formula will be reviewed over the course of the next several months to determine an appropriate charge. Ms. Kiefer indicated she feels citizens would prefer a level charge over the course of several years versus annual increases and for that reason cannot support the amendment.
A voice vote on the motion to amend resulted as follows: Ayes - 9 (Legislators Blanchard, Booth, Lane, McBean, Proto, Robertson, Todd, Totman, and Winch); Noes - 5 (Legislators Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Penniman, and Schuler); Excused - 1 (Legislator Herrera). AMENDMENT CARRIED.
A voice vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Ayes - 10; Noes - 4 (Legislators Koplinka-Loehr, McBean-Clairborne, Proto, and Schuler); Excused - 1 (Legislator Herrera) RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the unit charge for the 2004 Solid Waste Annual Fee has
been recommended by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
Committee, That the Unit Charge for the 2004 Solid Waste Annual Fee be
established at $52.00 per billing unit, which is an increase of $1 per
billing unit from the 2003 Solid Waste Annual Fee.
ATTACHMENT A: SCHEDULE OF RATES
PROPERTY CLASS ‘USED AS’ CODE
(A)
Single family residences 210,240,241,242,250,280
Mobile Homes 270,271,416
Churches Z32
Unit Charge: One billing unit per Church or living unit
(B)
Two-family residences All 220’s
and other residences with two
living units
Unit Charges: Two billing units, except if verified as owner occupied
and used as a single unit, the charge is one billing unit.
(C)
Multi-unit residences
3 or more units 230’s
Apartments A01
- A07
Rooming houses: 418
2.5 beds = 1 billing unit
Unit Charges: One billing unit per living unit
(D)
Colleges: All tax exempt parcels owned by the colleges
Unit Charges: Tompkins Cortland Community College
$5,344.34
Cornell University $153,125.48
Ithaca College
$28,736.42
BOCES
$22,781.50
Total Colleges: $209,987.74
(E)
Recreation and Warehouse (except row storage)
All K’s, Z01-Z11,
Z19-Z26, F01-
Unit Charges: $0.019/sq.ft.
F04, F06, F07,F08
F10, F11
(F)
Wholly Exempt Homes for the Aged 633
Wholly Exempt Other HealthCare Facilities 642
Unit Charges: $0.020/sq.ft.
(G)
All other All property classes and ‘used as’ codes not listed elsewhere
in a specific category
Unit Charges: $0.037/sq.ft.
(H)
Seasonal Residences 260
Property must be classified as a seasonal residence by the Tompkins
County Assessment Dept.
Unit Charge: One-half (1/2) billing units per living unit.
(I)
No fee assessed:
Row storage F05
Non-contributive area
Z98
Local government - all tax exempt parcels owned by the city,
towns,
villages, and county within Tompkins County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Report from the Consumer and Community Affairs Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, had no report.
Report from the Communications Capital Projects Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Legislative meeting. The next meeting is Monday, November 24, 2003, at 2:30 p.m.
Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee
Mr. Proto, Chair, said the Committee had not met. The next meeting will be on November 12, 2003, and will continue the discussion on alternatives that have been presented.
Approval of Minutes of October 7, 2003
It was MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of October 21, 2003 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Fuller, Deputy Clerk
Tompkins
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