The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: 13 Representatives. Excused: 2 (Representatives Todd and Winch).
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, again spoke in opposition of the Lake Source Cooling Project. She distributed copies of her comments.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, spoke about a recent article in Business Week that mentioned the Tompkins County Trust Company as one of the undiscovered nuggets in the United States. It was under one of the strategies for investing. The University, the employment, and Rich Park were also mentioned in the article.
Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, announced that Saturday is the annual Sertoma Club pancake breakfast at the Dryden Fire Station. The proceeds go to help many community events and programs.
Chair's Report
Chair Mink reminded the Board of the Special Leadership Council meeting scheduled for February 4 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the Partner's for Quality program. She urged Board members to attend. She also reported on the newly appointed Tompkins County Y2K Information Network. The committee met for the first time this morning. The committee will be primarily gathering information and disseminating it. The committee will provide reliable and sensible information on ways that individuals can prepare for potential disruptions in their lives as well as address the idea of community preparedness. The committee will also supply referral numbers and information contacts for issues that reach beyond the County's borders.
In addition, she reminded committee chairs to discuss briefly at the next Board meeting their committees' goals for 1999.
Ms. Kiefer requested a copy of the Y2K committee membership and meeting schedule.
Additions of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add to the agenda the resolution entitled Approval of Master Agreement for Purchase of Electrical Power.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chair Mink gave Ms. Blanchard permission to withdraw from the agenda the resolution entitled Appropriation from Contingent Fund - Snow Removal Equipment - Buildings and Grounds.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Erb brought to the Board's attention that the State of New York is the only State in the Union that has not come into compliance with the Adoption and Safe Family Act of 1997. The deadline to act was January 29, 1999. This means a loss of $42 million for the State for Federal Foster Care funding. As a result, the loss to Tompkins County is $135,000 per month until the situation is rectified. It is not clear if counties will be reimbursed for expenditures after the deadline. He and Mary Pat Dolan, Social Services Commissioner, have contacted Assemblyman Luster, Senator Seward, and Governor Pataki to express their concern over this funding. They have requested the State move diligently to pass legislation placing the State in compliance and holding the counties harmless for the loss of Federal funds, to appropriate State funds to the local expenditures after January of 1999, and to re-instate the State's commitment to share the financial risks created by new State and Federal mandates. Assemblyman Luster informed us the Senate adopted the Governor's bill in December and the Assembly has not. The disagreements are based on criteria for disqualification of prospective foster or adoptive parents, standards for termination of parental rights, and identification of situations that allow suspension of reasonable efforts towards family reunification. Other counties have also contacted their State legislators to relay their concerns. He will keep the Board informed of the situation.
Mr. Erb reported the Foodnet operation has been on a month-to-month basis at the Biggs building since last September. Notification has been received that they now have a date of February 19, 1999, to vacate the premise. Foodnet will reopen February 24 at their new location.
Mr. Erb reported the Library steps are currently closed. However, the ramp is in operation. As of late Friday, the decision was made by Buildings and Grounds in conjunction with the Library that continuing deterioration of the steps had gotten to the point that there was a public safety hazard present. Options are being studied on how to and if to repair the steps at this time. He will also keep the Board informed of this situation.
Mr. Lane raised a concern that the State Department of Motor Vehicles was in the process of selling the photographs for driver's licenses and other information for commercial purposes. Apparently Senator Bruno found out about it and put a halt to it. He said there had been questions raised in the past about the reasons for centralizing driver's licenses in Albany. Many states process photographs at the local county offices. It was said that centralizing was more efficient.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported the Tobacco litigation has been appealed by New York City, Erie County, and Westchester County. He said New York City could have an adverse affect on the settlement as far as Tompkins County is concerned. New York City feels the settlement should have been based on actual Medicaid expenses of each county versus population.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires said he did not have a report.
Resolution(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolutions under the Consent Agenda:
RESOLUTION NO. 12 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) FOR LAND OCCUPIED BY THE VHF OMNIDIRECTIONAL RANGE (VOR) STATION - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the County has leased a parcel of land measuring approximately 0.23 acres to the FAA for the purpose of maintaining a VOR navigation aid at the Tompkins County Airport, and
WHEREAS, said lease expired on September 30, 1998, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an agreement with the FAA for a 20-year period beginning on October 1, 1998 and ending September 30, 2018 for no monetary consideration, it being mutually agreed that the rights extended to the FAA within the lease agreement are in consideration of the obligations assumed by the FAA in its operation and maintenance of the VOR navigation aid.
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RESOLUTION NO. 13 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF ITHACA FOR PURPOSES OF DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) will provide programs and services that will benefit all property owners and tenants within its boundaries, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is a property owner within the boundaries of the Ithaca downtown BID, and
WHEREAS, the BID program of services, including business retention and development, retail marketing, and promotion, are ones that will potentially benefit the County by expanding the sales and property tax base, and
WHEREAS, the County is committed to the BID concept as a vehicle that establishes the partnership between the private and public sectors so essential to a successful economic development program, and
WHEREAS, on the basis of an opinion issued by the State of New York Office of Real Property Tax Services stating that the enabling legislation for BIDs did not intend to impose financial liability regarding the BID assessment on tax-exempt properties, these properties have been excluded from the BID assessment, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the County be authorized to execute an agreement with the City of Ithaca in an amount not to exceed $5,980 for the services described in the BID Plan dated July 1, 1996,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or designee be authorized to execute such an agreement.
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Appointment(s) Approved Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointments under the Consent Agenda:
Advisory Board on Indigent Representation
M. Alan Hays - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board
Nancy Zahler - Tem expiration December 31, 1999
Family Court Advisory Council
William Cornell - Police Agency Representative - Term expiration December 31, 1999
Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board
Daniel Winch - County Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2000
James Schug - Elected Official Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2001
James Hanson - County Planning Department Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Dammi Herath - Minority Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Soil and Water Conservation District
Matthew Dedrick - Farm Bureau Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2001
County Planning Advisory Board
Cheryl Nickel - At-large Representative - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Fish and Wildlife Management Board
Ronald Updike - Term expiration December 31, 2000
Library Board of Trustees
Carl Gortzig - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Elsie Freeman Finch - Term expiration December 31, 2001
Report from the Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Davis, Vice Chair, said the committee has not met. The next meeting is February 11 at 9:15 a.m. She reminded committee members to submit the goals they wish to discuss at the next meeting.
Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee met this morning. The committee discussed issues related to Buildings and Grounds. She reported that because of some of the slightly improved reimbursement schedule for the New York State Court System, the County will be receiving a little more money from the Court System for maintenance of the Courthouse facility for the period of April 1998 to April 1999. She noted the next meeting is scheduled for February 16 and reported that Representative Todd will be attending the meeting.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met January 26. The resolutions approved by the committee are reflected on the agenda. The committee heard a lengthy report from Sheriff Meskill on the progress in the Department. It was stated that he was able to operate one weekend with no board-outs. Mr. Evans stated that he questioned the Sheriff about a complaint he received that the Jail library was being used as a dormitory for people to sleep in. The Sheriff stated he had verbal approval to do it and that he was applying for a waiver to continue. It was noted that the library is only used at night and is open during the day. Assigned Counsel reported that the money spent in 1998 is up even though crime is down because of an increase in family court cases. STOP-DWI reported that approximately 14 percent more county-wide arrests were made for DWI and that the accident rates involving alcohol continue to decrease. The committee discussed Fire, Disaster, and EMS and 911 issues. It was reported that it would cost $34,000 to fix the Y2K problems in his department. A schedule was provided for the committee.
RESOLUTION NO. 14 - AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR THE USE OF A COUNTY FACILITY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF ITHACA TO BE USED BY THE NEW YORK STATE POLICE AS A SATELLITE
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives supports the presence of the New York State Police on the west side of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to provide a County-owned facility for such use, and
WHEREAS, this is a cost effective way to supplement existing services on the west side of the lake at a savings to the County of several hundred thousand dollars each year, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Public Safety Committees, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute an agreement with the New York State Police which continues the current lease terms through December 31, 1999, at no cost to the State Police.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Quality Planning Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said he did not have a report.
RESOLUTION NO. 15 – AMENDMENT TO FISCAL POLICY 05-02 REGARDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Davis, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, Fiscal Policy 05-02, Section 05-01 states that transfers require no approval beyond the Director of Finance and are to appear on the program committee agenda as an information only item, and
WHEREAS, in order to streamline procedures and give departments the ability to function without undue delays the Board of Representatives changed the Fiscal Policy to allow transfers to happen with notification only to program committees, and
WHEREAS, the Policy further states that the program committee may reject the transfer, and
WHEREAS, the possibility that a committee can reject a transfer defeats the purpose of the policy since departments must still wait for the program committee to decide not to act, and
WHEREAS, the committee option to reject transfers has rarely, if ever, been exercised, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That program committees may not reject the transfer, and that Section 5.01, item A be reworded as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 16 – SUSPENDING THE RULES OF THE BOARD – CAPITAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET AND QUALITY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee, That the Rules of the Board are hereby suspended during the 2000 budget review process to allow every Board of Representatives member in attendance at the budget review meetings held by the Budget and Quality Planning Committee to become a member of the Budget and Quality Planning Committee and have voting privileges.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, said the committee has not met. The next meeting is February 4. He highlighted agenda items. The committee will be looking at proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission bylaws. The proposed amendments clarify the separation between the Commissioners and staff. The committee will also consider a resolution supporting the hate crimes bills as well as discussing committee goals.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, said the committee met January 26. The committee made liaison assignments and discussed goals. The committee heard a presentation about snowmobile trails and approved a resolution asking the Planning Department to administer funds for maintenance of snowmobile trails. The committee briefly discussed the progress of the scenic byways. He reported on a meeting concerning youth services, particularly the Recreation Partnership. He said there was great representation from the municipalities at the meeting. The dialogue centered around the continuation of the Recreation Partnership agreement that expires this year. That agreement has do with funding, which the county is a player in. The general feeling was to continue with this partnership. All municipalities are involved except the Town of Newfield and Town of Lansing. There was also discussion about other ways to cooperate and coordinate. Additional meetings will be held. A group of people will be meeting with Cathy Valentino acting as chair to draft the framework for an agreement to extend the Recreation Partnership.
RESOLUTION NO. 17 - RECOMMENDING A UNIFIED REGIONAL APPROACH FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER AND SEWER SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) has been tracking progress on efforts to develop unified regional approaches to the provision of water and sewer services within Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the PAB sponsored the preparation of a report entitled "Coordinating Wastewater Services: Management Options" (dated July 1997) such report having been accepted and forwarded to TCAD for inclusion in the Economic Development Strategy for Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the PAB has also followed with interest the progress of intermunicipal planning and discussions for integration of the Bolton Point, City of Ithaca, and Cornell University water-supply systems, and
WHEREAS, these initiatives related to public utilities now appear to be nearing a point where regional systems can become a reality through intermunicipal cooperative efforts aided by an award of $7.4 million from New York State to fund the first two years of a multi-year program that will result in a regional sewer system within the County, and
WHEREAS, the improved and expanded sewer system will have significant environmental benefits with respect to the water quality of Cayuga Lake, particularly in terms of potential reductions in phosphorus and other nutrient loads, and
WHEREAS, discussions among the City, Bolton Point,k and Cornell appear to be moving toward an intermunicipal regional public water system within the county, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee and the Planning Advisory Board, That the Board of Representatives urges the City of Ithaca and the Towns of Ithaca, Lansing, and Dryden, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing to move forward with all due speed to implement the program of sewer improvements required to establish a regional sewer system,
RESOLVED, further, That the City of Ithaca, Bolton Point, and Cornell University are encouraged to implement a consolidated plan now under discussion for the establishment of a regional water system.
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RESOLUTION NO. 18 - ALLOCATING FUNDING FOR SURFICIAL AQUIFER MAP OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a need to map surficial aquifers within its boundary to locate and protect the acquifers that are the sources of drinking water and to also address land-use issues that may affect the quality and quantity of its water resources, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Water Resources Council has concluded that there is insufficient published aquifer information in Tompkins County to define the surficial aquifers, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Water Resources Council, at its regular meeting on December 14, 1998, voted to request that the Tompkins County Board of Representatives provide the funding for the Surficial Aquifer Mapping to be completed by the United States Geological Survey of Ithaca, New York, and
WHEREAS, the environmental protection process possible through this intermunicipal cooperative study is long-term, cost effective, and consistent with goals of Tompkins County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That Tompkins County will contribute 60 percent (not to exceed $27,000), of the total cost of $45,000 for this project (USGS will match 40 percent, or $18,000),
RESOLVED, further, That funds (not to exceed $27,000) will be allocated from the Contingency Fund (1990.5440) and transferred to Account A8020.5440 (Planning Department),
RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Planning Department is designated to coordinate this project on behalf of the Water Resources Council,
RESOLVED, further, That the County will pursue alternative means of funding to include speaking with State legislators, pursuing through the State Environmental Bond Act, etc.
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RESOLUTION NO. 19 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of Facilities and Infrastructure and Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committees, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustments on his books:
FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Buildings and Grounds (#3)
Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s)
1620 43021 Court Facilities $5,000 1620 54470 Building Repairs
Explanation: Materials needed to modify the Law Guardian Office to accommodate the OCA Hearing Examiner position.
PLANNING, INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Planning (#2)
Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s)
8029 43959 State Aid $4,484.17 8029 54400 Program Expense
Revenue
Explanation: Snowmobile Trail Grant received.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Mr. Stein, Chairman, said the committee has not met. The next meeting is February 11. He reminded committee members that the guidelines for tourism grants have been distributed for review. The committee will be reviewing the resumes submitted for the Strategic Tourism Planning Board.
RESOLUTION NO. 20 - APPROVAL OF CONTRACT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU FOR TOURISM SERVICES
MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives has contracted with the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce (the "Chamber") for the past three years to carry out services as part of the County's tourism program, and
WHEREAS, that contract has expired on December 31, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the County has provided funding for this contract entirely from the Room Tax account, and
WHEREAS, a new three-year contract for tourism services has been negotiated and agreed upon between the Chamber and the County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee of 1998, That the contract between the Chamber and the County for the period January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2001, is hereby approved,
RESOLVED, further, That all funds for this contract shall be taken from 6475.54497 Room Tax account as approved in the 1999 County Budget, or as approved each subsequent year.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Electric Power Committee
Mr. Stein, Chairman, distributed and reviewed the revised draft master agreement for supplying electric power to members of the Tompkins and Tioga Counties Electric and Gas Alliance. He said this agreement has been reviewed by the consultants, NYSEG Solutions, both County Attorneys' offices, and Tompkins County's Contracts Coordinator. He said the contract is for two years. He reported it is the responsibility of NYSEG Solutions to mail the contract to all potential customers who have indicated they were interested last October. It is a two-year commitment and in all cases the customer will be paying less. He said it could be assumed that the savings allocated in Tompkins County is around $300,000. He said both counties are being urged to act on this quickly because NYSEG Solutions will not guarantee these prices after March 31, 1999. He said the only downside to this is that customers will receive two bills: one from NYSEG for the cost of distributing electricity over their lines and the other will be from NYSEG Solutions for the actual purchase of electricity.
RESOLUTION NO. 21 - APPROVAL OF MASTER AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF ELECTRIC POWER
MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the Electric Power Committee has been working with a counterpart committee in Tioga County to form a partnership called the "Tompkins and Tioga Counties Electric and Gas Alliance (EGA)", and
WHEREAS, the EGA has worked closely with consultants retained by both counties, Salerni and Boyd, to develop a Master Agreement, and
WHEREAS, the Board authorized the members of the County's Electric Power Committee working through the EGA to take bids for the purchase of electric power and negotiate a Master Agreement, and
WHEREAS, such an agreement has been bid, negotiated, reviewed, and approved by all pertinent staff of the County including the County Attorney, and
WHEREAS, time is of the essence to offer the terms of this Master Agreement to the groups of consumers approved by the Public Service Commission, now therefore be
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the three Board Members of the Electric Power Committee, That the Master Agreement dated February, 1999 is hereby approved by the Board of Representatives.
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Report from the Information Management Services
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met today and reviewed the status of the Y2K project. He reported the equipment inventory is complete and the software and database inventory is expected to be completed by February 16. He said the committee discussed putting out a Request for Quotations which is a request to do the project at an hourly rate rather than a fixed rate at a cost not to exceed $25,000. It is expected the project will be complete by July 1. Mr. Potter, Interim Director of Information Technology Services, reported to the committee about the Flyover project that will take place in early Spring.
Ms. Kiefer noted that doing the Request for Quotations allows the County to solicit vendors from both the local and State level.
Report from the Library Construction Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said the committee met this afternoon. The contract negotiations were completed with the architects. The architects will be meeting with the stakeholders group Thursday. The committee briefly discussed the coffee shop service. She said to date there have been 209 responses. The committee, including City and County Representatives, decided to focus on building a library that the entire community will be happy with and that people using the library will feel comfortable walking to the Commons.
Report from the Library Coordination Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, said the committee met and the minutes reflect much of the discussion. The committee will be gathering statistics. It was suggested that the committee meet at each of the rural libraries at least once. He said in answer to the concern raised, it is not the committee's intention to take over the rural libraries. It is the committee's charge to help them do what they do better. He said the committee will receive a report dated in the 1950's that studied library federation and resulted in creation of a system. The next meeting is February 9.
Report of the Public Safety Building Space Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the committee and consultants are still in the information-gathering phase of the project. He asked that questionnaires be returned.
Other Business
Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, announced that this Friday in Rochester there will be an open forum for the United States Secretary of Transportation to hear comments from airports on how to solve the problem of high fares and support air service in small communities. She said Robert Nicholas, Airport Manager, will be attending.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, announced this week was Immaculate Conception School's open house and invited Board members to stop by.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the January 19 meeting as corrected.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.